Francis Tushcek, Okinawa China has launched a ‘special maritime law enforcement operation’ east of Taiwan in response to the announcement of maritime border talks in the area by Japan and the Philippines. China – which views the self-ruled island as its own sovereign territory – protested the negotiations, saying they infringe on its sovereignty. The…
Frank Williams, Phnom Penh Chinese intelligence operatives are posing as recruiters online to lure UK government and military-linked personnel into revealing sensitive information, according to a warning issued by the Five Eyes network. In a joint security bulletin, the intelligence partnership – comprising the UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand – said covert agents…
Clockwise from top left: Duncan Webb, Laura McClure, Maureen Pugh and David Wilson Dave Chamberlain, Honiara China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four New Zealand MPs after they travelled to Taiwan, a decision one of the lawmakers says is meant to intimidate elected representatives. The MPs – Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, Laura McClure,…
Francis Tuschek- Belgrade Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has warned that rising protectionism is pushing the EU toward economic stagnation, arguing that mounting barriers to investment between Europe, China and the United States are constraining growth rather than protecting it. Speaking shortly after a visit to Beijing, where he secured more than US$1 billion in Chinese…
Frank Williams, Phnom Penh China is restricting overseas travel for leading AI specialists from companies including Alibaba and DeepSeek, as Beijing pushes for greater self-reliance in artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors, Bloomberg has reported. Citing anonymous sources, the outlet claimed on Tuesday that Chinese authorities have begun requiring advanced AI researchers, executives, startup founders, and…
Richard Sanders, Phnom Penh The US-Israeli war against Iran has handed China a strategic opening to chip away at US influence on every major front, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing a classified intelligence analysis. Two US officials familiar with the matter told the newspaper that the document was produced by the Joint Staff’s…
Frank Williams, Phnom Penh Taiwanese officials and analysts will be closely monitoring the U.S. president’s visit to Beijing, viewing the high‑profile talks as a significant moment for regional stability. While the discussions centered on easing friction between Washington and Beijing, political leaders in Taipei remain steady but alert. From Taiwan’s perspective, great‑power dialogue is generally…
Richard Sanders, Phnom Penh A bipartisan group of US senators is urging President Donald Trump to advance a long‑pending US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan, which has been paused ahead of Trump’s upcoming trip to China. The sale, approved in principle last year, has reportedly been stalled as the White House seeks to avoid friction…
Francis Tuschek, Taichung Washington’s pressure campaign on Iran is drawing renewed scrutiny as the Trump administration weighs military options ranging from targeted airstrikes to the possibility of a more extensive bombing campaign coming soon. Officials say the White House remains committed to maintaining its blockade on Iranian ports and energy exports, a policy that has…
Frank Williams, Phnom Penh The United States will struggle to defend itself against advanced missile systems developed by China and Russia, senior Pentagon officials told lawmakers as they called for funding for the proposed Golden Dome missile defense program. President Donald Trump unveiled the initiative shortly after taking office in January 2025, proposing a large-scale…