Last month, Microsoft said it asked 700–800 employees to move out of China and reduced its engineering presence in the country.

The four officials will ‘discuss bilateral and defense and security issues affecting the region, and exchange views on regional and international issues.’

‘It’s quite clear that the emphasis has shifted from a focus on partnership and cooperation to more competition and even more rivalry,’ diplomat says.

Philippine military officials said China Coast Guard personnel were carrying knives and spears, looted firearms, and damaged Philippine boats in the incident.

‘Threats and legal warfare will not achieve a peaceful resolution to cross-strait differences,’ State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Unlike other political systems, Taiwan’s president does not have the power to veto legislation.

‘It is now abundantly clear that the CCP is not just turning a blind eye to the fentanyl crisis, it is causing it,’ Rep. John Moolenaar said.

Washington condemned the Chinese regime’s ‘escalatory and irresponsible actions.’

The working group will be responsible for producing legislation and promoting awareness to combat the CCP’s dominance of critical minerals.