Dennis Van Vranken Hickey

Taiwan's security in the changing international system

This text examines Taiwans security concerns, the structure and composition of its armed forces and its defensive strategy. In addition, there is an exploration of the opportunities and challenges for Taipei generated by the recent transformation in the international system.

Foreign policy making in Taiwan : from principle to pragmatism

1. Analyzing Taiwans Foreign Policy 2. Historical Overview of Taiwans Foreign Policy 3. A Shrimp Between Whales: The International System and Taiwans Foreign Policy 4. Governmental Institutions and Foreign Policy Decision-Making in Taiwan 5. Societal Influences and Taiwans Foreign Policy 6. Crusaders and Pragmatists: Taiwans Presidents and Foreign Policy 7. Understanding Taiwans Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities

Japan’s Military Modernization: The Chinese Perspective

In 2005 the Japanese government reacted with surprise and bewilderment to news stories depicting angry Chinese mobs attacking Japaneseowned firms and businesses. Tokyo also appeared perplexed and confused by Beijing’s tepid response to the disturbances. These events were symptomatic of the fact that, despite an explosion in economic ties, relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Japan are at their worst in decades.

Rapprochement between Taiwan and the Chinese Mainland: implications for American foreign policy

This article examines US policy toward the improving relations between the Republic of China on Taiwan and the Peoples Republic of China. It also analyzes several policy options that the Barack Obama administration may wish to consider. In conclusion, the author suggests that, despite some arguments to the contrary, continuing the current policy supporting the growing rapprochement between Beijing and Taipei is in the best interest of the US.

Continuity and change: the administration of George W. Bush and US policy toward Taiwan

This paper examines recent modifications in American policy toward the Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan). It contends that, while the George W. Bush Administration may have carried out a significant readjustment of US policy, available evidence suggests that it will not endorse any major upgrades in ties with Taipei during the foreseeable future. Like previous administrations, the Bush Administration now recognizes the value of engaging the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). This development holds important implications for the future trajectory of Americas relations with Taiwan and the PRC and for peace and stability in the Western Pacific.This paper examines recent modifications in American policy toward the Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan). It contends that, while the George W. Bush Administration may have carried out a significant readjustment of US policy, available evidence suggests that it will not endorse any major upgrades in ties with Taipei during the foreseeable future. Like previous administrations, the Bush Administration now recognizes the value of engaging the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). This development holds important implications for the future trajectory of Americas relations with Taiwan and the PRC and for peace and stability in the Western Pacific.

Cross-Strait Relations in the Aftermath of the Election of Chen Shui-bian

he Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) enters the new millennium as an ecoT nomic powerhouse and one of the world’s fledgling democracies. In fact, Taiwan is now described officially by the U.S. Department of State as a “multi-party democracy.” In March 2000, the island elected a new president-the first opposition candidate to win the office of the presidency in the history of the ROC. It is clear that momentous changes have come to Taiwan. However, dramatic transformations in Taipei’s relations with archrival Beijing have not accompanied these changes. In this article we examine the Chen Shui-bian administration’s approach to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Beijing’s perceptions of the new government and its policies. It is our suggestion that, despite fears that the election might have put Beijing and Taipei on a collision course, the new administration has proved surprisingly pragmatic in its ties with the PRC. At the same time, however, it is an exaggeration for the Chen administration and its supporters to contend that there exists a “stabilization” that bodes well for cross-strait relations and for peace and stability in the Western Pacific. The potential for a sharp and dangerous escalation in tensions remains.

U.S. Policy and Taiwan's Bid to Rejoin the United Nations

The recent history of the Republic of China (ROC) has been an eventful one. In two decades, the island has managed to transform itself from a backward, authoritarian state into a full-fledged democracy and an economic powerhouse. Despite these changes, however, Taiwan continues to be locked out of most important international organizations-including the United Nations (U.N.). Indeed, Taiwan is the only country denied a seat in the prestigious world body. This article examines Taiwans drive to return to the U.N. It outlines the background of the U.N. representation question and shows how Beijing and Taipei hold different views on the issue. The study also discusses U.S. policy toward Taiwans participation in the organization and examines some options Washington may wish to consider. In conclusion, the author suggests that the U.S. should not revise its present policy on Taiwans admission to the U.N. at this time. There is a strong probability that a change in policy would succeed only in undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan: Institutionalized Ambiguity

Although the United States government presently recognizes the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as the legitimate government of all of China, the U.S. continues to maintain commercial, cultural, and other relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC). Indeed, in fiscal year 1985 alone, the U.S. sold approximately 760 million dollars worth of military equipment to the ROC.1 This continued support of the regime on Taiwan, as exemplified by the arms sales, has proved to be a source of constant friction between the PRC and the U.S. This study will outline present U.S. policy on arms transfers to the ROC, examine other options or policies that an American administration might consider, and, in conclusion, argue that continuing the current policy is in the best interest of the United States.

The Taiwan strait crisis of 1996: Implications for US security policy

The Taiwan Strait crisis of 1996 was the greatest challenge to Sino‐American relations in several decades. This study examines the crisis and its implications for US security policy. It outlines US policy toward the defense of Taiwan, discusses the US response to Beijings military intimidation of Taiwan and analyzes several of the major lessons gleaned from the crisis. The paper suggests that, while Chinas aggressive behavior should not lead to a dramatic shift in the American position toward Taiwans defense, some modest adjustments in policy may be warranted.

America, China and Taiwan: three challenges for Chen Shui-Bian

This study analyzes several of the major challenges that the Taiwanese government will confront during President Chen Shui-bians second term of office. These include serious strains in relations with the US, a continued deterioration in ties with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and increased political polarization, ethnic division and gridlock at home. The author suggests that, while these problems are certainly formidable, they should not be exaggerated. Nor should they be attributed solely to one politician or political camp.