Podcasts about Taiwan Strait

“We will not let Communist Party of China define who we are,” said Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who has been sanctioned by Beijing and labeled a “separatist.”Despite Beijing's ever-growing hostility toward Taiwan, she is not deterred.In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has escalated its “gray zone” operations, naval aggression, large-scale encirclement drills and missile tests, and aircraft incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has promised to seize Taiwan—including by force if necessary.Beijing has also aggressively sought to isolate Taiwan internationally and peel away its allies. Only 11 countries and the Holy See still maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan as of 2026.“China's cognitive warfare, psychological warfare, political warfare, legal warfare, and very aggressive interventions in our domestic society and politics [have] become an increasingly serious problem,” Hsiao said.Born to a Taiwanese father and an American mother, Hsiao previously served in Taiwan's legislature and as the island's top representative in Washington, where she became known for her “cat warrior diplomacy.”Although Taiwan is only about the size of Maryland, it plays a pivotal role in the global economy, producing more than 90 percent of the world's most advanced semiconductors—the chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones, cars, and much of tomorrow's technology.It is also America's fourth-largest trading partner, and nearly half of all global container ships—dwarfing even shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—sail through the narrow Taiwan Strait, carrying trillions in trade.“Everything we're doing today in strengthening Taiwan is to prevent an invasion, to prevent that scenario from happening,” Hsiao said.Recently, Taiwan's National Security Bureau established a secure information-reporting channel for Chinese nationals to submit intelligence tips—a unprecedented move for Taiwan.In this episode, I sat down with Hsiao in the presidential office of Taiwan to understand what's really at stake here and how Taiwan is working to strengthen its whole-of-society resilience and deter a greater conflict.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

The critical importance of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation was underscored at the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, Fujian province, as participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered over the weekend, overcoming obstructions from island authorities.第十八届海峡论坛在福建省厦门市举行，周末期间，两岸与会人士克服台湾当局的阻挠齐聚一堂，凸显了两岸交流合作的极端重要性。The annual forum, which started in 2009, serves as a platform to promote mutual understanding and integration between the mainland and Taiwan, emphasizing the shared cultural and economic interests binding both sides.这一始于 2009 年的年度论坛是促进大陆与台湾相互了解与融合的平台，彰显了联结两岸的共同文化与经济利益。Addressing the main conference on Saturday, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, called for resolute opposition to "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, urging joint efforts to advance peaceful cross-Strait relations and national reunification.中共中央政治局常委、全国政协主席王沪宁周六在大会上发表讲话，呼吁坚决反对 "台独" 分裂活动和外部干涉，共同推动两岸关系和平发展与国家统一。He emphasized that the mainland stands ready to share development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots, noting that the country's blueprint for the ongoing 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period will open up broader space for cross-Strait integration.他强调，大陆愿与台湾同胞分享发展机遇，我国 "十五五" 规划（2026-2030 年）蓝图将为两岸融合发展开辟更广阔空间。At a meeting on Saturday on advancing the development of the demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, Wang urged greater progress in advancing such integration during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.王沪宁周六在推进海峡两岸融合发展示范区建设座谈会上，要求在 "十五五" 时期推动两岸融合发展取得更大进展。He called for supporting Fujian in exploring new mechanisms, pathways and models for cross-Strait integrated development. He also urged closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges.他要求支持福建探索两岸融合发展的新机制、新路径、新模式，同时深化两岸民间和文化交流。Under the theme of expanding people-to-people exchanges, this year's Straits Forum featured 58 diverse events covering grassroots, youth, cultural and economic exchange sectors.本届海峡论坛以 "扩大民间交流" 为主题，举办了 58 场涵盖基层、青年、文化、经济等交流领域的多元化活动。Earlier, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities elevated restrictions by banning island officials from attending the event, marking the first time the island's grassroots officials were blocked from participation.此前，台湾民进党当局升级限制措施，禁止岛内官员出席本届论坛，这是首次禁止台湾基层官员参与海峡论坛。Addressing the forum despite these bans, Chang Jung-kung, vice-chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said that despite twists and turns, the Straits Forum has always been committed to promoting exchanges and playing a critical role in cross-Strait relations.中国国民党副主席张荣恭出席论坛并表示，尽管历经曲折，海峡论坛始终致力于推动交流，在两岸关系中发挥着关键作用。During the forum, mainland enterprises signed agreements with various businesses and trade associations from Taiwan, buying signature agricultural goods including atemoya and pomelos, as well as tea and fishery products from counties such as Taitung, Yunlin and Nantou.论坛期间，大陆企业与台湾多家企业和行业协会签署协议，采购台东、云林、南投等县的释迦、柚子等特色农产品以及茶叶和渔产品。The contracts serve as a major step forward in implementing the 10 follow-up exchange policies introduced following the landmark cross-Strait meeting between leaders of the CPC and KMT in April, focusing on the practical livelihood needs of grassroots families and small business operators.这些协议是落实 4 月国共两党领导人历史性会晤后推出的 10 项后续交流政策的重要举措，聚焦基层家庭和小微企业经营者的实际民生需求。Yao Ching-ling, magistrate of Taitung county, said via a live video link that the purchase agreements were an immense encouragement to local farmers. "Agricultural and fishery products carry the core livelihoods of countless Taiwan families," she said.台东县县长饶庆铃通过视频连线表示，采购协议对当地农民是极大的鼓舞，她说："农渔产品承载着无数台湾家庭的核心生计。"A range of prominent figures and grassroots representatives also stepped onto the stage during the conference to share their stories of cross-Strait integration.多位知名人士和基层代表也在大会上登台，分享他们参与两岸融合发展的故事。Su Heng, a Taiwan political commentary vlogger, said grassroots perspectives and livelihood statistics best reflect the truth that artificial barriers can never block the shared enthusiasm of compatriots from both sides.台湾时政评论博主苏恒表示，基层视角和民生数据最能说明一个事实：人为障碍永远阻挡不了两岸同胞的共同热情。A massive number of Taiwan residents still crossed the Strait for markets, business cooperation and career opportunities, Su added.她补充道，仍有大量台湾同胞跨越海峡寻找市场、寻求商业合作和职业发展机遇。Lai Tsai-ta, co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence pharmaceutical startup Metis TechBio Co, shared his journey on the mainland since 2019. Backed by over 10 million yuan ($1.48 million) in subsidies and startup services in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, his company grew into a recognized unicorn before listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May.人工智能制药初创企业迈帝思生物科技有限公司联合创始人兼首席执行官赖财达分享了他自 2019 年以来在大陆的发展历程。在浙江省杭州市超过 1000 万元（约合 148 万美元）的补贴和创业服务支持下，他的公司成长为知名独角兽企业，并于今年 5 月在香港证券交易所上市。"The mainland offers sincere hospitality, strong policy backup, and a welcoming environment," Lai said, encouraging Taiwan youth to combine their professional skills with local industrial advantages to find their own perfect stage.赖财达表示："大陆有真诚的礼遇、有力的政策支持和友好的发展环境"，他鼓励台湾青年将专业技能与当地产业优势相结合，找到属于自己的理想舞台。underscore /ˌʌndəˈskɔː(r)/ v. 强调，凸显obstruction /əbˈstrʌkʃn/ n. 阻碍，障碍reunification /ˌriːjuːnɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ n. 统一，重新统一integration /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ n. 融合，一体化

Brad Thor joins No Limits: The Thriller Podcast for a spoiler-free conversation about Choke Point, Scot Harvath, and the real-world landscape fueling his latest thriller. We dive deep into the geopolitics shaping the novel — covering China, Taiwan, Thailand, and the tensions that define America's global role today.From China–Taiwan relations and the Taiwan Strait to regional power struggles in Southeast Asia, Brad explains how real-world geopolitics drives his storytelling and why he believes thrillers can help save America. This is a high-stakes, political chat about espionage, global conflict, and the role of spy fiction in understanding today's most dangerous geopolitical flashpoints.Perfect for fans of Brad Thor, Scot Harvath, Jack Carr, and readers who want to understand the real-world stakes behind the action.—

