“2024 in Asia: What Lies Ahead for China, Taiwan, and Japan?

Asia is home, but let’s face it — sometimes it’s a little nerve-wracking. Take China, for example. I speak Chinese, but I avoid traveling there unless absolutely necessary. Why? Because you never know how your words or actions might be interpreted.

For China, 2024 was a rough year economically — a true “nightmare.” At the same time, President Xi Jinping consolidated his power even further. Just like Ukraine was a dream for Putin, Taiwan seems to be a similar obsession for Xi. Military action to distract from economic failures? It’s not impossible.

Still, the vibe in Taiwan feels… casual. Talking to younger people there, you wouldn’t think they’re living under the constant threat of invasion. Then there’s Tibet. With the Dalai Lama’s age, time isn’t exactly on their side either.

Meanwhile, India and China held their first summit in five years this past October. Some say it’s a step toward reconciliation, but let’s be real — India’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific strategy, which Japan also supports, makes a full-scale friendship with China unlikely.

And then there’s Japan. With the South China Sea and Myanmar issues looming, Japan can’t afford to let China grow too dominant. The problem is, our current leadership seems more focused on staying in power than addressing these challenges. What’s the plan? Honestly, I’m still waiting to find out.