This compendium brings together a range of analytical perspectives to examine why the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is so critical to Indo-Pacific peace and prosperity. The essays explore Taiwan’s economic centrality, its democratic identity and the strategic dynamics that shape its future. They also provide a framework for thinking about deterrence, resilience and preparedness. 

Taiwan lies astride one of the world’s most important trade corridors: the maritime gateway between Northeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific. The Taiwan Strait is a global maritime choke-point that carries a substantial share of the world’s container traffic, energy flows and manufactured goods. Any disruption to Taiwan, whether through blockade, coercion or conflict, would not remain a regional issue, but would instead trigger a systemic global shock across trade, finance and industry.

The report situates Taiwan within a rapidly evolving strategic environment. A change to Taiwan’s status would not simply alter cross-strait relations; it would transform the regional order, shifting the balance in favour of authoritarian power and undermining long-standing security arrangements. 

The essays highlight not only the risks of crisis, but the policy choices available to reduce them. In doing so, the compendium invites policymakers, analysts and the public to engage with Taiwan not as a distant issue, but as a central pillar of the regional and global order.