Helen Davidson

Helen Davidson

@heldavidson.bsky.social

Foreign corro previously for the Guardian in Taiwan. Via Guardian Australia covering immigration and the Pacific and three wild years as the Northern Territory corro. https://www.theguardian.com/profile/helen-davidson helendavidsonreports@gmail.com

1.4K followers584 following166 posts

Helen Davidson reposted

The Guardian
@theguardian.com

China pressing European countries to bar Taiwan politicians or face crossing a ‘red line’

theguardian.comChina pressing European countries to bar Taiwan politicians or face crossing a ‘red line’Exclusive: Chinese officials are using a ‘highly specific’ interpretation of EU rules to suggest Taiwanese figures should not be granted visas, officials say Chinese officials have been pushing “legal advice” on European countries, saying their own border laws require them to ban entry to Taiwanese politicians, according to more than half a dozen diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The officials made demarches to European embassies in Beijing, or through local embassies directly to European governments in their capital cities, warning the European countries not to “trample on China’s red lines”, according to the European diplomats and ministries who spoke to the Guardian. Continue reading...

Helen Davidson reposted

Mike Hixenbaugh
@mikehixenbaugh.com

Forensic analysis of objective video evidence. This is how you serve readers searching for clarity.

Mike Hixenbaugh@mikehixenbaugh.com

The New York Times states it plainly in display type: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

nytimes.comVideo: Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in MinneapolisAn analysis of footage from three camera angles shows that the motorist was driving away from — not toward — a federal officer when he opened fire.

Helen Davidson reposted

The Guardian
@theguardian.com

China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan

theguardian.comChina launches live-fire drills encircling TaiwanTaipei condemns exercise that Chinese army calls ‘a stern warning against “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference forces’ China has launched live-fire military drills around Taiwan, in what it calls a warning to “separatist” forces in Taiwan and “external interference” by foreign parties. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – the military wing of the ruling Communist party in China – said it had sent naval, air force and rocket forces to surround Taiwan on Monday morning. Continue reading...

Helen Davidson reposted

Maura Elizabeth Cunningham
@mauracunningham.bsky.social

“What I care deeply about is building this kind of bridge for veterans to go home.” @heldavidson.bsky.social reports on a Taiwan borough chief who brings the ashes of KMT veterans back to their final resting place in the PRC.

theguardian.com‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to ChinaLiu De-wen operates at a sensitive space in Taiwan’s history, as Beijing demands reunification with the island
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

Loved reporting this story, looking at the deeper ties and complications in the history and fallout of the cross-Strait relationship

The Guardian@theguardian.com

‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to China

theguardian.com‘Ferryman of the souls’: the man who helps Taiwan’s dead return home to ChinaLiu De-wen operates at a sensitive space in Taiwan’s history, as Beijing demands reunification with the island

Helen Davidson reposted

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
@hongkongfp.com

One month after the deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26, survivors are still reeling from the psychological trauma of losing their homes and loved ones while struggling to adapt to life amidst displacement and bereavement. In full: buff.ly/PgBJu1y

buff.lyHK fire: 1 month on, residents reel from trauma, pondering their futureOne month after the deadly fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26, survivors are still reeling from the psychological trauma of losing their homes and loved ones while struggling to adapt...
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

Australia had local council elections and friends were bemoaning that they had no idea about any of the candidates or what they did. It was a lightbulb moment - local newspapers had shut down in the last 5 years. State/national outlets aren't sending reporters to local council meetings.

Evan Simko-Bednarski@simko-bednarski.bsky.social

When I was on CNN's northeast desk, the first job at 6a every morning was to read the local papers. That guided some of what the massive CNN machine followed every day. When those papers die, CNN doesn't hire new regional reporters. What you get instead is more panel shows, more punditry.

Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

'Should she return to China to be nearer to her husband, but risk arrest herself? Should she stay in Thailand, a country that has... a history of complying with deportation requests from Beijing? Should she seek refuge elsewhere?' By @amyabides.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...

theguardian.com‘Is this real?’: wife of detained pastor describes anguish as China cracks down on unofficial churchesChurch leaders and members detained as government tightens controls on underground Christian gatherings
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

The outcome of Honduras’ 30 November election is yet to be called. But there is a clear winner beyond the Central American nation’s borders: Taiwan. From Mat Youkee and me.

The Guardian@theguardian.com

‘Better off with Taiwan’: Honduras joins other Latin American countries rethinking ties with China

theguardian.com‘Better off with Taiwan’: Honduras joins other Latin American countries rethinking ties with ChinaUS pressure, broken promises by China and corruption scandals have halted Taiwan’s slide to diplomatic irrelevance in the region

Helen Davidson reposted

vsamsondc.bsky.social
@vsamsondc.bsky.social

"Sky's analysis, based on data from internet registry APNIC, suggests that one in five Starlink users (21%) are accessing the service from countries where the company has no licence to operate – such as Sudan, Myanmar and Iraq."

