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World News Roundup: Taiwan-US Relations, European Security Concerns, and NASA's Lunar Mission
Several international developments unfolded on Thursday, February 5, 2026, ranging from diplomatic assurances in Asia to security concerns in Europe and advancements in space exploration.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te insisted that the island's relationship with the United States remained "rock solid," despite recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to Sky News. During a phone call on Wednesday, Xi Jinping reportedly urged Trump to be "prudent" regarding arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed. Lai Ching-te's comments aimed to downplay any fears that U.S. security assurances to Taiwan were weakening.
In Europe, Polish authorities detained five individuals in connection with a cigarette smuggling operation from Belarus that utilized weather balloons, Euronews reported. The suspects, including Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Polish nationals, face charges related to organized crime, violations of air traffic regulations, and supporting aggression against Ukraine. They could face imprisonment terms ranging from nine months to 12 years if convicted. The smuggling 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 rising regional tensions, Euronews also reported. Merz's visit to Doha was part of a broader effort by Germany to secure energy supplies, defense partners, and stability in the face of concerns about Iran. Speaking in Doha, Merz stated that concerns over Iran had featured prominently in discussions with Gulf leaders. He urged Tehran to halt what he described as aggressive behavior and to engage in talks aimed at easing tensions.
Meanwhile, in Italy, health experts recommended the return of three children to their Anglo-Australian parents, following a custody dispute that garnered international attention, according to Euronews. Psychiatrists from the Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti Local Health Authority issued a report stating that restoring stable family ties was essential for the children, who were removed from their home by social services. The report recommended monitoring of the family after the children's return.
In space exploration news, NASA astronauts will be allowed to bring their smartphones on missions, starting with the Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, TechCrunch reported. "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 Crew-12 mission is scheduled to head to the International Space Station next week, while the Artemis II mission, which will send humans around the moon for the first time since the 1960s, was delayed until March.
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