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Biden and Marcron, help against the Russian terror beasts
Biden and Marcron, help against the Russian terror beasts
Ukraine: President Zelenskyy visits wounded soldiers
Ukraine: President Zelenskyy visits wounded soldiers
Ukraine: Pregnant woman and baby die after hospital attack
Ukraine: Pregnant woman and baby die after Mariupol hospital attack
Aftermath of a deadly attack on a residential block in Kyiv
Aftermath of a deadly attack on a residential block in Kyiv
Glory to heroic Ukraine! Слава героїчній Україні!
Glory to heroic Ukraine! Слава героїчній Україні!
Ehre der heldenhaften Ukraine - Слава героїчній Україні - Glory to heroic Ukraine - Honneur à l'Ukraine héroïque - ¡Gloria a la heroica Ucrania!
Ehre der heldenhaften Ukraine! Слава героїчній Україні! Glory to heroic Ukraine! Honneur à l'Ukraine héroïque! ¡Gloria a la heroica Ucrania!
Call Russia: Speak of Russia's WAR against Ukraine
Call Russia: Speak of Russia's WAR against Ukraine
Ukraine President Zelenskyy slams the West for unkept "promises"
Ukraine President Zelenskyy slams the West for unkept "promises"
Against russian Terror-Army: Kherson citizens protest Russian occupation
Against russian Terror-Army: Kherson citizens protest Russian occupation
'See what your friend Putin has done': A Polish mayor mocks Salvini for his previous support of Putin
'See what your friend Putin has done': A Polish mayor mocks Salvini for his previous support of Putin
Annamaria one of a million children: 10-year-old child who fled the war in Ukraine
Annamaria one of a million children: 10-year-old child who fled the war in Ukraine
Russians turn to VPNs to stay connected as online censorship tightens over Ukraine war
Russians turn to VPNs to stay connected as online censorship tightens over Ukraine war
Is this Europe's plan for China?
Relations between Europe and China have changed rapidly in recent years. While China, as the world's second largest economy, has become an indispensable trading partner, concerns about dependencies, human rights issues and technological competitive conditions are also increasing. This raises the question for the European Union: how should it, as a union of states and an economic power, deal with China in the future?Economic opportunities and dependenciesChina is now the largest trading partner or at least one of the most important sales markets for numerous European countries. European export companies, particularly in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, are benefiting from the rapid development in the Far East. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that over-reliance on Chinese supply chains – for example, for the procurement of critical raw materials or important electronic components – entails economic and geopolitical risks.The European Union therefore wants to diversify its supply chains and markets. Part of this strategy lies in the targeted promotion of European technology and innovation projects, for example through the ‘European Chips Act’ or the advancement of its own battery cell and semiconductor production. The aim is to become a global engine of innovation and to reduce the one-sided dependence on imports from China.Value-oriented foreign policyEurope sees itself not only as an economic union, but also as a community of values that upholds the protection of human rights. In its cooperation with China, however, these principles regularly collide with Beijing's ideas of sovereignty and governance. For example, issues such as the situation in Xinjiang, the situation in Hong Kong or questions about freedom of expression and freedom of the press cause tensions.This leads to a balancing act: on the one hand, Europe wants to promote trade and investment with China, but on the other hand, it feels it has a duty to criticise human rights violations. At the diplomatic level, this means a combination of dialogue and, where necessary, economic or political pressure. The EU and individual member states are trying to send clear signals by imposing targeted sanctions or suspending certain agreements.Technology and competitionEurope also faces the challenge of safeguarding its technological sovereignty without losing access to the lucrative Chinese market. Whether it's 5G expansion, artificial intelligence or high-speed trains, China has shifted the innovation focus in many key technologies and is increasingly penetrating areas in which European companies have so far been leading. Conversely, European companies in sensitive sectors are reconsidering their cooperation with Chinese partners.Conclusion: constructively shaping mutual dependenceIn view of global challenges such as climate change or pandemics, pragmatic cooperation between Europe and China is unavoidable. The EU should pursue a multi-pronged approach: it must strengthen its economic and technological independence, represent clear values and assert its interests with confidence. At the same time, cooperation with Beijing is required to combat common problems, for example in climate protection.The key task for Europe is to find a way to promote trade and innovation without sacrificing important values and standards. The motto is: engagement where it makes sense for both sides – but also drawing clear boundaries when crucial principles are at stake.
Argentina, Milei and the US dollar?
