The power of the nut

If an anthropologist were to study Taiwan they might well find betel nut to be one of the unique and defining characteristics of Taiwanese culture. For many Taiwanese men chewing betel nut is not just a habit, but something that defines their identity. Taiwanese women's bodies are used as a [more...]

Taiwan's legal status

China's claims over Taiwan are about as valid as the UK trying to reclaim Australia. However, the question that must be asked is what exactly is Taiwan's legal status?

An interesting letter was recently published in the Taipei Times. Richard Hartzell, a foreign long-term resident of Taiwan argues that Taiwan is actually a protectorate of the United States. The legal basis for this [more...]