The world was shocked, if not entirely surprised, by US President Donald Trump’s Covid-19 diagnosis earlier this month. But there could be more “October surprises” yet to come in the lead up to November’s presidential election. Diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, for one – a risky move which would undoubtedly lead to an unintended military clash.

The United States has warmed on its relations with Taiwan in recent months. On August 10, US Health Secretary Alex Azar arrived on the self-ruled island, becoming the highest-level US official to visit in more than four decades.

Then in mid-September, Washington sent another high-ranking official – Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach – to attend the memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui.

Just two days before China’s National Day celebration on October 1, the US ambassador to the United Nations publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system, saying that it is “cheating the world” for Taipei not to be involved.

Please click here to read the full “Thought Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis was a pre-election shocker? Wait until he plays the Taiwan card“ article published at South China Morning Post, written by Griffith Asia Institute members, Dr Huiyun Feng and Professor Kai He.