TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Time magazine spotlighted Taiwan with two op-eds and an article on the potential for war with China this week. 

One opinion piece drew attention for its title, which called for the US to “Beware of Taiwan’s Reckless Leader,” President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). Another article written by a former colonel in China’s PLA offered advice to US President Donald Trump on how to avoid war with China.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Time’s opinion piece in a press release. The ministry noted the article does not reflect the reality of the situation, as Lai and Taiwan's government have consistently called for peace and cross-strait dialogue to maintain stability in the region. 

The op-ed calling Lai “reckless” described the president as the heart of a growing storm in the region and added that US leaders should “not hesitate to rein” him in. The author, Lyle Goldstein, works at the Defense Priorities think tank in Washington, which advocates isolationist policies for the US. 

As evidence of Lai’s alleged recklessness, Goldstein offered only two points. The first being Lai’s presidential address asserting Taiwan’s sovereignty, and the second being the vague accusation that Lai is misdirecting Taiwan’s defense efforts.

The rest of Goldstein’s opinion piece discussed force disparity across the Taiwan Strait and US priorities in the region. He boldly concluded that Taiwan is not a vital security interest nor worth defending. 

Time also gave a platform to former PLA Colonel Zhou Bo (周波) in the editorial, “How Trump Can Avoid a War in Taiwan.” Bo said Trump should tell Lai to “watch his words,” while outlining steps Washington could take to appease China on the issue of Taiwan.

The third article was by Time Editor Charlie Campbell. “Taiwan in the Shadow of War” took a look at the state of Taiwan’s defense capabilities and China’s capacity to wage a war against the nation.