Richards Sanders President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, calling it “not a train smash.” Ramaphosa insisted that the US would still follow the outcomes of the discussions. ”The United States is still represented here and they are part of the G20. The discussions that will…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In recent months, apprehensions surrounding a potential military confrontation between the United States and China over Taiwan have intensified. As geopolitical tensions escalate, a growing number of experts are sounding the alarm about the risks associated with the foreign policy strategies of former President Donald Trump and their implications for…
Francis Tuschek Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the EU for trying to act as “peacemakers” in the Ukraine conflict despite the bloc having “no time” for a ceasefire over the past three years. He said the EU should “stop crying” and blame itself for being excluded from US-Russia peace efforts. Fico has been one of the EU’s strongest dissenting…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a dramatic escalation of tensions in East Asia, China has lashed out at the United States in response to recent developments regarding Taiwan’s independence. The meeting of top officials in Washington, D.C., has set a contentious stage for strained Sino-American relations and significantly raised the stakes over the Taiwan…
台北哈利法克斯安全論壇：轉化對話為行動的機遇與挑戰 Richard Sanders, Taipei Taipei – The Halifax International Security Forum commenced a special gathering in Taipei today, under a cloud of uncertainty fueled by the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under the new Trump administration. The opulent Mayfull Hotel is the sponsored venue for the event, providing VIP treatment and complimentary first-class accommodations…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Taipei, Taiwan – In a move that underscores its commitment to self-defense and reflects the escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, Taiwan is reportedly negotiating a multibillion-dollar defense contract with the United States. The potential deal, which could include advanced weaponry and military support, is being viewed as a significant…
Richard Sanders Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims has uncovered a massive gap of nearly $5 trillion in US federal spending that it cannot account for. DOGE has claimed that Treasury records made some payments untraceable. Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, DOGE has been pressing ahead with budget…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor China Accuses US of ‘Backpedalling’ on Taiwan Independence Stance Beijing, China – Tensions between China and the United States have flared again, this time over what Beijing perceives as a shift in Washington’s stance on Taiwan’s independence. China’s Foreign Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the US of…
Richard Sanders A Canadian naval frigate, HMCS Ottawa, sailed through the Taiwan Strait yesterday, marking the first such passage this year and the sixth since Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, praising Canada’s commitment to freedom of navigation and maintaining peace and openness in the Strait….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Explainer: What is ‘Taiwan independence’ and is Taiwan already independent? The issue of Taiwan’s independence has been a contentious and complex topic for decades, with far-reaching implications for the island, China, and the global community. At its core, the question of Taiwan’s independence revolves around the island’s political status and…