https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/23/world/asia/taiwan-defense-budget-china-us.html The article discusses Taiwan’s internal political debate over increasing military spending in response to China’s growing power. The ruling government, led by Lai Ching-te, has proposed a $40 billion defense increase, but opposition parties, especially the Kuomintang are divided. Some members, like Lu Shiow yen, support stronger ties with the United States and increased defense, while others, including party… Read more »
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/24/g-s1-114945/kim-vows-to-irreversibly-cement-north-koreas-nuclear-status This article describes how Kim Jong Un used a speech at North Korea’s parliament, the Supreme People’s Assembly, to reaffirm his country’s commitment to nuclear weapons and a hostile stance toward South Korea and the United States. He labeled South Korea the “most hostile” state and declared that North Korea’s nuclear status is “irreversible.” While criticizing U.S. actions globally,… Read more »
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/19/asia/china-taiwan-invasion-plans-us-intl-hnk The article explains that a new US intelligence report says China knows invading Taiwan would be very difficult and risky, especially if the US gets involved. Although China is still building up its military, it may not be fully ready yet. Earlier warnings from Philip Davidson suggested China could act by 2027, but that timeline is now less certain…. Read more »
https://www.the-independent.com/news/east-asia-china-iran-persian-gulf-taiwan-b2932303.html The article explains how the war involving Iran is disrupting global energy supplies, especially oil and liquefied natural gas that normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway carries about one fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments, and fighting in the region has slowed or blocked shipments, causing energy prices to rise. The price of… Read more »
https://www.nknews.org/2026/03/north-korea-signals-support-for-irans-new-leader-while-slamming-us-and-israel The article explains that North Korea has publicly expressed support for Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it respects the Iranian people’s choice of leader and condemned the military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. However, North Korean state… Read more »
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dzymj4yz7o The article talks about how China’s exports increased significantly in the first two months of the year, rising by more than 20 percent, which was far higher than economists expected. China combines January and February trade data because the Lunar New Year holiday can affect monthly results. The increase was mainly driven by strong global demand for electronics as… Read more »
https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/21/politics/china-nuclear-arsenal-new-technology The article reports that U.S. intelligence believes China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and conducted a covert explosive test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur site despite its self‑imposed moratorium on nuclear testing. Analysts think China wants to modernize its arsenal to include advanced delivery systems and possibly low‑yield tactical weapons. Expanded nuclear capabilities could… Read more »
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/asia/china-japan-export-ban.html China has placed new export restrictions on 20 Japanese companies connected to the defense sector, raising tensions over Taiwan. China’s Commerce Ministry said it will block exports of “dual-use” goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, to companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the National Defense Academy of Japan. Another 20… Read more »
The article reports that South Korea will attend the inaugural meeting of the US-led “Board of Peace” in Washington as a non-member observer. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Yong-hyun, former ambassador to Egypt, will represent Seoul at the February 19 meeting on behalf of the foreign minister. The government has not yet decided whether to formally… Read more »
