by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In recent months, the geopolitical landscape of East Asia has been dramatically altered by China’s assertive diplomatic maneuvers aimed at reducing Taiwan’s international standing. With significant implications for global geopolitics, these actions have created a complex scenario that places former President Donald Trump in a difficult position. Historically, Taiwan has…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The delicate balance of power in East Asia has long hinged on the capabilities and intentions of regional players. Among these, Taiwan, now officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has historically maintained a complex strategic relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States. One…
Richard Sanders Taiwan aims to enhance its customs clearance process by expanding the use of AI-based X-ray imaging over the next four years, according to an anonymous Customs Administration official. The focus will be on detecting contraband such as meat products, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, large bundles of banknotes, and specific agricultural produce. Since July…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether his administration would move to defend Taiwan against any possible mainland Chinese attack, while touting his “great relationship” with President Xi Jinping. “I don’t comment because I don’t ever want to put myself in that position” to commit in advance,…
Richard Sanders Some EU countries would favor the conflict between Russia and Ukraine dragging on longer with the idea of weakening Moscow, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has charged, stressing that Washington’s goal is to end the hostilities. Rubio’s comments came after a heated meeting between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky on Friday,…
Francis Tuschek North Korea has test-fired strategic cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear “counterattack” capability, the country’s state news agency KCNA reported on Friday. The missiles covered a distance of 1,587 km in an oval trajectory, taking about 2.2 hours to reach their targets, according to KCNA. This marked the fourth missile launch of the year and…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a recent statement that underscores the escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense has issued a stark warning to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan. The phrase “will come and get you, sooner or later” resonates as a chilling reminder of Beijing’s…
Richard Sanders An undersea cable connecting Taiwan to Penghu County was severed, the Ministry of Digital Affairs announced today, with suspicions pointing toward a Chinese-funded ship. This incident comes just a month after another Chinese vessel was suspected of damaging an undersea cable near Keelung Harbor. The National Communications and Cyber Security Center reported at…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Title: Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait: Taiwan Responds to China’s Live-Fire Drill Date: October 6, 2023 In a significant escalation of cross-strait tensions, Taiwan has mobilized its military in response to China’s recent live-fire military drills conducted in proximity to the self-governing island. The drills, which Beijing characterized as…
Richard Sanders, Manila Taiwan has once again been classified as a “free” country, according to the latest Freedom in the World report, released yesterday. The US-based advocacy group awarded Taiwan 94 points, placing it second in Asia for freedom. The report, titled Freedom in the World 2025: The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights, highlights a…