May 23, 2022

*) Biden launches Asia trade initiative, reinforces Japan ties President Joe Biden has said that the US would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan, warning China against what he called "flirting with danger". In Tokyo, Biden also announced the launch of a new Asia-Pacific trading network with 13 countries, including India and Japan. Ahead of the unveiling of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, Biden met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He praised Japan as a "key global leader" for joining US-led pressure on Russia over its Ukraine offensive. *) UN: More than 100 million people forcibly displaced Russia's assault on Ukraine and other deadly conflicts have pushed the number of forcibly displaced people around the world above 100 million for the first time ever. UN refugee agency UNHCR said the "alarming" figure must shake the world into ending the conflicts. Since Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, over eight million people have been displaced within the country, while more than six million have fled across the borders. *) First 'war crimes' verdict looms in Russia-Ukraine conflict A panel of judges in Kiev will determine the fate of Russian Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, who has admitted to killing a 62-year-old civilian. The verdict expected on Monday will be the first in a case involving what Ukrainian authorities describe as Russia's war crimes. Shishimarin's lawyer has argued for an acquittal, saying his 21-year-old client was carrying out what he perceived to be a direct order that he initially disobeyed. Prosecutors, who have asked for a life sentence, said he was "well aware" he was executing a "criminal order". *) Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia's prime minister Australia's new centre-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken office a few hours before flying out to attend an international summit in Tokyo. The 59-year-old prime minister was sworn in at a brief ceremony in Government House, Canberra. Albanese, who says Australia is willing to engage with