Published since 2019 by the Fair Winds Foundation and Association of Foreign Relations, Taiwan Weekly provides in-depth report and analysis of the major issues facing Taiwan.

Taiwan Strait Simulation: Two Key Factors Will Determine U.S. Intervention

Taiwan Strait Simulation: Two Key Factors Will Determine U.S. Intervention

The Center for Peace and Security at the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation held a 2025 Taiwan Strait defense wargame, which concluded yesterday. Facing a simulated mainland Chinese military invasion, former U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Dennis Blair emphasized that American intervention in a Taiwan Strait war hinges on two key factors: the cause of the conflict and Taiwan’s own will to defend itself. A participant representing Japan noted that while the Self-Defense Forces are unlikely to take the initiative, they could play a supporting role based on the U.S.-Japan alliance.

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Espionage Scandal in the Ruling Party Remains Insufficiently Investigated, Leaving National Security Gaps

Espionage Scandal in the Ruling Party Remains Insufficiently Investigated, Leaving National Security Gaps

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) senior staffer Huang Chü-jung allegedly exploited his political connections to infiltrate the inner circles of the vice president and minister of foreign affairs, stealing sensitive information on overseas trips and meetings with diplomatic allies and transmitting it to mainland China. Mainland authorities reportedly considered the intelligence to be of “rare and high value.” This case—of mainland Chinese espionage penetrating both the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—is a severe blow to the ruling party, which often accuses opposition figures of being pro-China. It also exposes a grave breach in Taiwan’s national security that could indicate the presence of more undiscovered agents. President Lai Ching-te must demand a full investigation by prosecutors and national security agencies.

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DPP's "Anti-China" Stance Reveals Hypocrisy and Double Standards

DPP's "Anti-China" Stance Reveals Hypocrisy and Double Standards

President Lai Ching-te, in his capacity as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), publicly and directly endorsed Legislator Shen Po-yang—a rare and bold political move. But viewed through the lens of cross-strait dynamics, what President Lai seems to be defending is not just Shen, the individual, but the DPP’s long-cultivated “combat China to protect  Taiwan” narrative. He may fear that this carefully crafted message could unravel just before the upcoming wave of legislative recalls.

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Xi's New Statement on Taiwan Draws Red Line for U.S.-China Relations

Xi's New Statement on Taiwan Draws Red Line for U.S.-China Relations

President Donald Trump of the United States had repeatedly extended invitations, and Chinese President Xi Jinping finally took the call. The key lies in this sentence from Xinhua News Agency’s official press release: “Avoid letting a minimal number of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists drag China and the United States into a dangerous situation of confrontation.” This marks a rare instance of Beijing airing its grievances on the Taiwan issue to a foreign power. While Mr. Trump did not respond directly, both sides are about to enter substantive trade negotiations and have agreed to promote mutual leadership visits. With that, the Taiwan issue has formally entered the U.S.-China negotiation table—something the government must not ignore.

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Two Lessons South Korean Election Teaches Taiwan

Two Lessons South Korean Election Teaches Taiwan

Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s Democratic Party won the presidential election with 49.42 percent of the vote, defeating Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party, who received 41.15 percent. He assumed office immediately. On the surface, it seemed like voters were shifting from the conservatives to the liberals; in reality, it was a collective backlash against former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Mr. Yoon’s chaotic imposition of martial law led to months of governmental disorder and economic downturn. Even Acting President Han Duck-soo and his designated successor, Choi Sang-mok, were impeached one after another, leaving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho to assume both roles. In this leaderless state, South Korea struggled to cope with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war, fueling public discontent.

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DPP Manipulates "Transitional Justice," Provokes Public Backlash

DPP Manipulates "Transitional Justice," Provokes Public Backlash

The Ministry of the Interior’s plan to rename all “Zhongzheng roads” (which refer to the late President Chiang Kai-shek) has met strong resistance from local governments, citing it as wasteful and burdensome. More than 70 percent of the public also do not support the initiative. Unexpectedly, Minister Liu Shih-fang invoked the “Act on Promoting Transitional Justice,” insisting that removing authoritarian symbols is the government’s duty and must be implemented. Her stance reveals three major blind spots. First, she seems to regard the transitional justice act as an unlimited buffet pass for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Second, she is blind to public opinion. Third, while the administration of President Lai Ching-te has already begun emulating authoritarian rule, she still dares to speak of transitional justice.

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Huang Backs Nuclear Power in Taiwan, Criticized by DPP Supporters as Pro-China

Huang Backs Nuclear Power in Taiwan, Criticized by DPP Supporters as Pro-China

When NVIDIA chief executive Jensen Huang said that “Taiwan should invest in nuclear power,” it set off a firestorm. Online criticism and smearing erupted. For someone as seasoned as Huang to appear unaware of a certain sensitive “local sentiment” in Taiwan made him seem like a political novice.

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U.S.-Taiwan Tariff Negotiations Yet to Be Settled, NT Dollar Still Appreciated Significantly

U.S.-Taiwan Tariff Negotiations Yet to Be Settled, NT Dollar Still Appreciated Significantly

Without surprise, the New Taiwan dollar broke into the NT$29 per U.S. dollar territory on May 26. Unlike the aggressive rally seen in early May that made currency markets a nationwide focus and even triggered a rush to exchange foreign currency, this time the appreciation felt like a "smooth entry"—with low trading volume, no desperate intervention by the central bank, and minimal public attention, as if everyone had long accepted this outcome. Behind it lies not only a weakening U.S. dollar globally, but also Taiwan's awkward position as it strives to engage in trade talks with the United States.

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Chu Looks Forward to Passing the Baton: Who Will Take Over the KMT Leadership？

Chu Looks Forward to Passing the Baton: Who Will Take Over the KMT Leadership？

In a media interview, Chairman Eric Chu of the Kuomintang (KMT) stated that the schedule for the party chair election will remain unchanged, with the announcement in July, the election in September, and the handover in October. “I sincerely hope for a smooth transition,” he said. Chu also noted that the four outstanding mayors of directly governed municipalities within the party are exceptional talents and key figures in future leadership contests.

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President Lai Promotes Sovereign Wealth Fund to "Make America Great Again"

President Lai Promotes Sovereign Wealth Fund to "Make America Great Again"

On the first anniversary of his inauguration, President Lai Ching-te suddenly announced plans to establish a Taiwanese sovereign wealth fund—a national-level investment platform. While the idea of a sovereign wealth fund has circulated in Taiwan for years, President Lai’s directive now gives it a tangible start. However, the motivations and considerations behind his move are thought-provoking.

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