ABSTRACT
Under Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan has continued and adapted a long-standing strategy for securing international space, which matters for Taiwan’s international status and security. This multifaceted strategy includes: seeking modest participation in United Nations-affiliated and similar organizations; membership or participation in established international economic organizations; accession to newly emerging and increasingly important regional economic institutions; formal diplomatic ties with a shrinking roster of small states; robust informal relations with major powers; and acting in ways that parallel the behavior of a member in good standing of major, UN-centered treaty regimes that Taiwan has not been permitted to join. The Tsai government inherited a legacy of limited progress but has suffered significant setbacks as China has increased pressure. Taiwan continues to be dealt a weak—and in some respects weakening—hand, but persists in playing it well.
