# Institute of Taiwan Studies

> Chinese research institute

**Wikidata**: [Q10874011](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10874011)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Taiwan_Studies)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-taiwan-studies

## Summary
The Institute of Taiwan Studies (ITS) is a Chinese research institute established in 1984 as part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. It operates under the dual identity of being both a research organization and a front for the Ministry of State Security, focusing on Taiwan-related studies and information operations.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1984 as part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
- Also known as the 15th Bureau of the Ministry of State Security
- Located in Beijing at coordinates 39.994799, 116.330857
- Operates under the principle of "one institution with two names"
- Website: http://cass.its.taiwan.cn/
- Parent organizations: Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Ministry of State Security
- Classified as a research institute, think tank, and front organization
- Has 2 Wikipedia language editions (English and Chinese)
- Grid ID: grid.506879.5
- ROR ID: 033mdyr61

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Institute of Taiwan Studies?
A: The Institute of Taiwan Studies is a Chinese research organization established in 1984 that studies Taiwan-related issues while also functioning as a front for the Ministry of State Security. It operates under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

### Q: Where is the Institute of Taiwan Studies located?
A: The Institute of Taiwan Studies is located in Beijing, China, at coordinates 39.994799 latitude and 116.330857 longitude.

### Q: What is the relationship between ITS and the Chinese government?
A: The Institute of Taiwan Studies operates under dual authority - as part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and as the 15th Bureau of the Ministry of State Security, making it both a research institution and an intelligence front.

## Why It Matters
The Institute of Taiwan Studies plays a significant role in China's strategic approach to Taiwan, serving as both an academic research center and an intelligence-gathering operation. Its unique structure as "one institution with two names" allows it to conduct scholarly research while simultaneously engaging in information operations and intelligence activities related to Taiwan. This dual nature makes it a crucial component of China's soft power and intelligence efforts regarding Taiwan, providing both academic legitimacy and operational capabilities. The institute's work influences policy decisions, public opinion, and strategic planning related to cross-strait relations, making it a key player in one of the most sensitive geopolitical relationships in East Asia.

## Notable For
- Operating as both a legitimate research institute and an intelligence front
- Being one of the few organizations with "one institution, two names" status
- Specializing in Taiwan studies while serving Chinese state security interests
- Maintaining a public academic presence while conducting classified operations
- Playing a key role in China's information warfare and influence operations regarding Taiwan

## Body
### Organizational Structure and Identity
The Institute of Taiwan Studies operates under a unique organizational model known as "one institution with two names" (一个机构两块牌子). This structure allows it to maintain a legitimate academic presence as part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences while simultaneously functioning as the 15th Bureau of the Ministry of State Security. This dual identity enables the organization to conduct both scholarly research and intelligence operations under the same roof.

### Research Focus and Operations
As a research institute, ITS focuses on Taiwan-related studies, including political, economic, and social developments in Taiwan. However, its work extends beyond traditional academic research into information operations and influence campaigns. The institute is known to engage in pro-CCP Taiwanese information operations and information warfare, making it a key player in China's strategic communications regarding Taiwan.

### Physical Location and Infrastructure
The institute is physically located in Beijing, with precise coordinates at 39.994799° N, 116.330857° E. This central location in China's capital city provides strategic advantages for both its academic and intelligence operations, allowing for close coordination with other government agencies and research institutions.

### Digital Presence and Accessibility
ITS maintains an official website at http://cass.its.taiwan.cn/, which serves as a public face for its academic work. The institute also has a presence in academic databases through its Grid ID (grid.506879.5) and ROR ID (033mdyr61), providing it with international visibility as a research organization while maintaining its classified operations.

### Historical Context and Evolution
Since its establishment in 1984, the institute has evolved to meet changing strategic needs regarding Taiwan. Its longevity and continued operation reflect its importance to Chinese state interests, particularly as cross-strait relations have become increasingly complex over the decades. The institute's ability to adapt its research and operations while maintaining its dual identity has been crucial to its sustained relevance.

## References

1. GRID Release 2019-10-06