Taiwan's parliament has frozen billions in defence spending following Donald Trump's inauguration, raising concerns about the island's readiness against China's threats. The move highlights political divisions and creates uncertainty about US support as Taiwan faces growing military and dipl
US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions on Friday to reaffirm the United States' support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. The conversations also highlighted a new US sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector.
Taiwan's top intelligence official stated that the United States is likely to maintain its policy of containing China while continuing to support Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential elections.
The US "strongly encourages and applauds" the initiatives taken by President William Lai's administration to enhance Taiwan's self-defence through various reforms and investments, Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Washington Office, said.
During the meeting, the leaders will discuss the state of war between Russia and Ukraine, including Kyiv's strategy planning and the US' support for Ukraine's defence against Russia amid the ongoing war.
During his conversation with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated "unwavering US support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran's other regional partners."
Blinken expressed the US' support for Yunus's call for calm and peace, emphasizing their commitment to working with Bangladesh as it pursues a democratic and prosperous future for its people.
Ukraine is concerned over the fact that the country could lose vital US support as Trump's campaign surges and Biden's falters. Trump's public comments have varied between criticising US backing for Ukraine's defence and supporting it.
The Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov,, slammed the United States over the recent missile attack in Crimea, and accused Washington of supporting the "crimes of the Kyiv regime.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Thursday (local time) that the US supports direct discussions between India and Pakistan. However, he noted that pace, scope, and character should be determined by India and Pakistan and not the US.