Taiwan: Miracle or ticking bomb?

People returning from their first trip to Taiwan are usually surprised and enthusiastic. The island is beautiful, people are nice, and life is easy. Statistics seem to corroborate the positive impression. In terms of economy and trade, democracy and freedom, innovation and technology, Taiwan ranks far above most Asian and many European countries. In the fight against the corona virus, Taiwan is among the world’s most successful countries. But there is a catch. Big brother China thinks there is no such country and regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Like most other countries in the world, Norway adheres to the one-China policy, according to which Taiwan is part of China. So how long can the miracle last? Some pundits have predicted that 2020 is the year Xi Jinping will retake Taiwan. Professor Eifring will look at the historical background for the current situation, as well as the impact of recent events: the Hong Kong protests and the national security law, the spread of the corona virus, and the re-election of Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen last January.

Join the seminar

on Zoom.

Halvor Eifring
is professor of Chinese at the University of Oslo, where he teaches courses in Chinese language, literature and culture. He studied Chinese in Taiwan in the 1980s and founded Acem Taiwan School of Meditation in his spare time. He has visited Taiwan every year since, including research stays at several universities.

Please note that according to corona virus regulations all participants must keep a distance of at least one metre from each other and maintain good hand hygiene. If you have any respiratory tract symptoms you should stay at home.

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Seating is limited, so first come, first served.