Written by Min-hua Chiang. This article examines the trend of Taiwan’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) amidst the geopolitical uncertainties. The declining reliance on China for manufacturing and the increasingly diversified economic links are expected to help Taiwan connect more closely with America and the rest of the world.
Written by Jacques deLisle. Amidst the focus on potential radical impact under the second Trump administration, this article examines some fundamental trends and challenges in US-Taiwan relations and US-China-Taiwan dynamics. The longstanding US policy of strategic ambiguity is becoming increasingly harder to hold and Taiwan’s capacity to navigate is waning.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article examines the domestic political turmoil in Taiwan in 2024, including corruption scandals for all three main parties and ongoing confrontation in the Legislature. However, it argues that these challenges have demonstrated the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy based on the evidence of its institutions, leadership and people.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article argues that the path dependencies of the Taiwanese, US, Japanese, and South Korean governments encountered a change of political leadership in 2024, which created some uncertainties for Taiwan in 2025. They are compounded by the conservative stance of President Lai Ching-te towards President Trump since the latter’s election.
Written by Raian Hossain. This article examines Taiwan’s relations and engagement in South Asia, with reference to the cases of India and Bangladesh. It argues that Taiwan has great potential in the region. Taiwan should strategise to interact with different South Asian countries based on their own merit and limitations and find areas of mutual interest to increase its regional footprint.
Written by Chen-Dong Tso. This article reviews the cross-Strait strategy of the Biden administration after President Lai characterised the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as “mutual non-subordination”. The administration adopted a nuanced approach of both restraint and support, which the incoming Trump administration might not follow.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This article argues Taiwan has what it takes to thrive in the face of increased volatility in US-Taiwan relations. Regardless of the potential US internal and international turmoil, Taiwan should find a set of principles and mid-term strategic goals and develop its own value.
Written by Min-Hua Chiang. This article explores the potential impact of higher tariffs under the second Trump administration on Taiwan’s export-oriented economy. It argues that Taiwan’s manufacturing industry remains resilient with its history of coping with changing geopolitical relations. It could even encourage Taiwan’s companies to invest overseas.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article discusses how can Taiwan responds to Trump’s election better than in 2016. Although the structural conditions remain the same, Taiwan may seek to reassure Trump on security, trade and industrial policy. Taiwan also needs a strategy to forge regional and international links to mitigate the uncertainty of a second Trump presidency.
Written by Gerrit van der Wees. This article explores what Donald Trump’s election victory means for Taiwan, including reviewing Trump’s previous positions towards Taiwan and his potential appointments in the new administration. Future US-Taiwan-China relations will be determined by Trump’s views and inclinations and the views and attitudes of his lieutenants.
Written by Jonathan Leung. This article examines the ideological transformation of the New Party through its theme song, The Earth Thunders. It argues that the party abandons the ROC identity and liberal ideologies and moves closer to China and Chinese nationalist sentiments. The slight modification of the lyrics portrays this counter-cultural move.
Written by Mark Gerard Murphy. This article reflects on the intersection of Chinese martial arts and nationalism in both Taiwan and Mainland China. It demonstrates how martial arts were closely tied to nationalist sentiments in different periods of history of both, but each followed distinct paths of development that reflected their respective cultural pride and national identity.
Taiwan Insight 