Alex Willemyns

Washington, D.C., United States

U.S. State Department Correspondent at Radio Free Asia

Australian journalist covering the State Department for @RadioFreeAsia

Articles

US might not cut pledged Pacific aid, says NZ foreign minister

1 month ago | asiapacificreport.nz | Alex Willemyns

By Alex Willemyns for Radio Free AsiaThe Trump administration might let hundreds of millions of dollars in aid pledged to Pacific island nations during former President Joe Biden’s time in office stand, says New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The Biden administration pledged about $1 billion in aid to the Pacific to help counter China’s influence in the strategic region.
US might not cut pledged Pacific aid, NZ foreign minister says

1 month ago | globalsecurity.org | Alex Willemyns |John Pike

After talks in Washington, Winston Peters said he was 'more confident' that aid meant to counter China might stand. By Alex Willemyns 2025.03.18 WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration might let hundreds of millions of dollars in aid pledged to Pacific island nations during former President Joe Biden's time in office stand, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said after talks in Washington on Monday.
US might not cut pledged Pacific aid, NZ foreign minister says

1 month ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration might let hundreds of millions of dollars in aid pledged to Pacific island nations during former President Joe Biden’s time in office stand, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said after talks in Washington on Monday. The Biden administration pledged about $1 billion in aid to the Pacific to help counter China’s influence in the strategic region.
US sanctions Thai officials for deporting Uyghurs to China

1 month ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday announced visa sanctions against Thai government officials involved in last month’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, where they likely face torture as part of what American officials call an ongoing “genocide.”The men had been held in immigration detention in Thailand since escaping China’s persecution in 2014. The Thai government’s decision to return them to China on Feb.
US charges 12 Chinese hackers and officials, offers $10M in rewards

1 month ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON -- The United States on Wednesday charged 12 alleged state-backed Chinese hackers and state officials with offenses related to accessing the email accounts of Chinese dissidents and foreign governments agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It also announced rewards totaling US$10 million for information leading to their capture, with all of the accused remaining at-large.
Rubio accuses China of 'reverse' Opium War via fentanyl

1 month ago | globalsecurity.org | Alex Willemyns |John Pike

The US secretary of state said Beijing may be 'deliberately' flooding America with the synthetic opioid fentanyl. By Alex Willemyns 2025.02.27 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday suggested Beijing may be "deliberately" flooding America with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, in a "reverse" form of the mid-1800s Opium Wars that enfeebled China's international standing.
Rubio accuses China of ‘reverse’ Opium War via fentanyl

1 month ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday suggested Beijing may be “deliberately” flooding America with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, in a “reverse” form of the mid-1800s Opium Wars that enfeebled China’s international standing. U.S. officials blame fentanyl for ravaging communities and causing the overdose deaths of tens of thousands of Americans a year.
Freedom on the wane around the world: report

1 month ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON - The world grew less free yet again last year, marking the 19th straight year of shrinking freedoms, with several Asian countries and regions falling in the rankings or remaining quite low, according to an annual Freedom House report. This year’s Freedom in the World report, released Wednesday and covering 2024, gave ratings for 195 countries and 13 territories based on an analysis of political and civil freedoms.
Top US, Chinese officials talk about tariffs on video call

2 months ago | globalsecurity.org | Alex Willemyns |John Pike

Concerns of escalating trade war grow as both sides slap tariffs on each other. By Alex Willemyns 2025.02.21 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed President Donald Trump's plans for sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports during an introductory video call on Friday morning, according to readouts from both sides.
Top US, Chinese officials talk about tariffs on video call

2 months ago | rfa.org | Alex Willemyns

WASHINGTON - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed President Donald Trump’s plans for sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports during an introductory video call on Friday morning, according to readouts from both sides. Trump has vowed tariffs of “more than” 60% on Chinese imports, and earlier this month began with a 10% levy on all goods from China.