China, Russia Block U.S. Bid To Sanction North Koreans At U.N.
The move by Beijing and Moscow came before a closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting on North Korea on Thursday – the second in two weeks – after Pyongyang fired tactical guided missiles this week. China told council colleagues it needed more time to study the sanctions, while Russia said more evidence
Baltic States Authorized To Rush U.S.-Made Weapons To Ukraine
A U.S. State Department official in Berlin, where Secretary of State Antony Blinken is holding crisis talks on Ukraine, said Washington was "expediting authorized transfers of U.S.-origin equipment from other allies." A source familiar with the authorizations said the approval was for urgent requests by Estonia, Latvia,
Barbs Traded After U.S. Warship Sails In China-Claimed Territorial Sea
The USS Benfold guided-missile destroyer conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" (FONOP) in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Thursday, the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said. The Chinese military immediately responded by accusing the U.S. ship of "illegally intruding into China's territorial
'Decisive' Moment Nears As West Sees Only Weeks To Salvage Iran Nuclear Deal
Western diplomats have previously indicated they were hoping to have a breakthrough over the next few weeks, but sharp differences remain with the toughest issues still unresolved. Iran has rejected any deadline imposed by Western powers. Diplomats and analysts say the longer Iran remains outside the deal, the more nuclear
U.S. Army Weapon left In Afghanistan Makes Its Way To Kashmir
In a video released by a terror group named People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles, 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols, and M4 carbine rifles. It is believed that the leftover arms and ammunition are being sold openly by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The
AmCham Survey Shows Optimism
While last year was challenging for the global economy, Taiwan demonstrated its resilience with an impressive economic performance, according to a survey of 1,050 members from 500 international companies. Among the respondents, more than 87 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan's economic growth over the next 12 months, while 83
Beijing 2022: Athletes Warned About Speaking Out On Human Rights
Yang Shu, deputy director-general of Beijing 2022's International Relations Department, was asked during a virtual briefing on Wednesday about concerns for athletes if they speak out about rights issues during the Winter Games, which begin on February 4. "Any expression that is in line with the Olympic spirit I'm sure
China Plays Discreet, But Critical Role In Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Relations between Beijing and Tehran have taken a new step forward by signing a historic 25-year bilateral partnership covering areas as diverse as energy, security, infrastructure, and communications. In addition to the delivery of discounted oil, the strategic agreement – which went into effect on January 15 – also provides Chinese security
Blinken: Diplomacy Continues In Bid To Deter Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Blinken, in Kyiv as part of a European tour before he meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva on January 21, said that if Russia carries through with any aggressive moves against Ukraine, Washington is prepared to provide additional materials to Kyiv to help it defend itself. Blinken
Ukraine Tension: Biden Says He Thinks Putin Will 'Move In'
Asked for his views on Mr. Putin's intentions, Mr. Biden said: "Do I think he'll test the West? Test the United States and NATO as significantly as he can? Yes, I think he will, but I think he'll pay a serious and dear price for it." Asked how concerned he
U.S. Takes N. Korea's 'Improving' Missile Programs Seriously: Pentagon
Kirby, however, said the U.S. is still assessing the nature of North Korea's recent missile launches, apparently to learn their exact capabilities. "We will continue to take this threat and this improving program of Pyongyang's very, very seriously," he told a press briefing when asked about North's recent missile
Slovenia To Establish Office In Taiwan
Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Slovenia's plan to establish a representative office in Taiwan after Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa revealed the plan in an interview with Indian TV station Doordarshan on Monday. While naming the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania has sparked some criticism in the EU