The Diplomat | Author
![Nick Aspinwall Nick Aspinwall](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/sizes/td-story-s-1/thediplomat-headshot1.jpg)
Nick Aspinwall
Nick Aspinwall is a journalist and senior editor at The Week.
Nick Aspinwall is a journalist and senior editor at The Week. He was previously based in Taiwan, where he served as editor at Ketagalan Media, a Taiwan-focused online media outlet. He reports on migration, the environment, labor rights, and the human consequences of geopolitics. Follow him on Twitter @Nick1Aspinwall
Page 2 of 16
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-05-07-11.jpg)
May 08, 2021
Taiwan Catches Two Chinese Nationals Arriving by Dinghy
By Nick Aspinwall
At least one Chinese national said he had fled to Taiwan in search of “freedom and democracy,” raising questions about border security and refugee laws.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-05-07.jpg)
May 07, 2021
Duterte Orders Arrest of Quarantine Violators After Taking Unauthorized Vaccine
By Nick Aspinwall
The Philippines president received the unapproved Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2020-11-13-10.jpg)
May 01, 2021
As Drought Worsens Chip Shortage, Taiwan Fights Brain Drain to China
By Nick Aspinwall
Taiwan, under pressure to alleviate a global chip shortage, is fighting a drought at home and recruitment of its engineers by Chinese competitors.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-30-2.jpg)
April 30, 2021
Duterte Hedges as China Challenges in the South China Sea
By Nick Aspinwall
Manila asserted its right to conduct military drills in the South China Sea, but President Duterte continues to approach the issue with caution.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-23-17.jpg)
April 24, 2021
Taiwan Security Officials Propose Ban on Chinese Flag
By Nick Aspinwall
A new bill would make displaying the PRC flag into a national security offense. Critics say it would violate freedom of speech.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-23-3.jpg)
April 23, 2021
Philippine General Criticized for Saying Community Pantries Are the Work of ‘Satan’
By Nick Aspinwall
Antonio Parlade Jr. faces fresh criticism for making unfounded claims that community leaders and government critics are linked to communist rebels.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-16-13.jpg)
April 17, 2021
Biden Delegation Pledges US Support for Taiwan Self-Defense
By Nick Aspinwall
An unofficial delegation led by former Senator Chris Dodd completed a three-day visit to Taiwan in a show of support from the Biden administration.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-09-5.jpg)
April 09, 2021
Taiwan Picks Up the Pieces in Aftermath of Deadly Train Crash
By Nick Aspinwall
Authorities are investigating after a crane truck slid and fell in front of a passenger train, leading to a crash that killed 50 people.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-09-2.jpg)
April 09, 2021
Philippine Man Dies After Being Forced to Exercise for Violating COVID-19 Curfew
By Nick Aspinwall
The incident is the latest in a long list of alleged human rights abuses that have attended one of the world’s strictest coronavirus lockdowns.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-02-6.jpg)
April 02, 2021
Taiwan Begins Slow Early Rollout of AstraZeneca Vaccines
By Nick Aspinwall
The country, which has been a model in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, has turned its focus to getting its population vaccinated.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-04-02-3.jpg)
April 02, 2021
Thousands of Families Are Being Displaced by Violent Clashes in Mindanao
By Nick Aspinwall
A renewal of conflict between the Philippine military and an extremist group has shaken the Bangasmoro Autonomous Region.
![](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sizes/thumbnail/thediplomat-2021-03-29-1.jpg)
March 29, 2021
Manila Locks Down as COVID-19 Cases Surge in the Philippines
By Nick Aspinwall
Millions of Filipinos will spend their second straight Easter Sunday under lockdown in an effort to stop a record surge of COVID-19 infections.