David on Formosa
@davidonformosa.bsky.social
Interested in Taiwan, democracy and human rights.
https://davidonformosa.wordpress.com/
https://davidonformosa.wordpress.com/
Pinned
April 12, 1925: A meeting in Caotun, Japanese-occupied Taiwan, of the Petition Movement for the Establishment of a Taiwanese Parliament. The campaign is led by Iap Ing-tsing, at center holding hat and walking stick.
Some important history here. 100 years ago Taiwanese were working to establish their democratic and independent future!
Reposted by David on Formosa
Op-ed by Taiwan's representative in Australia Douglas Hsu, in response to PRC ambassador Xiao Qian:
www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/u...
www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/u...
January 21, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Op-ed by Taiwan's representative in Australia Douglas Hsu, in response to PRC ambassador Xiao Qian:
www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/u...
www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/u...
The China Dissent Monitor, a project of @freedomhouse.bsky.social, is the only public database of protest events in China. It helps to explain economic, social, and political trends in China
freedomhouse.org/article/qa-a...
freedomhouse.org/article/qa-a...
Q&A: Amid the Chinese Communist Party’s Authoritarian Rule, How Does Freedom House Uncover Dissent in China?
freedomhouse.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:55 AM
The China Dissent Monitor, a project of @freedomhouse.bsky.social, is the only public database of protest events in China. It helps to explain economic, social, and political trends in China
freedomhouse.org/article/qa-a...
freedomhouse.org/article/qa-a...
Reposted by David on Formosa
2025’s Top Ten Taiwanese films, as selected by the editors of New Bloom and Cinema Escapist!
nomanisanis.land/the-10-best-...
nomanisanis.land/the-10-best-...
The 10 Best Taiwanese Movies of 2025 - No Man Is An Island
Discover the top Taiwanese movies from 2025 across genres like action, historical, family drama, romance, and more—streaming links included when available.
nomanisanis.land
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
2025’s Top Ten Taiwanese films, as selected by the editors of New Bloom and Cinema Escapist!
nomanisanis.land/the-10-best-...
nomanisanis.land/the-10-best-...
Reposted by David on Formosa
Japan:
“military exercises”
“increase tensions”
“dialogue”
Philippines:
“coercion”
“intimidation”
“distorted rule of international law”
“fragile geopolitical environment”
The Philippine text names the pathology, not just the symptom.
“military exercises”
“increase tensions”
“dialogue”
Philippines:
“coercion”
“intimidation”
“distorted rule of international law”
“fragile geopolitical environment”
The Philippine text names the pathology, not just the symptom.
January 1, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Japan:
“military exercises”
“increase tensions”
“dialogue”
Philippines:
“coercion”
“intimidation”
“distorted rule of international law”
“fragile geopolitical environment”
The Philippine text names the pathology, not just the symptom.
“military exercises”
“increase tensions”
“dialogue”
Philippines:
“coercion”
“intimidation”
“distorted rule of international law”
“fragile geopolitical environment”
The Philippine text names the pathology, not just the symptom.
Reposted by David on Formosa
A good example of how "lefties" are totally down for imperialism and war, if the PRC is doing it.
The US isn't trying to pry Taiwan from China, because China doesn't own it. Rather, the Taiwanese don't want to be annexed to the PRC, and nations around them are supporting them.
The US isn't trying to pry Taiwan from China, because China doesn't own it. Rather, the Taiwanese don't want to be annexed to the PRC, and nations around them are supporting them.
The U.S. empire is digging its own grave by trying to pry Taiwan from China — every move tightens Beijing’s resolve and edges the world closer to a conflict Washington can’t possibly win. #Geopolitics #TaiwanCrisis
December 31, 2025 at 5:28 AM
A good example of how "lefties" are totally down for imperialism and war, if the PRC is doing it.
The US isn't trying to pry Taiwan from China, because China doesn't own it. Rather, the Taiwanese don't want to be annexed to the PRC, and nations around them are supporting them.
The US isn't trying to pry Taiwan from China, because China doesn't own it. Rather, the Taiwanese don't want to be annexed to the PRC, and nations around them are supporting them.
Reposted by David on Formosa
My column for today on the illiberal ASPI piece on the possibility of erosion of liberal democracy by the Lai administration.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: The threat to Taiwan’s liberal values - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 3:38 AM
My column for today on the illiberal ASPI piece on the possibility of erosion of liberal democracy by the Lai administration.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Reposted by David on Formosa
My column today on Okinawa and Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: Okinawa as Taiwan - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM
My column today on Okinawa and Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Reposted by David on Formosa
The fall of civil society in #HongKong is chilling. SD's earlier study on how NGOs, unions, media, and religious groups were shut down in 2021 reveals the earlier steps, with the recent closure of its main opposition continuing the fall of free HK.
safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/ccp-...
safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/ccp-...
December 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
The fall of civil society in #HongKong is chilling. SD's earlier study on how NGOs, unions, media, and religious groups were shut down in 2021 reveals the earlier steps, with the recent closure of its main opposition continuing the fall of free HK.
safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/ccp-...
safeguarddefenders.com/en/blog/ccp-...
Reposted by David on Formosa
I review Nathan Batto and Emily Beaulieu's book about brawling in legislatures in #Taiwan, #Ukraine and beyond!
laorencha.substack.com/p/book-revie...
laorencha.substack.com/p/book-revie...
Book Review: Making Punches Count
Batto and Beaulieu take sordid tales of legislators punching, pushing and shoving and turn it into data to explore the who, why, where and a bit of how legislative brawls happen
laorencha.substack.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:19 AM
I review Nathan Batto and Emily Beaulieu's book about brawling in legislatures in #Taiwan, #Ukraine and beyond!
laorencha.substack.com/p/book-revie...
laorencha.substack.com/p/book-revie...
Frozen Garlic explains how Taiwan has entered a constitutional crisis
frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/c...
frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/c...
Constitutional crisis
For all the hand-wringing about the controversial recall efforts in early 2025, there was never any question about their legality. The procedures for our recalls were clearly laid out in the electi…
frozengarlic.wordpress.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Frozen Garlic explains how Taiwan has entered a constitutional crisis
frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/c...
frozengarlic.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/c...
The guilty verdict against Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai has been strongly condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Jimmy Lai conviction is ‘death knell’ for Hong Kong press freedom, says Amnesty – live
Group says guilty verdicts against incarcerated media tycoon also show city’s national security laws designed not to protect but ‘to silence’ people
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:15 AM
The guilty verdict against Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai has been strongly condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Reposted by David on Formosa
My column for today. The Rednote ban in Taiwan boils down to one simple fact: it has no offices in Taiwan, and cannot be regulated under local law. That imposes an either/or choice on the authorities.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: Blocking China’s Trojan horse(s) - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:34 PM
My column for today. The Rednote ban in Taiwan boils down to one simple fact: it has no offices in Taiwan, and cannot be regulated under local law. That imposes an either/or choice on the authorities.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
A new museum/library in Taichung with innovative architecture
‘Getting lost is good’: skybridge and floating stairs bring fun and thrills to mighty new Taiwan museum
‘Getting lost is good’: skybridge and floating stairs bring fun and thrills to mighty new Taiwan museum
With its soaring ceilings, meandering pathways and mesh-like walls, Taichung Art Museum, designed by Sanaa, sweeps visitors from library to gallery to rooftop garden for rousing views
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 1:46 AM
A new museum/library in Taichung with innovative architecture
Reposted by David on Formosa
#HongKong: With short notice, 2 years after his sham trial began, the verdict in Jimmy Lai’s trial is set for Monday, 15/12. Given his age, prison conditions, and deteriorating health, every day he stays in jail risks his life. It’s time for democracies, especially 🇬🇧 and 🇺🇸, to act for his release.
December 12, 2025 at 9:45 AM
#HongKong: With short notice, 2 years after his sham trial began, the verdict in Jimmy Lai’s trial is set for Monday, 15/12. Given his age, prison conditions, and deteriorating health, every day he stays in jail risks his life. It’s time for democracies, especially 🇬🇧 and 🇺🇸, to act for his release.
Reposted by David on Formosa
The sexual harassment of @carmenlau.bsky.social, Ted Hui and his family marks a sordid new low in the #HongKong government’s campaign of #transnationalrepression against activists.
We stand with them and call for protection against this despicable behaviour.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
We stand with them and call for protection against this despicable behaviour.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Sexually explicit letters about exiled Hong Kong activists sent to UK and Australian addresses
Exclusive: Letters with deepfake images of Carmen Lau in UK and targeting of Ted Hui in Australia part of growing harassment
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:21 AM
The sexual harassment of @carmenlau.bsky.social, Ted Hui and his family marks a sordid new low in the #HongKong government’s campaign of #transnationalrepression against activists.
We stand with them and call for protection against this despicable behaviour.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
We stand with them and call for protection against this despicable behaviour.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by David on Formosa
The World #Indigenous Traditional Games kicks off in #Taiwan today!
The mascot is inspired by the Formosan wild boar, a symbol of strength, endurance, and bravery. Tribal markings represent cultural identity and exchanges. The design reflects the perseverance and vitality of Indigenous communities.
The mascot is inspired by the Formosan wild boar, a symbol of strength, endurance, and bravery. Tribal markings represent cultural identity and exchanges. The design reflects the perseverance and vitality of Indigenous communities.
December 10, 2025 at 3:14 AM
The World #Indigenous Traditional Games kicks off in #Taiwan today!
The mascot is inspired by the Formosan wild boar, a symbol of strength, endurance, and bravery. Tribal markings represent cultural identity and exchanges. The design reflects the perseverance and vitality of Indigenous communities.
The mascot is inspired by the Formosan wild boar, a symbol of strength, endurance, and bravery. Tribal markings represent cultural identity and exchanges. The design reflects the perseverance and vitality of Indigenous communities.
Human Rights Day protest against the CCP in Sydney. Participants included Chinese, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hongkongers and other groups
December 10, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Human Rights Day protest against the CCP in Sydney. Participants included Chinese, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hongkongers and other groups
Reposted by David on Formosa
Zhang Yadi's plight illustrates the risk of going home for Chinese nationals who displease the state, as it increasingly tightens control over issues it considers sensitive -- such as that of Tibet. In full: buff.ly/EfBmfWe
Loved ones fear for pro-Tibet student activist detained in China
Zhang Yadi's plight illustrates the risk of going home for Chinese nationals who displease the state, as it increasingly tightens control over issues it considers sensitive -- such as that of Tibet.
buff.ly
December 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Zhang Yadi's plight illustrates the risk of going home for Chinese nationals who displease the state, as it increasingly tightens control over issues it considers sensitive -- such as that of Tibet. In full: buff.ly/EfBmfWe
Reposted by David on Formosa
Australians do not fully understand what’s at stake if Taiwan’s democracy is threatened by China.
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/what-is...
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/what-is...
December 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Australians do not fully understand what’s at stake if Taiwan’s democracy is threatened by China.
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/what-is...
👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/what-is...
Reposted by David on Formosa
Excellent video explaining and dispelling the common myths about Taiwan perpetuated by western media.
Hint: Ranked 4th in the world with regard to safety, it definitely is not ‘the most dangerous place on earth.’
Great thanks to @honghongtinn.bsky.social for sharing channel
Hint: Ranked 4th in the world with regard to safety, it definitely is not ‘the most dangerous place on earth.’
Great thanks to @honghongtinn.bsky.social for sharing channel
I went to the most dangerous place on earth
YouTube video by Taiwan Salad
youtu.be
December 5, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Excellent video explaining and dispelling the common myths about Taiwan perpetuated by western media.
Hint: Ranked 4th in the world with regard to safety, it definitely is not ‘the most dangerous place on earth.’
