Tensions between China and Taiwan escalated Friday as a Hong Kong-owned freighter allegedly severed a vital undersea communications cable near Taiwan. The incident, echoing earlier sabotage in the Baltic Sea, has heightened fears of a potential Chinese "quarantine" of Taiwan, aimed at isolating the island from the global community.
In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted China's resilience and confidence while acknowledging the challenges posed by global uncertainties. Xi's speech, delivered ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, emphasized the strength of China's economy, noting its ability to overcome obstacles despite external pressures and the ongoing need for economic transformation.
Taiwan's Presidential Office has conducted its first-ever tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, reflecting the island's intensified efforts to prepare for potential conflict.
Arizona GOP Senator Anthony Kern is recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident while visiting friends and family in South Dakota, according to Kim Quintero, communications director for the Arizona Senate Republicans.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to accept an invitation to attend the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, experts suggest.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has been chosen by the House GOP Steering Committee to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress. Mast, a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was selected over contenders including Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., according to Axios.
The U.S. House is poised to vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, authorizing $895.2 billion for the military, with $849.9 billion allocated directly to the Department of Defense. The 1,813-page bipartisan bill supports service members, defense infrastructure, and U.S. military capabilities.
