Taiwan Seeks to Reclaim Global Health Platform at World Health Assembly
Richard Sanders The Taiwan United Nations Alliance (TAIUNA) announced plans to send a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, to advocate for Taiwan’s participation in the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA), scheduled from Monday to May 27. Despite Taiwan’s extensive contributions to global health, the country has been repeatedly excluded from the WHA due to pressure from…
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative, Addresses Copenhagen Democracy Summit—Emphasizes the Urgency of Defending Democratic Value
Dave Sullivan Copenhagen, May 13, 2025 — In a compelling speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas highlighted the pressing challenges facing global democracy and called for renewed commitment to its defense and resilience. Addressing a gathered audience, Kallas expressed concern that democracy is no longer the dominant model worldwide,…
EU nastier than China – Trump
Dave Sullivan US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the European Union, labeling it “nastier than China” regarding trade practices. In early April, Washington imposed a sweeping 20% tariff on all EU goods and a 25% tariff on all car imports and metals. While Trump later announced a 90-day reprieve on most trade duties, a…
Taiwan Lawmakers Introduce Broad Amendments to Strengthen Anti-Communist Measures and Counter China’s ‘United Front’ Activities
Richard Sanders In response to escalating Chinese influence operations, Taiwanese legislators are pushing new laws to expand penalties and criminal scope against individuals and organizations involved in China’s “United Front” efforts. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over China’s increased tactics to sway Taiwanese politics and society. President William Lai, on March 13, urged the…
Taiwan Plans Up to NT$500 Billion for US Military Purchases and Defense Modernization
Dave Chamberlain Taiwan is considering a significant military investment, with a proposed budget of up to NT$500 billion (approximately US$16.5 billion) dedicated to acquiring advanced defense equipment from the United States. This potential allocation underscores Taiwan’s strategic effort to bolster its defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions. A high-ranking government official, speaking anonymously, revealed that…
NATO general fired over rape gaffe – Spiegel
Richard Sanders NATO’s deputy commander for Ukraine support has been dismissed over a rape-related remark he made during a high-level meeting, Der Spiegel reported on Tuesday. Major General Hartmut Renk told a gathering in February “If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy.” Following a formal complaint from a female British officer, Renk admitted to making the…
Slovak PM accuses EU country of trying to thwart his Moscow visit
Francis Tuschek Slovak Prime Minister Rober Fico has accused the government of fellow EU member-state Estonia of trying to thwart his visit to Moscow for the Victory Day parade on May 9. The event marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Union. Estonia closed its airspace to Fico’s plane…
Tsai Ing-wen to Visit Lithuania and Attend Democracy Summit in Copenhagen
Richard Sanders Former President Tsai Ing-wen is scheduled to leave for Lithuania on Friday, where she plans to meet with former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė and engage in discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations. Following her visit to Lithuania, Tsai will travel to Copenhagen to participate in the Democracy Summit organized by the Alliance of…
China calls out CIA ‘provocation’
Richard Sanders Beijing has accused the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of committing a “political provocation” by releasing recruitment videos in Chinese targeting officials in the country. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the US “has long been using all kinds of despicable methods to steal other countries’ secrets, interfere…
Taiwan Condemns Somalia Over Travel Ban Targeting Taiwanese Passports
Nils Brander Taiwan has strongly condemned Somalia’s decision to ban travelers with Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through the East African nation. The restriction, which took effect on Wednesday, follows an order issued last week by Somali aviation authorities, according to Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry. The Somali authorities have yet to comment publicly on the…
