Publication

This paper argues that the January 2016 elections in Taiwan marked a watershed in the country’s political evolution and will require significant adjustments on both Taipei's and Beijing's parts if they hope to maintain mutual peace and stability. The text's authors further contend that the Taiwan Strait will remain a dangerous area and raises an important question: should Australia support its US ally in the event of future cross-strait contingencies. To avoid an ‘expectations gap’ on everyone’s part, Canberra and Washington need to 1) have a comprehensive dialogue on the Taiwan issue; 2) acknowledge Taiwan’s potentially constructive role in regional maritime territorial disputes; and 3) take proactive steps to enhance Taiwan’s regional political and economic integration.