![A Chinese military exercise will take place in the Taiwan Strait on Thursday and Friday](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/23/283219/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/china-penalizes-taiwan-through-military-exercises.webp)
A vast Chinese military operation is underway around Taiwan on Thursday and Friday, causing alarm amongst its military. One colonel refers to this event as a "punitive action" directed towards "Taiwanese secessionist activities".
Politics![](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/19/275256/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/that-s-where-i-access-my-thoughts.webp)
As the "power woman" in the red-green government led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder for three years (2002-2005), former Family Minister Renate Schmidt (80) played a crucial role. Her contributions included introducing parental allowance, legalizing daycare, and ensuring kindergarten rights.
Culture![Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) burst his collar on Tuesday](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/16/270957/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/pistorius-discusses-his-polter-court-verdict.webp)
Recently, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (64, SPD) exhibited uncharacteristic anger, surprising many as he is frequently regarded as Germany's most prominent politician and a top contender for chancellor.
Culture![Boris Pistorius at the Altengrabow military training area (Saxony-Anhalt) in January](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/15/268297/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/minister-instructs-to-equip-taurus-missiles.webp)
Boris Pistorius (64, SPD), the country's Minister of Defense, is facing intense pressure from his MPs to finally provide the Bundeswehr with necessary weapons, such as missiles, cruise missiles, and artillery shells, for potential deployment. This is an unusual move.
Panorama![February 2024: Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius (right) talks to a tank crew in front of...](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/11/260063/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/germans-show-increasing-support-for-mandatory-military-service.webp)
There is significant discussion regarding the reinstatement of mandatory military service.
German Federal States![Arguing over billions: Finance Minister Christian Lindner (45, FDP) and Defense Minister Boris...](https://cdn.aussiedlerbote.de/content/images/2024/05/11/259341/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/german-military-warns-of-risky-tank-hold-up.webp)
A disagreement has arisen between Finance Minister Christian Lindner (45, FDP) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (64, SPD). The head of the Bundeswehr and the money manager for the state are publicly arguing over billions.
German Federal States