Links:  China Maritime Report #52: Everything Everywhere All At Once: The Growing Complexity of PLA Amphibious Exercises: Direct link to China Maritime Report #52 China Maritime Studies Institute CMSI Reports LinkedIn IngeniSPACE News Site   Bio: Jason Wang is a national security researcher and COO of ingeniSPACE, a Silicon Valley geointelligence analytics house. Marvin Bernardo is a PhD candidate at the National Jung ju University, Taiwan, and serves as a maritime domain analyst at ingeniSPACE.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened down 122-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,581 on turnover of 8.6-billion N-T. The market staged a technical rebound (技術性反彈) on Tuesday led by the electronics sector, after tech stocks rallied on Wall Street overnight, while buying also rotated to (輪動至) the financial sector, to give an additional boost to the broader market. Lai touts Shinzo Abe's legacy at Tokyo forum  President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan and Japan face identical security challenges along the First Island Chain. In a pre-recorded address at the inaugural (首屆的) Shinzo Abe and Modern Japan International Research Forum in Tokyo, Lai said the late Prime Minister's declaration that "a Taiwan contingency (緊急事態) is a Japanese contingency" highlights the importance of continued peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president also used the opportunity to thank Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for continuing Abe's legacy. The forum was cohosted by the National Chengchi University's Shinzo Abe Research Center and the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals think tank… it brought together experts from Taiwan, Japan and the U-S to discuss Abe's legacy and strategy. Hsinchu gas explosion cause under investigation  Fire investigators (調查人員) and police are looking into the cause of an explosion that left two people dead and two others injured in Hsinchu City on Tuesday. The explosion ripped through (炸穿 / 猛烈摧毀) a lunchbox store on Gaocui Road in the city's East District. The blast collapsed a wall onto a neighboring bakery - where the two elderly victims were sleeping. Both were later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Firefighters believe the blast was due gas accumulating (累積 / 聚積) overnight inside the lunchbox store after it closed. US Launches New Attacks on Iran Following Helicopter Incident Bahrain has sounded its missile alert sirens as Iran said it targeted the island nation to retaliate (報復) for US strikes. Iran said it had targeted the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, the island nation in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged (呼籲) the public to seek shelter. The US launched fresh strikes on Iran following the downing of an Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, putting any new peace agreement in jeopardy (陷入危險). Mitch McCann reports. … That was correspondent Mitch McCann. Brazil Crackdown on Smugglers of Cuban Migrants Brazilian police have rescued more than 100 Cuban migrants from human smugglers (走私者 / 偷渡集團) at the northern border with Guyana. Officials say the 108 migrants are in custody while authorities work to regularize (使合法化) their immigration status. Five people have been arrested on smuggling charges. The smugglers, known as "coyotes," charged high fees and provided unsafe travel conditions. The operation, conducted Monday, marks the largest humanitarian rescue in the state. Cuban migration to Brazil has surged since 2022 due to Cuba's economic crisis and U.S. sanctions. More affluent migrants often fly to Sao Paulo, while others travel overland through northern Amazon states. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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Summits between US and Chinese leaders are important events. They provide opportunities to discuss sensitive issues, manage friction, and to identify ways to solve problems and promote cooperation where possible. A great deal of preparation usually goes into a US-China summit, involving hundreds of phone calls, virtual, and in-person meetings between US and Chinese officials.   The May 14-15 summit in Beijing was atypical, perhaps not surprisingly since Donald Trump is a very atypical president. Today we are going to talk about the summit – the process and well as the outcomes and the implications for the US-China relationship and American interests.  Joining us today to talk about these issues is Sarah Beran. Sarah Beran was senior director for China and Taiwan affairs in the National Security Council during the Biden administration from 2022 to 2024. She was subsequently deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Beijing. At the NSC, she led strategic preparations for multiple summits between President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. After her 23 years in government service, Sarah joined Macro Advisory Partners.   Timestamps:   [00:00] Introduction   [01:45] Differences in Preparing for the Summit   [03:33] What Was Missing from Trump's Itinerary   [08:18] US and Chinese Objectives for the Summit   [12:30] Constructive Strategic Stability as a Framework   [18:09] Iran, North Korea, and Denuclearization in Chinese Policy [23:55] Tension over Taiwan Language   [29:15] Potential Reactions to Trump Calling President Lai   [30:12] Future of US-China Relations and Ally Reactions 

Lai Ching-te's tenure as the head of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of China's Taiwan region has been marked by a series of missteps and failures that have not only strained cross-Strait relations but also undermined the island's development prospects.Contrary to his shameless claim in a speech on Wednesday marking the two-year anniversary of his tenure that he has maintained the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the DPP authorities have stubbornly adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, peddled separatist fallacies and obstructed cross-Strait exchanges.That speech was a response, if not a desperate "don't desert me" plea, to US President Donald Trump's Friday interview, in which the US leader stated, "We're not looking to have somebody say, 'Let's go independent because the United States is backing us'." This remark dealt a heavy blow to Lai.In his speech — yet another litany of lies and deceit — Lai openly groveled to Washington, begging for an opportunity to tell the US leader that he wishes to continue purchasing US weapons, which he misleadingly labeled as essential to peace. Ironically, he tried to assure his audience that the island's future would not be determined by external forces just moments after trying to solicit US support.In an attempt to conceal his secessionist nature, Lai peddled a so-called "Taiwan subject mentality" in his speech, openly seeking to sever the island from the Chinese motherland.This "soft independence" is hidden and pernicious, no less harming than the DPP authorities' overt political separatist sloganeering.Evidently anxious over the US leader's remarks, Lai posted a so-called "five-point speech" on Facebook on Sunday, in which he called black white, barefacedly claiming that his authorities are the protectors of regional peace. Yet to his horror, that "carefully worded" message failed to elicit the hoped for response from Washington — explaining why Lai doubled down on his efforts to appeal to the US not to give up on him.If Lai truly intends to show the world that he is not a secessionist and that he is committed to peace and stability, he should simply pledge his support for the 1992 Consensus and stop fawning over the US.The true color of his secessionist feather is laid bare by the extraordinary lengths he has gone to in an attempt to conceal his separatist nature — and his fear of losing US support for his political agenda.The predicament Taiwan faces today stems from the DPP authorities' long-standing practice of placing ideological manipulation above reality, staking the island's security on the will of the US, and tying the future of Taiwan people to the dangerous path of seeking "Taiwan independence" through reliance on external forces. Once Washington shows even signs of shifting priorities, that layer of illusion surrounding the DPP authorities' reckless approach will be stripped away. In short, "Taiwan independence" is a dead end.Lai's latest remarks do not signal any abandonment of "Taiwan independence", but rather a repackaging of it in more carefully crafted rhetoric."Taiwan independence" is fundamentally incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The expansion of separatist forces advocating "Taiwan independence" will ultimately push Taiwan toward a dangerous abyss — a trajectory that runs counter not only to the interests of the Chinese nation, but also to the strategic interests of the US. In this sense, curbing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serve the shared interests of both China and the US. Lai's remarks further underscore the reality that "Taiwan independence" has become a common challenge confronting both Beijing and Washington.There is but one China in the world and that Taiwan is part of China. No matter what Lai says or does, he will not stop the historical trend toward reunification, which is unstoppable, as a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.Secessionist /sɪˈseʃənɪst/分裂主义者，脱离联邦者• Fallacy /ˈfæləsi/谬论，谬误• Litany /ˈlɪtəni/唠叨，一连串（枯燥的叙述或抱怨）• Grovel /ˈɡrɒvl/卑躬屈膝，摇尾乞怜• Solicit /səˈlɪsɪt/乞求，争取，征求• Pernicious /pəˈnɪʃəs/有害的，恶性的，流毒深远的• Barefacedly /ˈbeəfeɪsɪdli/厚颜无耻地，公然地• Fawn /fɔːn/阿谀奉承，巴结• Predicament /prɪˈdɪkəmənt/困境，窘境• Trajectory /trəˈdʒektəri/轨迹，弹道

