Taiwan's New President and the Future of the Indo-Pacific

Event Date: 30th January 2024
Location: Internet 17:00 - 18:00 GMT

After one of the most dramatic presidential campaigns in Taiwan’s history, on January 13, 2024, the people of Taiwan elected William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party as their next president. Stepping into this leadership position, Lai, who currently serves as vice president, will have to address a number of foreign policy challenges. How will Lai manage a deteriorating relationship with the People’s Republic of China; a United States interested in preventing a cross-Strait conflict; and countries around the globe seeking the expansion of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry?

At home, Taiwan will also grapple with a number of urgent issues. Wages have stagnated, and youth unemployment has led to disillusionment. Other issues, such as economic diversification and the rising costs of living and housing, are areas that the new president will need to address.

How will the new president confront these concerns – domestically and abroad? Are there prospects for deeper cross-Strait cooperation between Taipei and Beijing? How might the election impact the Indo-Pacific region and beyond?

Join Perry World House in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Contemporary China for this crucial discussion on the future of Taiwan and its foreign relations