The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan has revealed that China is employing Chinese IT and marketing companies to wage cognitive warfare against Taiwan. A recent analysis indicated that by 2025, over 45,000 fake social media accounts and over 2.314 million pieces of disinformation were identified, spread through fabricated accounts managed by automated programs. These programs are run by Chinese IT companies under the direction of the PRC’s Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security. China’s goals include weakening Taiwanese resolve and influencing global perception. To combat this, the NSB is collaborating with various entities, including international partners, to counter the spread of false information.
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Nordics reject Trump’s claim of Chinese and Russian ships around Greenland, FT reports. It seems we’re dealing with yet another instance of, let’s just say, creative truth-telling from a certain former leader. The Financial Times reports that Nordic nations are pushing back against claims that Chinese and Russian ships are lurking around Greenland. You know, the kind of claims that have that familiar ring of “too good (or bad) to be true”?
Honestly, the whole narrative feels suspiciously like a rerun of an old playbook. It’s the same old tactic: create a boogeyman, stoke fear, and then offer yourself as the only solution.… Continue reading
Trump Cancels Second Attack on Venezuela, Cites Cooperation
The headline read that former President Trump had called off a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, and the reasoning given was an improvement in cooperation from the South American country. According to his Truth Social post, Venezuela was “working well” with the United States on rebuilding its oil and gas infrastructure, and also releasing a significant number of political prisoners. Therefore, another round of military action didn’t seem necessary, at least for now. This announcement immediately impacted the markets, with oil prices adjusting slightly. The move was particularly interesting given that the Trump administration was simultaneously pushing U.S.… Continue reading
In a recent interview with the New York Times, former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the issue of Taiwan. Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has the autonomy to decide China’s actions regarding Taiwan. However, Trump also expressed his strong disapproval of any alterations to the existing status quo, indicating he would be “very unhappy” with such a move.
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Trump’s plan to take Venezuelan oil angers China, pushes prices down, and it’s certainly stirred up a lot of controversy. The former President’s stated intention, to control the sale of Venezuelan oil and direct the funds for the benefit of both Venezuela and the United States, has sparked a geopolitical ripple effect.
One of the most immediate consequences appears to be China’s displeasure. China, a major consumer of oil and a significant player in the global market, has strong economic ties with Venezuela. Any move that disrupts or undermines those ties is bound to ruffle some feathers in Beijing. They probably feel as if their interests are being stepped upon, and that’s not something they take lightly.… Continue reading
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit China from January 13 to 17, aiming to enhance engagement on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. This marks the first such visit since 2017, following a period of strained relations due to the arrest of a Huawei executive and the subsequent detention of Canadian citizens. Despite previously labeling China a security threat, Carney has signaled intentions to deepen ties, having met with Chinese officials in recent months, suggesting a potential “turning point” in the relationship. While Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe welcomes the visit and hopes it addresses canola tariffs, others like Michael Kovrig have cautioned against prioritizing China for economic diversification, especially regarding tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
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Trump demands Venezuela kick out China and Russia, partner only with US on oil. The whole situation feels like a bad movie, doesn’t it? It’s hard not to see the echoes of the past, specifically the Monroe Doctrine, a relic of a bygone era. It’s almost comical how a concept from centuries ago is being dusted off and applied to the modern world, as if ignoring the advancements in technology and global relations. One has to wonder if those pushing these ideas fully grasp the current landscape.
The core issue here is Venezuela’s oil, and Trump’s insistence on exclusive partnership with the US.… Continue reading
During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused the United States of using the “Chinese threat” to justify its own selfish ambitions. He specifically called out the U.S.’s interest in Greenland, which former President Trump has cited as necessary for national security. Trump’s justification included the presence of Chinese ships near Greenland’s coast. The Chinese government urged the U.S. to cease leveraging the situation for its own benefit.
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The Trump administration’s strategy for Venezuela appears to lack a cohesive plan, potentially relying on bullying or the assumption of a welcoming reception for U.S. troops, even as American oil companies are poised to exploit resources. Despite the existing regime’s defiance, there are indicators that the administration might permit the current Vice President to remain in power if she embraces a capitalist system favorable to U.S. oil interests. This approach, alongside Russia’s silence and former testimonies, implies a potential agreement where the U.S. could be trading off territories like Ukraine and Taiwan for influence in other regions. Furthermore, the 2025 National Security Strategy signals a shift away from traditional alliances, implying a new global order defined by spheres of influence and the pursuit of wealth by major powers.
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On January 4th, President Zelensky enacted sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 entities involved in supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex. These sanctions, targeting both Russian and Chinese citizens, include asset freezes, trade restrictions, and transportation bans, intending to cripple Russia’s weapons production capabilities. The measures also extend to key industrial sectors like chemicals, mining, and energy. Notably, some entities targeted by Ukraine are also facing sanctions from the European Union, which recently expanded its sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood