ALERT The Winds of War Blow in Korea and The Far East

jward

passin' thru
Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
#Philippines Navy eyes resupply mission to Ayungin alongside allied countries

It's about time........

The Philippine Navy is studying the possibility of conducting a rotation and reprovision (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal as part of a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with allied countries in the West Philippine Sea.

According to a 24 Oras report by Chino Gaston on Tuesday, a resupply mission could be part of a multilateral exercise involving several nations. In such a scenario, ships and aircraft from countries such as the US, Japan, UK and Australia could conduct simultaneous patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea.

“All options are being discussed on the planning table. Once finalized, this will be submitted for approval,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

The last resupply mission by sea on June 17 ended badly for the navy after its rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was intercepted by a dozen China Coast Guard vessels. The Chinese damaged the RHIB, seized several weapons and severely wounded a sailor.

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro assured RORE missions will continue soon.

“We are going to do the RORE as routinely as possible but we’ll wait for the maritime council to give us the appropriate guidance… In terms of timing and other issues, the (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the (National Maritime Council),” Teodoro said.

The Filipino troops stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre are currently subsisting on supplies that were airdropped in early June. The Armed Forces of the Philippines it is still enough for the detachment.

The US Embassy assured that they will coordinate with the country on “a wide array of issues of shared concern” as allies of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and US Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Chairman General Charles Brown discussed the next Balikatan Exercise and upcoming signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement or GSOMIA.

“It will also involve other upcoming talks in terms of our compliance with the GSOMIA and other matters in terms of our partnership with the US,” said AFP Spokesperson Colonel Frances Margareth Padilla.

"It will also involve other upcoming talks in terms of our compliance with the GSOMNIA and other matters in terms of our partnership with the US,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Col. Frances Padilla.

Meanwhile, US forces will retain its Mid-Range Capability missile systems in northern Luzon as part of training with the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment. This after China and Russia protested the presence of the said weapons in the country, claiming the missiles could be targeted at them.

 

jward

passin' thru
Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info

#Japan warns #China could land troops in #Taiwan within a week Government report based on analysis of Chinese military training exercises. A Japanese government report warns that China’s ability to invade Taiwan has improved substantially. The report outlines a possible timeline of events if Beijing was to fully commit to an invasion of Taiwan. It suggests that if the Chinese government and military coordinate forces effectively, troops could land in Taiwan within one week of initiating hostilities, reported the Yomiuri Shimbun. The report is based on an analysis of China’s military training operations during the summer of 2023 involving naval vessels and missile launches. The findings, which were only reported to the public this week, indicate that China’s technical and organizational capacity has improved beyond what many previous analyses have suggested.

In light of the findings, the report says that Tokyo must remain vigilant and boost efforts at deterrence to avoid conflict over Taiwan. The report also notes that China likely considers a rapid assault strategy as its best hope to exploit the situation, before the U.S. has time to organize a response. The Yomiuri article says that Prime Minister Kishida Fumio (岸田文雄) saw the contents of the report earlier this year. The general order of operations for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan outlined in the reports comports with most analyses of the situation. However, previous reports estimated approximately one month for how long it may take Chinese forces to establish a secure beachhead and supply lines.

The new report describes a much more urgent scenario. The hypothetical invasion scenario covers four main phases, including: a naval blockade, bombardment of military facilities, an amphibious and aerial assault to establish a beachhead, and finally the mass transport of equipment and ground forces. The analysts who wrote the report believe that with proper coordination and weather conditions, Chinese forces could potentially begin the fourth phase within four to five days after imposing a naval blockade. The report also expects China to employ cyberattacks on key infrastructure and agents in Taiwan to cause confusion, limit communications, and access to energy. This “hybrid warfare” strategy could potentially paralyze Taiwan’s government during the crucial first days of an invasion campaign. https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/5904006


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jward

passin' thru
Ian Ellis
@ianellisjones
Yesterday, Chinese & Russian strategic bombers entered the U.S.−Alaska ADIZ at the same time, for the first time

A few new details:


