Analysis of Taiwan-China relations, covering cross-strait tensions, military drills, diplomatic developments, and regional security implications.
Taiwan is manufacturing military-grade drones to emulate Ukraine's effective drone tactics against Russia, preparing for a potential conflict with China. NBC News toured a facility producing the drones.
The article argues that China is exploiting the shared worship of the sea goddess Mazu to promote unification narratives with Taiwan, using religious and cultural ties as a political tool. It contends that Beijing's efforts to co-opt Mazu worship represent a soft-power strategy to undermine Taiwanese identity and advance its territorial claims.
Taiwan's Cabinet stated it will ensure TSMC's most advanced technology remains in Taiwan, following TSMC's announcement of an additional US$100 billion investment in the United States. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee noted TSMC plans to build 13 leading-edge and advanced packaging fabs in Taiwan over the next several years.
China commended Papua New Guinea's decision to order Taiwan to close its representative office, calling it a reaffirmation of the one-China principle. Taiwan protested the move, stating it was made without prior negotiations, and vowed to maintain engagement through diplomatic channels.
Taiwan will remove Cambodia from two visa facilitation programs effective August 1, 2026, citing Cambodia's failure to reciprocate goodwill and echoing China's stance on Taiwan's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Taiwan extended visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines for one year.
Taiwanese scholar Yujen Kuo said the U.S. is intensifying multinational drills around Taiwan to build a deterrence network against Chinese aggression. Kuo noted a shift from a 'hub-and-spokes' alliance to a 'mesh' structure with groups like AUKUS. He warned Beijing could respond with large-scale exercises and gray-zone pressure later this year.
The U.S. House passed a fiscal 2027 appropriations bill 217-209, including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan. The bill also allocates at least $4 million for Taiwan's participation in international organizations via the American Institute in Taiwan.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called on Hong Kong authorities to respect diverse views after police raided two bookstores and arrested five people on July 15. Lai expressed solidarity with independent bookstore owners, warning that freedoms of publication, reading, and speech are under grave pressure.