Op-Ed: Will the US Stand by Taiwan? Probably Not.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have reached alarming heights as a surge in military activity from Beijing heightens the possibility of warfare. A key instigator is the 2024 election of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who describes himself as a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence.” Lai’s election coincides with an exacerbation in Chinese aggression, including a 300 percent increase in military flights around Taiwan since May and a major October drill involving Chinese army, navy, air, and rocket forces that encircled the island. Most recently, in early November, over 35 Chinese military aircraft, including nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and drones, were detected flying to the south of Taiwan for two consecutive days.
UK Defense Spending and Strategic Shifts in the Face of Rising Global Threats and a New Trump Administration
The United Kingdom’s (UK) defense spending and international security commitments are attracting much attention as the government balances global threats and budget conflicts.
Shigeru Ishiba: Japan’s New Prime Minister
On Oct. 1, Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was sworn into office. Ishiba is a member of the ruling LDP (Liberal Democratic Party), the same party as previous Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and the late Shinzo Abe.
Myanmar’s Military Junta Begins Census
Tensions between Israel and Iran finally reached a tipping point on Tuesday Oct. 1, when the latter initiated a missile attack into Israeli territory. There has only been one confirmed death and a handful of minor injuries reported.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Strengthen Russian Relations in a New Satellite Deal
On Monday, Sept. 23, a partnership was signed between Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a military cooperation including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Japanese Warship Sighted in the Taiwan Strait for the First Time
This past Wednesday, a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Government officials reported to Yomiuri Shimbun that the JS Sazanami would complete exercises within the South China Sea, a territory contended between China and Taiwan.