China’s military expansion, including its growing nuclear arsenal exceeding 600 warheads and projected to surpass 1,000 by 2030, coupled with increased pressure on Taiwan and strengthened ties with Russia, presents a significant challenge to the U.S. However, widespread corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be hindering China’s modernization efforts. Despite setbacks, China continues to advance its military capabilities, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, while engaging in unsafe operations near U.S. and allied forces. The U.S. is responding by increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and maintaining diplomatic engagement with China.
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The FBI briefed select U.S. lawmakers on a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) scheme to create false narratives portraying them negatively due to their pro-Taiwan stance. The CCP allegedly plans to fabricate stories claiming these lawmakers accepted bribes from Taiwan to influence their support for the island’s democracy. These “defensive” briefings, occurring in the fall, aimed to preempt the CCP’s disinformation campaign. The CCP’s actions reflect escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan and are part of broader efforts to influence American politics.
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Taiwan’s defense ministry announced the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks, the first delivery of a 108-tank order placed in 2019. These tanks, representing a significant upgrade to Taiwan’s aging fleet, arrived late Sunday and were transferred to a training base. The acquisition, costing over US$1.2 billion, strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. This substantial arms purchase underscores Taiwan’s reliance on the US for bolstering its defenses against increasing threats.
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China conducted its largest military drills near Taiwan since the 1990s, involving over 50 aircraft, 90 ships, and spy balloons. These unprecedented maneuvers, lasting several days, simulated blockades and attacks on foreign vessels, prompting concerns from Taiwan and its allies. Although Chinese forces subsequently withdrew, Beijing asserted its right to further actions to achieve reunification with Taiwan, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. Taiwan’s government, while acknowledging the threat, remains resolute in its self-determination, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical challenge.
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Paraguay expelled a senior Chinese diplomat, Xu Wei, for attempting to interfere in its domestic affairs and undermine its relationship with Taiwan. Xu, while in Paraguay for a UN event, met with Paraguayan lawmakers, urging them to sever ties with Taiwan in exchange for numerous economic benefits. China denied the interference allegations, while Paraguay affirmed its commitment to maintaining ties with Taiwan despite pressure from Beijing. This incident highlights China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by the mainland.
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A Chinese-owned fishing vessel, sailing under a Taiwanese flag and carrying 18 crew members, was hijacked off Somalia’s northeastern coast. The hijackers, including the ship’s security guards, initially moved the vessel to several locations before its current location in Maraya. While ransom demands remain unconfirmed by authorities, an investigation into the incident, classified as armed robbery at sea by Eunavfor Atalanta, is underway. This event highlights the ongoing maritime security concerns in Somali waters, despite a significant decrease in piracy since 2011.
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Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat, Xu Wei, for interfering in its internal affairs and urging the severing of ties with Taiwan. Xu, a senior envoy to Latin America, violated diplomatic protocol by lobbying Paraguayan Congress members to abandon its recognition of Taiwan in favor of China. This action follows a trend of Latin American countries switching diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, driven by Beijing’s “one-China” policy and economic incentives. Paraguay remains one of only twelve countries worldwide that recognize Taiwan.
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US chips are no longer safe to buy, Chinese industry bodies claim, a statement that has sparked a flurry of online discussion and speculation. This assertion, however, seems to be less about genuine security concerns and more about a strategic maneuver in the ongoing technological and geopolitical rivalry between the US and China.
The declaration itself is curiously vague. It doesn’t detail any specific vulnerabilities or incidents involving US-made chips, suggesting the “unsafe” claim might be a thinly veiled attempt to steer Chinese consumers and businesses away from American technology. This is a classic tactic in trade wars – not using tariffs, but instead subtly influencing public opinion to favor domestically produced goods.… Continue reading
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s transit through Hawaii, en route to a Pacific tour, has prompted a strong condemnation from China, which views Taiwan as its territory. Lai’s visit, framed as promoting democracy and peace, included a Pearl Harbor visit emphasizing the importance of preventing war. China’s defense ministry vowed to oppose any official interaction with Taiwan and to crush independence efforts. The trip continues to several Pacific island nations that recognize Taiwan’s independence.
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Taiwan’s former president’s assertion that Ukraine’s urgent need for US weapons surpasses Taiwan’s own is a statement rooted in strategic pragmatism, not merely selfless altruism. A Ukrainian victory, she rightly points out, acts as a powerful deterrent to future global aggression. This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about defending the principles of democracy worldwide. The current struggle in Ukraine represents a pivotal battle in this larger fight, and a Ukrainian defeat would weaken democratic nations everywhere.
The argument highlights the immediate and critical threat faced by Ukraine, a threat far more acute than that currently faced by Taiwan. While Taiwan faces potential aggression from China, it also benefits from a network of allies who are likely to intervene in a worst-case scenario.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood