2012 looks to be an interesting year for the already complex political triangle among the United States, Taiwan and China, what with each country undergoing political transitions. Should we expect policy continuity from President Ma Ying-jeou and the likely new Chinese leader Xi Jinping? What about continuity in the United States?

While the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement is certain to benefit Taiwan economically in the years ahead, it has not significantly improved cross-strait stability or expanded Taipei's broader international engagement.

In past nuclear cooperation agreements, the US has required nations to commit to not enriching uranium and opening nuclear sites to inspections. The Obama administration has just done away with the requirement. Congress needs oversight to combat this possibility of nuclear proliferation.

President Obama's nominee to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has publicly praised the British National Health Service, espousing a view common in the Obama administration.

Our expert panel will debate what should be done about Fannie and Freddie and the financially huge, politically charged mortgage finance sector in general.

Failure to rebalance ties with Taiwan has longer-term consequences, not the least of which is a China that thinks it can call the shots in this key area of the world. (INCLUDES VIDEO)

Minister Shin-Yuan Lai addressed the unresolved questions centering around the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed by Taipei and Beijing.

Decisions about Taiwan's military requirements should be made on the basis of Taiwan's defensive needs and not U.S. diplomatic relations with Beijing. U.S.-China relations are obviously important, but U.S. resolve in standing by our friends and allies is a critical backstop to ensure that our policy towards Beijing works.