China sanctions House Speaker Pelosi after visit to Taiwan

China sanctions House Speaker Pelosi after visit to Taiwan

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying gestures during a daily briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. After weeks of threatening rhetoric, China showed the spirit but stopped short of any direct military confrontation with the U.S. over the visit to Taiwan of a senior American politician, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)China’s communist government sanctioned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) following her trip to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision on Friday, while claiming Pelosi’s visit was provocative. Chinese officials accused her of meddling in China’s internal affairs.

Senate votes to pass PACT Act despite GOP concerns

Senate votes to pass PACT Act despite GOP concerns

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks at a news conference after the Senate passed a bill designed to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)The Senate passed the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins, or PACT Act. In an 86 to 11 vote on Tuesday, senators from both sides of the aisle agreed to push the legislation forward after being delayed due to concerns from Republican senators about $400 billion discretionary spending clause placed in the bill.

Report: Chinese Embassy pressures US lawmakers

Report: Chinese Embassy pressures US lawmakers

The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamppost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 1, 2021. REUTERS/Brian SnyderThe Chinese Embassy in Washington has reportedly warned US lawmakers not to join House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on her possible trip to Taiwan. According to NBC News on Thursday, cited Congressman Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) claimed that Chinese diplomats are trying to pressure lawmakers into preventing Pelosi from going to Taiwan.

US State Dept. condemns Myanmar executions

US State Dept. condemns Myanmar executions

Myanmar nationals living in Thailand hold the pictures of deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi as they protest outside Myanmar's embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, July 26, 2022. International outrage over Myanmar’s execution of four political prisoners is intensifying with grassroots protests and strong condemnation from world governments. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)The Biden administration is looking to put pressure on Myanmar’s military junta. At a press briefing Monday, State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned Myanmar’s government, which has been run by it’s military since a coup in 2021, for executing four pro-democracy activists.

Two Americans dead in Donbas region of Ukraine

Two Americans dead in Donbas region of Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers walk next to destroyed Russians armored vehicles in Bucha, Ukraine, Saturday, April 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)Two American volunteers in Ukraine died in the countries Donbas region. According to the US State Department, the two Americans were believed to have assisted Ukraine’s military defenses against Russia when they died. The department has offered to provide the victims families consular assistance and keep further details private.