
ROUNDTABLE
ISAC's online roundtable brings scholars to analyze recent or up-coming events that impact, engage, or speak to Asian Catholics.

LAST EVENT
A NEW CATHOLIC PRIME MINISTER IN TAIWAN
Domestic and International Implications
Monday 27 February 2023
20:00 - Singapore Time

On January 26th, Taiwan President Tsai appointed Philip Chen Chien-jen, a Catholic member of the Vatican Pontifical Academy of Sciences and prominent epidemiologist, as Premier Minister of the island. This appointment comes as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party seeks a cabinet reshuffle following the party’s heavy losses in recent local elections.
But this also speaks to a Taiwanese context in which Catholicism has a unique status. While only 1.3% of the population is Catholic, the Holy See is one of the very rare sovereign states which still recognizes the sovereignty of the island despite the strong opposition of China.
How is this nomination going to impact the position of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan and relations with China? How will Catholicism play a role in the domestic and international implications of this nomination?
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To join future events and stay informed:
December 2022: The Crisis in Myanmar - Its Impact on Catholics and Other Minorities
October 2022: The Sino-Vatican Agreement and its Geopolitical Significance
August 2022: Creating 6 new cardinals from Asia and sending many more messages
July 2022: The GotaGoGama Crisis in Sri Lanka: What does it mean for Catholics?
June 2022: The Philippines 2022 Presidential Election and the Catholic Church
Past Events
