China-US Rivalry, Taiwan, and AI Security

Taiwan remains central to China-US competition over deterrence, gray-zone coercion, semiconductors, diplomatic isolation, and supply chains. A recent assessment cited an estimated $10.6 trillion first-year global cost for a full-scale war, but the advocacy-linked figure requires independent contextualization. AI infrastructure, cyber vulnerability, critical minerals, and dual-use technology are widening the rivalry beyond conventional military scenarios.