New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters Richard Sanders On Sunday, New Zealand’s foreign minister expressed “significant concern” regarding the Cook Islands’ imminent cooperation agreement with China. Prime Minister Mark Brown is scheduled to visit Beijing next week, where he is expected to sign a “joint action plan” aimed at establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The little-known story of how Taiwanese and human rights activists in Japan spoiled a secret agreement with the ROC to deport ‘souvenirs,’ who could have faced execution Nine Taiwanese nervously stand on an observation platform at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. It’s 9:20am on March 27, 1968, and they are awaiting…
Martin Haffner-Associate Editor, London Yesterday marked 1,500 days since Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most notable political prisoner and media entrepreneur, was incarcerated—a period far too long for someone who shouldn’t be detained any longer. At 77 years old, Lai, a British citizen and devout Catholic, is confined in solitary confinement, reportedly allowed only 50 minutes…
Richard Sanders In a significant diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored their commitment to democracy and international alliances, particularly with Taiwan. The two leaders convened in Guatemala City, where they formalized an agreement for Guatemala to accept migrants deported from the United States. Under the…
Francis Tuschek U.S. Representatives Young Kim and Al Green have introduced a bipartisan bill known as the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The legislation aims to ensure Taiwan’s involvement in IMF activities, create job opportunities for Taiwanese citizens at the IMF, and provide Taiwan with IMF assistance….
Francis Tuschek Taiwan’s generally pro-Israel policies have come under scrutiny, particularly following a recent op-ed in the Taipei Times that has left many observers in Taiwan incredulous. The article, penned by Israeli representative Yaron, drew controversial parallels between Taiwan and Israel, prompting sharp criticism from local activists. Aurora Chang, a human rights advocate and coordinator…
by John Davenport davenport@fordham.edu Russia’s total war on Ukraine’s people is reaching its third anniversary. With many parts of Ukraine’s eastern and southern cities looking like parts of Gaza or Aleppo, Ukraine’s leaders are now faced with defeat, because President Trump feels entitled to give away large chunks of their nation to the worst tyrant…
Francis Tuschek Taiwan has prohibited government employees from using DeepSeek, a newly launched Chinese AI model, due to concerns about potential data leaks to the Chinese government. The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) announced that DeepSeek AI, being a Chinese ICT product, raises national security risks related to data breaches. This ban affects staff from…
Louis Raymond BRICS member states have no plans to create a common currency but are actively discussing joint investment platforms to enhance economic cooperation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated. Speaking to journalists on Friday, Peskov addressed recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to hit the BRICS countries with tariffs should…
Richard Sanders In a recent address, Trump, who identifies as a “tariff man,” committed to leveraging tariffs to address trade deficits and pressure partners like Canada and Mexico on issues such as drug trafficking. He criticized Taiwan’s tech industry, alleging it has taken from the U.S., and vowed to bring production back to America, suggesting…