EU Warns of Response as U.S. Considers 25% Tariffs on Car Imports 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire 
Russian Forces Advance Toward Kostiantynivka as Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Ukraine 
Lebanon Political Divide Complicates Saudi Push for Israel Negotiations 
U.S. Weapons Delays Raise Concerns Among European Allies Amid Iran Conflict 
Trump Signals Major U.S. Troop Reduction in Germany Amid NATO Tensions and Trade Disputes 
Iran Proposal on Strait of Hormuz and U.S. Blockade Faces Rejection from Trump 
Trump Signals Possible Renewal of U.S. Strikes on Iran 
Rising Tensions in US-Europe Relations Amid Trump Policies and Iran War 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid China Pressure and Airspace Tensions 
Japan Eases Arms Export Rules, Opening Door for Potential Ukraine Defense Support 
U.S. Sanctions Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila Over Rebel Support 
Cuba Condemns New U.S. Sanctions, Calls Measures “Collective Punishment” 
Trump Congratulates Ali al-Zaidi on Iraq Prime Minister Nomination, Signals Strong U.S.-Iraq Ties 
FEMA Reinstates Employees After Dissent Letter, Signaling Shift in Workforce Stability 
U.S. Fast-Tracks $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies Amid Rising Tensions 
Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano reaffirmed the Pacific Island nation’s support for Taiwan in his latest visit to the island nation. The support by the nation toward Taiwan also comes amidst tensions with China.
During a welcome ceremony in Taipei hosted by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Natano reaffirmed its support and commitment to Taiwan. Natano said “decent and common values” were always a strength of the relations between Tuvalu and Taiwan.
Both nations have had diplomatic ties for 40 years, with Tuvalu being one of the 14 countries that hold diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
“Through tumultuous times of geostrategic agendas, we continue to stand firm in our commitment to remain a lasting and loyal ally of the Republic of China,” said Natano, referring to Taiwan by its formal name.
“I recognize the cornerstones of our diplomatic ties, involving two nations founded on the principles of democracy, trust, human rights, and the freedom of the individual.”
This marks Natano’s first trip to Taiwan as prime minister since his election back in 2019.
Tsai also praised the friendship between the two nations, thanking Tuvalu for speaking up for Taiwan on the world stage while also supporting its international participation. Two Pacific countries ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2019 in favor of China: the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
The visit also comes at a time when the Pacific Island nations, especially the Solomon Islands, became a focal point in the growing dispute between China and the United States in the region. The Solomon Islands has had tense relations with the US since agreeing on a security pact with China this year.
The Pentagon announced last week that the US State Department had approved a potential $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the arms package to Taiwan would include 60 anti-ship missiles, 100 air-to-air missiles, as well as contractor logistics support for a surveillance radar program.
A State Department spokesperson said the latest arms package was important for Taiwan’s security. China’s foreign ministry has demanded that Washington revoke the sale to Taiwan. The United States is legally bound to provide Taiwan with arms.
