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Tensions over Taiwan

China has urged the US to stop meddling in the dispute with Taiwan, amid reports that a Pentagon official is visiting the island. The trip by US deputy assistant secretary of defense, Michael Chase, is likely to exacerbate tensions between Beijing and Washington. He’s the most senior US defense official to visit the island since 2019. China responded fiercely last year, including by holding unprecedented military drills, after a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. The US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but it’s the island's most important arms supplier and the two have a close security relationship. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly warned the US against ties with the island. On Thursday, Beijing imposed sanctions on two US arms manufacturing companies over weapons sales to Taiwan.

North Korea warning

North Korea warns of what it calls unprecedentedly strong responses if Seoul and Washington move ahead with their planned military drills next week. The North Korean foreign ministry slammed the upcoming exercises, saying they will only cause tensions to rise in the region. It also said Pyongyang would consider additional military action if the UN Security Council does not stop pressuring North Korea under the influence of the US. Washington and Seoul say they will hold tabletop drills at the Pentagon On February 22, in order to improve operations of American nuclear assets and strengthen deterrence. The two countries describe their exercises as defensive, citing the growing number of North Korea’s missile tests. Pyongyang, however, says the drills are in fact invasion rehearsals.

The war in Ukraine

The French president has urged Ukraine's allies to intensify their support for the country. He says time is not ripe for dialogue with Russia as Moscow is increasing its attacks on Ukraine. Emanuel Macron said allies should support Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia. He also said France is prepared for a drawn-out conflict, although it doesn’t want such a thing. He was addressing the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also addressed the conference, urging Ukraine’s allies that can send tanks to the country to do it now.