At the invitation of the Editorial Board of East Asian Forum (EAF), Dr. T.Y. Wang, Illinois State University Emeritus University Professor, published a peer-reviewed comment titled “A divided Taiwan faces cross-strait pressures.”

Taiwan’s 2024 elections resulted in a fractured government, with the DPP securing the presidency but losing legislative control. The KMT–TPP coalition’s contentious actions and internal scandals add complexity to an already divided political landscape. Lai Ching-te’s administration faces mounting pressure amid Beijing’s military intimidation and a shifting U.S. stance under the Trump presidency. As Taiwan grapples with these challenges, its political future hinges on carefully navigating domestic discord, cross-strait relations, and international power plays.

EAF is an online platform publishing analysis on Asian politics, economics, security, and international relations. The forum is sponsored by the Australian National University. Wang’s article is part of an EAF special feature series on 2024 and the year ahead.