by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a dramatic escalation of tensions in East Asia, China has lashed out at the United States in response to recent developments regarding Taiwan’s independence. The meeting of top officials in Washington, D.C., has set a contentious stage for strained Sino-American relations and significantly raised the stakes over the Taiwan…
台北哈利法克斯安全論壇：轉化對話為行動的機遇與挑戰 Richard Sanders, Taipei Taipei – The Halifax International Security Forum commenced a special gathering in Taipei today, under a cloud of uncertainty fueled by the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under the new Trump administration. The opulent Mayfull Hotel is the sponsored venue for the event, providing VIP treatment and complimentary first-class accommodations…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Taipei, Taiwan – In a move that underscores its commitment to self-defense and reflects the escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, Taiwan is reportedly negotiating a multibillion-dollar defense contract with the United States. The potential deal, which could include advanced weaponry and military support, is being viewed as a significant…
Richard Sanders Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims has uncovered a massive gap of nearly $5 trillion in US federal spending that it cannot account for. DOGE has claimed that Treasury records made some payments untraceable. Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, DOGE has been pressing ahead with budget…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor China Accuses US of ‘Backpedalling’ on Taiwan Independence Stance Beijing, China – Tensions between China and the United States have flared again, this time over what Beijing perceives as a shift in Washington’s stance on Taiwan’s independence. China’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the US of…
Richard Sanders A Canadian naval frigate, HMCS Ottawa, sailed through the Taiwan Strait yesterday, marking the first such passage this year and the sixth since Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, praising Canada’s commitment to freedom of navigation and maintaining peace and openness in the Strait….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Explainer: What is ‘Taiwan independence’ and is Taiwan already independent? The issue of Taiwan’s independence has been a contentious and complex topic for decades, with far-reaching implications for the island, China, and the global community. At its core, the question of Taiwan’s independence revolves around the island’s political status and…
美國國務院從台灣概況說明書中刪除「不支持獨立」聲明 Richard Sanders, Taichung Washington D.C. – The United States Department of State has updated its fact sheet on U.S.-Taiwan relations, removing a key phrase stating that the U.S. “does not support Taiwan independence.” The change, made public on Thursday, has been welcomed by Taiwanese officials as a sign of strengthened support. The previous version…
by Martib Haffner Associate Editor Taipei, Taiwan – In a move aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, Taiwan’s government is intensifying its crackdown on businesses and individuals assisting Taiwanese citizens in obtaining Chinese identity cards. The measures, recently announced and implemented, reflect growing concerns over potential risks associated with dual citizenship and Beijing’s…
by Richard Sanders in Tainan, Taiwan In recent weeks, the Trump administration has rolled out a flurry of initiatives and controversies on the international stage, including imposing tariffs, slashing international aid budgets, and engaging in discussions with Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict. However, the most significant long-term challenge for the U.S. remains its relationship…