J. Michael Cole
Why the Sky Did Not Fall after São Tomé and Príncipe Dropped Taiwan
The loss of São Tomé and Príncipe, and of The Gambia before that, hardly constitute a knockout of Taiwan, writes J. Michael Cole.
Taiwan, Not the US, to Pay the Price for the Trump-Tsai Call
While punishing Taiwan may be Beijing’s proximate aim, China may also hope to convince the Trump administration that closer engagement with Taipei isn’t in their interests, as this will inevitably lead to renewed instability in the Taiwan Strait, argues J. Michael Cole
OP-ED: More than Marriage Equality, it’s a Battle Between Reason and Obscurantism
The current mess isn’t a gentlemen’s debate on policy, where one side’s facts are weighed against those of their opponents; it is, instead, a battle between the forces of reason and obscurantism, writes J. Michael Cole.
President Tsai: Proceed With Marriage Equality. Now
The electoral costs to the government of proceeding with legalizing same-sex unions in Taiwan are so low it makes no sense to delay the matter any further. And from a moral standpoint, it's the right thing to do.
China’s Negative Impact on Freedom of the Press Expands Outwards
We all know how China treats its own journalists. But what about the CCP's critics outside China? More and more, it's going after them, too.
IKEA Unveils LGBT-Friendly ‘All Homes Are Created Equal’ Ad Campaign
Meanwhile in homophobic Russia, a gay couple is currently in the lead in a competition to select the next stars to be featured on the company's catalogue cover.
Over 75 Percent of Chinese Believe Way of Life Must be Protected Against ‘Outside Influences’
As China sees a greater role for itself on the global stage, it is also becoming more apprehensive about potential designs against its emergence as a major power.
WEF Corrects 'Error' in Annual Report, Reinstates ‘Taiwan, China’
Beijing imposes a fiction about Taiwan and often gets its way in global institutions. But in the end, nomenclature will never change the facts on the ground.
OP-ED: Is Double Ten a Deadline for President Tsai?
Don’t hold your breath for a breakthrough in President Tsai’s cross-Strait policy on National Day.
OP-ED: Is the West Losing the Influence War to China?
Like-minded coalitions of major states are increasingly unable to counter Beijing’s efforts to isolate Taiwan at international institutions.