海角大神

Thousands of soldiers in the next several months will have to evacuate far-flung global hotspots as a result of the latest U.S. funding cuts to the world body. That's according to a senior U.N. official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity. The result will be about a 25% reduction in peacekeepers worldwide, with around 13,000 to 14,000 military and police personnel sent home. That comes as the U.N. plans to cut about 15% of the peacekeeping force鈥檚 $5.4 billion budget for next year.

The Ministry of National Defense issued a report saying it is actively looking to procure new anti-drone weapons systems, which comes in response to Chinese drone incursions. The report released Thursday said Taiwan has developed a strategy to deal with the Chinese drone incursions by identifying and shooting them down as they approach. Taiwan鈥檚 outlying islands, which are closer to China than the main island of Taiwan, often face Chinese drones. China frequently claims Taiwan as its own, while in practice it is self-ruled.

Beijing on Thursday announced an expansion of export controls on rare earths. China produces about 90 percent of the critical minerals vital for making everything from jet engines and cars to smartphones 鈥� leverage it uses in trade talks. The Commerce Ministry, citing national security concerns, said it will require foreign suppliers to obtain export licenses to export rare earths and related technologies originating in China. Exports for military use will 鈥渋n principle鈥� not be approved, and those related to AI or semiconductor manufacturing will be reviewed case by case, it said.

He pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a case his lawyer described as a vindictive prosecution directed by President Donald Trump, whose first presidential campaign Mr. Comey investigated. He faces charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. Mr. Comey鈥檚 lawyer told the judge he planned to file several legal motions to dismiss the case before a trial.