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

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.

'Trump-like' billionaire presidential candidate in Taiwan promises '50 years of peace' with China

TAIWAN October 1

'Trump-like' billionaire presidential candidate in Taiwan promises '50 years of peace' with China

Billionaire Foxconn founder Terry Gou is running an unconventional and populist campaign for Taiwan's president. He says he will bring stability to Taiwan-China relations.

Americans in Taiwan mostly unfazed by US evacuation plan report

TAIWAN June 19, 2023

Americans in Taiwan mostly unfazed by US evacuation plan report

It is estimated that some 80,000 American citizens live in Taiwan. A recent report claimed that the Biden administration was preparing evacuation plans for its American inhabitants in case of a Chinese invasion.

Inspired by Ukraine, Taiwan seeks to bolster military preparedness as China threat continues

China January 9, 2023

Inspired by Ukraine, Taiwan seeks to bolster military preparedness as China threat continues

Spurred by Beijing's bellicose behavior and inspired by the Ukrainian resistance to Russia’s invasion, Taiwan is returning to a one-year military conscription policy for men over 18.

Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has locals supportive but increasingly concerned over China threats

Nancy Pelosi August 2, 2022

Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has locals supportive but increasingly concerned over China threats

Locals tell Fox News Digital that the reality of Speaker Pelosi's visit is kicking in as Beijing raises its rhetoric over her visit.