Trump, Taiwan and the Ukraine Pivot

 Since the start of President Trump's second term, and especially following the unprecedented Oval Office confrontation last February between Trump, J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Zelensky - Washington's policy on Ukraine has undergone a dramatic shift.

While this realignment has alarmed many of America's traditional European allies, the ripple effects have been felt far beyond Europe, including in Taiwan. Despite the absence of a formal treaty, U.S. support has long been a cornerstone of Taiwan's security strategy in deterring invasion by China who claim Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory, despite having never controlled or occupied it.

In this episode, we speak with Marcin Jerzewski (X: @yehaoqin , BlueSky: yehaoqin.bsky.social) Head of the European Values Center in Taipei about how Taiwan is interpreting Washington's evolving stance on Ukraine. We explore whether President Trump's territorial rhetoric and trade initiatives are fueling skepticism in Taiwan - and, how the Chinese Communist Party is leveraging the current situation to erode Taiwan's trust in the U.S.

Date of Recording: May 27th, 2025.




Thumbnail picture shows 3 flags standing side by side - Ukraine, US and Taiwan (RoC).
Trump, Taiwan and the Ukraine Pivot


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional Information on the topics covered in this episode:



Music Credits:
Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under license 


#Trump2025 #Taiwan #UkraineWar #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #ChinaTaiwan #IndoPacific #TaiwanStrait #PodcastEpisode #PoliticsPodcast

Computex 2025 - AI Next

Computex 2025 took place during the week of May 20th in the vibrant tech hub of Taipei, Taiwan. Widely regarded as one of the world's premier computer and technology expos, Computex continues to set the stage for what's next in the industry.

This year's theme, "AI Next", highlighted the growing reach of artificial intelligence - from the cloud, to the edge, and into everyday devices and applications. There was a particular focus on AI & Robotics, Next-Gen Tech and Future Mobility. Areas like Gaming, Drones, Datacenter Technology and Business Solutions also featured strongly.

With over 1,400 exhibitors from 34 countries, the event featured the biggest names in tech, with industry leaders taking to the stage for keynote announcements, while the exhibition halls buzzed with the unveiling of their latest products. There was also a big emphasis on Innovation and Startups with the InnoVEX 2025 startup showcase celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

In this episode, we bring you the pulse of the event. You'll hear directly from the entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the future of technology. We take a look at some of the new devices and gadgets from across the 80 thousand square meters of exhibits, sample some of the keynotes and examine why an increasing number of European companies and countries are forging strong ties with Taiwan.


Date of Recording: May 20th to 23rd, 2025.



Cityscape of Taipei, Taiwan showing Taipei 101 (Taiwan's tallest skyscraper) in the background with Computex and InnoVEX logos in the foreground. Listen to our podcast at www.pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo wherever you get your podcasts.
Computex and InnoVEX 2025


Computex 2025 Report - Podcast Highlights video



DIVE DEEPER:

Companies and Organizations interviewed in order of appearance:


Additional Information on the topics covered:



Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under license 

#COMPUTEX2025 , #InnoVEX2025 , #TechEvents2025 , #TaiwanTech , #COMPUTEXTaipei , #AIInnovation , #StartupShowcase , #SemiconductorTech , #TechTrends2025 , #HardwareStartup , #DeepTech , #FutureOfAI , #TechCollaboration , #SmartTech2025 , #GlobalTechHub , #podcast


Friends of Steel

May 9th marked the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia also celebrated their version of Victory Day - an event steeped in national pride and symbolism - with a military parade in Red Square in front of an audience which included 29 visiting world leaders.

As U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine, the U.S. and Europe were watching closely to see if President Putin would offer a different message this year after resisting White House efforts to secure a ceasefire so far.

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we explore Russia's recent Victory Day celebrations. We review the increased attendance of foreign leaders at this year's military parade in Moscow as well as key moments from President Putin's speech.

We also examine the growing alignment between China and Russia, including Xi Jinping's attempt to connect the Victory Day commemoration to what he calls "the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return" to China.

And finally, we unpack how this year's events are being interpreted across Europe and beyond, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing international calls for a ceasefire.

Date of Recording: May 12th, 2025




Guest of honor, Chinese leader Xi seated on the left with his host, Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the right oversee the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9th. A Chinese interpreter leans in from behind to help with communication.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin and guest of honor, Chinese leader Xi Jinping oversee the Victory Day parade in Red Square, Moscow on May 9th.


