Today's Top Reports
China
China shares anger over US omission regarding Taiwan on website
The US State Department removed ""we do not support Taiwan independence"" from its Taiwan relations fact sheet, sparking anger from China. While the US maintains its ""One China"" policy, recognizing China over Taiwan, the updated fact sheet now includes support for Taiwan's international organization membership ""where applicable."" China condemned the change as sending ""wrong signals"" to independence advocates and demanded correction. Taiwan's Foreign Minister welcomed the ""Taiwan-friendly"" revisions. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over Taiwan's status, which China claims as a breakaway province, while many Taiwanese prefer maintaining the current ambiguous status quo. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/china-shares-anger-over-us-omission-regarding-taiwan-on-website/
Gaza Strip
Hostage release schedule for first phase released
The schedule for the remaining hostage releases in the first phase of the ceasefire deal with Hamas includes: four bodies on February 20, three living hostages on February 22, four more bodies on February 27, and the final three living hostages (including long-held captives Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu) between February 22 and March 2. In exchange, Israel will release all women and children detained from Gaza since October 7, though reports indicate these detainees were not involved in the October 7 attack or subsequent fighting. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/hostage-release-schedule-for-first-phase-released/
Lebanon
Israeli forces to remain in five strategic positions in Lebanon past the withdrawal deadline
The IDF has announced it will maintain troops at five strategic positions in southern Lebanon after tomorrow's withdrawal deadline, with US authorization. These positions are located near various Israeli border towns but outside Lebanese populated areas. The IDF will withdraw from all Lebanese border villages by 10 a.m. tomorrow. The military has enhanced its border defenses with new posts, improved surveillance, and increased troop presence. While the IDF claims to have cleared the border area of Hezbollah infrastructure, they will continue enforcing the ceasefire agreement and responding to threats. If the ceasefire holds, displaced Israeli residents can return to northern Israel starting March 2. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/israeli-forces-to-remain-in-five-strategic-positions-in-lebanon-past-the-withdrawal-deadline/
Saudi Arabia
Rubio meets with Saudi crown prince in Riyadh
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh as part of his first Middle East tour. The meeting is expected to address President Trump's controversial plan regarding Gaza Strip control and Palestinian relocation. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/rubio-meets-with-saudi-crown-prince-in-riyadh/
Ukraine
US envoy states Ukraine to have final say on deal with Russia
US envoy Keith Kellogg is heading to Kyiv for talks with President Zelenskyy following US-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia initiated by President Trump. Kellogg emphasized that while the US is working to facilitate peace negotiations, any final decision would be Ukraine's to make as a sovereign nation. He suggested that European allies would have input but not direct participation in the talks. Kellogg believes both Russia and Ukraine may be ready to end the conflict, noting that neither side can achieve a decisive victory. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/us-envoy-states-ukraine-to-have-final-say-on-deal-with-russia/
Zelenskyy refuses US support for rare earth minerals plan
President Zelenskyy rejected a U.S. proposal for 50% ownership of Ukraine's rare earth minerals as repayment for wartime support, citing inadequate security guarantees. While Trump claimed Ukraine agreed to provide $500B worth of minerals, and U.S. officials offered potential troop deployment to guard the resources post-war, Zelenskyy declined to sign. Ukraine has significant titanium and iron ore reserves, though many are under Russian control. Despite Zelenskyy's previous support for resource exchange in his "Victory Plan" and acknowledgment of the importance of U.S. aid, the current deal remains unsigned. This event took place on 02/17/2025.
View the Full Report and Map Here: https://www.geopolitical.report/zelenskyy-refuses-us-support-for-rare-earth-minerals-plan/
Read all 56 event summaries for our reports that we've mapped over the last day. Geopolitical Report Pro subscribers can view complete reports and maps at the links under each summary.