Argentine economist and politician Javier Milei garnered significant attention with his proposal to dollarise Argentina’s economy. Renowned for his outspoken views, Milei argues that switching to the US dollar would tame the country’s runaway inflation and stabilise the monetary system. Yet, despite widespread debate, this radical measure has not been implemented. What factors are preventing a swift transition to the greenback?Complex Economic RealitiesOne of the chief barriers to immediate dollarisation is Argentina’s chronic lack of sufficient foreign reserves. Converting an entire national currency into US dollars requires a robust stockpile of hard currency to back deposits and transactions. Argentina’s reserves, however, have been under persistent pressure due to debt obligations, trade imbalances, and capital flight—hardly an ideal foundation for a large-scale monetary overhaul.Domestic Policy ConstraintsFurthermore, the proposal faces a host of domestic policy challenges. Any government considering dollarisation must align its fiscal policies with the new currency regime. This includes placing strict limits on deficit spending and overhauling public expenditure practices. Argentina’s entrenched budget deficits and reliance on monetary financing complicate these reforms considerably. Even if Milei could muster enough political support, balancing the budget and enacting austerity measures would likely spark domestic unrest.Institutional and Legal HurdlesThe Argentine Constitution does not explicitly prohibit the adoption of a foreign currency, yet the legal framework surrounding bank regulations, contracts, and state obligations complicates an abrupt switch. Existing debts, wages, and pensions—often denominated in pesos—would need to be recalculated. Moreover, securing approval from multiple layers of government, including Congress and provincial authorities, is no trivial task.IMF Concerns and International RelationsArgentina’s longstanding relationship with the International Monetary Fund further complicates attempts at dollarisation. The IMF, which has extended substantial loans to Argentina, tends to advocate for stable monetary frameworks but is often wary of extreme measures that might undermine the viability of sovereign financial systems. Any plan to scrap the peso would likely invite further scrutiny from international lenders and bondholders.The Road AheadWhile Javier Milei remains a vocal proponent of dollarisation, his vision must contend with Argentina’s political realities, economic constraints, and external obligations. Without broad consensus on budgetary discipline and robust foreign reserves, an abrupt adoption of the US dollar could prove disruptive. As a result, the push for dollarisation may be relegated to political rhetoric unless Argentina’s policymakers find the means and the will to enact deep structural changes.ConclusionFor now, Milei’s ambition has not materialised, serving instead as a flashpoint in Argentina’s ongoing economic debate. Whether the country will one day fully embrace dollarisation remains an open question—one hinging on both domestic consensus and international confidence in Argentina’s financial and institutional stability.
The Roman Empire and its downfall?
The fall of the Roman Empire has fascinated historians, political analysts, and history enthusiasts for centuries. Once an unparalleled power that stretched across much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Rome eventually succumbed to a complicated web of internal weaknesses and external pressures. But what factors most decisively contributed to its downfall?Overextension and Resource StrainOne prominent reason for the Empire’s decline lies in its vast territorial expanse. As the Empire expanded, maintaining military and administrative control over far-flung provinces became an immense challenge. Garrisoning remote frontiers and sustaining essential infrastructure, such as roads and aqueducts, placed enormous financial and logistical burdens on the imperial administration. Over time, these obligations led to heightened taxation and social unrest, eroding the Empire’s stability from within.Political Instability and Weak LeadershipAnother fundamental weakness was Rome’s inability to establish a consistent and resilient political structure. Frequent coups, civil wars, and assassinations destabilised the imperial government. Short-lived emperors were often more focused on consolidating power and eliminating rivals than enacting long-term reforms. This lack of continuity in governance engendered bureaucratic inefficiency and thwarted coherent policymaking, leaving Rome ill-prepared to address growing internal and external threats.Economic Decline and HyperinflationEconomic disruptions also played a pivotal role. As wars grew costlier, silver coinage was devalued repeatedly, leading to rampant inflation. Confidence in the currency eroded, triggering a cycle of price increases and diminishing trade. Many farmers abandoned their land, amplifying rural depopulation and further undermining agricultural productivity. Trade routes, once the arteries of Roman commerce, became perilous, stifling economic growth and rendering the state increasingly vulnerable.The Rise of External ThreatsSimultaneously, external forces took advantage of Rome’s weakening grip. Germanic tribes and other barbarian groups pressed against the Empire’s borders, sensing the growing fragility of Roman power. Although Rome had once managed to integrate or repel these incursions, mounting economic strain and military overextension hindered an effective response. Over time, repeated invasions culminated in the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 CE and the eventual deposition of the last Western Roman Emperor in 476 CE.Social and Cultural TransformationLastly, shifting social and cultural dynamics played a role. Traditional Roman values of civic duty and loyalty to the state gradually gave way to localised loyalties and a reliance on mercenary forces. The rise of Christianity, while not the sole cause of the Empire’s decline, reoriented cultural and political power away from older Roman institutions and towards the Church, reducing the emperors’ influence and the old civic order’s authority.Conclusion No single event or factor can wholly explain the collapse of the Roman Empire. Rather, it was the convergence of overextension, economic instability, political turmoil, and shifting social foundations that led to Rome’s ultimate disintegration. While debates on the precise causes continue, most historians agree that the empire’s downfall underscores the fragile balance between power, governance, and societal cohesion—an enduring lesson for any ambitious political system.
