Taiwan looks to distant shores for economic growth

Taiwan’s economy, once hailed as a miracle, is not as dynamic as it used to be. Growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which was an impressive 6.6% in 2021, fell to 2.6% in 2022, and then 1.4% in 2023.

No wonder then that future prosperity is on the minds of many on the self-governing island as the January 13 elections near. There is indeed debate over defense spending; but the military threat from China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory,only has some voters concerned, as two…