Brief

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Digital Minister and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is scheduled to speak today at an event in Oxford. The talk, titled "Good Enough Ancestor: Software Freedom as Civic Care across Generations," will cover topics related to AI, anarchism, and software freedom. The event will take place from 15:30 to 16:30 British Summer Time and will be available both in person and online, with a recording to follow. AI

A prominent Chinese analyst has declared that the era defined by three joint communiques governing US-China relations has effectively concluded. Zhu Feng of Nanjing University stated that achieving a comprehensive political understanding on Taiwan between the two nations is unlikely due to US domestic politics. The White House has responded by emphasizing the need for fairness and reciprocity in future interactions. AI

Taiwanese officials and citizens are accustomed to living under the threat of Chinese aggression, maintaining a calm demeanor despite recent remarks from Xi Jinping and Donald Trump regarding the island's security. While acknowledging the sensitivity to information warfare and military threats, daily life in Taiwan remains largely unaffected. Officials emphasize strengthening self-defense and indigenous capabilities, asserting that Taiwan will neither provoke China nor allow itself to be subjugated. AI

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that due to the country's geographical proximity to Taiwan, the Philippines would likely be drawn into any potential conflict over the island. While Manila wishes to avoid involvement, Marcos acknowledged that the northern Philippines would inevitably be affected or become part of such a conflict. He expressed confusion over Beijing's negative response to his earlier remarks on the matter. AI

A Chinese state think tank, the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (Cicir), has proposed a framework for peaceful coexistence between China and the United States amidst escalating strategic competition. The paper, published on May 13, introduces the concept of "constructive strategic stability" as a means to manage the rivalry. This diplomatic approach was subsequently echoed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his discussions with then-US President Donald Trump, signaling Beijing's vision for navigating the complex relationship. AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump met in Beijing to discuss trade and AI safety, with both leaders emphasizing the need for best practices to prevent non-state actors from accessing advanced AI. However, the discussions reportedly overlooked critical governance issues related to autonomous systems and potential conflicts arising from US and Chinese AI operations. A key indicator for Beijing in assessing US-China relations, particularly concerning Taiwan, is US arms sales to the island. AI

China's aircraft carrier base in Hainan is strategically vital for the PLA Navy's survivability and its ability to counter US influence along the first island chain. The Sanya naval complex, home to the advanced Fujian and the Shandong carriers, provides crucial maneuvering space and support facilities. This positioning is also seen as key to supporting a potential maritime blockade of Taiwan during a conflict. AI

Beijing has accused Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te of undermining peace across the Taiwan Strait. This condemnation follows Lai's speech marking his second anniversary in power, during which he asserted Taiwan's firm stance against mainland pressure. Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Lai's remarks as deceptive and confrontational, labeling him a "destroyer of cross-strait peace." AI

Senator Bernie Sanders has emerged as a vocal advocate for AI safety, warning of existential risks during a public appearance. Meanwhile, discussions around drone warfare highlight the West's unpreparedness for the rapidly evolving battlefield, with China's manufacturing capabilities posing a significant challenge. The increasing demand for fiber-optic cable, driven by both data centers for AI and ongoing conflicts, is escalating costs and creating supply chain pressures. AI