Staff Columnist, Taipei Times Co-publisher, Compass Magazine Co-founder, Taiwan Report Central Taiwan correspondent, ICRT Former Chair, Taichung AmCham
Joined June 2009
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Good thread.
The last times I saw Ma put on stage he was scheduled early, not with the heavyweights, and he shuffled slowly (he is old, so not unexpected), but also mumbled into the microphone. I doubt they'll use this election cycle.
Good points. Last year, I highlighted that the financial and personnel stresses brought on by the attempts to use KMT membership rolls (some deceased) to pad out recall signature forms against DPP lawmakers that led to widespread arrests could impact both this year. 1/2
I must admit, despite reading a lot about this subject, I don't really have a strong opinion one way or the other, nor as a Taichunger do I care much. @michaelturton makes a solid case I haven't seen anyone else make
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
Having watched both of them in action, and having had extensive conversations with Johnny Chiang, I can confirm both understand English, but Ho is less comfortable speaking it. Chiang is an effective communicator in English 1/5
For some reason there was a proposal for the KMT and DPP Taichung mayoral candidates to have their debate in English to showcase how international Taichung is... okay. /8
news.ltn.com.tw/news/politic…
From a strategic perspective, I don't think either camp benefits from doing this. Chiang would probably have the edge, but will open himself to scrutiny by grammar nazis. Ho would likely look visibly uncomfortable. 4/5
As far as I know, this is their first joint appearance since around the KMT congress in late July. They were at the same event once, but not at the same time. Rumours that candidates were avoiding Cheng do not look to be true, but they don't seem to be seeking her out either. 1/3
KMT chair Cheng Li-wun and mayor Chiang Wan-an appear on the same stage to promote the establishment of Taipei City Councilor Chin Hui-chu's campaign headquarters. /5
udn.com/vote2026/story/12465…
She is popular with Wei in Changhua and Chen in Kinmen, though -- but also unsurprisingly hasn't been on stage with Johnny Chiang since July (as far as I know). It is still possible she could be marginalized like Wu in 2018, but so far it hasn't happened. 2/3
Yes, without a doubt:
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
This should be interesting!
Event: Why does Taiwan matter to Europe? Explore its local elections with @DafyddFell, @brianhioe & @donovan_smith Join Taiwan Corner online or in person in Copenhagen, 24 Oct, 12:30–15:30. Tickets required.
billetto.dk/en/e/why-taiwan-…
Urban renewal is extraordinarily complex, especially the way Taiwan law works. @michaelturton explores just some of these problems (to cover all of them would require a whole series on the topic):
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
Useful explainer:
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
Sad news, but good piece by @DaveOhYeah
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
The best analysis I have read about the Taipei race by a wide margin (including my own half column or so on it, though planning another one soon). Another Frozen Garlic home run by Nathan Batto
frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2…
"Many have written on a cross-strait war and occupation. Few have considered the environment and clean-up. History shows it will be long." @michaelturton is probably the first to tackle this in a Taiwan context:
taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar…
