Little Success in China—Taiwan THE Big Issue
Politico wrote on May 15:
“President Donald Trump returns from his two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping with hints of deals but no progress on key issues that vex the U.S.-China relationship…
“… despite repeated assurances from White House officials that U.S. policy toward Taiwan would not be on the summit agenda, Trump said that the two leaders had discussed U.S. ties to the island at length. Trump told reporters he was willing to reconsider U.S. arms sales to the self-governing island — a key longtime demand of Beijing — despite longstanding U.S. commitments to provide defensive weaponry to deter potential Chinese aggression…
“Whether Trump would revisit arms sales to Taiwan remains uncertain, but he was clear that he does not feel bound by a 1982 pledge former President Ronald Reagan made to the island that it wouldn’t consult with Beijing on weapons sales to Taiwan… Taiwan had emerged as a flashpoint during the meeting, with Xi warning Trump that mishandling of the island, which China considers part of its territory, could lead to ‘clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy.’…
“While Trump appeared willing to bend to Xi’s sensitivities on Taiwan, the Chinese leader offered no indication that he would use his influence to address one of Trump’s key concerns — Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.”
Trump’s position on Taiwan is very troubling, as the following articles document as well.
No Taiwan Commitment
Daily Mail wrote on May 16:
“Donald Trump has warned Taiwan not to declare independence from China following the two-day summit in Beijing this week… But he said he had declined to answer questions about whether the US would intervene to defend the island nation in the event that China invaded. Mr Trump’s warning came despite Taiwan, a democracy, demanding for the US to keep supplying it with weapons to defend itself…
“Mr Trump said he had ‘made no commitment either way’ about the question of sovereignty…
“However, just hours after Mr Trump’s warning, the island declared itself ‘independent’. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that the island is a ‘sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China’. It also insisted that US arms sales were part of Washington’s security commitment to Taiwan, after Mr Trump flagged that he was considering the issue…
“Under US law, America is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its defence, but it has been ambiguous on whether US forces would come to the island’s aid in the event of Chinese annexation.”
On Sunday, Taiwan’s president said: “Taiwan will not, under pressure, give up national sovereignty and dignity, or its democratic and free way of life.
Even though the law requires it, Trump may not be willing to provide Taiwan with weapons. Note the next article.
Trump Attacks Taiwan
Mediaite wrote on May 16:
“President Donald Trump went on a rant against Taiwan, telling Fox News anchor Bret Baier that they ‘stole our chip industry’ as he was pressed about his private remarks to China’s President Xi Jinping… ‘
“In one exchange, Baier pressed Trump about whether he will approve a pending arms sale to Taiwan. He asked Trump ‘Should the people of Taiwan feel more or less secure after your meetings with President Xi?’
“Trump insisted they should feel ‘neutral’ — but then went on a riff about Taiwan’s history of ‘stealing our chip industry’…”
Trump’s refusal to answer Baier’s question is telling, and his attack on Taiwan is deeply disturbing.
No Iran Commitment
The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 16:
“The Beijing circus is over and Donald Trump’s talks with Xi Jinping produced nothing more than some pleasing photo ops and some performative diplomacy with no substantive accomplishments. There was no final communique at the end of Trump’s two days of meetings with Xi Jinping. Instead, we are left to rely on the statements from each government…
“The Chinese readout… said that ‘the two sides discussed the Middle East conflict’ without offering any further details — no mention of the Strait, no mention of tolls, no mention of Iran’s nuclear program, and no acknowledgment of any agreed position on any of those issues…
“The White House is asserting that China agreed Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and opposed Iran’s toll regime… However…, Xi firmly rejected Trump’s request that China apply pressure on Iran and help open the Strait of Hormuz…
“The most telling asymmetry runs in the opposite direction on Taiwan. The White House readout did not mention Taiwan at all, while China centered its entire readout on Xi’s Taiwan warning.”
China does not seem willing to “help” America on the Iran question.
A New Cold War With China?
