Politics

China's military conducted a live-fire exercise called "Strait Thunder" in the Taiwan Strait, simulating strikes on key ports and energy facilities, according to a Wednesday announcement. This represents an escalation from Tuesday's military drills around Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its territory. Taiwan's presidential office "strongly condemns" these "military provocations," which have become increasingly common as cross-strait relations deteriorate. The exercises coincide with China's intensified rhetoric against Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom they've labeled a "parasite" and "separatist." Earlier this month, Lai referred to China as a "foreign hostile force." China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated the drills served as a "serious warning and powerful containment of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces." The military released cartoons depicting Lai as a "parasite" that was "poisoning Taiwan island" and "courting ultimate destruction," including an image of Lai being grilled over […]

Moldova has expelled three Russian diplomats after accusing the embassy of helping a pro-Kremlin lawmaker escape imprisonment, triggering Russia's promise of an "appropriate response." Moldova's Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion Monday via Telegram, citing "clear evidence on the conduct of activities contrary to the diplomatic status." Moscow swiftly declared it would retaliate, according to state-run news agency RIA Novosti. The diplomatic tension escalated after Moldova accused the Russian Embassy of orchestrating pro-Kremlin Moldovan lawmaker Alexander Nesterovschii's escape to the Russian-backed breakaway Transnistria region just before he was to be jailed on illegal political funding charges. This incident represents the latest in a series of allegations by Moldova's pro-European government claiming Russian interference in its political affairs, which Moscow consistently denies. Moldova's security service released footage allegedly showing Nesterovschii entering the Russian Embassy in Chisinau on March 18, one day before […]

Russia says it is continuing diplomatic efforts with the United States despite President Trump expressing anger toward Vladimir Putin. Responding to Trump's criticism, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed tensions between the leaders, stating, "We continue working with the US side, first of all, on building our relations." While confirming no scheduled calls between Putin and Trump this week, Peskov noted Putin remains open to communication "if necessary." The diplomatic reassurance follows Trump's NBC News interview Sunday where he revealed being "angry" and "pissed off" with Putin for questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's credibility. Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on nations purchasing Russian oil if Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire - representing a significant shift in Trump's rhetoric toward the Russian president. US and Russian officials have been engaged in discussions for several weeks attempting to broker […]

Denmark's foreign minister has rebuked the Trump administration for its confrontational approach regarding Greenland, emphasizing that Denmark is already increasing Arctic security investments while remaining open to further US cooperation. In a video posted to social media Saturday, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen addressed recent criticisms, speaking in English: "Many accusations and many allegations have been made. And of course, we are open to criticism. But let me be completely honest: we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies. And I still consider Denmark and the United States to be close allies." The response followed Vice President JD Vance's brief visit to the strategic island Friday, where he accused Denmark of neglecting Greenland's protection and suggested the US would better safeguard the semi-autonomous Danish territory that […]