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Ukraine’s Zelenskyy calls for united US-Europe support against Russia
Ukraine's president meets leaders at Munich Security Conference amid a push to end Russia-Ukraine war.
Vance slams Europe on free speech, migration in first international speech
The US vice president calls Trump a 'new sheriff in town' as he offers harsh words for Washington's European allies.
Zelenskyy meets with JD Vance amid Russia negotiation concerns
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US officials for the first time since Donald Trump's call with Putin.
Can AI and automated planes help prevent plane crashes?
Artificial Intelligence is playing a crucial role in other walks of life. Can it also prevent loss of life in the air?
Has the protection of human rights gone out of fashion?
Rights groups are decrying violations as they play out for all the world to see.
Trump’s tariffs could spur push to rewrite North America trade pact
The Trump administration is trying to rewrite numerous trade rules to extract concessions from allies and adversaries.
‘Across Europe I fear free speech is in retreat’
US Vice President JD Vance told European leaders that “free speech is in retreat” across their continent.
DR Congo’s M23 fighters seize Bukavu airport before African Union summit
Rebels seize a strategic airport as the president seeks international support.
Manchester United’s Amorim has ‘connection’ with Tottenham’s Postecolgou
Man Utd travel to Tottenham on Sunday with the former's coach Ruben Amorim admitting both sides face similar troubles.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: World Cup winners Australia thumped in warm-up
Australia lose by 147-run margin in final Champions Trophy warm-up as Sri Lanka take series 2-0.
When are secondary school places announced for 2025?
Parents will soon find out which schools their children will be attending from September this year.
Iran accuses Israel of disrupting Lebanon flights amid rising tensions
Hezbollah and Lebanese officials deny Israel's claims of using Beirut's airport for arming the group.
Weaponising anti-Semitism won’t save Israel’s reputation | #AJOPINION
Targeting pro-Palestinian students will not save Israel’s reputation in the US, according to CAIR's Nihad Awad.
Left in the lurch: Asylum seekers respond to Trump’s CBP One cancellation
US president dissolves the app migrants use for asylum appointments. Some say that has left them in a dangerous limbo.
Visually-impaired student challenges DSA failings
Tilly Gerra requires support to study at university, but says she still faces "immense difficulties".
Workers are cannibalised by the capitalist class: Nancy Fraser
Professor Nancy Fraser tells Marc Lamont Hill why she believes capitalism is at the root of multiple world crises.
Taiwan pledges chip talks and investment in bid to ease Trump’s concerns
TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pledged on Friday to talk with the United States about President Donald Trump’s concerns over the chip industry and to increase U.S. investment and buy more from the country, while also spending more on defense.
Trump spoke critically about Taiwan on Thursday, saying he aimed to restore U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips and repeating claims about Taiwan having taken away the industry he wanted back in the United States.
Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential office, Lai said that the global semiconductor supply chain is an ecosystem in which the division of work among various countries is important.
"We of course are aware of President Trump's concerns," Lai said.
"Taiwan's government will communicate and discuss with the semiconductor industry and come up with good strategies. Then we will come up with good proposals and engage in further discussions with the United States," he added.
Democratic countries including the United States should come together to build a global alliance for AI chips and a "democratic supply chain" for advanced chips, Lai said.
"While admittedly we have the advantage in semiconductors, we also see it as Taiwan's responsibility to contribute to the prosperity of the international community."
Taiwan is home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, a major supplier to companies including Apple and Nvidia, and a crucial part of the developing AI industry.
TSMC is investing $65 billion in new factories in the U.S. state of Arizona, a project begun in 2020 under Trump's first administration.
TSMC's Taipei-listed shares closed down 2.8% on Friday, underperforming the broader market, which ended off 1.1%.
A senior Taiwan security official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity in order to speak more freely, said if TSMC judged it was feasible to increase its U.S. investment, Taiwan's government would help in talks with the United States.
TSMC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The official added that communications between Taiwan and U.S. economic, security and defense officials at present was "quite good" and "strong support from the United States can be felt".
US support
The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, but is the democratically governed island's most important international backer and arms supplier.
Trump cheered Taiwan last week after a joint U.S.-Japan statement following Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's visit to Washington called for "maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and voiced support for "Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations."
But Taiwan also runs a large trade surplus with the United States, which surged 83% last year, with the island's exports to the U.S. hitting a record $111.4 billion, driven by demand for high-tech products such as semiconductors.
Lai said that the United States is Taiwan's largest foreign investment destination, and that Taiwan is the United States' most reliable trade partner.
Trump has also previously criticized Taiwan, which faces a growing military threat from China, for not spending enough on defense, a criticism he has made of many U.S. allies.
"Taiwan must demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves," Lai said, adding his government is working to propose a special budget this year to boost defense spending from 2.5% of its GDP to 3%.
His government is involved in a standoff with parliament, where opposition parties hold a majority, over cuts to the budget, including defense spending.
"Certainly, more and more friends and allies have expressed concern to us, worried whether Taiwan's determination for its self-defense has weakened," Lai said.
Three captives in Gaza, 369 Palestinians held by Israel to be released
Palestinian group in Gaza says a total of 369 prisoners held in Israeli jails are expected to be released on Saturday.
Africa’s leaders must address weaponisation of rape in Sudan’s conflict
Sudan's women and girls have endured horrific sexual violence throughout this war. They deserve support and protection.
Suspect confesses to Munich car ramming that injured dozens in Germany
German authorities are treating the incident, which injured at least 36 people, as attempted murder.