Naiyu Kuo

The direct threat that China poses to Taiwan continues to rise and is far more severe and serious today than ever before. In addition to the increasing daily tempo of gray-zone coercion and armed provocations all around Taiwan, the specter of an outright attack or naval blockade by China looms larger than at any other time in the post-Cold War era. Getting Serious about Strengthening Defense Resilience Taiwan has long been criticized for not doing enough to provide for its own defense.

With President Joe Biden’s presidential term ending in a few weeks, expectations for his final meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping were modest, especially considering the broader frictions in U.S.-China relations. Biden and Xi met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru on November 16. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining open communications channels to manage the two powers’ many differences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS North Korean troops in Russia complicate Beijing’s effort to project a neutral stance on Ukraine. China’s official response has been muted, but it is carefully monitoring the geopolitical implications. Beijing will likely continue with a cautious approach, refraining from direct involvement. KEY TAKEAWAYS North Korean troops in Russia complicate Beijing’s effort to project a neutral stance on Ukraine.