Political commentator Fan Chou dies aged 68

Taipei, Nov. 8 (CNA) Taiwanese writer and political commentator Kenneth C. Fan (范疇), known for his unique insights into issues related to Taiwan and China, has died at the age of 68, an online platform founded by Fan confirmed Wednesday.

The Indo-Pacific Risk Forecast Center, also called insightFan, said in a statement that Fan, born in 1955, died of cardiovascular disease at home early Monday morning.

No public memorial service will be held, per Fan's wishes, the statement said.

A graduate of National Taiwan University and holding a master's degree in philosophy from Columbia University, Fan wrote several books on cross-Taiwan Strait issues, including "Who Owns Taiwan?" "Who Owns China?" and "Chatting with Xi Jinping."

In addition, he had long been a columnist for several Asian media outlets, including Taiwan's "Business Today," "China Times," Hong Kong's "Asiaweek," and Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao." ("Nanyang Sin-Chew Joint Morning Paper").

Fan upheld the idea that "Communist China is not equivalent to China," and praised Taiwan as a model for "striving in between the great powers and at the same time shaping democracy and freedom," according to the statement.

The political commentator had always promoted this "Taiwanology" in the international community, the statement said.

In his 2019 publication "2022-The Last Window of Opportunity for Taiwan," Fan argued that Taiwan's national status is not simply an internal affair, but an issue that involves the whole world.

He contended that Taiwan will only be able to strengthen its national defense to the fullest extent by letting the world fully understand the impact the country will have on international geopolitics over the coming decades.