Eryk Michael Smith

Eryk Michael Smith is a Taiwan-based correspondent who since 2007, has worked both as a broadcast journalist for the island's only English-language radio station, ICRT, as well as with numerous other publications and local news outlets. Smith's journalism focuses on Taiwan-China relations, local politics, as well as science and technology developments in the greater China region. He is based in Taiwan's largest southern city, Kaohsiung. He can be followed @ErykSmithTaiwan

Trump cabinet picks delight Taiwan, send strong signal to China

Trump Transition November 13

Trump cabinet picks delight Taiwan, send strong signal to China

President-elect Donald Trump's national security picks have so far sent relief to several U.S. allies, one such ally being Taiwan where recent announcements have been met with delight.

China officially 'doesn't care' about Trump win; unofficially, experts say Beijing is rattled

China November 6

China officially 'doesn't care' about Trump win; unofficially, experts say Beijing is rattled

China's initial response to President-elect Trump's victory was matter of fact, but experts say Xi Jinping will be closely watching Trump's words and actions.

Encircling Taiwan was a smokescreen for China's real goal of convincing US not to intervene, expert says

TAIWAN October 20

Encircling Taiwan was a smokescreen for China's real goal of convincing US not to intervene, expert says

The Joint Sword exercises used more military hardware and got closer to Taiwan than ever, but some experts say China’s bigger plan is dissuading the U.S. from even attempting to come to Taiwan’s aid.

China seeks to ‘wear down Taiwan’s reliance’ with covert economic and cyber operations, US wargamers say

TAIWAN August 24

China seeks to ‘wear down Taiwan’s reliance’ with covert economic and cyber operations, US wargamers say

China's escalating "gray zone" tactics against Taiwan, involving economic disruption, cyber operations and potential blockades, continue to pressure the island without triggering outright conflict.

Taiwan reacts to Trump’s they 'should pay us for defense' comments

TAIWAN July 22

Taiwan reacts to Trump’s they 'should pay us for defense' comments

While some Taiwanese agree with Trump's assessment of an imbalance in the defense partnership, others point to Taiwan's significant contributions, including billions of dollars spent on U.S. weapons.

China attacks on Philippine boats are to provoke US, prep for Taiwan war, experts warn

China June 18

China attacks on Philippine boats are to provoke US, prep for Taiwan war, experts warn

China’s harassment of the relatively weaker Philippines is seen by some commentators as “practice" for war with the U.S., and the eventual attack on Taiwan.

China increases aggressive moves against Taiwan as island prepares to inaugurate new president

TAIWAN May 4

China increases aggressive moves against Taiwan as island prepares to inaugurate new president

As Taiwan's president-elect William Lai prepares to take office later this month, China has increased tensions with the island by increasing its provocative moves.

China's tightly controlled internet flooded with antisemitism following Hamas massacre

Antisemitism Exposed January 28

China's tightly controlled internet flooded with antisemitism following Hamas massacre

Since the Hamas massacre of Israeli and foreign nationals, antisemitic content in China has grown, and critics are alarmed it has not been stopped.

Taiwan election: Ruling party candidate wins tightly contested presidential race, upsetting China's ambitions

TAIWAN January 13

Taiwan election: Ruling party candidate wins tightly contested presidential race, upsetting China's ambitions

China's preferred candidate in the Kuomintang, or Chinese Nationalist Party, lost to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's pro-independence candidate in a closely fought election.

Taiwan to pick new president as China ramps up threats: 'choice between war and peace'

TAIWAN January 6

Taiwan to pick new president as China ramps up threats: 'choice between war and peace'

The US and China are keeping close tabs on Taiwan's presidential election set to take place next week. The present frontrunner, and current vice-president, faces a former police chief.