A litany of economic woes but in China politics rules

Written by Jabin T. Jacob

In the run-up to the 20th Party Congress later this year, the CCP under General Secretary Xi can be expected to engage ever more seriously with China’s economic problems.

China refuses to ‘acknowledge’ US one-China policy

Written by Pak K. Lee and Anisa Heritage

In order to minimise the chances of conflict with Beijing, Washington must now clarify its one-China policy rather than maintain strategic ambiguity over the matter of Taiwan’s indeterminate status.

Extraditions and legal cooperation: The next frontier in Taiwan’s outreach to Europe?

Written by Matej Šimalčík

Extraditions and legal cooperation in criminal matters have emerged as a new frontier for Taiwan-Europe relations. For a more robust relationship, Taiwan and Europe should strive to include the civil and commercial dimensions in their negotiations on legal cooperation.

Will friction over Taiwan spark a US-China war?

Written by Rorry Daniels

Although there is an optimistic case to make that Taiwan is not the kindling for a great power ‘bonfire’, the tenuous bargain that has protected cross-Taiwan Strait peace and stability for 40 years is under intensified threat and requires mindful attention to preserve the peace in US-China and cross-Strait relations.

The People’s Liberation Army: Xi’s power base in the Communist Party Central Committee

Written by Manoj Kewalramani and Megha Pardhi

Ahead of the 20th Party Congress, and given the importance of the military in solidifying the CCP’s power, tracking changes in the representation of the People's Liberation Army in the Party Central Committee is important to understand Xi Jinping’s power base.

South Korea eyes Europe for its future

Written by Eunwoo Lee

South Korea, whose external engagement has so far revolved around the intractable security stances of the US and China, can surely hedge its security interests by embracing Europe.

North Korea’s recent missile tests illustrate its nuclear tactics

Written by Elisabeth I-Mi Suh

North Korea is advancing its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Despite economic hardships and pandemic provisions the regime in Pyongyang has made significant strides in developing a range of different missile systems.

Bitcoin to bombs: Illicit money and the preservation of Kim Jong-un

Written by Casey Babb

If he is going to be compelled to behave differently, or if regime change is the end goal, policymakers, practitioners, and cyber experts need to cut off North Korea’s digital “bank robbers”.

The UN Human Rights Commissioner’s visit to China: Disappointment or unrealistic expectations?

Written by Christelle Genoud

Indeed, one of the visit’s results is a reminder that Western countries have not dealt with the difficulties Bachelet has been facing regarding China any more successfully.

Despite IPEF setback, Taiwan-ASEAN ties are on the right track

Written by Marshall Reid and Zoe Weaver-Lee

Fuelled by rapidly growing private investment, state-led cooperative initiatives and broader changes in regional trade flows, Taiwan has established itself as a key economic player in the ASEAN region.

The politics of Shanghai’s lockdown

Written by Eric Hundman

Disagreements between officials who rise through Shanghai’s ‘political hotbed’ and those in other factions have long been key to understanding the intra-CCP political dynamics and personnel shifts so important for determining policy outcomes.

Taiwan: Partisanship and identity struggles create exploitable loopholes for Beijing

Written by Thomas Chan

The acutely partisan nature and resentment between pan-Blue and pan-Green politicians could render it a continuous shouting contest and ultimately desensitise the population from any genuine concerns and escalation.

Why China will not cooperate with the United States on North Korea

Written by Anny Boc

China’s public support in February for Russia’s position on opposing further NATO expansion reflects its own long harboured concern about US’ intent to establish an Asian version of NATO.

Shouldn’t we just close all Confucius Institutes?

Written by Matthias Niedenführ

The West must ask itself serious questions about its desired relationship with China but a blanket closure of Confucius Institutes seems a politically expedient knee jerk reaction.

Evolution, not revolution, will define Yoon’s foreign policy

Written by Ramon Pacheco Pardo

As for Yoon’s approach toward the Indo-Pacific, we can expect Yoon to seek to boost security cooperation with the US — above all — Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe to contain China’s behaviour in the region.

2022: Taiwan and its continued push for recognition

9DASHLINE invites a select group of experts to explore how Taiwan may circumvent its diplomatic isolation and be included as a reliable partner in international efforts seeking a transition towards a greener, healthier and more resilient world.

EU-Taiwan ties: Between expectations and reality

Written by Grzegorz Stec and Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

European and Taiwanese actors need to keep in mind that escalating the political tensions with Beijing increases the price tag of EU-Taiwan engagement potentially impeding the positive momentum in bilateral ties.

What Kim Jong-un’s diplomacy tells us about Sino-NK relations

Written by Darcie Draudt

Looking forward to when the pandemic winds down, China will likely test the appetite in Pyongyang for bilateral and even multilateral meetings on denuclearisation and sanctions relief, especially at the working level.