
J. Michael Cole

A Bear and a Complex Character: New Symbols of Taiwanese Patriotism?
Symbols are essential to nationalism, and Taiwan will need more of those if it is to succeed in making the case for its continued existence as a distinct political entity on the international stage.

Chinese Warns of ‘Soft’ and ‘Insidious’ Taiwan Independence Forces
Chinese officials and academics continue to fail to understand the origins of the widespread opposition to unification in Taiwan.

Taiwan, Hong Kong Artists Forced to Sign ‘No Separatism’ Form: Reports
While there has not been any confirmation of a new rule, several artists have heard rumors that they will have to sign the document to perform in China.

A Catalyst for KMT Reform?
In post-Sunflower Taiwan, the KMT’s ‘ill-gotten’ assets are more scarlet letter than an advantage.

The Closing of the Chinese Mind
‘If we are to avoid major tensions in the Taiwan Strait, there will have to be a time when the people in Chinese academia and government who actually know what is going on in Taiwan are allowed to speak up.’

Ex-Convict Calls on ‘Anti-Independence Heroes’ to Firebomb DPP HQ
Tung Nien-tai is known to seek publicity and may be mentally unstable. Police have been alerted.

Visit to Taiping Island: An Exercise in Wastefulness and Futility
A bipartisan group of Taiwanese legislators headed for the South China Sea today to ‘defend’ the nation’s sovereignty. All of this is grandstanding and does nothing to protect Taiwan against external aggression.

Taiwan Must Avoid Short-Termism and Think Strategically
With control of both the legislative and executive branches of government, it must be very tempting for the DPP to take bold actions. But there are risks in doing so, and the Tsai administration is well aware of that.

Beijing Alters Recent History: Says Taipei Suspended Dialogue
China unilaterally suspended cross-strait communication mechanisms late last month after judging that President Tsai had failed to meet Beijing’s expectations.

Chinese Communist Youth League Wins: Film Drops Taiwanese Actor from Project
After weeks of pressure online and a threat of boycott by Chinese ultranationalists, a film studio has given in and chose to replace Taiwan’s award-winning actor Leon Dai.