In today's episode, we explore China's intensified diplomatic efforts with Pacific Island nations, highlighting the outcomes of the recent China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting. We also delve into China's military modernization, focusing on new academies, AI integration, and drone advancements. Lastly, we examine the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan following Taiwan's presidential inauguration, analyzing the implications for regional stability and international relations. Join us for an in-depth look at these significant developments.

Sources:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1335109.shtml

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3312263/host-china-offers-pacific-nations-more-climate-change-help-high-level-talks

https://pina.com.fj/2025/05/29/china-and-pacific-island-nations-reaffirm-strategic-ties-back-one-china-policy/

https://www.aol.com/china-snubs-asia-largest-defense-045347958.html

https://behorizon.org/asia-on-the-horizon/

https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjbzhd/202505/t20250528_11635595.html

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjbzhd/202505/t20250530_11637272.html

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-05-29/China-Micronesia-vow-to-deepen-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-1DLQu7ehVuw/p.html

https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0530/c90000-20321658.html

https://pina.com.fj/2025/05/29/china-and-pacific-island-nations-reaffirm-strategic-ties-back-one-china-policy/

https://warontherocks.com/2025/05/how-china-could-counter-u-s-intervention-in-war-over-taiwan/

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-may-23-2025

https://thegeopolitics.com/chinas-2025-security-doctrine-holism-in-rhetoric-militarism-in-practice/

https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/exclusive-report-china-may-strike-taiwans-outlying-islands-to-challenge-us-resolve

https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/taiwan-deploys-first-army-drone-squads-as-china-s-jiu-tian-drone-swarm-tactic-ups-the-ante-article-13044266.html

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-may-23-2025

https://asiatimes.com/2025/05/chinas-strategy-for-conquering-taiwan-without-firing-a-shot/

https://academic.oup.com/irap/article/doi/10.1093/irap/lcaf003/8152428

https://thegeopolitics.com/chinas-2025-security-doctrine-holism-in-rhetoric-militarism-in-practice/

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/05/30/2003837732