- Came within ~200 miles of sovereign U.S. airspace
- Took off from the same Russian air base on a combined patrol & flying together
- 1st time Chinese H-6 strategic bombers encroached on the area & flew over the Bering Sea
- 8th joint patrol since 2019 (previous ops were conducted in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, & WESTPAC)
- 2x F-35 Lightning II & 2x F-16 Fighting Falcons, 2x CF-18 Hornets intercepted
- Farthest distance Chinese bombers have flown during a strategic patrol mission
- Conducted over the Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, & northern Pacific Ocean
- Escorted at times by Russian Su-30SM & Su-35S fighter aircraft
- Lasted ~5 hours

“This is the first time that we have seen these two countries fly together like that,” U.S. SECDEF Austin said today. “If it happens again — if there is any kind of challenge from any direction — I have every confidence that NORTHCOM & NORAD will be at the ready.”

Based on reporting @ByChrisGordon
, 25 July Pentagon press briefing, & @iejmedia
. See thread below for more info + important context.
1721942290821.png
 

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
Ian Ellis
@ianellisjones
Yesterday, Chinese & Russian strategic bombers entered the U.S.−Alaska ADIZ at the same time, for the first time

A few new details:


- Came within ~200 miles of sovereign U.S. airspace
- Took off from the same Russian air base on a combined patrol & flying together
- 1st time Chinese H-6 strategic bombers encroached on the area & flew over the Bering Sea
- 8th joint patrol since 2019 (previous ops were conducted in the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, & WESTPAC)
- 2x F-35 Lightning II & 2x F-16 Fighting Falcons, 2x CF-18 Hornets intercepted
- Farthest distance Chinese bombers have flown during a strategic patrol mission
- Conducted over the Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, & northern Pacific Ocean
- Escorted at times by Russian Su-30SM & Su-35S fighter aircraft
- Lasted ~5 hours

“This is the first time that we have seen these two countries fly together like that,” U.S. SECDEF Austin said today. “If it happens again — if there is any kind of challenge from any direction — I have every confidence that NORTHCOM & NORAD will be at the ready.”

Based on reporting @ByChrisGordon
, 25 July Pentagon press briefing, & @iejmedia
. See thread below for more info + important context.
View attachment 486867

SIGINT and ELINT on both sides were busy with this one....
 

northern watch

TB Fanatic

Chinese triads linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel​

United States Attorney Martin Estrada, right looks on as Drug Enforcement Administrator Anne Milgram talks during a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The Justice Department today announced a 10-count superseding indictment charging Los Angeles-based associates of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel with conspiring with money-laundering groups linked to Chinese underground banking to launder drug trafficking proceeds. (AP Photo/Jamie Ding)
United States Attorney Martin Estrada, right looks on as Drug Enforcement Administrator Anne Milgram talks during a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The Justice Department today announced a 10-count superseding indictment charging Los Angeles-based associates of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel with conspiring with money-laundering groups linked to Chinese underground banking to launder drug trafficking proceeds. (AP Photo/Jamie Ding)

By Bill Gertz - The Washington Times - Thursday, June 20, 2024

The Justice Department on Wednesday released a federal indictment outlining the ties between Chinese organized crime groups and Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel.

The 10-count indictment identifies Sinaloa drug operatives in Los Angeles linked to money laundering with Chinese crime groups.

As part of a conspiracy, the Mexicans and Chinese moved more than $50 million in drug proceeds in underground fund exchanges, the department said in a statement.

The multiyear probe, “Operation Fortune Runner,” resulted in drug and money-laundering charges against 24 people.

The main player in the indictment was identified as Edgar Joel Martinez-Reyes, 45, of East Los Angeles. Twenty of those named in the indictment are expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

“Dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are destroying people’s lives but drug traffickers only care about their profits,” said Martin Estrada, U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.

“To protect our community, therefore, it is essential that we go after the sophisticated, international criminal syndicates that launder the drug money.”

Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram said: “This DEA investigation uncovered a partnership between Sinaloa Cartel associates and a Chinese criminal syndicate operating in Los Angeles and China to launder drug money.”

Law enforcement officials seized approximately $5 million in drug proceeds, 302 pounds of cocaine, 92 pounds of methamphetamine, 3,000 ecstasy pills, 44 pounds of psilocybin or “magic mushrooms,” numerous ounces of ketamine, three semiautomatic rifles with high-capacity magazines and eight semiautomatic handguns.

The money laundering involved “many wealthy Chinese” who sought to transfer assets to the United States that are barred under Chinese law. Beijing limits cash transfers to $50,000 a year.

 
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jward

passin' thru
Samuel Ramani
@SamRamani2
·
47m
BREAKING: Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns that the US will take measures against China if it continues backing Russia's war on Ukraine
 

jward

passin' thru
Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
#Vietnam's land reclamation helps balance power in #SouthChinaSea

Hanoi's strategic moves offer hope against China's aggressive island building.

Vietnam has earned the silver medal in the contest for land reclamation in the South China Sea.

From a geopolitical perspective, Vietnam has the potential to redress to some extent the imbalance of power in the South China Sea.

While China's island-building has enormously weakened the checks and balances critical to maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Vietnam's land reclamation gives hope for restoring these counterbalances.

Since the beginning of 2022, Hanoi has created 1,438 new acres of land (5.8 square kilometers) around the disputed Spratly Islands, bringing the total area of new land it has reclaimed from the sea in the archipelago to about 2,360 acres.

Aggressive as it may seem, Vietnam's land reclamation around the islands is strategically and morally as strong as Ukrainian military strikes inside Russia.

To be sure, neither Vietnam nor China pioneered the building of artificial islands in the South China Sea. Starting in the late 1980s, Malaysia was the first to conduct large-scale land reclamation around the Spratlys.

The location was Swallow Reef, an atoll lying less than 150 nautical miles off the Sabah coast of Malaysia. Adding nearly 71 acres to the original land area of a little more than 15 acres on this reef has enabled Malaysia to build a small airport, a resort facility, and some military installations.

As the reef is close to Malaysia's coast and the activities it supports have been defensive in nature, Malaysia's land reclamation did not cause any international crisis or regional instability. The biggest trouble it triggered was a one-time diplomatic protest by Vietnam, which also claimed the reef.

In the two decades that followed, activities to enlarge the reefs that claimants occupied in the Spratly Islands -- by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China -- remained on a small scale and could hardly affect the overall balance of power in the region.

Starting in 2013, when China transformed the features it occupies in the Spratlys into large artificial islands, land reclamation in the region was elevated to a much higher level and took on a different quality.

Within a few years, Beijing created 4,650 new acres of land in an archipelago whose total land area in its natural conditions was estimated to be less than 490 acres.

These efforts catapulted three of China's outposts -- Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef -- from some of the smallest to the three biggest islands -- albeit artificial -- in the Spratlys. In their natural conditions, Mischief and Subi were submerged at high tide, thus not qualified as territory and not entitled to have territorial waters of their own according to the law of the sea.

Fiery Cross cropped up above water at high tide only in the form of some small rocks without soil and trees.

The other four reefs that China occupied in Spratly Islands were in their natural conditions also either rocks like Fiery Cross or low-tide features like Mischief and Subi. Now they provide China with 19 sq. km of ground surface in all weather.

On these artificial islands, China has built long runways, deep-water harbors, large missile arsenals, big radar domes, and many other civil and military facilities that can accommodate thousands of people, hundreds of vessels, and tens of military jets.

Before the construction of these artificial islands, China's intrusive patrols in the exclusive economic zones of other countries and harassment of foreign vessels in the South China Sea were concentrated in the sea's central section.

After the construction, there has been a steady surge of such assertive activities by Beijing in the southern section of the sea, within the South Vietnamese, East Malaysian and West Philippine EEZs.

The artificial islands have enabled China to control the water, sky and seabed deep inside the EEZs of neighboring countries. In 2023, for example, China's Coast Guard ships patrolled for 338 days at Luconia Shoals, which lie between 70 and 110 nautical miles off the Malaysian coast; 221 days at Vanguard Bank, the southernmost area of Vietnam's EEZ; and 302 days at Second Thomas Shoal, which is located about 100 nautical miles from the Philippine coast.

In two cases alone during 2017-2020, the patrols and harassment by China Coast Guard and militia ships forced Vietnam to scrap its hydrocarbon exploration projects in the Vanguard Bank area and pay $1 billion in contract breakage fees.

More recently, numerous ships based in nearby Mischief Reef have helped China to block the Philippines' efforts to resupply its outpost on Second Thomas Shoal, which Manila has the exclusive right to use according to international law.

