Written by Mark Gerard Murphy. This article reflects on the intersection of Chinese martial arts and nationalism in both Taiwan and Mainland China. It demonstrates how martial arts were closely tied to nationalist sentiments in different periods of history of both, but each followed distinct paths of development that reflected their respective cultural pride and national identity.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This articles argues that China has been exploiting the Olympic Games for its nationalism and as a battleground to squash Taiwan’s national status. It demonstrates how Taiwan stands as a stark contrast to China through embodying the values of the Olympic Games, including sportsmanship and resolving conflicts through mutual understanding.
Written by Marcus P. Chu. This article reviews Taiwan’s journey of participation in the Olympics, from the representation of the ROC to Chinese Taipei. It highlights the Nagoya Resolution and Lausanne Agreement as fundamental to Taiwan’s participation. Such a formula is challenged by recent ongoing demands for name rectification, which raises questions about Taiwan’s future in the Olympics.
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 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.
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 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.
Taiwan Insight 