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.
Written by Jasper Roctus. This article revisits a rare moment of bipartisanship from two decades ago when the DPP’s incumbent president Chen Shui-bian met with the PFP leader James Soong. The meeting offers insights into the possibilities and limits of political reconciliation in Taiwan in 2025. Even politically opposed figures can agree to embrace greater tolerance and goodwill.
Written by Max Dixon. This article examines the AI model DeepSeek’s perspective on Taiwan, which essentially undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty and distinct history. DeepSeek adheres strictly to Chinese Communist Party’s views, undermining historical complexities and potentially influencing international understanding of Taiwan’s status, posing risks for future discourse.
Written by Chen-Dong Tso. This article reviews the cross-Strait strategy of the Biden administration after President Lai characterised the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as “mutual non-subordination”. The administration adopted a nuanced approach of both restraint and support, which the incoming Trump administration might not follow.
Written by Karen Huang. This article explores the growing use of PRC terms in Taiwan Mandarin and the social reactions to this trend. While some Taiwanese view this trend as a natural result of language contact, others perceive these terms as a form of cultural invasion. The debate among Taiwanese netizens reflects broader concerns about cultural identity, political influence from China, and the implications for younger generations in Taiwan.
Written by Weixiang Wang. This article examines how nationalistic Chinese key opinion leaders and pro-Beijing Taiwanese influencers contribute to negative public perceptions of Taiwan in China. It highlights their role in shaping narratives that not only worsen opinions of Taiwan but also increase tolerance for hardline, possibly military, actions toward Taiwan.