China's island-building in the last decade has upset regional stability and created a qualitatively new situation. It effectively turned the South China Sea, one of the world's most critical sea lines of communication, into a chokepoint controlled by China.

It also made land reclamation a "new normal" and left other countries with basically two options: either to acquiesce to Chinese control or to play tit-for-tat. In this new situation, for other claimants in the South China Sea, enlarging their existing outposts through land reclamation that can match China's is often the best, sometimes the only, legitimate way to counter China's chokepoint creation.

Like those of Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines in the Spratly Islands, Vietnam's land reclamation in the past few years is not morally weak. It does not cause harm to the fishermen and sailors operating nearby. Its impact on the environment, while hard to assess, is comparable to the construction of a river dam, for example.

From a geopolitical perspective, Vietnam has the potential to redress to some extent the imbalance of power in the South China Sea. While China's island-building has enormously weakened the checks and balances critical to maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Vietnam's land reclamation gives hope for restoring these counterbalances.

Image
 

jward

passin' thru
Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
#US hints new stealth drone tech built to beat #China

RQ-180 drone likely key to emerging new tech-driven, space-based ISR strategy for checking China and fortifying allies like the Philippines.

The US has signaled a potential strategic pivot from legacy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems to more advanced platforms leveraging new technologies like space-based assets and stealth drones.

This month, The War Zone reported that US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall hinted at a new ISR platform during a roundtable discussion before the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The discussion, sparked by aviation journalist Chris Pocock’s inquiry about US ISR after the retirement of the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk, saw Kendall describe future ISR as “a combination of things,” including space-based capabilities and new systems like the E-7 command and control node.

The War Zone report says that while details are scarce, Northrop Grumman’s RQ-180 stealth drone, built for contested air space and known as the “White Bat”, is likely key to the new high-tech strategy.

It notes that the US Air Force plans to retire its U-2s, operated since the 1950s, and RQ-4 drones, first introduced in 2001, by 2026 and the end of 2027 respectively, despite Congressional resistance to shutting them down.

The moves reflect a US strategic shift toward more survivable and modern ISR systems in the face of increasing threats from adversaries’ air defenses, particularly from China and Russia.

The War Zone says the new ISR approach likely emphasizes distributed concepts and advanced computing to collect and prioritize critical data for near-real-time exploitation.

It notes that if the RQ-180 continues to receive government funding, it could serve multiple roles including electronic attack and data-sharing, and represents a move away from legacy platforms deemed too vulnerable for modern warfare.

Recent US drone losses in Yemen may have exposed the limitations of legacy drones like the MQ-9, whose design and basic technologies date back to the 1990s. Those losses have likely prompted the US to reconsider its strategies for developing and using drones.

In June 2024, Asia Times noted the US had lost several MQ-9 Reaper drone losses to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, whose basic air defense systems managed to shoot down the costly drones.

Although the MQ-9 is considered expendable, its US$30 million per unit price tag raises broader concerns about the US strategy for using drones in modern warfare. The MQ-9 is also considered too expensive and slow to regenerate to operate within surface-to-air missile (SAM) range.

The MQ-9 was designed in an era when the US assumed air supremacy as a given. It was built to carry a limited payload while maximizing loiter time. However, the MQ-9 was not designed with maneuverability in mind, making it vulnerable in large-scale combat operations.

Antonio Calcara and other writers point out in a December 2022 article in the peer-reviewed Security Studies journal that current-generation drones such as the MQ-9 have a larger radar cross-section (RCS) than often assumed, diminishing the perceived advantage of being small.

Calcara and others say that modern air defense systems can counter these features through radar adjustments and elevation tactics. They add that low-altitude flight, while reducing detection range, poses risks and can be countered by airborne radars.

They note that the potential for next-generation drones to gain an offensive advantage is contingent on future developments in drone and air defense technologies.

However, they caution that technological advancements in air defense (e.g., improved radar, big data, machine learning) will continue to pose challenges to drones.

Based on those points, Calcara and others refute the assumption that drones will always get through and highlight the evolving nature of military technology, urging a balanced consideration of offensive and defensive innovations.

