Perspectives on China and Taiwan

Well researched curated media for an audience curious about this topic

History

International Relations

Military

18 selections

Diplomacy

Why does it matter?

Taiwan has been a flashpoint for China, the United States, and several other nations for the better part of a century - the mere acknowledgment of its existence (or non-existence) is one of the most contentious foreign policy moves a nation can make.

Entry points

China v Taiwan: explained

Taiwan: Last Week Tonight

Selected articles and texts

Introduction

10 min

China and Taiwan: A really simple guide

BBC

This beginner’s guide from the BBC highlights what’s going on with China and Taiwan right now, explaining what China has done in response to recent provocations, as well as underscoring the military realities of the situation.

Introduction

10 min

From the one-China policy to the Taiwan Relations Act, here’s what to know

Washington Post

This article focuses primarily on the United States’ policies regarding Taiwan, and the complex history surrounding diplomatic relations with the island.

Analysis

20 min

Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense

Council on Foreign Relations

A concise and easy-to-understand guide to the tensions between China and Taiwan that goes question by question through some of the most frequent misunderstandings about the two countries.

Analysis

10 min

China’s Military Drills and Other Tensions With Taiwan, Explained

New York Times

This article from the New York Times dives deeper into several facets of the relationship between the two countries, specifically talking about President Xi Jinping’s stake in the game, as well as mentioning where the United States fits in.

Article

10 min

In Visiting Taiwan, Pelosi Capped Three Decades of Challenging China

New York Times

The newest development in China-US relations stems from Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan. This article highlights her history of standing up to China in a variety of settings and explores her reasoning for going on this diplomatic trip.

Analysis

10 min

Pelosi’s ‘reckless’ Taiwan visit deepens US-China rupture – why did she go?

The Guardian

This analysis contains a variety of perspectives on Pelosi’s recent visit, ranging wildly in their assessments of its prudence and efficacy.

Analysis

15 min

The US and China might not get over the Taiwan crisis

Vox

What does the situation with Taiwan mean for increasingly fraught relations between the United States and China? This analysis attempts to look at it from all angles, from economic to military to diplomatic.

Paper

25 min

China-Taiwan Relations

Council on Foreign Relations

This policy paper from the Council on Foreign Relations includes a brief history lesson before moving on to a discussion of the economic realities surrounding this topic.

Deep dive: long form content to further your understanding

Forbidden Nation: A History of Taiwan

This book takes a deep dive into the history of Taiwan, and makes the interesting argument that part of the reason why Taiwan’s history has been so turbulent is that it lies at the important boundary between the “Far East” and “South Asia”.

Difficult Choices: Taiwan's Quest for Security and the Good Life

Richard Bush is a senior fellow on East Asia Policy at the Brookings Institution. This book focuses on the difficult policy choices Taiwan must take to preserve its security from China. It is also considers the complexity with its relationship to the US in this matter.

Is the U.S. Changing Its Stance on Taiwan?

This production from the New York Times notes that the US has been extremely careful in regards to Taiwan in the past -- but that neutral stance appears to be changing rapidly in light of recent events.

Listen here

Written by an American who lived in Taiwan throughout the 1930s and 40s, this important book highlights the brutal realities of rule under the Chinese Nationalists led by Chiang Kai-Shek. It has been a "foundational text for generations of Taiwanese democracy and independence activists."

Formosa Betrayed: The Definitive First-hand Account of Modern Taiwan's Founding Tragedy

Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse

Shelley Rigger is a leading expert on Taiwan. In this book, she highlights economic and political "miracles." She links these accomplishments to Taiwan's determined society, vibrant culture, and unique history. Drawing on different perspectives, Rigger explores Taiwan's importance to China, the United States, and the world.

Pelosi in Taiwan

On this Vox ‘Today, Explained’ podcast, a Politico journalist explains why Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan - despite the protests of Xi Jinping and Joe Biden.

Listen here

'I worry China may launch a war': Taiwan's FM speaks out

What’s going on now? This video presents the perspective of Taiwanese officials in response to China’s recent military aggression.

Taiwan's top diplomat in the U.S. discusses escalating threats from China

PBS presents an interview with Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwan's top official in the United States.