Hour 1 Segment 1 Tony starts the first hour of the show talking about Thomas Massie losing to Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Fourth Congressional District Primary election. Hour 1 Segment 2 Tony talks about the U.S. eyeing an attack-drone threat from Cuba. Hour 1 Segment 3 Tony talks about taking President Donald Trump seriously versus literally. Hour 1 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the first hour of the show talking about Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker torching Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on not having a plan for saving the Chicago Bears from moving. Hour 2 Segment 1 Tony starts the second hour of the show talking about how the political parties attack from the other side. Hour 2 Segment 2 Tony talks about mortgage rates increasing and if it’s the government’s issue to fix the housing market. Hour 2 Segment 3 Tony plays the latest speech from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speaking on the indictment of Raul Castro. Hour 2 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the second hour of the show talking about the Schlitz beer getting discontinued after 177 years. Hour 3 Segment 1 Tony starts the final hour of the show joined with Major Mike Lyons to talk about President Donald Trump’s trip to China, moves in the Taiwan Strait, and why not go to war with Iran. Hour 3 Segment 2 Tony talks more about Thomas Massie losing to Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Fourth Congressional District Primary election. Hour 3 Segment 3 Tony is joined with Dr. Matt Will, economist from the University of Indianapolis, to talk about increasing mortgage rates and if it’s the government’s issue to fix the housing market. Hour 3 Segment 4 Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking more about Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker torching Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on not having a plan for saving the Chicago Bears from moving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony starts the final hour of the show joined with Major Mike Lyons to talk about President Donald Trump’s trip to China, moves in the Taiwan Strait, and why not go to war with Iran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 Segment 1 Tony starts the final hour of the show joined with Major Mike Lyons to talk about President Donald Trump’s trip to China, moves in the Taiwan Strait, and why not go to war with Iran. Hour 3 Segment 2 Tony talks more about Thomas Massie losing to Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Fourth Congressional District Primary election. Hour 3 Segment 3 Tony is joined with Dr. Matt Will, economist from the University of Indianapolis, to talk about increasing mortgage rates and if it’s the government’s issue to fix the housing market. Hour 3 Segment 4 Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking more about Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker torching Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on not having a plan for saving the Chicago Bears from moving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rejection by the 79th World Health Assembly, or WHA, of a proposal concerning Taiwan for the 10th consecutive year demonstrated that adherence to the one-China principle is a universal consensus within the international community, a Chinese mainland spokesman said on Monday.国务院台办发言人5月18日表示，第79届世界卫生大会连续第十年拒绝涉台提案。这充分说明，坚持一个中国原则是国际社会的普遍共识。Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the decision of the WHA, at its meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to reject the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" once again highlights the international community's firm commitment to the one-China principle.国务院台湾事务办公室发言人陈斌华表示，世界卫生大会在瑞士日内瓦的会议作出决定，拒绝所谓“邀请台湾以观察员身份参加世界卫生大会”的提案，这再次凸显了国际社会对一个中国原则的承诺坚定不渝。Chen said that the authorities of the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, in Taiwan will ultimately fail, as they stubbornly stick to a "Taiwan independence" separatist stance and refuse to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle. He accused the authorities of attempting to use what he described as "underhanded" means to seek a so-called "breakthrough" in the Taiwan region's participation in the WHA.陈斌华表示，台湾民进党当局顽固坚持“台独”分裂立场，拒不承认体现一个中国原则的“九二共识”，其图谋终将失败。他谴责民进党当局企图通过所谓“卑劣”手段，在台湾地区参与世卫大会问题上谋求所谓“突破”。He also criticized the DPP authorities for colluding with external forces to stir up issues surrounding Taiwan's participation in the WHA, deliberately distorting and challenging the fundamental principles established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.并批评民进党当局勾连外部势力炒作台湾参与世界卫生大会问题，故意歪曲并挑战联合国大会第2758号决议和世卫大会第25.1号决议所确立的根本原则。"This is not only an act of political manipulation aimed at seeking 'independence' under the guise of healthcare and challenging China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chen said. He added that it also challenges the post-World War II international order, international justice and the prevailing global consensus.陈斌华说：“这不仅是打着卫生健康的幌子谋求‘独立'、挑战中国主权和领土完整的政治操弄行径，同时也是对二战后国际秩序、国际正义以及国际社会普遍共识的挑战。”He warned the DPP authorities that no matter what tactics they employ, they will deceive no one, achieve nothing and are doomed to fail. "Nor can they hold back the historical trend toward China's ultimate and inevitable reunification," he added.他警告民进党当局，无论耍什么花招，都骗不了人、成不了事，终将以失败告终。他补充道，“他们也阻挡不了祖国终将统一、也必将统一的历史大势。”According to Chen, the Chinese mainland has made appropriate arrangements for Taiwan's involvement in global health affairs on the basis of the one-China principle, despite Taiwan not participating in the WHA.据陈斌华介绍，尽管台湾没有参加世界卫生大会，但大陆方面在一个中国原则的基础上，对台湾参与全球卫生事务作出了妥善安排。Over the past year, the central government has approved applications from 18 medical and health experts in the Taiwan region to participate in technical activities of the World Health Organization, or WHO. Under the framework of the International Health Regulations, the Taiwan region can both access WHO notifications on public health emergencies in a timely manner and report relevant information to the organization promptly.过去一年，中央政府已批准台湾地区18名医疗卫生专家参加世界卫生组织技术活动的申请。在《国际卫生条例》框架下，台湾地区既能及时获取世卫组织发布的突发公共卫生事件信息，也能及时向世卫组织通报有关情况。The two sides of the Taiwan Strait also maintain a smooth mechanism for sharing information on infectious disease outbreaks and have held exchanges such as the hospital presidents' forum, Chen said.陈斌华表示，海峡两岸还保持着畅通的传染病疫情信息共享机制，并开展了诸如海峡两岸院长论坛等交流活动。"This fully demonstrates that we take seriously the health and medical concerns of Taiwan compatriots," he added.他补充说：“这充分表明，我们高度重视台湾同胞的健康和医疗关切。”Taiwan attended the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei" from 2009 to 2016, based on adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus.基于对一个中国原则和“九二共识”的坚持，台湾曾于2009年至2016年以“中华台北”名义、观察员身份参加世界卫生大会。• Adherence /ədˈhɪərəns/坚持，遵循• Underhanded /ˌʌndəˈhændɪd/卑劣的，秘密的，不光彩的• Collude /kəˈluːd/勾结，串通• Guise /ɡaɪz/伪装，幌子• Prevailing /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/盛行的，普遍的• Compatriot /kəmˈpætriət/同胞

The exchanges between the Chinese and US leaders on Thursday and Friday have provided much-needed strategic guidance for the future of China-US relations.The two sides agreed to build a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability". The "constructive strategic stability" means positive stability with cooperation as the mainstay, healthy stability with competition within proper limits, constant stability with manageable differences and lasting stability with expectable peace.The new vision for relations between the world's two largest economies indicates that both sides recognize the need to prevent confrontation and manage differences prudently. The Taiwan question remains the most important one among all the issues affecting bilateral ties. If it is handled properly, the Sino-US relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, China and the United States will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.Yet certain forces in Washington continue to treat the Taiwan question as a "card" they can play to maximize US gains while claiming they value peace and stability in the region. Moves such as arms sales, political collusion and military signaling send the wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces on the Chinese island. "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. The more external forces embolden separatist elements, the greater the risks to regional stability.The recent remarks made by the secessionist-minded leader of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, via virtual link, at a so-called "democracy summit" in Copenhagen, once again exposed the separatist nature of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities. By attempting to portray his authorities as fighting for the "values" of the West, Lai sought external support for his separatist agenda while deliberately provoking cross-Strait tensions.The timing of Lai's remarks was particularly telling. They were delivered shortly before the US president's visit to Beijing.However, US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News aired on Friday, warned the Taiwan authorities against pursuing "independence" under the illusion of unconditional US backing."They have somebody there now that wants to go independent," he said. "They want to get into a war" because "they figure they have the US behind them".Trump poured cold water on that, saying he is not looking to fight a war thousands of miles away.Yet the US leader also described Taiwan in the interview as "a very good negotiating chip" in dealing with Beijing — a remark that reflects a transactional and exploitative approach to the Taiwan question.For China-US relations to achieve steady, sound and sustainable development, the stumbling block of "Taiwan independence" must be decisively removed. The US should recognize the true nature of "Taiwan independence" forces — as alterers of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, disruptors of cross-Strait peace, and troublemakers in regional affairs.Policymakers in Washington need to realize that the historical trend of the national reunification of China is irresistible. They should demonstrate genuine respect for China's core interests and major concerns. Beijing has made it clear that the Taiwan question is a red line in China-US ties that cannot be crossed.The outcomes achieved during the latest China-US economic and trade consultations, held in the Republic of Korea on Wednesday, demonstrate once again that despite differences and competition, China and the US still share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation.No one should underestimate the complexity of managing China-US relations. Competition will continue to exist. Differences will not disappear overnight. But what matters most is whether both sides can manage these differences rationally, avoid strategic miscalculation and uphold the broader interests of peace and development.China and the US have more common interests than differences. The US has much to gain from a healthy Sino-US relationship and much to lose from playing unilateral tricks, zero-sum games or the "Taiwan card".Only when both sides address each other's core concerns, and especially when the US handles the Taiwan question with due prudence, can they jointly turn the agreed vision for bilateral ties into reality.

The China-United States summit has dealt a severe blow to the "pro-independence" stance of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and sent a clear warning to separatist forces, experts said.During his talks with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, President Xi Jinping underscored that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait remained the biggest common denominator between China and the US.Noting that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations, Xi told Trump that if it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. Xi emphasized that "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.In an interview with Fox News on Friday, Trump said: "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent," adding that Taiwan should not expect a "blank check" from the US military.Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while briefing the media about the summit on Friday, said: "During the meeting, we felt that the US side understands China's position, attaches importance to China's concerns, and, just like the international community, does not stand for or accept Taiwan moving toward independence."Liu Kuangyu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Taiwan Studies, said that at the landmark summit, China made clear its stance, its bottom line, propositions, and also sincere goodwill regarding Taiwan-related affairs."Rather than letting hostile sentiments spiral upward, the pragmatic exchanges reflected a shared readiness to reduce strategic miscalculations, mitigate cross-Strait tensions, and eliminate the risks of unintended military clashes," Liu said.He added that the proper and positive handling of the Taiwan question will substantially shape the outcomes achieved at the summit and determine how effectively the two sides can sustain constructive, strategic stability going forward.Liu said that if China and the US aim to solidify a major-country relationship over the coming years, the Taiwan question must serve as the primary entry point.Meanwhile, opposition parties and politicians in Taiwan severely condemned the ruling authorities for fabricating cross-Strait crises.Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the major opposition Chinese Kuomintang party, slammed the DPP's cross-Strait strategy, saying that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end that leads nowhere and the summit has shattered the DPP's international illusions.KMT lawmaker Niu Hsu-ting told reporters that the summit's ripple effects will gradually surface, and the US clearly signaled conflict reduction, pouring "cold water" over the DPP's long-held separatist stance and its flawed narrative of guaranteed military defense from the US.In a statement, Taiwan's Labor Party also warned that the DPP's separatist line remains the primary source of risk driving regional volatility.The party condemned the administration's continuous military expansion, specifically referencing the newly passed defense budget, of which NT$780 billion ($24.7 billion) has been earmarked for procuring arms from the US.It said that pouring vast public resources and taxpayers' money into endless weapon purchases directly sacrificed the livelihood of the grassroots.Looking ahead, Liu of the Institute of Taiwan Studies warned that the US must exercise the utmost prudence to prevent triggering a great-power confrontation and refrain from maintaining illicit ties with the Taiwan authorities across political, military, legal, economic and ideological domains."They must recognize that the past tactics of using Taiwan as a so-called pawn or tool to contain China have actually done more harm than good in the long run and ultimately boomeranged," he said.Only by translating political commitments into tangible actions can both nations consolidate the foundation of strategic mutual trust, he added.

Elbridge Colby explains that a denial defense focuses on preventing China from successfully executing a fait accompli by denying their ability to seize and hold key territory. The primary goal is to degrade or destroy the invasion force while it is most vulnerable—during transit across the Taiwan Strait or while preparing on the mainland. Unlike the total dominance the U.S. enjoyed in the 20th century, Colby argues that denial is a more attainable standard given China'smassive economic and military strength. Success is measured by keeping the target state "on side" rather than achieving a total defeat. (5/8)NOV 1931

China and the United States will work toward building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability, a new vision that President Xi Jinping and visiting US President Donald Trump agreed on to define how the world's two largest economies will handle their relations, during their summit in Beijing on Thursday.中美两国将致力于构建具有战略稳定性的建设性双边关系。这一新愿景由国家主席习近平与来华访问的美国总统特朗普于5月14日在北京会晤时共同提出，旨在为世界两大经济体未来的相处之道指明方向。During his talks with Trump at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said that China is committed to the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations.习近平在人民大会堂同特朗普会谈时表示，中国致力于推动中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展。The new vision will provide strategic guidance for China-US relations over the next three years and beyond, and should be welcomed by the people of both countries and the international community, he said.他指出，这一新愿景不仅将在未来三年乃至更长时间里为中美关系提供战略指引，也应赢得两国人民和国际社会的认可。Xi said that "constructive strategic stability" means positive stability with cooperation as the mainstay, sound stability with moderate competition, constant stability with manageable differences, and enduring stability with promises of peace.习近平表示，“建设性战略稳定”意味着以合作为主基调的积极稳定、以适度竞争为特点的健康稳定、以可控分歧为基础的持续稳定，以及以和平前景为保障的长久稳定。Building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability should not be a mere slogan, but concrete action taken by both sides toward the same goal, he added.他补充说，构建具有建设性战略稳定性的中美关系，不应只是口号，而应成为双方朝着共同目标采取的具体行动。Xi expressed his readiness to work together with Trump to set the course and steer the giant ship of China-US relations, in order to make 2026 a historic and landmark year opening a new chapter in bilateral ties.习近平表示，愿同特朗普一道把舵定向、驾稳中美关系这艘巨轮，推动2026年成为开启双边关系新篇章的历史性、里程碑式一年。Trump is on a three-day state visit to China, which started on Wednesday, the first by a sitting US president in nearly nine years.特朗普正在对中国进行为期三天的国事访问。此次访问于5月13日开启，是近九年来美国现任总统首次访华。During the talks, Xi urged the US to handle the Taiwan question with extra caution, saying that it is the most important issue in China-US relations.会谈期间，习近平敦促美方对台湾问题保持格外谨慎，并强调该问题在中美关系中的极端重要性。He emphasized that if handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy, he said.他说，妥善处理台湾问题，中美关系便能在总体上保持稳定；一旦失当，两国将摩擦不断、甚至爆发冲突，令双边关系跌入巨大险境。Noting that "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water, Xi said that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator between China and the US.习近平指出，“台独”与台海和平水火不容，维护台海和平稳定是中美双方最大的共同利益。Xi underlined the need for China and the US to find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era. He said that the two countries have more common interests than differences, that success of one is an opportunity for the other, and that a stable bilateral relationship is good for the world.习近平强调，中美需要在新时代找到大国正确相处之道。他说，两国共同利益大于分歧，一方成功亦是另一方的机遇，稳定的双边关系有利于世界。"China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together," he said.他说：“中美双方都能从合作中获益、从对抗中受损。我们应成为伙伴，而非对手，应彼此成就、共同繁荣。”Noting that transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe and the international situation is fluid and turbulent, Xi said that the world has come to another crossroads.习近平指出，百年未有之大变局正在全球加速演进，国际形势复杂动荡，世界又一次来到十字路口。"Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world? Can we build a bright future together for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of the two peoples and the future of humanity? These are the questions vital to history, to the world and to the people. They are the questions of our times that the leaders of major countries need to answer together," Xi said.习近平说：“中美能否跨越‘修昔底德陷阱'，开创大国关系新范式？我们能否携手应对全球挑战，为世界带来更大稳定性？能否共同为双边关系开创光明未来，以造福两国人民和全人类未来？这些问题关乎历史、世界和人民，这些时代之问，需要各大国领导人共同作答。”On China-US economic and trade relations, Xi said that they are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, and trade wars have no winners.谈及中美经贸关系时，习近平表示，中美经贸关系的本质是互利共赢，贸易战没有赢家。He said that where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice.他说，对于存在的分歧与摩擦，平等协商是唯一正确的选择。Xi noted that the talks between economic and trade teams of the two countries, which were held in the Republic of Korea on Wednesday, produced generally balanced and positive outcomes, saying that this is good news for the people of the two countries and the world.习近平指出，两国经贸团队于5月13日在韩国举行的会谈总体取得了平衡、积极成果，这对两国人民和世界而言都是好消息。The two sides should jointly sustain the good momentum that they have worked hard to create, he said.他说，双方应共同维护来之不易的良好势头。Xi called on both countries to make better use of communication channels in the political, diplomatic and military fields, and expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as the economy and trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people ties and law enforcement.习近平呼吁双方更好利用政治、外交、军事等领域沟通渠道，并在经贸、卫生、农业、旅游、人文交流和执法等领域扩大交流合作。Trump called Xi "a great leader" and China "a great country", saying that he has tremendous respect for the Chinese president and the Chinese people.特朗普称习近平是“一位伟大的领导人”，称中国是“一个伟大的国家”，并表示他对中国国家主席和中国人民怀有极大敬意。Noting that the meeting between Xi and himself was the biggest summit the world was watching, Trump said he will work together with Xi to strengthen communication and cooperation, properly handle differences, make bilateral relations better than ever before and embrace a fantastic future.特朗普表示，习近平同他的会晤是全球瞩目的重大峰会，他将同习近平一道加强沟通合作，妥善处理分歧，使双边关系比以往任何时候都更好，共同迎接美好未来。He said that the US and China are the most important and most powerful countries in the world, and together the two presidents can do a lot of big and good things for the two countries and the world.他说，美中作为世界上最重要、最强大的两个国家，两国元首携手合作，能为两国乃至世界带来许多重大而积极的改变。During the talks, the two presidents also exchanged views on major international and regional issues, such as the Middle East situation, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula.会谈期间，两国元首还就中东局势、乌克兰危机以及朝鲜半岛等重大国际和地区问题交换意见。They agreed to support each other in hosting a successful APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and G20 Summit this year.双方一致同意，相互支持，确保今年的亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议和二十国集团峰会成功举办。Before their talks, Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for Trump on the square outside the eastern entrance of the Great Hall of the People. A 21-gun salute was performed on Tian'anmen Square. Both leaders reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army.会谈前，习近平在人民大会堂东门外广场为特朗普举行隆重欢迎仪式，天安门广场鸣礼炮二十一响，两国元首共同检阅了中国人民解放军仪仗队。• steer /stɪə(r)/驾驭；掌舵• bilateral ties /baɪˈlætərəl taɪz/双边关系• state visit /steɪt ˈvɪzɪt/国事访问• jeopardy /ˈdʒepədi/危险境地• common denominator /ˈkɒmən dɪˈnɒmɪneɪtə(r)/最大公约数；共同点• Thucydides Trap /θjuːˈsɪdɪdiːz træp/修昔底德陷阱• guard of honor /ɡɑːd əv ˈɒnə(r)/仪仗队• People's Liberation Army /ˈpiːplz ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən ˈɑːmi/中国人民解放军

China has vowed for decades to bring Taiwan under its control, but under President Xi Jinping, pressure on the self-governing island has intensified dramatically. With the US committed to defending Taiwan, there are fears that the world could be edging closer to a conflict between two nuclear superpowers.ITV News Asia Correspondent Debi Edward examines why Taiwan matters so much to Beijing, how China could attempt to take the island, and what the consequences could mean for the global economy and international security.This explainer explores the history behind China's claim to Taiwan, the rise of Taiwanese identity, and the growing military, economic and political pressure being exerted by Beijing. It also looks at the possible scenarios experts believe are most likely — from a Chinese naval blockade and cyber attacks to the prospect of a full-scale invasion.With Taiwan producing many of the world's most advanced semiconductors, any conflict in the region could have global consequences far beyond Asia. The video also examines the role of the United States, President Donald Trump's position on Taiwan, and whether America would intervene in a war with China.As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, this is what you need to know about one of the most consequential geopolitical disputes in the world today.Contributor:Ben Bland - Director, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House

China announced on Monday its decision not to approve the Taiwan region's participation in this year's World Health Assembly, and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempt to seek "independence" by soliciting external support.中国于5月11日宣布，决定不同意台湾地区参加今年的世界卫生大会，并批评民进党当局企图通过“挟洋自重”谋求“台独”。Taiwan is reportedly yet to receive any invitation to attend the 79th World Health Assembly, which is scheduled to open in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 18.据报道，台湾方面尚未收到参加定于5月18日在瑞士日内瓦开幕的第79届世界卫生大会的邀请。The decision was made to uphold the one-China principle, as well as the seriousness and authority of relevant United Nations General Assembly and WHA resolutions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.外交部发言人郭嘉昆在京举行的例行记者会上表示，这一决定是为了维护一个中国原则，以及联合国大会和世界卫生大会相关决议的严肃性和权威性。Without the consent of the central government, the region has no basis, reason or right to participate in the WHA, Guo said.郭嘉昆指出，未经中央政府同意，台湾地区没有任何基础、理由或权利参加世界卫生大会。He stressed that the DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence", which has eroded the political foundation for Taiwan's participation in the WHA.他强调，民进党当局顽固坚持“台独”分裂立场，从根本上破坏了台湾地区参与世界卫生大会的政治基础。He said that the region's participation in international organizations, including activities of the World Health Organization, must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, which is a fundamental principle affirmed by UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1.郭嘉昆表示，台湾地区参与国际组织活动，包括世界卫生组织的相关活动，必须按照一个中国原则来处理，这是联合国大会第2758号决议和世界卫生大会第25.1号决议所确认的根本原则。There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, said Guo, adding that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.郭嘉昆重申，世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。他同时强调，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。He added that any attempt to violate the one-China principle and engage in political manipulation by playing the "Taiwan card" is doomed to fail.他进一步指出，任何企图违背一个中国原则、通过打“台湾牌”进行政治操弄的行径都注定失败。On the same day, Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan's exclusion from the WHA was entirely the result of secessionist political manipulation by the DPP authorities, and reflected their failure in trying to "seek independence through health-related issues".同日，国务院台湾事务办公室发言人陈斌华表示，台湾地区被排除在世界卫生大会之外，完全是民进党当局进行谋“独”政治操弄的结果，也标志着其“以疫谋独”图谋的失败。It once again proves that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, he said.他表示，这再次证明，国际社会坚持一个中国原则的格局不可动摇。For eight consecutive years - 2009 to 2016 — the region participated in the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".从2009年到2016年，台湾地区曾连续八年以“中华台北”名义、观察员身份参加世界卫生大会。According to Chen, this special arrangement was based on both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhering to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle.据陈斌华介绍，这一特殊安排是建立在海峡两岸均坚持体现一个中国原则的“九二共识”基础之上的。He noted that the DPP authorities' deceptive and provocative practices will meet firm opposition from compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as from the international community, and are doomed to fail.他指出，民进党当局的欺骗性、挑衅性行径将遭到海峡两岸同胞及国际社会的坚决反对，注定以失败告终。• Solicit /səˈlɪsɪt/恳求，请求，招揽• Stubbornly /ˈstʌbənli/顽固地，倔强地• Separatist /ˈsepərətɪst/分裂主义的，独立派的• Inalienable /ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/不可分割的，不可剥夺的• Secessionist /sɪˈseʃənɪst/分裂国家的人，主张脱离的

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Zoe George and Peter Field. First up, a new political party has entered the fore: Te Tai Tokerau Party, lead by former Te Pāti Māori MP, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. Then, what would hurt New Zealand more than the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz? A blockage of the Taiwan Strait. Independent journalist Anna Fifield explains.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. ---- Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened up 110-points this morning from Friday's close, at 41,714 on turnover of 19.5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday amid re-emerging concerns over tensions in the Middle East after the U-S and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the main board still managed to close the day above the 41,000 point mark. ---- Taiwan's top envoy in US warn China against attacking Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi meeting Taiwan's top envoy (最高代表) to the U-S, Alexander Yui has told Fox News that any attempt by Beijing to take Taiwan by force would severely disrupt global trade (擾亂全球貿易). According to Yui, China needs to be aware that other countries with interests in the region could respond to such an attack. Yui said the Lai administration remains open to dialogue with China, but any cross-strait talks must be based on mutual respect (相互尊重) and the US position on Taiwan remains unchanged .. ….. as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are beneficial to all relevant parties, including the U-S, China, Taiwan, and Japan. The interview comes as U-S President Donald Trump is slated to travel to China Wednesday evening for talks with Xi Jinping in Beijing. ---- Tuvalu delegation visiting Taiwan for tech and energy talks A delegation (代表團) led by Tuvalu's transport, energy, communications, and innovation minister has arrived in Taiwan for a five-day visit. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Simon Kofe is leading a four-member delegation for talks on digital infrastructure (數位基礎建設), communications, and energy security (能源安全). The ministry says the delegation is slated to meet with several government agencies and private sector companies to discuss information and communications technology, digital governance, network resilience, and energy development. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled to Tuvalu in March, where he held talks with Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo. Those talks included a submarine cable project, Taiwan-Tuvalu cooperation on digital resilience, and secure network infrastructure. ---- Remains of US soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco have been recovered The remains (遺骸) of one US soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco has been recovered (尋獲). AP's Lisa Dwyer reports. ---- Iran Nobel Laureate Transfered to Hospital Nobel Peace laureate (得主) Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a Tehran hospital after collapsing (昏倒) in prison. Her foundation says this comes after days of pleading by her family and others. Mohammadi has been granted a prison sentence suspension on bail. She had been imprisoned since December. She lost consciousness twice and was transferred to a local hospital on May 1. Her foundation says the suspended sentence is not enough and that Mohammadi needs permanent, specialized care. The statement calls for her unconditional freedom (無條件釋放) and the dismissal of all charges. ---- French President Visting Kenya French President Emmanuel Macron has kicked off (展開) a visit to Kenya ahead of a two-day Africa Forward Summit. The gathering, which starts today, is meant to showcase France's new policy for the continent, in what Paris describes as a partnership of equals (平等夥伴關係). The summit comes after French troops completed their withdrawal (撤軍) from West Africa last year. On Sunday, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements involving investments in various sectors, including an ambitious nuclear energy plant, modernized transport, and sustainable agriculture. ---- That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies

J. Michael Cole is a Taipei-based security analyst and writer who has spent over two decades documenting Taiwan's political and security landscape. A former analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), he is a Research Fellow and Executive Editor with the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, and advises various private and governmental actors. He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Hub. In this episode of the New Books Network, we chat with Cole about his latest book, The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War (Polity, 2025). Starting with the Sunflower Student Movement and rise of Xi Jinping, the book explores why the Taiwan Strait has become such a “tinderbox”, and surveys various tactics that the People's Republic of China has used to destabilize Taiwan. With the Ukraine War's shadow looming, Cole also examines the prospects of conflict between Taiwan and China, and discusses various means through which Taiwan and its liberal democratic allies can build resilience and interconnection. Anthony Kao is a writer who intersects international affairs and cultural criticism. He founded/edits Cinema Escapist—a publication exploring the sociopolitical context behind global film and television—and also writes for outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, and Eater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

What if the story we're being told about AI's inevitability is hiding something underneath?That's the question Jessica Parker and Kimberly Becker put to George K. on their podcast, Women Talking ‘Bout AI.This conversation is a replay from their feed. It followed the money: the special purpose vehicles, the obfuscatory financing, the concentration of risk in a handful of companies and a single island in the Taiwan Strait. But what they kept arriving at wasn't really a financial question. It was a human one.Who has skin in the game? And what happens to the rest of us when the people building this technology can't answer what outcome they're actually trying to produce?The conversation covers why the dot-com analogy is the wrong frame for the current investment craze, why an AI crash could starve the narrow applications that actually work, and why the "everything machine" promise was probably never going to pay for itself.It also gets into what chatbot tutors get wrong about teaching, why we keep analogizing ourselves to whatever technology we just built, and what it might mean that generalists could be the ones who come out of this ahead.The kind of conversation where you leave with more questions than you came in with. Which is exactly what we're after.

An island nation only one-third the size of Virginia, Taiwan produces more than 90 percent of the world's most advanced chips and more than 90 percent of the servers powering the AI revolution. And last year, Taiwan became the United States' fourth-largest trading partner—after Mexico, Canada, and China.More than one-fifth of global maritime trade goes through the Taiwan Strait, according to a Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis, and any conflict over Taiwan would be devastating for the global economy—and likely far worse than the economic disruptions caused by the Iran War.Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to be ready for a successful Taiwan invasion by 2027, the PLA's 100th anniversary.In this episode, I sit down with Taiwan's representative to the United States, Ambassador Alexander Yui, to understand why Taiwan matters and what's at stake as the Chinese Communist Party has ramped up its campaign to isolate, intimidate, and encircle Taiwan in recent years.Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to Eswatini—Taiwan's only African ally—had to be abruptly postponed when Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius revoked overflight permissions—presumably due to pressure from Beijing.“They are constantly harassing our naval and air surroundings, trying to create panic and uneasiness,” Yui says.Since 2013, Beijing has built more than two dozen militarized outposts in disputed waters in the South China Sea and has recently been militarizing yet another artificial island known as Antelope Reef.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex jumped 700-points in early trading this morning after opening up 92-points from yesterday's close, at 37,051 on turnover of 11.2-billion N-T. The main board added 739-points by 9:05 to reach to a high of 37,730 before falling back to 37,689-points. The rise came after market heavyweights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Hon Hai and Delta Electronics all made solid gains, as investors are eyeing pending earnings reports from Intel, Microsoft, and Apple. China's Liaoning aircraft carrier passes through Taiwan Strait The Ministry of National Defense says it closely monitored the movements of China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning as it passed through the Taiwan Strait yesterday. The ministry has released a black-and-white surveillance photograph showing an aerial (空中的,) view of the vessel - which shows several fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters on the carrier's flight deck. Defense officials have not specified where or when the photo was taken .. and have also not disclose whether it was taken by a drone, an aircraft, or radar system. The last time the defense ministry reported a Chinese aircraft carrier in the Taiwan Strait was mid-December of last year - when China's newest and most advanced carrier, the Fujian, passed through the waterway. Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage ends after eight-day procession And, The palanquin carrying two statues of sea goddess Mazu from Bai-sha-tun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County returned home on Monday. It concluding an eight-day pilgrimage to Chiaotian Temple, also a Mazu temple, in Yunlin County and back again. The statues were escorted into the main hall and formally seated in the Gongtian Temple on their return by tens of thousands of devotees (虔誠信徒). The Bai-sha-tun Mazu pilgrimage set off on April 13 from Tongxiao Township, led by a palanquin carrying three Mazu statues, one of which was from neighboring Shan-bian Mazu Temple. Organizers say this year's procession was joined by a record 460,000-plus devotees. UK PM: Officials deliberately withheld Mandelson security failure British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he takes "responsibility" for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, but insists he only became aware that Mandelson had failed security checks last Tuesday. Starmer faced calls to resign after it became public that UK Security Vetting had advised denying clearance to the associate (朋友, 夥伴) of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associate in January 2025. Lara Bentley reports from London. Japan Approves Scrapping Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports Japan has endorsed (合法化) scrapping a ban on lethal weapons exports. The approval Tuesday by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet of the new guideline clears a final set of hurdles for Japan's postwar arms sales. The move comes as the country accelerates its military buildup in the face of growing security challenges in the region. It's a major change of its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners. While the change of policy met with China's criticism, it has been largely welcomed by Japan's defense partners like Australia and attracted interests from Southeast Asia and Europe. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

China says it opposes the entry of a Japan Self-Defense Forces vessel into the Taiwan Strait. A foreign ministry spokesperson says China has lodged a protest with Japan, saying the move threatens China's sovereignty and security.

