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China charges Taiwanese man with ‘secession’

Taiwanese man Yang Chih-yuan, who was held by Chinese authorities for eight months, has been charged with “secession”, a move condemned by Taipei as a violation of rights aimed at creating fear. Yang is vice-chair of a minor political party that advocates Taiwan’s independence. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election and has arrested several Taiwanese people, including Yang. Taiwan’s government has urged China to release Yang and to “cautiously evaluate the risk” of going to China.

South Korean president’s office defends his viral Japan comments

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces backlash after comments about Japan not needing to “kneel down” to improve ties amid unresolved historical issues. Yoon’s office clarified that he meant that improving relations did not require Japan to “kneel down” but rather cooperate in regional security, sparking criticism from victims of Japan’s wartime forced labor.

Rape allegation against Trump heads to civil trial

Jury selection begins for E. Jean Carroll’s civil trial against Donald Trump, who she accuses of raping her in the 1990s and then defaming her. Trump denies the allegations and is facing numerous legal issues. The trial is expected to last one to two weeks, and Trump is not expected to testify.

Guatemala leader vows to stand by ‘solid’ ally Taiwan

Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei has pledged support for Taiwan during his visit to the island, which is one of the few countries that still recognises Taiwan as an independent nation. The move has drawn criticism from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory. Beijing has been trying to isolate Taiwan on the international stage and has convinced several countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

Guatemalan president arrives in Taiwan for visit slammed by China

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei arrived in Taiwan on Monday to strengthen diplomatic ties, drawing criticism from China. During his visit, Giammattei is scheduled to address Taiwan’s congress, visit a technology company, and attend an event promoting Guatemalan coffee. Beijing warned Giammattei’s government “not to help evildoers” and go against the global trend, while Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned Beijing’s “extremely disrespectful remarks.”

Singaporean netizens express lack of confidence in 4G leadership despite PM Lee’s call for support

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to give their full support to the country’s new generation of leaders, led by Lawrence Wong, after a tough year dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite PM Lee’s call, many Singaporeans voiced their concerns over the struggles of ordinary people and lack of confidence in the 4G ministers. The ruling party was also criticised for being out of touch with the issues that affect modern Singaporeans, with some calling for voters to elect more opposition MPs.

Malaysia’s ex-PM warned UMNO-PH “forced marriages” will not last long, DAP leader reminds it was on advice by King

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob warned against the political coalition between the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), saying that “forced marriages will not last long”. He also stressed the importance of a willing coalition, which should be accepted by the grassroots of both parties, to avoid “further damage”. Anthony Loke, the DAP secretary-general, reminded that the cooperation between PH and BN was formed based on the advice of Malaysia’s King, and the coalition is aimed at creating a stable unity government

US arrests two over Chinese ‘police station’ in New York

Two men have been arrested in New York for setting up a Chinese “police station” to monitor and harass US-based dissidents. The arrests of Harry Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping are the first anywhere over a suspected campaign by China to establish surreptitious police posts in countries around the world.

Macron signs France pension reform into law despite protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has signed his controversial pension reform into law, raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, despite months of protests and opposition from unions. The alterations became law after being approved by the Constitutional Council. Unions have called for mass protests on 1 May, and some violent demonstrations have already occurred. The battle over the legislation has been Macron’s biggest domestic challenge, leading to low approval ratings and widespread opposition to the changes.

Montana lawmakers vote to ban TikTok in US state

Lawmakers in Montana voted in favour of a total ban on TikTok due to accusations that the app is a tool of the Chinese Communist Party. The bill would require Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores and impose daily fines of US$10,000 for violations. The proposed ban would take effect in 2024 and faces almost certain legal challenges, given its unprecedented nature in the United States. This bill is the latest conflict in the ongoing feud between TikTok and several Western governments.