Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced plans to bolster defense spending with a $40 billion budget, citing “intensifying” threats from China, which views the island as its own territory. Lai stated that Xi Jinping’s regime is accelerating military preparations to take Taiwan by force, leading to a focus on achieving a “high level of combat preparedness” by 2027. This includes investment in equipment like missiles and drones, artificial intelligence, and increased cooperation with the United States. President Lai emphasized that any compromise in the face of aggression would only lead to war, and the greatest threat is giving up.
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The European Parliament, in a recent vote, strongly criticized Hungary, accusing it of becoming a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” due to numerous violations of European values. The report highlighted concerns regarding the Hungarian government’s crackdown on LGBTQI+ rights, restrictions on dissent, and threats to judicial independence. MEPs also denounced Budapest’s use of AI-generated content to deceive voters, alongside alleged spying activities within EU institutions. The Parliament urged the EU Council to take decisive action, as the situation in Hungary is worsening while Orbán is scheduled to meet with Putin.
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President Trump defended Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s actions, calling them standard practice for dealmakers. Trump stated that Witkoff was simply doing his job by selling the deal to both Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the necessity of pressure and persuasion in negotiations. While admitting he hadn’t heard the specific recording, Trump viewed the approach as a normal form of negotiation, implying that both sides needed to compromise. These comments came in response to Bloomberg’s publication of a transcript where Witkoff advised Putin’s aides on presenting a “peace agreement” to Trump.
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The article reports on a speech given by Polish MP Grzegorz Braun outside Auschwitz, where he declared “Poland is for Poles, not Jews.” These remarks, made by the head of the far-right Confederation party, sparked outrage. Braun’s comments occurred amidst the Polish government’s plans to adopt a resolution against antisemitism. This is not the first time Braun has caused controversy, as he previously extinguished Hanukkah menorah candles in parliament.
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Recent reports indicate that payments to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been suspended in Yakutia due to regional budget shortfalls, with the finance minister citing an inability to forecast demand. This follows a period of record military spending by Russia, which has offered substantial financial incentives to attract recruits. The suspension of payments could signal financial strain and liquidity problems within Russia’s war effort, as several other regions have already cut bonuses to recruits. Despite assurances from Yakutia officials that payments will be made, the ongoing economic impact of the war may lead to further financial difficulties.
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Recent reports from Chinese media suggest several domestic airlines have suspended flights to Japan amidst escalating political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, with routes to popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka impacted. According to financial news outlet Yicai, citing aviation data, approximately 41 flights across 12 routes have been cancelled, representing around 15% of the total routes. Independent aviation analysts anticipate further cancellations, potentially extending through March, particularly affecting flights to Osaka, a popular destination for younger travelers during the New Year holiday, due to safety concerns. The cancellations primarily involve flights operated by major state-owned carriers like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
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Following the success of the Gaza peace deal, US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a collaborative effort with Russia to establish a similar plan for Ukraine. Witkoff, during a brief phone call with Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, offered advice on how Putin should present the proposal to Donald Trump. Witkoff suggested Putin initiate a call with Trump before a planned White House visit by Volodymyr Zelenskiy, utilizing the Gaza agreement as a model.
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Italy’s parliament has passed a law introducing femicide into criminal law, mandating life imprisonment for the crime, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The law, supported by both the center-right government and center-left opposition, aims to address a surge in violence targeting women and includes enhanced measures against gender-based crimes. Public outcry over high-profile cases, such as the murder of Giulia Cecchettin, spurred the law’s passage, although opposition parties emphasize the need to address economic and cultural issues. The current debate now focuses on including sexual and emotional education in schools as a method of prevention, despite a government-proposed ban on the subject.
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China and Russia have expressed unwavering support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amidst escalating tensions with the United States. Leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sent letters of solidarity, with Xi strongly rejecting external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. This backing comes as the Trump administration considers potential military action, having labeled Maduro as the head of the “Cartel de los Soles” and increased military presence in the Caribbean. Despite this, the possibility of direct talks between Trump and Maduro remains open.
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The Vatican recently issued a document, signed by Pope Leo XIV, warning against the rise of polyamory and reaffirming the Church’s stance on monogamous marriage. The note, titled “One Flesh – In Praise of Monogamy,” emphasizes marriage as the exclusive, lifelong partnership between a man and a woman, addressing the growing prevalence of non-monogamous unions, including polyamory and discussions on polygamy in Africa. The 40-page document highlights the importance of the “unitive” aspect of sex within marriage, beyond procreation, and underscores the foundation of unity within marriage. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Vatican’s doctrine office, explained the document aimed to explain the importance of an exclusive union of love.
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John Q. Hosedrinker