Expert Comment — Asia Programme 12 May 2026 Key Findings Taiwan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3 per cent in early 2026, among the lowest in Asia, driven by the semiconductor boom. The fertility rate of 1.1 births per woman is among the lowest globally, with the working-age population shrinking since 2015. Over-reliance on the semiconductor […]
Introduction: The Great Pivot Under President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea has executed one of the most dramatic foreign policy pivots in its modern history. Rejecting the “strategic ambiguity” of the past—where Seoul tried to balance security with the US and economy with China—Yoon has adopted the “Global Pivotal State” (GPS) doctrine. This philosophy asserts that
Seoul’s Great Pivot: Why Yoon Suk-yeol is Betting Everything on the American Alliance Read More »
Introduction: Continuity with Steel President Lai Ching-te (William Lai) assumed office during one of the most perilous moments in the history of the Taiwan Strait. His diplomatic strategy is a sophisticated evolution of his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. However, while Tsai was viewed as a cautious academic, Lai brings the background of a fervent activist
The Pragmatic Guardian: Continuity and Innovation in Taiwan’s Struggle for Survival Read More »
