LinkAsia News: December 21, 2012

This week on LinkAsia, Taiwan confronts a threat to press freedom, Japan toasts the world's oldest man, Vietnam's economy takes a hit as consumers close their wallets, a kissing competition that will sweep you off your feet, and more.

China Ties Threaten Taiwan's Press Freedom
(LinkAsia: 12/21/12) Next Media, one of Taiwan's most popular news organizations, is owned by well-known China critic Jimmy Lai. But now, a group of Taiwanese tycoons with ties to China are trying to buy him out. LinkAsia contributor Cindy Sui...

Taiwan's Opposition Thaws Relations with Mainland Trip
(LinkAsia: 10/19/12) Frank Hsieh, leader of Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party, has made an unlikely visit to China's mainland. As contributor Cindy Sui reports, Hsieh proposed that the two countries drop the controversial 1992 Consensus and redevelop their relations.

LinkAsia News: October 19, 2012
This week on LinkAsia, Asia's oldest guerilla war may finally be coming to an end, the US attempts to ease tensions over Diaoyu, Cambodia sends off their former King in style, and more.

Game-Fixing Scandals Rocks Taiwanese Baseball
(LinkAsia: 4/20/12) Gambling and corruption have infiltrated the struggling Taiwanese professional baseball league, culminating in a high profile investigation of a coach. Contributor Cindy Sui reports from Taipei, where the government is starting to crack down.

A Beef Over Beef Holding Up Taiwan-US FTA
(LinkAsia: 3/23/12) Taiwanese officials believe that South Korea's Free Trade Agreement with the US will cost the country over USD$3 billion in lost trade. A dispute over a ban of a chemical additive in US beef is holding up Taiwan's...

A Neck and Neck Race as Taiwan Elections Approach
(LinkAsia: January 13, 2012) As the campaigns hit the home stretch, it's anybody's election to win. Incumbent Ma Ying-jeou's Nationalist Party is the favorite of the US; a Tsai Ing-wen victory would give Taiwan its first female president and possibly...

Taiwan's Presidential Race Heats Up
(LinkAsia: December 16, 2011) Taiwanese will have the chance to elect the country's first female president when voters head to the polls on January 14th. Tsai Ing-wen is the main opposition candidate looking to unseat incumbent Ma Ying-jeou. Contributer: Cindy...

LinkAsia News: 10/21/11
(LinkAsia: October 21, 2011) Broadcaster Partners: NHK World, CCTV-NEWS, MBC Contributors: Cindy Sui, Next Media Animation, Ron Liang, Maureen Fan, Yoo-eun Lee

At Occupy Taipei- Citizens are Angry Birds
(LinkAsia: October 21, 2011) Taiwanese gathered at the Taipei 101 financial center to protest the largest wealth gap in the history of the republic. LinkAsia contributor Cindy Sui tells us what Occupy Taipei demonstrators want. Contributing Partner: Next Media Animation

U.S. Arms Sales: Taiwan Disappointed
(LinkAsia: 9/23/11) This week the United States announced that it will not approve Taiwan's request to purchase new F-16 fighter jets. Contributor Cindy Sui provides a quick review of reactions to the decision in the news and online.

LinkAsia News: 09/23/11
(LinkAsia News: September 23, 2011) The Obama administration approved $5.8 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. Next Media Animation pokes fun at the decision by the United States to upgrade Taiwan's aging F-16 fleet instead of selling the country new...