Explore

Why Trump can’t rekindle the spark with Kim Jong Un

Why Trump can’t rekindle the spark with Kim Jong Un

The president badly wants a meeting with the North Korean leader. But it’s not clear what they have to talk about.

U.S., Indian fuel exporters profiting from supply uncertainty during wars

U.S., Indian fuel exporters profiting from supply uncertainty during wars

By Mohi Narayan and Shariq Khan NEW DELHI/NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Oil refiners in India and the U.S. are reaping a bonanza as wars in Iran and Ukraine have disrupted global fuel supplies, driven up prices, and left importers scrambling for barrels at the height of summer driving season in the

Taiwan's MOFA Condemns Malaysian Prime Minister's Pro-China Remarks and Ugandan Entry Restrictions

Taiwan's MOFA Condemns Malaysian Prime Minister's Pro-China Remarks and Ugandan Entry Restrictions

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has publicly condemned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent pro-China statements, which endorsed a 'one China' policy and suggested Taiwan is a separatist province of China. MOFA stated that these remarks seriously threaten regional peace and stability and could undermine Taiwanese businesses' confidence in investing in Malaysia, given the close economic ties between the two. Separately, MOFA thanked the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) and other like-minded countries for expressing concern over Uganda's immigration authorities denying entry to Taiwanese travelers unless they presented People's Republic of China (PRC) passports. MOFA characterized this as 'coerced discrimination' and urged Uganda not to impose inappropriate entry restrictions based on political factors, emphasizing Taiwan's independent sovereignty.

China Targets Overseas Taiwanese Groups, OCAC Minister Reports

China Targets Overseas Taiwanese Groups, OCAC Minister Reports

Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Hsu Chia-ching has confirmed that China is actively compromising Taiwanese diaspora groups abroad. This was highlighted during a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, where Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Michelle Lin shared observations from her travels in England and France. Lin reported that Chinese infiltrators are targeting pro-Taiwan overseas groups, either by attempting to buy them out or by ousting their founders and installing Chinese agents. These agents then inform the Chinese government about the identities of group members. Minister Hsu acknowledged these instances and stated that the OCAC is investigating. She also mentioned that Beijing's implementation of its ethnic unity law has put the council under significant pressure. The OCAC plans to collaborate with judiciaries in other countries to raise awareness among overseas communities about cognitive warfare and deepfakes, which have been us...

Taiwan Proposes Record 18% Defense Spending Increase for 2027 Amid Rising Chinese Threat

Taiwan Proposes Record 18% Defense Spending Increase for 2027 Amid Rising Chinese Threat

Taiwan's government has proposed an 18% increase in defense spending for 2027, bringing the total to T$1.1225 trillion ($31.41 billion), which would exceed 3% of its Gross Domestic Product for the first time. This significant budget hike, announced after a cabinet meeting, is aimed at bolstering Taiwan's military capabilities, particularly in areas like drones and missiles, to counter the growing military and political pressure from Beijing. The proposal comes as China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has intensified its military presence around the island, including daily operations in its waters and skies, and new tactics such as coastguard 'law enforcement' patrols off Taiwan's east coast. Taiwan recently concluded its annual Han Kuang military drills, simulating various battle scenarios, including a potential Chinese maritime blockade. The proposed budget also includes funds for veterans and the Coast Guard, which plays an auxiliary role in protecting Taiwan's maritime areas.

Taiwan proposes a record $35B defense budget for 2027 as China’s military pressure grows

Taiwan proposes a record $35B defense budget for 2027 as China’s military pressure grows

Taiwan's government has proposes a record-high defense budget of over 1 trillion Taiwan dollars, or $35 billion, for next year

China Intensifies Maritime Pressure and Information Warfare Against Taiwan, Philippines, and Japan

China Intensifies Maritime Pressure and Information Warfare Against Taiwan, Philippines, and Japan

China is escalating its maritime pressure and employing sophisticated information warfare tactics against Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. This includes 'routine law-enforcement patrols' by the China Coast Guard east of Hualien, Taiwan, which Taiwan's Coast Guard has labeled 'fake law enforcement, real expansion.' These patrols assert administrative authority in waters Taiwan considers its exclusive economic zone. Beyond direct maritime actions, China is utilizing state media and policy-facing academia to reinforce nationalist narratives. For instance, China Daily released an AI-generated animation mocking the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, portraying the Philippines as a puppet of the U.S. and Japan. Concurrently, Jinan University held a workshop claiming the Philippines' Batanes Islands legally belong to 'China's Taiwan island,' explicitly linking it to national strategy. These actions, while not always legally identical or centrally coordinated, collectively aim to narrow the political and lega...

Darline Graham blew a basic foreign policy question. Sound familiar?

Darline Graham blew a basic foreign policy question. Sound familiar?

The senator's debate-stage gaffe raised eyebrows nationwide. But she joins a long list of politicians stumped by issues on the world stage.

Why Taiwan and the South China Sea matter to the US and the world

Why Taiwan and the South China Sea matter to the US and the world

U.S. Sen. Darline Graham faced criticism for saying national security was “not my thing” during a debate about Taiwan and the South China Sea

China exports to US rise of rare earth critical to aerospace sector

China exports to US rise of rare earth critical to aerospace sector

By Solomon Cefai SINGAPORE, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Chinese exports of rare earth yttrium to the U.S. rose in July, Chinese customs data showed on Thursday, possibly giving some reprieve to U.S. aerospace buyers who depend on the material for critical aviation applications.

Trump's slight of South Korea in favor of the North raises broader US security concerns

Trump's slight of South Korea in favor of the North raises broader US security concerns

President Donald Trump’s decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea does not just slight a longtime ally

German Journalist Uncovers Chinese Espionage in Taiwan, Ministry Confirms Incident

German Journalist Uncovers Chinese Espionage in Taiwan, Ministry Confirms Incident

A German veteran journalist and author, Jurgen Kremb, has revealed an incident where he was followed by a suspected Chinese spy during a trip to Alishan, Taiwan, last year. The Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) has since confirmed Kremb's account. Kremb, known for his research on Chinese intelligence agencies and cross-strait relations, encountered a young Asian woman who spoke with a distinct northern Chinese accent, not Taiwanese, and later found her waiting near his hotel. Based on his extensive experience with Chinese intelligence operations, Kremb suspected she was an agent and reported the incident to the MJIB upon returning to Taipei. The bureau reviewed surveillance footage, confirming that the woman, who had not checked into the hotel, had followed Kremb and his companions. She subsequently left Taiwan two days after the MJIB intervened. Kremb noted that he had faced similar surveillance and intimidation during his time working in China, where he was eventually expelled.