COVID-19 strengthens the hand of Taiwan's government

Subject

Taiwan's management of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Significance

Taiwan’s success in keeping COVID-19 at bay contrasts favourably with nearby countries. So far, it has had just 49 confirmed cases, far behind nearby South Korea and Japan, with 7,869 and 643 respectively.

Impacts

• Emergency legislation has given the government extraordinary powers, but Tsai will avoid exercising them too readily.
• Other countries stand to benefit from Taiwan’s eagerness to share its experience and expertise.
• The crisis makes it possible that Taiwan will attend the World Health Assembly in May, after years of China blocking it.