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World News Roundup: Taiwan-US Relations, European Security Concerns, and Lunar Selfies
International relations, European security, and space exploration dominated headlines on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Taiwan's president insisted on the strength of the island's relationship with the United States despite recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, in Europe, Poland detained individuals involved in a cigarette smuggling operation from Belarus, and the German Chancellor visited Qatar for energy talks amid rising regional tensions. In space, NASA announced astronauts will be allowed to bring smartphones on upcoming missions.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te downplayed concerns that security assurances offered by the U.S. were weakening. This statement followed a phone call between President Trump and Xi Jinping on Wednesday, during which Xi urged Trump to be "prudent" about supplying arms to Taiwan, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
In Poland, authorities detained five individuals in connection with a smuggling operation that used weather balloons to transport cigarettes from Belarus. According to Euronews, the suspects, who include Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish nationals, face charges related to organized crime, violations of air traffic regulations, and supporting aggression against Ukraine. They could face between nine months and 12 years in prison if convicted. The operation reportedly caused millions in tax losses and disrupted air traffic, prompting tighter security measures and airspace limits.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Qatar for energy talks amid growing concerns about regional stability. Speaking in Doha, Merz stated that fears of a wider regional escalation linked to Iran featured prominently in discussions with Gulf leaders. He called on Tehran to halt what he described as aggressive behavior and to engage in talks aimed at easing tensions. Germany is seeking to bolster its energy security and defense partnerships in the region, according to Euronews.
In other news, a custody dispute in Italy involving Anglo-Australian parents took a turn as health experts recommended the swift return of three children to their parents. The case, which has drawn international attention, involves social services and a family living in rural Italy. A report by psychiatrists from the Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti Local Health Authority stated that restoring stable family ties was essential for the children.
Finally, NASA announced that astronauts will be allowed to bring their smartphones on missions, beginning with Crew-12 to the International Space Station next week and the Artemis II mission, which was delayed until March. "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman wrote on X. The Artemis II mission will bring humans around the moon for the first time since the 1960s.
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