Prof. Yitan Li1
1Seattle University, United States
Biography:
Yitan Li (PhD USC) is Professor and Chair of Political Science and Director of Asian Studies at Seattle University. His research focuses on international relations, comparative politics, and East Asian politics. He has published in Asian Affairs, Asian Perspective, Foreign Policy Analysis, Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, International Studies Perspectives, Journal of Chinese Political Science, Journal of Contemporary China, Journal of East Asian Studies, and Political Research Quarterly. His book is entitled: Identity in the Shadow of a Giant: How the Rise of China is Changing Taiwan. He is the editor of the Journal of Chinese Political Science.
Abstract:
As tensions between China and the United States remain high, the Taiwan Strait is increasingly becoming a major potential flashpoint of conflict in the Asian Pacific. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has further accelerated the reshaping of great power politics. Several similarities and differences exist between the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a potential China-Taiwan conflict. This paper examines these similarities and differences and draws economic, military, and political lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to help China, Taiwan, and the United States manage the unique trilateral relationship and avoid a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The paper argues that the potential China-Taiwan conflict would look very different from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The geological features of the Taiwan Strait would make attacking the island more challenging than in a land-based scenario. The geopolitical dynamics would likely generate a different response from the US. The effective prevention of a China-Taiwan conflict would require different strategies and tactics from all parties involved.