TAP @ Tamkang University

Relying on the trajectory of industrialization and innovation, Taiwan and China both have pursued a path of applying new technologies in the governmental response to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. However, China´s handling of the recent outbreak of Covid-19  disease has highlighted political differences that pinpoints to the autocratic-democratic divide. While the China (People's Republic of China, PRC) locked families in their homes and militarily sealed off entire provinces after the announcement of the infectiousness new corona virus and started a broad tracing and tracking protocol, Taiwan (Republic of China, R.O.C.) followed  its protective protocols to contain epidemic health risks. Screening immediately began at all entry points, such as ports and airports, and the population was informed trough the media and urged to help. Both handling strategies were showing initial success, but when the following waves were spreading in China discontent with state control measures has increased up to recurrent uprisings. In both political setting, the application of innovative approaches has been prioritized as coping strategy. Let's go beyond the political divide by contrasting governmental responses, the application of innovative technology and how the public was addresses to get involved fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.