Fox News wrote on May 17:
“America and China are increasingly operating within conditions resembling a new Cold War — driven by military power, economic leverage, competing technological ambitions and irreconcilable visions for world order… The headlines following the two-day meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People focused on symbolism, modest trade discussions, and elaborate pageantry. Yet beneath the surface, three realities stood out. Taiwan overshadowed everything. Iran exposed the limits of Chinese cooperation. And Xi himself chose language drawn from ancient Greek warfare to remind Washington of what this rivalry ultimately means…
“Even as Trump emphasized friendship, trade and ‘fantastic deals’ on the return flight to Washington, Xi was framing the relationship in terms of historic rivalry and potential conflict… The summit also demonstrated that Washington and Beijing remain deeply divided over Iran, despite public statements suggesting alignment…
“To his credit, Trump achieved one immediate objective: preventing the summit from deteriorating into open hostility… Americans should resist interpreting the summit’s warm optics as evidence the rivalry is fading… The new Cold War is already here. The summit proved it.”
Xi was clearly the winner. As was Putin during his controversial meeting with Trump in Alaska.
Pentagon “In Panic” as Trump’s Visit to China Backfires
Express wrote on May 16:
“Donald Trump’s China visit failed to deliver a breakthrough on one of the most critical parts of the US-China trade war – Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports vital to America’s military industry… In fact, Chinese academic Zhang Weiwei has warned Beijing is prepared to tighten controls even further – particularly against the US military…
“The remarks [have] triggered alarm, with geopolitical commentator Furkan Gözükara claiming: ‘The Pentagon is in absolute panic.’ He added: ‘Prof. Zhang Weiwei confirms China has officially cut off all rare earth exports to the US military. He exposes how Washington’s disastrous tech war completely backfired, leaving their weapons manufacturing severely crippled.’
“Rare earth materials are essential for advanced US weapons systems, semiconductors, fighter jets, submarines, missiles, radar systems and precision-guided weapons. A recent Pentagon briefing warned that securing rare earth elements is now a ‘national security imperative,’ highlighting growing concerns over America’s reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains…
“The ongoing restrictions have already caused shortages across parts of the US aerospace and semiconductor industries, with some critical materials remaining in limited supply despite months of negotiations. Analysts say the standoff demonstrates how China’s control over critical minerals has become one of Beijing’s most powerful weapons in the wider economic conflict with Washington.”
It does not appear that America can win any more on any major issue.
Iran’s Collaboration With China
Newsmax wrote on May 17:
“Iran allowed approximately 30 ships — including several Chinese-linked vessels — to pass through the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday into Friday under what Tehran described as ‘Iranian-managed transit protocols,’ according to Iranian state-linked media and statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps…
“Iranian officials said the transits were conducted in ‘close coordination’ with China… State-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that the arrangement reflected the ‘strategic partnership’ between Tehran and Beijing, while Iranian military officials emphasized that access to the narrow shipping lane remains contingent on Iranian approval….
“A commander with the IRGC reportedly said vessels tied to what Iran considers ‘hostile states’ remain barred from passage.. The latest developments further highlight Washington’s inability to restore completely free navigation through the critical maritime corridor despite repeated U.S. military deployments and international calls for unrestricted access… Analysts say the situation represents a major strategic victory for Tehran…”
Iran’s Threats
On May 20, Newsmax published the following article by AFP:
“Iran warned on Wednesday that the Middle East war would spread far beyond the region if the United States and Israel resumed their attacks, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike again unless a deal is reached… The U.S. leader is himself under pressure, with rising energy costs beginning to bite at home…
“The future of the waterway is a key sticking point in negotiations, but without a deal fears are growing for the global economy as pre-war stockpiles of oil are used up.”
Bounty on Trump?
The Times of India wrote on May 16:
“A major controversy is erupting after reports claimed that Iran’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would reward anyone who assassinates U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi, the proposed legislation would require the Iranian government to pay €50 million to any individual or organization carrying out what was described as a ‘religious and ideological mission.’
“Azizi reportedly told Iranian state television that the U.S. president, Israel’s prime minister, and the CENTCOM commander ‘must be targeted and subjected to reciprocal action.’…”
Not Much Time?
The Daily Mail wrote on May 18:
“A revised proposal from Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East has been shared with the US, a Pakistani source said on Monday, as peace talks appeared to remain stalled. ‘We don’t have much time,’ the source said, when asked if it would take time to close gaps, adding that both countries ‘keep changing their goalposts.’ It comes as Donald Trump warned over the weekend that the ‘clock is ticking’ for Iran, adding in a post on Truth Social that Tehran ‘better get moving fast, or there won’t be anything left of them.’”
Trump’s Ongoing Chaotic Reversals
The Ron Paul Institute wrote on May 20:
“Since February 28, 2026, Donald Trump has released 11 statements suggesting the war with Iran was over or that a negotiated deal is close, only it turns out to be a hoax… In his latest whipsaw action, Trump spent the weekend posting images suggesting an attack on Iran was imminent, only to do another of his chaotic reversals…
“‘I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar…, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia…, and the President of the United Arab Emirates… to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow [Tuesday], in that… a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond. This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!…’”
This attack was allegedly planned in secret, with no one knowing about it. So, how did the Arab Gulf nations know about it? Also, a meeting with Trump’s military advisors was planned for Tuesday as well. Trump said he will delay the attack for a few days… or a week or so…
“Enriched Uranium Must Stay in Iran”
Reuters wrote on May 21:
“Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, two senior Iranian sources said, hardening Tehran’s stance on one of the main U.S. demands at peace talks.
“Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s order could further frustrate U.S. President Donald Trump and complicate talks on ending the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
“Israeli officials have told Reuters that Trump has assured Israel that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed to make an atomic weapon, will be sent out of Iran and that any peace deal must include a clause on this.
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not consider the war over until enriched uranium is removed from Iran, Tehran ends its support for proxy militias, and its ballistic missile capabilities are eliminated.”
Trump’s Crazy AI Images
The Huffington Post wrote on May 18:
“Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to post an AI -generated image showing him bombing the Earth, minutes after his pre-taped Bible reading played at a MAGA-friendly prayer event on the National Mall. The image, which Trump unleashed as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) prayed for ‘mercy upon our land’ and ‘mercy upon us for our mistakes,’ shows the president pressing a red button on a control panel while inside some sort of space station or starship orbiting above the planet.
“The visual features Trump surrounded by small, military-like figures seated by the control panel as several screens show massive explosions taking place on the ground.
At least one screen shows a mushroom cloud-like blast alongside the text, ‘TARGET DESTROYED.’ The out-of-this-world image shared by the self-described ‘peace’ president is a kind of fantastical continuation of his recent tendency to post genocidal threats on the platform….”
The Looting of America
On May 19, Reuters published the following article by Paul Krugmann:
“So the Trump administration is creating a $1.776 billion slush fund… to pay off victims of ‘lawfare and weaponization.’ Just to be clear, if you’re a U.S. taxpayer, this action means that almost $1.8 billion of your money will be handed out to whomever a panel appointed by Donald Trump decides to reward. The beneficiaries are likely to include January 6 insurrectionists, as well as Trump, his family, and his allies.
“Few things shock me these days, but this development — in which a Justice Department that works for Trump is paying a vast sum to ‘settle’ a lawsuit brought by Trump himself — is a new nadir in self-dealing, further revealing Trump’s utter contempt for the American people…. the shamelessness of this latest episode of looting takes it to a new level. Until now, we’ve seen a combination of crony capitalism and insider trading…
“Vladimir Putin has obviously stolen billions, but never this brazenly. Even Third World dictators normally try to mask their corruption…”
America’s 51st State?
Breitbart wrote on May 15:
“President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post depicting Venezuela overlaid with an American flag and labeled the 51st state followed a Fox News report that Trump said he was ‘seriously considering’ such a move.”
“Acting President” Delcy Rodríguez strongly opposed Trump’s ambitions in this regard.
US Fears Growing Drone Threat From Cuba
Newsmax wrote on May 17:
“Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and has discussed potential scenarios involving the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida, according to classified intelligence…
“The intelligence reflects growing concern within the Trump administration about advances in drone warfare and the presence of Iranian military advisers in Cuba, according to a senior U.S. official…
“CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday and warned Cuban officials against actions viewed as hostile by the United States… Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a congressional hearing that the presence of foreign adversaries operating so close to the United States remains a concern.”
Is all of this a pretext for an American invasion of Cuba? In the meantime, China told Trump to stop threatening Cuba.
American Troops Overstretched
Focus wrote on May 15:
“According to the Navy’s highest-ranking non-commissioned officer, Master Chief Petty Officer John Perryman, current crew deployment models are no longer sufficient to maintain a permanently operational fleet…
“The past wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the fight against terrorism since the 2001 attacks in New York, are still taking their toll on the US military… Troops and equipment are being run down…”
No US Troops for Poland
Politico wrote on May 14:
“Pete Hegseth’s last-minute decision to cancel the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland caught Pentagon staff and European allies by surprise — the latest example of an abrupt personnel move from the Defense secretary that blindsided both sides of the Atlantic…
“The decision was even more surprising because troops and equipment had already started to arrive in the country. It sent fresh waves of anxiety through European capitals and inside the Pentagon on Thursday about whether such moves could embolden Russia — and which ally might turn into the next target… The move follows Hegseth’s announcement this month that the Pentagon would withdraw 5,000 troops from bases in Germany.”
