Written by Chien-Ping Liu. This article examines how transnational marriage migration has reshaped Taiwan’s demographic and civic landscape since the 1990s. It traces the shift from stigmatisation to multicultural recognition through grassroots advocacy and state developmental agendas. While bottom-up movements advanced inclusion, state-led multiculturalism often instrumentalised difference, reproducing class, gender, and geopolitical hierarchies within Taiwan’s immigrant integration discourse.
Written by Neeraj Mehra. This article discusses Taiwan’s untapped potential in India’s booming outbound tourism market, highlighting shared cultural ties, natural attractions, and democratic values. The author proposes that easing visas, improving air connectivity, boosting targeted marketing, and fostering educational exchanges may expand tourism, strengthen Taiwan’s soft power, and advance its New Southbound Policy goals.
Written by Rose Kuo and Rachel Levine. The article is the first in this special issue in collaboration with the Center for Taiwan Studies (CTS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It recapitulates a talk by Dr. Pei-Chia Lan, hosted by CTS. Focusing on children of immigrant marriage migrants and their children, Dr. Lan examines identity struggles, social stigma, and geopolitical impacts. Her research highlights Taiwan’s evolving multicultural landscape and advocates for inclusive policies that support immigrant families and promote societal integration.
Written by Ian Yi-Rong Su. Taiwan is enhancing its New Southbound Policy (NSP) in response to Chinese threats, focusing on sharing economy, technology, and youth empowerment. The NSP strengthens ties with ASEAN countries and promotes Taiwan’s role in global supply chains, especially in semiconductors. The upcoming NSP+ aims to further enhance international partnerships and Taiwan’s global presence.
Written by Chia-Yuan Huang. This article reviews the shift of the origins of international students in higher education in Taiwan from mainland China to Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia in the past few years. This could be attributed to the New Southbound Policy of the Tsai Ing-wen’s administration. This trend calls for more targeted admission policies and internships and job opportunities.
Written by Yi-Yu Lai. In the name of promoting multiculturalism in Taiwan, the new second generation is anticipated to utilise their intercultural ability to serve as a bridge between Taiwan and Southeast Asia. This article highlights that the assumption has caused increased anxiety among the new second generation if they are unable to prove their competence. It has also erased the internal disparities and the actual daily experiences of the individuals, making the historical injustice and their own agendas invisible.
