Written by Charles Mok and Dr Kenny Huang. This article examines Taiwan’s critical reliance on its undersea cable system for digital resilience in the face of potential blockades and disruptions. It emphasises the need for Taiwan to enhance its strategy by expanding partnerships to position itself as a regional “transfer station” for digital traffic while fostering investment and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen its connectivity infrastructure.
Written by Yi-Ting Chung. Taiwan faces significant challenges amid global tensions. At the 2024 NATSA conference, FAPA discussed grassroots advocacy to enhance US-Taiwan relations, addressing misconceptions and emphasising bipartisan support. They stressed the need for long-term commitment to effectively promote Taiwan’s democracy and human rights.
Written by Dah-Wei (David) Yih. This article describes a workshop hosted at the NATSA conference that aimed to empower participants to communicate Taiwan’s significance to American audiences. The workshop emphasised Taiwan’s multifaceted importance to the United States, ranging from economic and geopolitical ties to shared democratic values and technological cooperation. It used interactive activities and facilitated discussions to help attendees understand why Taiwan matters and how to communicate this understanding to others effectively.
Written by Panchen Lo, Pei-Chen Cheng, and Ssu-chieh Jessica Fan (University of Texas, Austin). This article details a panel discussion at the NATSA conference featuring three scholars who discussed the experiences and identities of Taiwanese Americans. The panel focused on the intersection of Cold War geopolitics, class, and the complicated process of identity formation. It critically examined how historical context, class, and racial narratives have shaped the lives and experiences of Taiwanese Americans.
Written by Jess Marinaccio. This article examines the 53rd Leaders Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum, taking place from 26 to 30 August 2024. It highlights the several controversies that Taiwan was embroiled in during the Meeting, particularly in regard to Taiwan’s position as a PIF “development partner” despite objections from China.
Written by Elizabeth Frost. This article highlights Taiwan’s unfulfilled potential to gain international recognition through climate action. One possible reason is the gap between its impressive climate commitments and ineffective governance to make these commitments a reality. Effective climate governance can help Taiwan achieve its aim like other issue-based diplomacy.
Written by Eason Leung. This article examines the unofficial diplomacy of Taiwan in Eastern Europe. It identifies a flexible approach of Taiwan in dealing with various Eastern European nations – deepening ties with friendly nations such as Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic, while seeking trade and investments opportunities for countries with closer ties with China like Hungary.
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 Belinda Han. This article studies the fan community of the Japanese webcomic Hetalia: Axis Powers in both Taiwan and China. It explores how the fandom of the Taiwanese character, Wan-Niang, interprets and retells historical and political message, acts as a field where emotions and identities jumbled.
Written by Jeremiah Reyes. This article highlights Taiwan’s strategy to gain diplomatic recognition, including dollar diplomacy, participation in international organisations and value-based diplomacy. It argues value-based diplomacy seems to be the most impactful especially when China becomes more hawkish. Taiwan’s experience offers lessons for other contested states.
Written by Hon-min Yau. This article examines Taiwan’s recent development and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). Sensing the incoming grand trend of AI development, Taiwan’s “Year 0” for AI came in 2017. At the time, AI-enabled devices such as smart speakers or smart TVs have been the focus of the consumer market, but other emerging AI-enabled services in fields such as object recognition, medical diagnosis, customer service, and vehicle self-driving were seen by Taiwan as new economic opportunities for Taiwan’s development.
Written by Mariah Thornton. This article presents an optimistic case for Taiwan-UK relations under the new government. Labour’s holistic view of security offers room for Taiwan to provide valuable technical insight and support. The new administration’s refreshed security commitments and Keir Starmer’s personal experience of visiting Taiwan will inform the government’s policy towards Taiwan.
Taiwan Insight 