Trump said that the Pentagon would be “cutting a lot further than 5,000.”
Polish Government Tries to Spin US Decision… Without Success
Politico wrote on May 16:
“Poland, one of the closest U.S. allies in Europe, was blindsided by this week’s surprise decision from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to cancel the planned deployment of 4,000 American troops to the country. The government is now scrambling to respond while insisting that the move doesn’t undermine the country’s security… But there was no disguising that the U.S. move left Poland flat-footed… U.S. actions are confusing Europe…
“Poland, along with Romania and the Baltic countries, is hoping to get some of the troops being withdrawn from Germany, although it is still unclear if they’ll stay in Europe or go home…
“Polish governments have pushed for years to increase the number of U.S. troops in the country — making Hegseth’s decision such a surprise to Warsaw. Krzysztof Bosak, leader of the far-right opposition Confederation party, condemned what he called ‘internal chaos and a loss of credibility on the part of our most important ally,’ telling Polish radio that the unexpected decision ‘doesn’t build credibility’…
“Trump has also questioned the U.S. commitment to NATO’s Article 5 common defense pact and threatened to annex Greenland, a territory of alliance member Denmark. Oana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson and senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said [America’s] ‘haphazard and uncoordinated decisions… risk alienating European allies and encouraging Russian President Vladimir Putin.’”
It is hard not to notice the utter confusion within the American government. The question is: what is really behind these strange decisions?
Republicans Not Happy
The Hill wrote on May 15:
“Republican lawmakers on Friday grilled Army leaders over the Pentagon’s seemingly last-minute decision to cancel the temporary deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland, with House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) saying the panel is ‘not happy.’..
“It also came roughly seven months after the U.S. informed allies that it is pulling some American troops from NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania. That plan also angered [Republicans] Rogers and Wicker, who said Congress had not been consulted prior to the decision.”
When does the Pentagon ever “consult” Congress before making wide-ranging decisions?
Mario Draghi Charlamagne Prize Winner
Deutsche Welle wrote on May 14:
“The former head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi was presented with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize at a ceremony in Aachen, western Germany, on May 14… Draghi is likely mostly remembered as the head of the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB), who worked to stabilize the eurozone during turbulent times… Draghi tirelessly defended the single currency and became known for saying the ECB would do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop the euro from failing…
“With the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran, and strained relations between the US and most of the world, the prize is being seen as a timely reminder that European unity is indispensable…
“For centuries, the small town of Aachen has been used as a symbol of a united Europe. It was from here that Charlemagne (ca. 748-814) ruled the largest empire in western Europe since the fall of Rome, a legacy that later led him to be considered a medieval ‘father of Europe.’ The Charlemagne Prize honors those who strive for European unity in a more modern way.”
Some past recipients would clearly not have fallen under that category.
Spain For EU Army
MSN wrote on May 15:
“Spain is calling for the creation of a European Union army, amid fears the continent can no longer rely on NATO for military protection…
“Spain has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US in Europe…
“The US president has… suggested he could withdraw US troops from bases in Spain, and would even try to suspend Spain from NATO over Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s refusal to support Trump’s war in Iran…”
A European army is coming.
Putin to Be Given Power to Invade Foreign Countries
The Jerusalem Post wrote on May 15:
“Russia’s parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to expand President Vladimir Putin’s power to invade foreign countries. If approved, the bill would let the Kremlin send troops abroad to “protect” Russian citizens who are facing arrest, detention, or any other form of perceived persecution…. Putin now has 14 days to sign the bill into law.
“Moscow has previously justified its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by claiming that it was protecting Russian-speaking regions of the country, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia still demands the reinstatement of the Russian language and the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.
“Officials from the European Union have expressed concern that Putin will initiate a conflict with Europe within the next year or two to test the United States’ commitment to NATO… In December, Putin said that Russia was ready for war with Europe.”
Russia’s threatening conduct towards Europe is not being overlooked.
