Taiwan is hosting an event titled 'Let's Promote Taiwan-Japan Friendship by Eating Japanese Seafood!' on Christmas Day in Taipei to show support for Japanese seafood businesses affected by China's ban on Japanese marine product imports. The ban was in protest of Tokyo Electric Power Company's release of treated water from the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station. Taiwanese organizations and trading companies are importing Japanese seafood for the event, which will feature a culinary competition between Japanese and Taiwanese chefs. The event has garnered significant support, with tickets selling out quickly and Japanese sake manufacturers contributing to the event. The executive director, Ye Jian-yang, emphasized the safety of Japan's treated water.

The article discusses the increasing number of Japanese and other foreign nationals being detained in China on espionage charges, often for trivial reasons or without clear explanations. A Japanese man working in the nursing care industry in Hunan Province was sentenced to twelve years in prison, while a former executive of a Japan-China friendship organization, Hideiji Suzuki, was detained and sentenced to six years. Australian journalist Cheng Lei was also detained for three years. The article highlights the expansion of China's counterespionage law and its ambiguous definition of espionage, which now includes political, military, economic, and cultural security. It also touches on the harsh conditions of residential surveillance in China, the lack of legal support for detainees, and the human rights violations involved. The author calls for the Japanese government to protest and negotiate for the release of Japanese nationals detained in China and to strengthen cooperation with other governments.

The article discusses the public mourning following the death of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, highlighting the spontaneous memorial activities across China, particularly in his hometown of Hefei and in Zhengzhou where he once worked. The Chinese Communist Party, under Xi Jinping's leadership, is closely monitoring these events, wary of potential anti-government protests. Li, who served as prime minister and was seen as an advocate for reform, had been overshadowed by Xi's personality cult. His death has brought attention to his popularity and the public's dissatisfaction with Xi's policies. The article draws parallels with historical instances where public mourning led to political upheaval in China and questions whether the current mourning for Li could have a similar impact. It also references the 'white paper revolution' against the 'zero COVID' policy, suggesting that the mourning reflects a desire for a return to more open policies. The article is written by Akio Yaita, the Taipei Bureau Chief for Sankei Shimbun.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen expressed satisfaction over Taiwan's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a goal she has pursued since her election in 2016. However, China's subsequent application to the CPTPP is seen as a move to block Taiwan's entry, given Beijing's stance that Taiwan is part of China and its opposition to Taiwan's international participation. Taiwan is concerned that China will use its influence to deter CPTPP member states from accepting Taiwan's application. Taiwan hopes Japan, the current CPTPP chair, will support its application, which aligns with Japan's national interests, including securing semiconductor supplies. Some in Japan advise caution, but the author argues that Japan should show leadership and not acquiesce to China's wishes.

William Lai, the Vice President of Taiwan, spoke to foreign media in Taipei, discussing Taiwan's stance on China and rejecting the 'One China' principle. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and equality in any discussions with Beijing. Lai praised the Democratic Progressive Party's foreign policy achievements under President Tsai Ing-wen and expressed his intention to continue these policies if elected president. He also highlighted the significance of strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations, especially in light of Japan's recent defense policy changes. Additionally, Lai commented on the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, urging the Japanese government to provide clear explanations to neighboring countries.

The article discusses the spread of disinformation on Chinese and Taiwanese social media regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean. The disinformation campaign includes false claims about the dangers of the treated water and has been linked to potential political motives in Taiwan, where the presidential election is approaching. The Taiwan FactCheck Center has identified and debunked several instances of this disinformation, including AI-generated images of mutated marine life. The Center emphasizes the importance of accurate information on food safety and is committed to thoroughly examining the false claims circulating online.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is planning a visit to the United States before August, with preparations already underway. This visit would signify the peak of her administration's diplomatic efforts and emphasize the strong relationship between Taiwan and the US. Discussions between Washington and Taipei are ongoing regarding the visit's details. Potential options include Tsai speaking at her alma mater, Cornell University, attending a US think tank event, or stopping in the US en route to Paraguay's presidential inauguration. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, is expected to react strongly to Tsai's visit, as it did to US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that reports of the visit are speculative, but any confirmed plans will be officially announced.

