Interestingly, amid the Olympics hubbub, this aim has been obscured even as a significant overture--Ma Ying-jeou's election as president--came from Taiwan's side.

FORBES: Getting to Yes

"This is the first time a city of 272 square kilometers could be wholly covered by a wireless LAN, " says Mayor Ying-jeou Ma .

FORBES: Think You're Wireless? Think Again

For President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan, the outcome will be little surprise and no great blow.

ECONOMIST: America balances old commitments with new priorities