Trump needs to avoid debt Collapse
As Donald Trump commences his second tenure—this time as the 47th President of the United States—one of his administration’s most pressing challenges is preventing a potential debt collapse. The U.S. government’s outstanding liabilities have surged in recent years, raising concerns among economists, financial markets, and global partners alike. But why is it imperative for President Trump to avert such a crisis?Safeguarding Economic StabilityA default or debt crisis could trigger a chain reaction, undermining confidence in the U.S. financial system and sending shockwaves through global markets. The American dollar serves as the world’s primary reserve currency, underpinning countless international transactions. A significant disruption in U.S. debt repayments would thus erode trust in treasury bonds, widely regarded as one of the safest investment vehicles worldwide.Preserving Global StandingThe United States has long been viewed as a pillar of financial stability. Should Washington struggle to meet its debt obligations, both diplomatic and economic repercussions would be swift. Trade agreements might be thrown into disarray, with key allies reconsidering their long-term partnerships. Ensuring fiscal integrity is crucial if President Trump wishes to maintain America’s influence and credibility on the world stage.Protecting Domestic ProsperityA debt collapse would not merely affect international investors; it would have tangible consequences at home. Interest rates on consumer and business loans could spike, making mortgages, car payments, and credit more expensive for ordinary Americans. Additionally, a government scrambling to stabilise the budget might be forced to cut essential services or postpone vital infrastructure projects. President Trump’s electoral base, which seeks job growth and economic opportunity, would be disproportionately impacted by such austerity measures.Upholding Investor ConfidenceFinancial markets thrive on predictability. Even rumours of a potential default can destabilise share prices and unsettle bond markets, discouraging both domestic and foreign investors. President Trump’s administration aims to foster a business-friendly climate; allowing the national debt situation to spiral would stand at odds with this objective. Maintaining robust investor confidence is vital for job creation, entrepreneurship, and sustained economic expansion.ConclusionFor the 47th U.S. President, averting a debt collapse is about more than safeguarding government finances. It is about preserving America’s economic dynamism, retaining global leadership, and reassuring citizens that growth and stability remain priorities. A carefully managed fiscal strategy could prove decisive in cementing President Trump’s legacy as a steward of American prosperity.
Trump’s Crackdown: Lives/Risk
In a dramatic push to tackle the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs in the United States, President Donald Trump has taken decisive action against the pharmaceutical industry. With the stroke of a pen, he signed an executive order designed to slash drug prices, promising relief for millions of Americans burdened by exorbitant healthcare costs. However, this bold move has sparked fierce debate, with critics warning that the consequences could be catastrophic—potentially costing millions of lives due to drug shortages and stifled innovation.Trump’s Plan to Lower Drug PricesThe executive order, enacted on May 12, 2025, seeks to align U.S. drug prices with those in other developed nations, where medications often cost a fraction of what Americans pay. Trump has long criticized the pharmaceutical industry for what he calls unfair pricing practices, arguing that U.S. consumers have been overcharged for years. The order aims to reduce prices by 30% to 80%, targeting both brand-name and generic drugs. It relies on voluntary compliance from drug companies, with the threat of future regulations looming if they fail to cooperate. For many patients, this could mean significant savings on medications that currently drain their finances.The Dark Side: Drug Shortages LoomWhile the goal of affordability is laudable, the plan has raised red flags among healthcare experts and industry leaders. One major concern is the risk of drug shortages. The U.S. already faces periodic shortages of critical medications, such as those used in cancer treatments and epidurals. Forcing pharmaceutical companies to lower prices could make it unprofitable to produce certain drugs, particularly low-cost generics. If production slows or stops, hospitals and pharmacies could struggle to secure enough supply, leaving patients without access to life-saving treatments. The ripple effect could be devastating, especially for vulnerable populations like cancer patients and the elderly.A Blow to InnovationBeyond immediate supply issues, the executive order could deal a severe blow to pharmaceutical innovation. Developing new drugs is an expensive and risky endeavor, often costing billions of dollars and taking years of research. The U.S. market, with its higher drug prices, has long been a key source of revenue for this work. If that revenue shrinks, companies may cut back on research and development, slowing