Taiwan to Increase Defense Budget by $40 Billion

Dozens of people have died, and about 200 are still unaccounted for. That’s after a blaze engulfed residential high-rises in Hong Kong, leaving residents devastated.Peace through strength. Taiwan will increase its defense budget by an additional $40 billion to counter China’s growing threat in the region.“Taiwan, as the most important and most critical part of the first island chain, must demonstrate our determination and take on a greater responsibility in self-defense,” Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said.Japan seeks to ease tensions with China after its prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese military action.From semiconductors to rare earths, the Trump administration is pouring billions of dollars into taking stakes in companies key to countering China.With President Donald Trump hinting at an end to the Russia–Ukraine war, what can we expect from China? How does the “no-limits partnership” with Russia fit into a post-war Ukraine?Retired Brigadier General Dave Stilwell joins us to break it down: “Why would any government sit down with the PRC and sign an agreement when we know those are empty promises? There’s no intention to follow through. I’d rather just do what we do and make the PRC react to us.”36+ Dead in Hong Kong Residential High-Rise FireTaiwan to Increase Defense Budget by $40 BillionJapan Aims to Ease Tensions With China via DialogueNew Messages Show Fmr. NY Aide Blocking Taiwan ContactTrump Admin. Pours Billions Into Key Domestic Sectors15 Nations Urge End to China’s Human Rights AbusesFalun Gong Protesters Attacked by Pro-CCP GroupsChina, Russia Voice Support for MaduroMaduro Accused of Leading Terrorist OrganizationMore Than 80% of Venezuelans Oppose MaduroTrump: Envoys Preparing to Go to Ukraine and RussiaGen. Stilwell on China’s History of “Empty Promises”