CIA video targets Chinese military
Francois Williams, Manila China will take “all necessary measures” to fight infiltration and sabotage by foreign forces, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing has said, responding to a recent US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruitment ad targeting Chinese military personnel. The spy agency’s Mandarin-language video, published on its YouTube account on Thursday, urged officers and troops…
U.S. Poised to Approve Major Taiwan Arms Package
Ricard Saunders, KL The United States is preparing a major arms sale to Taiwan that is expected to include advanced command-and-control systems, surface-to-air missiles, sophisticated radar units, and counter-drone defenses, according to an informed source who spoke on condition of anonymity yesterday. The anticipated package aligns with Washington’s continued support of Taiwan’s defense modernization efforts…
Beijing Threatens “Annihilation” Over Possible Taiwan Defense Deployments
Francis Tuschek in TAIPEI — Beijing has issued its harshest warning in months, threatening “annihilation” against any Taiwanese forces that might use U.S.-supplied missile systems for preemptive strikes, following reports that Taiwan is considering deploying advanced missile launchers on outlying islands near China’s coast. The latest remarks came after international media reports suggested that Taiwan’s…
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…
