The meeting focused on global challenges in partnerships, communication, and local contexts, particularly regarding Taiwan and Hong Kong.
• Discussed various global locations and their current situations.
• Mentioned issues related to partnerships and collaborations.
• Highlighted challenges in communication and negotiation processes.
• Addressed concerns over ownership and accountability in deals.
• Emphasized the importance of understanding local contexts in discussions.
• Noted ongoing developments in Taiwan and Hong Kong relations.
• Observed difficulties faced by individuals in different regions.
• Recognized the need for effective strategies to manage challenges.
This article, titled "Upholding Democracy" by Hsieh (published January 2026), provides a sweeping commentary on the international geopolitical landscape and Taiwan’s internal politics following the start of 2026.
The following is a summary of the key points:
1. International Turmoil and the Fall of Dictators
Venezuela & Iran: The author highlights the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January 2026. This event has reportedly sparked hope among oppressed peoples globally, particularly in Iran, where massive protests have erupted due to hyperinflation (the Rial crashing to nearly 10 million per USD) and government corruption.
U.S. Stance: President Trump has issued warnings to the Iranian regime against killing protesters, signaling potential military strikes against their "vitals" if violence continues, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has voiced support for the Iranian people.
2. Critique of China and International Law
Broken Promises: The article criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for historically disregarding international agreements, citing the 17-Point Agreement on Tibet, the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, and WTO commitments.
"New Monroe Doctrine": It notes China’s pushback against Trump’s "New Monroe Doctrine," with Beijing accusing the U.S. of violating sovereignty in Venezuela while the U.S. maintains that "ownership" and moral codes supersede traditional international legal frameworks.
3. Taiwan’s Internal Politics and Defense
KMT and TPP Criticism: The author harshly criticizes KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun for suggesting President Lai Ching-te should "exercise restraint" to avoid provoking China.
Huang Kuo-chang’s U.S. Visit: TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is criticized for his brief trip to Washington D.C., after which he opposed Taiwan's 1.25 trillion TWD defense budget. The article notes a "rare" clarification from AIT (American Institute in Taiwan) reaffirming U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense spending.
4. U.S.-Taiwan Trade Success
Tariff Negotiations: A major highlight is the successful conclusion of U.S.-Taiwan trade talks. Key achievements include:
A 15% non-stacking tariff agreement.
Signing the deal at the U.S. Department of Commerce (symbolizing elevated official status for Taiwan).
Terms reportedly better than those given to Japan or South Korea, reflecting Taiwan’s strategic importance in semiconductors and AI.
5. U.S. Domestic Policy: "The Great Healthcare Plan"
The summary mentions President Trump’s January 15 submission of a new healthcare plan to Congress, aiming to bypass insurance giants, lower drug prices via "Most Favored Nation" status, and mandate price transparency in hospitals.
Conclusion
The author concludes with a call for Taiwan to remain resilient. Despite military threats from China and domestic political opposition, the author views the strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relationship and the global shift against authoritarianism as positive signs for Taiwan’s future.
李查·沙赫·巴勒維於1925年創建巴勒維王朝，1941年死後其子穆罕默德·李查·巴勒維繼位，至1979年被宗教領袖魯霍拉·穆斯塔法維·穆薩維·柯梅尼Sayyid Rūhollāh Musavi Khomeinī，所發動的伊朗伊斯蘭革命 Iranian Islamic Revolution給推翻。1979年柯梅尼掌權統治伊朗，成為國家最高領袖；1989年6月3日去世後，由阿里·侯賽尼·哈梅內伊Seyyid Ali Hoseyni Xāmene’i於隔天6月4日繼任，他曾擔任伊朗總統、權位僅次於最高領袖，是總攬政府行政權的最高首長。但在什葉派伊斯蘭教，規定要成為伊朗最高首長，是必須先具備馬爾賈（最高出眾的法學家）和阿亞圖拉（最偉大真主）身份，而哈梅內伊並沒有取得。
由哈梅內伊所統治的伊朗於，2025年12月因民眾，對通貨膨脹飆升、食品價格上漲、以及伊朗貨幣里亞爾Rial大幅貶值、US$1 = Rial $994,055，經濟危機不斷加劇，民怨四起深感不滿，全國多個城市爆發了一系列、大規模抗議示威活動。抗議從首都德黑蘭、商販、店家、市場發起開始，人民紛紛走上街頭，很快地迅速擴散開來，加上警察暴力介入，截至2026年1月11日止抗議已進入第15天了，真是星星之火可以燎原，全國各地都被波及，死亡人數至少已有192人喪命、數千人被逮捕；人民高喊哈梅內伊去死、Death to Khamenei 、Death to the dictator
。
因為伊朗官方強勢祭出、警察暴力，使全國性抗議行動持續升溫；依據總部設立在挪威的非政府組織「伊朗人權」Iran Human Rights 、1月11日表示：自抗議爆發以來，我們已確認至少有192名示威者身亡。抗議遍及全國各地，矛頭直指伊朗神權統治體制。流亡美國的伊朗已故國王巴勒維之子芮沙．巴勒維，公開呼籲民眾不僅走上街頭，更要準備占領城市核心，展現挑戰現行政權的明確政治企圖。美國總統川普10日表示，美方準備好提供協助，他說：我已經非常明確地表明，如果他們像過去那樣開始殺人，我們將介入我們將狠狠、打擊他們的要害。這並不意味著我們會派兵，而是要狠狠打擊他們的要害。你們最好不要開槍，因為我們也會開槍。I’ve made the statement very strongly that if they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts. You better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.
國務卿盧比歐，於1月9日在X網站上發文表示：美國支持勇敢的伊朗人民。英國首相基爾·斯塔默、法國總統馬克宏、和德國總理弗里德里希·默茨也發表聯合聲明：敦促伊朗當局、保持克制。我們對有關伊朗安全部隊暴力行為的報道、深表關切，並強烈譴責殺害抗議者的行為。伊朗當局有責任保護本國人民，是必須保障民眾，享有言論自由、及和平集會的權利，而不必擔心遭到報復。Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X: The United States supports the brave people of Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement: Urging Iranian authorities to exercise restraint. We are deeply concerned about reports of violence by Iranian security forces, and strongly condemn the killing of protestors. The Iranian authorities have the responsibility to protect their own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
