IIPS was honored to host Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Yamada Shigeo.🇯🇵🇺🇸 The Ambassador gave a readout of Prime Minister Takaichi’s recent high-profile diplomatic debut, particularly on her bilateral meeting with Donald Trump in Tokyo, and Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of APEC.

@iips.bsky.social is delighted to introduce our newest non-resident fellows who bring decades of experience in Indo-Pacific security and policy across the public and private sectors. 📢 Meet them here: ow.ly/Xpee50Xr7r2

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director @michaelmazza.bsky.social on the misalignments inherent in U.S.-India relations: “India is an important situational partner to the United States, but it is in no way a permanent ally of the free world.” More on @cdispatch.bsky.social 📚: ow.ly/nz2i50XnikX

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi commented on Takaichi’s preparations for her meeting with Trump on October 28, arguing “what she doesn’t want to do is give Trump a chance to push her in public on issues like trade and defense.” Read more on @politico.com 📖: ow.ly/PQa150XkCIv

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi on the recent upheavals in Japanese domestic politics: "Voters are increasingly frustrated with LDP and its coalition partners,” a frustration "mounting for the last 20-30 years.” More on the @thediplomat.com podcast 📺: ow.ly/6VtB50XhPHe

@iips.bsky.social presents a collection of WWII reflection essays! 🥳 To commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII, we asked prominent and emerging regional experts to reflect on threads connecting WWII to today’s Indo-Pacific. Find “Enduring Legacies" essays here. 📚 ow.ly/vK3r50XijTY

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi opined on the future for newly elected Japan PM Takaichi, arguing that if she can “prioritize pragmatism over her political philosophy...she will have a good chance of evolving into 'Japan’s Iron Lady.'" More @thediplomat.com 📖: ow.ly/xMX450XguBs

@iips.bsky.social Chairman Randy Schriver and Senior Director Jennifer Hong weigh in on U.S. and Chinese policy on North Korea. “Both countries desire to avoid conflict or crisis on the Korean Peninsula, but they diverge sharply in most other ways.” More @brookings.edu 📖: ow.ly/WgxR50XfLNp

@iips.bsky.social Chairman Randy Schriver congratulates PM Takaichi on her historic win. “We are confident that the U.S.-Japan relationship will continue to thrive under her tenure and look forward to seeing her succeed in her new historic role...” Full statement here 📖: ow.ly/AEMq50XfyK4

🚨LAST CALL FOR SPRING 2026 INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS 🚨 Application deadline: TODAY, October 17 at 11:59 PM. To apply, see the flyer below.

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director @michaelmazza.bsky.social presented at the Federalist Society’s 2025 National Security and AI symposium, discussing how the U.S. can strengthen alliances and partnerships to sustain its strategic advantage in the competition with China. More 📺: ow.ly/c2a150XctO0

@iips.bsky.social Chairman Randy Schriver spoke at @cmc.edu as part of an Alexander Hamilton Society speaker series. Randy spoke on Indo-Pacific deterrence and great power competition with China. We are excited to continue our partnership with the alma mater of multiple IIPS alumni! 🤝

🚨 Spring 2025 Internship Applications Close this Friday! 🚨 Are you passionate about the Indo-Pacific region? Want to be part of a team doing fun, impactful, and meaningful work? Join us. Application deadline: Friday, October 17 at 11:59 PM To apply, see flyer below.

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director @michaelmazza.bsky.social on the Philippines' role in global approaches to Taiwan. “[Countries] have embraced an indirect approach to deterring Beijing. The Philippines is emerging as the center of gravity for these efforts.” More 📖: ow.ly/2TiR50X9Xhk

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi on Sanae Takaichi’s election as President of the LDP: "It almost looks as though, as some media outlets already pointed out, becoming Japan’s first female prime minister is the 'easy part' for Takaichi." More in @thediplomat.com 📖: ow.ly/qe2R50X7Ltr

🚨 Spring 2025 Internship Applications Are Now Open! 🚨 Are you passionate about the Indo-Pacific? Want to be part of a team doing fun, impactful, and meaningful work? Apply now for our Spring 2025 Internship! Application deadline: Friday, October 17 at 11:59 PM. Apply through the flyer below.

