Taiwan helped power the world’s tech boom in 2025, but it’s still navigating an increasingly contested global landscape. Under constant pressure from China, can Taiwan find the space not only to endure, but to thrive in 2026 – and maintain its critical role as a global tech hub? On this edition of #CorrespondentsOnTaiwanPlus, Reuters Taiwan Bureau Chief Ben Blanchard and CommonWealth Magazine Senior Managing Editor Silva Shih share the stories they’ll be watching in 2026. Hosted by Andrew Ryan. 00:00 – Intro 01:47 – Biggest stories for Taiwan in 2025 03:22 – Reporting from Taiwan’s frontline with China 05:10 – Making sense of a fading buffer zone 07:11 – Defense budget still a key issue in 2026 08:06 – What to expect from Han Kuang drills in 2026 10:46 – APEC in China: Where does Taiwan stand? 13:12 – Japan-China row over Taiwan: What’s next? 15:12 – 2026 Elections: What’s at stake for Taiwan 19:59 – Key domestic issues for Taiwan in 2026 20:43 – Taiwan’s hidden gems to visit in 2026 24:03 – Hopes for journalism in 2026Editor’s note: This episode was recorded on December 16, 2025.#TaiwanPlus #TaiwanPlusNews #TaiwanNews #Taiwan #LookAhead #2026 #Trump #Tariffs #TSMC #semiconductor #China #HanKuang41 #TaiwanDefense #DefenseBudget #TaiwanStrait #MediaLine #DadanIsland #JapanChina #2026Elections #DomesticConcerns #LittleMynamar #Matsu #Journalism2026
