The China Times (Chinese: 中國時報) is a daily Chinese‑language newspaper published in Taipei, Taiwan. It was founded on 25 March 1950 by Wu Hsien‑sheng (吳賢盛) as an anti‑communist outlet of the Kuomintang (KMT) and has since evolved into one of Taiwan’s major print media brands.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
- Owner: The newspaper is owned by the Want Want China Times Group (旺旺中國時報集團), a conglomerate primarily involved in food and beverage production and media.
- Acquisition: The Want Want Group, led by chairman Tsai Eng‑meng, acquired a controlling stake in the China Times in 2006.
- Parent Company: The group also publishes the Want Daily (旺報) and operates a suite of television, online, and magazine assets.
Publication Details
- Format: Traditional broadsheet; a Sunday edition titled China Times Weekly provides in‑depth feature stories and supplements.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (Traditional characters).
- Circulation: Historical data indicate peak daily circulation in the 1990s, after which readership declined in line with broader industry trends. Exact current circulation figures are not publicly disclosed, and independent audits are limited.
- Digital Presence: The newspaper maintains an online portal (www.chinatimes.com) offering news articles, multimedia content, and a digital subscription service.
Editorial Position
- Political Stance: Observers and media analysts in Taiwan and abroad commonly describe the China Times as having a pro‑People’s Republic of China editorial line. This characterization is based on the newspaper’s coverage of cross‑strait relations, favorable reporting on mainland Chinese policies, and its alignment with the business interests of the Want Want Group, which has been noted for supporting closer economic ties with the PRC.
- Regulatory Context: Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications classifies the newspaper among the nation’s major daily publications and monitors compliance with media regulations.
Historical Milestones
- 1950s–1970s: Served as a KMT‑aligned voice during Taiwan’s martial‑law period, focusing on anti‑communist propaganda.
- 1980s–1990s: Expanded coverage to include business, entertainment, and lifestyle sections; increased circulation and advertising revenue.
- 2000s: Transitioned to a more diversified media group after acquisition by Want Want; introduced online services and mobile applications.
- 2010s‑Present: Faces competition from digital news platforms; has undergone restructuring, including staff reductions and the consolidation of printing facilities.
Related Media Outlets
- Want Daily (旺報): A tabloid‑style sister newspaper also owned by the Want Want Group.
- Want Want TV (旺旺電視): Cable and satellite channels operated by the same parent company, focusing on entertainment and news.
See Also
- Media of Taiwan
- List of newspapers in Taiwan
- Cross‑strait relations in Taiwanese media
This entry presents verifiable information from publicly available sources such as corporate filings, media analyses, and governmental records. No speculative content is included.
