Written by Eason Leung. This article examines the unofficial diplomacy of Taiwan in Eastern Europe. It identifies a flexible approach of Taiwan in dealing with various Eastern European nations – deepening ties with friendly nations such as Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic, while seeking trade and investments opportunities for countries with closer ties with China like Hungary.
Written by Ping-Yang Chao. This article examines China’s Grey Zone Conflict strategy employed since the Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency. These incursions became more frequent and intensive particularly after the visit of former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi. China is attempting to establish a “new normal” and intimidate Taiwan without triggering war and international intervention.
Written by Jeremiah Reyes. This article highlights Taiwan’s strategy to gain diplomatic recognition, including dollar diplomacy, participation in international organisations and value-based diplomacy. It argues value-based diplomacy seems to be the most impactful especially when China becomes more hawkish. Taiwan’s experience offers lessons for other contested states.
Written by Mariah Thornton. This article presents an optimistic case for Taiwan-UK relations under the new government. Labour’s holistic view of security offers room for Taiwan to provide valuable technical insight and support. The new administration’s refreshed security commitments and Keir Starmer’s personal experience of visiting Taiwan will inform the government’s policy towards Taiwan.
Written by Joshua Wilkes. This article focuses on the UK’s interest in stability across the Taiwan Strait in terms of defence and security. It examines two UK’s security partnerships in the region, AUKUS and GCAP, and how they are impacted by, and impact onto, Taiwan. Taipei should notice the circumstances and work to provide a more compelling environment for Taiwan-UK ties to flourish.
Written by Gray Sergeant. Although continuity is likely to dominate when it comes to HM government’s core cross-Strait positions, there is wide scope for the new Labour government to expand UK-Taiwan ties and support peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, there is still uncertainty hanging over the UK’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security, subject to the China audit and defence review.
Written by Andrew Yeh. This article argues that the new UK government should turn its attention to China’s escalating greyzone tactics against Taiwan, from large-scale military drills to cyber-attacks and coercive economic diplomacy. The UK and its allies should raise the cost of PRC’s aggressions, strengthen Taiwan’s resilience and work with allies to reaffirm the international rules-based order.
Written by Max Dixon. This article argues that dealing with Taiwan is central to the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s notion of progressive realism, including its security commitment to Japan and South Korea, to the AUKUS pact and economic commitment to the CPTPP. Though Labour is conventionally focused on relations with Europe, the Taiwan issue is increasingly inevitable in the British approach to the Indo-Pacific.
Written by Michael Reilly. This article argues that any marked shift in British policy towards Taiwan seems unlikely with the change in government because foreign policy has always been largely bipartisan. There are many more pressing priorities than Taiwan and therefore the initiative for further developing bilateral relations lies with Taiwan.
Written by Bonny Ling. This article is republished from the Business Human Rights Journal. It examines the recent public consultation, conducted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, about the draft guidelines of Taiwanese enterprises on respecting human rights in the supply chain.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article compares the Bluebird Movement to the 2014 Sunflower Movement, emphasizing how both large-scale protests were fundamentally driven by concerns over China’s influence rather than purely about domestic issues.
Written by Gunter Schubert. On May 20, Lai Ching-te became the fifth popularly elected president of the Republic of China, facing numerous challenges as Taiwan’s legislature’s lack of compromise hampers effective policymaking and risks paralysis. This article emphasizes the need for a culture of compromise and responsible political competition in Taiwan’s democracy.
Taiwan Insight 