Taiwan is too slow learning from Ukraine war, ex-top commander says – POLITICO

TAIPEI — Taiwan has been slow to learn the lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and should be accelerating a shift away from big-ticket warplane and warship projects and switching to agile weaponry like drones and mobile air-defense systems that could cause China major problems, a retired top military official told POLITICO. Lee Hsi-ming, who … Read more

Macron picks EU liberal leader as new foreign minister in cabinet reshuffle – POLITICO

PARIS — Emmanuel Macron picked Renew Europe Group President Stéphane Séjourné as France’s new foreign minister, the French presidency announced Thursday, in a widely expected government reshuffle. Séjourné’s appointment is likely to have big repercussions for European centrists ahead of the European election in June. The 38-year-old is a key operator in the Macron galaxy, … Read more

Taiwan presidential hopeful eyes closer ties with Europe – POLITICO

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Europe should deepen exchanges on peace and security as well as trade with Taiwan, the frontrunner in the island’s upcoming presidential election said Tuesday. William Lai, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, also called on China to play its role in ensuring stability in the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues to cast … Read more

Avoiding litigation about patents — what’s not to like? – POLITICO

A recent European Commission proposal to cool the litigious broth about connectivity patents by institutionalizing transparency as a means of avoiding disputes is attracting feverish attention. That fever is excessive: let us calm down and refrain from predicting the end of the world. The proposal is a sensible regime that does not eliminate property rights. … Read more

Telecom services still too expensive, industry minister says

Canadians are still paying too much for telecom services, the industry minister said Thursday, one day after Rogers Communications said it was raising the cost of some of its wireless phone plans. Rogers said Wednesday it would hike the cost of some of its wireless plans for non-contract customers. Bell is also reportedly increasing some of its existing wireless phone … Read more

Lululemon founder faces backlash for blasting company’s diversity, inclusion efforts

Lululemon’s controversial founder Chip Wilson is again facing criticism for his latest remarks regarding the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts. In a recent article by Forbes, Wilson objected to the company’s use of models with a range of body types, whom he said looked “unhealthy,” “sickly” and “not inspirational.” “They’re trying to become like the Gap, everything … Read more

‘Challenging’ market prompts Stellantis to re-evaluate auto show participation

Chrysler parent company Stellantis says future participation in North American auto shows will be looked at on a “case-by-case basis” amid headwinds in the auto market. “With a focus on preserving business fundamentals to mitigate the impact of a challenging automotive market in North America, Stellantis is working to optimize its marketing strategy as it relates to … Read more

Britain’s got some of Europe’s toughest surveillance laws. Now it wants more – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — The U.K. already has some of the most far-reaching surveillance laws in the democratic world. Now it’s rushing to beef them up even further — and tech firms are spooked. Britain’s government wants to build on its landmark Investigatory Powers Act, a … Read more

Macron makes enemies defending rape-accused star – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. PARIS — The storm sparked by Emmanuel Macron’s defense of film star Gérard Depardieu shows no sign of abating as the showbiz world tears itself apart over accusations targeting one of France’s best-known actors. The French film star is at the center of a … Read more