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Taiwan President Postpones Eswatini Visit Due to Chinese Pressure on African Nations

Taiwan President Postpones Eswatini Visit Due to Chinese Pressure on African Nations

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned visit to Eswatini after three African countries withdrew flight permissions under pressure from China. The countries involved, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, canceled the permits without prior warning, reportedly due to economic coercion from China. This incident highlights China's influence in Africa and its ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. Eswatini remains Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, amidst a shrinking list of international partners.
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Taiwan President's Africa Visit Postponed Due to Chinese Pressure on Flight Permits

Taiwan President's Africa Visit Postponed Due to Chinese Pressure on Flight Permits

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has postponed a planned visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, after three countries withdrew permission for his flight to pass through their airspace. The cancellations by Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar were reportedly due to intense pressure from Chinese authorities, including economic coercion. China claims Taiwan as a breakaway province and has been actively working to isolate it diplomatically. The incident marks a significant instance of Chinese influence affecting international travel plans of a Taiwanese leader.
Reuters Reuters
US commander warns Taiwan not to 'starve the chicken' on defense

US commander warns Taiwan not to 'starve the chicken' on defense

By David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. command for the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday stressed the importance of Taiwan passing its stalled defense budget, saying the United States "can't want Taiwan's defense more than they want it itself."
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Analysis-With tariffs stalled, Trump's China policy drifts

Analysis-With tariffs stalled, Trump's China policy drifts

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - When President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, he vowed to use tariffs to reset relations with China, which he said was "killing" the United States with its trade policies.
AP News AP News
China's foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint '2+2' dialogue

China's foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint '2+2' dialogue

Cambodia and China have held their first meeting of what is called a “2+2” Strategic Dialogue Mechanism
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China flexes energy leverage as the Philippines, US start annual war games

China flexes energy leverage as the Philippines, US start annual war games

By Joe Cash BEIJING, April 21 (Reuters) - China on Tuesday implied energy assistance for the Philippines could be tied to Manila holding military drills with the U.S. and other allies, as its top newspaper showed Beijing's readiness to leverage its reserves in diplomatic disputes.
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Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

By Tim Kelly TOKYO, April 21 (Reuters) - Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.
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Iran-U.S. Talks in Doubt After Ship Seizure in Strait of Hormuz

Iran-U.S. Talks in Doubt After Ship Seizure in Strait of Hormuz

The planned peace talks between Iran and the United States in Pakistan are in jeopardy following the U.S. military's seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. action, part of a blockade on Iranian vessels, has led Iran to reconsider its participation in the negotiations. The U.S. delegation, including Vice President JD Vance, is set to travel to Islamabad, but Iran has expressed doubts about attending, citing the U.S. actions as violations of the ceasefire. The situation remains volatile as the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire soon.
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Column-Amid Middle East chaos, China changes tactics on Taiwan and Japan

Column-Amid Middle East chaos, China changes tactics on Taiwan and Japan

By Peter Apps April 17 (Reuters) - As U.S.
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China warns against joint US, Philippines and Japan drills eroding regional trust

China warns against joint US, Philippines and Japan drills eroding regional trust

BEIJING, April 20 (Reuters) - China on Monday warned against military cooperation that could undermine trust and deepen division in the region, as the United States and the Philippines begin annual military exercises with expanded participation from Japan.
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CSIS Expert Highlights China's Concerns Over Prolonged Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Closure

CSIS Expert Highlights China's Concerns Over Prolonged Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Closure

Clayton Seigle, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and James R. Schlesinger Chair in Energy and Geopolitics, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran and its implications for China. Seigle emphasized that China has significant stakes in the region, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. This strategic waterway is crucial for global oil transportation, and its closure could severely impact China's energy security and economic interests. Seigle anticipates that China will likely increase its presence and influence in defense and trade agreements with Gulf nations to safeguard its interests.
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President Trump Faces Challenges as Iran Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Blockade

President Trump Faces Challenges as Iran Reimposes Strait of Hormuz Blockade

President Donald Trump is facing renewed challenges in his dealings with Iran as Tehran has reimposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes after Trump announced that the U.S. would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports until transactions with Iran are fully completed. The situation escalated when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly fired at a tanker attempting to pass through the strait. The closure of this vital waterway, crucial for oil shipments, marks a significant setback for Trump's foreign policy efforts. A White House Situation Room meeting was convened to address the crisis, with concerns that the conflict could reignite if peace talks do not progress.