International Cooperation in Times of COVID-19: Case Studies of Japan and Taiwan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it several consequences that have harmed all the world’s inhabitants, although some more than others. Because of that, it is considered necessary to do something to combat the effects caused by it. Thus, if a greater number of States joined and cooperated with each other, this situation could end. Although the international community has tried to act together, there are some countries that—due to their historical relations—have slowed down cooperation, but there are also those countries that have strengthened their collaboration ties during the health crisis. For example, the case of Japan and China is presented, in which it was demonstrated how the relations of these two countries were strengthened, and donations and mutual aid were sent. The case of Taiwan and China are also presented because Taiwan closed the borders for Chinese citizens. However, this does not imply that Taiwan has not cooperated with other countries; conversely, its participation with several States has been highlighted in the pandemic. All these situations demonstrate that countries are always willing to cooperate with others, in some cases there are reasons or interests that stop this support, but it is considered that countries should work on these problems so that, in the future, cooperation ties will improve and countries can be able to manage global crises efficiently.