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Europe Rejects U.S. Peace Framework Demanding Ukrainian Concessions

Ukraine suffered one of the worst Russian attacks in months when drones and missiles hit Ternopil.  European leaders have firmly rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and scale back its military capabilities. The plan, reportedly drafted by Washington and discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been described by European officials as tantamount to forcing Kyiv into capitulation. According to reports, the framework envisions Ukraine giving up land to Russia and partially disarming its armed forces. This approach has sparked alarm across Europe, where officials insist that any peace plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve both Kyiv and European partners in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” underscoring the bloc’s position that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its direct involvement. German...

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Beijing Tightens Pressure on Tokyo Amid Taiwan Dispute

                                           Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi 


China has sharply escalated its diplomatic spat with Japan following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Tokyo could respond militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan. The dispute, which erupted earlier this month, has quickly spilled into trade and travel, signaling Beijing’s intent to warn not only Tokyo but other nations considering involvement in Taiwan’s defense.

At the heart of the row are Takaichi’s comments that a Chinese assault on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, thereby justifying collective self-defense. Beijing reacted furiously, lodging protests and warning Japan of “crushing” consequences if it intervenes militarily.

China’s retaliation has been swift and multifaceted:

  • Suspension of Japanese seafood imports, citing concerns over treated wastewater from Fukushima.
  • Travel warnings to Chinese citizens in Japan, while Tokyo has urged its nationals in China to exercise caution amid rising hostility.
  • Economic pressure on Japanese industries, with tourism and retail sectors already feeling the strain.

The dispute underscores China’s broader strategy of deterrence, using economic and diplomatic levers to dissuade foreign powers from supporting Taiwan. Analysts note that Beijing’s actions are not only aimed at Tokyo but also serve as a warning to Washington and other allies that interference in Taiwan is a “red line”.

Japan, meanwhile, faces a delicate balancing act. While its new prime minister has taken a firmer stance than her predecessors, Tokyo must weigh the risks of economic fallout against its security concerns. The spat highlights the fragility of regional ties and the growing likelihood that Taiwan’s fate could reshape Asia’s geopolitical order.


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