Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years, Sparking International Condemnation
Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, 78, and eight other individuals, along with three companies associated with his Apple Daily newspaper, were convicted of violating the national security law on February 9. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Hong Kong High Court on charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces endangering national security. The other eight defendants received sentences ranging from six years and three months to 10 years. The sentencing has drawn swift international criticism, raising concerns about freedom of the press and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Lai’s son, Li Chung-yin, stated that the verdict was “another dark day for justice,” while his lawyer, Gareth Pearce, called the ruling “the final nail in the coffin for the rule of law in Hong Kong.” Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu defended the sentencing, stating it “upholds the rule of law.” Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council condemned Beijing for using national security as a pretext to suppress freedom and persecute individuals politically. Reporters Without Borders issued a statement declaring “the end of press freedom in Hong Kong.” Lai, a British citizen, will be the subject of further diplomatic engagement with Beijing, according to a statement from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The European Union also expressed regret over the sentencing, reiterating the need to consider Lai’s age and health and calling for his unconditional release. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board argued that Beijing has clearly demonstrated to Taiwan what life under its rule would be like. (Read the full report)
Taiwan Weather Update: Temperatures Rising, Rain Expected in North and East on February 11, Potential Shift for New Year’s Eve
Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau forecasts a continued rise in daytime temperatures on February 10, with highs ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius across the island. However, a shift is expected on February 11 as a northeasterly wind system brings cooler temperatures to northern and eastern regions, though other areas will see little change. Lows will be between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. The bureau predicts a warming trend from February 13 to 15, with lows between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius and highs between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. A weather front and the strengthening of the northeasterly wind system are expected to bring changes on February 16, Lunar New Year’s Eve, with the northeasterly winds potentially lasting through February 19. Northern Taiwan is expected to be particularly wet and cool during this period. (Read the full report)
Japan’s LDP Wins Big, Prime Minister Kishida Eyes Tax Cuts, Plans US Visit
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a landslide victory in recent parliamentary elections, winning 316 seats – a record post-war high for a single party. Kishida announced on February 9 the formation of a cross-party committee to discuss a timeline and funding sources for her campaign promise of eliminating the food consumption tax. She also plans to reaffirm Japan’s strong partnership with the United States, particularly as President Trump seeks a “stable” and “respectful” relationship with Beijing. Nikkei Asia reports that Kishida is expected to focus on bolstering the US-Japan alliance while navigating the complexities of the relationship with China. Analysts suggest the election results demonstrate a preference for a clear and firm policy approach. (Read the full report)
US State Department: Kelly is US Representative to Taiwan, Fully Represents US Government
Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), recently voiced support for a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (approximately $38.7 billion USD) eight-year defense budget. Nationalist Party (KMT) Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-chen commented that Christensen’s position within the US State Department is “only slightly above a section chief,” sparking debate. A US State Department spokesperson clarified to Central News Agency that the AIT director is the US Secretary of State’s representative in Taiwan, equivalent to an ambassador, and fully represents the US government, including on issues of Taiwan’s security. KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen explained that Hsiao’s comments were intended to ensure that concerns reach Washington, and to value every opportunity to communicate with the US. Hsiao Hsu-chen stated that he was simply stating facts and did not intend to offend, but hoped Christensen would be aware of Taiwanese concerns regarding arms purchases. (Read the full report)
January Exports Surge Nearly 70%, Record High, Information Technology Leads Growth
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance announced that January export figures reached a record high of $65.77 billion, a year-on-year increase of 69.9%, marking the second-largest increase in history and the 27th consecutive month of growth. The surge was driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud services, with information technology product exports increasing by 130% year-on-year for a record 31 consecutive months of growth. Export figures to all five major markets – the United States, China, Europe, ASEAN, and Japan – reached record highs for the month, with particularly strong growth in exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Europe. January imports totaled $46.87 billion, the second-highest monthly figure on record, up 63.6% year-on-year. The trade surplus reached $18.89 billion. (Read the full report)
Thailand Constitutional Referendum Expected to Pass, Lèse-Majesté Law to Remain
Thailand held parliamentary elections and a referendum on constitutional amendments on February 8. Preliminary results indicate that 60% of voters supported drafting a new constitution, while 32% voted against it. If the vote tally holds, the new parliament and government formed after the elections will initiate the process of constitutional reform. Prime Minister-elect Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that if her party forms a government, it will follow the results of the referendum, but the lèse-majesté law, which criminalizes criticism of the monarchy, will remain unchanged. Pre-election polls favored the Move Forward Party, which campaigned on a platform of reform and progress, but the conservative Pheu Thai Party unexpectedly won a majority. Many young Thais expressed disappointment and frustration on social media, with some even considering leaving the country. (Read the full report)
Portugal Presidential Election: Center-Left Candidate Sampaio Wins, Defeating Far-Right Ventura
After days of storms, Portugal held a presidential election on February 8, with center-left candidate Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa winning with 66.8% of the vote, defeating far-right challenger André Ventura. Sampaio stated that the election victory belonged to the Portuguese people and democracy, and pledged to be a president for all Portuguese citizens. Ventura, the first far-right candidate to reach a presidential runoff in Portugal, conceded defeat and claimed his party achieved its best-ever electoral result. (Read the full report)
Winter Olympics: Taiwanese-American Athlete Yu Advances, Says ‘I Love Taiwan’
The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics commenced on February 9, with Taiwanese-American athlete Yu Rui competing in the women’s cross-country skiing 10+10km mixed style race, marking a historic first for Taiwan in the sport. Yu, born in Michigan, USA, began competitive cross-country skiing after being encouraged by friends while in high school. When asked about representing Taiwan, Yu expressed her honor, stating, “Taiwan is a country I love, and even though I didn’t grow up in Taiwan, I have a deep connection to it.” (Read the full report)
NFL Super Bowl: Seahawks Win Second Championship, Defeating Patriots in Rematch
Super Bowl LX took place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 9, with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. The Seahawks’ defense proved dominant, limiting the Patriots’ passing and rushing yards to 331 and two touchdowns, respectively. The Seahawks’ defense also forced multiple turnovers, including a crucial interception late in the game. Kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals. The victory avenged the Seahawks’ loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX eleven years prior. Rapper Drake delivered a halftime show celebrating Puerto Rican culture, with surprise appearances by Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga. (Read the full report)
Interview: Thai Author Weraphong Dismantles Myths, Encourages Young Generation to Innovate
Weraphong, the first Thai author to win the Southeast Asian Writers Award twice, spoke with Central News Agency during the Taipei International Book Fair, discussing her inspiration for writing. The catalyst for her first novel, “The Blind Worm in the Labyrinth,” was the April 2010 crackdown on Red Shirt protesters in Thailand, which resulted in nearly 100 deaths. Weraphong noted that many friends who once championed freedom either ignored the violence or defended the government, prompting her to write. Quoting American novelist Ernest Hemingway, she said she had to “write about pain clearly and forcefully,” with a major source of pain being the history defined by the government. She added, “I want to tell young people that we haven’t created a fine enough society for you, and I apologize for that.” (Read the full report)
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