Sascha Meinrath@saschameinrath.bsky.social

I've been working with the incredible Data & Forensics team over at Sky News for the last couple months on this analysis of Starlink's activities. Definitely eye-opening, and raises substantial questions over corporate accountability and rule of law: news.sky.com/story/elon-m...

news.sky.comElon Musk's race for spaceElon Musk's race for space

Helen Davidson reposted

The Guardian
@theguardian.com

Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy figure guilty of all charges – live

theguardian.comJimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong court finds pro-democracy figure guilty of all charges – liveIncarcerated activist and media owner has been on trial for more than two years on national security charges * Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong judges set to rule on national security charges The three high court judges have entered the courtroom and taken their seats. The hearing is due to begin and Lai has entered the court, news reports are saying, adding that he waved to his family. Continue reading...
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

I’m in Hong Kong for the verdict in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial. Dozens queued outside court overnight. Some passersby noted longrunning allegations that people are paid by pro-Beijing groups to reserve seats that might be taken by supporters. I tried asking but no one would speak.

Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

One HK man Simon told me he’s here to support Lai and his wife, but he’s not optimistic about the verdict. He and a friend are carrying bright red apples, to represent the Apple Daily newspaper which Lai founded, and which was forced to close by authorities.

Helen Davidson reposted

Joel Chan
@kjoules.org

“From Beijing’s point of view, there is only one measure that will determine whether Lee will keep his job: will he be able to prevent any protests and snuff out any signs of dissent? By that measure, his performance so far has been faultless.” @antd.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/commen...

theguardian.comSilenced by China, Hong Kong struggles to voice its grief over the Tai Po fire disaster | Antony DapiranThe pain is visceral, but civil society, media and the creative community have been in retreat since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, says author Antony Dapiran

Helen Davidson reposted

The Duggle, from C-South
@myopicduck.bsky.social

Sedition (petitioning the government to house the displaced and investigate construction companies)

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP@hongkongfp.com

A HK man has been arrested on suspicion of sedition in relation to the fatal Tai Po fire, according to local media reports, citing unnamed sources. In full: buff.ly/Uzgm1Oj

buff.lyHK man arrested for alleged sedition in relation to fatal Tai Po blazeA HK man has been arrested on suspicion of sedition in relation to the fatal Tai Po fire, according to local media reports, citing unnamed sources.

Helen Davidson reposted

Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

The inferno has been compared to London’s Grenfell Tower disaster. Not just for the scale, but for the now rampant questions about negligent safety standards and corruption, amid revelations that the construction site allegedly had a history of safety violations. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...

theguardian.com‘We can’t get any answers’: grief and anger in Hong Kong after deadly high-rise fireWith the blaze extinguished but hundreds still unaccounted for, the city is grieving – with questions being raised of authorities
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

Since the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, the government has made “national security” its overriding priority. There is a sense among some that while authorities have been chasing down any whisper of dissent, a building they knew wasn't safe burned down. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...

theguardian.com‘We can’t get any answers’: grief and anger in Hong Kong after deadly high-rise fireWith the blaze extinguished but hundreds still unaccounted for, the city is grieving – with questions being raised of authorities
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

The inferno has been compared to London’s Grenfell Tower disaster. Not just for the scale, but for the now rampant questions about negligent safety standards and corruption, amid revelations that the construction site allegedly had a history of safety violations. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...

theguardian.com‘We can’t get any answers’: grief and anger in Hong Kong after deadly high-rise fireWith the blaze extinguished but hundreds still unaccounted for, the city is grieving – with questions being raised of authorities
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

🚨 journo job! 🚨 Replace me! - after 13 years at the Guardian and six years on the incredible China team, including five in Taiwan, I’m leaving at the end of this year. I’ll get sentimental about it later but for now: Here’s the job ad. I recommend it! workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...

workwithus.theguardian.comChina CorrespondentJoin our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers award-winning, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of journalists, c...
Helen Davidson
@heldavidson.bsky.social

"This isn’t about sudden escalation; it’s about China normalising actions it once restrained itself from taking,” said Song Bo, a fellow at Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy.

The Guardian@theguardian.com

China sharpens its language on Taiwan as part of ‘longer-term’ strategy

theguardian.comChina sharpens its language on Taiwan as part of ‘longer-term’ strategyA series of statements, articles, photos and even a new national holiday indicate a shift in Beijing’s stance over the island, analysts say

Helen Davidson reposted

MEAA
@withmeaa.bsky.social

Spotify makes billions in revenue and pays artists a pittance. Now to make matters worse, they've been caught boosting AI generated fake music to compete with real musicians. They need to stop the rip off and Pay Up! www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

theguardian.comAn AI-generated band got 1m plays on Spotify. Now music insiders say listeners should be warnedThe Velvet Sundown released two albums before admitting their music, images and backstory were created by AI

Helen Davidson reposted

Guardian Australia
@australia.theguardian.com

Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda hits out at AI-generated videos of her dead father: ‘Stop doing this to him’

theguardian.comRobin Williams’ daughter Zelda hits out at AI-generated videos of her dead father: ‘Stop doing this to him’Film-maker tells the public to stop sending her videos, saying: ‘You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings’ Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, has spoken out against AI-generated content featuring her father. “Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad,” Zelda wrote in an Instagram story on Monday. “Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand, I don’t and I won’t. If you’re just trying to troll me, I’ve seen way worse, I’ll restrict and move on. But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want. Continue reading...