Current Issue
Vol.69 No.3
September, 2025
Relations Before Power? Analyzing Sino-Vietnamese Relations from the Approach of Balance of Relations and Balance of Power (1009~1885)
Si-yu Chen ; Teng-chi Chang
Most of the existing studies on the international relations of ancient East Asian countries have been conducted from the approach of power structure or cultural specificity. Studies that emphasize the specificity of East Asia believe that Confucian cultural norms and ethical relations have influenced the relations of East Asian countries, so that East Asian countries can build a long-term peaceful “Tianxia system” different from Europe. Realists believe that the Tianxia system is no different from other international systems, maintained by the power of the hegemon, and Confucian culture is not necessary. No matter which of the above perspectives is used to understand the interaction of ancient East Asian countries, there are many unexplained exceptions. The long peace and cruel wars between ancient East Asian countries are undeniable historical realities.
This article attempts to incorporate the concept of power that emphasizes material factors and the concept of relation that emphasizes cultural factors into the explanatory framework of East Asian countries and uses the relationship between Vietnam and China from 1009 to 1885 to examine how relations and power jointly affect the relationship between China and Vietnam. The study found that relations can determine a country’s behaviour. If the resemblance with the country is confirmed, Vietnam can coexist peacefully with it. When the relationship is facing a crisis of breaking down, Vietnam will prioritize the balance of relations with China, and the balance of power will only appear after the failure of the balance of relations.
Keywords:China–Vietnam Relation, Balance of Relations, Balance of Power, Vietnamese Diplomacy, History-Informed International Relations
The Impact Mechanism of China’s Cross-Border Online Surveillance on Taiwanese Citizens: The Mediating Role of Emotions in Chilling Effects and Privacy-Protection Behaviors
Mao-chia Sun
Drawing upon the Appraisal Theory of Emotion and the Affect-as-Information Theory, this study utilizes a single-factor between-subjects experimental design to examine how Taiwanese individuals’ perceptions of China’s cross-border online surveillance influence their psychological and behavioral responses. This study aims to construct a theoretical model that explicates the mechanism through which such surveillance exerts its influence, with the goal of understanding the potential negative impacts on Taiwanese society and identifying corresponding coping strategies. To this end, the experiment employed three conditions—social media surveillance, instant messaging surveillance, and a no-surveillance control—to assess participants’ emotional reactions, privacy-protection behaviors, chilling effects on social platforms, and their willingness to express opinions on cross-strait issues online. The results indicate that, compared to the no-surveillance condition, both the social media and instant messaging surveillance conditions significantly triggered negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and anger. These emotional responses, in turn, increased participants’ engagement in privacy-protection behaviors and led to greater self-censorship in their use of social platforms. However, the negative emotions did not significantly enhance participants’ willingness to express critical views on cross-strait issues online. Overall, negative emotional reactions served as the primary mediating mechanism linking perceptions of China’s cross-border online surveillance to the chilling effects and privacy-protective behaviors. While the magnitude of the chilling effect was relatively limited, its potential threat to freedom of expression in a democratic society should not be overlooked.
Keywords:Cross-Border Online Surveillance, Self-Censorship, Chilling Effect, Privacy Protection, Online Expression
【Research Note】Small Victories Add Up to Big Ones: The Current State and Prospects of Research on the Chinese Communist Party History
Yen-lin Chung
Over the past decade, the significant changes in the political situation of the People’s Republic of China（ PRC）, and the international situations and cross Taiwan Strait relations, respectively, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantines, have made conducting field research and exchanges in Mainland China far less convenient than before. It creates greater challenges for overseas China Studies, including the studies on the Chinese Communist Party（ CCP） history and contemporary Chinese history. The related scholars need to calmly assess the situation and develop strategies to address this new reality.
This article suggests the following: first, it is necessary to carefully review the historical materials currently available overseas that can be used for the study of CCP and PRC history, as the quality and quantity of the data are both impressive. Second, it is noteworthy that in terms of the topics, there are indeed many important historical issues worthy of consideration and exploration in this research field. Third, connecting with the international community, exchanging experience, and integrating resources are important steps that need to be done. Furthermore, it is also an urgent task to cultivate young students who are interested in conducting research in this field.
Last but not least, this article emphasizes that the study on CCP and PRC history really needs and requires the relentless determination to pursue the historical truth with much patience.
Keywords:Chinese Communist Party History, People’s Republic of China History, Historical Research, Historical Method, China Studies
Strategic Game: China’s Non Military Coercion Strategy under Cost-Benefit
Balancing.
Book Review：Zhang, K. (2023). China’s gambit: The calculus of coercion.
Cambridge University Press.
Kin-hung Wong