the creation of new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and rare genetic disorders. A healthcare economist recently cautioned that such a move could “delay breakthroughs that millions of patients are counting on,” trading short-term savings for long-term losses in medical progress.Economic FalloutThe economic implications are equally troubling. The pharmaceutical industry employs thousands of Americans and drives significant investment in the U.S. economy. Lower prices could lead to job cuts and reduced funding for new projects. One major drug company has already hinted at rethinking its $50 billion investment in the U.S. if the order takes full effect. While consumers might save money at the pharmacy, the broader economy could suffer as a result.The Case for ChangeDespite these risks, supporters argue that action is overdue. Prescription drug prices in the U.S. are nearly three times higher than in other advanced countries, forcing many Americans to ration their medications or skip doses entirely. Lowering prices could save billions of dollars and improve access for those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. For these patients, Trump’s order represents a lifeline—a chance to afford the drugs they need to survive.A High-Stakes GambleAs the dust settles, the debate rages on. Will Trump’s crackdown on the pharmaceutical industry deliver on its promise of affordable healthcare, or will it unleash a cascade of unintended consequences? The order’s success hinges on cooperation from an industry reluctant to sacrifice profits, and its failure could leave patients paying the ultimate price. For now, the nation watches as this high-stakes gamble unfolds, with millions of lives in the balance.
Russia's Population Plummets
The terrorist state of Russia is struggling with a profound demographic crisis that shows no signs of abating. As of 2025, the country’s population is estimated at approximately 146 million, a decline from 147.2 million in 2021. This steady shrinkage reflects a long-term trend driven by low birth rates, high mortality, and increasing emigration. The total fertility rate currently sits at 1.41 children per woman—far below the 2.1 needed to sustain a population. Meanwhile, life expectancy averages 73 years, though a notable disparity exists between men (68 years) and women (79 years). With a median age of 41.9 years, Russia’s population is aging rapidly, placing additional strain on an already fragile system.Several factors fuel this crisis. High mortality rates, especially among men, have plagued Russia for decades, with deaths outpacing births since 1992, barring a brief reversal from 2013 to 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this imbalance, claiming numerous lives, while the ongoing war in Ukraine has compounded the problem. The conflict has led to significant casualties and injuries, alongside a mass exodus of citizens—many young and skilled—fleeing conscription and economic hardship. This emigration has accelerated the brain drain, robbing Russia of talent critical to its future.Government efforts to reverse the decline have largely fallen short. Policies promoting larger families through financial incentives, coupled with restrictions on abortion and campaigns for traditional values, have failed to boost birth rates significantly. Recent data indicates that births in early 2025 hit a historic low, with economic uncertainty, inadequate healthcare, and pessimism about the future deterring parenthood. The war has further eroded confidence, as sanctions and instability deepen the sense of insecurity among Russians.The consequences of this demographic spiral are dire. Economically, a shrinking workforce threatens labor shortages, reduced productivity, and a dwindling tax base, with projections suggesting the population could fall to 130 million by 2046. An aging populace will demand more healthcare and pension support, stretching resources thin. Militarily, fewer young men available for conscription could undermine Russia’s defense capabilities, particularly amid ongoing conflicts. Nationally, the crisis raises questions about Russia’s ability to secure its vast territory and maintain its geopolitical stature, with some fearing increased vulnerability to external pressures.Public opinion is split. Optimists argue that technology, innovation, and global partnerships could mitigate the crisis, while pessimists see an inevitable decline in Russia’s influence. Without addressing the root causes—high mortality, low fertility, and emigration—the government’s current approach risks failure. Russia’s future hinges on bold, effective action to halt this demographic freefall.Looking back and against the backdrop of the aforementioned evil of a ruthless and murderous war, which the criminal mass murderer and war criminal Vladimir Putin (72) instigated as Russian dictator without any reason against neighbouring Ukraine, in which hundreds of Russian men are dying a miserable death every day on the battlefields of Ukraine, Russia will ultimately bleed to death, and perhaps that is a good thing, because the Russian people have brought immeasurable suffering upon other people, and it would ultimately be just if they paid a very high price for it!
