Tensions will come to a head Tuesday, when Taiwan’s parliament is due to vote on this year’s budget. The two parties that hold the majority are calling for substantial cuts, including to defense spending, that could complicate President Lai Ching-te’s plans to buy American arms both to fend off China and placate Trump.

He said Washington should renew its commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Read more at straitstimes.com.

CIA director Billl Burns believes Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed his military to be capable of moving against Taiwan by 2027.

The figures follow trends worldwide, but especially in East Asia, where Japan, South Korea and other nations have seen their birth rates plummet.

Slow Chinese economic growth and the possibility of a global trade conflict under US President-elect Donald Trump mean slower growth and turbulence are on the horizon for Asia in 2025.

Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, a move that remains a point of tension, though it moved China away from the Soviet Union.