Research Area China-Taiwan Relations

China-Taiwan relations (also known as Cross-Strait Relations) have been a focal point of international politics for decades, shaped by historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors. The dynamic between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) has evolved from civil war to complex diplomacy and military standoff, with significant implications for regional stability and global power balances. Central to this relationship are issues of sovereignty, national identity, and international recognition. In recent years, U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan have escalated, particularly under the Trump and Biden administrations. With China's growing assertiveness in the region, particularly its increasing military presence in the South China Sea and in the Taiwan Strait, the U.S. has been more vocal in supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations, opposing any unilateral change to the status quo by force, and strengthening its regional alliances. The role of the US continues to be one of the most influential factors shaping the trajectory of China-Taiwan relations, and it remains a critical actor in the broader geopolitical contest for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key research questions within this research area include:

• How do domestic political developments in China and Taiwan influence their bilateral relations?

• To what extent do global powers, particularly the United States, shape the cross-strait relationship?

• What role do economic interdependence and trade play in mitigating or exacerbating tensions?

• How do Chinese and Taiwanese national identities shape public opinion and policy decisions on both sides of the strait?

• What are the potential scenarios for conflict or peaceful resolution, and what are their implications for the broader Asia-Pacific region?

Understanding China-Taiwan relations requires examining the historical roots of the conflict, the role of international actors, and the evolving strategic calculus of both Beijing and Taipei.

These are the goals pursued within the Research Area on China-Taiwan Relations, both through research and pertinent publications as well as through the teaching of classes on geopolitics, international relations, social and economic changes, revolving around the China-Taiwan Issue.

Head of Research Area China-Taiwan Relations