Headlines

Transactional diplomacy and strategic ambiguity on Taiwan

An earlier version of this article was published by Pacific Forum. When Donald Trump told reporters in February 2026 that he had discussed Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping, the headlines wrote themselves. Commentators warned of betrayal; Taiwanese talk shows speculated about

China targets US trade barriers amid Section 301 probes

China has launched two trade-barrier investigations into US practices and measures that Beijng suspects disrupt global production and supply chains and restrict Chinese exports, particularly in green technology sectors. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Friday (March 27)

A major disaster for Russia in shipyard attack

On March 25, during a massive drone attack in the Leningrad region, the Ukrainian General Staff announced that its “joint forces” had damaged the Vyborg Shipbuilding installation. Whoever carried it out and how, the attaack’s success was a huge disaster for the Russians, with

Russia arms Iran, cementing a drone-powered anti-US axis

In a striking role reversal, Russia appears to be preparing to supply its embattled partner Iran with one-way attack drones, just as Iran previously supplied Russia to sustain its fight in Ukraine. The Financial Times (FT) reported that Russia is nearing the completion of

Iran war restores King Dollar’s crown, for now

TOKYO — News of currency troubles in Thailand has a way of raising blood pressure amongst even the most battle-tested Asian investors. The baht’s dubious honor of being Asia’s worst-performing currency amid surging oil prices is making headlines and triggering more than a

Europe’s elites confront a future without US protection

Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. From “European pillar” to post-American NATODiego Faßnacht reports that European defense thinking is shifting from burden-sharing toward preparing for a post-American