MI5 warnings after first UK conviction of Chinese spy ring
Richard Sanders, Bangkok MI5 issued an extraordinary public alert on Friday after the first-ever conviction of a Chinese espionage network operating in Britain, warning that foreign governments are directing crimes against dissidents living in the UK. The Security Service released new guidance on the threat of transnational repression, outlining how victims may face physical intimidation,…
China‑Focused Balikatan Drills Tighten Alliances
Francis Tuchek, Taipei Regional militaries wrapped up this year’s Balikatan exercises in the northern Philippines, drilling for large‑scale combat in the very waters that would matter most in a conflict over Taiwan. Troops from the Philippines, United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France trained across Luzon and the Bashi Channel—territory that would sit…
China slams African nation over Taiwan leader’s visit
Justin Wong, Associate Editor China has condemned Eswatini for hosting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, accusing the southern African kingdom of giving a platform to “Taiwan independence,” in an escalating diplomatic row. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Wednesday that Beijing opposes Eswatini’s decision to receive Lai, who arrived in the kingdom on Saturday for a…
U.S. Pressure on Iran Seen by Analyst as Part of Wider Effort to Constrain China’s Energy Supply
Francis Tuschek, Taichung Washington’s pressure campaign on Iran is drawing renewed scrutiny as the Trump administration weighs military options ranging from targeted airstrikes to the possibility of a more extensive bombing campaign coming soon. Officials say the White House remains committed to maintaining its blockade on Iranian ports and energy exports, a policy that has…
US failed to set back Iran’s nuclear program – Reuters
Justin Wong, Associate Editor US-Israeli strikes on Iran have failed to push back the timeline for Tehran potentially acquiring a nuclear weapon, Reuters reported on Monday, citing intelligence sources. Tehran could still reportedly produce a bomb in roughly a year – the same estimate as after last June’s attacks on its key nuclear facilities. While…
Trump’s Anti-Christian Bombing Campaign
Yoichi Shimatsu, Editor at Large The White House decision to rush to Israel’s aid against Iran – the boldest defender of Palestinian rights against Netanyahu’s fascistic extermination campaign – is backfiring as a consequence of U.S. airstrikes against a slew of targets, some connected with the Revolutionary Guards and others quite obscure, especially given the…
Taiwan President Lai Makes Unannounced Visit to Eswatini Amid Chinese Pressure
Justin Wong, staff writer MBABANE, Eswatini — Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini, where he was received by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, in a trip that was kept under wraps until his arrival. The unannounced visit marks a renewed show of friendship between Taiwan and one of its few remaining diplomatic allies, despite rising pressure…
Pentagon admits ‘no defense’ against Russian and Chinese hypersonic weapons
Justin Wong, staff writer The United States will struggle to defend itself against advanced missile systems developed by China and Russia, senior Pentagon officials told lawmakers as they called for funding for the proposed Golden Dome missile defense program. President Donald Trump unveiled the initiative shortly after taking office in January 2025, proposing a large-scale…
Beijing blacklists EU firms over Taiwan weapons links
Justin Wong, Staff Writer Beijing has barred seven EU-based entities from receiving Chinese dual-use goods, citing their involvement in arms trade with Taiwan. The companies listed by China’s Commerce Ministry on Friday include German radar manufacturer Hensoldt, Belgian firearms producers FN Browning Group and its subsidiary FN Herstal, as well as four Czech entities: Omnipol,…
U.S.–Iran Conflict and Energy Strategy
Justin Wong, staff writer The war that erupted on February 28, 2026, following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure, has rapidly escalated into a global energy crisis. Iran retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz, halting nearly 20 million barrels per day of oil shipments—about a quarter of global seaborne trade. In response, President Trump ordered…
