Gender Differences in the Perceived Threats of Potential Military Conflicts Between Taiwan and China Among Taiwanese Individuals

Abstract

Background The relationship between Taiwan and China is increasingly tense. This study aimed to examine the gender differences in perceived threats of potential military conflicts between Taiwan and China, sources of information for the Taiwan-China relation, and the level of awareness regarding increased China’s military activities among Taiwanese individuals. Methods Data were collected from a representative sample of 2,000 Taiwanese nationals aged ≥ 20 years through a telephone interview survey, conducted from November 8 to 20, 2023. A computer-assisted system facilitated the survey, with stratification based on the distribution of sex, age, and location across Taiwan’s 22 administrative districts. Participants were categorized into landline and cellphone-only users in proportions that reflect national estimates. The study examined gender differences in the perceived likelihood of a war, concerns about war, perceived impacts of war on people’s lives, self-confidence in handling these impacts, confidence in politicians' ability to manage the Taiwan-China relation, sources of information about this relation, and unawareness of increased China’s military activities. Results The results indicated that women expressed greater concern about a potential war between Taiwan and China and demonstrated lower self-confidence in handling the impacts of such a war on their personal lives compared to men. Furthermore, women were more likely to receive information about the Taiwan-China relation from traditional media such as TV, broadcast, and newspapers, rather than from social media. Additionally, women were more likely to be unaware of the increased China’s military activities than men. Conclusion This study highlights significant gender differences in concerns about a potential war, self-confidence in managing its impacts, sources of information regarding the Taiwan-China relation, and awareness of China’s military activities among Taiwanese individuals. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive approaches in policy-making and community engagement strategies to better prepare Taiwanese citizens for the ongoing tensions with China.