On January 29, 2024, an expert roundtable was held at the Centro Studi Americani, located at Via Michelangelo Caetani 32 in Rome, organized by the Taiwan Studies Center of Sapienza University, in collaboration with the Centro Studi Americani, the Interdepartmental Research Center CEMAS Sapienza, and the Centro Studi Geopolitica.info.
The meeting, titled “Taiwan 2024: The Development of US-Taiwan-China Relations after the Elections,” addressed the situation in the Taiwan Strait in light of the recent Taiwanese presidential elections. During the conference, the primary focus was the “American Portrait” research project, initiated in 2021 by Dr. Chien-Huei Wu, then convenor of the U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations Thematic Research Group at the Institute of European and American Studies (IEAS), Academia Sinica. The project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Hsin-Hsin Pan and Dr. Wen-Chin Wu, investigates Taiwanese public perceptions of the United States and China.
The “American Portrait” project offers new insights that challenge conventional thinking, using data from an annual survey that will continue until 2030. This ten-year research timeline aims to measure evolving Taiwanese views on U.S.-China relations, particularly in terms of support for major U.S. policies toward Taiwan. Financially supported by IEAS, Academia Sinica, the project expanded in 2022 to include Dr. James Lee, who joined the IEAS team that year.
Dr. Wen-Chin Wu discussed the survey’s findings from 2023, highlighting how Taiwanese views of the United States remain predominantly positive, despite rising geopolitical tensions in the region. He emphasized the importance of this data in understanding Taiwan’s position amid growing U.S.-China rivalry.
Dr. Chien-Huei Wu explored the broader implications of Taiwanese public opinion on foreign policy, explaining how the support for U.S. policies reflects Taiwan’s strategic reliance on American military and diplomatic backing, especially in light of increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait. He pointed out that this reliance is not without internal debate, as some factions in Taiwan question the long-term stability of U.S. commitments.
Dr. James Lee raised a significant concern during the discussion, stating: “I don’t believe that the disinformation from the People’s Republic of China will be effective in the short term, because Taiwan is aware of the threat and considers preventing its spread an absolute priority.” However, Lee added that his worry lies in the medium to long term: “There is a risk that U.S. political circles will increasingly demand a scaling back, which would imply disengagement from Taiwan. These demands could intertwine with the narratives of U.S. skeptics in Taiwan and pressure the Taiwanese government to negotiate with Beijing to avoid war.”
Stefano Pelaggi, Research Fellow at Sapienza University of Rome and head of the Taiwan Studies Center Sapienza (TSCS), contributed by emphasizing the need for more channels of informal diplomacy between Italy and Taiwan. Pelaggi pointed out that such informal channels are crucial to compensating for the limitations of Taiwan’s international projection, especially given the restrictions imposed by the lack of formal diplomatic recognition. Strengthening these unofficial ties, he argued, is essential for ensuring greater cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The event was not only attended by students and mid-career researchers but also by several representatives from the business world and think tanks. This diverse participation created a unique opportunity for individuals from different sectors, including academia, diplomacy, and policy-making, to connect and exchange ideas. Taiwanese researchers and diplomats, along with Italian policymakers, engaged in meaningful discussions, enriching the perspectives on Taiwan’s regional and global role. The roundtable fostered an important dialogue that helped bridge gaps between those studying Taiwan from a scholarly perspective and those involved in practical decision-making and diplomatic efforts.
The meeting was moderated by Pelaggi, and this event marked the conclusion of the first year of activities of the TSCS. The Representative of Taiwan in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Y.C. Tsai, also attended the meeting, providing remarks on the importance of academic dialogue and research in strengthening Taiwan’s ties with the international community.
The Taiwan Studies Center has been actively involved in promoting Taiwan-related academic activities within Sapienza University. It has organized several courses across different degree programs, dedicated to various aspects of Taiwan, including political science, history, and international relations. Additionally, the Center hosted two major workshops during the year, fostering academic dialogue on Taiwan’s role in global affairs and offering opportunities for students to engage with Taiwan-focused research.
The Center’s activities have generated significant interest in Taiwan among the student body, with many students participating in exchange programs. Some of these exchanges were funded by Taiwanese institutions, while others were supported by the Taiwan Studies Center itself. The TSCS is funded by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, through the support of the Taipei Representative Office in Rome.
Events such as this roundtable play a crucial role in fostering synergy between Taipei and Rome, further advancing bilateral relations between the two countries. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration among researchers, diplomats, and policymakers, these events contribute to a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s position in the global arena and help to strengthen ties between Italy and Taiwan in both academic and diplomatic contexts.
