by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant escalation of political rhetoric, Taiwan’s government recently declared China a “foreign hostile force” in response to increasing military pressures and diplomatic isolation imposed by Beijing. This proclamation marks a notable shift in Taiwan’s approach to its neighbor, underscoring the Taiwan administration’s determination to defend its sovereignty against…
Richard Sanders Russia may have influenced members of the US administration “through information,” Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has claimed in an interview with Time magazine. His comments come as US President Donald Trump has acknowledged some of Moscow’s concerns regarding the root causes of the crisis. These include the Kremlin’s repeated criticisms of NATO’s continued expansion towards Russia’s…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Taiwan President’s Gambit: Time for a Tougher Stance on China In recent years, the geopolitical landscape in East Asia has been intensified by the growing assertiveness of China, particularly regarding its claim over Taiwan. The island has become the focal point of rising tensions between Beijing and Taipei, prompting Taiwan’s…
Richard Sanders A former director of mainland affairs for the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is set to be investigated by the Mainland Affairs Council for allegedly claiming to represent Taiwanese interests during a symposium in China earlier this month. This event marked the 20th anniversary of China’s “Anti-Secession” Law, where he stated that the law…
Grigory Karasin, chairman of the International Relations Committee in Russia’s upper chamber of parliament Richard Sanders, Oxford UK The US-Russian talks held in Saudi Arabia are a “creative” endeavor, though they may not yield a diplomatic breakthrough on Monday, a Russian lawmaker who is part of Moscow’s delegation told journalists. Grigory Karasin, chairman of the International Relations…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As tensions continue to escalate in the Taiwan Strait, the possibility of a Chinese blockade of Taiwan is becoming a focal point in geopolitical discussions. With China’s military modernization efforts and increasing assertiveness in the region, analysts warn that a blockade could be a realistic strategy for Beijing to assert…
By Francis Tuschek The recent shutdown of Tibetan-language broadcasts by Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) represents a serious loss for Tibetans, both in their homeland and throughout the global community. These broadcasts have played a pivotal role in providing uncensored news, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of unity among…
Richard Sanders The government is contemplating proposed changes to the regulations surrounding alternative civilian service aimed at enhancing the nation’s civil defense capabilities. This initiative was revealed as part of a strategy to address the increasing frequency of natural disasters and geopolitical tensions. Earlier in December 2022, the Executive Yuan integrated demobilized civilian service members…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In an era marked by fluctuating energy prices and increasing geopolitical tensions, Taiwan has set its sights on bolstering its energy security through strategic investments in international projects. One of the most promising initiatives on its radar is the Alaska LNG (liquefied natural gas) project, a move that underscores Taiwan’s…
Richard Sanders US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that he is serious about Canada being annexed by the United States. His statement comes amid an escalating trade war between the two neighbors, and follows a spate of comments from Trump claiming that Canada would be better off as the 51st state of the US. Speaking…