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Posted: 4/9/2024 9:58:21 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By dedreckon: We've talked about this wargaming the CSIS did a while ago, but this is a good explaination of how a winning (meaning US, Japan, Taiwan win) scenario worked. I've heard about the limited invasion beaches on Taiwan, but didn't realize they are in the south.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CcQ4jKn8aEGreat Video, dedreckon!  Couldn't find the "Neat" meme! There are a lot of Taylor Swift memes now. What is happening!!!!!!!!!! Easy to watch video; only 10 minutes long that explains the use of a board game simulation. For those of you who used to play Avalon Hill games, the producers show adults playing the adult version, so there was no name calling or flinging tiles at each other, or pretending your Mom called and said you had to go home...I'm just guessing - I could be wrong! As dedreckon said, we've covered the 2022 and 2023 simulations with the 2023 simulation being done in public with Congress people and their staff members. This video gives an overview of the 2022 simulations. |
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Posted: 4/11/2024 1:23:51 AM EDT
[#2]
Balloon!!!!!!!!!!!
Taiwan tracks 10 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships, 1 balloon Balloon!!!!!!!!!!! TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 10 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Tuesday (April 9) and 6 a.m. on Wednesday (April 10). Of the 10 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, two crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and four entered the southwest corner of the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft, naval ships, and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the PLA activity. The MND also tracked one Chinese balloon on Tuesday at 8:03 a.m. crossing the median line 115 km (62 NM) northwest of Keelung. The balloon traveled northeast and disappeared at 8:50 a.m. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 57 times and naval vessels 57 times.  Attached FileI really wish they would post the initial starting points, and winds and what not. We could check to see what the patterns are, or if there are patterns. |
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Posted: 4/11/2024 5:29:06 AM EDT
[#3]
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Posted: 4/12/2024 10:13:41 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/04/10/us-air-force-issues-409-million-award-for-long-sought-pacific-airfield/ Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/04/10/us-air-force-issues-409-million-award-for-long-sought-pacific-airfield/ US Air Force issues $409 million award for long-sought Pacific airfield The U.S. Air Force has awarded a contract for an airfield on Tinian, a Pacific island military leaders consider crucial to their plans in the region. Fluor, an engineering and construction company based in Irving, Texas, will receive about $409 million to finish the project within five years, the company announced April 10. Tinian is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an American territory north of Guam and about 1,500 miles east of the Philippines. The Air Force launched bomber raids against Japan from Tinian during World War II. Since then, the island's jungle has grown over the finished runways. For years, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command the military organization responsible for the region has wanted to rebuild them. Its goal is part of what the Air Force calls Agile Combat Employment divvying U.S. forces into smaller groups around the region. More, smaller groups would make American positions harder to target, the argument goes.  Attached FileHere's a cool sentence: The Air Force launched bomber raids against Japan from Tinian during World War II. Since then, the island's jungle has grown over the finished runways. The top military and civilian leaders in the Air Force visited the island earlier this month to survey work on the airfield. Since January, airmen have started to clear hundreds of acres of jungle so that construction work can begin. Indo-Pacific Command sends lawmakers an annual wish list of projects it deems necessary to deter a conflict in the region. This year's list included $4.8 billion for infrastructure, though about a fifth of these construction projects show up in the Pentagon's budget request for fiscal 2025. Here's how they end the article: "It's not a complicated project." I need to take a small break as Julie Banderas is on Guttfeld right now and she's at her original pre-married hotness. Ciao. |
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Posted: 4/12/2024 11:11:20 PM EDT
[#5]
Two days of Score Cards. The Planes are back!! Flying a bit more agressive patterns as well!!
Taiwan tracks 14 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense tracked 14 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Wednesday (April 10) and 6 a.m. on Thursday (April 11). Of the 14 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, two crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, while four were tracked in the southwest and southeast corners of the nation's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.  Attached FileTaiwan tracks 14 Chinese military aircraft, 8 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 14 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Thursday (April 11) and 6 a.m. on Friday (April 12). Of the 14 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and five entered the southwest corner of the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.  Attached FileSo far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 85 times and naval vessels 71 times. |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 12:07:02 AM EDT
[#6]
For a little Propaganda Friday, we're going to cover the "opposition" party of Taiwan, the Koumintang (KMT or GMT depending on the dialect.) We've covered the History of the party's formation, but not really a lot about their History in Taiwan. We'll do some highlights soon.
