What Might the Future Hold for Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy?

What Might the Future Hold for Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy?

The need to alleviate the strain of great-power competition and navigate uncertainties in international politics has prompted many countries to broaden their partnerships and establish new avenues of cooperation. Taiwan is no exception.  Since the official launch of the New Southbound Policy (NSP) in 2016, the Tsai Ing-wen administration has made great strides to strengthen … Read more

After the 2024 Election, Taiwan’s Real Challenge Begins

Assessing Taiwan’s Presidential Election Results

Since Taiwan’s first democratic presidential election in 1996, national elections have centered on national identity and the island’s future relationship with China. At present, however, the majority of Taiwan’s population largely identifies as Taiwanese, contrasting sharply with less than 3 percent identifying as Chinese only. This shift in identity, among other factors such as China’s … Read more

The Prospects for Taiwan-EU Cooperation

The Prospects for Taiwan-EU Cooperation

Despite winning the 2024 Taiwanese presidential election by a wide margin, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te (also known as William Lai) will face a steep challenge in improving relations with the United States and European Union due to the DPP’s lack of a majority in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. Meanwhile, China remains displeased with … Read more

After the Election: Where Will Lai Lead Taiwan?

After the Election: Where Will Lai Lead Taiwan?

Magazine Taiwanese voters have made their choice. Now it’s up to President-elect Lai Ching-te – and the reactions from Washington and Beijing – to shape the future. Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, left, celebrates his victory with running mate Bi-khim Hsiao in Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 13, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Louise … Read more

Taiwan’s Election Has Big Ramifications for Energy Security

Taiwan’s Election Has Big Ramifications for Energy Security

Taiwan’s next president, Lai Ching-te of the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is planning to decommission all nuclear power plants by 2025. Taiwan is one of the most energy-insecure economies in the developed world and cannot afford to retire nuclear power without undermining its national security interests and climate goals.  Under current President Tsai Ing-wen, … Read more

When Will Cross-Strait Tourism Return to Normal?

When Will Cross-Strait Tourism Return to Normal?

Tourism between China and Taiwan has declined sharply under Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen due to travel restrictions imposed by both sides. After years of disruption, many people are hoping that cross-strait tourism will soon return to normal. A study of what is motivating Taipei and Beijing to maintain their respective travel restrictions, and a … Read more

Taiwan’s New President-Elect Should Prioritize the Economy

Assessing Taiwan’s Presidential Election Results

International pundits’ attention has turned to cross-strait relations and potential storm from China since Vice President Lai Ching-te (also known as William Lai) of Taiwan emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election, leading the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a record-breaking third consecutive term in office. But while foreign analysts focus on geopolitics, all … Read more

Security in the Taiwan Strait Remains Uncertain After Lai’s Election

Taiwan Strait Tensions: Don’t Blame the Victim

The world was watching the events in the run-up to Taiwan’s elections with some trepidation. This anxiety has not subsided following the announcement of the election results on January 13, as peace and security in the Taiwan strait remain as uncertain as ever. Prior to the elections, China made it absolutely clear that it did … Read more

China Warns Philippines Over President Marcos’ Taiwan Remarks

Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Water Cannon Incident

China’s government summoned the ambassador from the Philippines yesterday and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory. In a press briefing in Beijing yesterday, Reuters reported, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Marcos’ remarks “constitute a serious violation … Read more