NYALA Digital Asset AG
The financial world is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, and NYALA Digital Asset AG is positioning itself as a pioneer in this change. This German company is shaping the future of capital markets and opening new paths for businesses and investors alike.NYALA is the first truly digital alternative to traditional investment banks. The company offers a platform through which stocks and bonds can be issued—without exchanges, banks, or paperwork. Faster, cheaper, and across borders. In doing so, NYALA is democratizing both capital access for companies and investment opportunities for retail investors.NYALA’s pioneering work is regulated under Germany’s Electronic Securities Act (eWpG) and was recently awarded a government research grant from the German Federal Ministry of Research.NYALA solves a serious issue: traditional capital markets aren’t built for small and mid-sized enterprises. IPOs require multi-million budgets and specialized legal advisors. As a result, 90% of mid-sized growth companies lack access. This often leads to the most exciting investment opportunities being allocated behind closed doors—to exclusive investor circles.A New Era for Capital Markets: DPO Instead of IPOWhat used to be a costly and complex IPO is now a lean, digital process. NYALA enables so-called DPOs – Digital Public Offerings. Companies issue securities directly to investors via digital channels: through their websites, apps, or partner platforms.According to Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock—the world’s largest asset manager—the future of capital markets lies in this kind of digital securities. The market holds enormous potential: by 2030, volumes of over €10 trillion are expected. In Europe, there is an annual funding gap of €800 billion that NYALA aims to close. Already, over 5,000 investors and issuers from six EU countries trust the platform.An Exciting Announcement for Investors: With a current share price of around €90, significant short-term potential and a target above €1.000, investors can now participate online—a process as simple as online shopping. And 15% of investments in NYALA can be refunded by the German Office for Economic Affairs. More information at https://digital.nyala.deAgainst this backdrop, the business editors of the FRANKFURTER TAGESZEITUNG see NYALA as one of the pioneers in the digital transformation of the financial sector.NYALA is now expanding across Europe and offers investors the chance to get in early on a promising future. With a solid foundation and a clear growth path, this Berlin-based company is revolutionizing how capital is raised and applied to benefit the European economy. The digitization of finance has begun—and NYALA is leading it forward.NYALA Digital Asset AG ISIN:DE000A3EX2V1 More information at: https://digital.nyala.de
Beijing's new Taiwan playbook
Beijing's military machinery and political ambitions have moved it closer to a point where it could attempt to seize Taiwan by force. Decades of double‑digit defence spending have yielded advanced amphibious assault vessels, fleets of hypersonic and ballistic missiles and an air force that can saturate airspace around the island. Naval analysts note that the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s new Type 054B guided‑missile frigates incorporate artificial‑intelligence‑enabled sensors to improve anti‑submarine warfare and fleet air defence and can undertake long‑range escort missions. Dozens of civilian‑flagged research vessels, operating under the cover of scientific exploration, have spent years mapping the seabed across the western Pacific and as far afield as Guam and Hawaii to improve Chinese submarine navigation and to erode the United States’ traditional advantage in undersea warfare. Expanded missile launch infrastructure in Xinjiang, featuring scores of launch pads, is intended to increase the survivability of China’s land‑based nuclear forces.Yet despite these capabilities, Beijing has shown little appetite for a near‑term invasion. A recent threat assessment by the United States’ intelligence community concluded that Chinese leaders do not currently plan to execute an invasion by 2027 and lack a fixed timetable for unification. Taiwan’s defence ministry concurs that China’s build‑up is relentless but emphasises that deterrence, rather than assumptions about invasion windows, will shape Beijing’s calculations. Analysts argue that a war would trigger unprecedented economic costs. Taiwan’s semiconductor industry underpins global technology supply chains and about a fifth of world trade transits the Taiwan Strait. Any conflict that closed this artery would reverberate through financial markets, manufacturing and energy supplies. Even without U.S. intervention, Chinese leadership would risk social stability at home if a miscalculated assault stalled or provoked severe sanctions.Against this backdrop, Beijing has refined what some analysts describe as a grey‑zone strategy — a web of coercive measures designed to wear down Taiwan’s morale and manoeuvre it towards “reunification” without firing a shot. People’s Liberation Army aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone more than three hundred times a month after William Lai’s 2024 election, only for the number of incursions to fall sharply in 2026 as planners redistributed sorties to training and maintenance. China’s coast guard now conducts routine multi‑ship patrols in the restricted waters around Kinmen and Pratas, two Taiwanese‑administered archipelagos close to the mainland, to normalise jurisdictional claims and erode Taiwan’s threat awareness. As part of the large‑scale “Strait