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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OnlyFans, previously blocked in China, is now accessible, as confirmed by CNN and GreatFire.org, marking an unusual development given the country’s strict censorship policies against sexually explicit content. This unblocking, noted since November 29th, has prompted online discussions, with some suggesting it as an unexpected employment opportunity for China’s struggling youth. While known for adult content, OnlyFans also features non-explicit material, potentially broadening its appeal within the Chinese market. The site’s renewed availability coincides with persistently high youth unemployment rates in China.
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Vivek Ramaswamy previously criticized Elon Musk, accusing him of being beholden to the Chinese government and prioritizing business interests in China over U.S. interests. Ramaswamy highlighted Musk’s interactions with Chinese officials and his stances on Taiwan as evidence of this alleged subservience. However, both now serve together in President Trump’s unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency,” a position that benefits both men financially. Their newfound friendship suggests a prioritization of political alignment over previous criticisms. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of the department to benefit Musk’s companies.
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In a recent interview, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned President-elect Trump against pressuring Ukraine into a Russia-dictated peace deal, citing the potential for emboldened adversaries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Rutte conveyed this concern directly to Trump, highlighting the already concerning transfer of Russian missile technology to North Korea. Trump, however, plans to initiate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on his first day in office, appointing a special envoy to facilitate a ceasefire. This contrasts sharply with Ukraine’s rejection of any security guarantees outside of full NATO membership.
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President Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding the reported Russian submarine’s presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea underscores a deeply unsettling situation. The sheer act of a Russian submarine surfacing in this area is undeniably concerning, raising serious questions about intentions and potentially escalating regional tensions. This intrusion, regardless of whether it is technically illegal under international law, is a blatant disregard for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reported incident follows a pattern of increasingly assertive actions by Russia in the region, particularly in its close partnership with China. The “no limits” partnership declared by Russia and China speaks volumes about their growing collaboration.… Continue reading
Recent drone incursions near UK RAF bases, utilized by the U.S. Air Force, coincided with preparations for a nuclear mission at RAF Lakenheath, prompting speculation of foreign adversary involvement, particularly from Russia or China. Former Ministry of Defense UFO investigator Nick Pope noted the possibility of intelligence gathering, though he considers commercial drones or misidentification as more probable explanations. Pope referenced a similar, albeit more significant, 1980 incident at RAF Bentwaters involving unidentified objects near weapons storage, highlighting the historical context of such events. Despite the lack of concrete evidence currently, the possibility of hostile intent cannot be entirely dismissed.
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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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On Friday, eleven military aircraft from China and Russia, including bombers and fighter jets, entered South Korea’s KADIZ without prior notification. The planes, which entered consecutively over the East Sea and waters off the southern coast, conducted a joint flight over waters south of Dokdo before departing. South Korea’s Air Force responded by deploying fighter jets to monitor the situation. This joint flight, assessed as a combined military exercise, marks a continuation of similar, unannounced incursions by both nations into the KADIZ since 2019. Although entering the KADIZ, the aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace.
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Following the severing of undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, a Chinese commercial vessel, the Yi Peng 3, is under investigation for potentially causing the damage by dragging its anchor across the seabed. While the ship’s owner is cooperating, the Kremlin denies involvement, and China’s foreign ministry rejects responsibility. Analysis suggests accidental dragging is unlikely given the conditions, and evidence points to damage consistent with the cable cuts. However, definitively proving intentional sabotage remains challenging.
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Facing accusations of facilitating Chinese goods entry into North America, Mexico is actively working to replace Chinese parts with locally sourced or North American alternatives to secure its position within the USMCA. This initiative, while launched in 2021, faces significant hurdles, mirroring similar challenges in the United States. Simultaneously, Mexico is appeasing concerns from the U.S. and Canada regarding independent regulatory agencies by aligning its reforms with USMCA requirements. The future of the USMCA, while unlikely to be abandoned entirely, remains precarious, potentially subject to prolonged renegotiation or slow attrition due to concerns over Chinese imports.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood