Taiwan's defense minister, Lai Chao-yuan, faces criticism from China's defense ministry for increasing antagonism and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. Lai has denied these claims, stating that talks with the US are "smoothly" continuing despite possible tariffs. He also announced plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost Taiwan's tech-focused economy, collaborating with private enterprises like Foxconn and Mediatek. Meanwhile, China has held war games around Taiwan, including "Strait Thunder-2025A" and "Joint Sword-2024B", which have been detected by Taiwanese defense ministry radar, with six Chinese planes and 11 vessels spotted in the area recently.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/20/taiwans-lai-calls-for-peace-with-china-but-insists-on-islands-military-preparedness/177445Taiwan's defense minister, Lai Chao-yuan, faces criticism from China's defense ministry for increasing antagonism and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. He is also under pressure due to possible US tariffs, which are currently paused, and is working with Washington to resolve the issue. Lai plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost Taiwan's tech-focused economy, collaborating with private enterprises like Foxconn and Mediatek. China has held war games around Taiwan, including "Strait Thunder-2025A" and "Joint Sword-2024B", which have raised tensions between the two sides.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/taiwan-president-offers-peace-with-china-but-says-island-must-strengthen-defences-13889949.htmlTaiwan's President Lai has announced plans to diversify markets and boost domestic demand to increase economic resilience, amid pressure from Washington to move factories to US soil. He also proposed setting up a sovereign wealth fund to boost the economy. However, his approval rating has fallen to 45.9% due to criticism over his handling of US tariffs on Taiwan and opposition from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP is seeking to unseat around 30 KMT lawmakers through a legal process, while Lai's government faces domestic political turmoil as opposition parties accuse him of being a "dictator" and pushing Taiwan closer to war with China.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/taiwan-says-willing-to-talk-to-china-as-island-boosts-defences/article_e509d9ba-7dbb-5d07-b6e7-ba62e23e6676.htmlUS President Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on countries except Canada, Mexico, and China, with Japan facing a 24% tariff rate starting July unless it negotiates a deal. Japanese policymakers want the US to lift a 25% tariff on automobile imports for a deal. A 90-day trade truce was agreed upon between the US and China. Japan is considering proposals to gain US concessions, including increased US corn and soy imports, technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and revised inspection standards for imported cars.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/20/japan-holds-firm-on-demand-for-us-tariff-elimination-in-trade-talks-warning-against-rushed-deal/177421US President Donald Trump said he relayed a plan to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Germany's Friedrich Merz, in a group call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine will start negotiations for a ceasefire and an end to the war, but did not commit to imposing fresh sanctions on Russia as promised. Trump believes there is a chance of getting something done, but warned that imposing sanctions could make it worse. Without progress, he plans to back away from the process, saying "This is not my war." Putin agreed that efforts to end the war are on the right track and expressed willingness to work with Ukraine on a potential peace deal.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-putin-call-russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-zelenskyy-5140231US President Trump believes that Russia and Ukraine will start negotiations towards a ceasefire and an end to the war, following a conversation with Russian President Putin. The Vatican is interested in hosting these talks, according to Trump. Putin expressed openness to discussing a peace agreement with Ukraine, but noted that more compromises are needed. Trump informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen, and leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and Finland about the resumption of peace talks. The White House warned that Russia's slow-moving efforts were causing frustration, with Vice President JD Vance saying "if Russia is not willing to do that, then we're eventually just going have to say, this is not our war."
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313371-after-2-hour-call-with-putin-trump-says-russia-ukraine-truce-talks-to-start-immediatelyUK, France, and Canada have threatened sanctions against Israel if it doesn't halt its Gaza offensive and allow more humanitarian aid. The leaders of these countries condemned Israel's handling of the situation, calling the limited resumption of aid deliveries "wholly inadequate". They urged Israel to work with the UN to restore consistent aid access in accordance with humanitarian principles.
https://indiatoday.in/world/story/uk-france-canada-threaten-sanctions-against-israel-over-gaza-offensive-glbs-2727334-2025-05-20The effectiveness of a new treaty will be questioned due to the US's absence, as it invested heavily in vaccine development during the pandemic. The US pulled out of the World Health Organization (WHO) and stopped funding in January, after the Trump administration made this announcement. This move has left countries without penalties for ignoring the treaty, raising doubts about its success.
https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/who-members-adopt-a-pandemic-agreement-born-out-of-the-disjointed-global-covid-response/article_b5d30672-e02a-562d-a576-9833a1c15a79.htmlBritish Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have threatened to take action against Israel if it does not stop its military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions. The threat comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to control the whole of Gaza. International experts warn of a looming famine due to Israel's blockade on medical, food, and fuel supplies since March. The Western leaders have condemned Israel's actions as "unacceptable" and "egregious," supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/uk-france-canada-threaten-israel-against-gaza-offensive-8456700