Richard Sanders In a troubling development in the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, China’s coastguard has seized control over a small sandbank known as Sandy Cay, state media reported. This bold move marks a significant escalation in China’s aggressive tactics against its regional neighbors, particularly the Philippines, heightening fears of increased militarization…
Chen Chien-jen, an envoy of former Vice President and President William Lai, is seen alongside former US President Joe Biden at Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square yesterday. Photo provided by the Embassy of the Republic of China to the Vatican. Richard Sanders In a significant diplomatic gesture, former Vice President Chen Chien-jen served…
Francis Tuschek Kiev and its European backers have turned down President Donald Trump’s reported peace plan for the Ukraine conflict in several significant respects, according to a report by Reuters, citing the full texts of the US proposal and the response. Washington tabled a proposed deal to end hostilities between Kiev and Moscow during a…
Francis Tuschek The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has instructed a lower panel to reconsider Israel’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction over arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a ruling published on Thursday. Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant…
Richard Sanders Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for an immediate halt to government purchases of Covid-19 vaccines, citing a recent report that found mRNA jabs contain extremely high levels of DNA and substances that were not disclosed by the manufacturer. Bratislava initially considered outright banning the vaccines when a commission led by Peter…
Richard Sanders, Zamboanga In a remarkable turn of events, the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) has sent shockwaves through the Philippine political landscape as candidates gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 midterm elections. With less than a month remaining until election day, the political arena is rife with maneuvering, allegations, and…
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,…