Audio Briefs “Understanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan”: Audio Brief with Henrietta Levin
Jan 16, 2026
Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow at CSIS and expert in cross-Strait issues, dives into the complexities of Taiwan's position in the Global South. She discusses the pressure Taiwan faces from Beijing and the mixed responses from Washington. Levin highlights how China coerces Global South nations to reduce ties with Taiwan while emphasizing Taiwan's ability to leverage unique strengths for engagement. The conversation reveals the delicate balancing act these countries navigate, particularly their desire for neutrality amid rising tensions.
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Global South Holds Strategic Weight
- Beijing prioritizes winning the Global South's endorsement on Taiwan and invests substantial diplomatic resources to do so.
- Global South actors believe their positions won't change China's behavior but may underestimate their own strategic significance.
CSIS Task Force Consultation
- We convened a CSIS task force with regional experts and thinkers from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia to study Global South views on Taiwan.
- The task force explored ways Taiwan could increase engagement and overcome obstacles in the Global South.
Taiwan's Asymmetric Opportunities
- Taiwan faces a daunting challenge in the Global South because Beijing's influence remains larger in scale.
- Yet Taiwan can exploit asymmetric advantages to make inroads even in countries closely aligned with China.