As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, the resilience of Taiwanese citizens is being put to the test. In April 2021, the Taroko Express train No. 408 derailed as it was about to enter a tunnel in Hualien County, killing 49 people and injuring over 200. It was a disaster that shook the country. Without…
Taiwan is taking strategic cues from Ukraine, recalibrating its defense strategies in the shadow of a looming giant. Russia’s war in Ukraine represents the most significant military confrontation in Europe since the Second World War, setting precedents for future understandings of warfare. In many ways, Taiwan finds itself in a similar situation as Ukraine before…
Propelled by soaring demand for AI technologies and geopolitical shifts, Taiwan is emerging as a crucial hub for server production and data transfer. In December last year, digital infrastructure management company Vantage Data Centers announced plans to enter the Taiwan market. Through this move, the American multinational will be joining data center giants like Amazon…
To mitigate the effects of both natural and man-made disruptions, Taiwan plans to strengthen its undersea cable network and install a new backup satellite communication system. For about a month in early 2023, Taiwan’s outlying Matsu Islands lost regular internet access. The only way the islanders could get online during that time was to connect…
The 5G sector is anticipating a revolutionary “iPhone moment” as new technology helps companies in a range of fields pay less, earn more, and become more autonomous. Until mid-2023, many Taiwanese manufacturers were frustrated by the trend of customers placing small-batch orders. For one Tainan-based cable factory, for example, each new order required a total…
Expanding in range of products and quality, Taiwan’s foreign meat-product manufacturers cater to comfort-food cravings while broadening local palates. If there’s one Taiwanese snack that loses its appeal quickly, it’s the sausage. While many long-term foreign residents initially develop an affinity for the juicy, chewy – or often gristly – texture and the sweet, rice…
The distinction between lamb, sheep, and goat is lost in translation on Taiwan’s bilingual menus, blurring the lines for customers and business owners alike. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN CROOK AND KATY HUI-WEN HUNG In Taiwan, not all yangrou (羊肉) restaurants make it obvious if they are serving lamb, the meat of mature sheep, or…
In the heart of Taipei, a new wave of wine bars is captivating both seasoned oenophiles and casual patrons, with a particular focus on natural wines. When former teacher Peggy Lin took her dogs for a walk one evening last year, she spotted a newly opened bar. Curious, she poked her head through the door…
Fires and ghost stories haven’t prevented the proliferation of Southeast Asian restaurants surrounding a historic shopping center from creating a novel blend of cultures and cuisines. When a fire broke out on Chenggong Road in Taichung’s Central District in mid-November, it brought back vivid memories of a mid-1990s spate of blazes that destroyed property in…
Known for its tolerance of different religious beliefs, Taiwan is also home to countless restaurants catering to those of faith. Taking a stroll through any of Taiwan’s enchanting night markets is a golden ticket to the sensory rollercoaster of smells and tastes of local edible delights. The sounds of sizzling oils, meat grilling, and the…