Stealthier and more survivable drones such as the RQ-180 could enable the US to enhance the ISR capabilities of weak allies such as the Philippines, supporting the latter’s diplomatic and military efforts while shielding the US from having to intervene directly under their mutual defense treaty.

While the viability of the Philippines’ “assertive transparency” strategy versus China is now questionable following a series of significant maritime standoffsthat have shown China is undeterred by the reputational costs of aggressive actions, US ISR support could be crucial in improving the Philippines’ diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis China in their South China Sea disputes.

As the US and the Philippines finalize their General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) intelligence-sharing pact, the capabilities provided by advanced ISR assets such as the RQ-180 may prove critical in the agreement’s usefulness and success.

The US could also use advanced drones such as the RQ-180 to bolster the Philippines’ weak ISR capabilities, toughening the latter’s lacking military position in the South China Sea and making it a more viable defensive position for the US in the First Island Chain.

In June 2024, Asia Times noted that as the Philippines lacks long-range ISR capabilities, it could be restricted to using its newly acquired and much-touted BrahMos missiles within the short range covered by its limited ISR assets, which extend only a few dozen kilometers from shore.

The Philippines lacks over-the-horizon (OTH) radar, a capability usually restricted to major military powers.

Instead of specialized airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the Philippines has a motley fleet of Beechcraft King Air C-90, BN-2A Islander and Cessna 208 planes barely suited for the task.

Additionally, the Philippines has a limited number of Hermes and ScanEagle drones that are slow and vulnerable to advanced Chinese air defense systems.

Given those deficiencies, the US may use sophisticated drones to improve the Philippines’ ISR capabilities, as shown by its deployment of the MQ-9A Reaper drone to support a sinking exercise (SINKEX) in May.

During this joint exercise, the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal frigate sank a decommissioned Chinese-made oil tanker with ISR support from a US MQ-9A drone.

However, the MQ-9 might struggle with China’s sophisticated air defenses, as it previously failed to withstand even basic air defenses when deployed against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The US introduction of advanced drones such as the RQ-180 could spark a larger drone arms race in the Indo-Pacific region, pitting US high-tech drones against China’s mass production capabilities.

This month, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the US and China, inspired by advanced drone technologies seen in the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, are both keenly investing in unmanned aerial vehicles and AI to bolster their strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has notably accelerated its drone development over the past two years, creating faster, smarter and adaptable drones for its navy, army and air force, drawing the attention of military observers worldwide.

SCMP asserts China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is now tactically on par with US forces, thanks to its integration of UAVs and other drone technologies with crewed assets.

It highlights China’s development of possibly the world’s first dedicated drone carrier ship and the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, which could support drones, other aircraft and assault forces.

The SCMP report says that China’s drone strategy, emphasizing mass production and low unit costs, could significantly impact future combat operations and sea-based carrier activities.

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jward

passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
NORTH KOREA WANTS TO REOPEN NUCLEAR TALKS WITH U.S. IF TRUMP RE-ELECTED

According to a senior North Korean diplomat who recently defected to South Korea, North Korea is hoping to reopen nuclear negotiations with the U.S. if Trump is re-elected as president.

The diplomat, Ri Il Gyu, says North Korea is mapping out a new negotiating strategy to seek the lifting of sanctions, removal from the state sponsor of terrorism list, and economic aid.

Ri claims North Korea wants to strengthen ties with Russia to help block additional sanctions and undercut existing ones, giving Pyongyang more bargaining power.

North Korea also aims to hold a summit with Japan's Prime Minister Kishida, hoping to get economic assistance in return for concessions on the abducted Japanese citizens issue.

Ri defected due to resentment over the regime's treatment of diplomats, including denying him medical treatment, as well as the deepening hardships caused by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Source: Reuters
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jward

passin' thru
Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
Upgrade of #US fighter jets in #Japan

Announced changes:

Kadena airbase - 48 F-15s replaced by 36 F-15EXs
Misawa airbase - 36 F-16s replaced by 48 F-35As
Iwakuni airbase - F-35B number adjustment

In early July, the US presented a $10 billion plan to modernize military aircraft stationed on the Japanese islands.

According to the announcement, significant changes will affect the Kadena Air Base, the closest U.S. military facility to Taiwan.

The 48 F-15s at the base will be replaced by 36 F-15EX fighters.

