One of the most complex topics in contemporary international relations is the status of the self-governing entity of Taiwan and its government in Taipei. In this November 6, 2025 talk, Pasha Hsieh, a law professor at Singapore Management University, explains how states that lack formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan nonetheless enter into trade and bilateral investment agreements with it, blurring the line between recognition and non-recognition.
Talking Points: Liberation Day in East Asia, One Year Later
On April 2, 2025, US President Trump declared “Liberation Day” and launched a tariff war against the entire world, including key American trade partners in East Asia. In this April 8, 2026 talk, Henry Gao, law professor at Singapore Management University and a trade expert, argues that the Liberation Day tariffs were simply leverage to force other countries to halt disguised transshipment of Chinese goods to the United States. Going forward, Professor Gao calls for rethinking some fundamental rules of the current global trade system, such as most-favored nation status.
Talking Points: US–China Competition and the International Order
Rivalry between the United States and China is reshaping the international order. In this September 5, 2025, talk, Ryo Sahashi, a professor of international relations at the University of Tokyo, shares his analysis of how Japan is navigating the shifting global landscape. Professor Sahashi says Japan has no real alternative to its all-important alliance with the United States, but at the same time it is reaching out to other middle powers in hopes of teaming up to preserve the “rules-based order” that more and more world leaders deride.
Talking Points: What Does International Law Say About Defending Taiwan?
One of the most complicated topics in contemporary international relations is the status of the self-governing island of Taiwan and its government in Taipei, formally called the government of the Republic of China. In this October 9, 2025 talk, Julian Ku, professor of law at Hofstra University, explains what international law says about the use of force for self-defense and collective self-defense in a potential cross-strait conflict, and argues that the United States and Taiwan should prepare credible legal arguments now to rally international support.
Talking Points: What Does PRC Law Say About Taiwan?
One of the most complicated topics in contemporary international relations is the status of the self-governing island of Taiwan and its government in Taipei, formally called the government of the Republic of China. In this May 6, 2025 talk, Bing Ling, a professor at the University of Sydney Law School, explains the legal basis for China’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan; what actions might invoke use of the PRC’s Anti-Secession Law, either to use force against Taiwan or simply bring criminal charges against Taiwanese who oppose unification; and the urgent need for the governments in Beijing and Taipei to resume talks.