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United States Institute of Peace

USIP’s Work on Taiwan

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Intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China and the resulting geopolitical tensions have made Taiwan the most likely flashpoint for a military confrontation between the two major powers. To help policymakers navigate this complex diplomatic and strategic landscape, USIP provides fresh insights into cross-Strait issues and the implications for U.S. national interests and regional security. In addition, USIP convenes key stakeholders from around the region to identify new options for countering coercion while avoiding unintended military conflict.

USIP Research, Analysis and Commentary

2024

Dispatch from Taiwan Podcast Logo

Dispatch from Taiwan Podcast

A TV screen shows news about the presidential race in a noodle restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 15, 2023. (An Rong Xu/The New York Times)

Taiwan’s Election Poses a Test for Island’s Ties with China

On Peace Podcast Logo

Andrew Scobell on Taiwan’s Elections

Supporters of Tsai Ing-wen, who is finishing two terms as president, at a campaign event, Sept. 5, 2015. As Tsai leaves office, her replacement will have to navigate tense cross-Strait relations. (Billy H.C. Kwok/The New York Times)

What You Need to Know About Taiwan’s Pivotal Presidential Elections

2023

Chinese Navy sailors in Zhanjiang, China. China’s Naval fleet is the largest in the world as of 2014, although the U.S. Navy is still considered more powerful. (Nelson Ching/The New York Times)

Five Things to Know About China’s Armed Forces

A military parade in Taipei for Taiwan’s national day celebration on Oct. 10, 2021. Amid a lack of crisis communication mechanisms, there are fears that U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan could erupt into conflict. (Lam Yik Fei/The New York Times)

How to Break the Impasse in U.S.-China Crisis Communication

Secretary Blinken shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing, June 18, 2023. (U.S. Department of State)

Blinken’s Beijing Trip: ‘Constructive’ but No Breakthroughs

Fighter jets in Taiwan, Oct. 2017. Recent close calls between the U.S. and Chinese militaries over the South China Sea and in the Taiwan Strait highlight concerns over the absence of crisis management mechanisms. (Bryan Denton/The New York Times)

Three Takeaways on U.S.-China Relations After the Shangri-La Summit

President Biden meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, April 11, 2022, joined by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

A Big Step Forward in U.S.-India Defense Ties

Secretary Blinken signs a Defense Cooperation Agreement with PNG Defense Minister Win Daki, Papua New Guinea, May 22, 2023. (Chuck Kennedy/State Department)

U.S. Strengthens Ties with Key Pacific Island Partners

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang addresses the U.N Human Right Council, Feb. 27, 2023. (U.N. Geneva)

Five Takeaways from China’s Latest Diplomacy

Auki Harbor in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, Aug. 10, 2022. (Matthew Abbott/The New York Times)

Pro-Taiwan Pacific Island Leaders Show Cracks in China’s Appeal

Philippine Navy officers watch a Patriot surface-to-air missile fired during joint exercises with U.S. forces in San Antonio, Philippines, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (Ezra Acayan/The New York Times)

Marcos Meets Biden Amid Tightening Security Ties

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen gives a speech on the Taiwan's National Day in Taipei, Taiwan on Oct. 10, 2022. (Lam Yik Fei/The New York Times)

Tensions over Taiwan Rise with Tsai’s U.S. Stopover

A coral atoll in the Marshall Islands. While the U.S. and Taiwan maintain strong ties with North Pacific nations, China is increasingly exerting its influence and undermining U.S. and Taiwanese interests in these countries. (Josh Haner/The New York Times)

Taiwan and the United States Share Key Interests in the North Pacific

A vendor sits by the newspapers he is selling on a street in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, on August 6, 2022, three days before the country’s general election. (Photo by AP)

China’s Media Propaganda in Africa: A Strategic Assessment

U.S. Navy shows sailors recovering a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Feb. 5, 2023. (Tyler Thompson/U.S. Navy via The New York Times)

After Beijing’s Balloon, What’s Next for U.S.-China Ties?

2022

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