Michael Turton
@michaelturton.bsky.social
Boardgamer (now: Vantage). Cyclist. Taipei Times feature writer every Mon & Thurs with Notes from Central Taiwan.
See Christine Lu's starter pack for Taiwan Studies: https://bsky.app/starter-pack-short/EM1VG8y
See Christine Lu's starter pack for Taiwan Studies: https://bsky.app/starter-pack-short/EM1VG8y
When AI bubbles bursts, what is taiwan to do?
www.taipeitimes.com/News/editori...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/editori...
EDITORIAL: Preparing for a burst bubble - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:50 AM
When AI bubbles bursts, what is taiwan to do?
www.taipeitimes.com/News/editori...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/editori...
Reposted by Michael Turton
The US Navy is cutting back its orders for a new class of guided-missile frigate that’s been beset by delays, shifting away from a vessel that President Trump once touted as “the most beautiful.”
Navy Cuts Orders for Frigate Trump Once Touted as ‘Beautiful’
The US Navy is cutting back its orders for a new class of guided-missile frigate that’s been beset by delays, shifting away from a vessel that President Donald Trump once touted as “the most beautiful.”
bloom.bg
November 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The US Navy is cutting back its orders for a new class of guided-missile frigate that’s been beset by delays, shifting away from a vessel that President Trump once touted as “the most beautiful.”
Reposted by Michael Turton
Chinese tourists in Taiwan are currently mostly composed of Chinese citizens living overseas visiting Taiwan proper and of Mainland Chinese citizens visiting Matsu & Kinmen. A limited number of individual travelers also manage to visit Taiwan proper through religious exchange or visiting relatives.
From January to August 2025 most tourists came from Japan, Hong Kong and Macao to Taiwan. Generally visitors from East and South East Asia are dominating.
November 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Chinese tourists in Taiwan are currently mostly composed of Chinese citizens living overseas visiting Taiwan proper and of Mainland Chinese citizens visiting Matsu & Kinmen. A limited number of individual travelers also manage to visit Taiwan proper through religious exchange or visiting relatives.
Reposted by Michael Turton
"Despite Beijing’s attempts to recast itself as the victim, its bellicose behavior has only boosted Takaichi’s domestic popularity and provoked strong statements of support from Washington and Taipei. Even Singapore has publicly sided with Japan."
Tokyo Blasts China's 'Baseless' UN 'Enemy State' Claim It Can Attack Japan | Taiwan Talks EP723
YouTube video by Taiwan Talks
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:45 AM
"Despite Beijing’s attempts to recast itself as the victim, its bellicose behavior has only boosted Takaichi’s domestic popularity and provoked strong statements of support from Washington and Taipei. Even Singapore has publicly sided with Japan."
Who could have predicted it?
www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/c...
www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/c...
CrowdStrike Researchers Identify Hidden Vulnerabilities in AI-Coded Software
CrowdStrike researchers reveal how trigger words cause DeepSeek-R1 to generate vulnerable code—exposing new AI-driven risks in software development.
www.crowdstrike.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Who could have predicted it?
www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/c...
www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/c...
Reposted by Michael Turton
Another point regarding China & Taiwan: China's econ is similar to the US's, in that "tech is booming", but prospects for workers look dim. China's young can't find enough decent jobs.
The military (if you live) is a steady check.
@adagietto7.bsky.social
@thinkyparts.bsky.social
The military (if you live) is a steady check.
@adagietto7.bsky.social
@thinkyparts.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Another point regarding China & Taiwan: China's econ is similar to the US's, in that "tech is booming", but prospects for workers look dim. China's young can't find enough decent jobs.
The military (if you live) is a steady check.
@adagietto7.bsky.social
@thinkyparts.bsky.social
The military (if you live) is a steady check.
@adagietto7.bsky.social
@thinkyparts.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Turton
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi does not need to "back off" despite tensions between Japan and China following her remarks over Taiwan, said Kenneth Weinstein, Japan chair at the U.S. think tank Hudson Institute.
No need for Takaichi to back off over Taiwan, U.S. think tank chair says
In a recent interview, Kenneth Weinstein, Japan chair at the U.S. think tank Hudson Institute, said, 'It makes no sense to back off.'
ebx.sh
November 25, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi does not need to "back off" despite tensions between Japan and China following her remarks over Taiwan, said Kenneth Weinstein, Japan chair at the U.S. think tank Hudson Institute.
