It was a dramatic way to start the first week of 2026: the United States’ capture of Venezuela’s president. Then the US withdrew from dozens of international organizations. And the week closed with new comments from President Donald Trump to the New York Times, including about the possibility of China launching an attack on Taiwan. In today’s podcast, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at how these stories could impact Taiwan. Plus: A Super-Aged Society: Assignment editor Jeremy Oliver talks about what this new designation means for Taiwan.  Reporter’s Notebook: Remembering Taiwan’s “comfort women” during WWII with Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many cyberattacks did China launch against Taiwan every day in 2025?  Watch Tiffany’s report here: Remembering Taiwan's 'Comfort Women,' 80 Years After WWII -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Hello 2026! In the Friday, January 2 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look ahead to the coming year and how the TaiwanPlus newsroom plans to cover it. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang takes us through what are likely to be some of the major stories and themes of the year ahead, from Taiwan becoming a super-aged society to elections at home and a challenging diplomatic landscape abroad.  A look at what retirement means for dolphins in Taiwan with reporter Sandy Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What significance does January 1 hold for the Republic of China (Taiwan)?  Watch Sandy’s report: Taiwan's Dolphin Performances To End in 2026  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s our final episode of the year and we’re packing in the big moments and the big questions. In the Monday, Dec. 29 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan pause to reflect on the year that was. Plus: How do you sum up a whole year in one video? Eric Tsai offers a behind-the-scenes look at TaiwanPlus’s Year-in-Review report.  Reporter’s Notebook: Parsing Taiwan's income inequality with reporter Ai Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many of Taiwan’s words of the year have been positive since the first word was chosen in 2008?  Watch Ai’s report: Taiwan’s Top 10% Earn Nearly 50% of Income, Hold 60% of Wealth -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Some years conclude with a celebratory feel. But in the Friday, Dec. 26 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at some of the challenges facing Taiwan on the cusp of the new year. Plus: Assignment editor Laurel Stewart has the latest on efforts to impeach Taiwan’s president.  Reporter’s Notebook: A look at Taiwan’s gelato world champions with reporter Sandy Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Why do young Pinuyumayan men travel to every house in the village on Dec. 31?  Watch Sandy Chi’s report: Team Taiwan Creates World's Best Gelato -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan is trying to understand two major stories from last week – a complicated piece involving the courts and a disturbing incident that left four dead. In the Monday, December 22 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan search for clarity. Plus: Assignment editor Laurel Stewart takes us through the day’s top stories, including the latest on an evolving constitutional crisis involving multiple branches of government, and public safety concerns following a knife attack on Friday evening that shocked the country.  A look at the guardian deity of Taipei’s oldest district with reporter Bryn Thomas.  Taiwan Trivia Q: This year Taiwan will get a day off on Dec. 25 for Constitution Day. When was the last year that Taiwan got a holiday on that day?  Watch Bryn Thomas and Zalán Sata’s report: Qingshan King: Centuries-Old Festival Kept Alive in Modern Taipei -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The day began with a move to impeach Taiwan’s president, and then in the afternoon it transitioned to a constitutional crisis. In the Friday, Dec. 19 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan get to the bottom of a memorable day of news. Plus: Constitutional Crisis – assignment editor Stacy Hsu walks us through this late-breaking story and how we’re covering it in the newsroom.  A look at Taiwan’s first hydrogen refueling station with reporter Ai Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What weather phenomenon in 2017 got Taiwan a Guiness World Record?  Joey speaks with TaiwanPlus business and tech reporter Ai Chi about Taiwan’s first hydrogen refueling station in Kaohsiung. They explain why the rollout targets buses and heavy trucks, how “blue hydrogen” is produced from natural gas, and why cost, safety, and logistics will determine whether hydrogen can help Taiwan meet its 2050 net-zero goals. Watch Ai’s report: Taiwan's First Hydrogen Refueling Station Opens in Kaohsiung -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

A landmark court ruling in Hong Kong. In the Monday, December 15 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan consider the long-awaited verdict in Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai’s national security trial and what on earth is going on with China’s new professional baseball league. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu takes us through the day’s top stories, including a landmark conviction in Hong Kong and controversy over defense procurement in Taiwan.  A look at how a Chinese baseball league crossed the foul line for Taiwanese fans, with reporter Leslie Liao.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which international YouTuber was recently seen in the news in a story connected to Taiwan?  Watch Leslie Liao’s baseball reports: Shanghai Baseball Team Accused of Plagiarizing Taiwan Ball Club Logo Taiwanese Baseball Players Commit to New Chinese League -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Pax Silica and a turning point in gender equality. In the Friday, December 12 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at a new US-led initiative that could shake up the global semiconductor industry and the legacy of a politician whose death brought about a wake-up call for Taiwan. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier brings us the top stories of the day from the TaiwanPlus newsroom  A look at a tragedy that led to Taiwan’s landmark domestic violence and sexual assault laws with reporter Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Are there more scooters or more people in Taiwan?  Watch Tiffany Wong’s report: Remembering Peng Wan-ru  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

More than 3 million people in Taiwan use the Chinese social media app Rednote, or Xiaohongshu. In the Friday, Dec. 5 edition of our show, we find out why the government is planning to ban it, and what the response has been. Plus:  On our radar: China has sent 10 Taiwanese people who had finished prison sentences back to Taiwan with little notice. Assignment Editor Chia Chang explains why Taipei is not happy.  Reporter’s Notebook: Lery Hiciano tells us why the defense ministry is training reservists how to use drones.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many monthly global users does Rednote (Xiaohongshu) have?  WATCH: Reservists Undergo Drone Training Exercise  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

US President Donald Trump has signed a new bill that could improve ties with Taiwan. In the Wednesday, Dec. 3 edition of the show, Andrew Ryan and Laurel Stewart dive into the details. Plus: On our radar: Honduras’ elections, Taiwan’s stalled defense budget, and an award for former Digital Minister Audrey Tang in Sweden.  Reporter’s Notebook: Tiffany Wong tells us what’s at stake in Taiwan’s next local elections and why lawmakers are trying to change the way people vote.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many seats are up for grabs in the 2026 local elections?  Watch Tiffany’s report: Lawmakers Propose Absentee Voting Amendments Ahead of 2026 Local Elections -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s a busy first day of December in the TaiwanPlus newsroom and we’ve sent a reporter to the legislature for a live cross. In the Monday, Dec. 1 edition of the show, we’ll walk you through the story that warranted it. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang has the latest on the US-Taiwan trade negotiations.  Reporter’s Notebook: A look at TSMC’s alleged trade secret leak, with reporter Leslie Liao.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What’s the number one tourist attraction in Taipei? You might be surprised!  Watch Leslie Liao’s report: “TSMC Intellectual Property Case Exposes Brain Drain Risks” -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Prosecutors have raided the homes of a former TSMC executive in what they say could be a potential national security case. In the Friday, Nov. 28 edition of the show, we break down what the investigation means for Taiwan – and for the country’s most strategic technology. Plus: Assignment Desk: Chia Chang walks us through this weekend’s presidential election in Honduras, and why it matters for Taiwan.  What makes a top-performing Instagram reel? Social Media News Editor Sara Conway explains how TaiwanPlus News captured one of its biggest viral hits.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which city or county in Taiwan has the highest proportion of Foreign Residents?  Watch our top performing Instagram reel of the past three months:H ualien Floods Again as Tropical Storm Fung Wong Heads For Taiwan  >) -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The top story of the day: an announcement from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to announce his intention to spend US$40 billion to protect Taiwan from an attack. In the Wednesday, Nov. 26 edition of the show, we bring you the details. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang walks us through the decision-making process that saw our team pivot to covering a surprise late-morning press conference.  Reporter’s Notebook: Why accidents on Taiwan’s fishing boats remain so common. We hear from John Van Trieste who spoke to survivors, advocates, and safety inspectors about the biggest risks on board.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which places in Taiwan get the most and the least sunlight?  Watch: Preventing Accidents in Taiwan’s Fishing Fleet -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Let me Google that for you. In the Monday, Nov. 24 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan learn more about the company’s expanded footprint in Taiwan. Plus: Top Story: Taiwan begins mailing civil defense handbooks to everyone in the country. Plus, Assignment Editor Jeremy Olivier explains why China has escalated Japan tensions to the UN.  