Matthew Fulco

At a White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the two countries agreed to strengthen defense ties from co-production of missiles to joint development of rare earths.

Yet with no Taiwanese government position, Cheng had no authority to negotiate on Taipei's behalf with Xi.

Taiwan is reassessing its energy mix as geopolitical shocks and rising demand expose vulnerabilities, reviving nuclear alongside lagging renewables. At the same time, surging AI-driven consumption is outpacing the island’s ability to secure stable, low-carbon power.

Taiwan is cautiously rebuilding ties in Latin America, leveraging renewed U.S. focus on the region to counter Beijing’s influence and potentially regain diplomatic partners. While openings are emerging, lasting gains will hinge less on geopolitics and more on whether Taiwan and its allies can offer meaningful economic engagement.

Matsu’s stone villages, sea-carved tunnels, and military relics reveal an outlying island chain shaped by distance, defense, and quiet reinvention. As easier transport and cultural events bring new attention to the archipelago, its Cold War history and coastal heritage are finding new life through tourism and local revitalization.

The best-case scenario for the Trump-Xi summit might be that the two leaders agree to disagree on the many fundamental challenges in the U.S.-China relationship.

Taiwan’s XR opportunity is moving beyond consumer headsets toward healthcare, industrial use, and AI-powered smart glasses, where its hardware strengths can carve out a higher-value niche.

Bayer Taiwan’s innovation pipeline reflects a broader shift in chronic care, with earlier intervention, longer-lasting treatments, and improved access helping patients manage disease more sustainably over time.

XR is moving beyond novelty in Taiwan, finding practical applications in healthcare, education, defense, manufacturing, and retail. As local companies build on Taiwan’s tech strengths, immersive technologies are reshaping training, treatment, design, and consumer experiences.

Taiwan’s rapid shift into a super-aged society is intensifying the burden of dementia on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Earlier screening, stronger caregiver support, and emerging diagnostic tools could help Taiwan better prepare for the rising number of cases.