Great thanks to @honghongtinn.bsky.social for sharing channel
Hint: Ranked 4th in the world with regard to safety, it definitely is not ‘the most dangerous place on earth.’
Great thanks to @honghongtinn.bsky.social for sharing channel
Reposted by David on Formosa
I wrote on the PRC campaign of words against Japan/Takaichi this week. It's infuriating that after so many years of PRC fauxspeak the int'l media still reaches for the "victims provoke" trope, like complaining that Benes provoked Hitler.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Notes from Central Taiwan: Beijing’s strategic temper tantrums... - Taipei Times
Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan
www.taipeitimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM
I wrote on the PRC campaign of words against Japan/Takaichi this week. It's infuriating that after so many years of PRC fauxspeak the int'l media still reaches for the "victims provoke" trope, like complaining that Benes provoked Hitler.
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/ar...
Reposted by David on Formosa
"Kerry Brown's 'Why Taiwan Matters' Simply Argues That Taiwan Does Not Matter in the Face of China" by @brianhioe.bsky.social
Kerry Brown’s “Why Taiwan Matters” Simply Argues That Taiwan Does Not Matter in the Face of China | New Bloom Magazine
With increased international attention on Taiwan in past years–particularly with the rise in tensions in the Taiwan Strait–one now sees a curious phenomenon: that of the China hand who wishes to get…
newbloommag.net
November 18, 2025 at 5:52 AM
"Kerry Brown's 'Why Taiwan Matters' Simply Argues That Taiwan Does Not Matter in the Face of China" by @brianhioe.bsky.social
Reposted by David on Formosa
"'Girl' and 'Left-handed Girl': Two Tales of Mothers, Daughters, and Trauma" by Sebastien Smith
“Girl” and “Left-handed Girl”: Two Tales of Mothers, Daughters, and Trauma - No Man Is An Island
First, there was “American Girl” in 2021. Now we have “Left-handed Girl”, and, naturally, the succinctly titled “Girl”—two more coming-of-age dramas centred around young women (and the mothers who rai...
nomanisanis.land
November 16, 2025 at 11:07 AM
"'Girl' and 'Left-handed Girl': Two Tales of Mothers, Daughters, and Trauma" by Sebastien Smith
Reposted by David on Formosa
Taiwan and Finland bands prepare for ‘heavy metal diplomacy’
🇫🇮 🤜🏼🤛🏽 🇹🇼
focustaiwan.tw/culture/2025...
🇫🇮 🤜🏼🤛🏽 🇹🇼
focustaiwan.tw/culture/2025...
Taiwan heavy metal bands ready to rock Helsinki at the end of November - Focus Taiwan
Three Taiwanese bands will join Finnish music groups in Helsinki at the end of November to engage in "heavy metal diplomacy" at a festival organized by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC).
focustaiwan.tw
November 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Taiwan and Finland bands prepare for ‘heavy metal diplomacy’
🇫🇮 🤜🏼🤛🏽 🇹🇼
focustaiwan.tw/culture/2025...
🇫🇮 🤜🏼🤛🏽 🇹🇼
focustaiwan.tw/culture/2025...
Reposted by David on Formosa
Also in #Europe — the current vice president of #Taiwan, Bi-khim Hsiao, who delivered the 1st-ever speech by a senior member of the Taiwanese government in the European Parliament.
"We don't just want to survive. We want democracies to thrive," she said in #Brussels. www.ipac.global/news/taiwans...
"We don't just want to survive. We want democracies to thrive," she said in #Brussels. www.ipac.global/news/taiwans...
November 8, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Also in #Europe — the current vice president of #Taiwan, Bi-khim Hsiao, who delivered the 1st-ever speech by a senior member of the Taiwanese government in the European Parliament.
"We don't just want to survive. We want democracies to thrive," she said in #Brussels. www.ipac.global/news/taiwans...
"We don't just want to survive. We want democracies to thrive," she said in #Brussels. www.ipac.global/news/taiwans...