In Reporters Notebook, a look at Google’s new R&D Center in Taipei with tech reporter Chris Gorin.  Taiwan Trivia Q: If you ask Google’s AI tool about the most fascinating thing about Taiwan, what’s the top response?  Watch: Chris Gorin’s report -- Google Expands With New R&D Center in Taipei. Read: The Taiwan Civil Defense Handbook  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Hard-hitting stories doing the rounds. In the Friday, November 21 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at how Taiwan’s leaders are urging support for Japan in Tokyo’s ongoing row with Beijing… and what it takes to become an Olympic boxing champion. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier talks us through the top stories of the day, including China’s displeasure at Panamanian lawmakers visiting Taiwan and a look at safety issues affecting Taiwan’s migrant fishing workers.  Reporter’s Notebook, Sandy Chi tells about her sit-down interview with Taiwanese Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yu-ting.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many gold medals has Taiwan won at the Olympics?  Watch Sandy’s interview with Olympian Lin Yu-ting: The Untold Story of Lin Yu-ting's Boxing Journey  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

How worried should we be about AI tools? In the Wednesday, Nov. 19 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan learn more about the security concerns involved when using models developed in China. Plus: In today's Assignment desk, Chia Chang walks us through the stop stories, the latest on Japan-China tensions and more Chinese spying cases.  Reporter’s Notebook: Defense reporter Alan Lu talks about how Chinese AI tools can shape narratives and gather personal information in ways that worry Taiwan’s authorities.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many of the world’s ten smallest countries (by area) are diplomatic allies of Taiwan?  Watch Alan’s full report: Chinese AI Models Present Security Concerns, Say Taiwan Authorities.  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In the Monday, November 17 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan get the week underway with the latest happenings from the TaiwanPlus newsroom. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang introduces the top stories from the top of the week in Assignment Desk.  In Reporter’s Notebook, producer Alec MacDonald talks about one of TaiwanPlus’s flagship interview programs, Zoom In Zoom Out, and some of the memorable reports that have brought the show on the road.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What species of dolphin can be found in the waters around Taiwan?  Watch recent episodes of Zoom In Zoom Out  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The work of TaiwanPlus news relies heavily on interviews – with experts, analysts and the people of Taiwan. In the Friday, November 14 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at what it takes to craft a smart interview. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier takes us through the day’s top stories, including welcome news for Taiwan from the US and Europe…  In Reporter’s Notebook, producer Alec MacDonald talks about how he built a database of contacts for one of our longest-running interview programs – Zoom in Zoom Out.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which countries came out top and bottom in the latest Freedom on the Net report by Freedom House?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Typhoon Fung Wong has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but in the Wednesday, Nov. 12 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan are still following it’s trajectory. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu explains how we choose where to send reporters during a typhoon.  A look at the development of Taiwan’s cultural and business ties with Malaysia with reporter Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Was the biggest typhoon on the record books large enough to cover all of Taiwan?  Watch one of Tiffany’s reports from Malaysia: Taiwanese Businesses Enter the Halal Market Via Malaysia -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In the Monday, November 10 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at the top stories of the day, including the imminent arrival of Typhoon Fung Wong, and get to grips with Taiwan’s fledgling pro wrestling scene. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu takes us through the top stories including the government’s outreach to Europe and the approach of Typhoon Fung Wong.  In Reporter’s Notebook, Bryn Thomas talks about his reporting trips to the pro-wrestling ring to see how Taiwan’s up-and-coming scene blends athleticism, theater and a whole lot of passion.  Taiwan Trivia Q: With Typhoon Fung Wong projected to make landfall on Taiwan’s west coast, how common it is for typhoons to approach from that direction?  Watch two of Bryn’s wrestling pieces: Taiwan Enters the Ring: NTW Brings Unique Local Flavor to Pro Wrestling  >) Japan's World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana and Jaguar Yokota Debut in Taiwan  >) -- Hosting provided by SoundOn