Japan Prepares Evacuation Plan Amid Taiwan Tensions; Trump Administration Cuts Grants; US Defense Secretary Meets Philippine President

Japan has released plans to evacuate over 100,000 civilians from remote islands near Taiwan due to escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. Ships and planes would transport residents and tourists to southwestern and western Japan within six days. Evacuation drills are planned for April. The move follows China's increased military pressure on Taiwan. Japan also plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island. President Trump's administration is cutting grants for programs like vaccine research and teacher training, citing a 2020 regulation change allowing termination if projects no longer align with agency priorities. Agencies including NIH, CDC, and others are terminating grants. NIH issued instructions prioritizing research outside of DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. A lawsuit challenges the Education Department's grant cancellations. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, affirming US support against China amid South China Sea tensions. Hegseth's visit, part of a tour of Asia Pacific allies, aims to rally support against China's influence. This occurs alongside heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims.