Former President Donald Trump defended himself against sexual assault allegations by E. Jean Carroll, calling them fabricated and blaming his legal team for his predicament. He criticized the legal system and suggested political motivations behind the lawsuit, implicating figures like George Conway and Reid Hoffman. Trump's legal team argued that key evidence was mishandled in court. Despite his legal troubles, Trump claimed he was doing well with female voters, although polls show him trailing Kamala Harris among women. His lawyer, Alina Habba, and legal team member, Will Scharf, supported his defense and appealed to voters.

The article examines whether the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has softened its stance on China. It discusses the historical context of Australia's relations with China and the U.S., including economic ties and security alliances. The article highlights the continuity and changes in Australia's foreign policy, particularly in response to China's actions such as trade sanctions and regional assertiveness. It also explores the implications of the AUKUS pact, the Labor Party's rise to power, and the potential impact on the U.S.-Australia alliance. Experts suggest that despite warmer rhetoric, Australia's strategic stance remains firm, with a focus on regional defense and maintaining strong ties with the U.S. and other allies.

North Korea has shown no interest in engaging with the United States or South Korea, labeling the latter as an enemy. The European Union, with its less hostile history towards North Korea, is suggested as a potential mediator to open dialogue and understand Pyongyang's intentions. The EU's policy of 'critical engagement' could help reveal North Korea's stance on various issues, including human rights and its relations with the Biden and Yoon administrations. Encouraging the EU to engage in talks could provide valuable insights and reduce current tensions.

The article criticizes the alleged covert campaign by the Trump administration to undermine public confidence in vaccines in the Philippines, particularly targeting Chinese-made Sinovac. It argues that such actions are counterproductive and unethical, especially given the higher efficacy of US-made vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna. The piece emphasizes the importance of building trust and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and condemns any efforts that jeopardize public health for political gains.

Donald Trump's guilty verdict in his hush money trial has elicited mixed reactions from Republicans and Democrats, according to a J.L. Partners poll. Republicans predominantly feel sadness, while Democrats express happiness and relief. The poll indicates that 22% of respondents view Trump more favorably post-verdict, while 16% view him less favorably. The Trump campaign capitalized on the verdict, raising $34.8 million from small donors. The article highlights the emotional divide in the nation and suggests that Trump's base may rally around him despite the verdict.

Donald Trump's defense lawyer, Susan Necheles, cross-examined Stormy Daniels, aiming to discredit her by highlighting her career in adult films and suggesting she fabricated her story for financial gain. Daniels maintained her account, countering with sharp retorts. The courtroom dynamics were intense, with the jury closely following the exchanges. Trump's defense strategy included leveraging political allies to criticize the legal proceedings. The article also mentions the presence of notable figures like Republican Sen. Rick Scott and Newsmax TV host Greg Kelly in the courtroom.

The debt ceiling crisis in the US poses significant global implications, potentially leading to a recession that would affect its trade partners. The political dysfunction in Washington, particularly within the Republican Party, complicates efforts to manage the crisis. The article underscores the need for the US to stabilize its financial affairs to effectively compete with China's growing influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The cancellation of President Biden's trip to Papua New Guinea for debt ceiling negotiations highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have highlighted the critical role of Taiwan in the global semiconductor industry, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) being a key player. Taiwan's semiconductor industry has gained international recognition, prompting countries like the US and Germany to seek its assistance. Experts emphasize Taiwan's unique position due to its specialized institutions and government support. However, there are concerns about China's potential military actions towards Taiwan, which could disrupt the global supply chain. Despite these geopolitical tensions, Taiwan's semiconductor industry remains indispensable, though its future stability is uncertain.

North Korea's state media claims a successful test of a cruise missile with a range of 1,500 km, indicating the regime's capability for tactical nuclear weapons. This development could lead to a new phase in nuclear negotiations and raises the risk of a tactical nuclear exchange escalating into a strategic nuclear exchange, especially if the Korean People's Army resorts to nuclear weapons when facing defeat.

The article argues against the comparison of Taiwan to Afghanistan in the context of US foreign policy, highlighting the differences in strategic importance and the implications of US actions. It discusses the reactions of US pundits and Chinese state media to the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, emphasizing that a passive US response to any military action in Taiwan would severely damage its international reputation. The article suggests that the Biden administration should maintain strategic ambiguity while signaling continued interest in cross-strait affairs.

The Trump administration, despite initial concerns, has inadvertently strengthened the US-led international liberal order. Key developments include a clearer US policy on China, increased support for Taiwan, enhanced regional coordination among Indo-Pacific democracies, and a reaffirmation of the status quo on the Korean peninsula. Additionally, John Bolton's influence on US foreign policy has diminished. These outcomes suggest a more defined and cooperative international stance moving forward.

Hong Kong's protests escalated to violence in response to the government's proposed extradition law amendment and subsequent dismissive attitude towards peaceful demonstrations. The protesters' demands expanded to include the removal of Chief Executive Carrie Lam, universal suffrage, amnesty for arrested protesters, and a formal withdrawal of the bill. Despite the suspension of the bill, the protests continued, with instances of vandalism and clashes with police. The article discusses the historical context of Hong Kong's relationship with China, the international implications of the protests, and the strategic use of violence by protesters to draw global attention to China's actions. The recent national security law passed by Beijing further threatens Hong Kong's autonomy, prompting international responses such as the U.S. revoking Hong Kong's preferential trade status and the U.K. offering a path to citizenship for Hongkongers.

The article argues that the United States must hold itself to a higher standard if it wants to be seen as a beacon of human rights. It highlights the criticism of US human rights records, especially in comparison to countries like China and North Korea, and emphasizes the need for reform in areas such as police tactics and race relations. The author points out the hypocrisy in US foreign policy and the impact of domestic issues on its international standing. The piece calls for American policymakers and analysts to address these shortcomings to maintain the country's moral authority.

The article critiques the lack of large-scale protests in the US against President Donald Trump's threats of military action towards Iran, contrasting it with the mass protests in Hong Kong. It highlights the potential dangers of escalating tensions with Iran and criticizes the Trump administration's approach, while also noting the muted response from American citizens and media. The piece calls for Americans to take to the streets to prevent unnecessary conflict, drawing inspiration from Hong Kong's protest movement.

North Korea remains steadfast in its nuclear ambitions, leading the US to revert to a strategy reminiscent of the Obama era's 'strategic patience.' Despite initial aggressive rhetoric, the Trump administration now faces the same challenges of deterring a nuclear-armed North Korea without escalating to war. The article highlights the mixed signals from North Korean leadership, the limitations of US sanctions, and the improbability of complete denuclearization. Experts suggest more realistic approaches, such as arms control and military adjustments, while noting the lessons North Korea has learned from the fates of Gaddafi and Hussein.

US President Donald Trump's foreign policy promises from 2016 have been challenged in 2019, with countries like North Korea, Venezuela, Iran, and China not succumbing to his negotiation tactics. Trump's approach, which aimed to avoid war while asserting US dominance, has not yielded the desired results, with North Korea resuming weapons testing, Venezuela's military sticking with Maduro, Iran dismissing a new deal, and China finding tariffs preferable to economic concessions. The article suggests Trump's strategies are failing and questions his next move.