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 Stefan Vladisavljev and Damir Dizdarević. The Western Balkans face the challenge of balancing growing Chinese influence with the need for diversified and resilient partnerships to support their green transition. While limited by diplomatic constraints, Taiwan offers a strategic alternative through cooperation in clean energy and technology that aligns with democratic values and enhances supply chain security.
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 Jiun-Ru Chiang. This article examines the geopolitical constraints of Taiwan’s space development, exploring how China use political and economic power to shape broader geopolitical restraints in order to obstruct Taiwan’s space development. While struggling in space development and international cooperation, Taiwan must pursue a more calculated and diversified approach.
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.
Written by Jonathan Leung. This article examines the ideological transformation of the New Party through its theme song, The Earth Thunders. It argues that the party abandons the ROC identity and liberal ideologies and moves closer to China and Chinese nationalist sentiments. The slight modification of the lyrics portrays this counter-cultural move.
Taiwan Insight 