John Lee was elected as Hong Kong's Chief Executive with over 99% of the vote on May 8, an election result criticized by a democracy activist in Taiwan for lacking multiple candidates, a fundamental democratic principle. The election follows a pattern of Beijing-backed leaders, with Carrie Lam and Leung Chun-ying receiving similar majorities in previous elections. Since the National Security Law in 2020, Beijing has controlled the Election Committee, silencing opposition. Lee's victory speech emphasized the importance of China, raising concerns among human rights activists that the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong will intensify. There are also fears that Hong Kong's identity will be eroded by the Greater Bay Area initiative, which aims to integrate Hong Kong with Guangdong Province and Macau.

Taiwan Executive Yuan Minister Johng Deng emphasized the importance of Taiwan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) to avoid being left behind in global trade liberalization. In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun, Deng highlighted the potential economic benefits for Taiwan and the challenges posed by political obstacles, particularly from China. He noted Taiwan's readiness in terms of legislation and preparation for TPP accession and expressed gratitude for Japan's support. Deng also addressed the issue of food import restrictions from Japan following the Fukushima incident, emphasizing the need to base decisions on scientific evidence and international standards. He expressed confidence in resolving these concerns through continued negotiations with Japan.

The article discusses the political tensions surrounding the participation of athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka Long won a gold medal, the first for the region since its reversion to China in 1997. Similarly, Taiwanese athletes Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin won gold in men's doubles badminton. The article highlights the political pressure from China, including the reaction to the playing of the Chinese national anthem in Hong Kong and the use of the 'Chinese Taipei' name for Taiwanese athletes due to China's claim over Taiwan. The article also mentions the arrest of a man in Hong Kong for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem and the joy of Taiwanese people when their team was referred to as 'Taiwan' during the Olympics Opening Ceremony.

On May 8, Taiwan commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Wushantou Dam, designed by Japanese civil engineer Yoichi Hatta. The event was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President Chen Chien-jen, and Premier Su Tseng-chang, marking a rare occasion where all top leaders attended a ceremony honoring a foreign figure. The event underscored Taiwan's intent to strengthen ties with Japan, following recent affirmations of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by Japanese officials. President Tsai spoke of facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change together with Japan. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also delivered a video message highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations. The ceremony was held at Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park and included a memorial service at the statue of Yoichi Hatta.

The article discusses the implications of Joe Biden's victory in the U.S. presidential election for China and its President Xi Jinping. It suggests that while Biden may adopt a more conciliatory approach towards China, this could lead to internal power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The article highlights the potential for a power struggle between Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, and President Xi, particularly in the context of the upcoming CCP Congress in 2022. It also touches on the possibility of Xi seeking to become a lifetime chairman of the party. The article warns of the risks of political chaos in both the U.S. and China, and the potential impact on Japan's security, suggesting that Japan should prepare for various contingencies, including aggressive actions from China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has directed senior officials to prepare for potential military conflicts amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese military activities, including drills and aircraft incursions into Taiwan's air defense zone, have intensified, with record numbers reported by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry. In response, Taiwan has scrambled jets to intercept Chinese aircraft. The situation could worsen during the U.S. political transition, with fears of accidental escalation into armed clashes. The U.S. has shown support for Taiwan through official visits and arms sales, which China views as tacit support for Taiwanese independence. This has led to increased Chinese pressure and a surge in Taiwanese patriotism. The potential for conflict also poses a risk to U.S. military bases in Okinawa, indicating the broader regional implications of the tensions.

The article discusses the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, marked by the opening of a Taiwan representative office in Hargeisa. Taiwan, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, has faced diplomatic challenges from China but is experiencing a series of diplomatic victories, including visits from high-ranking officials from the United States and Czechoslovakia. Taiwan's successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its international aid efforts have increased calls for its inclusion in global organizations like the WHO. The article also touches on the death of Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan's 'father of democratization,' and the potential for 'condolence diplomacy' to improve Taiwan's international standing. The article suggests that 2020 could be a significant year for Taiwan's history.