Drones Lift Taiwan-Palau Ties to New Heights – June 8, 2026
"Drone diplomacy" takes ties with Palau to new heights as visiting Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao oversaw a donation of Taiwan-made drones to aid in future rescue and emergency missions. Taiwan is pushing back against what officials describe as a growing pattern of Chinese "gray-zone" maritime activity around the country. And in New York City, Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun promotes her party as the better bet for cross-strait peace. Plus: - A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has struck the southern Philippines, killing at least 19 people, injuring over 100, and causing extensive damage. - Many South Korean voters are demanding an election do-over after 50 polling locations across the country ran out of printed ballots, leaving some unable to vote. - As the world marks World Oceans Day on June 8, waves are washing away Taiwan's coastline following decades of development and the impact of climate change.
