Taiwan Insight

Whose stratified reproduction? Disparities in Taiwanese gay men’s quest for overseas surrogacy

1 July 2024 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Jung Chen. This article begins by examining the current Assisted Reproductive Act in Taiwan. Its exclusion of Tongzhi couples’ leads many to seek transnational surrogacy services. Recognising the controversy surrounding the services in LGBTQ+ community, the author argues for ‘flexible moral boundaries’ to distinguish between ‘problematic’ and ‘ethical’ surrogacy practices.

Chiang Must Fall? Why Lai Ching-te Won’t Topple Chiang Kai-shek

28 June 2024 Chee-Hann Wu

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.

Taiwan: Business and Human Rights on the Margins of the UN System

26 June 2024 Chee-Hann Wu

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.

The Rise and Fall of Chánzú: A Short History of Footbinding in Taiwan

24 June 2024 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Kate Allanson Conlon. This article traces the early development of women’s footbinding in the 18th century and subsequent ban during Japanese colonial period. As a tradition, footbinding has historical significance, demonstrating how distinct temporalities that viewed and treated women and their bodily freedom.

Beyond Majority Rule: Indigenous Perspectives on Taiwan’s Legislative Controversies

20 June 2024 Yu-Chen

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.

Manga? BL? Kpop? — How Fans Protest

19 June 2024 Yu-Chen

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.

Advancing the New Wave of the People Power in Taiwan: Justifying the Bluebird Action

18 June 2024 Yu-Chen

Written by Alan H. Yang. In May 2024, up to 100,000 people protested on Qingdao East Road, Taipei, against amendments to the Act Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power, arguing these changes could expand legislative authority and undermine democracy. The protests saw significant involvement from the younger generation and led to the “Bluebird Action,” which leveraged digital technology for mobilisation.

In the Shadow of the Sunflowers: The Bluebird Movement and the “China Factor”

17 June 2024 Yu-Chen

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 politicians’ zero-sum mentality is the island democracy’s greatest burden

14 June 2024 Yu-Chen

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.

More than the China Factor: Discussing Recent Legislature Protests through “Grandparents’ Topping-up Participation”

13 June 2024 Yu-Chen

Written by Dung-Shiu Yu. The Bluebird Movement in Taiwan, protesting against legislative reforms, has gained international attention. This article highlights a powerful display of intergenerational support and grassroots activism, the “grandparents’ topping-up participation.”

From Wild Lily to Bluebird: Tracing Taiwan’s Protests and Democratic Milestones

12 June 2024 Yu-Chen

Ｗritten by Min-Yuan Hung. This article explores the evolution of democracy in Taiwan through key protest movements, highlighting that protecting the democratic way of life is a critical motivation for citizen activism in Taiwan. This narrative is essential to the Bluebird Movement and should not be overlooked.