China imposes 13% tax on condoms as birth rate declines

The Trump administration has announced an unprecedented arms package for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, which includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. This decision has provoked a strong backlash from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any military support for it from foreign nations.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on an additional 41 vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet, bringing the total number of sanctioned ships to nearly 600. This action is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to counter Russia's military aggression and economic activities that undermine international sanctions.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul, was convicted of collusion with foreign forces in a trial that has raised significant concerns about judicial independence and media freedom in Hong Kong. His son, Sebastien Lai, condemned the political persecution of his father, asserting that the trial produced 'more than 100 pages of nothing'.

The Trump administration has announced a significant arms sales package to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion, which includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. This decision has elicited a strong backlash from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must unify with the mainland.

The Trump administration has approved a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which includes missiles, howitzers, and drones, a decision that is likely to heighten tensions with China. This move comes amid ongoing geopolitical frictions and Taiwan's increasing military investments to bolster its defense capabilities against perceived threats from Beijing.

The Trump administration has announced a significant arms sale to Taiwan, valued at over $10 billion, which includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. This decision is expected to escalate tensions with China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

China has urged the United States to 'immediately' cease its arms sales to Taiwan following the announcement of an $11 billion weapons package approved by the U.S. State Department, pending congressional approval. This package is set to enhance Taiwan's military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.

China will implement a 13% value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptives starting January 1, marking the first taxation on these products in over thirty years. This move is part of a broader strategy to address the country's declining birth rate and modernize tax regulations.