On today's episode, we'll discuss the recent meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, the first in a decade between a Chinese Communist Party General Secretary and a KMT Chair. Ms. Cheng was elected party chair only four months ago, and her top priority was to meet with Xi Jinping. She has not yet visited the United States, but says she intends to do so later this year. In their public statements, Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun highlighted several common themes, including opposition to Taiwan independence, support for the 1992 Consensus, shared history and Chinese heritage, that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, the importance of China's national rejuvenation, and the need to preserve peace and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. To discuss this historic meeting, I'm joined by Amanda Hsiao. Amanda is a director in Eurasia Group's China practice covering China's foreign policy and cross-strait relations. This episode was recorded on April 10, 2026. Timestamps:  [00:00] Introduction   [01:42] Why the Xi–Cheng Meeting Matters    [03:00] Cheng Li-wun's Aims and Messaging  [06:13] Xi Jinping's Strategic Objectives  [11:17] Signaling Ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit  [13:23] Progress Towards Unification  [17:53] Shifting Positions on the 1992 Consensus  [22:25] Public Views of Cheng Li-wun  [26:32] Potential Shifts to China's Taiwan Policy  [28:12] Implications for Use of Force   [30:34] What Stood Out During Cheng's China Trip 

“We keep getting wake-up calls and snoozing the alarm. Now is the time to actually get out of bed and confront this problem before it is too late.” — Eyck Freymann Forget Iran for a moment. The Hormuz crisis is a template for the bigger crisis of Taiwan. Eyck Freymann — Hoover Fellow at Stanford, author of the brand-new Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China — believes that the fate of the 21st century may hinge on Taiwan. And he warns that if America can't handle Iran, it's certainly not ready for Beijing. Freymann argues that China doesn't need to invade Taiwan. Xi Jinping has watched Putin discover — with horror — what happens when you send unprepared forces into a country that fights back. China's lesson from Ukraine is a strategy of quarantine rather than invasion. The United States will then face a choice between accepting Chinese checkmate or escalating a crisis with no domestic or international support. Taiwan produces 90% of the world's advanced semiconductors and 99% of the cutting-edge NVIDIA GPUs used to train frontier AI models. If those chip factories shut, there will be an instantaneous global financial crisis. Forget today's Iranian theater. Taiwan will be the real existential show. Five Takeaways •       The Hormuz Alarm Bell: Iran has no navy, no air force, and supposedly no ballistic missile arsenal anymore — and yet it took 20% of global oil supply offline. The Trump administration went in thinking overwhelming military superiority would translate to political victory. It hasn't. Strategy, Freymann says, is the art of connecting ends to means. If you don't know your ends, you'll flail. China is watching every mistake: no plan for the economic shock, no domestic legitimacy for the war, excess pain falling on oil-importing US allies like Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Beijing's conclusion: we don't have to pick a military fight with the United States. Why would we? •       The Semiconductor Chokehold: Taiwan produces 90% of the world's advanced semiconductors and 99% of the cutting-edge NVIDIA GPUs used to train frontier AI models. The CHIPS Act has tried to change this. It hasn't. The Arizona facility is two generations behind Taiwan, commercially uncompetitive, and unable to scale. Taiwan is five years ahead now and will be five years ahead in five years. If the Taiwan fabs go offline, there is an instantaneous global financial crisis: the seven companies that account for roughly 40% of the S&P 500 are all essentially the AI trade. The hyperscalers are spending $600 billion in data centers this year — the only thing keeping the US economy out of recession. This is what's at stake, before you even get to the military question. •       The Quarantine: Winning Without Fighting: Xi Jinping's plan A is not invasion. It's the quarantine: seize control of who and what comes and goes to Taiwan by declaring that anyone flying to Taipei must first clear customs in Shanghai. Impound a United Airlines flight. Let the ambiguity do the work. If China can do that and get away with it, Taiwan can't rebuild its military, the US can't send more weapons, and Beijing controls the chips. It's checkmate — without a shot fired. The United States then has to accept it, or escalate in a way that has no domestic legitimacy and drives wedges between Washington and its allies. China has figured out how to extort the West with prolonged economic pain. The alarm bells keep ringing. America keeps snoozing. •       What a Taiwan War Would Actually Look Like: It would be a war at sea — fundamentally unlike anything America has fought or prepared for in eighty years. China would need to simultaneously control the skies, the undersea, and the surface on all sides of the Taiwan Strait, then send tens of thousands of men 80 miles across in amphibious vessels to storm beaches in a Normandy-style assault. The first engagements would be decided in minutes to hours by long-range precision munitions. America's operational capabilities are exceptional: the cyber assassinations, the special forces raid, the continuous bomber sorties from the continental United States. But China has home-field advantage. And it has been building systematically for this scenario for years. We could probably win if we fought today. We need to make investments for tomorrow. •       The Four-Pillar Strategy: Freymann's integrated answer: diplomacy, military deterrence, economic resilience, and allied coordination — all working together, not in separate silos. On diplomacy: maintain the principled position that Taiwan's status must be resolved peacefully and democratically. On military: show China it can't win if it escalates to war, while keeping conventional forces credible. On economics: build enough allied resilience that authoritarian powers can't extort the West by threatening prolonged economic pain. On allies: coordinate with Japan, South Korea, the Europeans on a shared plan for what happens if things collapse. This is doable. It's been done for fifty years. We just need the resolve to keep doing it. About the Guest Eyck Freymann is a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University and a Non-Resident Research Fellow at the US Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute. He is the author of Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China (Oxford University Press, 2026), The Arsenal of Democracy: Technology, Industry, and Deterrence in an Age of Hard Choices (Hoover, 2025), and One Belt One Road: Chinese Power Meets the World (Harvard, 2021). References: •       Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China by Eyck Freymann (Oxford University Press, 2026). •       “The Strait of Hormuz as a Template for Taiwan,” Financial Times, April 2026. By Eyck Freymann. •       Episode 2862: Truth Is Dead — on AI, disinformation, and American strategic confusion. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify 

① The Spanish PM is on an official visit to China. What to expect? (00:43) ② Mainland has unveiled a package of policies and measures to boost cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. What does it mean to cross-Strait relations? (12:42) ③ U.S. and Iran have failed to reach an agreement following talks in Pakistan. What will come next? (24:53) ④ China's PPI returned to growth in March. What's behind the rebound? (35:05) ⑤ Hungary's opposition party Tisza has won parliamentary elections. What changes will happen under the new government? (45:36)

The Chinese mainland released a set of measures on Sunday aimed at promoting peaceful cross-Strait relations and improving the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as a delegation led by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, concluded its visit to the mainland.4月12日，在中国国民党主席郑丽文率领的代表团结束大陆之行之际，大陆方面发布一系列举措，推动两岸关系和平发展、增进两岸同胞福祉。The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee announced a package of 10 measures covering areas such as party-to-party dialogue, youth exchanges, infrastructure connectivity, cross-Strait transportation, trade facilitation and cultural cooperation. It came following a meeting on Friday between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Cheng, which was the first such top-level meeting between the two political parties across the Strait in a decade.中共中央台办公布十项措施，涵盖政党对话、青年交流、基础设施联通、两岸交通、贸易便利化及文化合作等领域。此前，中共中央总书记习近平于10日会见郑丽文主席，这是两岸两党十年来首次高层会晤。At the meeting, Xi said that the goal of developing cross-Strait relations is to enable people on both sides to lead better lives.会晤中，习近平表示，发展两岸关系的目标，是要让两岸同胞过上更美好的生活。As this year marks the start of the mainland's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, he expressed willingness to share development opportunities and achievements with Taiwan compatriots and jointly build a stronger Chinese national economy.今年是大陆“十五五”开局之年，习近平表示，我们愿同广大台湾同胞共享发展机遇和成果、共同壮大中华民族经济。Xi also said at the meeting that Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products, as well as other high-quality goods, are welcome to enter households across the mainland.习近平还指出，欢迎台湾农渔产品、优质商品进入大陆千家万户。According to the 10 initiatives announced on Sunday, the mainland proposed exploring a regularized communication mechanism between the CPC and the KMT, based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence".根据4月12日公布的十项举措，大陆方面提议，在坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”的共同政治基础上，探索建立国共两党常态化沟通机制。The 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, was reached between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation with authorization from authorities on both sides of the Strait in 1992.“九二共识”体现一个中国原则，是由中国大陆的海峡两岸关系协会与台湾地区的海峡交流基金会于1992年经两岸授权达成的。The measures also include strengthening youth exchanges through institutionalized programs and arranging annual visits by Taiwan delegations to the mainland.十项举措还包括：建立国共两党青年双向交流机制化平台，每年邀请岛内青年团组来大陆交流参访。It said efforts will focus on advancing utility links and bridge projects between Fujian province and the islands of Jinmen and Matsu. Authorities will also promote normalization of direct cross-Strait passenger air services and resume routes between Taiwan and selected mainland cities.推动福建沿海地区在条件具备情况下同金门、马祖通水、通电、通气、通桥；推动全面恢复两岸空中客运直航正常化，支持尽快恢复台湾与大陆部分城市两岸航班。The measures further aim to facilitate purchases of Taiwan agricultural and fishery products that meet relevant standards, support Taiwan businesses in accessing mainland markets, and improve conditions for Taiwan fishing vessels.此外，为符合检验检疫标准的台湾农渔产品输入大陆提供便利，支持台企开拓大陆市场，改善台湾渔船作业条件。In addition, the mainland will allow more Taiwan-produced content to be broadcast and encourage joint media production to promote the innovative development of Chinese culture.扩大台湾影视内容在大陆播出，鼓励两岸媒体合作制作，推动中华文化创新发展。The mainland will work toward resuming individual travel from Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan, as only group tours are currently allowed for Fujian and Shanghai residents. Fujian individuals' tours to Jinmen and Matsu have also resumed since the second half of 2024.推动恢复上海市及福建省居民赴台（本岛）个人游试点（目前两地仅开放团队游），福建居民赴金门、马祖个人游已于2024年下半年恢复。Chang Jung-kung, a KMT vice-chairman and member of the delegation, said on Sunday that the policy package could be regarded as a "gift" from the mainland, delivered through Cheng, to the people of Taiwan, enhancing their well-being.中国国民党副主席、代表团成员张荣恭12日表示，这一政策礼包可视为大陆方面通过郑丽文主席送给台湾同胞的“礼物”，切实增进台湾民众福祉。He said it demonstrated goodwill and sincerity from the mainland and has brought tangible benefits to Taiwan.他表示，此举彰显大陆方面的善意与诚意，为台湾带来实实在在的利益。The measures came as Cheng's delegation concluded their six-day trip to the mainland from Tuesday to Sunday, which included stops in Jiangsu province, Shanghai and Beijing. The trip also marked the first visit to the mainland by a KMT chairperson in a decade.上述举措出台之际，郑丽文率领的代表团结束为期六天的大陆之行。代表团于7日至12日先后访问江苏、上海及北京，此次系国民党主席十年来首次访陆。The itinerary included traditional stops for KMT leaders visiting the mainland, such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall at Biyun Temple at Xiangshan in Beijing, where the delegation paid tribute to Sun as an important founding figure of the KMT. This year also marks the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth.行程中，代表团按惯例拜谒南京中山陵、北京香山碧云寺孙中山纪念堂，纪念这位国民党重要创始人。今年正值孙中山诞辰160周年。Meanwhile, the trip featured several visits highlighting the mainland's technological development. On Sunday, the delegation visited the Xiaomi EV Hyperfactory in Beijing, where they learned about the mainland's progress in electric vehicle research and development, marking the final stop of their mainland tour.此次访问还安排多项展现大陆科技发展的参访活动。12日，代表团参访北京小米汽车超级工厂，了解大陆电动汽车研发进展，为此次大陆之行最后一站。On Saturday, the delegation toured the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center in Beijing's Haidian district, which showcased the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence and high-end medical devices.11日，代表团参观北京海淀区中关村国家自主创新示范区展示中心，观摩人工智能、具身智能、高端医疗器械等前沿技术成果。"I found answers for Taiwan's future here," Cheng said at the exhibition center, noting that the island's service sector and traditional manufacturing industries are facing mounting challenges.郑丽文在展示中心表示：“我在这里找到了台湾未来的答案。”她指出，台湾服务业与传统制造业正面临日益严峻的挑战。Cheng said she was impressed by the mainland's applications of AI and technological innovation across sectors, describing the trip as "highly rewarding".她对大陆人工智能应用及各领域科技创新印象深刻，称“不虚此行”。"Without political barriers across the Strait, the two sides could make significant contributions to humanity," she said, calling for strengthened cross-Strait cooperation based on each side's respective strengths.“如果两岸可以毫无政治障碍，对人类的贡献将不可限量。”郑丽文呼吁，立足各自优势，深化两岸合作。She also emphasized that efforts on both sides to address differences and reduce confrontation are ultimately aimed at improving the lives of people across the Strait.她同时强调，两岸化解分歧、减少对立，最终目的是增进两岸同胞民生福祉。Li Peng, dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, said Cheng's visit once again reaffirmed that both sides of the Strait should pursue peaceful development, uphold the 1992 Consensus, oppose "Taiwan independence", and work to improve the well-being of people on both sides.厦门大学台湾研究院院长李鹏表示，郑丽文此行再次表明，两岸应坚持和平发展、坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”，共同增进同胞福祉。He noted that mainstream public opinion in Taiwan supports the resumption and expansion of cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges, with many hoping to share the benefits of mainland development.他指出，台湾主流民意支持恢复并扩大两岸民间交流，众多民众期盼共享大陆发展红利。"Cheng's trip has also achieved these objectives," Li said, adding that the policy package released by the mainland represents tangible benefits for Taiwan compatriots and constitutes an important outcome of her visit to the mainland.“郑丽文此行达成上述目标。”李鹏说，大陆方面出台的政策礼包为台湾同胞带来实实在在的好处，是此次访陆之行的重要成果。resume routes/ /rɪˈzuːm ruːts/恢复航线tangible benefits/ /ˈtændʒəbl ˈbenɪfɪts/实际利益itinerary/ /aɪˈtɪnərəri/行程安排pay tribute to/ /peɪ ˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/致敬strengthen cross-Strait cooperation/ /ˈstreŋθən krɒs streɪt kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/加强两岸合作

The Chinese mainland has put forward a package of policies and measures to boost exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, as a delegation from the Chinese Kuomintang party is wrapping up a mainland visit.

China prepared in advance for a US attack on Iran. But many of its Asian neighbours have been hit hard because their economies were heavily reliant on energy imports from the Gulf.    In the short-term, the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered rationing, and shortages of diesel, gas and fertiliser. Does that set a negative precedent for other choke points across the world?    In the longer-term the war may force Asian nations into deeper reckonings: to reassess supply chains, economic strategies and whether the US can be trusted as a stable ally.    Why hasn't China supported Iran more? Will the standoff over Hormuz tempt Beijing to flex its muscles over the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea? How will Pakistan leverage its status as negotiator? Will the countries of southeast Asia follow through on calls for more regional integration of energy supplies?    To discuss these issues, and more, Ben Bland, Director of the Asia-Pacific Programme, hosts this week's Independent Thinking podcast, standing in for Bronwen Maddox. He is joined by two of his Chatham House colleagues: Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow for China; and Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia. Read our latest: News release | Syrian President al-Sharaa on Iran war: 'Syria will remain outside this conflict' Comment | The Iran war risks triggering a new wave of nuclear proliferation Comment | Spectator, beneficiary, player: Russia's strategy in the Iran war, from oil to drones Comment | Iraqi civilians are paying the price of the Iran war  Produced by Stephen Farrell.  Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Xi Jinping said this meeting between the CPC and KMT leaders after 10 years is of great significance for developing relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait.

The leaders of the CPC and KMT stressed the value of communication across the Taiwan Strait as they met in Beijing during a KMT delegation's visit to the Chinese mainland (01:03). Participants from the dawn of ping-pong diplomacy 55 years ago have revisited a historically significant venue in Beijing (16:34). And Israel's prime minister is seeking direct talks with Lebanon after a wave of deadly strikes against Hezbollah (24:06).

The United States and Iran have agreed to call off strikes and continue negotiations in Pakistan in a move welcomed by the international community including China (01:07). China has vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz at the UN Security Council, saying it's biased against Iran (07:31). And the Chinese mainland says compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family as a KMT delegation visits the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (14:04).

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, a rare moment of engagement is emerging across the Taiwan Strait. At a time when global flashpoints are multiplying, any sign of dialogue carries added weight. For the first time in nearly a decade, the leader of the Kuomintang party has been invited to visit the mainland. How might this reshape the trajectory of cross-Strait relations? And what signals does it send, not only to both sides, but to an increasingly uncertain world?

Links:  https://thecultureshack.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/updated-resilience-roadmap- 2.0-.pdf https://blog.schee.info/2024/11/04/civil-defense-in-taiwan-its-not-just-one-or-two-groups/ https://blog.schee.info/2025/10/12/zero-based-mobilization-a-rapid-assessment-of-the- recent-hualien-flood-disaster-and-the-modernization-of-taiwans-mobilization-systems/ https://blog.schee.info/2023/05/28/disinformation-is-an-information-environment- problem/ https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-10-27/taiwan-ham-radio-amateurs- civil-defense   Bio: TH Schee is a Taiwanese tech entrepreneur, lecturer and policy advisor for civil defense, licensed amateur radio operator, and search and rescue practitioner.

