In the second quarter, Google removed almost 11,000 YouTube channels and other accounts associated with state-backed propaganda efforts originating from China, Russia, and other entities. The majority of the channels taken down were linked to China, disseminating content in both Chinese and English that supported the People’s Republic of China and President Xi Jinping while commenting on U.S. affairs. Over 2,000 channels were removed due to their connection to Russia, featuring content in multiple languages that supported Russia and criticized the West. Additionally, Google eliminated channels linked to RT, the Russian state-controlled media outlet, which allegedly paid influencers to create content.
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China has begun construction on the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, which is raising significant concerns in India and Bangladesh. The dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river is expected to generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam, potentially giving China control over water resources and impacting downstream communities. Indian officials have expressed fears of the dam causing rivers to “dry up” and acting as a “water bomb,” threatening livelihoods and the environment. Despite China’s claims of prioritizing ecological protection, the project has drawn criticism, with fears of exploitation, environmental damage, and the suppression of Tibetan protests.
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On Saturday, China initiated construction of a USD 167.8 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. The project, announced by Premier Li Qiang, will include five cascade hydropower stations and is projected to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually. This infrastructure project, located in the Nyingchi region, is expected to supply electricity for external consumption while also fulfilling local needs in Tibet. The development has raised concerns in downstream countries like India and Bangladesh due to its scale.
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Speaking at the LandEuro symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany, Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich emphasized the potential for simultaneous conflicts in Europe and the Pacific, possibly by 2027, requiring immediate preparation. He highlighted the need for increased weapons production across the 32-nation NATO alliance and closer military collaboration with industry. Grynkewich, also the NATO supreme allied commander, addressed ongoing efforts to increase support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense, and the importance of allies meeting defense spending pledges. Furthermore, he cautioned against viewing the threats posed by Russia and China as separate, stressing the need for a global approach to deterrence.
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Recent reports, including one in Bild, indicate that NATO’s new commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, believes the US and Europe have only a limited timeframe, potentially 2.5 years, to prepare for a potential war against China and Russia. Grynkewich suggests that a crisis is possible as early as 2027. The general posits that Xi Jinping could instigate a Russian attack on NATO members, likely in the Baltics, to distract the US and NATO while China moves on Taiwan. Similar concerns have been echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also sees Russia as a potential tool for China’s strategic goals.
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Following an exit ban imposed on a senior banker, Wells Fargo has suspended all employee travel to China, raising concerns about staff safety. Managing Director Chenyue Mao, a US citizen, was barred from leaving the country, prompting the bank to work to secure her return. This situation has heightened anxieties among multinational companies already navigating geopolitical tensions. Several sources have stated that incidents such as these are not a step in the right direction.
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China’s holdings of US Treasury bonds decreased for the third consecutive month in May, reaching the lowest level since March 2009, amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States and anxieties surrounding financial markets. The reduction occurred despite a temporary truce in the trade war. This decrease followed China’s fall to third place among foreign holders of US debt. Fears of escalating trade conflicts have increased speculation about China selling off its large holdings of US Treasury bonds.
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China’s super soldier experiments ‘disturbing’: Ex-intelligence officer – where do we even begin with this? It’s a headline that instantly grabs your attention, isn’t it? The idea of genetically enhanced soldiers, tailored for peak performance, is straight out of a science fiction movie. And the fact that China is allegedly exploring this concept… well, it’s definitely unsettling. Let’s be clear, the whole notion is a bit of a buzzword-fest, right? “Super soldiers are genetically modified using artificial intelligence,” it screams. But what does that even mean in practice? It sounds more like a collection of hot-button terms designed to spark fear than a coherent description of a real-world program.… Continue reading
Dalian Polytechnic University expelled a female student for “damaging national dignity” due to “improper interactions” with a foreign man, sparking widespread debate on Chinese social media. The university’s announcement cited a violation of rules against behavior damaging national dignity, though it did not specify the nature of the interactions. The incident is linked to videos featuring a Ukrainian gamer, though the woman’s identity could not be verified. Critics accuse the university of overreach and misogyny, with some questioning whether similar actions would be taken against a male student.
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Japan’s defense minister stated the nation faces its most severe security environment since World War II, citing increased military activities from China, Russia, and North Korea. The annual defense white paper highlights China’s military expansion as an “unprecedented strategic challenge,” particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands, while also noting growing cooperation between China and Russia. The report expresses concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program, which can reach the entirety of Japan. These actions are described as a threat to regional stability, mirroring concerns raised by the head of the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood