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UK appoints Kate Harrisson as new HMTC for China and Hong Kong

The UK has signed a joint statement marking the tenth anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal Award on the South China Sea

Joint Statement on the June 2026 U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Japan on the occasion of the U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue. Begin text: Japan hosted the United States for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo from June 8-9, 2026. The Department of State and Department of War co-chaired for the United States, while the...

Bureau of African Affairs Thank you Ambassador Gaspar for organizing today’s forum. As you all know, this will be my last engagement as Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of African Affairs. As I conclude my tenure, I want to begin with appreciation for the professionalism and partnership of this diplomatic corps. Over this period, we have worked through a necessary shift away from inherited frameworks that too often viewed Africa through a development only lens, and toward a clearer, more...

United States Sanctions Iranian Financial and Shipping Networks Today, the United States sanctioned several Iranian regime currency exchange houses, associated personnel, and front companies, as well as 19 vessels that collectively enable Iran’s regime to evade international sanctions and fund its destabilizing activities across the Middle East. As part of the Economic Fury campaign, this action targets the shadow financial system and illicit shipping operations that allow Iran to move...

Marking 31 Years Since the Panchen Lama’s Disappearance Yesterday was the 31st anniversary of the disappearance of the Tibetan religious leader known as the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.  Days after the Dalai Lama recognized this child as an important future Tibetan Buddhist leader, Chinese authorities disappeared him and his family.  He was six years old.   Chinese authorities should immediately release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family and stop persecuting Tibetans or others in...

United States Participates in Second APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meetings and Ministerial in Shanghai and Suzhou, China The United States is sending a delegation to the second APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meetings and Ministerial Meetings in Shanghai and Suzhou, China on May 11-23 to continue advancing America First foreign, trade, and investment policies. U.S. Senior Official for APEC Casey Mace, joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Cyberspace and Digital Policy John R. Mills,...

U.S. Sanctions Tighten Grip on Iran-China Oil Trade The United States is taking decisive action to disrupt Iran’s oil trade, the primary revenue stream for the Iranian regime to fund terrorism and regional destabilization. Today, the Department of State sanctioned several entities, an individual, and a vessel involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products. This action targeted Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal Co., Ltd., a China-based petroleum terminal...

Joint Statement Supporting Panama’s Sovereignty Between the United States, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Begin Text: We, the nations of Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States, standing together in our shared mission to secure our hemisphere, reaffirm that...

Spiritual growth and holiness are not automatic and there is no quick-fix for them, rather they are achieved through tenacity and prayer (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) Painting by Raphael Perez (Flickr)—not connected to the dvar Torah, but a beautiful work nonetheless It states in Parashat Kedoshim, “You shall be holy, since I am Hashem...

The First U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership Interagency Working Group Meeting On March 26, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Investment Mohamed Al Suwaidi chaired the first interagency meeting of the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership Working Group. The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Departments of State, Commerce, Energy, War, and Treasury, as well as the White House Office of Science and...

Support for Panama’s Sovereignty China’s recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce. Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system. China’s actions against...

It isn’t enough to study Torah and observe the mitzvot ourselves, we must also merit others (From the teachings of Maran Rabbenu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Terumah It states in the Parashah, “[Separate **] your brother Aaron and his sons from amongst Yisrael [and] bring them close to you, to be Cohanim to Me” (Shemot 28:1). Meaning that Hashem said to Moshe,...

Joint Statement on the Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue On 16 February 2026, senior officials of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America met in Manila for the 12th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD). First convened in 2011, the BSD serves as the annual platform to discuss the full range of political, security, and economic cooperation between the United States and the Philippines; exchange views on current challenges...

Government expands Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route Hong Kongers Offered New Lives as UK Expands Safe and Legal Routes Thousands more Hong Kongers will be able to build new lives in Britain as the government strengthens safe and legal routes to the UK. Adult children of British National (Overseas) status holders who were under 18 at the time of Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China will now be eligible to apply for the route independently of their parents. Their partners and children...

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responds to the sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong today Foreign Secretary Responds to Jimmy Lai Sentencing Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: British National Jimmy Lai was today sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong for exercising his right to freedom of expression, following a politically motivated prosecution. Beijing’s National Security Law was imposed on Hong Kong to silence China’s critics. For the 78-year-old, this is tantamount to a life...

United States Participates in First APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting in Guangzhou The United States is sending a team of experts, led by U.S. Senior Official Casey Mace and joined by Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Ruth Perry, to the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM1) in Guangzhou, China, February 1-10, to further advance the Trump...

British jobs and businesses to be supported by enhanced cooperation with China in financial services Landmark Agreements Secured After First UK-China Financial Working Group in Beijing Major commitments boost London’s position as world-leading financial centre. Includes agreements to pursue UK-China cooperation on innovative biodiversity financing, and more efficient cross-border settlement services, supporting trade and investment flows. Minister heralds depth of opportunity for UK...

The Prime Minister has secured a Scotch whisky tariff cut in China worth £250 million to the UK economy Prime Minister Secures Scotch Whisky Tariff Cut in China Worth £250 Million The Prime Minister has secured a significant win for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, with China agreeing to cut tariffs on Scotch whisky from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. The deal, signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing, will be worth £250 million to the UK economy over the next 5 years. China is...

People smuggling gangs will be dealt a further blow with the Prime Minister expected to launch a border security agreement with China to tackle the flow of Chinese made small boat parts Prime Minister expected to strike new border security pact on first China visit in eight years to disrupt supply of small boat engines More than half of small boat engines used by people smugglers crossing the English Channel are manufactured in China Agreement will also scale up removals of those with no...

by Ram ben Ze’ev Silence as Sovereignty: The Four Responses of the Tanya and the Discipline We Have Forgotten In recent years, I have written repeatedly about לשון הרע (lashon hara — harmful or degrading speech about another, even when true ) in its modern form: the rapid, careless, and often self-justifying spread of evil through the Internet. Much of this behaviour presents itself as concern, awareness, journalism, or even moral responsibility . Yet our מסורה (mesorah — the received...

Jimmy Lai The guilty verdict in Mr. Lai’s national security case reflects the enforcement of Beijing’s laws to silence those who seek to protect freedom of speech and other fundamental rights — rights that China pledged to uphold in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. Mr. Lai is not alone in facing punishment for defending these rights. Reports indicate that Mr. Lai’s health has severely deteriorated during more than 1,800 days in prison. We urge the authorities to bring this ordeal to...

by Ram ben Ze'ev The Rise and Fall of DOGE: When Politics, Ego, and Economics Collide It was not so long ago that President Donald Trump and his then-ally Elon Musk stood side by side, celebrating what they branded as the Department of Government Efficiency — DOGE — a cheeky nod to Musk’s obsession with Dogecoin and his habit of amplifying jokes until they become headlines. For a time, the two men were perfectly matched: each revelled in spectacle, each thrived on disruption, and each saw in...

Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced new action to disrupt and deter threats to the UK, as MI5 issues espionage alert to Parliament Action to Disrupt and Deter Threats to UK as MI5 Issues Spy Alert MI5 issues alert over Chinese spying in Westminster. Security Minister calls out ‘covert and calculated attempt by China to interfere with our sovereign affairs’ and vows to take measures to protect security. New action plan to disrupt and deter spying will include legislation to update national...

Disrupting Iran’s Transnational Ballistic Missile and UAV Procurement Networks in Support of UN Sanctions on Iran The United States is today sanctioning 32 entities and individuals based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Türkiye, India, and other jurisdictions that operate multiple procurement networks supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, including on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Today’s action...

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance leads UK delegation of senior figures to China, opening up science opportunities that both countries can benefit from UK to Advance Targeted Science Cooperation with China UK Science Minister Lord Vallance leads UK delegation of senior figures to China, opening up science opportunities that both countries can benefit from China is a science and tech powerhouse, spending almost £380 billion on R&D annually National security will continue to be prioritised as...

British food and drink sector sees nearly £100m in export opportunities unlocked as agri-food attachés resolve more than 40 trade barriers so far in 2025 Trade Barrier Busters Deliver Nearly £100m Boost for British Food and Drink British food producers can now benefit from export opportunities estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million, following intensive work by its network of agri-food attachés this year. ADVERTISEMENT: Send Money Worldwide with Wise – Get a Free Transfer! Since...

by Ram ben Ze'ev The Tragedy of Aher: The Sage Who Could Not Return He was once among the greatest minds of his generation — brilliant, respected, steeped in Torah and philosophy alike. Yet he would become known not by his name, but by his absence from it. The Sages no longer called him Elisha ben Abuyah ; they called him Aher — “the Other.” Elisha was born into privilege in Jerusalem during the late Second Temple period. His father, Abuyah, was a wealthy and influential man who admired Torah...

United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Partnership Advances Economic Prosperity The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met yesterday with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the sidelines of APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Gyeongju to underscore that deeper trilateral cooperation advances trusted economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific, tangibly benefits our...

People’s Republic of China National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of China on the 76th...

On September 24, Secretary Rubio co-hosted a ministerial meeting on “Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime...

The following is a Presidential Determination submitted to Congress today: Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major...

On Scarborough Reef The United States stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China’s destabilizing plans to establish a “national...