Reposted by Michael Turton
NEW: The PLA experimented with using civilian vessels in an amphibious landing exercise in August 2025 to enhance its limited sealift capacity. (🧵1/4)
Read more in the November 25, 2025, China & Taiwan Update: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more in the November 25, 2025, China & Taiwan Update: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
November 25, 2025 at 10:53 PM
NEW: The PLA experimented with using civilian vessels in an amphibious landing exercise in August 2025 to enhance its limited sealift capacity. (🧵1/4)
Read more in the November 25, 2025, China & Taiwan Update: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more in the November 25, 2025, China & Taiwan Update: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Reposted by Michael Turton
Hot wings
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Photographer unknown
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Photographer unknown
November 25, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Hot wings
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Photographer unknown
Taiwan Blue Magpie
Photographer unknown
Reposted by Michael Turton
TAIWAN PRESIDENT IN WASHINGTON POST OP-ED: SAYS WORKING WITH THE U.S. AND LIKE-MINDED DEMOCRACIES GIVES TAIWAN CONFIDENCE THAT PEACE WILL PREVAIL
November 25, 2025 at 11:37 PM
TAIWAN PRESIDENT IN WASHINGTON POST OP-ED: SAYS WORKING WITH THE U.S. AND LIKE-MINDED DEMOCRACIES GIVES TAIWAN CONFIDENCE THAT PEACE WILL PREVAIL
Reposted by Michael Turton
The Taiwan Strait Transit Tracker is a live, regularly updated directory of all US and allied naval transits through the Taiwan Strait. Updates are sourced through US Navy releases, state media, news reports, and live AIS monitoring.-TSM
tsm.schar.gmu.edu/taiwan-strai...
tsm.schar.gmu.edu/taiwan-strai...
Taiwan Strait Transit Tracker - Taiwan Security Monitor
The Taiwan Strait Transit Tracker is a live, regularly updated directory of all US and allied naval transits through the Taiwan Strait. Updates are sourced through US Navy releases, state media, news ...
tsm.schar.gmu.edu
November 25, 2025 at 11:48 PM
The Taiwan Strait Transit Tracker is a live, regularly updated directory of all US and allied naval transits through the Taiwan Strait. Updates are sourced through US Navy releases, state media, news reports, and live AIS monitoring.-TSM
tsm.schar.gmu.edu/taiwan-strai...
tsm.schar.gmu.edu/taiwan-strai...
Calling attention to TaiwanPlus' new feature called DC insiders
www.taiwanplus.com/news/news-sh...
www.taiwanplus.com/news/news-sh...
DC Insiders - TaiwanPlus
www.taiwanplus.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Calling attention to TaiwanPlus' new feature called DC insiders
www.taiwanplus.com/news/news-sh...
www.taiwanplus.com/news/news-sh...
Reposted by Michael Turton
Interesting read, odd this has come up as a political issue in the present
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
Why is Taiwan's Legislature suddenly talking about cousin marriage? - Focus Taiwan
Taiwan's Legislative Research Bureau recently issued a report analyzing the possible relaxation of kinship marriage laws, following the high-profile case of a couple in Kaohsiung whose marriage was re...
focustaiwan.tw
November 25, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Interesting read, odd this has come up as a political issue in the present
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
Reposted by Michael Turton
ground.news/article/chin... China Simulates Jamming Starlink Over Taiwan
China Simulates Jamming Starlink Over Taiwan
Chinese military researchers from Beijing Institute of Technology concluded that disrupting Starlink over Taiwan would require between 935 and 2,000 synchronized jamming drones, according to a study p...
ground.news
November 25, 2025 at 4:40 PM
ground.news/article/chin... China Simulates Jamming Starlink Over Taiwan
Reposted by Michael Turton
Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged President Trump to help protect the post-World War II order — a tacit reference to supporting Beijing’s claims over Taiwan — in a phone call that Chinese analysts have claimed as a win in Beijing’s standoff with Japan.
China sees Trump calls as a win in spat with Japan over Taiwan
Beijing is piling heat on Japan’s prime minister in a diplomatic standoff, even appealing to the U.S. — as a fellow World War II victor — to take its side.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged President Trump to help protect the post-World War II order — a tacit reference to supporting Beijing’s claims over Taiwan — in a phone call that Chinese analysts have claimed as a win in Beijing’s standoff with Japan.
Reposted by Michael Turton
Reposted by Michael Turton
Spectral Codex just surpassed 5,000 mapped locations, most of them here in #Taiwan. Historical sites, abandoned places, photo hotspots, and more. Hundreds already include photos and field notes; many others are still simple stubs, awaiting further documentation.
👁️ spectralcodex.com
👁️ spectralcodex.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Spectral Codex just surpassed 5,000 mapped locations, most of them here in #Taiwan. Historical sites, abandoned places, photo hotspots, and more. Hundreds already include photos and field notes; many others are still simple stubs, awaiting further documentation.
👁️ spectralcodex.com
👁️ spectralcodex.com
Reposted by Michael Turton
Sun Moon Darkness 明日音 - Mong Tong
“album born from the imagination of Future Folk.
