The US-China London talks, while officially trade negotiations, have shifted focus away from tariffs and trade issues. The US is relaxing advanced semiconductor exports in exchange for China restoring rare earth supplies. Both nations are weaponizing supply chains through export controls, resembling the arms control negotiations of the US-Soviet Cold War, shifting the focus from nuclear warheads to supply chains as economic threats.

In this context, Taiwan stands as a key player in America's anti-China strategy, evolving from a well-known silicon shield to a sharper silicon sword.

Simultaneously, two Chinese aircraft carrier fleets have breached the second island chain, raising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific. The Economist magazine, which previously described Taiwan as the most dangerous place on Earth, has recently published several articles discussing the Taiwan Strait situation, emphasizing that Taiwan must learn from Ukraine's experience. Should the Chinese military attack Taiwan, it must demonstrate its capability for prolonged warfare. It also analyzes whether the Trump administration would intervene and which other countries might assist Taiwan.