By: Brian Iselin, Associate Editor Taiwan’s dithering in Lithuania is a diplomatic failure of significance — a self-inflicted wound that threatens to haemorrhage its credibility among the few European allies bold enough to defy Beijing. When Lithuania’s last administration allowed Taiwan to open its representative office in Vilnius in 2021, branded with the incendiary label…
Richard Sanders As global leaders and citizens pay tribute to Pope Francis following his death, China’s reactions have been notably reserved. The Chinese Communist Party, an officially atheistic government with a substantial Catholic population, has had a tumultuous and intricate relationship with the Vatican. Pope Francis was a pivotal figure in fostering closer ties between…
Richard Sanders The Vatican has announced a period of mourning in honor of the late Pope, during which faithful around the world will pay their respects and reflect on his impactful papacy. His unique approach and ability to connect with people from all walks of life left an indelible mark on the Church and the…
Richard Sanders Chinese researchers have successfully tested a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb that created a sustained fireball, far outperforming traditional explosives, the South China Morning Post has reported. In an article on Sunday, the newspaper cited the researchers’ study published last month in the Chinese-language Journal of Projectiles, Rockets, Missiles and Guidance. According to the report,…
Richard Sanders Israel is considering a “limited strike” on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the coming months, despite Washington’s refusal to support military action, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The deliberations come as the second round of US-Iran negotiations have concluded in Rome, with expert-level talks expected to continue on April 26 in…
Francis Tuschek China has “completely” stopped imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) for over ten weeks, extending the trade war between Beijing and Washington into energy cooperation, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing shipping data. Amid escalating trade tensions, China has imposed tariffs on US hydrocarbons – up to 99% – effectively pricing them out…
Francis Tuschek NATO staff are softening language related to climate, gender, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to avoid a potential backlash from the administration of US President Donald Trump, Politico has reported, citing sources familiar with the situation. Phrases concerning climate, as well as gender diversity and security, have been reworded in new NATO legislation…
Richard Sanders China has been importing record amounts of crude oil from Canada and drastically reducing supplies from the US in light of the trade war with Washington, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Washington and Beijing have implemented a series of reciprocal tariff hikes over the past two months in light of which the latter has…
Dave Sullivan The US plans to use tariff negotiations to push trade partners to scale back economic ties with China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the talks. The strategy is reportedly aimed at securing commitments from countries hit by recent US tariff hikes to help isolate China’s economy and…
Richard Sanders China has ordered its airlines to stop accepting Boeing jets as the trade war with the US continues to escalate, Bloomberg wrote on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. This development follows a series of reciprocal tariff hikes between the two nations. Last week, Washington increased tariffs on Chinese imports to…