Author: Yasuhiro Matsuda, The University of Tokyo

International politics surrounding Taiwan is quietly changing thanks to a rejuvenation in Japan–Taiwanese relations. But revitalised bilateral ties are likely to spell trouble for already rocky Sino–Japan relations. Read more…

Author: Sheryn Lee, Macquarie University

In March 2017, former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou was indicted on charges of leaking classified information in a 2013 wiretapping case. This makes Ma the third consecutive Taiwanese leader to face criminal charges after leaving office. This seemingly endemic corruption raises questions about how much progress Taiwan’s democratic consolidation has achieved. Read more…

Authors: Hubert Escaith, WTO, Satoshi Inomata, JETRO, and Sébastien Miroudot, OECD

As production activities became increasingly fragmented and relocated across borders, a number of observers started to use the expression ‘global value chain’ (GVC). The term is often used without knowing what a value chain really is or looks like. What is clear is that GVCs as they are usually described do not reflect the international production networks that we see around the world today. Read more…

Author: Mark Harrison, University of Tasmania

Taiwan’s geopolitical circumstances confer very particular meaning to its social and political life, but other, less internationally prominent issues hold real substance for the Taiwanese people. Read more…

Author: Sheryn Lee, Macquarie University

In January 2017, President Tsai Ing-wen completed her second tour of Latin America, visiting four diplomatic allies: Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. Tsai described the visit as ‘steadfast diplomacy based on mutual assistance for mutual benefits’. Read more…

Author: Sam Bateman, University of Wollongong

Just when the South China Sea seemed to have quietened down, two key players, China and the United States, have embarked on a series of provocative gestures. But the distrust between these major powers in the South China Sea inhibits their ability to deal with more serious issues in the region and the world at large. Read more…

Author: Sheryn Lee, Macquarie University

In 2016, the tone in Taiwan was set by the results of the 16 January elections. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led by Tsai Ing-wen won an historic election victory with a dominating landslide focused on socio-economic policies. But President Tsai is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Read more…