Taiwan

Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares snapshots of moments from their lives and work around the world.

China launched major military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, simulating attacks and maritime blockades, in what Beijing called a warning after Taiwan's president labeled China a hostile foreign force.

Taiwan's military is seeking funds to retain more service people with higher pay and to lengthen compulsory national service from four months to one year as it faces a rising threat from China.

China's secretive military appears to be up to something around Taiwan, but it's unclear whether it's a formal military drill.

China deployed ships and warplanes in large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan Monday, simulating the sealing off of ports in a move that underscores the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Ukraine will get most of the weapons as it struggles to combat Russia's overwhelming firepower. The bill also includes more arms for Israel, and humanitarian help for Gaza.

The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 79-18 vote late Tuesday after the House had approved the package Saturday. Biden is expected to quickly sign the legislation.

President Biden has expressed support for the House foreign aid package. It now heads to the Senate, where it is also expected to pass.

Taiwan has been hit by the strongest earthquake in a quarter of a century.

The U.S. Geological Survey gave the magnitude as 7.4. The quake collapsed buildings and created a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. At least 9 people died, officials said.