Welcome to the March 21st episode of “News Insight,” where we decipher the news of the day. Our guests for this episode are distinguished Professor Ming Juzheng from the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University, Director Wu Sezhi from the Taiwan Think Tank’s China Research Center, and host Zhang Dongxu.
Today’s focus: Surprising Moves in the Geopolitical Chess Game – Li Ka-shing Sells Chips, Infuriates CCP! Trump Scores Major Victory at Panama Canal! A Turning Point in the US-China Naval Competition! Various Anti-CCP Alliances – Is China Feeling Uneasy? Could Enemies Enter the US through Canada?
Within two months of taking office, Trump’s actions have made waves worldwide. However, some question whether his actions against the CCP live up to his campaign promises. What hidden cards does Trump hold in his global playbook?
In the battleground between the US and China, reports of CCP leader’s fury have emerged as Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing sells a significant amount of ports to American companies. Will this deal shake the foundation of China’s maritime ambitions?
A former US Indo-Pacific commander described Taiwan as a cornerstone of US influence in the region. Secretary of State Pompeo elaborated on Trump’s Taiwan policy. Does the setting of this cornerstone in the Indo-Pacific signal a new phase in US-China confrontation?
Around 20 years after the Anti-Secession Law, countries in the First Island Chain have been releasing key words such as “hostile.” Taiwan labeled China as a hostile force on the 13th, Japan hinted at the establishment of long-range missile bases on Kyushu with the ability to “attack enemy bases” on the 15th, and the Philippines’ Chief of Staff mentioned expanding the cooperation of the US-Japan-Australia-Philippines SQUAD, inviting India and South Korea. He openly stated, “I’m not afraid to say that the CCP is our common enemy.”
▶ How do Professor Ming Juzheng and Director Wu Sezhi interpret this? What strategic implications would the inclusion of India and South Korea in the Squad have? Will Taiwan be included, or perhaps already included “de facto”?
Canadian-Chinese businessman Li Ka-shing announced the sale of his Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa, including 43 ports in 23 countries, including two critical ports in Panama, to American firm BlackRock. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Chinese government has been reposting articles chastising Li Ka-shing and his companies. Some describe Li Ka-shing’s actions as the eye of the storm in the recent US-China confrontation.
▶ How does Professor Ming Juzheng view the signals sent by this deal? How does the CCP respond? What kind of “decisive measures” do they threaten?
With China’s economic decline, foreign capital is fleeing the country. The Chinese authorities previously hyped the so-called “private economy,” but recently announced the “China Development High-Level Forum” held in Beijing from March 23 to 24, inviting numerous foreign executives, possibly arranging meetings with the CCP leader. The outside world is skeptical of this meeting.
▶ How does Director Wu Sezhi view the Beijing forum with foreign companies? What does Li Ka-shing see in this port business deal? What do major foreign companies glean from Li Ka-shing’s transaction?
President Trump has been in office for two months. During his campaign, he repeatedly promised tough actions against China, even threatening to raise tariffs to 60%. However, some feel that his actions have not matched his rhetoric, leading to doubts about his approach towards China. Many wonder if Trump is being soft on China. The impact of the reciprocal tariffs coming into effect on April 2 is eagerly anticipated.
On the 20th, former US Indo-Pacific Commander Davidson stated that many regional allies view US-Taiwan relations as an indicator of US credibility. If Indo-Pacific influence is a core US interest, then Taiwan is indeed a crucial cornerstone.
▶ Can Professor Ming Juzheng help us observe Trump’s overall strategy towards China from a macro perspective and in terms of Taiwan policy indicators?
In recent statements, the US Secretary of State has mentioned Taiwan multiple times, reiterating the Trump administration’s Taiwan policy condemning the use of force, coercion, or attempts to alter the status quo. The head of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has been giving numerous interviews showing support for Taiwan and emphasizing Taiwan’s contributions. The US has been urging allies, from NATO countries, Japan, South Korea, to Taiwan, to increase defense spending, with figures ranging from 3% to 5% of GDP, and even up to 10% for First Island Chain countries.
▶ How does Director Wu Sezhi view Rubio’s statements? Additionally, is the proposed increase in Taiwan’s defense budget by the US realistic? Why does the US feel such urgency?
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Production Team of NTD Asia-Pacific Television’s “News Insight”