by Micha Dianne Reoyan

The Philippine Association for Chinese Studies organized a webinar entitled “Cross-Strait Relations: Areas of Convergence and Divergence” on September 4, 2021, to discuss the current state of the contentious relations between China (People’s Republic of China) and Taiwan (Republic of China).

Dr. Mignonne Man-jung Chan, Chief Strategy Officer of Healthy Asia and Senior Advisor to Former President Ma Ying-Jeou’s National Security Council, discussed the cultural, political, economic, and social similarities and differences between Mainland China and Taiwan. She argued that the 1992 Consensus can be used as an anchor, potentially causing further strait-relations.  Regardless of the current tensions, Dr. Chan concluded that both sides still prefer peace and stability. On the other hand, Dr. Fu-Kuo Liu, Director of Taiwan Center for Security Studies and Professor of International Doctorate Program of Asia Pacific Studies, explained the uncertainty and challenges in cross-strait relations. He discussed how the US-China rivalry overshadowed cross-strait relations, and other external factors such as Hong Kong democracy protests and the South China Sea disputes. Dr. Liu contended that Taiwan is in a difficult position due to its economic reliance on China’s markets. Taiwan, however, is heavily reliant on US assistance in terms of security.

The lecture was followed by a question and answer session in which participants inquired about the speakers’ comments on the rising tensions between Taiwan and China, Taiwan’s refusal to accept China-made vaccines, Chinese media’s report on the 2035 Deadline, and the US’ credibility and dependability as Taiwan’s defense partner. 

The webinar was moderated by Jan Robert Go and drew 50 attendees for the live presentation. A recording of the discussion is posted online for viewing on the  PACS Facebook page and Youtube Channel. For information about upcoming webinars by PACS, please visit https://www.pacs.ph/ucpoming-events/.