Written by Meng Kit Tang. This article explores the evolving debate over Taiwanese identity, contrasting two models: the rejectionist approach and the redefinition model. It examines the implications of each model for domestic cohesion, diplomacy, and national resilience, arguing that a redefinition approach provides Taiwan with a stronger foundation to navigate internal polarisation and external pressures.
Written by Manoj Kumar Panigrahi. This article begins with Philippine President Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to India. It highlights the new bilateral agreements, investment, and his remarks on Taiwan that provoked Chinese and Taiwanese responses. The author then provides a critical examination of the India-China and India-Taiwan relationships, particularly situating Taiwan at the center of evolving regional security and economic dynamics.
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 Meng Kit Tang. This article explores a different kind of diplomacy in Taiwan-China relations. When people-to-people contact is grounded in transparency and democratic safeguards, it becomes strategic. This article argues that Taiwan should shape engagement to build trust, defuse propaganda and complement hard deterrence with soft resilience.
Written by Yenting Lin. This article examines the misinterpretation and misuse of UN Resolution 2758, which defines China’s representation in the UN but not the status of Taiwan. But it has been used by Beijing to endorse the “One China Policy”. Pushback against China’s interpretation has begun to emerge in recent years as Taiwan’s contributions to international society are recognised.
Written by Hsiao-Chen Lin. The article examines how South Asia’s recent strategic developments, particularly Pakistan’s use of integrated C4ISR systems, offer crucial insights for Taiwan’s defense. It highlights China’s export of integrated warfare doctrines and Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its resilience through defence reforms, societal readiness, and strategic realignment amidst evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Written by Sana Hashmi. This article discusses how the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict served as a critical case study for Taiwan, especially concerning a potential Chinese invasion. The author argues that China’s indirect support for Pakistan during the conflict allowed Beijing to test limited war scenarios, grey-zone tactics, and cognitive warfare strategies, mirroring Taiwan’s own strategic environment. This highlights Taiwan’s need to diversify its defense partnerships and enhance its resilience against disinformation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has diverged since 1949: mainland China standardized it into a state-controlled system for nationalist purposes, while Taiwan developed a more diverse, pluralistic approach that preserves multiple interpretive traditions. Both claim authentic Chinese heritage, but represent fundamentally different visions of how tradition should function in modern society.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. This commentary explores how Bruce Lee’s legacy offers a compelling, non-political model for redefining Chinese identity in Taiwan. By reframing Chinese identity as values-based, Lee serves as a bridge across generations, borders, and political divides. The article proposes civic and youth-centred initiatives that leverage Lee’s enduring appeal to foster intergenerational confidence, cross-cultural empathy, and peaceful dialogue in the Taiwan Strait.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, military deterrence has become the dominant narrative. This article argues that renewed dialogue, economic pragmatism, and people-to-people exchanges are equally vital for long-term stability. Drawing on historical precedents and current developments, it outlines practical pathways to reduce risks and rebuild trust.
Written by Wen-Qing (Sarah) Jiang. This article studies the increasing use of cognitive tactics in information operations by China and Russia. The internal political polarisation makes Taiwan and the EU especially vulnerable to these campaigns. The article contrasts the responses of Taiwan and Transnistria to cognitive warfare, highlighting the importance of a resilient government and a vibrant civil society.
Written by Tang Meng Kit. Teresa Teng’s music transcended borders, offering a lesson in unity amid rising nationalism in Taiwan and China. Her banned songs influenced Chinese soldiers to defect and challenged state-controlled narratives. Her legacy proves that cultural identity can bridge divides, showing that soft power remains a vital force in geopolitics.
Taiwan Insight 