Edinburgh has decided to shelve a potential friendship deal with Kaohsiung, Taiwan, due to fears of potential sanctions from China. The city council was considering establishing a partnership with Kaohsiung, but concerns were raised by both Chinese officials and local businesses. The decision to halt the partnership comes as tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate. China considers Taiwan to be a part of its territory and has been known to impose sanctions on countries or cities that establish official ties with the self-governing island. Despite the potential benefits of a friendship deal with Kaohsiung, Edinburgh ultimately decided to prioritize its relationship with China and avoid any potential backlash. The council's decision reflects the delicate balance that many cities and countries must navigate in their relationships with both Taiwan and China.

The President of the Philippines has stated that his country will not back down in the face of any foreign power, following a clash with Chinese Coast Guard forces in the disputed South China Sea. The incident resulted in injuries to Filipino navy personnel and damage to at least two military boats, caused by machetes, axes, and hammers wielded by the Chinese forces. Despite the aggressive actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard, the Philippines has made it clear that they will not be intimidated. However, the President also emphasized that the Philippines has no intention of starting a war and will not be the ones to provoke any conflict. This statement highlights the Philippines' commitment to defending its sovereignty and interests in the South China Sea, while also maintaining a stance of peace and diplomacy. The situation remains tense, but the Philippines is determined to stand firm in the face of any threats or aggression from foreign powers.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that any French military personnel present in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target for Russian forces. Lavrov's comments suggest that Russia views any foreign military involvement in Ukraine as a threat and potential target for their military operations. This statement raises concerns about the safety and security of foreign military personnel in the region amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.