US-China Trade War: What's Next? Taiwan's Nuclear Power Shift & Asian Cinema at Cannes

US-China Trade War Truce and Outlook

• 🤝 A 90-day truce in the US-China trade war has begun, with temporary tariff reductions on both sides, surprising many and boosting global markets.
• 🇺🇸 The US economy is predicted to be hit harder by high tariffs than China's, suggesting the US may have "blinked first" in the trade dispute.
• 🇨🇳 China has prepared for trade disputes by diversifying trade links and lengthening supply chains, though the trade war occurs during domestic economic challenges.
• 📈 Despite the truce, significant trade uncertainty remains high, as the future path of tariffs is unknown, and escalation is still possible.

Taiwan's Energy Transition and Vulnerabilities

• ⚛️ Taiwan has shut down its last operational nuclear reactor, a milestone in its goal of becoming a nuclear-free homeland.
• 💡 The decision faces mixed reactions, with concerns about replacing nuclear power's efficiency and the island's increasing electricity demand due to an AI boom.
• ⛽ Taiwan's reliance on imported fossil fuels makes it vulnerable to Chinese aggression, as Beijing claims the island and has simulated strikes on energy sites.

Asian Cinema at the Cannes Film Festival

• 🎬 Asian films are prominently featured at the Cannes Film Festival, with entries in the official competition and sidebar selections.
• 🏆 Films like "Resurrection" (China) and "Renoir" (Japan) are competing for the Palme d'Or, while other Asian films screen in sections like La Croisette and midnight screenings.
• 🌍 Cannes offers crucial international exposure for Asian filmmakers, especially from smaller industries, enabling distribution outside their home regions and discussion of potentially taboo subjects.
• 🌟 The festival has been instrumental in launching international careers and providing a platform for films that might face censorship or be difficult to distribute domestically.