Written by Baosheng Guo. This article analyses Taiwan’s options in the face of Trump’s uncertain and unpredictable Taiwan policy. It suggests that Taiwan should urge the US to provide strategic clarity and strengthen its relationship with Europe. Taiwan should also weaponise the interdependence of its semiconductor industry with the US and prepare to restart its research and development of nuclear weapons.
Written by Nils Peterson. This article analyses the domestic challenge for the Lai administration’s foreign policy under a KMT-aligned Legislative Yuan. The divided government poses two potential hurdles: the risk of domestic gridlock and fights over defence appropriation funding. These challenges will require some degree of compromise between the KMT and the DPP, reinforced by the recent recall campaigns.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This article argues the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine cast a long shadow over America’s commitment elsewhere. The Taiwan issue does not just have strategic significance beyond Asia, it is also the defining test of the US commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order. Abandoning Taiwan undermines the credible deterrence of the US.
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 Fang-Yu Chen. This article examines how a potential second Trump presidency could reshape U.S.-Taiwan relations, highlighting that while core policies may remain stable, Trump’s transactional approach and rhetoric could affect bilateral ties and public perception. It also emphasizes that Taiwan must strengthen its multi-faceted diplomatic strategies to maintain international support for Taiwan Strait issues, regardless of U.S. leadership changes.
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 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 Brian Hioe. This article analyses the continuities of President Lai’s inaugural address both in terms of cross-Strait relations and domestic policies. The status quo, however, could potentially challenged by the uncertainties ahead, including the US presidential election in November and the growing political storm domestically.
Written by Timothy S. Rich and Miriam Dawson. With a delicate security situation due to its complex relationship with China, Taiwan must reevaluate its defensive capabilities, including military spending. However, such policies would not be without controversy, as public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Taiwan’s defence policies.
Written by Max Dixon. Liz Truss, MP for South West Norfolk and British Prime Minister for 44 days, visited Taiwan last week, between May 16th and May 20th, meeting with senior officials, including William Lai, the frontrunner to replace current President Tsai Ing-wen, and giving a keynote speech to the Prospect Foundation that called for a more stringent British approach to China. Ostensibly the visit of a former Prime Minister has been heralded as a coup for Taipei in emboldening the position of Taiwan in the global imagination amidst growing Chinese assertiveness; indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed Truss’ visit.
Taiwan Insight 