Simmering Tensions: China Sanctions 5 US Defense Firms Over Arms Sales to Taiwan

The situation also underscores the delicate balance of power in the Taiwan Strait — a 160-kilometer-wide (about 90 miles) waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China. But the timing of Beijing’s sanctions — coming just days before Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections slated for Jan. 13 — is seen as a strategic move to influence the island’s political landscape.

UN Calls for Release of Ailing Hong Kong Rights Lawyer Albert Ho

“We are following ongoing cases under National Security Law (#NSL) with great concern,” the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said via its Twitter account on March 28. “A week ago, Albert Ho was returned to custody under this law, despite his critical health condition.”