Beijing says stabilizing US-China ties is "imperative", F-16s destined for Taiwan are delayed, and the US's top spy estimates a US$1T hit to the global economy if Taiwan is invaded.

10 of Taiwan's top stories this week... 1. China says stabilizing US-China ties "imperative"
China's foreign minister says:
– the US-China relationship has encountered "cold ice"
– US must correct its handling of Taiwan, and stop the hollowing out of the one-China principle
reuters.com/world/asia-pac….

Taiwan’s economy has entered a technical recession 8 months before a presidential election. Preliminary data shows it contracted **3.02%**(!) in Q1.

The last technical recession was in late 2015, when Tsai came to power.

A few thoughts on why this could impact the 2024 vote... Taiwan's economy is performing badly mainly because of exports.

Exports account for around 70% of TW's GDP. And right now, demand – especially from TW's largest trading partner China – is low.

These 2 charts show the correlation between TW's monthly exports and quarterly GDP.

10 of Taiwan's top stories this week (+ 1 Christmas bonus)... 1. Taiwan to investigate TikTok
– Chinese-owned TikTok is suspected of operating an illegal subsidiary in TW
– TW says CN uses TikTok for "cognitive operations and infiltration", spreading disinfo.
– TW plans to ban the app from all government devices

https://twitter.com/taiwanplusnews/status/1602604243042664448

I’ve been following Taipei mayoral candidate Vivian Huang [黃珊珊] ahead of tomorrow’s local elections in Taiwan. Some thoughts on her campaign… Huang is running as an independent candidate, but with the backing of current Taipei mayor––Ko Wen-je––as well as the party he founded, the TPP. Ko appeared in her campaign's music video and has spoken at a number of her rallies.