The Republic of China. You might think of one of the biggest countries in Asia when you hear this name. However, this is the official name of a small democratic country that is recognized by only 13 countries in the world: Taiwan. While Taiwan thinks of itself as a separate country, China sees it as a territory gone rogue in need of reunification with the mainland. But why? Does this have to do anything with its large semiconductor market? And can we expect an invasion anytime soon?
During this geopolitical lecture, dr. Casper Wits dove into the intricacies of the conflict between Taiwan and China. How come that Taiwan is a strategic ally of the West but not recognized by any Western countries? Are China’s military drills in the strait of Taiwan a precursor to an invasion? And if so, will the United States protect Taiwan even if it would mean risking World War III? Join us to learn about Taiwan’s history, the upcoming elections, and the future of the country!
Dr. Casper Wits is a University Lecturer at the Institute for Area Studies at Leiden University. His research centers on the diplomatic and international history of East Asia after World War II, with a particular emphasis on the evolution of Chinese and Japanese foreign policies and the intricacies of Sino-Japanese relations during this era.
This event is organized by Studium Generale of Erasmus University Rotterdam.
