In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, we explore Taiwan’s strengths and fragilities in a shifting global order. From TSMC’s massive Arizona expansion and record-breaking science parks to forecasts of 5% GDP growth, the island looks resilient. Yet challenges loom: Intel’s partnership with Nvidia, U.S. labor bans on Giant bikes, and Taiwan’s omission from the Trump–Xi call show its vulnerabilities. We close with Taiwan’s bid to build biotech as the next “TSMC” and deepen U.S. defense ties under a doctrine of peace through strength.