Thunder 2025A” and “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, the People’s Liberation Army practised cutting power and blockading Taiwan’s liquefied natural gas terminals — a rehearsal for imposing energy strangulation during a future crisis.Energy insecurity is a key prong of Beijing’s hybrid approach. Taiwan imports around 97 percent of its energy, with liquefied natural gas accounting for roughly half of electricity generation. When war in Iran temporarily choked off shipments through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, Chinese‑language social media channels flooded TikTok and Xiaohongshu with ominous videos claiming Taiwan’s gas reserves would expire within a fortnight and extolling “peaceful unification” as the only remedy. Officials from the Taiwan Affairs Office even offered to supply electricity and gas from the mainland as soon as Taiwan surrendered its sovereignty. Taiwan’s government countered by publicising the diversification of its imports, increasing strategic reserves and conducting joint navy‑coast‑guard drills to escort fuel tankers through potential blockades. Such moves aim to reassure citizens and blunt the psychological impact of Beijing’s energy narratives.Political infiltration forms another component of the grey‑zone campaign. Beijing has long supported parties in Taiwan that advocate a looser relationship with the mainland, but recent cases show a willingness to back actors whose public stance on unification is ambiguous. Taiwanese courts convicted a former spokesperson for the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) after she accepted funds from Chinese handlers and provided contact lists of government agencies. Investigators say the case is not isolated: election interference and covert recruitment have targeted both the centrist TPP and elements of the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). At the international level, Chinese diplomats persuade or pressure host governments to label Taiwan as a province of China; Taiwan stayed away from this year’s World Trade Organization ministerial in Yaoundé after delegates were issued documents bearing that designation.This cognitive warfare extends to culture and education. President William Lai has warned that video‑sharing platforms may be used to cultivate the notion that Taiwanese and mainland Chinese people are “one family” and to foster resignation towards annexation. His administration has banned certain Chinese apps from public‑sector devices and proposed curriculum changes to strengthen civic identity and debunk disinformation. Opinion polls still show a solid majority of Taiwanese identifying as Taiwanese rather than Chinese, suggesting that Beijing’s narrative campaigns have yet to shift the island’s self‑perception.While China deploys these non‑military tools, Taiwan is struggling to adapt its defence posture. The DPP has proposed a special budget worth around US$40 billion to procure hundreds of thousands of unmanned systems, develop an integrated air and missile defence network and fund the domestic arms industry. Opposition parties controlling the legislature have delayed the budget, preferring a smaller package focused on conventional platforms such as artillery and anti‑tank missiles. Delays threaten to slow deliveries of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, self‑propelled howitzers and anti‑tank weapons from the United States. At the same time, Taipei is investing in its first domestically built submarine and plans to upgrade two Dutch‑built boats from the 1980s. Such measures are meant to raise the cost of aggression and complicate any blockade.Elsewhere in the region, countries are recalibrating their own strategies in anticipation of cross‑strait tensions. Japan has acquired Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States and is modifying its destroyers to carry them, signalling a shift towards a counter‑strike doctrine that can threaten missile launch platforms on the Chinese coast. The Philippines and Japan have agreed to step up military intelligence sharing and have begun negotiating a boundary in their overlapping exclusive economic zones east of Taiwan. Manila is seeking Japanese anti‑submarine destroyers and anti‑ship missiles to bolster its navy. Such cooperation, alongside the United States’ continued security commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act, suggests that any attempt by Beijing to seal off the island would face a more coordinated regional response.Seen together, these developments reveal why Beijing may perceive hybrid coercion as “something better” than a risky assault. China’s ability to project force across the Taiwan Strait has improved markedly, but its leaders recognise that a failed invasion would jeopardise economic growth and political legitimacy. By combining military modernisation with psychological operations, energy leverage, political interference and calibrated maritime pressure, Beijing hopes to corrode Taiwan’s will and convince its citizens that unification is inevitable. Whether this strategy succeeds will depend on Taiwan’s resilience, the cohesion of its democratic institutions and the willingness of regional partners to deter aggression. For now, the contest remains a test not of who can fire the first shot, but of whose vision for the island’s future will ultimately prevail.
Lebanon: Is a new wave of refugees coming to the EU?
A representative for the UN's refugee agency told Euronews that Europe could be seen as a refuge amid fears of a growing humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East, prompted by the conflict between Israel, Iran, Lebanon and Hamas.