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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French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of an unprecedented threat to European freedom, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending. He announced plans to double France’s military budget by 2027, highlighting a rising geopolitical instability and the return of nuclear power. Macron’s address, delivered to the armed forces in Paris, referenced Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for France to become a more powerful force to be feared. The proposals, which would bring the budget to €64 billion, are still subject to government approval.
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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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Putin urges Iran to take a “zero enrichment” nuclear deal with the U.S., and the motivations behind this are complex, to say the least. The core of the matter is this: Russia’s leader appears to be maneuvering for various strategic advantages, and a potential deal with Iran is just one piece of the puzzle.
It seems Russia is keen on maintaining its current relationship with Iran, and a key part of that relationship is the supply of drones and missiles. Putin likely fears that Iran’s pursuit of independent uranium enrichment could complicate this supply chain, making Russia’s position as a key partner less secure.… Continue reading
Russia Sees France as Its Main Enemy in Europe, French General Says – Hmm, so the word is out, isn’t it? Apparently, a French General has dropped the bombshell that Russia considers France to be its primary adversary within Europe. That’s a bold claim, and it immediately sparks a flurry of questions and, let’s be honest, a bit of a chuckle. I mean, for a while there, it seemed like every week the “main enemy” title was being tossed around like a hot potato. One week it was the UK, the next it was Germany. And now, it’s France? What gives?… Continue reading
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, General Thierry Burkhard stated that France is considered Russia’s “main enemy in Europe,” largely due to French support for Ukraine. Burkhard highlighted various forms of hybrid warfare Russia employs, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and espionage, along with actions like sabotaging infrastructure and spying on satellites. The General emphasized the need for France to defend itself on multiple fronts, including space, sea, and air, where Russian activities pose a significant threat. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to make key announcements regarding defense efforts in an upcoming speech to the armed forces.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are meeting in Abu Dhabi to finalize a peace agreement, marking a significant step after decades of conflict. This meeting takes place with Russia largely absent, a shift driven by Moscow’s diminished influence in the South Caucasus due to its war in Ukraine. Russia is attempting to regain its influence through disinformation campaigns and by trying to manage trade and transport between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Experts warn that even if Russia’s influence remains diminished, instability in the region may persist, as internal power struggles are anticipated.
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Poland Is Buying an Insane Number of Tanks from South Korea, a headline that immediately grabs your attention. But is it truly insane? Well, after looking into it, the number – specifically 180 tanks – doesn’t seem so out of line, especially when you consider the geopolitical climate and the potential for future conflict. It’s important to remember that Poland remembers its history, and the lessons learned about relying on others for its defense. They clearly don’t want to be caught off guard again.
Poland Is Buying an Insane Number of Tanks from South Korea, and the context really matters. The current world situation, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the shadow of Russia looming large, is something that weighs heavily on the minds of the Polish leadership.… 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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On July 7th, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released a document purporting to be a Russian army order to bolster its military presence at a base in Armenia, a claim that had been previously denied by Yerevan. The HUR alleged that Russia aimed to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and destabilize global security by expanding its forces at the Gyumri base. This development follows a decline in relations between Armenia and Russia, as Armenia has shifted its focus towards the West and suspended its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood