by Richard Sanders in Tainan, Taiwan In recent weeks, the Trump administration has rolled out a flurry of initiatives and controversies on the international stage, including imposing tariffs, slashing international aid budgets, and engaging in discussions with Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict. However, the most significant long-term challenge for the U.S. remains its relationship…
Richard Sanders in Kaoshiung, Taiwan The Ivatan language, a member of the Austronesian language family, boasts a rich and complex history that traces its origins back to southern Taiwan. This fascinating language is not just a means of communication for the people of the Batanes archipelago in the Philippines; it is also a cultural treasure…
Francis Tuschek On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia “must end” and expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. He indicated that the Biden administration’s focus would shift towards securing American borders and addressing threats from China, rather than prioritizing security in Europe and Ukraine….
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…