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AsiaCentre

Founded in 2005, Asia Centre is an independent research institute that holds debates and issues publications on matters relating to international, strategic, economic relations, as well as the political and social transformations underway in the Asia-Pacific region. At the crossroads of university research as well as public and private decision-making, Asia Centre researchers identify critical regional issues and analyse them in-depth, taking into consideration both local and global dimensions. Asia Centre’s programs are developed with a vast network of partners, companies and major specialist centres in Europe, North America and Asia. The Centre carries out joint operations with these groups, for a better interpretation of ideas and issues. The conclusions of these meetings, such as the results of the work carried out using original sources by our researchers, are widely distributed through the Centre’s publications as well as through international journals, books and media.

Other analyses

Taiwan cooking oil scandal: Why Isn’t Beijing Adding Fuel to the Fire? • Isabelle Feng

31 July 2026 No Comments

In this new piece, Isabelle Feng looks back at the tainted cooking oil scandal that has affected Taiwan for several weeks, and at Beijing’s measured response to the affair. She examines the protests held in Taipei on 25 July, the coverage of the event by Chinese state media, and reactions observed on Chinese social media. She puts this episode in perspective alongside the history of food safety scandals in mainland China and the question of freedom to protest on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

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CA 37 – Taiwan After the Election – April 2012

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In January Ma Ying-jeou was re-elected as Taiwan’s President following an election campaign that was dominated by debates on Taiwan’s relationship with mainland China. But his re-election was by no means assured as Taiwan also faces multiple domestic challenges in the coming years: an ageing population, the loss of talent to other countries, insufficient economic growth and the island’s inability to attract international investors are among the main concerns. However, many problems in Taiwan stem from its problematic relationship with neighbouring China. In his first term Ma Ying-jeou stabilised political cross-strait relations by improving trade relations and opening regular direct flights and shipping links. It is therefore expected that Ma Ying-jeou will further improve political and economic ties with China.

The latest edition of China Analysis, published by ECFR and Asia Centre explores the debates surrounding Taiwan’s relations with Beijing in the aftermath of the election.

 

Summary

– TAIWAN AFTER THE ELECTION –

Reactions on the mainland to the Taiwanese election (Jean-Pierre Cabestan)

Ma Ying-jeou’s mainland strategy in a changing strategic environment (Mathieu Duchâtel)

A crisis of conscience in the Democratic Progressive Party (Hubert Kilian)

The business world mobilises to re-elect Ma Ying-jeou (Tanguy Le Pesant)

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