PR in the Philippines

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly planning to eliminate its scientific research division, potentially resulting in the dismissal of over 1,000 scientists and staff. These employees are crucial for providing the scientific basis for regulations protecting human health and ecosystems from environmental pollutants. According to documents reviewed by Democratic staff of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, the potential layoffs could affect as many as 1,155 scientists, including chemists, biologists, and toxicologists. This figure represents approximately 75% of the research program’s total workforce. The Trump administration has framed these planned layoffs as part of a larger effort to reduce the size of the federal government and improve its efficiency. However, critics have denounced the move as a significant dismantling of the EPA's long-standing mission to safeguard public health and the environment. The New York Times initially reported on these plans. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has stated his goal of cutting the agency's budget by 65%. This substantial reduction in funding would necessitate significant staff reductions across various functions, including air and water quality monitoring, disaster response, and lead abatement. Furthermore, the EPA has issued guidelines requiring approval from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency for any spending exceeding $50,000. According to the memo, the Office of Research and Development, which serves as the EPA's primary scientific branch, currently employs 1,540 individuals, excluding special government employees and public health officers. The memo indicates that a majority of the staff, ranging from 50% to 75%, “will not be retained.” The proposal involves dissolving the research office and transferring the remaining personnel to other agency departments. The aim is to “provide increased oversight and align with administration priorities,” according to the memo. EPA officials have submitted the plan to the White House for review. EPA spokeswoman Molly Vaseliou stated that the agency "is taking exciting steps as we enter the next phase of organizational improvements," but emphasized that no final decisions have been made. She added, "We are committed to enhancing our ability to deliver clean air, water and land for all Americans," and "While no decisions have been made yet, we are actively listening to employees at all levels to gather ideas on how to increase efficiency and ensure the EPA is as up to date and effective as ever.” California Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the leading Democrat on the science committee, issued a statement asserting that Congress created the agency's research office and that "eliminating it is illegal." Lofgren emphasized that every decision made by the EPA "must be in furtherance of protecting human health and the environment, and that just can’t happen if you gut EPA science." She further stated, "EPA cannot meet its legal obligation to use the best available science without (the Office of Research and Development) and that’s the point." Lofgren accused President Donald Trump and his advisor, Musk, of "putting their polluter buddies’ bottom lines over the health and safety of Americans." She argued that during his first term, "Trump and his cronies politicized and distorted science," and "Now, this is their attempt to kill it for good." Ticora Jones, the chief science officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group, asserted that Trump’s EPA "yet again is putting polluters over people." She urged Congress to "stand up and demand that EPA keep its scientists on the beat so that we all can get the clean air and clean water we need and deserve."

President Trump intensified his efforts to undermine judges who oppose him on Tuesday, urging Congress to impeach the judge overseeing a legal battle regarding the deportation of hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador. This attack on the judiciary prompted a rare public statement from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. In a TruthSocial post, Trump demanded the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg had previously ordered Trump to cease using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants suspected of being affiliated with transnational criminal gangs. Despite this order, the administration seemingly defied the court, continuing the deportations. Over the weekend, flights carrying 261 individuals removed from the U.S. arrived in El Salvador, where the Salvadorian government reports they have been imprisoned. Trump labeled Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic” and “a troublemaker and agitator.” He also ridiculed the notion that a federal judge could limit his presidential actions, stating, “He didn’t WIN the popular VOTE.” Trump added, “This judge, like many of the Crooked Judges’ I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!” Within hours of Trump's post, Roberts responded with an uncommon public criticism of a sitting President. According to the AP, Roberts stated, “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” Roberts had previously cautioned against threats and intimidation of judges, including in his year-end report in December, writing, “Attempts to intimidate judges for their rulings in cases are inappropriate and should be vigorously opposed.” Boasberg was appointed a federal judge by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in March 2011. He became the chief judge of the District Court of the District of Columbia in 2023. Before that, Boasberg was a U.S. attorney specializing in homicide prosecutions, and President George W. Bush appointed him as an associate judge to the D.C. superior court in 2002, where he presided over civil, criminal, and domestic violence cases before his appointment to the federal bench. Only Congress has the power to remove a federal judge, following a process similar to presidential removal. The House must first vote to impeach, requiring a simple majority. If successful, the Senate then conducts a trial and votes on conviction, which requires a two-thirds majority. Over the past 250 years, Congress has impeached 15 federal judges, with the Senate convicting only eight, according to data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The most recent removal of a federal judge by Congress was G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He was convicted by the Senate in December 2010 on charges of bribery and perjury. Rep. Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, announced on X Tuesday his intention to file articles of impeachment against Boasberg in the House. House Republicans have either threatened or initiated impeachment proceedings against at least four other federal judges who have ruled against Trump since January 20.

NEW YORK — Tracy Morgan attributes his illness during Monday’s Knicks-Heat game to food poisoning, stating that he is “doing OK.” The comedian and actor updated his Instagram on Tuesday morning, posting a smiling photo from his hospital bed and expressing his gratitude to fans for their concern. He also joked that his health scare might have brought the Knicks good luck. “I’m doing ok now and doctors say it was food poisoning. Appreciate my MSG family for taking such good care of me and I need to shout out the crew that had to clean that up. Appreciate you!” Morgan posted. “More importantly, the Knicks are now 1-0 when I throw up on the court so maybe I’ll have to break it out again in the playoffs,” he joked, ending his post with the hashtag #goknicks. Morgan became ill during the second half of Monday night’s Heat-Knicks game, pausing play at Madison Square Garden with 6:09 remaining in the third quarter as workers cleaned the area around his seat. The delay lasted over 10 minutes. The Knicks ultimately won with a score of 116-95. Morgan, 56, a longtime Knicks supporter, was a prominent figure during the “Saturday Night Live” 50th-anniversary weekend events, including both the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” and the live “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” special. He is also set to star in an upcoming untitled comedy pilot on NBC with Daniel Radcliffe, where he will portray a disgraced former football player attempting to rehabilitate his image.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Key Democrats on the House Judiciary and Oversight committees have submitted a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to investigate whether the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE) is acting "outside the bounds of federal law," according to The Associated Press. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) are seeking extensive details regarding DOGE's authority. This includes information on billionaire Trump advisor Elon Musk and approximately 40 other individuals, specifically concerning the dismissal of federal employees and the restructuring of government agencies. The representatives are also requesting comprehensive information regarding DOGE’s access to sensitive data, its utilization of artificial intelligence, the qualifications and training of its personnel, and its communications related to Musk's various ventures, such as SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla. "The Administration and Mr. Musk have been operating secretively as they systematically dismantle the federal government," the Democrats stated in a letter to DOGE administrator Amy Gleason, which accompanied the FOIA request obtained by the AP. "The American public has a right to know, and we are determined to use every available tool to uncover the truth about DOGE’s operations." They are requesting an expedited review of the request, seeking a response within 20 days. This FOIA request represents the latest development in an escalating conflict between Congress and the executive branch, as President Donald Trump rapidly reduces the size of the federal government by eliminating thousands of jobs and dismantling numerous long-standing agencies and services. The Oversight Committee Democrats have already submitted a formal request to the Republican president’s administration for information regarding Musk’s potential conflicts of interest, which is currently under consideration. Their attempt to subpoena Musk was blocked by committee Republicans, who hold the majority in Congress. While anyone can typically file a FOIA request, the Democrats on these committees are using their available resources as the minority party to push for oversight of the Republican administration. This action could potentially lead to more stringent measures, including legal action. In the FOIA request, Raskin and Connolly, who serve as ranking members on the committees, stated that the information is necessary "to address numerous unanswered questions and provide clarity to the public." They stated, "There are potential concerns regarding the government's integrity related to DOGE's operations, establishment, and activities, which form the basis of this request, as many of DOGE's actions may be inconsistent with federal law." It remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will respond. Trump and Musk have largely ignored the objections raised by Democrats—and some Republicans—in Congress as their teams proceed across the federal government. While Musk has promised transparency, the Democrats noted that he has held private meetings with Republican members of the House and Senate. The Trump administration is eliminating employees, closing federal agencies, and otherwise disrupting operations, citing the need to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Approximately 100 lawsuits have been filed, with judges both halting and permitting certain actions. In their comprehensive request, the Democrats are seeking four primary categories of information related to DOGE’s activities: its access to sensitive data; the guidelines and decision-making processes related to the termination of federal employees; potential conflicts of interest involving its leadership; and its internal communications. They are requesting the names, job titles, and qualifications of DOGE personnel who have “been granted access to personally identifiable or sensitive information” since January 20, inauguration day, including the reasons for their access. Additionally, they are seeking details about the various computer programs, "including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), your agency is using to store, process or analyze personally identifiable or sensitive information or data.” The request encompasses all DOGE directives, guidelines, and analyses pertaining to the firing of federal employees, including inspectors general, and the dismantling of various government agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of Education, among others. Democrats are also seeking information about DOGE’s authority to issue and implement these directives, as well as details regarding the funding of DOGE’s operations. The FOIA request includes Musk, DOGE administrator Gleason, and approximately 40 other employees, seeking information regarding their resumes, salaries, any conflict of interest waivers, and any non-disclosure agreements associated with their employment. The request also includes all communications from these employees, including text messages and communications via various messaging platforms.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Europol, the European Union’s policing body, warned on Tuesday that artificial intelligence is significantly enhancing organized crime, posing a threat to societal foundations across the EU's 27 member states as it becomes linked to state-led destabilization efforts. This serious warning accompanied the release of Europol's latest report on organized crime, a publication issued every four years. The report, drawing on data from EU police forces, will guide law enforcement strategies within the bloc in the years ahead. Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle stated, “Cybercrime is escalating into a digital arms race targeting governments, businesses, and individuals. AI-driven attacks are becoming more precise and devastating.” She added, “Some attacks reveal a mix of financial and destabilization motives, as they are increasingly aligned with state interests and ideological agendas.” The report, titled the EU Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment 2025, highlighted that offenses such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, cyberattacks, and online scams compromise society and the rule of law by “generating illicit proceeds, spreading violence, and normalizing corruption.” The report noted a significant increase in the volume of child sexual abuse material online due to AI, which complicates image analysis and offender identification. “By creating highly realistic synthetic media, criminals are able to deceive victims, impersonate individuals and discredit or blackmail targets. The addition of AI-powered voice cloning and live video deepfakes amplifies the threat, enabling new forms of fraud, extortion, and identity theft,” the report stated. The report also indicated that states seeking geopolitical advantages are utilizing criminals as contractors, citing cyberattacks against critical infrastructure and public institutions “originating from Russia and countries in its sphere of influence.” “Hybrid and traditional cybercrime actors will increasingly be intertwined, with state-sponsored actors masking themselves as cybercriminals to conceal their origin and real disruption motives,” it elaborated. Polish Interior Ministry Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk referenced a recent cyberattack on a hospital as a current example in Poland. He stated that “Unfortunately this hospital has to stop its activity for the hours because it was lost to a serious cyber-attack,” aided by AI. According to the report, AI and other technologies “are a catalyst for crime, and drive criminal operations’ efficiency by amplifying their speed, reach, and sophistication.” As the European Commission prepares to introduce a new internal security policy, De Bolle emphasized the urgent need for European nations to address these threats. European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stated, “We must embed security into everything we do.” He also mentioned the EU's plan to allocate sufficient funds in the coming years to double Europol’s staff.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — On Tuesday, Hungarian legislators approved a law that prohibits Pride events and permits authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees. This action is a continuation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist party's crackdown on the country’s LGBTQ+ community. The measure was approved with a vote of 136-27. The legislation, backed by Orbán’s Fidesz party and their junior coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, was fast-tracked through parliament after being introduced just a day before. It modifies Hungary’s assembly law, making it illegal to organize or attend events that contravene Hungary’s controversial “child protection” law. This law bans the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to individuals under the age of 18. Participating in a banned event will result in fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($546), which the government must allocate to “child protection,” as stated in the law. Authorities are allowed to employ facial recognition technology to identify individuals present at a prohibited event. During the parliamentary vote in Budapest, opposition members set off smoke bombs in the chamber, creating thick clouds of colorful smoke. In a statement released on Monday following the bill's introduction, Budapest Pride organizers stated that the law's purpose was to "scapegoat" the LGBTQ+ community in order to suppress dissenting voices against Orbán’s administration. “This is not child protection, this is fascism,” the organizers wrote. “The government is attempting to limit peaceful protests with critical viewpoints by targeting a minority. Therefore, as a movement, we will fight for the freedom of all Hungarians to demonstrate!” This new law represents the most recent measure taken by Orbán against LGBTQ+ individuals. His government has enacted other laws that have been criticized by rights organizations and European politicians as being oppressive toward sexual minorities. In 2022, the European Union’s executive branch initiated a case with the EU’s highest court against Hungary’s 2021 child protection law. The European Commission contended that the law “discriminates against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.” The Hungarian government presents itself as an advocate for traditional family values and a protector of Christian civilization against what it refers to as "gender madness." It asserts that its policies aim to shield children from "sexual propaganda." Hungary’s “child protection” law, in addition to prohibiting the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality in content accessible to minors—including television, movies, advertising, and literature—also forbids the mention of LGBTQ+ topics in school curricula and the public portrayal of “gender deviating from sex at birth.” In a speech given in February, Orbán suggested that his government would consider banning the Budapest Pride event. This event draws thousands of participants and celebrates the history of the LGBTQ+ movement while advocating for equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Another Pride event has been held in the southern Hungarian city of Pécs in recent years. Budapest Pride is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with the event scheduled for June 28.

BANGKOK (AP) — The Chinese conglomerate specializing in energy and automobiles, BYD, has unveiled an extremely rapid charging system for electric vehicles that it claims is almost as fast as refueling a gasoline-powered car. BYD, the leading EV manufacturer in China, announced on Monday that its rapid chargers can fully replenish the batteries of its newest EVs in just five to eight minutes, which is comparable to the time it takes to fill a gas tank. The company intends to install over 4,000 of these new charging stations throughout China. Slow charging speeds and limited driving ranges have been significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of EVs over traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. However, Chinese consumers have increasingly embraced EVs, with sales of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles increasing by 40% in the past year. The announcement from BYD appeared to negatively impact Tesla's stock on Monday, as the U.S. EV manufacturer's share price declined by 4.8%. BYD, whose name stands for "Build Your Dreams," has commenced pre-sales of its Han L and Tang L models, which are updated versions of previous models. The Chinese company initially focused on battery production and has been improving its battery and energy storage technologies while simultaneously developing an automotive business that is expanding globally. It asserts that its 1-megawatt rapid chargers can deliver enough power for a driving range of 400 kilometers (approximately 250 miles) in just five minutes. According to a statement from BYD's founder, maximizing charging speeds requires ultra-high voltage and a substantial current. Wang stated, "To completely alleviate users' concerns about charging, our goal is to make EV charging times as short as refueling times for gasoline vehicles." The company also stated that its rapid charging system utilizes silicon carbide power chips with voltage levels reaching 1,500V, which it developed independently. Industry analyst Michael Dunne noted in a recent report that BYD's Blade lithium-iron phosphate battery is potentially the safest and most efficient EV battery globally, with Tesla choosing to incorporate it into some of its EVs. BYD reported manufacturing just over 4.3 million "new energy vehicles" in the past year, a 41% increase compared to the previous year. This figure includes 1.8 million battery electric vehicles and 2.5 million plug-in hybrids. The company's stock price on China's Shenzhen market has risen by almost 50% in the last six months. While BYD's most advanced premium models are anticipated to retail for up to approximately $40,000, the company also produces more affordable EVs, such as the Seagull, which sells for around $12,000 in China. BYD marginally surpassed Tesla in the production of battery-powered EVs in 2024, manufacturing 1,777,965 vehicles compared to Tesla's 1,773,443. In early January, Tesla announced a decline in its 2024 sales, marking the first decrease in over a decade, as competitors like BMW, Volkswagen, and BYD gained market share with their competitive EVs. However, Dunne also pointed out BYD's weaknesses, noting that JD Power's 2024 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study ranked the BYD Seal and BYD Song Plus battery electrics at the bottom of its rankings. ```

LIMA, Peru — The Peruvian president has declared a state of emergency in the nation's capital and authorized the military to support police efforts in response to escalating violence, triggered in part by the recent murder of a well-known singer. According to a government decree issued by President Dina Boluarte, the state of emergency will be in effect for 30 days. During this period, certain rights, such as the freedoms of assembly and movement, will be restricted. This grants the police and army the authority to detain individuals without a warrant. Peru has experienced a surge in homicides, violent extortion cases, and attacks on public spaces in recent months. Police records indicate 459 homicides between January 1 and March 16, along with 1,909 extortion reports in January alone. Public anger intensified following the Sunday killing of Paul Flores, the 39-year-old lead vocalist of the cumbia band Armonia 10. In response, opposition lawmakers in Congress have called for a vote of no confidence against Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez, citing the perceived absence of a strategy to combat the rising violence. The congressional plenary is expected to discuss the vote later in the week. Flores was fatally shot early Sunday morning when assailants targeted the bus he and his bandmates were traveling on after a concert in Lima. Cumbia is a Latin music genre characterized by danceable rhythms produced by drums, maracas, and other instruments. The attack on the popular singer was not the only violent incident of the weekend. On Saturday, an explosion occurred at a restaurant in the capital, resulting in injuries to at least 11 people. Boluarte’s administration had previously declared a state of emergency between September and December in an effort to curb violence. ```

TEL AVIV, Israel — The recent period of relative calm was shattered on Tuesday when Israel launched numerous attacks throughout the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian hospital sources, the strikes have resulted in over 400 deaths, including women and children. Israel has stated that the operation has no set end date and is expected to escalate, leading to concerns that the 17-month-old conflict could fully resume. Here’s a breakdown of the events leading up to the strikes and potential future developments. What happened to the ceasefire? The ceasefire, established in mid-January, was structured as a three-stage plan. The initial stage concluded two weeks prior to the recent escalation. Israel hesitated to engage in significant discussions regarding the second stage, which was intended to establish a lasting ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of all hostages seized by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which initiated the war. As per the agreement, reached after over a year of negotiations facilitated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, the ceasefire was meant to remain in effect while negotiations for the second phase were ongoing. During the first phase, Hamas released 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces also retreated to buffer zones within Gaza, and hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza. The agreement stipulated that further hostage releases would only occur during the second phase. Hundreds of aid trucks had been entering daily. But two weeks ago,  to the territory’s around 2 million people to pressure Hamas to . The revised proposal required Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages — a key bargaining tool for the group — in return for extending the ceasefire and a promise of negotiations for a permanent truce. Israel did not mention releasing additional Palestinian prisoners, which had been a crucial element of the first phase. Hamas rejected the new proposal, accusing Israel of attempting to undermine the existing agreement. Is the ceasefire over? Unless mediators intervene, Israel's unexpected attack could signal a complete return to hostilities in the 17-month conflict that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly threatened to restart the war, stated that he authorized the strikes due to Hamas's rejection of the revised proposal. He affirmed that Israel "will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength." The White House indicated that it was consulted and expressed support for Israel's actions. Hamas accused Netanyahu of disrupting the ceasefire agreement and endangering the remaining hostages. In a statement, the group urged mediators to hold Israel "fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement." The attack occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. While no significant combat had taken place in Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19, Israeli strikes had killed dozens of Palestinians who the military claimed had entered unauthorized areas, participated in militant activities, or otherwise breached the truce. What is Netanyahu’s situation? Netanyahu has , with large-scale protests planned in response to his management of the hostage crisis and his decision to dismiss the head of Israel's internal security agency. Families of hostages still held in Gaza voiced their anxiety on Tuesday regarding their loved ones. "We are shocked, angry, and terrified by the deliberate dismantling of the process to return our loved ones from the terrible captivity of Hamas," stated the Hostages Families Forum. However, Netanyahu has also faced pressure from his hard-line allies to reject any agreement in Gaza that does not achieve the destruction of Hamas. Negotiations with Hamas regarding a second phase could have led to demands for compromises on the future governance of Gaza. Netanyahu faces an end-of-the-month deadline to pass a budget, or his government will collapse, triggering early elections. He has struggled to reach an agreement with coalition partners. Resuming the war could bring back former Cabinet minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, potentially providing the prime minister with additional support for what is anticipated to be a close vote. Netanyahu's critics have also alleged that his dismissal of the security agency chief and other dismissals are part of a wider campaign to undermine independent government institutions. They argue that he is doing this to retain power while  and facing public pressure to accept his own responsibility for policy failures in the lead-up to Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023. What else is happening? A resumption of fighting in Gaza could have wider implications for the region. Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, condemned the Israeli strikes, stating that "the Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle," suggesting a potential resumption of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The United States launched new airstrikes over the weekend targeting the  in Yemen in retaliation for its attacks on shipping. At least 53 people were reported killed. ore.  on Monday warned Iran would  for any further Houthi attacks, threatening to widen the conflict further. New violence in Gaza could also jeopardize the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hezbollah in November, which halted months of deadly exchanges of fire along the Israeli-Lebanon border. ___ Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writers Lee Keath in Cairo Josef Federman in Jerusalam and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported an unusually high number of Chinese military vessels, aircraft, and drones entering the airspace and waters around the island between Sunday and Monday. China stated that these drills were in response to recent actions and statements made by the U.S. and Taiwan. On Tuesday, the ministry shared images on social media of Chinese drones and ships, noting that 43 out of 59 entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone without any reported confrontations. Taiwan responded by monitoring the situation and deploying aircraft, naval vessels, and coastal anti-ship missile defenses, according to the ministry. China regularly conducts such missions, aiming to weaken Taiwan's defenses and morale. However, the vast majority of Taiwan's 23 million residents reject Beijing's claim of sovereignty over the island and its threat to use force to assert control. The reason for the large Chinese deployment remains unclear. Daily figures often fluctuate based on statements from Taiwanese authorities or their U.S. counterparts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Monday that the drills were "a resolute response to foreign collusion and support for Taiwan independence, and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces." Mao added that China’s military actions are “necessary, legal and justified measures to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” Mao was quoted as saying, “In particular, the United States deleted the literal expression that reflected the one-China principle and that did not support Taiwan independence on the website of the U.S. Department of State, which indicates wrong signals to Taiwan separatist forces.” Taiwanese officials also provoked Beijing's anger last week when one stated that Taiwan law designates mainland China as a "foreign hostile force" and that stronger measures were being implemented to prevent Chinese subversion through media and civic exchanges. The official also warned of the risk of influential figures and current or retired military personnel selling secrets to China. The Taiwan Strait is an international waterway and a crucial channel for global trade. While China does not interfere with civilian shipping in the Strait—or in the South China Sea to the south, which it claims almost entirely—it consistently objects to actions by the U.S. and other foreign navies in the area. On Saturday, China criticized accusations from top diplomats of the Group of 7 industrialized democracies, who claimed Beijing is endangering maritime safety. The G7 stated in a joint statement: “We condemn China’s illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions that seek unilaterally to alter the status quo in such a way as to risk undermining the stability of regions, including through land reclamations, and building of outposts, as well as their use for military purpose.” China described the G7 statement as “filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions.” In response to the growing threat from China, Taiwan has ordered new missiles, aircraft, and other armaments from the U.S., while also revitalizing its own defense industry with submarines and other key equipment.