Washington Convenes Experts to Map US-Taiwan Policy Path to 2027

The Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) is set to host its 2026 Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C., on October 7, convening a broad range of policy experts to examine the trajectory of US-Taiwan relations. According to the event organizers, the day-long forum aims to provide a structured analysis of the challenges facing the bilateral relationship, with a specific focus on the strategic outlook leading up to 2027. The symposium serves as a central venue for discussing how geopolitical shifts in Asia are reshaping policy priorities in both Washington and Taipei.

The agenda for the event is organized around four key thematic panels, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the US-Taiwan dynamic. These include regional geopolitics, trade and technology cooperation, non-traditional security threats, and the military balance in the region. By integrating perspectives from government officials, think tanks, and academic institutions, the symposium seeks to offer a comprehensive view of the current policy environment and potential future scenarios.

Geopolitical shifts shape regional strategy

The first panel of the day focuses on the broader geopolitical context of Asia, featuring speakers from academia and strategic consulting firms. According to the program, experts such as Dr. Wu Wen-chin from Academia Sinica and Jacqueline Newmyer-Deal from the Long Term Strategy Group will discuss how regional dynamics influence bilateral relations. The inclusion of remote participation from South Korean national assembly members highlights the interconnected nature of security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

This session aims to contextualize US-Taiwan relations within the wider framework of Asian geopolitics, considering the positions of neighboring states and the broader strategic competition in the area. The discussion is expected to address how external pressures and regional alliances impact the policy choices available to both the United States and Taiwan.

Trade and technology remain central

A significant portion of the symposium is dedicated to the economic and technological dimensions of the relationship, moderated by Dr. Scott Harold of RAND. Speakers from the Hudson Institute, the US-Taiwan Business Council, and other research organizations will explore the complexities of the trade and technology partnership. According to the event description, this panel addresses critical issues in supply chain resilience and innovation, areas where US and Taiwanese interests are deeply aligned yet subject to evolving global regulations.

The discussion on trade and technology underscores the economic stakes involved in maintaining a robust bilateral relationship. As global technology standards shift and trade policies are adjusted, the symposium provides a forum for analyzing how these factors influence long-term strategic stability and cooperation between the two parties.

Security and resilience discussions

The latter half of the symposium turns to security challenges, including non-traditional threats and military preparedness. A panel moderated by John Dotson will examine efforts to build civil resilience, featuring experts from George Mason University and Harvard Law School. According to the agenda, these discussions cover the growing importance of societal resilience in the face of potential crises, a topic that has gained prominence in recent years.

The final panel, moderated by Dr. Raymond Kuo, addresses the military threat environment and Taiwan’s evolving defense posture. This session includes a moderated interview with former US policymakers, including W. Brent Christensen and Dr. Ely Ratner, who will offer insights based on their previous roles in government and defense. The forward-looking nature of these discussions reflects a broader effort to anticipate and prepare for potential security challenges in the coming years.

The symposium concludes with a focus on the military balance in the region, highlighting the importance of defense planning and international cooperation. By bringing together diverse perspectives from various sectors, the event aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the security landscape. As the geopolitical environment continues to evolve, such forums play a crucial role in shaping policy dialogue and fostering informed decision-making among key stakeholders.