China is making a triple bet in Central America, by: (1) isolating Taiwan; (2) expanding its influence by using (or showing) its economic muscle; and (3) positioning itself within the U.S. zone of influence.

South Korea is in the middle of an extraordinary political imbroglio, involving no less than a declaration of martial law from President Yoon Suk Yeol, his subsequent impeachment, and a warrant issued for his arrest. The country is now already onto its second acting president. What happens next will have important implications for the security of the region, including Taiwan.

According to the 2024 Reagan National Defense Survey, 73% of respondents expressed support for recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation should China invade. Additionally, 58% of respondents supported an increase in U.S. military deployments in the Taiwan Strait region. Notably, support for Taiwan was bipartisan, with respondents from both the Republican and Democratic parties showing similar levels of agreement, regardless of political affiliation.

Considering the current situation in China, with frequent cases of corruption in the PLA, Xi is feeling insecure about the military and does not trust some of his generals. The exercises were therefore necessary to maintain the view that Xi is in a strong position. The United States and Taiwan must understand China’s intentions when responding to such exercises to avoid misjudgment and escalating the situation.

Since Taiwan joined APEC in 1991, China’s representatives have gradually adapted to Taiwan’s right to engage in APEC discussions for “grassroots economic and trade” exchanges. If APEC serves as a positive precedent, Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP should also be acceptable.

The tragedy of the car attack in Zhuhai on November 11, 2024, in which 35 people were killed and 43 more injured, is believed to be China’s deadliest actof random violence in decades.

In these turbulent times, it is vital for the world’s democracies to confront these challenges with both concern and courage, ready to counter the spread of autocracy, fundamentalism, and aggression. Our shared commitment to preserving freedom and democracy, and to protecting each other from autocratic aggressors, if necessary, will fortify us.

APEC’s initial aim was to drive trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific in response to the glacial pace of global multilateral tariff reductions. The organization adopted a principle of voluntarism for tariff reductions. Rather than committing collectively to legally binding steps, APEC would act as a means to build trust, to set standards and expectations, but it would not force its members’ hands.

There have been four major PLA exercises around Taiwan since 2022. These are often seen as coinciding with important political events in Taiwan, especially when it involves American and Taiwanese political leaders.