Jake Sanders, Editor A phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday has stirred speculation about its potential impact on Ukraine’s efforts to secure advanced weaponry from the United States. The conversation took place just one day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes visit to Washington, where he is…
Richard Sanders New Zealand’s Minister for Defence Judith Collins has raised concerns over mounting geopolitical pressure on South Pacific island nations, citing the region’s untapped mineral and marine resources as a growing target for global powers. In an interview ahead of her diplomatic visit to Washington, Collins emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to…
Jake Sanders A former EVA Airways executive has been formally indicted for allegedly attempting to bribe a Taiwanese government official and leaking sensitive information to Chinese intelligence operatives, according to the High Prosecutors’ Office. The individual, identified by the surname Chiao (喬), served as EVA Airways’ representative in China between 2022 and 2024. Prosecutors allege…
Ed Castro China has started replacing the US-developed and widely used Microsoft Word file format with a local alternative in official documents, according to the South China Morning Post. The shift comes as trade and technology tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to grow. The Commerce Ministry’s announcement last week on rare earth export controls…
Francis Tuschek The Dutch government has taken control of a Chinese-owned chipmaker based in the Netherlands, citing risk to the EU’s economic and technological security. The firm called the move “excessive,” saying it complied with all relevant laws and regulations. The Netherlands Economy Ministry revealed late on Sunday that it had invoked a never-before-used emergency…
Ed Castro The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has announced plans to strengthen regulations for candidates running for public office, requiring them to declare that they do not hold a Chinese household registration or passport, nor possess any other foreign citizenship. This announcement was made through a draft amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the…
Ed Castro US President Donald Trump has warned of strong retaliation against China after accusing it of “becoming very hostile” by imposing export controls on rare earth elements and other critical materials. On Thursday, Beijing announced new restrictions on the export of certain strategic minerals that have dual-use in military applications, saying the move was intended to protect national…
Jake Sanders Taiwan is set to develop a new dome-shaped air defense system, dubbed the “T Dome,” to protect against potential hostile threats, President William Lai announced yesterday amidst escalating tensions with China. The initiative comes a day after the Taiwanese government warned of China’s increasing military capabilities aimed at the island. Although Lai did…
Jake Sanders The Republic of China (Taiwan) commemorates its 114th Double Ten National Day today with vibrant celebrations, including military parades, cultural performances, and speeches in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei. The festivities commenced with an impressive performance by the Taiwan Taiko Association, featuring 100 drummers, including young percussionists, creating a lively opening…
Jake Sanders. Editor Taipei, October 9, 2025 — Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s security on the global stage today, warning that allowing the island nation to fall under Chinese authoritarian control would have far-reaching repercussions worldwide. During his keynote speech at the Taipei Security Dialogue, Morrison praised Taiwan’s recent…