Written by Joshua Wilkes. This article focuses on the UK’s interest in stability across the Taiwan Strait in terms of defence and security. It examines two UK’s security partnerships in the region, AUKUS and GCAP, and how they are impacted by, and impact onto, Taiwan. Taipei should notice the circumstances and work to provide a more compelling environment for Taiwan-UK ties to flourish.
Written by Gray Sergeant. Although continuity is likely to dominate when it comes to HM government’s core cross-Strait positions, there is wide scope for the new Labour government to expand UK-Taiwan ties and support peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, there is still uncertainty hanging over the UK’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security, subject to the China audit and defence review.
Written by Andrew Yeh. This article argues that the new UK government should turn its attention to China’s escalating greyzone tactics against Taiwan, from large-scale military drills to cyber-attacks and coercive economic diplomacy. The UK and its allies should raise the cost of PRC’s aggressions, strengthen Taiwan’s resilience and work with allies to reaffirm the international rules-based order.
Written by Max Dixon. This article argues that dealing with Taiwan is central to the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s notion of progressive realism, including its security commitment to Japan and South Korea, to the AUKUS pact and economic commitment to the CPTPP. Though Labour is conventionally focused on relations with Europe, the Taiwan issue is increasingly inevitable in the British approach to the Indo-Pacific.
Written by Michael Reilly. This article argues that any marked shift in British policy towards Taiwan seems unlikely with the change in government because foreign policy has always been largely bipartisan. There are many more pressing priorities than Taiwan and therefore the initiative for further developing bilateral relations lies with Taiwan.
Written by Sheng-Hui Tseng. The workplace of politics, permeated by a culture of silence and cover-up, creates a hostile work environment for women that hinders them from seeking help or speaking out against sexual harassment. Breaking this culture requires the collective efforts of politicians, political parties, and the public.
Written by Sheng-Hui Tseng. The #MeToo movement in 2023 prompted revisions to gender equality laws, incorporating key changes such as broadening the scope of these laws, defining power-abused sexual harassment, and extending the timeframe for filing complaints. However, challenges in the workplace of politics persist due to deep-rooted patriarchal culture and informal power dynamics.
Written by Dominika Remžová. This article is republished from chinaobservers.eu. The article traces Taiwan’s 228 Incident, White Terror and transitional justice, and critically examines the challenges Lai administration will face in regard to human rights, democratic transitions and pursuit of transitional justice.
Written by Bonny Ling. This article is republished from the Business Human Rights Journal. It examines the recent public consultation, conducted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, about the draft guidelines of Taiwanese enterprises on respecting human rights in the supply chain.
Written by Dominika Remžová. This article examines the recent Bluebird Movement in Taiwan, sparked by controversial legislative amendments pushed by the pan-Blue majority. Drawing parallels to the 2014 Sunflower Movement, it discusses the implications for Taiwan’s democracy, legislative transparency, and the balance of power between political factions.
Written by the Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association; translated by Yu-Chen Chuang. This article highlights the involvement of Indigenous rights advocacy groups in the Bluebird Movement. They call for Indigenous legislators to prioritise their communities’ rights, foster cross-party collaboration, and address the electoral system’s challenges that hinder effective Indigenous political participation.
Written by Chee-Hann Wu. During the Bluebird Movement, demonstrators used diverse, creative, and aesthetically pleasing signs that referenced pop culture to convey political messages and advocate for democracy.
Taiwan Insight 