Richard Bush

Nov 7, 2024 | brookings.edu | Richard Bush

Discussion of tensions in the Taiwan Strait often treats Taiwan as an object that is acted upon by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). And that is certainly happening. China has built up significant war-fighting capabilities and poses a clear—but not present—military danger to the island. Yet there is no sign that Xi Jinping has scheduled his D-Day, and he has reasons to hope that a non-military solution is still possible.

Oct 3, 2024 | brookings.edu | Richard Bush |Ryan Hass

Executive summaryWith public attention on foreign policy largely focused on Ukraine and Israel, it is understandable that Taiwan is not a main feature of debate in this election cycle. Even so, Taiwan is likely to rise as an issue commanding presidential attention over the next four years. Beijing appears intent on ratcheting up pressure on Taiwan in pursuit of its goal of unification. The people of Taiwan remain committed to upholding the status quo and not acceding to China’s goal of unification.

Sep 15, 2024 | brookings.edu | Richard Bush

The United States’ security partnership with Taiwan is unusual. Washington does not recognize the Republic of China (ROC) government in Taipei as the government of China, but instead recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing. It conducts substantive ties with Taiwan through a nominally private organization, the American Institute in Taiwan. Still, America has a security partnership with Taiwan. The bond is broad and deep but quite complex.

Jan 17, 2024 | brookings.edu | Richard Bush |Ryan Hass |Patricia M. Kim |Adam P. Liff

Home The impact of Taiwan’s election in 2024 and beyond In a closely watched election, Taiwan’s voters elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate and current Vice President Lai Ching-te over Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) on January 13, 2024.

Dec 17, 2023 | brookings.edu | Richard Bush

The outcome of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election is defined by a structural feature of Taiwan’s constitution. That is, a candidate who wins a plurality of the vote but not a majority still becomes the president. In the last five elections, the leaders of the two major parties have gone head-to-head and the winner received a majority.