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics covered in this episode:

  • EU High Representative Kaja Kallas' statement in Lviv, Ukraine - EU Debates via YouTube (May 9th, 2025)


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Music Credits

Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under license 
Certificate number: 463851b2-7fe3-486b-aabf-64f4dea6047f/4827

Audio transition: Sound Soul (This Logo Reveal) by Diamond_Tunes via Pixabay


#geopolitics, #china,  #CCP,  #Taiwan, #VictoryDay2025, #RussiaParade, #PutinSpeech, #RussiaChinaRelations, #UkraineWar, #WorldPolitics, #XiJinping, #TaiwanTensions, #DonaldTrump, #CeasefireCalls, #MoscowParade, #EUResponse, #InternationalRelations, #GlobalSecurity, #ColdWarEchoes, #AuthoritarianAlliance, #RedSquare2025, #MilitaryParade, #Podcast, #CurrentAffairsPodcast, #PoliticalPodcast, #GlobalNewsPodcast


A Strait Blockade is not Stable Trade !

As the global economy continues to grapple with the roller coaster uncertainties of President Donald Trump's tariff war, trade relations between the world's two largest economies - the United States and China - have reached a breaking point. A series of tit-for-tat tariff escalations has pushed their economic ties to the brink, with ripple effects being felt far beyond their borders.

While many smaller nations scramble to shield themselves from the fallout of this high-stakes trade conflict, China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force - seeking to capitalize on global dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policy and promote its own image as a force for stable trade in the world.

But how does China's claim hold up under scrutiny ?

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we unpack China's performance as a global trading partner, explore its engagement with the World Trade Organization, and examine whether its claims of being a stabilizing force in global trade hold any water or just mask deeper strategic ambitions.

Date of Recording: April 21st, 2025



The image shows a satellite map of Taiwan surrounded by a path created by China's naval vessels (in red) as they conduct military drills around the island. The picture also indicates target strike locations in major cities around Taiwan.
Image released by China's PLA Eastern Theatre Command as part of their 'Strait Thunder 2025A' military drills launched around Taiwan on March 31st. The image indicates target strike locations in many of Taiwan's major metropolitan areas.


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics covered in this episode:


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Music Credits

Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under license 
Certificate number: 463851b2-7fe3-486b-aabf-64f4dea6047f/4827

Audio transition: Sound Soul (This Logo Reveal) by Diamond_Tunes via Pixabay


#geopolitics, #globaltrade, #china, #USChinaRelations, #Tradewar, #Trump2024, #ChinaPolitics, #worldEconomy, #CCP, #EconomicPower, #Taiwan, #Taiwanstrait, #military, #WTO, #Podcast, #Podcastrecommendations


The FIMI Iceberg - Decoding Foreign Interference Threats

According to data gathered by the European External Action Service (EEAS), last year over eighty countries and over two hundred organizations were targets of attacks from Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - or FIMI. These attacks targeted everything from major international events like the Paris Olympics, to national elections, regional conflicts and local protests.

The main instigators of these influence operations were China and Russia and they use FIMI to manipulate public opinion, fuel polarization and interfere with democratic processes within the EU and worldwide. They employ a multi-layered strategy using both state and non-state actors to exert long term influence.

According to the EEAS report, "their aim is to destabilize societies, damage democracies, drive wedges between different groups and undermine the EU's global standing". The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas says "FIMI is not merely a tool for disseminating deceptive narratives. It is an integral part of military operations used by foreign states to lay the way for kinetic action on the ground," and "is a major security threat to the EU."

And it would appear that no country is immune. Even a small neutral country like Ireland was mentioned thousands of times by Russian and Chinese influence networks during a monitoring period from September 2023 to September 2024 according to an in-depth study carried out by Norway's Defense Research Strategy.

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we chat with Eoin McNamara (X: @McNamara_Eoin  BSky: @mcnamara-eoin.bsky.social), Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs in Helsinki to unpack some of the key findings in these reports. We discuss what motives lie behind these manipulation and interference campaigns as well as some examples of recent case studies and their impact. In addition we talk about the vulnerability of western society to such interference and what democracies can do to protect their citizens from such nefarious interference in the future.

Date of Recording: March 31st, 2025.



The thumbnail is entitled the FIMI Iceberg and shows Russia President Putin and Chinese President Xi - one on either side of an iceberg. They are surrounded by symbols of their state organizations and state controlled media outlets that appear around the iceberg above the water line. Below the waterline are symbols of China's and Russia's covert state linked channels and state aligned channels.
The FIMI Iceberg showing Russia's and China's Overt threats such as official state agencies and state controlled outlets (media organizations) as well as Covert threats (below the water line) such as state linked channels and state aligned channels. See the 3rd EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats linked below for full details.


