Pauline Hanson delivered a combative address at the National Press Club, attacking multiculturalism, climate change, and transgender rights. Journalist Margo Kingston discusses the significance of this speech as the potential start of Hanson's federal campaign.
The Federal Reserve's FOMC statement has been significantly shortened under new Chair Kevin Warsh, with the latest release containing around 130 words compared to over 300 in previous meetings. Warsh stated the change aims for a simpler, fact-based communication, removing forward guidance.
Anthropic's AI advancements, including recursive self-improvement and cyber-attack capabilities, have prompted US policy shifts. The White House has banned foreign access to new models and Anthropic has shut them down, signaling a move towards regulation.
An analyst argues that US policy has shifted from brokering peace deals to enabling Israeli hegemony, hindering genuine peace. The US's unconditional support for Israel's aggressive stance, exemplified by the Abraham Accords, alienates Arab states and risks US influence in the region.
Lenovo technology is central to managing the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, highlighting the deep integration of Chinese companies in global commerce despite US-China geopolitical tensions. The event is a major commercial platform for global brands.
OpenAI reports Chinese operatives used ChatGPT to create anti-Trump tariff content and influence US debates on data centers and AI, though impact was limited. Beijing denies baseless accusations.
Amid contrasting US approaches, Beijing faces a complex calculus. While President Trump seeks 'strategic stability' with China, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Quad partners in New Delhi to launch initiatives on critical minerals and maritime surveillance, aiming to reduce global reliance on Beijing.
Taiwan's Political Party criticized KMT Vice Chairman Hsia-wen Hsiao for distorting US policy on Taiwan's future, stating it's not a joint decision with China. They emphasized Taiwan's future should be decided by its people free from coercion, aligning with the Taiwan Relations Act.
US Secretary of State clarifies US policy, emphasizing maintaining the status quo in the West Bank, seeking written confirmation of Israel's lack of claims in Lebanon, engaging with Syria on security corridors, and a 20-point plan for Gaza's governance and economic development.
The Grattan Institute has strongly criticized the Australian Labor government's proposed NDIS budget cuts, calling them 'blunt and inequitable' and 'underpinned by dubious logic'. The thinktank argues that slashing social participation budgets could lead to 'absurd' outcomes for participants, potentially undermining the scheme's core purpose.
US Senator Marco Rubio stated that US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, aiming to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted a significant arms sale approved in December and emphasized the need for continued communication with China to prevent conflict.
US Secretary of State Pompeo reaffirmed US policy on Taiwan, stating military sales are under review. Legislator Chen Guan-ting emphasized that US-Taiwan security cooperation serves US interests and regional stability, unaffected by PRC opposition. He urged Taiwan to bolster self-defense capabilities and deepen alliances.
US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller believes dollar-backed stablecoins could increase the global influence of US monetary policy, while Bank of England's Megan Greene predicts tokenized deposits will supersede stablecoins. The debate impacts US crypto legislation.
A new USCIS policy memo (PM-602-0199) increases discretionary scrutiny for Adjustment of Status applications, particularly affecting non-immigrant visa holders like F-1 students and B-1/B-2 visitors, while H-1B and L-1 holders remain better protected due to dual-intent status.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that US policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged following the Trump-Xi meeting. He confirmed institutional communication channels between Taiwan and the US, emphasizing that arms sales will continue under the Taiwan Relations Act to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and deter Chinese aggression.
An Israeli analyst criticizes US President Trump's Iran policy as erratic and lacking strategy, warning that any long-term truce would benefit Iran militarily and economically, empowering groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The analyst expresses concern over Israel's weakened influence on US decisions, facing multiple open fronts with restricted capabilities.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado, in Panama, reiterated commitment to democratic transition via free and fair elections. She criticized the US for sidelining her and working with a ruling party loyalist, despite her Nobel Prize. Machado emphasized the need for neutral electoral authorities and updated voter rolls for elections.
Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that US policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged and communication channels are smooth. He addressed potential calls between President Lai Ching-te and former US President Trump, military sales, and emphasized shared US-Taiwan economic and technological interests.
The US, under Trump, is shifting from global leadership to prioritizing national interests, moving away from extensive support for Ukraine to focus on countering China. This strategy involves restoring ties with Russia to weaken the Moscow-Beijing axis, while Europe and Ukraine are left to manage the Ukraine conflict.
The Trump administration has updated guidance requiring foreign nationals seeking permanent residency to apply from their home countries, citing a need to reinforce existing immigration procedures and close perceived loopholes. Immigrant advocacy groups warn this could put vulnerable migrants at risk.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, citing his friendship with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. This move comes after a previous deployment was scrapped and deepens uncertainty about the US approach to NATO allies and its commitment to European security.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated that the current US administration has deviated from previous liberal globalism. He criticized US policy of containing Russia and seeking its strategic defeat, using Kyiv as a tool. Ryabkov proposed a non-ideological coexistence model based on mutual respect and dialogue.
US President Donald Trump announced he will speak with Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te, a move that breaks with decades of diplomatic protocol since 1979. This comes after Trump's visit to China, where he also warned Taiwan against independence.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated President Trump reaffirmed existing US policy on Taiwan during talks with Xi Jinping. Trump indicated no change to 'strategic ambiguity,' aiming to prevent emboldening China and seeking a 'status quo.' He expressed a desire for de-escalation and avoiding conflict.
