In examining United States relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which now encompasses virtually the full spectrum of political, security, economic and cultural interests, the East Asia Program focuses in particular on political and strategic relations. Taiwan, both as its own focus and as a central element in cross-Taiwan Strait relations, is an area of concentrated work. Despite current relative stability in the Strait, the issues of contention remain unresolved, and no other problem in the region, or in the world, contains the same level of risk of confrontation escalating into a major power conflict. Thus, it is imperative to understand what drives each party and contribute to thinking that can lead toward lasting peace and away from the brink of disaster. This entails not only a continuing, nuanced examination of developments relating directly to cross-Strait relations-and to US involvement-but understanding and assessing Taiwan’s ever-active political scene, Taiwan’s domestic as well as international economic developments, and especially security-related issues. The East Asia Program looks to elucidate and make policy recommendations not only for the United States, but also for the two cross-Strait players.
Recent Analyses and Commentary
- “Cross-Strait Relations: The Times They Are A-Changin,” by Alan Romberg (China Leadership Monitor No. 46, Hoover Institution Stanford University, March 2015)
- “The South China Sea and Great Power Politics: Implications for U.S.-China-Taiwan Relations,” paper by Stimson Center Visiting Fellow Dr. Yeh-chung Lu of National Chengchi University
- “Current Developments in Taiwan’s Politics and Cross-Strait Relations,” video featuring Alan Romberg (China Forum #103, US-China Policy Foundation, October 15, 2014)
- “Cross-Strait Relations: Portrayals of Consistency. Calm on the Surface, Paddling Like Hell Underneath,” by Alan Romberg (China Leadership Monitor No. 45, Hoover Institution Stanford University, October 2014)
- “Behind the Story: The China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement’s Impact on Taiwan,” by Emily Chen (Stimson Spotlight, October 1, 2014)
- “Relations Across the Taiwan Strait: Opportunities and Challenges Under New Conditions,” presentation by Alan Romberg (Brookings, September 12, 2014 – See Video)
- “Senior Chinese Official Visits Taiwan,” by Alan Romberg (The Hill, June 25, 2014)
- “Sunshine Heats Up Taiwan Politics, Affects PRC Tactics,” by Alan Romberg (China Leadership Monitor No. 44, Hoover Institution Stanford University, June 2014)
- “From Generation to Generation: Advancing Cross-Strait Relations” by Alan Romberg (China Leadership Monitor No. 43, Hoover Institution Stanford University, February 2014)
- “Taiwan: Consolidating Stability” by Alan Romberg (Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific Regional Outlook, January 2014)
- “Settling in for the Long Haul: Stability with Chinese Characteristics” by Alan Romberg(China Leadership Monitor No. 42, Hoover Institution Stanford University, October 2013)
- “Striving for New Equilibria” by Alan Romberg(China Leadership Monitor No.41, Hoover Institution Stanford University, June 2013)
- “Following the 18th Party Congress: Moving Forward Step by Step” by Alan Romberg (China Leadership Monitor No.40, Hoover Institution Stanford University, January 2013)
Complete Analyses and Commentaries for the East Asia Program