Helen Davidson
Helen Davidson is a journalist at The Guardian, covering world news with a focus on China and Taiwan. She has reported extensively on the political tensions between Beijing and Taipei, as well as the economic and social issues affecting the region. Her work often explores the complex dynamics of regional power struggles, while also highlighting human stories that illustrate the impact of these geopolitical forces on people's lives. In addition to her reporting on Taiwan and China, Davidson has written about a range of topics including climate change, migration, and human rights. Prior to joining The Guardian, she worked at several other news outlets where she continued to develop her expertise in international affairs and investigative journalism.
88%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- Beijing views the DPP as separatists. It cut off communication with the Taiwanese government in 2016 shortly after Tsai took office... Beijing detests Lai and took particular exception to parts of his inauguration speech which appeared to more strongly affirm Taiwan's separateness from China than Tsai usually did.
- China has launched two days of military drills around Taiwan after the island swore in its new president, Lai Ching-te... The naming of this Joint Sword drill, suffixed with -2024A, has fostered expectations there are more drills to come this year.
- Zhang Chi, a PLA Defence University lecturer, told state media the northern sites of this week's drills ‘sent a warning’ to the ruling DPP... There is increasing concern that rather than an all-out assault, Beijing will increase its less militaristic ‘greyzone’ activities.
Conflicts of Interest
100%
Examples:
- Beijing views the DPP as separatists. It cut off communication with the Taiwanese government in 2016 shortly after Tsai took office. The Chinese government is particularly concerned about Lai, who in the past has advocated more strongly for Taiwanese independence.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- The drills are the most significant since similar exercises were launched against Taiwan in August 2022 and April 2023.
Deceptions
70%
Examples:
- The drills are the most significant since similar exercises were launched against Taiwan in August 2022 and April 2023.
- There is increasing concern that rather than an all-out assault, Beijing will increase its less militaristic ‘greyzone’ activities, which are harder for Taiwan and other interested parties to calculate a response to.
Recent Articles
China Conducts Military Drills Surrounding Taiwan After New President's Inauguration and Sovereignty Claim
Broke On: Thursday, 23 May 2024On May 23, 2024, China conducted military drills surrounding Taiwan in response to the inauguration of new president Lai Ching-te and his assertions of Taiwan's sovereignty. The exercises involved 73 military assets, including 15 navy vessels, 16 coast guard vessels, and 42 military aircraft. 
New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's Challenges: Balancing Domestic Reforms and Geopolitical Tensions with China
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024On May 18, 2024, Lai Ching-te will be inaugurated as Taiwan's new president, overcoming personal and political challenges. Expected to build on reforms while balancing foreign policy with China's territorial claims. Proximity to China poses a significant geopolitical risk, particularly regarding the Kinmen islands.