Taiwan's Pivot to the Indo-Pacific. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scott, David
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific review. Volume 26:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Asian cooperation -- Periodicals; Pacific Area cooperation -- Periodicals; East Asia -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; East Asia -- Strategic aspects -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Strategic aspects -- Periodicals; 327.5
• DOI: 10.1080/13439006.2019.1618602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1343-9006

Abstract

Abstract : This article analyzes the Indo-Pacific pivot currently being pursued by Taiwan. It moves from theory application to policy analysis. Theory is applied in the shape of classical and critical geopolitics, social constructivism theory, social identity theory, role theory, strategic narrative theory, and balance of threat theory. Disputed identity and perceptions run through such theory application. Policy analysis is applied to Taiwan's reaching out to South-east Asia, Australia and India via its New Southbound Policy, to Taiwan seeking entry to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, to Taiwan reactivating the Austronesian Forum, and to Taiwan embracing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific framework being pushed by Japan and the US. The People's Republic of China (PRC) emerges as the clear driver behind Taiwan's Indo-Pacific pivot. The article concludes by judging the effectiveness of Taiwan's pivot, against the shadow of increasing pressure from the PRC to curtail such regional space sought by Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific.