Flash Points: What Taiwan’s new president can expect in office

Plus: Taipei’s dinner table diplomacy. MAY 26, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](  |  [SUBSCRIBE](     Sponsored by [Seton Hall University]( [The dishes on the menu for the inauguration of Lai Ching-te.]( The dishes on the menu for the inauguration of Lai Ching-te. Courtesy of Liz Kao Last Monday, after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s president, he sat down to a banquet in the southern city of Tainan. The eight-course dinner, which featured dishes that represented the island’s main ethnic subgroups, helped set the tone for Lai’s administration: “We wanted to tell the story of Taiwan’s multiculturalism and democracy,” one of the menu’s architects [told Foreign Policy](. It was also a clear message to China. Like his predecessor, Lai maintains that Taiwan is already a sovereign country. As he seeks to showcase its autonomy, cross-strait tensions are only expected to rise. This edition of Flash Points considers the new administration and the challenges it has inherited, from energy security to the China threat.—Chloe Hadavas   [1]( [Taiwan’s Dinner Table Diplomacy]( One of the courses at Lai Ching-te’s inauguration banquet is rumored to be a playful nod to Xi Jinping. By Clarissa Wei   [2]( [Beijing’s Post-Election Plan for Taiwan]( Expect China to double down on political warfare. By Craig Singleton   [3]( [Taiwan Can’t Shake Its Nuclear Ghosts]( The island’s resistance to a dependable—and desperately needed—source of energy has been shaped by a covert history. By Jane Darby Menton, Andrew W. Reddie   [4]( [China and the U.S. Are Numb to the Real Risk of War]( The pair are dangerously close to the edge of nuclear war over Taiwan—again. By Sulmaan Wasif Khan   [5]( [The Chipmaking World Hedges Its Taiwan Bets]( Earthquake or not, building semiconductor factories off the island has become a global imperative. By Rishi Iyengar Sponsored [A World of Experience]( The School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, has been ranked a best graduate school by GradReports. We’re a premier professional school located in the NY Metro area, that prepares students for diverse careers through collaborative mentorship, customizable programs in multi-lateral diplomacy. Study online/on campus. Participate in flagship research and leadership opportunities. [Start here](.   [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( [The world, at your fingertips]( Keeping up with global moments has never been more essential. Save up to 50% when you join our community of readers today. [SUBSCRIBE NOW](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Flash Points newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2024 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.