China and Taiwan drama continues to escalate
War of words between Taiwan and China escalates: Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen signaled in a speech on Sunday that the country was not going to be forced into reunification with China. Taiwan has come under growing political and military pressure from China, as Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed a “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan. In a speech on Sunday, Tsai said that the small nation intends to bolster its national defense to ensure that it isn’t forced into a way of life that is neither liberal nor democratic. Tensions in the region have escalated since last month, when Australia, the UK and the US announced an enhanced trilateral security partnership (AUKUS), which will give Australia at least eight nuclear powered submarines powered by U.S. technology.
Also worth knowing this morning:
- Iraqis headed to the polls yesterday to vote for a new parliament.
- Iran plans to offer oil for investment and goods, in a plan that could rest on the reinstating of the 2015 nuclear agreement.