Part 7/9:
He noted that countries like Indonesia have benefited from Chinese infrastructure projects, enhancing their domestic capabilities. Professor Maani highlighted the missed opportunity for the U.S. to acknowledge the infrastructure deficit within its own borders, suggesting that engagement with projects like the BRI could lead to mutual benefits.
The Taiwan Question: The Most Dangerous Issue
As the conversation evolved, the professor identified the Taiwan issue as the most pressing geopolitical risk in the world today. According to him, Taiwan is seen by China as a vital symbol of historical grievances stemming from the "century of humiliation." The implications of Taiwan's status are immense, and any significant change risks igniting conflict in the region.