Many thanks to those who joined @iips.bsky.social's “What Did We Miss?" event! With Kathryn Paik, Satoko Tanaka, and Hideyuki Shiozawa, we discussed the outcomes of this year’s Pacific Islands Forum and opportunities for United States-Japan cooperation in the region. Read more 📖: ow.ly/WiEF50X6nNr

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi commented on Japan PM Ishiba’s “swan song” at UNGA. "Ishiba struck a fine balance between articulating Japan’s own positions...without being explicitly critical of Japan’s essential partners.” Read more on @thediplomat.com 📚: ow.ly/Y1a250X5eIK

@iips.bsky.social senior director Yuki Tatsumi presented at Global Taiwan Institute 2025 symposium: "A New Era for US-Taiwan Relations in a Changing International System," discussing Taiwan's international partnerships with panelists Thomas Shattuck, Leland Lazarus, Adrienne Wu, and Alexander Gray.

@iips.bsky.social's "What Did We Miss?: The U.S., Japan, and Shared Stakes in the Pacific Islands" is happening in 5 MINUTES. 📢 RSVP here to get the zoom link!: ow.ly/tRMs50X2StR

The Indo-Pacific is in flux: US–Japan relations, Quad cooperation, India–Japan strategy, and the disruptive roles of Russia & North Korea. 🎧 New The Focus Podcast Watch now: youtu.be/04pCJP69wK8?... Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/540g... #indopacific #geopolitics #japan #thefocuspodcast

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director Yuki Tatsumi spoke on SAGE International’s @thefocuspodadl.bsky.social podcast about “Indo-Pacific Faultlines” and the meaning of stability in an age of shifting power. Tune in on your preferred platform: YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts! 🎧📺

📢 EVENT TOMORROW📢 Join @iips.bsky.social for a discussion on the recent Pacific Islands Forum as well as ways Japan and the United States can cooperate to deepen engagement in the region. 🇯🇵🇺🇸 Register here for the Zoom link!: ow.ly/tRMs50X2StR

That’s a wrap! 🎬 Can’t believe the @iips.bsky.social trip to Taiwan is already over. Special thanks to MOFA Taiwan, Vincent Lee, and Simon Chen! We leave today but we take Taiwan back with us - perspectives learned, friendships made, and extra pounds gained from amazing cuisine. #IIPSinTaiwan

A special shoutout to our alums of @iips.bsky.social (formerly Project 2049) who are currently in Taiwan! It was wonderful running into you and seeing your amazing work. We are proud to be part of your career journey and you always have a place to call home with us in D.C. #IIPSinTaiwan

Our last stop for this year’s @iips.bsky.social delegation trip: New Frontier Foundation. Vice Chairman Chiou I-Jen and NFF members representing different sectors of society discussed Taiwan’s defense modernization and the importance of innovation for Taiwan’s military capabilities. #IIPSinTaiwan

Minister Lin Chia-Lung of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan (R.O.C.) hosted a lunch for @iips.bsky.social and other distinguished guests. We exchanged views about the current and future of the Indo-Pacific and our countries’ roles in securing a free and open Indo-Pacific. #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim of Taiwan 🇹🇼 We were honored to be received by VP Hsiao and her team. We thank you for your dedication to, and support in, strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations. #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social at the Taipei Dome! Rakuten Monkeys vs. TSG Hawks After a long day of meetings, we enjoyed an evening of baseball, food, and cheers! ⚾️🍻📣 #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social learned from Minister Liu Shyh-Fang and other Ministry of the Interior officials on Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience mission. National Police Agency, National Fire Agency, and Conscription Department leads illuminated the ministry's contributions to resiliency. #IIPSinTaiwan

Join @iips.bsky.social for "What Did We Miss?: The U.S., Japan, and Shared Stakes in the Pacific Islands." We will discuss the recent Pacific Islands Forum as well as ways Japan and the United States can cooperate to deepen engagement in the region. 🇯🇵🇺🇸 RSVP for the zoom link!: ow.ly/tRMs50X2StR

@iips.bsky.social is proud to report we scored a copy (or two!) of Taiwan's newly-released National Public Safety Guide. 🤩 Lin Fei-Fan, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council, shared President Lai's vision and goals for enhancing Taiwan's resilience. #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social met with Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan. We thank Vice President Chiang for uniting political leaders from across party lines. We learned about their shared priorities and the complex challenges faced in today’s evolving security landscape.🤝 #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social Senior Director @michaelmazza.bsky.social spoke on the recognitions of Palestine's statehood at the UNGA, arguing that Taiwan has a better case for statehood, and that politicians are pursuing "inflated ambition[s] to bring peace to the Middle East." More📚: ow.ly/QPB750X2t3K

