Taiwan’s new president acts to ease tensions with Japan
President Tsai Ing-wen, who was sworn in on May 20 as Taiwan’s 4th democratically elected and first ever female president, has taken immediate actions to ease tensions with Japan, (more…)
Chinese money once again tied directly to the Democratic Party
A whopping donation from a Chinese businessman to the 2013 campaign of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has triggered an FBI investigation. (FULL STORY) (more…)
U.S. House unanimously passes ‘6 Assurances’ for Taiwan resolution
For the first time ever, the U.S. House of Representatives confirmed in writing the cornerstone of the U.S.-Taiwan relations in a document called the “6 Assurances.” (FULL STORY) (more…)
Thailand bows to Beijing, opts for Chinese tanks to replace M41s
China won a defense contract bid from the Thai military for a Main Battle Tank to replace Thailand’s U.S.-made tanks. (FULL STORY) (more…)
Seoul protests murder, kidnapping of ethnic Koreans inside China
This week, South Korean government officials expressed strong displeasure over China’s inability inside Chinese territory to protect North Korean defectors or South Korean citizens who have helped the defectors. (more…)
Russia, China unite against U.S. THAAD despite North’s test
On April 29, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi issued a joint statement objecting to the contemplated deployment in South Korea of the U.S. (more…)
Hiroshima: Known for abject apologies, Obama touches hot potato
President Barack Obama’s announcement last week that he will visit Hiroshima on May 27 stunned the world with its highly opaque symbolism and significance. (FULL STORY) (more…)
China’s rise speeds U.S. action to lift ban on arms sales to Vietnam
On the eve of President Obama’s visit to Vietnam, the U.S. government is inching closer to lifting a decades-old ban on arms sales and shipment to Vietnam. (FULL STORY) (more…)
Tit for tat: China blocks U.S. aircraft carrier’s port call in Hong Kong
Bilateral military tensions spiked this week after China unceremoniously denied an American request to allow the USS John Stennis, and its four accompanying warships to make a port call (more…)