Taiwan’s think tank hosted a seminar titled “Xi Jinping’s Authoritarian Model and Governance Thinking” at the International Conference Center of the Ministry of Transportation on March 6th. The event featured speeches from Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, and the Mainland Affairs Council Minister, Chui Chui-Cheng, along with the participation of 17 experts and scholars.
Minister Joseph Wu emphasized during his speech the critical role of digital technology in the genetic mutation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) system. He stated that “emerging technologies” have greatly enhanced the CCP’s rule, particularly through the use of digital technology in national capabilities, enabling the CCP to be more agile and sensitive in its united front strategies both domestically and internationally. The development of digital technology has allowed the CCP’s authoritarian model to transcend physical space, as their control and weaponization of the “cyberspace” have evolved, solidifying Xi Jinping’s position of power.
Wu pointed out that Xi Jinping’s repeated emphasis on “security” in recent years reflects his sense of insecurity in power and his focus on internal control and external expansion. This form of governance resilience is referred to as “digital authoritarianism.”
He stressed that the digital authoritarianism of the CCP poses a challenge globally, with Taiwan being at the forefront. Wu emphasized that the CCP’s national development model and governance thinking are international concerns. Particularly, Xi Jinping’s authoritarian model poses a severe challenge to democratic countries worldwide, urging Taiwan and its democratic partners to join forces in facing these challenges.
Furthermore, Wu mentioned that the challenges of Xi Jinping’s regime are akin to the final moves of a desperate regime, indicating an upcoming crisis in succession, amidst growing economic pressures and social conflicts in China, posing a serious challenge to the legitimacy of the CCP’s rule.
In his conclusion, Wu highlighted the importance of Taiwan standing together with global democratic nations, strengthening self-defense resilience, upholding democratic values, deepening cooperation with allied countries to safeguard Taiwan against CCP expansionist threats.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chui Chui-Cheng stated that in recent years, the CCP’s authoritarian expansion towards Taiwan has become increasingly aggressive, posing a significant challenge to Taiwan’s national security. Aside from military intimidation, diplomatic pressures, economic coercion, and grey area intrusions, the CCP also utilizes tactics such as cyber-attacks, cognitive warfare, spreading disinformation, and interference in democratic elections through local collaborators, aiming to undermine Taiwan’s confidence in national sovereignty and the continuation of its democratic system.
Chui expressed the urgency of closely monitoring the annual important political agendas of the “Two Sessions” of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, as these events have implications for cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s national security interests.
He highlighted the need for Taiwan to unite as Xi Jinping’s new authoritarian expansionism advances. Understanding the dynamics of CCP’s high-handed nationalism and centralized leadership under Xi Jinping is crucial for Taiwan, as the regime propagates a “double extreme authoritarianism” of extreme left and extreme right, unprecedented in human history.
Chui emphasized that Taiwan must realize the interconnectedness of democracy, prosperity, and peace, especially in the current complex international environment. Taiwan should work with global democratic nations to counter any actions that threaten democratic systems and global security.
Additionally, he stressed Taiwan’s commitment to international contributions, readiness to collaborate with the democratic camp, maintain technological superiority, develop a robust “democratic supply chain” for national defense, promote industrial growth, and enhance economic resilience.
The first session of today’s seminar focused on “Xi Jinping’s Governance Thinking in the Era: Internal Authoritarian Control.” Presenters including Deputy Research Fellow Wang Zhanxi from the Institute for National Defense and Security Studies, Assistant Professor Hong Yaonan from Tamkang University’s Department of Diplomacy, Associate Research Fellow Tseng Wei-feng from the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University, and Assistant Professor Lin Jun-da from the National Development Institute at Taiwan University. Additionally, Professor Dong Liwen from the Department of Public Safety at Central Police University and Professor Huang Zhicong from the Department of Finance at National Chengchi University served as panelists.
The second session focused on “Xi Jinping’s Governance Thinking in the Era: External Authoritarian Expansion.” Speakers included Assistant Professor Ma Junwei from Tamkang University’s Institute for Strategic Studies, Research Assistant Wang Guochen from the First Research Institute of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, Assistant Professor Wu Chun-ji from National Taipei University of Education, and Assistant Professor Lin Ying-yu from Tamkang University’s Institute for Strategic Studies, with Professor Zhang Guocheng from Taipei Medical University and Professor Cai Rongxiang from the Department of Political Science at National Chung Cheng University serving as panelists.
The third session centered around “The Indo-Pacific Strategy and US-China-Taiwan Relations after Trump’s Return to the White House,” featuring Taiwan think tank advisory committee member Lai Yizhong, Vice President of the Institute for National Policy Research Guo Yuren, Associate Professor Tao Yifen from Taiwan University’s Department of Political Science, and Assistant Professor Chen Fangyu from Soochow University’s Department of Political Science as panelists.
Dr. Wu Sezhi, Director of the China Research Group at Taiwan’s think tank, moderated the comprehensive discussion where the main theme revolved around the “Trump 2.0 era,” exploring potential directions of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, the trilateral relationships among the US, China, and Taiwan, and how Taiwan should respond to the evolving global dynamics. The experts and scholars presented their viewpoints, engaging in discourse with the audience present.
Taiwan’s think tank has been dedicated to monitoring Taiwan’s development, establishing a China research group in recent years, organizing professional seminars periodically, and publishing several policy research series. The think tank will continue to focus on various issues, host events, and produce research outcomes for reference by domestic and international stakeholders.