Inside Story

Can Taiwan’s president maintain stable China relations?

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen has called for independence in the past, worrying some in China.

Taiwan’s new president is a woman who is not afraid to highlight the island’s unique identity, worrying some in China who say she’s ushered in an era of uncertainty.

Tsai Ing-wen struck a conciliatory tone after being sworn in on Friday. Yet, she will have to manage expectations among increasingly independent-minded Taiwanese and a watchful China.

Tsai Ing-wen’s party has called for independence from China in the past, but she has promised to maintain stable relations.

How will she balance the need to keep Beijing on its side, while reducing Taiwan’s reliance on its neighbour?

Presenter: Hazem Sika.

Guests:

Chen-shen Yen – research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Taiwan.

Jia Xiudong – senior research fellow with the China Institute of International Studies.

Steve Tsang – professor of Contemporary Chinese Studies at the University of Nottingham.