Cybersecurity and National Security in Taiwan and Japan

Written by Margaret Siu and Tommy Hall. In an era where digital technology permeates every aspect of our lives, national security strategies increasingly hinge on robust cybersecurity measures. This is particularly evident in the approaches of Taiwan and Japan, two democratic governments at the forefront of integrating advanced technological defences against emerging digital threats. The evolving cybersecurity strategies of Taiwan and Japan are not merely reactive measures to emerging threats but are emblematic of broader global trends where digital security is inextricably linked to political stability. Their experiences offer vital insights for other governments grappling with similar challenges, emphasising the importance of agility, technological innovation, and international cooperation in crafting national security strategies for an interconnected digital world.

Digital Governance Perspectives for Taiwanese and Japanese Civil Society

Written by Tommy Hall and Margaret Siu. In the digital age, politics and technology are more intertwined than ever, especially in East Asia. With nations like Taiwan wrestling with the balance between free speech and foreign interference and Japan pivoting towards advanced tech solutions for national security, the right balance remains elusive, and the stakes perennial. By exploring these critical intersections between online spaces and national politics, this work spotlights the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these East Asian democracies, as well as connecting the East Asian experience to the world at large.

Hong Kong’s National Security Law 3 years on – Taiwan should build a defence

Written by Michael MO. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy struggle was a hot-button issue in 2020’s Taiwan presidential election campaign. Both President Tsai and former head of Executive Yuan Su Tseng-chang took the city as a case in their speeches to remind the Taiwanese to defend the island and not turn Taiwan into another Hong Kong. Three years on, specific policies to guard the country against the potential legal and political harassment from the extraterritorial application of the NSL remain non-existent. While the issues of Hong Kong may no longer be a concern in the presidential race, the need to build a robust defence to protect Taiwanese interests in Hong Kong should still be on the political agenda of the island.

Under The Radar: How Taiwan Compares to Sexism in the East

Written by Zoe Parrott. There is no doubt that, as three examples of major developed East Asian countries, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong are able to boast of countless laudable achievements. Furthermore, compared to other countries, all of these nations have impressive Human Development Indexes, ranking higher than the United States. However, there is one aspect of each of these nations that often flies under the radar – the infamous gender inequity these nations are characterised by. For concrete examples, look no further than DJSoda, who was sexually assaulted during her show in Osaka, Johnny Kitagawa, who, for decades, dangled “the price of stardom” as an explanation for his sexual abuse, and the four undergraduates who were sexually harassed and/or raped by their older 28-year-old peer at the Education University of Hong Kong.  However, there seems to be one outlier among its peers – Taiwan, otherwise known as the Republic of China.

Unveiling Contemporary Taiwan Identity: What Lesson can we Learn from Dcard’s Responses on the Hong Kong Immigration Wave?

Written by Cheuk Kwan Lau. In January 2023, a BBC news article brought attention to the challenges faced by Hong Kongers who migrated to Taiwan. The news pointed out that Hong Kongers who migrated to Taiwan face institutional obstacles when applying for citizenship. Immigration laws in Taiwan were claimed to be outdated. The migrated Hong Kongers could legally inhabit Taiwan, yet they did not enjoy citizenship and civil rights.  

Instead of exploring the various institutional obstacles they face, this article takes a unique approach by examining the perceptions of the Taiwanese young generation regarding the influx of Hong Kong immigrants. It aims to uncover the contemporary Taiwanese identity constructed by this demographic, previously seen as a strong ally of Hong Kong protestors during the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Movement.

Colonial Nostalgia and the Delegitimisation of Pro-democracy Forces in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Written by Zeng Ee Liew. The term ‘colonial nostalgia’, or 戀殖 (lian zhi), has appeared more and more since the 2000s in the discourse used by Mainland China to describe the politicians or activists who advocate for democracy or even independence in both Taiwan and Hong Kong. Very often, those democracy or independence activists will be described as ‘traitors’ who still harbour lingering love or affection and pander to the former Western or Japanese colonial power and fail to show full patriotic love to the motherland. The use of such discourse can be seen from the lens of a broader effort by the Chinese government to delegitimise those pro-democracy activists, which will be explored further in this article.

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