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The security environment in the Asia-Pacific region has become highly complex since the end of the Cold War. The region is confronted with many daunting challenges like the denuclearization of North Korea; international terrorism; tensions in the Taiwan Strait; piracy and other trans-national crimes at sea; the safety and security of the maritime domain of the region; combating maritime pollution and the challenges posed by natural disasters. Among these challenges, the Taiwan issue remains a major stumbling block. The future of the Asia-Pacific region hinges on Taiwan given its political, economic and geostrategic significance.
Taiwan now faces many of the same economic issues as other developed economies. The Taiwanese are keen to have a closer interaction with India and Taiwan probably views India as a huge market and as a potential location for global export production. This book explores five main areas: Taiwan in the international arena; Taiwan`s relations with its neighbours; US-Taiwan relations; India-Taiwan relations; and Taiwan`s domestic politics. It aims to stimulate more serious and progressive thinking on the entire region in relation to Taiwan.
Modern Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy. Inflation and unemployment are low; the trade surplus is substantial; and foreign reserves are the world`s fourth largest. Taiwanese investors and businesses have become major investors in China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Taiwan`s economy largely consists of small and medium-sized businesses with one in seven people an owner of a business. This transformation cannot, however, be seen independent of the larger geopolitical framework, especially its relationship with the US. Nor can one talk about Taiwan without mentioning China. Since China has never renounced its right to ˜reunify` Taiwan, Chinese military action hangs like a sword of Damocles over Taiwan`s head.
The contributors to this book have located the ˜Taiwan factor` within the larger security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. The book will be useful for those interested or engaged in research on the Asia-Pacific region.
ISBN 9788130912271
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Pages : 240
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