政治名詞 zhèng zhì míng cí - political term九二共識 jiǔ èr gòng shì - the 1992 Consensus (a political understanding about “one China” between Taiwan and mainland China)兩岸關係 liǎng àn guān xì - cross-strait relations (relations between Taiwan and mainland China)爭議 zhēng yì - controversy; dispute簽署 qiān shǔ - to sign (a treaty or agreement)條約 tiáo yuē - treaty解釋 jiě shì - explanation; interpretation破冰 pò bīng - to break the ice; to begin improving relations第二次世界大戰 Dì èr cì shì jiè dà zhàn - World War II內戰 nèi zhàn - civil war中華民國政府 Zhōng huá mín guó zhèng fǔ - the government of the Republic of China (ROC)打了個敗仗 dǎ le ge bài zhàng - to lose a battle; suffer a defeat通信 tōng xìn - to correspond; communication by mail通話 tōng huà - to talk by phone; telephone communication互不往來 hù bù wǎng lái - to have no contact with each other初期 chū qí - early stage; initial period海基會 Hǎi jī huì - Straits Exchange Foundation (Taiwan organization handling cross-strait affairs)海協會 Hǎi xié huì - Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (mainland China organization)事務性 shì wù xìng - administrative; practical/operational matters協商 xié shāng - negotiation; consultation文書 wén shū - documents; paperwork犯罪 fàn zuì - crime; criminal activity香港會談 Xiāng gǎng huì tán - the Hong Kong talks (1992 cross-strait meeting)達成 dá chéng - to reach; to achieve (an agreement)口頭表述 kǒu tóu biǎo shù - oral statement; verbal expression默契 mò qì - tacit understanding協議 xié yì - agreement國民黨 Guó mín dǎng - Kuomintang 解讀 jiě dú - interpretation; reading (of a policy or statement)一中各表 yì zhōng gè biǎo - “one China, different interpretations”一個中國的原則 (一中原則) yí ge zhōng guó de yuán zé (yì zhōng yuán zé) - the “One China” principle含意 hán yì - meaning; implication中華人民共和國 Zhōng huá rén mín gòng hé guó - the People's Republic of China (PRC)共產黨 gòng chǎn dǎng - Communist Party海峽兩岸 hǎi xiá liǎng àn - both sides of the Taiwan Strait同屬一個中國 tóng shǔ yí ge zhōng guó - belong to the same China統一 tǒng yī - unification國際場合 guó jì chǎng hé - international occasions; international settings兩岸交流 liǎng àn jiāo liú - cross-strait exchanges政治基礎 zhèng zhì jī chǔ - political foundation定海神針 dìng hǎi shén zhēn - stabilizing pillar; something that keeps a situation stable維持現狀 wéi chí xiàn zhuàng - to maintain the status quo開啟對話 kāi qǐ duì huà - to start dialogue復旦大學 Fù dàn dà xué - Fudan University經貿往來 jīng mào wǎng lái - economic and trade exchanges民進黨 mín jìn dǎng - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)一國兩制 yì guó liǎng zhì - “one country, two systems”過時 guò shí - outdated; obsolete損害 sǔn hài - to damage; to harm主權地位 zhǔ quán dì wèi - sovereign status提及 tí jí - to mention; to refer toFollow me on Instagram: fangfang.chineselearning !

This episode of the Lloyd's List Podcast is brought to you by Veson. Find out more at www.veson.com/decarb-guide FREEDOM of navigation — the legal principle that states ships from any country have the right to sail freely in international waters — is under attack. It has been for some time. Long before the Strait of Hormuz became the latest global chokepoint to be weaponised a confluence of geopolitical shifts, security threats and an accelerating frequency of legal assaults have been eroding this fundamental principle. And this is not some arcane point of law. This is the legal principle upon which globalised trade is built. Without maritime security, there can be no global security. Without Freedom of navigation there can be no globalised trade. For the first time since the Cold War, maritime trade lanes have become contested zones and the rules-based order that shipping has previously relied on to protect it has started to disintegrate. The once unthinkable, but entirely predictable closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has alerted the world once again to the fragility of global supply chains. But this is no anomaly. From the Red and Black Seas to the Baltic and the Taiwan Strait: shipping's access to trade lanes is increasingly coming under fire while a political and legal war is being waged in the background to redefine what is and is not acceptable under the law of the sea. Just over a year ago when we first raised this question about the future of freedom of navigation in this podcast, our assembled experts were concerned about what happens next. Maritime security has taken a nosedive since then and trade is increasingly being geopolitically conditioned – so over the next two editions of this podcast, Lloyd's List will again ask whether the concept of concept of freedom of navigation is under threat… Joining Richard on this week's podcast are: Sal Mercogliano, founder, What's Going on With Shipping? Ian Ralby, founder, IR Consilium Caroline Tuckett, associate fellow, Royal United Services Institute

The dog that didn't bark. China is cooling its heels on the war in Iran. As America's entanglement deepens, it's not Sun Tzu they're turning to, but the wit and wisdom of Napoleon Bonaparte: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” Meanwhile, even closer to Beijing, US weakness is showing up the true nature of the slow war in the South China Sea. If America can't open the Strait of Hormuz, how can it maintain the Taiwan Strait? Finally, is Bibi booboo? A new wave of rumours has him six feet under, backed by… videos of him looking basically fine. Welcome to the AI hall of mirrors. Where reality buckles under the weight of the slopoverse. The Propaganda War is now 4D, hologrammatic, and features the Kirkbot 3000.

Description:In this episode, Nick explores a question currently weighing on the minds of historians and observers alike: are we witnessing the opening stages of a third global conflict? Drawing on the work of Richard Overy and examining the "quasi-peace" of the 20th century, Nick argues that our definitions of "World War" may be too narrow, often ignoring the unrelenting conflict experienced by the Global South since 1945.We delve into the "hollowing out" of the American economic imperium—a transition from the industrial powerhouse of the Eisenhower era to a financialized economy struggling with internal stagnation. Nick compares the relative decline of the United States to Britain's post-war trajectory, examining how the rise of China as a strategic, state-planned power has fundamentally broken the neoliberal order of the 1990s. From the resource-driven proxy wars in Venezuela and Iran to the looming shadow of the Taiwan Strait, we ask: can a "Great Power settlement" be reached, or are we destined for a generational period of violent transition?Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get the full episode:https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plans/listPinbag Shaw | 10 Percent True | EP83 Part 2In Part Two of our conversation, Thomas “Pinbag” Shaw takes us operational.From Korea to Germany, this is life in a Cold War Phantom squadron — where Victor Alert was real, nuclear strike planning was routine, and NATO air defence timelines were measured in minutes.In this episode we discuss:• What sitting nuclear Victor Alert actually meant• How QRA posture worked in Europe and the Pacific• Intercept geometry against Warsaw Pact aircraft• NATO strike planning and readiness discipline• The psychology of Cold War aircrew culture• Transitioning from Phantom to the Strike Eagle eraThis is Tactical Air Command at its most serious — a force built around the assumption that the next launch might not be an exercise.If you enjoy long-form, technical conversations with the people who flew the jets, subscribe and join the conversation.0:00 Intro teaser – North Korean MiG-21 intercept3:52 Welcome back, Pinbag4:28 The Nellis influence9:28 Leaving MacDill – SERE school20:28 Korea and PACAF disposition27:15 36th Fighter Squadron33:35 Introduction to Korea38:00 Areas of responsibility, command structure, and settling in44:20 Training, digesting the vault, and other in-theatre assets and threats49:10 Equipment – F-4E variants53:25 Radar presentation, trade-offs, and features (TISEO, Combat Tree, Pave Spike)1:04:44 Turnover of airframes1:06:02 Operation Paul Bunyan – the axe-handle murders and redeployment of assets (including GBU-15 / AGM-65) for possible engagement with a tree1:11:35 One year later – the Army's turn and the lost Chinook1:15:38 North Korean Air Force and South Korean MiGs (and Beagle)1:26:12 AN-2s and skunk boats1:27:30 How a prospective war would have unfolded1:32:05 North Koreans in Vietnam; Soviets and North Koreans flying with the Egyptians1:34:24 GCI and bullseye intercepts1:36:50 Integration, improvement, and the prospective order of battle1:40:40 Evolution in war planning and the birth of Large Force Employment1:46:30 Lakenheath leadership influence and differences from PACAF1:54:40 Battles over the Taiwan Strait and ROKAF checkouts – similarities and rumours1:57:30 Alert story – possible SA-2 site2:01:12 Peacetime Aerial Reconnaissance Program (including intro teaser story) and alert scramble

The global situation is rapidly escalating as President Donald Trump unleashes unprecedented military force in response to rising tensions with Iran.In this discussion, political commentators break down several major developments shaping the conflict:• Trump's reported decision to remove Kristi Noem while giving her a “soft landing” politically• Rising oil prices and global economic impacts following the conflict• Major military milestones in the Middle East, including new deployments and advanced weapon systems• The first use of certain combat tactics and technologies in the current war• Reactions from global powers like Xi Jinping in China and Vladimir Putin in Russia• The potential impact on Taiwan Strait tensions and the Ukraine war led by Volodymyr ZelenskyySupport from several Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain is also being discussed as alliances shift in real time.Is this a decisive moment in global geopolitics?Or the beginning of a much larger global conflict?Watch the full breakdown and analysis.#trumpadministration #IranWar #USMilitary #MiddleEastConflict #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #WorldNews #MilitaryStrategy #GlobalPolitics#TrumpAdministration #NewsAnalysis #InternationalRelations➡️ Join the Conversation: https://GeneValentino.com➡️ WMXI Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NewsRadio981➡️ More WMXI Interviews: https://genevalentino.com/wmxi-interviews/➡️ More GrassRoots TruthCast Episodes: https://genevalentino.com/grassroots-truthcast-with-gene-valentino/➡️ More Broadcasts with Gene as the Guest: https://genevalentino.com/america-beyond-the-noise/ ➡️ More About Gene Valentino: https://genevalentino.com/about-gene-valentino/

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—What was supposed to be a global economic summit in Davos is overtaken by geopolitics, as President Trump ramps up pressure on U.S. allies and argues Greenland is a critical national security priority. Later in the show—A staggering figure out of China, where Communist Party enforcers punished nearly one million people in 2025 as President Xi tightens his grip and demands total loyalty. Plus—Beijing escalates pressure across the Taiwan Strait, flying a military drone into Taiwan's airspace for the first time. And in today's Back of the Brief—The British government approves plans for China's largest embassy in Europe, ignoring warnings it could become a hub for espionage. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.comand use promo code PDB for 25% off your entire order! QUO: Make this the year where no opportunity slips away. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/PDB  American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices