How Taiwanese Journalists Report on Thailand, Philippines
Taiwan is widely recognized as a model of press freedom in Asia, especially compared to its neighbors. Despite Chinese pressure, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls Taiwan a “liberal democracy” with a free and diverse media environment. Under its New Southbound Policy (NSP), Taiwan has been pushing to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations. Aside from fostering stronger economic and diplomatic relations, Taiwan is also hoping to show by example how democracy can thrive with an independent and critical press. In this episode of #CorrespondentsOnTaiwanPlus, host Andrew Ryan talks to Franc Han Shih of Thai PBS and Angie Chen of Central News Agency, Taiwan’s main news agency. Shih is currently based in Bangkok, working as a news anchor and business reporter for Thailand’s first public broadcaster. Chen, on the other hand, was on assignment in the Philippines for about half a decade as a CNA correspondent. She is now the section chief of the International News Section of CNA’s International and China News Center. Both Shih and Chen give an inside look at their lives and experiences as Taiwanese journalists in Southeast Asia and how they overcome cultural and political barriers.
