Written by YouHao Lai and Gahon Chiang. This article explores the procedural and substantive controversies of the unprecedented budget cuts and their impact on Taiwan’s government and national security, ad what might come next. The cuts disrupt the core government’s functions and policy implementation and efforts to strengthen its self-defence. It is a test of national will to ensure Taiwan’s long-term security.
Written by Chieh-Ting Yeh. This article argues the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine cast a long shadow over America’s commitment elsewhere. The Taiwan issue does not just have strategic significance beyond Asia, it is also the defining test of the US commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order. Abandoning Taiwan undermines the credible deterrence of the US.
Written by Jacques deLisle. Amidst the focus on potential radical impact under the second Trump administration, this article examines some fundamental trends and challenges in US-Taiwan relations and US-China-Taiwan dynamics. The longstanding US policy of strategic ambiguity is becoming increasingly harder to hold and Taiwan’s capacity to navigate is waning.
Written by Dominika Remžová and Dominika Urhová. The article begins with the modernisation of China’s military and its implications for Taiwan’s defense strategies. It emphasises the need for Taiwan to adopt asymmetric warfare approaches amid increasing Chinese military pressures and to reform its armed forces. Taiwan’s reliance on its critical semiconductor industry is also highlighted, showcasing its strategic importance.
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 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.
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 Zhekai Li. This article analyses China’s naval expansion in the backdrop of President Lai’s inauguration. The author argues that the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier signifies a significant expansion of its naval capabilities and poses new challenge to the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. The future of Taiwan rests on restraint by all parties more than ever.
Written by Ian Murphy. This article introduces TAIDE, the Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine. TAIDE is Taiwan’s domestic project to build a large language model. It examines how, by investing in AI technology, Taiwan is not only aiming to reduce its reliance on external sources but also to protect itself from potential threats, particularly from China.
Taiwan Insight 