Taiwanese Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te.

Given Taiwan’s pivotal position as a flashpoint in global security, most of the coverage of its recent presidential and legislative elections viewed them through the lens of its relations with China. The relationship matters to be sure, but the campaign was also driven by domestic concerns that didn’t make the international headlines.

Japanese Ground-Self Defense Force tanks

Earlier this year, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio visited five G-7 countries in a bid to expand security cooperation. Combined with new security frameworks, the visits collectively signal Tokyo’s commitment to becoming a stabilizing regional force and playing a more proactive role as a global power.

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