The contemporary international landscape has experienced accelerated geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts, notably since the commencement of the second term of the Trump administration. The “America First” doctrine, initially a domestic policy framework, has profoundly reconfigured the established international order, precipitating a discernible paradigm shift in global governance and diplomatic norms. Central to this evolving architecture are the multifaceted dynamics of US-China relations, which encompass strategic competition, trade disputes, and technological rivalry. This analysis will examine China’s strategic responses within this competitive framework and assess their broader implications for the international political economy. Moreover, Taiwan saturates a pivotal geostrategic and technological position within the US-China competition, largely attributable to its dominance in the semiconductor industry, particularly through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). This has substantially elevated Taiwan’s salience in global affairs. Concurrently, President Xi Jinping’s increasingly assertive posture regarding cross-strait unification has intensified international scrutiny of Taiwan’s status. Therefore, this discussion will critically analyze the intricate interplay of US-China-Taiwan relations within the framework of the “Trump 2.0 era.” Read more about the speakers of this event below. 

Dr. Hsin-Hsien Wang is a distinguished professor of political science at National Chengchi University in Taiwan. A leading scholar on cross-Strait relations and authoritarian governance in China, his work explores the evolving dynamics between the Chinese state and society, protest movements, and elite political behavior. Wang’s research provides critical insights into the strategic calculations behind China’s domestic and regional policies—particularly relevant for understanding the shifting balance of power among the U.S., China, and Taiwan in today’s contested global order.

Dr. Shinn-Shyr Wang is an associate professor of economics at National Chengchi University in Taiwan. His research focuses on international finance, macroeconomics, and applied econometrics, with particular attention to exchange rate dynamics, monetary policy, and capital flows in East Asia. Wang has published widely in international journals and brings a data-driven perspective to analyzing global financial trends and their implications for Taiwan’s economic strategy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

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