Written by Baosheng Guo. This article highlights four contradictions in the US’s 2025 National Security Strategy, including the tension between defending Taiwan and the Retrenchment strategy toward China, burden-sharing exceeding allies’ tolerance, aligning allies’ actions with US interests, and maintaining American soft power while abandoning Taiwan’s democratic values.
Written by Meng Kit Tang. This article examines Taiwan’s diplomacy in late 2025, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s recent Brussels appearance. It argues that overstated narratives risk creating misaligned expectations at home and misunderstanding abroad. The commentary highlights how Taiwan can pursue a more resilient, results-oriented diplomatic strategy.
Written by Baosheng Guo. This article analyses Taiwan’s options in the face of Trump’s uncertain and unpredictable Taiwan policy. It suggests that Taiwan should urge the US to provide strategic clarity and strengthen its relationship with Europe. Taiwan should also weaponise the interdependence of its semiconductor industry with the US and prepare to restart its research and development of nuclear weapons.
Written by Aileen A. Espiritu, Marc Lanteigne, and Tse-Kang Leng. This article argues that Taiwan should construct a clear, multifaceted Arctic policy to safeguard its future prosperity and strengthen the country’s international standing. It outlines multiple areas where Taiwan can contribute and benefit, including trade, climate, science, diplomacy, Indigenous communities and geopolitics. An inclusive Arctic policy is not distant curiosity but a strategic aspiration.
Written by Nils Peterson. This article analyses the domestic challenge for the Lai administration’s foreign policy under a KMT-aligned Legislative Yuan. The divided government poses two potential hurdles: the risk of domestic gridlock and fights over defence appropriation funding. These challenges will require some degree of compromise between the KMT and the DPP, reinforced by the recent recall campaigns.
Written by Thomas Ching-Wei TU. This second part of the article presents possible suggestions for promoting Taiwan-Vatican relations. For instance, it could review the visa difficulties of foreign clergy and nuns and strengthen educational and technological exchanges. Only through a greater understanding of the Vatican’s special diplomacy can the friendship with Taiwan’s only European diplomatic partner be deepened.
