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Indonesia says navy drill with China that angered Taiwan is routine

Indonesia says navy drill with China that angered Taiwan is routine

By Ananda Teresia, Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee JAKARTA/TAIPEI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Indonesia's navy said on Wednesday that planned joint navy exercises which China says will happen to the east of Taiwan are routine and not related to "war fighting", after Taipei expressed alarm and called them
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U.S. Lawmakers Advocate for Continued Lithuania-Taiwan Relations Amid Chinese Pressure

U.S. Lawmakers Advocate for Continued Lithuania-Taiwan Relations Amid Chinese Pressure

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, part of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, has sent a letter to Lithuania's government leaders, urging them to maintain their relationship with Taiwan. The letter, signed by Ami Bera, Mario Diaz-Balart, Greg Stanton, and Andy Barr, calls for Lithuania to resist Chinese pressure and continue its substantive ties with Taiwan. The lawmakers highlight the importance of democratic nations supporting each other and emphasize Taiwan as a reliable and stable partner. The letter comes at a time when Lithuania is facing diplomatic and economic pressure from China due to its relationship with Taiwan.
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Taiwan condemns 'dangerous' planned Chinese navy drill with Indonesia to its east

Taiwan condemns 'dangerous' planned Chinese navy drill with Indonesia to its east

TAIPEI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Taiwan's government has condemned "dangerous" planned Chinese navy drills with an Indonesian warship off the island's east coast, saying Beijing was trying to create a false impression to the international community that it controls those waters.
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In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses face questions of loyalty and, some say, discrimination

In Taiwan, Chinese-born spouses face questions of loyalty and, some say, discrimination

Fear of a Chinese invasion is fueling suspicion toward the spouses of some of Taiwan's citizens
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Trump Administration Redirects US Tax Dollars to Rightwing European Thinktanks, Sparking Controversy

Trump Administration Redirects US Tax Dollars to Rightwing European Thinktanks, Sparking Controversy

The Trump administration has been redirecting US taxpayer money to rightwing thinktanks in Europe, raising concerns about foreign political influence. According to reports, the US State Department plans to allocate $12 million to conservative organizations in the UK, with $7 million going to a group co-founded by former Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg. This move is seen as an attempt to bolster far-right parties and influencers in Europe. The funding is part of a broader strategy to cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory, as outlined in the US national security strategy. Critics argue that this financial support is a form of meddling in foreign politics, with some European leaders warning against such interference.
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Morning Bid: Hot spots sizzle, CPI looms

Morning Bid: Hot spots sizzle, CPI looms

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Rocky Swift Global flash points tried hard to steal the spotlight from a U.S. inflation report that could set the tone for September's Fed meeting.
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Diplomacy in Transition: Engaging Non-State Actors in Conflict Resolution

Diplomacy in Transition: Engaging Non-State Actors in Conflict Resolution

Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, a former EU Special Envoy for Kosovo, discussed the evolving nature of diplomacy in a talk at the EPIS Thinktank. He emphasized the importance of engaging non-state armed groups in peace processes, citing his experience with the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during the Kosovo conflict. Petritsch highlighted the need for clear boundaries in negotiations, stating that long-term stability requires transforming armed factions into political participants. He also expressed concern over the decline of multilateral diplomatic frameworks and the increasing role of middle powers in maintaining international stability.
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U.S. State Department Faces Challenges as China Expands Diplomatic Reach

U.S. State Department Faces Challenges as China Expands Diplomatic Reach

The U.S. State Department is facing challenges as China's diplomatic reach expands globally. China now has more diplomatic posts than the U.S., with 274 compared to 271. This expansion is part of China's strategy to increase its global influence, while the U.S. has been reducing its diplomatic presence due to budget cuts. The lack of U.S. ambassadors in key regions, such as the Indo-Pacific, is a concern as it could hinder U.S. influence and strategic interests.
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Taiwan Urged to Strengthen US-Japan Ties Amid Security Concerns

Taiwan Urged to Strengthen US-Japan Ties Amid Security Concerns

In a recent dialogue held in Taipei, retired US Navy rear admiral Mark Montgomery emphasized the importance of Taiwan working closely with the US and Japan to enhance resilience against growing challenges. The event, co-hosted by the Formosa Republican Association and the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, included political-economic policy simulation exercises aimed at improving trilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on ensuring interoperability among government elements to effectively manage crises such as natural disasters. Montgomery praised Taiwan's efforts in building societal resilience but stressed the need for international support. Japanese Representative Akihisa Nagashima highlighted the importance of maintaining parliamentary exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.
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China missile test deepens Pacific divide over growing militarisation

China missile test deepens Pacific divide over growing militarisation

(Corrects dateline to Aug 11) By Lucy Craymer SUVA, Fiji, Aug 11 (Reuters) - China's test of a nuclear-capable missile last month has exposed the limits of Pacific leaders' ambition to make the region an "Ocean of Peace", free from the crossfire of major-power rivalry.
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Taiwan representative in Japan boycotts Nagasaki bombing anniversary ceremony over seating

Taiwan representative in Japan boycotts Nagasaki bombing anniversary ceremony over seating

Taiwan's top economic representative in Japan says he boycotted this year’s memorial marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki