China and Taiwan: Engage or Deter? | Asia Society

China and Taiwan: Engage or Deter?

Listen to four experts debate what approaches work best

 

BONUS EPISODE

Purple Sky Taiwan

For decades, Taiwan has existed in a fragile balance, neither truly independent nor unified with mainland China. While this status quo has proven surprisingly enduring, China's continued economic and military rise and its government’s increasing nationalistic rhetoric have raised fears of a conflict around the island – accidental or intentional.

What's the best approach to prevent further or more intense aggressive actions from China against Taiwan? Build up strong military deterrence, or go the way of diplomatic engagement?

In this bonus episode of STATE OF ASIA, listen to four experts debate this complicated issue.

The debaters, who presented clear-cut, time-constrained arguments in an Oxford Debate we hosted on January 23, 2024, are:

  • Simona Grano, TOY Senior Fellow on Taiwan at Asia Society’s Center for China Analysis, and Associate Professor and Director of the Taiwan Studies Project at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
  • James Lee, Professor at the Institute of European and American Studies at Academia Sinica, the national academy of  Taiwan.
  • Amanda Hsiao, International Crisis Group's Senior Analyst for China
  • Yu-Hua Chen, Assistant Professor in the Global Studies Program at Akita International University (AIU) in Japan

Watch the entire debate here, and learn more about the speakers on our dedicated page here.

Our Oxford Debate series offers insights into complex issues, presented in short and clear arguments. Find all the debates here.

State of Asia podcast cover

STATE OF ASIA podcast
Season 6, bonus episode 1 – Published: January 25,  2024
Host and Producer: Remko Tanis, Programs and Editorial Manager, Asia Society Switzerland

Related Content

More Episodes

  • Yuki Tatsumi
    podcast

    State of Asia with Yuki Tatsumi

    Skirmishes in the South China Sea, tensions surrounding Taiwan: things can escalate quickly. It makes Japan nervous, as it tries to balance engaging China with deterring its powerful neighbor, says security policy expert Yuki Tatsumi.
  • Alicja Bachulska
    podcast

    State of Asia with Alicja Bachulska

    Views of China in Central and Eastern Europe range from Hungary, eager to be Beijing’s best friend, to the adverse Baltics. Hear Warsaw-based China analyst Alicja Bachulska on the unique experiences the region has with Beijing.
  • Indira Ranamagar
    podcast

    State of Asia with Indira Ranamagar

    Deputy Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives, Indira Ranamagar, on protests, the need to build roads without destroying mountains, and the crucial need to create opportunities for young Nepali, to secure the country’s future.
  • Nalin Mehta

    State of Asia with Nalin Mehta

    As India heads to the polls, political scientist and journalist Nalin Mehta looks at how the ruling BJP has solidified its position and what Prime Minister Modi might set as priorities in his likely second decade as India's leader.
  • Oxford Debate_Will Asia's Rise Lead to a New World Order?
    podcast

    Will Asia's Rise Lead to a New World Order?

    How is the world order changing, as the balance of power shifts east? Is it even changing? Listen to a debate between four experts laying out whether or not we're witnessing the beginnings of a new world order.