Submission statement: The author, [Brian Hioe](https://newbloommag.net/author/brian-hioe/), responds to an article by Simon Shuster in The Atlantic which paints a pessimistic picture of Taiwan’s future as a free, independent liberal democracy, arguing instead that Shuster relies on KMT talking points and a superficial fascination with Chinese authoritarian power while ignoring Beijing’s significant internal vulnerabilities. Pointing to public opinion polls, recent civic mobilization, and a long history of anti-authoritarian resistance, Hioe argues that Shuster fundamentally underestimates the resolve and agency of the Taiwanese people to defend their sovereignty.
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When the PRC checks stop coming.
Submission statement: The author, [Brian Hioe](https://newbloommag.net/author/brian-hioe/), responds to an article by Simon Shuster in The Atlantic which paints a pessimistic picture of Taiwan’s future as a free, independent liberal democracy, arguing instead that Shuster relies on KMT talking points and a superficial fascination with Chinese authoritarian power while ignoring Beijing’s significant internal vulnerabilities. Pointing to public opinion polls, recent civic mobilization, and a long history of anti-authoritarian resistance, Hioe argues that Shuster fundamentally underestimates the resolve and agency of the Taiwanese people to defend their sovereignty.