First, the DPP sees Beijing as an enemy and attempted to use the tribunal ruling to distance itself from Beijing. But it did not expect Taiping Island to be downgraded.

Second, Tsai's national security advisors have misjudged the situation. The DPP almost unanimously believed that the ruling would not downgrade the Taiping Island.

Third, the government was too trusting of its allies. Before the ruling, the Presidential Office called for abiding by international law, without realizing that Taiwan had no role in the arbitration and was completely disrespected.

As the United States and Japan joined hands to fight China, Taiwan could find itself in a dangerous situation if it continues to be the pawn of these great powers.