Explore

Reuters Reuters
US, Philippines deploy anti-ship missile system in Batanes near Taiwan for war games

US, Philippines deploy anti-ship missile system in Batanes near Taiwan for war games

By Adrian Portugal BATANES, Philippines, May 2 (Reuters) - Philippine and U.S. forces on Saturday showcased the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes province, near Taiwan, during annual war games, as tensions simmer over the self-governed island that China views as its own territory. 
Rapid Read Rapid Read
China Warns U.S. on Taiwan Stability Ahead of President Trump's Beijing Visit

China Warns U.S. on Taiwan Stability Ahead of President Trump's Beijing Visit

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the United States to maintain stability in bilateral relations, emphasizing that Taiwan remains the most significant risk in China-U.S. relations. This statement comes ahead of President Trump's scheduled visit to Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, where he is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping. The call between Wang and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also touched on the Middle East situation, although details were sparse. The dialogue aims to prepare for high-level interactions and expand cooperation while managing differences, particularly concerning Taiwan, which China views as a core interest.
Reuters Reuters
China, Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea

China, Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea

BEIJING, May 3 (Reuters) - China accused the Philippines of landing personnel on a disputed reef in the South China Sea on Sunday as Manila said it would dispatch ships to drive off Chinese vessels it said were conducting research illegally.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Pledges Enhanced Energy Cooperation with Vietnam Amid Regional Tensions

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Pledges Enhanced Energy Cooperation with Vietnam Amid Regional Tensions

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced a commitment to deepen energy cooperation with Vietnam during a visit to Hanoi. This development comes as part of the $10 billion Power Asia Initiative, aimed at supporting energy self-reliance in Asian countries. Takaichi and her Vietnamese counterpart, Le Minh Hung, signed six agreements covering various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and space. The two leaders emphasized economic security as a new priority, particularly focusing on critical minerals and stable supply chains. This cooperation is set against the backdrop of rising oil prices due to Middle Eastern conflicts and concerns over China's territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. Japan, a significant investor in Vietnam, has seen a decline in new investments but an increase in bilateral trade.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Japan and Vietnam Strengthen Energy and Economic Ties Amid Regional Tensions

Japan and Vietnam Strengthen Energy and Economic Ties Amid Regional Tensions

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to deepen energy cooperation with Vietnam during a visit to Hanoi. Takaichi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung signed six agreements covering technology, agriculture, and space cooperation. The focus is on enhancing economic security, particularly in critical minerals, to ensure stable supplies and reinforce supply chains. This cooperation comes amid shared concerns over China's territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. Japan, a major investor in Vietnam, is also assisting with crude oil supplies for Vietnam's Nghi Son Refinery under the $10 billion Power Asia Initiative, aimed at supporting energy self-reliance in Asia.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Condemnation

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Condemnation

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te made a surprise visit to Eswatini, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from China. The visit, which was not announced beforehand, was reportedly an attempt to avoid potential interference from external forces. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, condemned Lai's actions, likening them to a 'rat scurrying across the street.' Despite China's disapproval, Lai emphasized Taiwan's right to engage with the world, stating that no country should prevent Taiwan from contributing globally. This visit comes after China allegedly forced three Indian Ocean countries to deny overflight permission for Lai's aircraft, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit amid tensions with China. The trip, initially delayed due to revoked flight permits from Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, was reportedly influenced by Chinese pressure. Eswatini remains Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Africa. President Lai's visit aims to strengthen economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational ties between Taiwan and Eswatini. Despite China's claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, Taiwan continues to assert its independence and engage globally. The visit was kept confidential until Lai's safe arrival, a precautionary measure reflecting the sensitive geopolitical climate.
Reuters Reuters
Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip

Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip

By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI, May 2 (Reuters) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reached Eswatini on Saturday, two weeks after he was forced to postpone a trip to a diplomatic ally because Indian Ocean states had blocked his flight, which Taiwan's government blamed on Beijing's pressure.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Chinese Diplomatic Pressure

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has successfully arrived in Eswatini, marking a significant diplomatic visit despite facing challenges from Chinese pressure. Originally scheduled for April 22, the trip was delayed after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permissions, reportedly due to economic coercion from China. Eswatini remains Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, and the visit aims to strengthen ties in economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational sectors. Lai emphasized Taiwan's resilience against external pressures and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to global engagement. The visit was kept confidential until Lai's safe arrival, a strategy used to navigate diplomatic tensions.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Taiwan's William Lai Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Criticism

Taiwan's William Lai Visits Eswatini Amidst Chinese Criticism

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has made a surprise visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole African ally, after an earlier trip was canceled due to overflight permissions being withdrawn, reportedly under Chinese pressure. Lai's visit aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy, agriculture, culture, and education, and to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit comes amid heightened tensions with China, which has labeled the trip a 'political stunt.' Despite the diplomatic and economic pressure from China, Eswatini continues to support Taiwan, highlighting the island's efforts to maintain its international partnerships.
AP News AP News
Taiwan's president lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance

Taiwan's president lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te says he has arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, despite flight challenges reportedly due to Chinese pressure
Rapid Read Rapid Read
China and Israel Dispute Over Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Defense Strategies

China and Israel Dispute Over Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and Defense Strategies

China and Israel are at odds over Iran's nuclear ambitions and defense strategies. China maintains positive relations with both Iran and Israel, being a significant trade partner to both. However, the dispute centers on Iran's potential to develop nuclear weapons and the sale of defense technologies. China opposes the use of force by Israel to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, advocating for diplomatic solutions instead. Additionally, there are allegations of China selling air-defense systems to Iran and Israel providing similar technologies to Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory. The situation is further complicated by accusations of China selling a spy satellite to Iran, which was reportedly used against the U.S. during a recent conflict.