Insights into my Pacific Council Delegation to Taiwan
Image via Pacific Council Flickr
By Jackson Reineman
As a Chinese studies and international relations major, Taiwan has always been central to my personal, academic, and professional interests. During the summer leading into my junior year at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, I was lucky enough to work at the Pacific Council, where I assisted with several event-side projects. My favorite initiative that I got to work on was the Taiwan delegation. At the end of my summer with the Pacific Council, I was invited to join the delegation and provide on-site assistance in Taipei.
The opportunity to be in Taiwan was a professional milestone for me and a beautiful way for my academic studies to come to life. Physically being in Taiwan provided me with an invaluable real-world application of the theories and topics I study, particularly in areas like cross-strait relations, Taiwan's political landscape, and the global semiconductor supply chain. It was an immersive journey into the nuanced social-political and cultural web that comprises Taiwanese society. Being in Taipei and speaking with political leaders, business tycoons, and cultural figures was only possible through the Pacific Council’s level of access, which gave an insightful glimpse into Taiwanese society. I have been studying Chinese for ten years, and nearly every class I've taken in college was geared toward Taiwan. Yet, after attending the delegation, I realized that my textbooks could only go so far in communicating Taiwanese societal dynamics.
Taiwan's landscape is ever-evolving. Since the delegation concluded in November 2023, Taiwan has undergone political leadership changes, yet it continues to hold a promising economic future. Many of these changes are directly linked to the topics we explored in our site visits and meetings, including how Taiwan’s political transition will affect cross-strait dynamics and trade policies with critical economic partners.
In addition to the change in political leadership, Taiwan continues to burgeon amongst the world's leading economies. The island’s consistent, positive GDP growth since the 1980s is expected to continue due to Taiwan's unique position in the semiconductor industry. In our exclusive discussion with leaders at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) and an informative panel featuring Mr. Rob Lovelace and Ms. Chitra Gopal from the Capital Group, Mr. Lovelace and Ms. Gopal provided industry expertise and briefed the delegation before our site visit to TSMC. Delegates explored the cutting-edge semiconductor industry in Taiwan, which supports 15% of its economy, and the crucial role industry leaders like TSMC will play as the world continues down a path of rapid technological advancement. Taiwan produces 60% of the world's total chips and 90% of the most advanced models of semiconductors. As society begins to pivot and embrace AI technology, it will increasingly depend on sophisticated chips to facilitate this transition. Obtaining these insights directly from industry leaders and experts in the semiconductor field highlights the exceptional educational opportunity made possible by being on the ground with a Pacific Council delegation.
The education we received was elevated by the hospitality and expertise offered by the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their efforts ensured that our learning was both comprehensive and insightful. I would especially like to thank Charles Chen for his generous hospitality and the opportunity he provided to the delegation to view his remarkable art collection and socialize with Taiwanese officials, academics, and public figures.
Reflecting on the delegation a year later, I realize this experience offered insights far beyond what textbooks or lectures could provide. As an international relations student, it underscored the value of complementing academic learning with real-world experiences. The delegation highlighted Taiwan’s evolving political landscape, its strategic role in the global semiconductor supply chain, and the cultural depth often overlooked or simplified in the classroom.
Delegations like this provide invaluable opportunities to engage directly with the people and leaders shaping a country’s future, offering a level of understanding and context that cannot be gained from afar. Through firsthand discussions with policymakers, business leaders, and cultural experts, I gained a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s vital role on the global stage. This experience enhanced my understanding of Taiwan’s position in international relations and reinforced the importance of being an engaged and informed global citizen.
To view the 2023 Taiwan delegation report, click here.
Jackson Reineman is a senior at the University of St Andrews, studying International Relations and Chinese Studies. His academic interests center on understanding the Chinese-speaking world and international cooperation within the civil aviation sector. Jackson has also gained practical experience through his involvement in projects related to East Asia, including delegation work with the Pacific Council on International Policy. Outside of academics, he is the University of St Andrews men's water polo team captain.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.
