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Taiwan Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon to Repel Chinese Fishing Vessels Near Pratas Islands

Taiwan Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon to Repel Chinese Fishing Vessels Near Pratas Islands

Taiwan's Coast Guard patrol vessel Yunlin recently used a water cannon to drive out two Chinese fishing vessels, Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 and Jin Sha, detected near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. The incident occurred on Thursday when an unidentified vessel was initially detected 15.5 nautical miles northeast of Pratas Island, 5.5 nautical miles inside Taiwan's prohibited waters. Upon investigation, the Yunlin located the two Chinese fishing vessels 27 nautical miles east of the island, eight nautical miles within the restricted zone. While Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 complied with repeated demands to leave, Jin Sha refused. After three unsuccessful attempts to force Jin Sha to depart, the Yunlin deployed a water cannon for 30 seconds from approximately 200 meters, followed by another 90-second burst at closer range. The Coast Guard stated that these actions were in accordance with standard procedures for non-lethal means. Following the repulsion, at the request of Jin Sha's crew, the Taiwanese side pro...

China Accelerates Runway Construction on Antelope Reef in South China Sea

China Accelerates Runway Construction on Antelope Reef in South China Sea

China is rapidly constructing a runway on Antelope Reef, also known as Lingyang Reef, located in the Paracel Islands within the South China Sea. According to the Taipei Times, analysts anticipate the completion of this construction by mid-2027, with the potential for the first aircraft landing around the same timeframe. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters confirms the ongoing work, showing surface leveling, stockpiles of gravel and concrete, and cranes actively compacting the soil. Commercial satellite imaging operator Vantor also captured images of a barge transporting gravel towards a newly built pier. While China has not officially acknowledged the construction of a new military base, Chinese state media claim the facility on Antelope Reef will serve civilian purposes, including meteorological observations and maritime and scientific research. Both Taiwan and Vietnam also assert claims over the Paracel Islands.

Malaysia Warns of South China Sea Spillover Risk Amid Philippine Military Build-Up Near Sabah

Malaysia Warns of South China Sea Spillover Risk Amid Philippine Military Build-Up Near Sabah

Malaysia is expressing concerns about the potential for conflict spillover from the South China Sea into its territory, specifically Sabah, due to a military build-up on Balabac Island in the Philippines. Balabac, located approximately 50 km from Malaysia's Banggi and Balambangan islands, is undergoing infrastructure development, including a 3,000-meter runway and improved naval access, which could support incoming aircraft, supplies, or mobile launchers. While Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that Balabac's build-up is not a direct threat, he highlighted the geographic proximity as a concern, noting that even a limited clash could have repercussions for Malaysia. The Philippines' Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States allows for rotational American access and construction support at sites like Balabac. Malaysia's proposed response includes strengthening its defenses in Sabah with additional ground units, heavier artillery, coastal radars, air...

Turkey is considering nominating former foreign minister for top United Nations job

Turkey is considering nominating former foreign minister for top United Nations job

Turkish officials have begun to shop around the idea of a former foreign minister joining the list of candidates vying to lead the United Nations as the monthslong race for secretary-general continues with no clear victor

Americas diplomats back joint call for Nicaragua to restore civil liberties

Americas diplomats back joint call for Nicaragua to restore civil liberties

By Sarah Morland and Gabriela Selser Oct 2 (Reuters) - The Organization of American States on Friday approved a resolution that calls on Nicaraguan authorities to free political prisoners and restore civil liberties, carving a path for potential coordinated action.

Former Taiwan president Tsai to visit US next week

Former Taiwan president Tsai to visit US next week

TAIPEI, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday that she would visit the United States next week to speak at a Stanford University security conference, her first trip to the country since leaving office in 2024.

Taiwan's first two F-16V fighter jets arrive to bolster defences against China

Taiwan's first two F-16V fighter jets arrive to bolster defences against China

By Ann Wang TAITUNG, Taiwan, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019 arrived in Taiwan on Friday after months of delays, helping to strengthen an air force that has to scramble almost daily to shadow China's military.

First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defences against China

First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defences against China

By Ann Wang TAITUNG, Taiwan, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V fighter jets ordered in 2019 will arrive in Taiwan on Friday after months of delays, helping to strengthen an air force that has to scramble almost daily to shadow China's military.

Taiwan's first new F-16V fighter jets arrive to bolster defences against China

Taiwan's first new F-16V fighter jets arrive to bolster defences against China

By Ann Wang TAITUNG, Taiwan, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered in 2019 arrived in Taiwan on Friday after months of delays, helping to strengthen an air force that has to scramble almost daily to shadow China's military.

U.S. Authorities Uncover Black Market Network Smuggling Restricted Nvidia Chips to China

U.S. Authorities Uncover Black Market Network Smuggling Restricted Nvidia Chips to China

A global crackdown has exposed a black-market network actively smuggling restricted Nvidia chips into China. This illicit operation utilizes Southeast Asian hubs and third-party supply chains to bypass stringent U.S. export controls. The methods employed include the use of fake records, altered serial numbers, and the establishment of shell companies. These smuggled chips are reportedly reaching Chinese firms, including DeepSeek. While Nvidia maintains full legal compliance and downplays the volume of diverted products, U.S. officials and critics are highlighting significant weaknesses in enforcement and existing regulatory loopholes. This ongoing issue underscores the challenges in controlling the flow of advanced technology amidst geopolitical tensions and the high demand for AI-capable hardware.

Oil treads water as market weighs mixed supply signals

Oil treads water as market weighs mixed supply signals

By Helen Clark and Jeslyn Lerh SINGAPORE, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Oil prices were broadly stable on Friday as the market weighed the possibility of renewed US-Iran tensions against signs of recovering Middle Eastern supplies this week.

President Trump's State Visit with President Xi Jinping Yields Spectacle Over Substance

President Trump's State Visit with President Xi Jinping Yields Spectacle Over Substance

The state visit between President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House offered little in terms of concrete outcomes, characterized more by ceremonial pomp than substantive agreements. According to the source, no new trade deals were announced, nor were there any significant diplomatic breakthroughs. This visit, President Xi's first to the U.S. since 2015, notably lacked the presence of top Chinese tech or business leaders, indicating that major discussions were not on the agenda. The primary outcome was a vague agreement to extend an existing trade truce by two months, pushing its expiration from November 10 to January 10, and a commitment for future trade talks. China also agreed to purchase an additional $17 billion in U.S. soybeans and other agricultural products.