Written by Brian Hioe. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved a referendum on resuming operations for the recently shuttered Ma-anshan nuclear power plant, while rejecting a referendum on capital punishment. Although the KMT pushed for both referendums as part of its electoral strategy, it did not appeal to the general public with either referendum, perhaps reflecting weakness of the KMT at the local level.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. In an era where Chinese identity is increasingly politicised and weaponised by state actors, this article argues for a re-centring of Chineseness around civic virtue, cultural continuity, and ethical striving. Taiwan, by embracing freedom and cultural plurality, emerges as a living laboratory for a more inclusive, moral, and modern understanding of what it means to be Chinese today.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi Hsieh. This article asks the question of whether Trump’s tariffs on Taiwan signal a potential divergence of his foreign policy on cross-Strait relations. It argues that although the country needs to remain cautious, the long-term impact might be less severe than one expects. Recent developments suggest that the Trump administration has not altered its foreign policy.
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.
Taiwan and Japan use railway diplomacy to strengthen cultural and technological ties through heritage preservation, tourism, and smart rail innovation. Unlike China’s debt-driven projects, their approach prioritises sustainability and soft power. Expanding collaborations into Southeast Asia and integrating AI-driven rail systems will enhance their influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te faces a critical leadership test amid a budget standoff with an opposition-controlled legislature. Key defence cuts, including Taiwan’s submarine program, raise security concerns. Lai must balance strong leadership and negotiation to avoid political paralysis. Lessons from Taiwan’s political history offer guidance for effective crisis management.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article examines the similarities and differences of the partisan contestation in the Legislative Yuan between the recent crisis and the Chen Shui-bian era. It highlights the long-term structural weakness of the Pan-Blue camp that is working against its attempt to reshape Taiwan’s political system.
Written by Tang Meng Kit. Taiwan’s railway heritage, originating from its Japanese colonial past, has transformed into a vibrant symbol of soft power. Through thoughtfully curated museums, cultural events, and international collaborations, particularly with Japan, Taiwan weaves history and innovation into a compelling narrative. This approach not only nurtures cultural exchange and tourism but also reinforces Taiwan’s resilience and evolving national identity on the global stage.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article examines the domestic political turmoil in Taiwan in 2024, including corruption scandals for all three main parties and ongoing confrontation in the Legislature. However, it argues that these challenges have demonstrated the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy based on the evidence of its institutions, leadership and people.
Written by Dr Chieh-chi HSIEH. This article argues that the path dependencies of the Taiwanese, US, Japanese, and South Korean governments encountered a change of political leadership in 2024, which created some uncertainties for Taiwan in 2025. They are compounded by the conservative stance of President Lai Ching-te towards President Trump since the latter’s election.
Written by Brian Hioe. This article discusses how can Taiwan responds to Trump’s election better than in 2016. Although the structural conditions remain the same, Taiwan may seek to reassure Trump on security, trade and industrial policy. Taiwan also needs a strategy to forge regional and international links to mitigate the uncertainty of a second Trump presidency.
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.
Taiwan Insight 