Written by Wasiq Silan. This article critiques the superficial integration of Indigenous perspectives within Taiwan’s multiculturalist policy framework, arguing for a transformative approach that prioritises Indigenous knowledge systems in long-term care policies. Highlighting the idea of “weaving knowledge,” it seeks to recentre Indigenous onto epistemologies and challenge the deep-rooted colonial present.
Written by Yulia Nesterova. Although Taiwan has made remarkable progress in transforming into a flourishing multicultural democracy over the past three decades, it still faces challenges in fully decolonising its multicultural vision. Focusing on education policies, this article highlights the need for further actions to address historical injustices and reconciliation.
Written by Yu-Ching Kuo and Chun-Yi Lee. With limited access to the physical public sphere, the COVID-19 pandemic has made digital democracy more vital than ever. This article examines the challenges and opportunities of its adaptation in post-pandemic Taiwan, especially on the relationship between digital protection and citizens’ privacy.
Written by Uma Baron. Taiwan has long been recognised as an international beacon for LGBTQ+ rights. This article analyses the existing diplomatic power and future potential of Tongzhi diplomacy as part of the agenda of preserving and expanding Taiwan’s presence in international spaces.
Written by Chen-Yu Lin. This article explores the shift in Taiwan’s music industry from a dominance of Mandopop, primarily in Mandarin Chinese, to embracing a diversity of languages in music, reflecting broader socio-political changes and democratisation efforts. It highlights the role of evolving policies and indie music production in promoting multilingualism and local culture.
Written by Chee-Hann Wu. 2023 was a fruitful year for Taiwan’s arts and cultural events. This article focuses on significant events in Taiwan’s arts and cultural industries in 2023, such as theatrical performances and exhibitions, alongside related changes to cultural policy and difficulties faced by the publishing industry.
Written by Yo-Ling Chen. 2023 was a big year for Taiwan’s transgender rights movement. This article traces important legal cases regarding transgender rights in 2023, and explores how the growing public visibility of transgender issues and legal consensus around the need to abolish compulsory surgery for changing one’s legal gender play in the aftermath of the 2024 elections.
Written by Yu-Chen Chuang. In 2023, Taiwanese society faced numerous instances of discrimination against Indigenous peoples. This article points out the critical need to envision an education system that not only acknowledges but actively commits to healing the wounds of settler colonialism.
Written by You-Hao Lai. Taiwan’s civil society played a critical role in countering disinformation during the 2024 election. This article details civil groups’ ongoing efforts in protecting Taiwan’s democracy from outside influences and the rising challenge of AI-generated disinformation.
Written by JhuCin Rita Jhang, Ph.D. The 2024 Taiwanese presidential election has garnered substantial international attention due to the ever-intricate US-Taiwan-China relationship. However, this election means more to the Taiwanese than just how they want to engage with China. Contrarily, domestic issues carried much more weight than usual, including housing prices, economic policies, transportation infrastructure, and, for the first time in the centre of the competition, the Assisted Reproductive Act (ARA).
Written by Chen-yu Lin. On December 28, 2023, Reuters and CNN reported a disconcerting incident involving Mayday, a Taiwanese rock band, who found themselves entangled in a request from Chinese authorities to make pro-Beijing statements. As reported by CNN, the authorities demanded a public statement affirming the unity of China and Taiwan as a single nation. The band’s refusal to comply resulted in consequences related to alleged lip-synching, which is referred to as “deceptive singing (假唱)” in Chinese. This accusation carries the potential for fines or even performance bans under Chinese law. These developments stemmed from their December concert in Shanghai and are potentially connected to Taiwan’s presidential election in January 2024, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Written by Dominika Remžová. The Russian weaponisation of gas supplies has sparked a renewed interest in Taiwan’s energy security, placing the DPP’s anti-nuclear policies at the centre of attention. On the one hand, both energy and national security experts have criticised the DPP’s continuing nuclear phase-out for pushing Taiwan, which in 2022 imported more than 97% of its energy, into an increasingly precarious position. The opposition, on the other hand, has criticised the party’s 2025 energy mix formula (i.e., 20% renewable energy, 30% coal, and 50% LNG) for its inconsistency with international trends, namely the increasing role of nuclear energy in global decarbonisation efforts, which the DPP countered by referring to industry-wide trends, such as the renewable energy focus of the RE100 initiative, instead.
Taiwan Insight 