November 4th, 2024

The Taiwan Center for Security Studies and the Institute of International Relations of National Chengchi University hosted a forum titled, “The Strategic Assessment of Taiwan’s Security in The Indo-Pacific Region” where academics, policymakers, and experts gathered for in-depth discussion and a table-top exercise to discuss Taiwan’s security challenges in the context of intensifying geopolitical uncertainties. The event explored strategic, economic, and military dimensions shaping the Indo-Pacific region.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Liu Fu-Kuo, Director of the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, emphasized the urgency of intellectual collaboration, citing global tensions including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, instability on the Korean Peninsula, and heightened attention towards the Taiwan Strait. “The main purpose of today’s exercise is to pave a strong foundation for our next TTX in February-March 2025,” Liu noted.

On Taiwan’s security and national strategy, Fmr Adm. Richard Chen highlighted Taiwan’s pivotal role in East Asian security, stressing the need for strategic coherence. “Taiwan’s security is inseparable from the broader region,” Chen stated. He advocated for bolstered human capital development and enhanced interagency coordination. “Taiwan’s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) must evolve into a comprehensive National Security Strategy,” he added.

On the potential economic ramifications of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Prof. Chung-Min Kuang of National Taiwan University, analyzed the economic implications of shifting U.S.-China dynamics, noting that trade barriers and supply chain diversification significantly impact Taiwan. “Taiwan must craft a grand strategy to navigate these challenges and mitigate export dependency on China,” Kuang advised.

Commenting on the geopolitical complexity and defense challenges that Taiwan may face, Former EU Ambassador Franz Jessen drew historical parallels, emphasizing the necessity of a cohesive international approach. Other speakers underscored the rising complexity of Taiwan’s defense needs, particularly in light of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a new administration.

The Tabletop Exercise (TTX) session explored potential scenarios in the Taiwan Strait, assessing the likelihood of conflict escalation. Delegates from the U.S., Taiwan, and international organizations evaluated strategic responses to gray-zone threats and regional destabilization. The U.S. team reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan’s defense, with discussions on increased military coordination and strategic deterrence. International participants emphasized the importance of multilateralism and adherence to international law while maintaining strategic ambiguity.

The forum concluded with a call for actionable strategies to enhance Taiwan’s resilience. Participants agreed that cooperation, both domestic and international, is essential to address the mounting pressures in the Indo-Pacific region. The outcomes of this forum will inform future exercises and policy development in the coming months.