“Netanyahu ‘Blunder’ Threatens US-Backed Israel-UAE Alliance”
Fox News wrote on May 17:
“The U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran in the Middle East is showing signs of strain amid tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an analyst says, as the possibility of a broader conflict with Tehran intensified Sunday.
“The friction first surfaced May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he held a ‘historic breakthrough’ meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a ‘secret visit’ to Al Ain near the Oman border. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a swift denial following the announcement…
“[Nathan] Sachs… said Netanyahu’s UAE meeting claim ‘seems like a diplomatic blunder because it embarrasses the UAE… This was an odd move to make since the UAE has been a close partner of Israel, even during this war… Either Netanyahu didn’t think, or he was thinking about something else — domestic politics. It would not be the first time he did that.’”
EU and Arab Persecution of Jews Continues
Israel 365 News wrote on May 14:
“The nations that herded Jews into ghettoes, expelled them from their cities, and handed them over to Nazi death camps have now found a new cause: sanctioning Jews for the crime of living in Judea and Samaria. On Monday, the foreign ministers of all 27 European Union member states convened in Brussels and reached a political agreement to impose sanctions on Israeli settler leaders and organizations, equating them, in the same diplomatic breath, with Hamas terrorists.
“The sanctions themselves consist of two specific measures: an asset freeze and a travel ban. An asset freeze means any funds or economic resources owned or controlled by the sanctioned individuals or organizations within EU jurisdiction are locked; banks in EU member states cannot process transactions for them, and any property or holdings in Europe cannot be accessed or transferred. A travel ban means the sanctioned individuals are barred from entering or transiting through any of the 27 EU member states…
“Meanwhile, the EU has for years funneled millions of euros into illegal Arab construction in Area C, land that, under the Oslo Accords, remains under full Israeli civil and security control.
“The EU sanctioning Jews for living in Judea and Samaria takes on a particularly sharp edge when set against what the Arab world has done and continues to do regarding Jews within its own borders. As of 2024, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen all imposed outright bans on Israeli nationals, including Israeli Arabs… They are official state prohibitions on the entry of Jews holding Israeli passports, and in some cases, extended to anyone whose passport shows evidence of travel to Israel. Dual nationals are also affected, as many nations extend the ban to anyone entering with an Israeli passport, regardless of additional citizenship…
“The reason Jews no longer live in significant numbers in Arab nations is not a mystery… More than 850,000 Jews were forced to leave their homes in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, and several other Arab countries in the twenty years following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. These were not refugees fleeing a war zone. These were doctors, lawyers, engineers, merchants: communities rooted in those lands for centuries, in some cases millennia, predating the Arab conquest of the region entirely.
“… In Syria, real estate purchase was prohibited to Jews in 1947, and Jews began to be discharged from public service positions. In Egypt, a long process of discrimination in the public service began in 1929, and by 1945-1948, Jews were excluded from public service entirely. From Morocco to Iraq, governments established laws meant to ostracize and disenfranchise their Jewish communities… property and assets were confiscated; Jews were arrested on suspicion of espionage based on trumped-up charges. In Iraq, it was worse than expulsion: in 1969, nine Iraqi Jews who had chosen to stay in the country after the mass flight of the early 1950s were convicted and executed behind closed doors…”
Horrible. And the “civilized” world has been standing idly by.
Religious Persecution in the UK
Fox News wrote on May 17:
“A 66-year-old U.K. pastor [was] arrested while street preaching in London… Maile is a gospel singer and the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, England, a town outside London. For 45 years, the New Zealand native has preached and performed mission work globally. He told Fox News Digital that he often performs famous songs with lyrics altered to convey a Christian message… Maile [was] approached and handcuffed behind his back by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers… A female police officer appeared to mockingly respond, ‘In the name of Jesus, get in the car.’…
“Maile said he was detained for 12 hours without his phone and was not allowed to use the restroom. Police initially told Maile he was under arrest for assaulting a teenager, a charge Maile denied and which was later dropped. Maile remains under investigation for an alleged public order offense…
“Police said he was released on bail while an investigation into the public order offense continues and ‘the conduct of the officers was reviewed and it was deemed no further action was necessary.’..
“The Christian Legal Centre called the arrest ‘deeply troubling.’ ‘A peaceful, Christian preacher was treated like a serious criminal for expressing his Christian beliefs and that Islam is a false religion in a public place,’ said Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre. ‘The footage raises fundamental questions about whether policing in this country is now criminalizing Christianity…’’
No question about it.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:
These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.