“If you want to jump, you must first learn to bow.”
China-Taiwan books are some of the best resources for understanding the history, geography, and significance of these two states today. The island of Formosa, situated at the junction of the East and South China Seas, has hosted human habitation for at least 25,000 years, establishing itself as one of the most important crossroads for trade and commerce for centuries.
Having been owned by China, Japan, and then China again, Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), was established in 1949 following the victory of the Chinese Communists in the Chinese Civil War. Still one of the most important hubs for global trade on the back of its rapid urbanization and export-focused economy, Taiwan’s political status is contentious, to say the least. Receiving little official sovereignty recognition, mainland China continues to assert its claim on the island, with threats and fears of an escalation and invasion looking increasingly likely. With most experts now considering the island to be the next major flashpoint for global affairs, join us at What We Reading for the best books for understanding Taiwan and China!
Forbidden Nation: A History Of Taiwan – Jonathan Manthorpe
First up on our list of the best China-Taiwan books comes from Jonathan Manthorpe in Forbidden Nation. First published in 2005, it chronicles the four hundred years of colonial power over the island of Taiwan and highlights its geographical significance as one of the most important guardians of some of the world’s most significant trade routes.
One of the most insightful books for understanding the history of Taiwan and its people, Manthorpe delves into the dogged determination of its people, the obstacles they have already overcome, and the rising sense of nationalism they have cultivated around the island nation.
The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan’s Defense And American Strategy In Asia – Ian Easton
Taiwan has long been considered one of the most likely candidates for the next major conflict to break out. Utilizing internal Chinese military intel and restricted access studies, Ian Easton’s The Chinese Invasion exposes the inner machinations of war planning, espionage, strategy, and national security.
One of the most illuminating books on Taiwan and China, Easton lifts the lid on what an invasion of the island might look like, how the United States would respond, and what ramifications such an act would have on the world. The Chinese Invasion meticulously details and logically presents every aspect, including the order of landings, the weapons that the attackers would use, Taiwan’s strategy to repel them, and the reasons why China might consider igniting this dangerous flashpoint in the first place.
The Trouble With Taiwan: History, The United States And A Rising China – Kerry Brown And Kalley Wu Tzu Hui
Taiwan is an island with its flag, currency, government, and military, but a land that China simply labels as a ‘rebellious province’ and whose sovereignty isn’t recognized by the majority of the world. Yet, in the wake of China’s emergence as the next global power, Kerry Brown and Kalley Wu Tzu Hui explore why Taiwan’s position has never been more precarious in their book, The Trouble With Taiwan.
Through chronicling the history of the island and some of its most dynamic and defining characters, The Trouble With Taiwan explores how the island has found itself caught in the crosshairs of two superpowers while simultaneously navigating its search for identity. This fascinating read is one of the most useful in understanding how this one disputed space speaks to a much larger issue of waning US influence and a shift in Chinese control.
Why Taiwan Matters: Small Island, Global Powerhouse – Shelley Rigger
Shelley Rigger is one of the most renowned and authoritative experts on Taiwan. In her book Why Taiwan Matters, she highlights the key economic and political ‘miracles’ the island has achieved that now make it a serious global player.
Taking readers through its vibrant culture, unique history, and determined society, Rigger draws on art, politics, economics, and international relations to illustrate Taiwan’s importance to the United States, China, and the wider world. She also traces the shift in the island’s domestic policies to an increasing ‘Taiwan first’ approach, and why this might soon lead to a standoff with its mainland neighbour. Featuring colourful stories of everyday life on the island, Why Taiwan Matters is an accessible and entertaining book for understanding Taiwan, Asia, and international affairs.
Red Roulette: An Insider’s Story Of Wealth, Power, Corruption And Vengeance In Today’s China – Desmond Shum
Heralded as ‘powerful and disturbing,’ Desmond Shum’s 2021 bestselling book on China is the story of a man and his wife who rose to the top level of wealth and power, only to fall headfirst out of favour.
Through hard work, resilience, and tenacity, Desmond Shum climbed out of the slums of impoverished China, gaining a degree and meeting his wife, Whitney Duan. Forming an effective team together, the pair received aid from the relationships they established with the top members of the Chinese Communist Party. Travelling in private jets, funding multi-million premier hotels, and enjoying the privileges of being among the elite. Then, while Desmond was overseas, he would learn that his now ex-wife had disappeared along with three of his coworkers. One of the most illuminating books for those seeking to understand how politics shapes in China and what happens to those who fall out of favor with its ruling party is Red Roulette.
Check Out These Books On Understanding China
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
