According to recent research by the Pew Research Centre, a majority of Australians now prioritize stronger economic ties with China over the United States. This shift represents a notable increase compared to previous years, while the preference for prioritizing economic ties with the US has decreased. Despite this, Australians generally hold unfavorable views of China and lack confidence in its leadership. The survey also indicated shifting opinions in high-income countries towards the US and China, along with the economic growth of China.
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Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest war-fighting drills in Australia’s history, commenced with live-fire exercises featuring the newly acquired HIMARS. The three-week event involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, including the United States and Australia, with activities also taking place in Papua New Guinea for the first time. Chinese surveillance ships are anticipated to monitor the exercises, as they have done in previous iterations, prompting adjustments in Australia’s operational approach. The exercise began shortly after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China, during which he indicated that the surveillance would not be a point of contention.
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US demands clarity from allies on their role in potential war over Taiwan, FT reports. This whole situation feels like a request for a status report, but with stakes much higher than a delayed project. The Pentagon, according to the Financial Times, is pressing Japan and Australia for specifics on their involvement should the U.S. and China clash over Taiwan. The urgency is palpable, and the question seems simple enough: “If things go sideways, what do you do?” But the responses are anything but.
That’s because Elbridge Colby, a key figure within the Pentagon, is driving this push. His name pops up again and again, and he’s apparently quite the personality, also known for some policy choices that have, let’s just say, ruffled some feathers among the allies.… Continue reading
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence reported the detection of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan, including multiple instances of aircraft crossing the median line and entering the Air Defence Identification Zone. Taiwan responded by deploying its own aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. These actions are part of a larger pattern of Chinese military activity, which China uses to assert its claims over Taiwan, potentially aiming to intimidate the island and its population. Recently, Taiwan has begun deploying advanced US HIMARS rockets as a demonstration of the island’s resolve to resist a possible Chinese invasion.
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A Chinese naval vessel was observed patrolling near Hawaii this week, as confirmed by an Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) spokesperson. The military is monitoring the vessel operating in international waters near Hawaii, though the vessel’s specific location and mission remain undisclosed. This event follows recent displays of Chinese naval power in the Pacific, including deployments of aircraft carriers and increased military maneuvers around Taiwan. The presence of the Chinese vessel aligns with China’s growing naval capabilities, which include the largest navy globally, highlighting the ongoing strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Japan has lodged a strong protest with China following multiple instances of Chinese fighter jets flying dangerously close to Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft over the East China Sea. The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber came within 30 meters of a Japanese YS-11EB aircraft. Japan’s Foreign Ministry conveyed “serious concern” to the Chinese Ambassador, urging China to prevent accidental collisions and cease such actions. These incidents follow previous accusations of close encounters, occurring amid warming economic ties between the two nations, highlighted by the recent agreement on animal health and quarantine as well as China’s partial lifting of the ban on Japanese seafood imports.
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Ukraine catches Chinese spies trying to steal secrets of missile that sank Russia’s flagship – it’s a story that, frankly, isn’t all that shocking, is it? When a nation is fighting for its very existence, and the world watches in a frenzy, you’d think spies would have a lot better sense than to try to sneak around. The risks are astronomically high in a situation like this. It’s not exactly a subtle game. You have to wonder about the intelligence of the people involved.
And what’s the first secret to anti-ship missiles that can sink flagships? Well, if the Moskva is any indicator, it seems like firing them at Russian flagships is a pretty solid start.… Continue reading
During his state visit to the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for European countries to lessen their reliance on both the US and China, citing concerns about trade imbalances and technological dependencies. Macron highlighted the importance of cooperation between France and the UK on issues like migration, and a youth mobility scheme. The president framed this as an effort to secure a sustainable future by de-risking economies from these dual dependencies, while also calling for closer collaboration to address global challenges like terrorism and defend shared values. Macron’s visit also included a focus on cultural exchange, referencing historical ties and signaling a new chapter in Anglo-French relations.
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Russia has drastically increased its drone production capabilities for use in the war against Ukraine, with the help of Chinese companies. Aero-HIT, a Russian company, has been working with Chinese firms, including Autel and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), to manufacture drones like the Veles, based on the Autel EVO Max 4T. This collaboration allows Russia to produce thousands of drones monthly, even though China officially denies providing military aid. Aero-HIT has been sanctioned by the US for its drone usage, yet Russia continues to use intermediaries to circumvent these restrictions.
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The speaker indicated that extensive discussions have taken place with numerous countries regarding trade agreements. While deals have been secured with the United Kingdom and China, and one is close with India, most nations will receive a letter outlining tariff obligations. These letters will invite countries to participate in the U.S. economic system, with some potential adjustments based on individual circumstances, though the speaker asserted the U.S. could demand significantly more.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood