In this episode, Dr. Shelley Rigger joins us to discuss the latest developments in cross-Strait relations, particularly since the November nine-in-one local elections in which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered a major defeat. She analyzes the economic implications behind the election results and the DPP’s struggle to maintain stable relations with mainland China. Dr. Rigger also explores how Beijing might take advantage of the opportunity to engage with Taiwan’s newly elected officials, and forecasts the road ahead for Taiwan.
Keyword:Taiwan
The Purges Within China’s Military Are Even Deeper Than You Think
To shed light on the scope and impact of China’s sweeping military purges, the CSIS China Power Project constructed a database of over 100 senior officers who have been purged or potentially purged since 2022. This feature report summarizes insights from the data and reveals that the purges are far more extensive than previously understood.
Tracking China’s Increased Military Activities in the Indo-Pacific in 2025
Analysis of open-source data shows that China’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific region increased in both operational tempo and geographical reach.
Surveying the Experts: The State of U.S.-China Relations Entering 2026
The CSIS China Power Project surveyed dozens of former U.S. government officials and leading China experts on key questions relating to U.S.-China relations. This report summarizes the findings of that survey.
Measures Short of Invasion: How China Could Threaten Peace in the Taiwan Strait
This three-part series examines Beijing’s options besides an invasion to coerce, punish, or annex Taiwan. The first two reports map out how China can quarantine and blockade the island. The third report provides groundbreaking data on the importance of the Taiwan Strait to global commerce.
Series: The Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis
This ChinaPower series closely examines developments surrounding the Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis.
Analyzing China’s Escalation After Taiwan President William Lai’s National Day Speech
This ChinaPower feature tracks and analyzes China’s large-scale Joint Sword-2024B military exercises and law enforcement activities following Taiwan President William Lai’s October 10 National Day speech.
Crossroads of Commerce: How the Taiwan Strait Propels the Global Economy
This report provides an unprecedented look at the Taiwan Strait’s role in global trade, revealing that over one-fifth of all maritime commerce passes through this vital waterway. China possesses a range of non-kinetic options it may employ to coerce Taiwan, which could significantly disrupt this trade.