COVID seems to be taking backseat headlines for Russia, which has become a big topic in Europe. A German vice-admiral resigned with Germany’s Defense Minister over some seemingly spineless friendliness toward Russia. He speculated about the buildup at Ukraine, that Putin probably just wanted respect and that Russia was a necessary Western ally against China. With Russia, Iran, and China beginning joint naval exercises in India’s backyard pool this week, the vice-admiral’s comments were obviously absurd. Germany’s PR fumble is a big deal.
A hand full of European nations want to move NATO military assets into the Ukraine. Because of technical complications, Germany must also sign off on the transfer, but has been hesitant from any military backing of Ukraine so far. With this seemingly wimpy statement from the German vice-admiral, Germany can’t keep riding the fence.
On smaller headlines like COVID, Taiwan had a whopping 82 new domestic COVID cases on Saturday. Urgent health measures go into effect, which are soft-handed and calm-minded compared to the bipolar reactionism throughout America, where COVID problems are much worse. American companies even hold optimistic speculation for Taiwan. Maybe some will figure out that the calm way is the higher way. Until then, it isn’t exactly a bad thing that something finally booted COVID from American top headlines.
Indo-Pacific
Iran, Russia and China hold joint navy drill in Indian Ocean // Yahoo News
Iran, Russia and China begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean // Times of Israel
Biden speaks to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida about Ukraine, North Korea // CNBC
Security, China dominate Biden’s talks with Japan’s Kishida // Aljazeera
China
And in Taiwan
PRC targets Taiwan with new disinformation ploy // Taipei Times
Australia, UK to ‘fight back’ against hostile states in cyber – minister // Yahoo News
EU letter slams China over Lithuania // Taipei Times
China hires western TikTokers to polish its image during 2022 Winter Olympics // Guardian
Taiwan
US seeks speedier F-16 delivery: sources // Taipei Times
William Lai to attend Honduras event // Taipei Times
US companies expect growth in Taiwan
AmCham survey shows optimism // Taipei Times
Slovenia to establish office in Taiwan // Taipei Times
Bill to lower the voting age to 18 passes review // Taipei Times