Mastodawn

Donald Trump claims "nothing's changed" on U.S. policy toward Taiwan. But his remarks about support for the democratic island — and what they portend after his summit with China's Xi Jinping — belie a shifting reality. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/17/asia-pacific/politics/trump-taiwan-china-analysis/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #us #china #xijinping #donaldtrump #taiwan #uschinarelations #usjapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #defense

Trump says ‘nothing’s changed’ on Taiwan. But his words belie a big shift.

The U.S. president has warned Taipei on independence moves and called American arms deals a 'negotiating chip' in talks with China.

The Japan Times

World news | The Guardian 3h ago

‘Tearing down barriers’: North Korean footballers arrive in Seoul for first time in eight years https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/17/afc-women-champions-league-north-korea-south-korea-naegohyang-fc-suwon #SouthKorea #NorthKorea #AsianChampionsLeague #Football #AsiaPacific #WorldNews #Sport

‘Tearing down barriers’: North Korean footballers arrive in Seoul for first time in eight years

Naegohyang FC due to play Suwon FC in semi-final of Asian Women’s Champions League on Wednesday

The Guardian

S.v. N.Sönmez 7h ago

Oslo cancels export license for a naval missile system bound for Malaysia after new regulations, possibly altering defense dynamics in Asia‑Pacific. This decision may prompt a review of dual‑use protocols, calling for clearer international agreements.

🚩 #Defense #ArmsTrade #Geopolitics #AsiaPacific

The Japan Times 11h ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China on May 19 for a two-day visit, hot on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to Beijing, the Kremlin has announced. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/17/asia-pacific/politics/russia-putin-china-visit/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #russia #china #xijinping #donaldtrump #us #vladimirputin #russiaukrainewar #ukraine

Putin to visit China for talks with Xi, days after Trump trip

During the trip, the Russian leader will discuss with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping how to 'further strengthen the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.'

The Japan Times

The Japan Times 12h ago

A collision between a freight train and a bus killed at least eight people and injured more than 30 in Bangkok on Saturday, police said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/17/asia-pacific/thailand-train-bus-crash/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #thailand #bangkok #rail #railaccidents

Collision between train and bus kills at least eight in Bangkok

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an investigation into the incident, according to a statement from his office.

The Japan Times

World news | The Guardian 22h ago

At least eight people killed in Bangkok rail crossing collision https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/16/thailand-bangkok-rail-crossing-collision-freight-train-bus #Thailand #AsiaPacific #WorldNews

At least eight people killed in Bangkok rail crossing collision

Thai authorities say 32 others injured near Makkasan station after freight train strikes bus and fire breaks out

The Guardian

The Japan Times 1d ago

Taiwan's Presidential Office reiterated on Saturday that the island is an "independent democratic country," hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Taipei not to formally seek independence. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/16/asia-pacific/politics/taiwan-independence-us-trump-china/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #us #china #xijinping #donaldtrump #taiwan #uschinarelations #laichingte

Taiwan says it is already ‘independent’ after Trump warning

Taipei's assertion came after the U.S. president warned the island not to formally declare independence and hinted at using arms sales as a ' negotiating chip' in talks with China.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times 1d ago

Showdowns and spycraft on Trump-Xi summit sidelines https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/16/asia-pacific/politics/showdowns-spycraft-trump-xi-talks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #us #china #xijinping #donaldtrump #uschinarelations #media

Showdowns and spycraft on Trump-Xi summit sidelines

While Donald Trump and Xi Jinping were hailing their friendship for the cameras, it was less amicable for the rival Chinese and U.S. security services.

The Japan Times

World news | The Guardian 1d ago

Donald Trump does ‘not feel optimistic’ for Jimmy Lai after speaking with Xi Jinping https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/16/trump-not-optimistic-jimmy-lai-release-xi-jinping #JimmyLai #DonaldTrump #XiJinping #HongKong #China #AsiaPacific

Donald Trump does ‘not feel optimistic’ for Jimmy Lai after speaking with Xi Jinping

Family and supporters had hoped the US president could help free the 78-year-old British citizen during summit talks in Beijing

The Guardian

The Japan Times 1d ago

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Taiwan against declaring independence, following remarks by Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a summit in Beijing that missteps over the island could trigger a U.S.-China conflict. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/16/asia-pacific/politics/us-china-taiwan-trump-independence/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #us #china #xijinping #donaldtrump #taiwan #uschinarelations #sanaetakaichi #usjapanrelations

Trump warns Taiwan on declaring independence after China visit

The U.S. president also hinted that he would speak with Taiwan's president about American arms sales and make a decision on the issue 'over the next fairly short period.'

The Japan Times