Politics News

Latest politics news and updates

Total: 172

Side view of a man in a leather jacket holding a handgun, conveying a theme of defence and danger.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月13日 06:54
#Taiwan#defence budget#arms procurement
The European Union flag gracefully waving on a flagpole against a cloudy sky in Strasbourg, France.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月13日 06:44
#European Union#EU summit#Italy
Soldiers in vibrant uniforms reenacting a historical battle with muskets outdoors.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月13日 06:44
#Jinggangshan#red militia#red tourism
Majestic golden and white temples contrast amid lush gardens showcasing traditional Thai architecture.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月13日 06:44
#cross‑Strait relations#Kuomintang#Zhang Rong‑gong
Masked performers in colorful traditional costumes parade during a vibrant cultural festival in Taiwan.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月12日 17:34
#China#Taiwan#Kuomintang
Close-up of a broken hard disk drive showing internal components on a pink background.
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.

NeMo2026年2月12日 11:24
#Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group#Wanglaoji#corruption
Military soldiers shouting commands in camouflage uniforms during an outdoor training drill.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月12日 04:04
#Xi Jinping#People's Liberation Army#military readiness
Military soldiers shouting commands in camouflage uniforms during an outdoor training drill.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月11日 21:34
#Xi Jinping#People's Liberation Army#military readiness
Colorful gift boxes with red packets and lanterns for Chinese New Year celebration.
Politics

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.

SoMi2026年2月11日 15:24
#Xi Jinping#People's Liberation Army#Lunar New Year
A therapy session for military veterans focusing on mental health and PTSD support.
Politics

How a Shandong City Is Turning Veteran Care Into Civil‑Military Glue

Xintai, a city in Shandong province, has built a systematic, municipality‑level support network for active‑duty troops, veterans and martyrs’ families that ranges from emergency financial aid and medical outreach to agricultural help and reunification of bereaved families. Officials say the measures improve soldiers’ focus, reward merit, and institutionalize remembrance, turning social respect for military service into concrete, routinized care.

SoMi2026年2月11日 08:34
#China#civil‑military relations#veterans affairs
Close-up of a vintage typewriter with the text 'Arms Export' on paper, focusing on journalism and government topics.
Politics

Takaichi’s Gambit: Japan’s Election Win Paves Way for Arms Exports and Regional Frictions

Sanae Takaichi’s decisive electoral victory has unlocked a push to lift Japan’s long-standing ban on lethal weapons exports, signalling a major shift in Tokyo’s postwar defence posture. The change promises economic opportunities for Japan’s defence industry but risks heightening regional tensions and provoking strong responses from China and neighbouring states.

SoMi2026年2月11日 08:34
#Japan#Sanae Takaichi#arms exports
A heartwarming moment of two people embracing amidst Chinese New Year decorations indoors.
Politics

PLA Spokesman Uses Lunar New Year Greeting to Stress Readiness as China Enters New Five‑Year Era

China’s defence ministry used a Lunar New Year message to blend traditional festival greetings with muscular military metaphors, stressing PLA readiness as Beijing enters a new five‑year planning period. The statement serves both domestic morale and external signaling on continuity in defence modernization.

SoMi2026年2月10日 19:25
#People's Liberation Army#Ministry of National Defense#Lunar New Year