It intertwines the folk sounds of Taiwan, the atmosphere of West Asia, and the futuristic textures of electronic synthesizers to portray a sound structure that feels both ancient and avant-garde.”
“album born from the imagination of Future Folk.
It intertwines the folk sounds of Taiwan, the atmosphere of West Asia, and the futuristic textures of electronic synthesizers to portray a sound structure that feels both ancient and avant-garde.”
Sun Moon Darkness 明日音, by Mong Tong
8 track album
mongtong.bandcamp.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Sun Moon Darkness 明日音 - Mong Tong
“album born from the imagination of Future Folk.
It intertwines the folk sounds of Taiwan, the atmosphere of West Asia, and the futuristic textures of electronic synthesizers to portray a sound structure that feels both ancient and avant-garde.”
“album born from the imagination of Future Folk.
It intertwines the folk sounds of Taiwan, the atmosphere of West Asia, and the futuristic textures of electronic synthesizers to portray a sound structure that feels both ancient and avant-garde.”
Reposted by Michael Turton
❌ He frames Japan as an object, not an actor
Hass writes the whole thread as if:
China acts
Trump reacts (poorly)
Japan is simply “affected”
This erases the core fact:
Japan initiated the strategic rupture
Takaichi’s “Taiwan blockade = existential crisis for Japan”
Hass writes the whole thread as if:
China acts
Trump reacts (poorly)
Japan is simply “affected”
This erases the core fact:
Japan initiated the strategic rupture
Takaichi’s “Taiwan blockade = existential crisis for Japan”
November 25, 2025 at 4:08 AM
❌ He frames Japan as an object, not an actor
Hass writes the whole thread as if:
China acts
Trump reacts (poorly)
Japan is simply “affected”
This erases the core fact:
Japan initiated the strategic rupture
Takaichi’s “Taiwan blockade = existential crisis for Japan”
Hass writes the whole thread as if:
China acts
Trump reacts (poorly)
Japan is simply “affected”
This erases the core fact:
Japan initiated the strategic rupture
Takaichi’s “Taiwan blockade = existential crisis for Japan”
Reposted by Michael Turton
If the “status quo” cannot be maintained, 61 percent lean toward independence and 21.8 percent lean toward unification, the poll showed. www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
Vast majority of Taiwanese do not like China: poll - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:25 PM
If the “status quo” cannot be maintained, 61 percent lean toward independence and 21.8 percent lean toward unification, the poll showed. www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/...
Reposted by Michael Turton
China fiercely objects to what it sees as any outside interference on self-ruled Taiwan, which it claims as its own.
Trump Caught in China’s Flashpoint Dispute With Key US Ally
www.newsweek.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM
China fiercely objects to what it sees as any outside interference on self-ruled Taiwan, which it claims as its own.
Reposted by Michael Turton
Japan's PM Takaichi and President Trump discussed China relations in a phone call, their first talk since the Japanese PM's remarks on Taiwan sparked a major diplomatic bust-up with Beijing. She says he asked about the G20 and told her "we are close friends". She did not provide any further details.
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Japan's PM Takaichi and President Trump discussed China relations in a phone call, their first talk since the Japanese PM's remarks on Taiwan sparked a major diplomatic bust-up with Beijing. She says he asked about the G20 and told her "we are close friends". She did not provide any further details.
Reposted by Michael Turton
Chinese officials denied Taiwan entry – Taipei Times: ‘recently rejected Shanghai TAO Deputy Director Li Xiaodong’s (李骁东) application’
‘The Shanghai TAO obstructs and threatens Taiwanese, discouraging them from attending events organized by the SEF or Taiwanese government, officials said.’
‘The Shanghai TAO obstructs and threatens Taiwanese, discouraging them from attending events organized by the SEF or Taiwanese government, officials said.’
Chinese officials denied Taiwan entry - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Chinese officials denied Taiwan entry – Taipei Times: ‘recently rejected Shanghai TAO Deputy Director Li Xiaodong’s (李骁东) application’
‘The Shanghai TAO obstructs and threatens Taiwanese, discouraging them from attending events organized by the SEF or Taiwanese government, officials said.’
‘The Shanghai TAO obstructs and threatens Taiwanese, discouraging them from attending events organized by the SEF or Taiwanese government, officials said.’
handy-dandy one stop reference card.
November 25, 2025 at 11:16 AM
handy-dandy one stop reference card.
Reposted by Michael Turton
Taiwan welcomed President Trump’s decision not to publicly reference the island after his call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, describing it as the “best result” for Taipei
Taiwan Pleased Trump Didn’t Mention Island in Readout of Xi Call
Taiwan welcomed President Donald Trump’s decision not to publicly reference the island after his call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, describing it as the “best result” for Taipei.
bloom.bg
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Taiwan welcomed President Trump’s decision not to publicly reference the island after his call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, describing it as the “best result” for Taipei