Cuba warns of jet fuel crisis
Martin Haffner, Havana Cuban aviation authorities have warned international carriers of an aviation fuel shortage due to the ongoing US energy embargo on the island. A notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued on Sunday by Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport said Cuba’s nine international airports will have no kerosene to refuel arriving aircraft starting from Monday,…
New Arctic Cold War as China, U.S. and Europe Battle for Strategic Minerals
Jake Saunders, Battambang Cambodia China, despite holding no Arctic territory, is deepening its economic foothold in the region through its links with Australia’s Greenland Minerals. The company aims to mine rare earth elements from the Kvanefjeld deposit in southern Greenland—an area rich in strategically vital minerals used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Beijing has…
Taipei Watches U.S. Intervention in Venezuela as Test of Great-Power Boundaries
Richard Saunders, Macau — The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela in January 2026 — codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve — reverberated well beyond Latin America, prompting close scrutiny in Taipei and across Asia. By capturing President Nicolás Maduro and striking key targets in Caracas, Washington not only reshaped Venezuela’s political landscape but also redrew the boundaries…
Lithuania’s Stand on Taiwan: Balancing Principles and Pragmatism
Martin Haffner, Associate Editor Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has recently reflected on her country’s bold decision to welcome the establishment of a Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius in 2021—a move that marked a significant moment in European support for Taiwan’s international presence. At the time, Lithuania became one of the few European Union member…
China Backs Cuba’s Sovereignty Amid Growing U.S. Pressure
Dave Chamberlain, Mexico City China has expressed support for Cuba’s sovereignty after the US labeled the island’s socialist government a security threat.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, in Beijing on Thursday.“China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and…
China Responds to Panama Court Ruling on Port Operations
Richard Saunders, Phnom Penh In a significant development, China has issued a stern warning following a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court that challenges the operations of a Hong Kong-backed company at the Panama Canal. The Chinese government has threatened that Panama could face serious political and economic consequences if the decision is not reversed. The…
President Lai Outlines Strengthened Taiwan-US Economic Cooperation
Richard Saunders, Associate Editor President William Lai announced a comprehensive roadmap for expanded economic ties between Taiwan and the United States, highlighting three core pillars: economic security, innovation, and future prosperity. Lai’s remarks follow the conclusion of the sixth US-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) held in Washington last week. The latest round of EPPD…
Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba’s Threat to U.S. Security
Richard Saunders, KL Last week, President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency targeting the Government of Cuba, citing the regime’s alliances with hostile nations and its support for terrorist groups as a direct and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. In a sweeping executive order issued Friday,…
US Dollar hits four year low
Richard Saunders The US dollar has reached a four-year low, having dropped 2.3% in January following a 9% decline in 2025. However, US President Donald Trump seems unfazed by the downturn, calling the level of the greenback “great” in comments on Tuesday. But Trump’s position on the dollar has hardly been consistent – or even…
Will the CIA turn Venezuela into Ukraine 2.0?
Richard Saunders, Manila The CIA is setting up a permanent outpost in Venezuela, from where it will reportedly replicate its work in Ukraine. That could mean anything from controlling local politicians to turning the country into a forward operating base for regime change. With Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in US custody and acting President Delcy…