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics covered in this episode:



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Music Credits:
Title music: Uplifting by Plastic3 used under Tribe of Noise license
Break: Shining Bright Dusk by FreeSoundServer via Pixabay

#FIMI, #InformationWarfare, #Geopolitics, #Cybersecurity, #Disinformation, #DigitalWarfare, #ForeignInterference, #Propaganda, #CyberThreats, #ElectionInterference, #ChinaInfluence, #RussiaInterference, #HybridWarfare, #ChinesePropaganda, #AuthoritarianInfluence, #EUDemocracy, #EuropeanSecurity, #EUPolitics, #EUForeignPolicy, #DefendDemocracy, #IrelandSecurity, #IrelandPolitics, #NeutralIreland, #SocialMediaManipulation, #DigitalPropoganda, #FakeNews, #CyberTactics, #Podcast, #PodcastEpisode

Scaring the Monkey - Decoding China's Response to Trump

Recently, international headlines have been dominated by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and his challenge to the rules-based international order.

Trump has made bold threats, including seeking control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Gaza, while aligning with Russia and withdrawing support from Ukraine. His escalating tariff policies are raising doubts about long-standing alliances and the future of the global trading system, leaving many allies - including the EU - unsure of what comes next.

Meanwhile, China's position in the global economy remains crucial. As the world's second-largest economy, how does China view these recent developments ?

In this episode, we speak with Alexander Davey, Research Analyst at MERICS about:

  • China's perspective on the shifting geopolitical landscape,
  • The potential impact of recent events on China's relationship with the EU,
  • How China's struggling domestic economy may shape its future path
  • and much more!


Date of Recording:  February 28th, 2025.




Chinese president Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are pictured in black and white looking stern and serious with their countries flags in the background. Listen to our latest podcast to hear how China is viewing the recent round of Trump's tariffs and policies as Research Analyst Alexander Davy from MERICS shares his insights. You can listen at www.pwneilo.com or by searching for Perspectives with Neilo wherever you get your podcasts.
Chinese leader, Xi Jinping (L) and US President Donald Trump (R)


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey - wiki
  • Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan presents credentials to President Michael D.Higgins - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC (February 12th, 2025) <Chinese Government website>


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#Geopolitics, #TradeTariffs, #USChinaRelations, #GlobalTrade, #DonaldTrump, #ChinaEU, #InternationalRelations, #GlobalEconomy, #ForeignPolicy, #EUPolitics, #ChinaEconomy, #GEOpoliticalLandscape, #TradeWars, #USPolitics, #ChinaPolitics

Exile in Ireland - Uyghurs Speak Out Against Transnational Repression

In mid-February, the communities of Uyghurs and Hong Kongers living in Ireland wrote an open letter to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighting concerns for their safety and drawing urgent attention to the pattern of Chinese state surveillance and harassment of members of their diaspora communities.

The letter was written in advance of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Ireland and requested the Irish Government to adopt a human-rights-based approach in their discussions with Chinese officials, as well as demanding concrete actions with respect to acts of transnational repression, genocide and politically motivated imprisonment perpetrated by the People's Republic of China (PRC).

We spoke to Nuria Zyden, the Director of the Irish Uyghur Cultural Association (Instagram @irishuyghurca) about the Uyghur community in Ireland, the pain and longing of being separated from family and what lies behind her community's concerns for their safety which she outlined in the recent letter to the Irish Government.

Date of Recording: February 24th, 2025.




A group of Irish Uyghurs wave flags and banners to draw attention to the plight of the Uyghur people during China's Foreign Minister's visit to Dublin on February 17th, 2025.
Irish Uyghurs protest during the visit of China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi to Dublin on February 17th, 2025.


DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Open Letter to the Irish Government on the Occasion of the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit on 17th February, 2025 - link





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Thumbnail Photo Credit: Irish Uyghur Cultural Association Instagram 

#UyghurRights #HumanRights #TransnationalRepression #ChineseSurveillance #DiasporaVoices #GenocideAwareness #HongKongersInIreland #UyghurCommunity #PoliticalPrisoners #ChinaRepression #IrelandHumanRights #MicheálMartin #SimonHarris #WangYiVisit #UyghurCulture #PoliticalFreedom #GenocidePrevention #UyghurSolidarity #ChineseOppression #RightsForUyghurs #UN #UNHCR #OHCHR #UyghursinIreland


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