In late January 2021 China moved to intensify military activity in the Taiwan Strait, sending bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons and fighter jets into airspace just southwest of the island. Taiwan responded by scrambling fighters and broadcasting warnings, but there has been no subsequent comment from China.

Beijing has long regarded the island as a renegade province and strongly opposes diplomatic attempts by other countries to engage with it. The action is the latest in an escalation of tension around the independence of Taiwan, and it coinciding with the inauguration of new United States President Joe Biden has led many to interpret it as a clear warning and the first major test of the Biden administration’s foreign policy.

What do these heightened tensions mean for Taiwan’s dreams of independence? What are the Chinese Communist Party’s objectives for Taiwan? Will the Biden Administration stand up to China over Taiwan, and will it look to its allies such as Australia for support?

SPEAKERS:

Professor Brendan Taylor (Strategic Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University)

Natasha Kassam (Research Fellow, Lowy Institute)

Jessica Drun (Non-Resident Fellow, Project 2049 Institute)

Dr Bec Strating, Executive Director, La Trobe Asia (Chair)

Held as live zoom panel on 3rd March, 2021.