Iran War, Taiwan's U Turn & De-Dollarization | Silk and Steel

In this high-stakes episode of UK Column News, host Angelica engages in a gripping conversation with Carl Zhao, host of the Silken Steel podcast, as global tensions escalate over the Iran conflict, Taiwan's shifting political landscape, and the accelerating de-dollarization of the global economy. The discussion begins with a sober assessment of the energy crisis triggered by geopolitical instability, highlighting how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-led military escalation could lead to a catastrophic global fuel shortage, with Taiwan—dependent on LNG for over 40% of its electricity—among the last to feel the full impact. Carl emphasizes the irreversible damage already being baked into the system, from destroyed oil infrastructure to the collapse of trust in the petrodollar. He draws chilling parallels between the current U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and the Vietnam War, warning of a potential ground invasion that could spiral into a protracted and unwinnable conflict. The episode also explores Taiwan’s surprising political realignment, with KMT chairwoman Chen Li-wen’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping signaling a major shift in cross-strait relations and a growing disillusionment with the DPP’s independence-focused policies. Amid the chaos, Carl praises China’s strategic preparedness—its overinvestment in EVs, solar, and batteries—positioning it to benefit from the energy transition. He also critiques the U.S. and Israel for pursuing a self-destructive foreign policy, with sanctions backfiring by accelerating global de-dollarization. The conversation concludes with a personal story of Carl’s YouTube channel being abruptly terminated, only to be restored after public outcry, underscoring the fragility of digital speech in the age of algorithmic enforcement.