WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 25, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) led a delegation of its 2025 Asia and Oceania McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) to Taipei, Taiwan, for a weeklong examination of democratic resilience, regional security, and the challenges shaping great power competition in the Asia-Pacific. The visit explored how various sectors in Taiwan are advancing democracy, countering authoritarian influence, and promoting economic and political stability to ensure Taiwan’s future as a thriving democracy.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Leaders explored Taiwan’s evolving diplomatic posture and its approach to safeguarding democratic governance in the face of mounting geopolitical pressure. A conversation with representatives of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) provided insight into Taiwan’s defense planning and security decision-making through research on national security, defense strategy, and regional affairs. The delegation also met with Legislator Niu Hsu-ting of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Legislator Wang Ting-yu of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), gaining bipartisan perspectives on Taiwan’s democratic trajectory and the strategic challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. Visits to the Presidential Office and the Legislative Yuan underscored the strength of Taiwan’s democratic institutions and offered firsthand insight into how its government operates at both the executive and legislative levels.
“Taiwan’s ability to uphold democratic values amid growing geopolitical pressure offers an essential perspective on the realities shaping the Asia-Pacific,” said Meagan Bigler, senior program coordinator for global leadership programs at the McCain Institute. “Engaging with leaders on the ground provided the McCain Global Leaders valuable context as they confront the realities of the great power competition in their own countries and careers.”
The four participating MGLs, who are part of the 22 total members of the 2025 cohort, included Internews Senior Program Officer Menghun Kaing from Cambodia, Senior Consultant at RAIN Defense + AI Ajay Krishnan from India, Associate Director for Foreign Policy at the Special Competitive Studies Project Channing Lee from the United States, and Co-Founder of the CARES Program, Maung Shing Min Nyo from Myanmar. The delegation was also joined by Global Advisory Council Member and Executive Director of Damson Capital Leon Toh.
MGLs also engaged with a variety of organizations across the civil society sector whose work reinforces Taiwan’s democratic resilience amid growing geopolitical pressure. The delegation met with DoubleThink Lab to learn how the organization promotes transparency and digital resilience to combat disinformation across the Asia-Pacific; Central News Agency (CNA) to understand the role journalism plays in providing transparency and oversight in domestic and international politics; and the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Taipei office for a deep-dive into Taiwan’s political history and its current position on the global stage. The cohort also met with Tongzhi Hotline, the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ organization in Taiwan, and with the Taiwan Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development to learn about their work and service as a resource hub for women’s empowerment in Taiwan.
“The Changemaker Tour in Taiwan was as insightful as it was inspirational. Here was a nation and a storied people living in the shadow of an imperialist power, yet advancing boldly in both technology and democratic values,” said 2025 McCain Global Leader, Ajay Krishnan. “It was a privilege to see their institutions up close and to learn about the opportunities we have to support lasting, positive change.”
At Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Museum of Innovation, MGLs learned about TSMC’s breakthrough role in advancing semiconductor technology and shaping the global electronics industry. They also visited Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), a think tank dedicated to promoting regional cooperation across Asia by fostering dialogue, research, and partnerships in areas such as education, innovation, and civil society. MGLs concluded their time in Taiwan with Kuma Academy to learn about its approach to civic defense and resilience and observed one of its preparedness workshops firsthand.
Get updates on the 2025 Changemaker Tour by following the McCain Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky.
Learn more about the McCain Institute’s McCain Global Leaders Program here.