Written by Ian Murphy. This article critically examines infrastructure warfare and its application to the China-Taiwan conflict. Particularly, China’s development of the China-Kinmen water pipeline and the proposed Kinmen-Xiamen Bridge project raise concerns about its use of infrastructure as a tool of political coercion.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. Based on President Lai Ching-Te’s inaugural speech, this article argues that Lai is likely to adopt a ‘passive responsiveness’ approach when engaging with the Chinese government in the next four years. This is a continuation of President Tsai’s strategy on cross-strait relations, only responding firmly when the circumstances are pertinent.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This article analyses the fallacy logic of the narratives of international media on Taiwan-China relations, placing the onus on Taiwan to soothe China and avoid provocation. Democratic societies, it argues, should not let Beijing to have the power to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose red lines on Taiwan.
Written by Zhekai Li. This article analyses China’s naval expansion in the backdrop of President Lai’s inauguration. The author argues that the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier signifies a significant expansion of its naval capabilities and poses new challenge to the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. The future of Taiwan rests on restraint by all parties more than ever.
Written by Raian Hossain. This article analyses President Lai’s speech from geopolitical and domestic perspectives, focusing on democracy as a roadmap for Taiwan, Lai’s vision for cross-Strait relations and domestic agendas for Taiwan. It concludes that despite being bolder than Tsai in 2016, the speech was very status quo-maintained driven.
Written by Dolma Tsering. President Lai’s administration could mark a new beginning for Taiwan and exiled Tibetan relations by inviting the representatives of the Tibetan government in exile to attend the inauguration. This article reviews subtle changes that have been happening under the Tsai administration in its approach to dealing with Tibet and suggests reasons for optimism for positive relations under Lai.
Written by Huynh Tam Sang. This article reviews President Lai address’ focus on peace and democracy amidst multiple challenges facing the new president. In particular, the lack of majority in the Legislative Yuan could proved to be a barrier to unity in terms of domestic reforms and foreign policy. His experience and statecraft is demanded to navigate the early days of the administration.
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 Ian Murphy. This article introduces TAIDE, the Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine. TAIDE is Taiwan’s domestic project to build a large language model. It examines how, by investing in AI technology, Taiwan is not only aiming to reduce its reliance on external sources but also to protect itself from potential threats, particularly from China.
Written by Donna Wang Su. In this article, the author connects to the book Island X through her own journey as a second-generation Taiwanese American whose family lived through the era explored in the book. This article shares a personal story and invites conversation and participation in building a stronger community.
Written by Alex Yong Kang Chow. This article offers insights into the anti-imperial struggles of the Taiwanese and Hong Kong diasporas through the book Island X. This article contextualises the diaspora experiences historically through Cold War geopolitics and left-leaning activism since the 1970s.
Written by Wen Liu. This article highlights three major contributions of Wendy Cheng’s historically grounded book Island X, including the understanding of Taiwan through the US-China-Taiwan stance, the need for Asian American studies to incorporate geopolitical analysis and situating Taiwan in Asian American studies.
Taiwan Insight 