Imposing Sanctions on Online Scam Centers in Southeast Asia Criminal actors across Southeast Asia have increasingly exploited the...

The United States is committed to countering China’s corrupt influence in Central America and stop its attempts to subvert rule of law....

U.S.-ROK-Japan Joint Statement on DPRK Information Technology Workers The text of the following statement was released by the Government...

Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Network to Further Impose Maximum Pressure on Iran The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict and instability...

Sanctioning Facilitators of Iran’s Illicit Oil Sales Today, the United States is stemming the flow of revenue the Iranian regime uses to...

Paradoxical Feelings; Transitioning From Shabbat to Tisha B’Av From HaGaon Rav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a, The Head of Halacha Yomit...

Imposing Sanctions on an International Procurement Network for Iran’s UAV Program The United States today sanctioned five entities and...

Sanctioning Entities That Have Traded in Iran’s Petroleum The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East to fund its...

Sanctioning Facilitators of Iran’s Petroleum and Petrochemical Trade Today, the United States is taking decisive action to disrupt the...

United States Disrupts North Korea Revenue Generation, Offering Rewards of Up to $15 Million Today, the Departments of State, Justice,...

by Ram ben Ze'ev The Space Between the Letters: Where Return Begins Before the first word of the Torah is written, before even the first letter—there is silence. An empty parchment. A space. It is within this sacred silence that all creation begins. Not with time, but with space . Not with noise, but with stillness. And it is there—in that space—that תשובה (teshuvah, return) begins. Teshuvah is not only our journey back to G-D; it is the Divine journey back to us. Through אמונה (emunah,...

Nine years ago, an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention unanimously ruled China’s expansive South China...

Philippines Independence Day On behalf of the United States of America, I send my warmest congratulations to the people of the...

On the 36th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre In the spring of 1989, tens of thousands of students gathered in Beijing’s...

Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke...

Today, the United States is sanctioning entities and individuals primarily based in China and Hong Kong for their support to Iran’s...

The United States is today sanctioning an international network facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil...

Officials from the United States and the Federative Republic of Brazil convened in Washington, D.C., on May 12 for the 9th Disarmament...

Spiritual growth and Holiness are not automatic and there is no quick-fix for them, rather they are achieved through tenacity and prayer...

The United States is sanctioning China-based independent “teapot” refinery Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and three oil terminal...

The United States is sanctioning six entities and six individuals based in Iran and China for their role in a network procuring ballistic...

The United States and ASEAN held the 37th annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue on April 22, 2025, in Siem Reap, Cambodia to discuss ongoing...

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister recognized the...

The U.S. Department of State is today sanctioning a second China-based terminal operator, Guangsha Zhoushan Energy Group Co Ltd, which...

The following text was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Begin Text: ...

The United States is today sanctioning six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the UAE, and China that have been involved in the...

Once again, China’s aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region’s...

Today, I am taking steps to impose additional visa restrictions on Chinese officials determined to be substantially involved in the...

Up to $2 Million Reward Offers Each for Information Leading to Arrests and/or Convictions of Malicious Cyber Actors from China Today, the...

The United States is today sanctioning seven senior members of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, for their role in smuggling...

Will we be like the Cherubs above the Ark of Testimony, like pure and innocent children, or like the destructive angels guarding Gan...

by Rabbi Jeremy Rosen Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola I first heard of the Christian polymath Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola (1463-1494)...

The United States is today sanctioning six entities based in the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong, that have...

The United States stands with its ally the Philippines to condemn the unsafe and irresponsible actions by the Chinese People’s Liberation...

Government accepts TRA recommendation to revoke anti-dumping and countervailing measures on imports of Chinese non-folding e-bikes to the...

The United States will not tolerate Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior and is today sanctioning an international network that...

More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building - as...

by Ram ben Ze’ev Trump’s Executive Orders on Gender and DEI: A Long-Overdue Pushback Against Radicalism If you had asked me before Barack Obama’s presidency whether the Federal government needed to concern itself with issues like gender identity or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), I would have laughed at you. These were not topics that belonged in the realm of governance. But then came Obama, who turned the country upside down and fundamentally changed the rules of engagement. His...

On January 8, 2025, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United...

By Yosef forgiving his brothers, Hashem forgives us (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson...

The United States is imposing sanctions today on the Beijing-based cybersecurity company Integrity Technology Group, Incorporated...

Exploring why the oil for the Bet HaMikdash came all the way from Asher’s territory in the Northern Region (From the teachings of Maran...

New statutory guidelines published for businesses producing and distributing lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes The government has...

The United States supports the Philippines’ enactment of the Maritime Zones Act, signed into law by President Marcos on November 8, 2024....

The United States condemns the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) unjust imprisonment of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, Xu...