The US-China London talks, while labeled as trade negotiations, are centered around more than just tariff issues. The US has eased restrictions on advanced chip exports in exchange for China restoring rare earth supplies. Both nations are weaponizing their supply chains through export controls, reminiscent of the US-Soviet Cold War arms control negotiations, with the focus shifting from nuclear warheads to economic threats posed by supply chains.

Taiwan, dependent on chip production for the US, emerges as a crucial leverage point in America's strategy against China, becoming more than just a hidden player in the room. Known for its silicon shield, Taiwan has evolved into a sharp silicon sword for the US in countering China.

Meanwhile, China's two aircraft carrier fleets have breached the Second Island Chain, escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific. The Economist, which previously described Taiwan as the most dangerous place on Earth, has lately published a series of articles discussing the Taiwan Strait situation. It highlights the lessons Taiwan learned from the Ukraine-Russia war: that should the CCP launch a military attack, Taiwan must, like Ukraine, demonstrate its capability for prolonged warfare to the world.

Moreover, the analysis questions whether the Trump administration would intervene if the CCP invades Taiwan and which other countries might aid Taiwan.