Cross-strait relations

A screen broadcasts news footage of an Air Force aircraft taking part in military drills by the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, in a shopping area in Beijing, China, on 19 August 2023. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Three trends in the PLA’s military activities around Taiwan

Japanese academic Sugiura Yasuyuki notes that Beijing has been normalising military activities around Taiwan, and these activities seem to be heading towards actual combat, while being used for propaganda. One clear example is the recent Exercise "Joint Sword" in April 2023. There are increasing concerns that such activities will cause issues between China and the US, or China and Taiwan.
Former Foreign Minister George Yeo spoke at a forum in Taipei on 13 September 2023. (SPH Media)

George Yeo: Cross-strait relations from a Singaporean’s viewpoint

Singapore's former Foreign Minister George Yeo gave a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Forward Forum in Taipei, where he spoke on cross-strait relations, the "one China" policy, and the future of mainland China and Taiwan, as well as his personal experiences interacting with individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Armed vehicles and Taiwan military soldiers attend the annual Han Kuang anti-landing drill at Bali beach, New Taipei City, Taiwan, on 27 July 2023. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

Declaration of ‘Taiwan independence’ could start a war in the Taiwan Strait

During a recent geopolitics conference in Taipei, experts weighed in on the Taiwan Strait situation, assessing that political factors are more likely than military factors to trigger a war. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han tells us more about what the experts said.
Children playing among two giant panda lanterns at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, Singapore, in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, on 28 August 2023. (SPH Media)

Chinese language: The ‘one language, two systems’ road ahead

Given its pluralistic nature, the Chinese language has taken many shapes over the course of history, with its written form and the associated dialects dictated by time and place. Meanwhile, the rise of China and its growing national power have led to the emergence of Chinese as an international language that transcends national borders. Eddie Kuo, Emeritus Professor at NTU, delves into the evolution of the language in the different Chinese-speaking regions.
A worker welding metal at a factory in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province, on 15 July 2023. (AFP)

Big Read: Taiwanese businesses' declining interest in mainland China

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese economy faces arduous challenges and the Chinese government is trying its best to attract foreign businesses and investors. While Taiwanese business owners are obvious targets, China is only looking to attract Taiwanese companies of strategic value, specifically those in info-communications and machinery manufacturing. At the same time, Taiwanese business owners have become more guarded about investing in the mainland due to growing internal and external uncertainties. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with industry experts to find out more.
Indian soldiers prepare for the guard of honour before the arrival of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort during the celebrations to mark the country's 77th Independence Day in New Delhi, India on 15 August 2023. (Sajjad Hussain/AFP)

India deepens ties with Taiwan

India’s recent high-profile attendance at a security forum in Taiwan suggests it is ready to deepen ties with Taiwan to safeguard its future interests, despite expected pushback from China.
Taiwanese soldiers march during the annual Han Kuang anti-landing drill in New Taipei City, Taiwan, 27 July 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Why Japan may decide to intervene in a Taiwan emergency

While the extent of Japan's role in the event of a Taiwan emergency has not been thoroughly discussed and decided domestically, it appears that Japan’s involvement in some way is expected in most of the scenarios. Japanese academic Rira Momma goes over the possibilities.
Black Hawk helicopters prepare to land at Taoyuan International Airport as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan, 26 July 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Can Japan stay neutral in a war over Taiwan?

Academic Chen Hongbin looks at the different scenarios of mainland China engaging in military reunification with Taiwan, and argues that Japan would do well to remain neutral in order to protect its land and people, rather than suffer serious consequences.
People walk on the street in Taipei, Taiwan, on 25 July 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Will cross-strait civilian exchange exit from long Covid?

While international tourism and study can be a bridge towards cross-strait understanding and reconciliation, it can sometimes be deployed as a geopolitical gambit. Taiwanese academic Ho Ming-sho shares more.