Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Biden: U.S. Would Come To Taiwan's Defense
Leaders from the U.S., Japan, India and Australia are meeting in Tokyo today. The group is known as the Quad and was initially formed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to provide humanitarian aid and disaster assistance. President Biden kicked off the meeting by addressing Russia's attack on Ukraine with a warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "trying to extinguish a culture." He went on to say the invasion only heightens the importance of the informal alliance's shared goals and values. India is the only Quad member that has skipped imposing sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. On a related note, when Biden was asked if the U.S. would come to the military defense of Taiwan if China tried to take the island by force – he said yes. Beijing quickly responded, reiterating China has no room for compromise or concessions on matters of sovereignty, where Taiwan is considered a breakaway province. While Biden said he supports the "One China" policy which recognizes only one Chinese government, he said it doesn't mean China has the authority to take over Taiwan by force. Clarifying Biden’s remarks, a White House official says there's no change in policy towards Taiwan. The official traveling with Biden in Japan told reporters, "As the president said, our policy has not changed." The official who declined to be named said Biden was simply reiterating America's commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the military means to defend itself.
2 House Hearing On Baby Formula Shortage This Week
A House subcommittee will take up the nation's baby formula shortage this week. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and a senior official of formula maker Abbott are scheduled to appear before the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations tomorrow. Abbott makes about 40-percent of baby formula sold in the U.S. and its manufacturing plant in Michigan was shut down earlier in the year after a rare bacterial infection sickened four babies and two died. The company said it reached an agreement with the FDA last week on a path to reopen the factory. Another shipment of formula is set to arrive from Europe tomorrow.
3 Top Russian Official Resigns Over Invasion Of Ukraine
A veteran Russian diplomat is protesting his country's war with Ukraine by resigning. Multiple reports say Boris Bondarev, who was posted to Russia's mission to the United Nations in Geneva submitted his resignation after condemning the invasion on a LinkedIn post. Bondarev is believed to have served Russia for 20 years. In comments ascribed to have been made by him, Bondarev described Russia's actions as an "aggressive war" and "a crime against the Ukrainian people" as well as "the people of Russia." The Kremlin has yet to comment. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department said the Bondarev’s decision shows "there are Russians who profoundly disagree with what President Putin is doing in Ukraine."