Written by Jess Marinaccio. This article examines how Taiwan’s post-1949 expansion into Pacific fisheries, amid shifting maritime laws and Pacific decolonisation, led to frequent illegal fishing incidents. These disputes complicated diplomatic ties, engaged both allies and non-recognisers of the ROC, mobilised diaspora communities, and entrenched fisheries, both legal and illegal, as central to Taiwan-Pacific relations.
Written by Bright Isle. This article argues that the true value of Taiwan’s democracy is to be the future of Chinese civilisation, in contrast to the authoritarian CCP. Taiwan demonstrates Confucian values in its political leadership and civic education. However, Taiwan’s democracy has to be constantly defended, including deepening democratic governance and strengthening national defence.
Written by Ritika Passi. The article discusses the weaponisation of different chokepoints, using the India-Pakistan water dispute as a case study. It applies these insights to Taiwan, underscoring its vulnerabilities in the Taiwan Strait for trade and subsea cables for data. The author emphasises the need for Taiwan to enhance its economic security and resilience against potential disruptions.
Written by Hsiao-Chen Lin. The article examines how South Asia’s recent strategic developments, particularly Pakistan’s use of integrated C4ISR systems, offer crucial insights for Taiwan’s defense. It highlights China’s export of integrated warfare doctrines and Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its resilience through defence reforms, societal readiness, and strategic realignment amidst evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
Written by Sana Hashmi. This article discusses how the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict served as a critical case study for Taiwan, especially concerning a potential Chinese invasion. The author argues that China’s indirect support for Pakistan during the conflict allowed Beijing to test limited war scenarios, grey-zone tactics, and cognitive warfare strategies, mirroring Taiwan’s own strategic environment. This highlights Taiwan’s need to diversify its defense partnerships and enhance its resilience against disinformation.
Written by Sameer Patil. This article discusses how the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict unveiled a new chapter of cyber warfare and cognitive warfare. As the two nations exchanged conventional blows, an intense battle simultaneously unfolded in cyberspace, targeting digital infrastructure and spreading disinformation. Pakistan aggressively launched cyberattacks and propaganda, while India largely adopted a retaliatory and defensive cyber posture. This highlights the critical and evolving role of cyberspace in modern conflicts and offers key lessons for Taiwan regarding cybersecurity and countering disinformation.
Written by Mei-chuan Wei. This article examines the recent India-Pakistan conflict’s implications for Taiwan, highlighting the importance of developing advanced defence systems like data links and integrated air defence. It underscores the critical need for Taiwan to bolster public awareness of security threats and cultivate an unwavering will to resist potential Chinese aggression, viewing these as crucial for national defence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has diverged since 1949: mainland China standardized it into a state-controlled system for nationalist purposes, while Taiwan developed a more diverse, pluralistic approach that preserves multiple interpretive traditions. Both claim authentic Chinese heritage, but represent fundamentally different visions of how tradition should function in modern society.
Written by Maisnam Arnapal. This article explores EX-Theatre Asia’s rise as a hub of intercultural performance since its founding in 2006. Blending diverse Asian traditions through its “Theatre of Essence,” the company redefines Asian identity and globalisation. It highlights Taiwan’s growing cultural influence and EX-Theatre’s role in shaping global conversations on performance.
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 Yu-Jui (Ray) Cheng. This article discusses how the Chiayi Youth Project revitalises Taiwan’s Chiayi City by empowering young people through cultural events and innovation competitions. The project fosters local engagement, creativity and identity. With rising youth participation and a growing population, it allows a repositioning of Chiayi as a vibrant, youth-friendly city amid national demographic challenges.
Written by Stefan Vladisavljev and Damir Dizdarević. The Western Balkans face the challenge of balancing growing Chinese influence with the need for diversified and resilient partnerships to support their green transition. While limited by diplomatic constraints, Taiwan offers a strategic alternative through cooperation in clean energy and technology that aligns with democratic values and enhances supply chain security.
Taiwan Insight 