On World Press Freedom Day, Taiwan is highlighted as a model for press freedom in Asia despite the region's tightening news environment and the COVID-19 pandemic being used by authoritarian governments, including China, to restrict press freedom. Taiwan maintains high levels of press freedom and has welcomed journalists fleeing China. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has established its first Asian bureau in Taiwan, citing the country's press freedom ranking and legal protections. Taiwan's successful COVID-19 response is seen as a reflection of its press freedom. The government and civil society in Taiwan have collaborated to combat fake news, especially from China. The National Communications Commission's decision to not renew CTi News' license has sparked discussions on media polarization and the need for media reform in Taiwan.

Following a summit at the White House, U.S. and Japanese leaders expressed concerns over issues in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, emphasizing the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. Despite touching on sensitive topics for China, there has been no strong threatening response from China so far. Experts believe both the U.S. and Japan are carefully conveying messages to China, which is restraining its response due to practical considerations. The series of meetings arranged by the U.S. are seen as a message to China that the U.S. and its allies intend to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan has actively raised various topics that China finds displeasing, but both countries have avoided pushing each other too hard in order to maintain good relations. The article also discusses the implications of China's restrained response, including internal considerations for Xi Jinping's potential re-election and the desire not to escalate military actions.

On October 24, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., signaling a softer approach to China compared to his previous hawkish stance at the Hudson Institute in 2018. The speech, interpreted variously by media and scholars, seemed timed with the upcoming U.S. elections, with Trump needing to divert attention from domestic issues such as the impeachment inquiry and the military withdrawal from Syria. Pence's speech focused on the U.S. desire for a constructive relationship with China, emphasizing financial openness and avoiding a complete decoupling. Taiwan was mentioned as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations, with Pence's support for Taiwan interpreted as a strategic move ahead of Taiwan's elections. The article suggests that Taiwan should maintain a low profile in the U.S.-China rivalry to secure its long-term interests, and that Tsai Ing-wen's administration is aware of the nuanced support from the U.S.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's remarks trivializing Tibetan self-immolation as a trend that troubles the Chinese Communist Party sparked outrage. The article argues that Tibet, with its unique religion, language, and culture, was historically autonomous and only forcibly incorporated into China in 1950. The self-immolations are a protest against China's violation of the 'peace agreement' and its continued oppression, including cultural destruction and ethnic cleansing in Tibet. The Tibetan exile government in India has adopted a democratic system and seeks high autonomy within China's constitution, a stance China has consistently rejected. The article also criticizes Taiwan's pro-China politicians for their spinelessness and ignorance, warning against the infiltration of Chinese influence and the erosion of Taiwan's sovereignty, democracy, and human rights.