Olga Oliker, Crisis Group's Europe and Central Asia director, discusses the implications of Trump's potential return for European security and the Ukraine war. Michael Wahid Hanna, U.S. director, delves into U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, highlighting the Israel-Palestine conflict. Renata Segura covers how Trump's policies could affect Latin America, particularly immigration. Ali Wyne and Amanda Hsiao examine the prospects for U.S.-China relations, exploring tariffs, Taiwan, and broader geopolitical dynamics.

China has released a new documentary about its army’s preparations to attack Taiwan - the film includes interviews with Chinese soldiers who swear they'll give up their lives if needed in a potential invasion of the island.Tensions have been building for some time: Recently Taiwan’s ruling administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has increased its weapons purchases from the US, while China has increased air and naval encroachments on the island. This week on the Real Story, we explore how real the risk of conflict is, why Taiwan is so important to China and the US, what Taiwan's strategy is and what an invasion might look like.(Photo: Tourists look on as a Chinese military helicopter flies past Pingtan island, one of mainland China's closest points from Taiwan, on August 4, 2022, ahead of massive military drills off Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-ruled island. Credit Hector RETAMAL / AFP via Getty Images)Shaun Ley is joined by:Amanda Hsiao, Senior Analyst for China with the International Crisis Group's office in TaipeiDavid Sacks, fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DCRick Waters, formerly the US State Department's top policy official on China, managing director on China for Eurasia Group in Washington DCAlso featuring:Mark Ho, a member of Taiwan's parliament for the Democratic Progressive PartyHenry Wang from the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, which has links to the Chinese Communist Party.Produced by Ellen Otzen and Usman Azad.

Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, a BBC Asia correspondent in Taipei, joins experts Amanda Hsiao, a Senior Analyst for China, Dr. Lauren Dickey, a Taiwan analyst, and Shashank Joshi, the defence editor at The Economist. Together, they navigate the complexities of China’s push for 'peaceful reunification' with Taiwan. They discuss Taiwan’s crucial role in semiconductor production, the historical claims fueling tensions, and the intricate military dynamics involved. The conversation also addresses strategies for countering Chinese blockades and the geopolitical implications in the South China Sea.