In addition, 48 F-35As will replace 36 F-16s at Misawa Air Base.

And at the military facility in Iwakuni, where the U.S. Marine Corps is stationed, the Pentagon plans to "adjust" the number of F-35B fighters. No other details have yet been provided in Washington.

When announcing these plans, the Pentagon did not explicitly mention Beijing. However, the hint here is clear - the US is deploying advanced fighter jets in areas that would be affected by a hypothetical conflict with China.

The changes regarding U.S. aviation may also be a response to the modernization of Chinese air forces. For example, six modern J-20 fighter jets recently arrived at China's Wishan base, replacing the outdated J-6Ws. This military facility, by the way, is relatively close to Kadena.
 

jward

passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: U.S. TO PROPOSE BAN ON CHINESE SOFTWARE IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The U.S. Commerce Department plans to propose banning Chinese software in Level 3 and above autonomous and connected vehicles, citing national security risks.

This move would also prevent Chinese autonomous vehicles from being tested on U.S. roads.

Automakers must verify that their software isn’t developed by entities of concern like China.

The proposal follows a meeting with international officials to discuss cybersecurity risks.

The department will issue the proposed rule, allowing industry feedback before implementation.

Source: Reuters
 

jward

passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: U.S. TO PROPOSE BAN ON CHINESE SOFTWARE IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The U.S. Commerce Department plans to propose banning Chinese software in Level 3 and above autonomous and connected vehicles, citing national security risks.

This move would also prevent Chinese autonomous vehicles from being tested on U.S. roads.

Automakers must verify that their software isn’t developed by entities of concern like China.

The proposal follows a meeting with international officials to discuss cybersecurity risks.

The department will issue the proposed rule, allowing industry feedback before implementation.

Source: Reuters
 

jward

passin' thru
North Korea hands over 250 tactical missile systems to units on ROK border | NK News
Colin Zwirko
~1 minute


Kim Jong Un oversees ceremony for missiles previously claimed to be nuclear-capable short-range weapons

North Korea hands over 250 tactical missile systems to units on ROK border

Hwasong-11D short-range ballistic missile launchers lined up at a handover ceremony on Aug. 4 | Image: Rodong Sinmun (Aug. 5, 2024)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un handed over 250 "new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers" to "front-line units" on the border with South Korea at a ceremony Sunday, according to state media.

The missiles are a "new core offensive weapons of our armed forces," the DPRK leader said as he inspected the weapons, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday.

© Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved.
No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group.
 

Pinecone

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: U.S. TO PROPOSE BAN ON CHINESE SOFTWARE IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The U.S. Commerce Department plans to propose banning Chinese software in Level 3 and above autonomous and connected vehicles, citing national security risks.

This move would also prevent Chinese autonomous vehicles from being tested on U.S. roads.

Automakers must verify that their software isn’t developed by entities of concern like China.

The proposal follows a meeting with international officials to discuss cybersecurity risks.

The department will issue the proposed rule, allowing industry feedback before implementation.

Source: Reuters
How about banning Chinese software in our military equipment, computers, etc.!
 

jward

passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal

BREAKING: NORTH KOREA DEPLOYS NEW MISSILE LAUNCHERS NEAR SOUTH KOREAN BORDER

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to troops near the South Korean border.

State media described the launchers as a modern weapon designed by Kim.

South Korea views this as a direct threat. Kim accused the U.S. of provoking tensions and emphasized strengthening military capabilities.

His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, attended the event, her first public appearance in months, fueling speculation about her potential future leadership role in North Korea.


Source: Reuters

Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
13m

#NorthKorea's border guards have received 250 launcher vehicles for nuclear capable tactical ballistic missiles - A massive number!
View: https://twitter.com/IndoPac_Info/status/1820321681182957911


A ceremony for the delivery was held with the participation of Kim Jong Un.
 
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OldArcher

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal

BREAKING: NORTH KOREA DEPLOYS NEW MISSILE LAUNCHERS NEAR SOUTH KOREAN BORDER

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to troops near the South Korean border.

State media described the launchers as a modern weapon designed by Kim.

South Korea views this as a direct threat. Kim accused the U.S. of provoking tensions and emphasized strengthening military capabilities.

