Introduction and Historical Roots

Which event most directly triggered the emergence of two rival Chinese governments claiming to represent China?

• The split between KMT and CCP in 1927

• The fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912

• The end of the Second Sino-Japanese War

• The Nationalist retreat to Taiwan in 1949

Which pairing correctly matches the leader with the political faction they led during the Chinese Civil War?

• Mao Zedong — Kuomintang (Nationalists)

• Chiang Kai-shek — Kuomintang (Nationalists)

• Chiang Kai-shek — People's Republic of China

• Sun Yat-sen — Chinese Communist Party

Which statement best reflects the core of the One China Policy as used by the People’s Republic of China?

• Taiwan is independent and recognized universally as sovereign

• China and Taiwan form a loose confederation of equals

• Two Chinas exist and both are internationally recognized

• There is only one China and Taiwan is part of it

After 2016, what change most increased military pressure on Taiwan under Xi Jinping?

• Reduction of military drills and focus on trade liberalization

• More aggressive stance and expanded PLA drills near Taiwan

• Joint sovereignty agreements reducing need for exercises

• Withdrawal of PLA forces from the Taiwan Strait region

Which action illustrates China using economic leverage against Taiwan rather than direct military force?

• Flying fighter jets across the median line

• Deploying additional missiles along the coast

• Conducting joint naval drills near Taiwan

• Suspending natural sand exports to Taiwan

Given repeated bans on Taiwanese fruit and seafood, which strategy would most effectively reduce Taiwan’s vulnerability to future trade suspensions?

• Rely more on Chinese intermediaries for logistics

• Lower food safety standards for faster exports

• Increase subsidies for pineapple farmers only

• Diversify export markets beyond mainland China

Which best describes the Marcos Jr. administration’s ‘dual-track’ approach toward China?

• Limiting diplomacy in favor of military escalation

• Ending the One-China Policy to support Taiwan

• Prioritizing trade while delaying defense partnerships

• Separating economic cooperation from territorial disputes

What was a key effect of the 2023–2024 EDCA expansion for the Philippines?

• Reduced maritime patrols in disputed waters

• Suspension of bilateral talks with China

• Increased U.S. access to Philippine bases and joint exercises

• Formal abandonment of ASEAN-style balancing

Which mechanism facilitates open discussions between the Philippines and China on South China Sea issues?

• Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM)

• Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

• Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP)

• Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)

Which policy best describes the Philippines’ official stance toward Taiwan under the Marcos Jr. administration?

• Strict non-contact with Taiwan across all sectors

• Full diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as a state

• Formal alliance with Taiwan for defense planning

• Adherence to One-China while keeping practical ties