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Trump keeps the door open to a call with Taiwan's president even though China has warned against it

Trump keeps the door open to a call with Taiwan's president even though China has warned against it

President Donald Trump is keeping open the possibility of speaking directly with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te— even after Beijing has publicly urged him not to

Taiwan needs to 'spend smarter' on its defence, senior US diplomat says

Taiwan needs to 'spend smarter' on its defence, senior US diplomat says

TAIPEI, June 6 (Reuters) - Taiwan needs to "spend smarter" on its defences and learn lessons from the Ukraine and Middle East wars on using drones to ensure the military balance with China, the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taipei said on Saturday.

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea for Diplomatic Engagement with Kim Jong Un

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea for Diplomatic Engagement with Kim Jong Un

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea next week for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to the country since 2019. This visit comes shortly after Xi hosted U.S. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, highlighting China's active diplomatic engagements. The visit, confirmed by both China's state media Xinhua and North Korea's KCNA, aims to strengthen the historically complex relationship between China and North Korea, which has seen tensions in recent years. This trip will also be Xi's first overseas visit of the year, indicating its significance in China's foreign policy agenda.

Taiwan beefs up anti-ship missile arsenal to counter threat of Chinese invasion

Taiwan beefs up anti-ship missile arsenal to counter threat of Chinese invasion

By David Lague and Yimou Lee TAIPEI, June 4 (Reuters) - Taiwan will sharply increase its arsenal of powerful anti-ship missiles to more than 1,800 by early 2029, as it seeks to enhance its capacity to counter a mounting threat of blockade or invasion by China, according to a Reuters calculation.

Chinese Leader Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea, Aiming to Strengthen Ties Amid Regional Tensions

Chinese Leader Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea, Aiming to Strengthen Ties Amid Regional Tensions

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea next week, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years. This visit is part of China's efforts to reinforce its relationship with North Korea, a nuclear-armed neighbor. The trip comes at a time when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been reaching out to Russia, notably by providing military support in its conflict with Ukraine. In response, China aims to reassert its influence over North Korea and safeguard its strategic interests in the region. The visit is expected to advance bilateral ties and contribute to regional peace and stability. This development follows recent meetings between Xi, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.

How Pakistan became Trump’s most surprising ally

How Pakistan became Trump’s most surprising ally

Pakistan’s surprising role in the Iran war, explained.

Taiwan Prepares for Potential China Threat by Drawing Lessons from Israel

Taiwan Prepares for Potential China Threat by Drawing Lessons from Israel

Taiwan is intensifying its preparations against potential threats from China by looking to Israel for strategic insights. The island, home to 23 million people, is under constant pressure from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Taiwanese officials, including Deputy Foreign Ministers Chen Ming-chi and François Chih-chung Wu, describe a scenario of 'quiet warfare' aimed at isolating and weakening Taiwan. The island is enhancing its civilian, military, and economic defenses, inspired by Israel's resilience and intelligence strategies. Taiwan's semiconductor industry, which produces 80% of the world's supply, makes the region's stability a global concern. The island is also bolstering its civilian defense through organizations like Kuma Academy, which trains citizens in emergency preparedness and countering disinformation.

China Bans New Zealand Lawmakers After Taiwan Visit, Prompting Diplomatic Concerns

China Bans New Zealand Lawmakers After Taiwan Visit, Prompting Diplomatic Concerns

China has imposed a travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers following their visit to Taiwan, a move that has prompted New Zealand to express its concerns to Beijing. The banned lawmakers include Laura McClure, Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, and David Wilson. This decision marks the first time China has taken such action against New Zealand MPs, who have historically visited Taiwan without issue. The ban prevents these lawmakers from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau for a year. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has instructed officials to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities to understand the reasons behind this departure from past practice. Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned China's actions, labeling them as retaliatory and an interference in Taiwan's international relations.

Xi Jinping Introduces New US-China Relations Framework Amidst Strategic Shifts

Xi Jinping Introduces New US-China Relations Framework Amidst Strategic Shifts

Xi Jinping has introduced a new framework for US-China relations, termed 'constructive strategic stability,' following a summit with President Trump. This framework emphasizes cooperation, moderate competition, and managing differences to ensure enduring stability. The Chinese government views the US as a declining power, prone to using military and economic resources to compensate for its waning competitiveness. The new framework aims to establish 'guardrails' to prevent competition from escalating into conflict, advocating for mutual respect of each country's core interests and development paths.

Xi Jinping Introduces New Framework for US-China Relations at Summit with President Trump

Xi Jinping Introduces New Framework for US-China Relations at Summit with President Trump

During a recent summit between Xi Jinping and President Trump, a new framework for US-China relations was introduced by Xi. This framework, termed 'constructive strategic stability,' outlines a multi-layered approach to managing the bilateral relationship. It emphasizes 'positive stability with cooperation,' 'stability with moderate competition,' and 'stability with manageable differences,' aiming for 'enduring stability with promises of peace.' The framework reflects China's desire to establish 'proper limits' on competition, ensuring it does not become a zero-sum game. This approach marks a shift in China's strategy, positioning itself as a peer to the US in maintaining international order.

Xi Jinping's Upcoming Visit to North Korea Aims to Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Nuclear Tensions

Xi Jinping's Upcoming Visit to North Korea Aims to Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Nuclear Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea on June 8-9, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years. This visit comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for an 'exponential' expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal. The trip is seen as an effort by China to reassert its influence over North Korea, its only formal treaty ally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted exchanges. Xi's visit follows his recent meetings with U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin, highlighting China's strategic positioning in the region. Analysts suggest that Xi's visit could be linked to North Korea's recent military developments, including the inspection of a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the 'Hwasong-20'.

Rubio says China cannot erase memories of Tiananmen Square crackdown

Rubio says China cannot erase memories of Tiananmen Square crackdown

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - Beijing's censorship cannot erase memories of its 1989 military assault on peaceful demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday, ahead of the anniversary of China's violent suppression there.