Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Indo-Pacific: Will Taiwan Become the Next Ukraine?

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the International Relations (IR) department of Bina Nusantara University (Binus), Centre for Business and Diplomatic Studies of Binus, and the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) held a webinar entitled “Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Implications to the Indo-Pacific”, as part of the International Relations Lecture Series #86. The webinar was divided into two sessions: the first session discussed the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on power shift in Asia-Pacific, while the second discussed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Taiwan, especially whether Taiwan would become the next Ukraine.

In the first session, the first speaker, Dr. Broto Wardoyo from the IR department of the University of Indonesia (UI), presented on Indonesia’s perspective on power shift in Asia-Pacific. Then, Dr. Makmur Keliat from the IR department of UI presented on the global implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Finally, Utaryo from the IR department of Binus presented on the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. After the presentation of all speakers, Dr. Wen-Pin Lin from Wenzao Ursuline University of Language, Taiwan, commented on the presentation. The first session was moderated by Dr. Ella Syafputri Prihatini from the IR department of Binus.

In the second session, the first speaker, Mr. Rene L. Pattiradjawane from the Center for Chinese Studies Indonesia and journalist at Kompas Daily, presented on China’s perspective on current China–Taiwan relations. Then, Tangguh Chairil from the IR department of Binus presented on ASEAN’s perspective on the impact of potential China-Taiwan conflict towards the region. Finally, Dr. Harryanto Aryodiguno from the IR department of President University presented on Indonesia’s perspective on the impact of potential China-Taiwan conflict. After the presentation of all speakers, Dr. Liang-chih Chen from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Taiwan, commented on the presentation. The second session was moderated by Dr. Rangga Aditya, head of the IR department of Binus.

The webinar was held in hybrid mode. It was held from Anggrek Campus of Binus in West Jakarta, while participants joined online via Webex.