China’s shadow

The Vindicator
Date: December 16, 2018
By: Jordyn Grzelewski

Much of the international attention on Taiwan focuses on the island country’s complicated relationship with its neighbor across the Taiwan Strait.

China considers Taiwan (officially named the Republic of China) to be part of its territory; Taiwan disagrees. Taiwan’s relationships with other countries are often defined by this conflict.

Due to its unique status, Taiwan must find creative ways to assert itself and connect with the world. It does this not only through its economic might, but by using soft power – for example, showing off what the country has to offer, and collaborating with Southeast Asian countries on issues such as health and industrial innovation.

Although this fraught dynamic was one of the most-discussed topics in meetings between foreign reporters and Taiwanese officialdom on a recent reporting trip there, I found there was much more to see and learn about this country of 23 million people.   [FULL  STORY]