Politics News
Latest politics news and updates
Total: 1003
Japan’s Big-Ticket U.S. Arms Purchases Marred by Delays and Defects — Audit Raises Questions About Strategy and Value
A Japanese Board of Audit review found extensive delays and maintenance problems in U.S. defence equipment bought through the Foreign Military Sales program, even as Tokyo increases spending to bolster its forces. The findings raise questions about the cost‑effectiveness, timing and strategic rationale of Japan’s heavy purchases of American arms.
Trump Poised to Pare Back Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Ease Consumer Pain and Court Voters
The administration is preparing to exempt selected steel and aluminum products from high tariffs introduced last summer, aiming to cool consumer prices and regain voter support. The shift narrows broad, politically contentious levies in favour of targeted national‑security probes, easing pressure on exporters in Europe and North America but preserving future legal and lobbying battles.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak Expresses Regret over Ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Denies Wrongdoing
Ehud Barak has publicly expressed regret for his association with Jeffrey Epstein while denying any involvement in illegal activity. The interview follows a major U.S. document release tying numerous high-profile figures to Epstein and raises reputational questions for Barak without, so far, indicating criminal exposure.
Taiwan’s NT$1.25 Trillion Defence Bill Sparks Row Over Job Claims, US Arms and Transparency
A proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defence budget in Taiwan has sparked a domestic row after defence officials claimed it would generate NT$400 billion in output and 90,000 jobs, while critics say most spending will go to US arms purchases and demand greater transparency. The dispute draws in US pressure, opposition allegations of corruption, and Beijing’s condemnation, underscoring tensions between urgent rearmament needs and demands for legislative oversight.
A Chaotic ‘Breakfast Club’ at the EU Summit Exposes Faultlines Over Inclusion and Migration
A hastily arranged pre-summit breakfast hosted by Italy with Germany and Belgium delayed the start of an EU summit and provoked complaints from several member states who said they were not invited. The meeting—intended to coordinate tougher migration policy—produced little substance but highlighted risks to EU cohesion from informal, selective gatherings.
Red Militias Bring Revolutionary Heritage to Villages and Screens Ahead of Lunar New Year
In Jiangxi’s Ji'an region, militia-led teams are delivering patriotic lectures, performances and livestreams at Jinggangshan sites and villages ahead of the Lunar New Year. Combining on-site storytelling, cultural services and digital outreach, the campaign reinforces revolutionary memory while supporting local red-tourism economies and civic education efforts.
KMT Pushes to Reopen Cross‑Strait Channels, Casting DPP as Obstacle to 'Revival of Dawn'
KMT vice‑chair Zhang Rong‑gong vowed to revitalise cross‑Strait exchanges following a Beijing think‑tank forum that produced 15 joint opinions across five areas. He accused the DPP of blocking cooperation and argued that promoting a Chinese identity in Taiwan will deliver economic benefits and greater stability in the Taiwan Strait.
KMT Vice‑Chair Urges Push to Reopen Cross‑Strait Channels, Blames DPP for Obstruction
KMT vice‑chair Zhang Ronggong pledged to convert a Beijing think‑tank forum’s 15 joint recommendations into concrete cross‑strait exchanges, framing the effort as a response to popular demand and a defence of Chinese identity on the island. He accused the DPP of obstructing ties and warned that "de‑Sinicisation" threatens Taiwan’s stability, signalling a renewed contest between engagement and distancing in Taipei politics.
Guangzhou Pharma Graft: 17 Executives Sentenced in RMB200m Corruption and Fake‑drug Ring
China’s Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group has publicly announced the conviction or disciplining of 17 executives in a corruption probe involving more than RMB200 million. The cases, which include bribery, kickbacks and the sale of counterfeit medicines, focus heavily on advertising, procurement and distribution channels within the state‑owned group and its Wanglaoji subsidiary.
Xi Reviews Troops by Video, Urges Holiday Vigilance and Combat-Ready Training
Xi Jinping conducted a video inspection of multiple PLA units on 10 February, delivering Lunar New Year greetings while urging sustained combat readiness and praising recent political rectification and anti-corruption efforts. The outreach highlights the Chinese leadership’s dual focus on tighter Party control and accelerating multi-domain military capability.
Xi Conducts Pre‑New Year Video Inspection of PLA, Spotlighting High‑Tech Units and Readiness
Xi Jinping conducted a nationwide video inspection of the PLA on February 10, reviewing readiness across land, sea, air, rocket, space, cyber and logistics units and offering Lunar New Year greetings. The exercise underscores Beijing’s focus on joint, high‑technology capabilities and centralized civilian control of the military.
Ahead of Lunar New Year, Xi Uses Video Inspection to Showcase Multi‑Domain Military Readiness
Xi Jinping conducted a video inspection of PLA units on February 10 ahead of the Lunar New Year, addressing conventional and specialised forces and highlighting readiness across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains. The event served both as domestic reassurance and an international signal about China’s integrated military capabilities and logistics preparedness.