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China again touts benefits of union with Taiwan, Taipei rebuffs

China again touts benefits of union with Taiwan, Taipei rebuffs

BEIJING/TAIPEI, April 29 (Reuters) - Taiwan's economy will see unprecedented opportunities should it agree to union with China, Beijing said on Wednesday as it continues to try to persuade Taipei to accept its rule, which President Lai Ching-te's government has repeatedly rejected.
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Taiwan Defense Minister Downplays Impact of Chinese Sanctions on European Arms Makers

Taiwan Defense Minister Downplays Impact of Chinese Sanctions on European Arms Makers

Taiwan's defense minister, Wellington Koo, has downplayed the impact of recent Chinese sanctions on seven European companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan. These sanctions, announced by China's Commerce Ministry, involve a ban on exports of dual-use items to the affected companies, marking a rare instance of Europe-targeted, Taiwan-related sanctions. Despite these measures, Koo assured lawmakers that Taiwan's ability to source weapons through diversified channels remains unaffected. The sanctions come amid heightened tensions following China's previous sanctions on U.S. defense firms after a significant arms sale to Taiwan. European countries have been cautious about defense ties with Taiwan due to potential Chinese retaliation, although some Central and Eastern European nations have shown increased willingness to engage since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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China's Island-Building Resumes in South China Sea, Impacting Regional Control

China's Island-Building Resumes in South China Sea, Impacting Regional Control

China has resumed large-scale island-building activities in the South China Sea, particularly at Antelope Reef, after a period of relative inactivity. Satellite images reveal the transformation of this once-submerged feature into a significant outpost, potentially one of Beijing's largest in the region. This development is part of China's broader strategy to consolidate control over disputed maritime areas. The construction at Antelope Reef focuses on logistics and infrastructure, such as berthing facilities and access for construction vessels, which could later support military capabilities like runways and radar systems. This renewed activity comes at a time when global geopolitical attention is divided, allowing China to strengthen its position with minimal external resistance.
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Groups by Beyond Expands Global Portfolio with New Group Tours

Groups by Beyond Expands Global Portfolio with New Group Tours

Groups by Beyond Expands Global Portfolio with New Group Tours
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Hilton Expands Luxury Hotel Portfolio in Asia Pacific Amid Rising Demand

Hilton Expands Luxury Hotel Portfolio in Asia Pacific Amid Rising Demand

Hilton Expands Luxury Hotel Portfolio in Asia Pacific Amid Rising Demand
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Ex-worker of Tokyo Electron gets 10-year jail term in TSMC trade secrets case

Ex-worker of Tokyo Electron gets 10-year jail term in TSMC trade secrets case

By Wen-Yee Lee NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan, April 27 (Reuters) - A Taiwan court fined the local unit of Japan's Tokyo Electron T$150 million ($5 million) on Monday, and handed jail terms of up to 10 years to five convicted in a case relating to TSMC's sensitive chip technology.
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US, Iran clash at UN after Tehran gets nuclear non-proliferation role

US, Iran clash at UN after Tehran gets nuclear non-proliferation role

By David Brunnstrom April 27 (Reuters) - The United States and Iran clashed at the United Nations on Monday over Tehran's nuclear program and its selection to be one of dozens of vice presidents at a month-long conference to review the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
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SK Group Expands into Vietnam's AI Market with Data Center Development

SK Group Expands into Vietnam's AI Market with Data Center Development

The SK Group has announced its entry into Vietnam's AI industry by signing an agreement to develop an AI Data Center (AIDC) in the Nghe An region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand SK Group's presence in the AI sector globally. The agreement was signed during the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi, alongside a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam's National Innovation Center (NIC) to support the country's AI ecosystem. The Nghe An region, a significant economic hub in north-central Vietnam, is poised for growth in manufacturing, energy, and advanced industries, supported by its robust port and logistics infrastructure. SK Group's strategy involves leveraging its strengths in AI, data centers, and energy solutions to contribute to Vietnam's AI industry development.
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US presses Taiwan parliament to pass 'comprehensive' defence budget

US presses Taiwan parliament to pass 'comprehensive' defence budget

TAIPEI, April 27 (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan on Monday pressed the island's opposition-majority parliament to pass a "comprehensive" defence budget, saying integrated air and missile defence systems and drones are critically important and in high demand globally.
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U.S. Deploys Anti-Ship Missiles in the Philippines for Balikatan 2026 Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. Deploys Anti-Ship Missiles in the Philippines for Balikatan 2026 Amid Regional Tensions

The United States has deployed anti-ship missile launchers to the Northern Philippines, specifically near the Luzon Strait, as part of the Balikatan 2026 military exercises. This deployment involves around 1,300 Marines and Sailors from the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. The regiment is participating in maritime strike, coastal defense, and sea denial operations alongside Philippine forces. The deployment includes the Naval Strike Missile-equipped Navy-Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), which has been stationed at Cagayan North International Airport. This location is one of nine sites available to U.S. forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The exercises are part of a broader U.S.-Philippine alliance focus on the Luzon Strait, a strategic area amid concerns over potential conflicts involving Taiwan.
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China's Diplomatic Engagement with Myanmar's Military Government Highlights Strategic Interests

China's Diplomatic Engagement with Myanmar's Military Government Highlights Strategic Interests

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visited Myanmar's capital to meet with Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military-backed government. This visit is part of a regional tour aimed at strengthening China's political, security, and strategic ties in Southeast Asia. The discussions focused on enhancing Myanmar's international relations and cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). China, a major trading partner and ally of Myanmar, has significant geopolitical and economic interests in the country, including investments in infrastructure and arms supply. The visit follows Min Aung Hlaing's controversial election as president, which critics argue was designed to maintain military power.
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The Latest: Pakistan says US-Iran mediation moving ahead after Trump holds back envoys

The Latest: Pakistan says US-Iran mediation moving ahead after Trump holds back envoys

U.S. President Donald Trump says he told his top envoys not to travel to Pakistan to negotiate with Iran