Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/japan-taliban-visit-d612b7ffa6910e8014a747497eb060ef Senior Taliban representatives visited Tokyo for talks making it their first diplomatic trip outside the Central Asia-Middle East region since they gained control of Afghanistan in 2021. The visit, which was arranged by the Nippon Zaidan organization, is part of Japan’s efforts to encourage Afghanistan’s inclusive political development and human rights protection. However, Japan does not… Read more »
Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-supports-all-ukraine-peace-efforts-gaza-is-not-bargaining-chip-says-wang-2025-02-18/ This article highlights China’s position on peace efforts particularly regarding Ukraine and Gaza. During a United Nations Security Council meeting, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his support for all peace efforts that were related to Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensured that peace initivities align with the UN Charter…. Read more »
Link: https://www.rt.com/news/612639-china-putin-trump-summit/ In recent weeks, Chinese officials have put forward a proposal to the Trump team through intermediaries, suggesting a summit between the two leaders and offering to help with peacekeeping efforts following a potential truce, the WSJ reported, citing sources in China and the United States. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also declined to comment on the report, stating only… Read more »
Link: https://www.rt.com/news/612832-south-korea-bans-deepseek/ On February 17th, 2025, South Korea’s national data protection watchdog announced a temporary suspension of China’s free AI service, Deepseek, until authorities complete their review of the Chinese startup’s data collection practices and implement improvements and remedies. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) imposed the restriction after discovering the app was transferring South Korean user data to ByteDance, the Chinese… Read more »
Link: https://www.rt.com/news/612858-china-us-taiwan-wording/ The State Department dropped a statement that previously included the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.” In addition, the updated fact sheet highlighted Taipei’s collaboration with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor projects. It also affirmed US support for the island’s participation in international organizations “where applicable,” dropping the words “where statehood is not a requirement.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo… Read more »
Link: https://www.the-independent.com/news/ap-south-korean-washington-cia-antony-blinken-b2581474.html In July 2024, the U.S. Justice Department charged former CIA employee and National Security Council official Sue Mi Terry with acting as an unregistered agent for South Korea’s intelligence service. The indictment alleges that Terry received luxury goods and expensive dinners in exchange for promoting South Korean government positions during media appearances, sharing nonpublic information with South Korean… Read more »
Link: https://www.the-independent.com/news/japan-ap-josep-borrell-north-korea-china-b2639688.html Japan and the European Union have announced a security and defense partnership, marking the EU’s first agreement with an Indo-Pacific nation. This partnership includes joint military exercises, defense industry exchanges, and potential intelligence-sharing, reflecting growing security concerns over China, North Korea, and Russia. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need… Read more »
Link: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3298950/south-koreas-first-lady-kim-keon-hee-back-under-fire-over-martial-law-debacle?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection South Korea’s First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, is under scrutiny for her alleged involvement in the country’s recent martial law decree and election meddling. The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) claims that pressure to prevent the revelation of her interference in a 2022 by-election influenced President Yoon Suk-yeol’s decision to implement martial law. National Intelligence Service chief Cho… Read more »
Link:https://www.reuters.com/world/north-korea-condemns-trumps-gaza-takeover-proposal-ludicrous-2025-02-12/ This article was written by Reuters News Source, says that North Korea has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take over Gaza, calling it ‘ludicrous’, in an official statement from the state-run Korean Central News agency (KCNA). North Korea has described the idea as a “bluster” and argued that it poses a threat to Palestinian hopes for… Read more »
Link to Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-criticises-unsafe-chinese-fighter-jet-interaction-south-china-sea-2025-02-13/ Tensions flare between China and Australia after an incident on Tuesday in international waters claimed illegitimately by China. A Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol jet was conducting routine operations in internationally recognized waters when it encountered a Chinese fighter jet who released flares within 100 feet of the patrol jet. The Australian defense ministry has… Read more »