His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, attended the event, her first public appearance in months, fueling speculation about her potential future leadership role in North Korea.


Source: Reuters

Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense
@IndoPac_Info
13m

#NorthKorea's border guards have received 250 launcher vehicles for nuclear capable tactical ballistic missiles - A massive number!
View: https://twitter.com/IndoPac_Info/status/1820321681182957911


A ceremony for the delivery was held with the participation of Kim Jong Un.

Best check your sources, folks. With the ME about to get HOT, the NORKS could well stretch US and Allied forces in ways not expected. The US isn’t ready for a sustained war, and our allies aren’t for damned sure, ready either…

OA
 

jward

passin' thru
Post
Conversation
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal

BREAKING: TAIWAN'S TAIEX PLUNGES 8.4% IN WORST DAY ON RECORD

In a stunning market collapse, Taiwan's benchmark Taiex index has closed down a staggering 8.4% - its single worst day on record.

This dramatic decline in the Taiex, which includes some of Taiwan's largest tech companies, highlights the intensity of the selling pressure gripping global markets.

The 8.4% plunge represents the Taiex's steepest one-day drop, surpassing even the losses seen during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Source: Bloomberg, NBC
View: https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1820334433490141327
 

OldArcher

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The days of two dimensional warfare- strategic, tactical, logistical, and political, are over. When the curtain rises, watch to see interdiction of nexus points, global asymmetrical warfare. It ain’t gonna be quick, and it ain’t gonna be pretty.

OA
 

jward

passin' thru
BACS Cargo Surveyors
@BACScargo

On August 9th, 2024, a significant explosion took place on the container ship YM MOBILITY (IMO 9457737) while it was berthed at Beilun Port, China. The exact extent of the damage caused by the explosion is unclear at this point.
Initial reports suggest that the explosion may have originated from a container that was loaded with dangerous cargo classified as IMDG and placed on the vessel's deck.
If you need to assess the extent of loss, it may be necessary to appoint surveyor, and our directory can help you find a surveyor or provide assistance in appointing one; although BACS Surveyors are based in the UK, they have a global network of contacts who may be able to assist

However, it's too early to make any definitive conclusions at this stage.
rt 25s
View: https://twitter.com/BACScargo/status/1821886543981682749
 

jward

passin' thru
Explosion at Ningbo Port Seen Impacting Supply Chains
Mike Schuler
2–3 minutes

Container xChange, an online container trading and leasing marketplace, is warning of serious repercussions following the recent explosion aboard the Yang Ming vessel YM Mobility at Ningbo Port, China.

The incident, which has led to the closure of one of the world’s busiest container terminals, is expected to significantly impact global supply chains, especially on the main trade lanes out of Asia.

The incident took place on August 9 when a container loaded with hazardous materials exploded aboard the YM Mobility while it was berthed at Ningbo Beilun’s Phase III Terminal. The explosion, which involved organic peroxide materials, has led to the closure of the terminal until further notice.

YM Mobility is operated by Yang Ming and deployed on the Far East to Middle East route (CGX). The company said the cause of the incident is still under investigation but preliminary findings suggest that an explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods. According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection.

“With this closure, Ningbo Port is no longer operational, compounding existing supply chain disruptions exacerbated by Typhoon Gaemi in July,” said Christian Roeloffs, cofounder and CEO of Container xChange.

Roeloffs emphasized that the disruption at Ningbo Port, combined with pre-existing congestion at major Asian ports, would lead to deteriorated ocean schedules and further delays in container availability. Companies must brace for increased dwell times, potential rerouting of shipments, and a tightening of available container supplies, especially for hazardous and dangerous goods.

Container Xchange recommended several actions to companies, including exploring alternative shipping routes, increasing safety protocols, staying informed with regular updates, and planning for extended dwell times to mitigate disruptions from the Ningbo port closure.
 

jward

passin' thru
Visegrád 24
@visegrad24

China just admitted it was their ship NewNew Polar Bear that last year damaged the gas pipeline Balticconnector between Finland and Estonia.

China claim it was an accident because of a storm.

Finland says:

1) There was no storm
2) You can’t lower the anchor to certain depth accidentally
3) You would notice the impact of dragging an anchor to vessel maneuverability

No accident
 
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