This week on Beyond the Reefs, we open with a concise rundown of Taiwan’s top headlines — from Premier Cho’s vow to keep the “silicon mountain” at home to new defense cooperation with the U.S., trade talks nearing a breakthrough, and the island’s first suspected African swine fever case. Then, we head to the Caribbean to meet Ambassador Donya L. Francis of Saint Christopher and Nevis, who shares his perspective on small-island resilience, Taiwan’s diplomatic partnerships, and how global south alliances can redefine cooperation in education, technology, and renewable energy.