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Although China’s ambition to gain control of Taiwan is clear, doing so through force would prove enormously difficult and costly.
Jun 12, 2024
Although China’s ambition to gain control of Taiwan is clear, doing so through force would prove enormously difficult and costly.
Jun 12, 2024
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A U.S.-China Cold War, With Robin NiblettSir Robin Niblett, distinguished fellow at Chatham House, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss a potential second Cold War between the United States and China.
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Taiwan’s Trump ConundrumTaiwan should not dismiss Donald Trump’s recent comments about the island.
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U.S.-China RelationsThe United States and China have one of the world’s most important and complex bilateral relationships. Since 1949, the countries have experienced periods of both tension and cooperation over issues including trade, climate change, and Taiwan.
Experts in this Region
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Why China Would Struggle to Invade TaiwanAlthough China’s ambition to gain control of Taiwan is clear, doing so through force would prove enormously difficult and costly.
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Iran’s Succession Woes, ICC Angers Israel, South Africa’s Election, and MoreIran’s regime carefully vets candidates for new presidential elections after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash; Israeli leadership reacts to the International Criminal Court (ICC) request for warrants to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant; South Africa prepares for a general election that could contest the ruling African National Congress’ long-standing majority; and Taiwan inaugurates Lai Ching-te as the new president, aggravating China.
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Analyzing Lai Ching-te’s Inaugural Address: More Continuity Than DifferenceIn his inaugural address, Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te signaled broad continuity on cross-strait issues. China, however, is likely to respond with increased pressure.
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Taiwan’s Democracy Is Thriving in China’s ShadowDespite China’s growing pressure, Taiwan has developed one of the world’s strongest democracies—one that will be increasingly tested in the coming years.
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Onshoring Semiconductor Production: National Security Versus Economic EfficiencyPolicymakers are increasingly concerned by the U.S.’s dependence on Taiwanese semiconductors. Is onshoring their production to the U.S.—a goal of the CHIPS and Science Act—a practical path forward?
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China and Russia: Exploring Ties Between Two Authoritarian PowersChina and Russia have expanded trade and defense ties over the past decade, but they’re not formal allies. Experts say Russia’s war in Ukraine could be a turning point in the relationship.
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Taiwan’s 2024 Election Outcomes: Balancing Domestic Challenges and International RelationsThis blog post originated from a recent discussion by Professor Syaru Shirley Lin in the Winston Lord Roundtable Series on Asia, the Rule of Law, and U.S. Foreign Policy, where she debriefed the recent Taiwan elections.
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Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So TenseDifferences over Taiwan’s status have fueled rising tensions between the island and the mainland. Taiwan has the potential to be a flash point in U.S.-China relations.
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Virtual Roundtable: Debriefing the Taiwan Elections With Syaru Shirley LinThe closely watched 2024 Taiwan presidential election recently concluded with the winning of Lai Ching-te, current vice president of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. In the legislature, however, no political party gained a majority. Syaru Shirley Lin, leading authority on East Asia–U.S. relations, faculty at the University of Virginia and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the author of Taiwan’s China Dilemma, discusses the implications of the presidential and legislative elections in terms of its changing social, political, and economic complexion and Taiwan’s future relations with the United States and China.
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U.S.-Iran Proxy War Intensifies, Sudan Conflict Rages On, Sundance Film Festival Marks Forty Years, and MoreMore than one hundred days into the war in the Gaza Strip, hostilities continue to escalate regionwide, marked by clashes between proxies of Iran and U.S. forces; Sudan’s civil war worsens as a new diplomatic initiative stalls; the Sundance Film Festival celebrates its fortieth anniversary; and the small island nation of Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan.
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China Responds to Taiwan’s Presidential Election: Is Beijing Biding Its Time?China’s initial response to William Lai’s victory in Taiwan’s presidential election was relatively restrained but it will likely exert more pressure on Taiwan in the coming months.
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Taiwan's Presidential Election Elicits Strong Response in Indo-PacificThe United States and its regional partners congratulated DPP candidate Lai Ching-Te on his electoral win, while close allies of China adhered to its stance on Taiwan.