The @iips.bsky.social delegation visited President Lai Ching-te this morning. We expressed condolences to #Hualien and our appreciation for President Lai’s leadership during this time. Thank you for receiving us and for the robust conversation we had on U.S.-Taiwan relations. 🇺🇸🇹🇼 #IIPSinTaiwan

A nod 🙂‍↕️ to @iips.bsky.social Chairman Randy Schriver. Office of the President, R.O.C.(Taiwan) released a statement recognizing him for his long-standing support for U.S.-Taiwan relations prior to our visit with President Lai this morning. ow.ly/IZJ350X2i09 #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social thanks Minister Wellington Koo for receiving us at the Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan. With an increased defense budget and focus on advanced capabilities, Minister Koo affirmed that Taiwan continues to strengthen its security and whole-of-society resilience. #IIPSinTaiwan

Next stop: Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) This team of scholars and experts have been working tirelessly to support the Taiwanese government in navigating today’s complex techno-geopolitical challenges. #IIPSinTaiwan

Another full day in Taiwan 🙌🏼 We visited the American Institute in Taipei, learning about their efforts to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations. Right after, we met with Enoch Wu from Forward Alliance and discussed their work advancing Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach to resilience. #IIPSinTaiwan

Back in Taipei and made our pilgrimage to the famous Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101 🏙️. We couldn’t get enough of pork xiaolongbao (pork soup dumpling), chocolate xiaolongbao, and more. Heading back to the hotel with full bellies. More to come tomorrow! #IIPSinTaiwan

📸 Posing in front of a moving Taiwanese high speed rail (HSR) 🚅 Thanks Chaiyi for a great visit in your beautiful city. Our day was packed but we will come back soon to visit the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum and enjoy more of the Zhushan beer. #IIPSinTaiwan

After a delicious Taiwanese lunch and local beer, @iips.bsky.social visited the NCSIST Asia UAV & AI Innovation Application R&D Center. We received an exclusive tour of their unmanned systems and engaged in discussion about their plans to establish an industrial innovation hub. #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social is in Chiayi, traveled here on Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail. 🚅 We visited the Army UAV Training Center where we learned about Taiwan’s efforts to increase its UAV capabilities through training and tactics development. #IIPSinTaiwan

@iips.bsky.social was honored to host General Shunji "Bert" Izutsu (ret., JASDF). Following his initial remarks, the participants had a frank conversation on the evolution of Japan's space policy, the future potentials for international cooperation, and the challenges ahead. 🇯🇵🚀

@iips.bsky.social delivered the newly-published “Defending Our Island Home” to Admiral (ret.) Lee Hsi-Min. He signed several copies of the book 📖 that we will give away AND we discussed his upcoming book tour 🤩 in the United States. #IIPSinTaiwan

It was good to connect with our friends from the Taiwan National Security Council––Secretary-General Joseph Wu, Vincent Chao, Hans Chiao, and Jack Wang. Thank you for sharing your insights with us and continuing to value the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. 🇺🇸🇹🇼 #IIPSinTaiwan

A trip to Taiwan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Kavalan Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Yilan. 🥃 We had the chance to tour the facility, learn about their meticulous distillation process, and of course, enjoy a tasting of one of their finest single malts. #IIPSinTaiwan

First stop: LUNGTEH SHIPBUILDING Shipyard in Yilan ⛴️ We met with Chairman Sheldon Huang and learned about the ways in which this shipyard is advancing Taiwan’s maritime capabilities. Also pictured: Min Tsai

@iips.bsky.social is in Taiwan 🇹🇼! Thanks to the generous support of Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we will be meeting with Taiwanese high-level officials, visiting thought-leading organizations, and exploring key sites of innovation. Stay tuned for more!

Reporting from Manila, @iips.bsky.social in Action! Senior Director Jennifer Hong spoke at “The Indo-Pacific at a Crossroads: Taking Stock and Charting Future Trajectories,” examining geopolitics shaped by U.S.-China strategic competition and the role of space for delivering public goods.