Taiwan uses a Parliamentary system for its government. An "Opposition" party is a party that is not a member of the party or coalition of parties that make up the administeering government. The KMT has been considered an opposition party for a couple of decades now since they have not been able to return to political dominance through voting. In other countries, opposition parties are sometimes known as "loyal" opposition parties because they as a party, put country first over party politics. It's not that way with the KMT, imo. To borrow a notion from Dante's Devine Comedy, some people would rather rule in Hell than serve in Heaven. This would describe the KMT. Let's see what they've done this week!! (I'm not going to do a lot of quoting, but remember when Nancy Pelosi went to Syria to meet with Junior (Hafez al Assad's son) in a move to undercut the "W" Bush Administration's manuevering to have Syria stop sponsoring terrorism? Look at what happened next and over the years. That's the sort of thing a disloyal opposition party does.) The last KMT President elected is named Ma. He is of course pro-PRC where 5 decades ago he would've been anti-PRC. Former Taiwan president meets with China's Xi in rare event TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou ( ) met Chinese leader Xi Jinping ( ) in Beijing on Wednesday (April 10), reported Chinese state media (CCTV). The meeting occurred on the same day President-elect Lai Ching-te ( ) announced his top picks for Cabinet, with Taiwan's presidential inauguration weeks away on May 20. It also came hours before a "historic" U.S.-Japan summit, where deals were struck on defense and other initiatives. Ma, who served as president from 2008 to 2016, called his 11-day trip to China a "journey of peace and friendship." The former Kuomintang (KMT) president hopes to spearhead "cross-strait peace and prosperity," while Chinese state media has extensively covered the tour. The meeting marked the second time Ma and Xi have met in person. The first meeting occurred in 2015 in Singapore, when Ma was still president, although this is the first time that a serving or former Taiwan president has visited Xi in China. This is Ma's second trip to China, following a trip in 2023 where he said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait "are all Chinese." During this trip in April, he claimed that most Taiwanese have a strong belief in Chinese culture and national identity. "Ma" means horse in Chinese. People with the surname "Ma" had historical contact with Arabs and took to some of the horse culture, and at one time such people were also muslim as a group. They're also on the persecution list just for the Historical affiliation. Very thorough these PRC types. Better safe than sorry. It's a big club, and you ain't in it. The point of all the stories today is going to be that the KMT is positioning itself for a post-Taiwan World. Taiwan's former leader Ma Ying-jeou rejects Japan's claims to Diaoyu Islands (This is in "reader" view to by-pass South China Morning Post's paywall.) Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou has weighed in on the debate over the Diaoyu Islands, saying Japanese claims to the disputed island chain are at odds with historical records. During a Saturday visit to a museum in the ancient imperial city of Xian in mainland China, Ma was shown ancient manuscripts that he said proved that the islands "do not belong to Ryukyu" the name of a kingdom that was a Chinese tributary state for more than 500 years until it was annexed by Japan in 1879. The Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, have been a frequent point of friction between Beijing and Tokyo in recent decades. Tokyo claims the Diaoyus belong to the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, which includes the area once known as Ryukyu. However, Beijing has long disputed the notion that the Diaoyus were part of the Ryukyu kingdom. Liu Chengyong, director of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture, said Ma viewed ancient texts "indicating the Diaoyu Islands are part of Chinese territory", official news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday. "This is something those of us studying the Diaoyu Islands must read," Ma said of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) manuscript, according to Xinhua. Ma added that historical records about the Diaoyus should be publicised, Xinhua said. Here's how the pro-South China Morning Post describes Ma: Ma, a senior member of the mainland-friendly Kuomintang party, is leading a group of Taiwanese students on an 11-day trip to the mainland, which he has described as a "journey of peace". Next story is about the "mover and shaker" of the modern-day KMT party. This is the guy that sets up the meetings: Kuomintang vice chair arrives in Washington for 6 days of talks Andrew Hsia is as smooth and as competent as they come. He's a trouble shooter/fixer rolled into one. His trip here was mainly to meet with KMT pro-organizations and KMT lobbyists in this Country, plus the usual protocol visits of US government officials, so no quotes from here needed, but this is the guy that set up Ma's trip into the PRC and elsewhere over the years. Next Story is what the Wilson Administration would call "sedition." Here's the type of politics being played: Tainan legislator says China, Taiwan share 'same blood, culture' while calling for cross-strait peace KMT members join Chinese academics, leaders at Cross-Strait Qingming Cultural Forum in Shanghai TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The 11th Cross-Strait Qingming Cultural Forum launched in Shanghai on Sunday (March 31), where guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait said "family ties" would enable lasting peace. The forum was co-organized by research and educational organizations including the Shanghai branch of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and Taiwan's Chang Ya Jo Education Foundation ( ), per CNA. The foundation is headed by the Kuomintang's (KMT) Chiang Hsiao-yen ( ), who was born in China's Guangxi province. Chiang delivered a video speech at the forum, in which he said both sides of the Taiwan Strait can "work together to revitalize China," using the word "Chunghwa ( )" that is common to both the formal names of Taiwan and China. He also said that he travels to Guangxi for ancestor worship every year. Meanwhile, KMT Legislator Hsieh Lung-chieh ( ) of Tainan appealed for cross-strait peace. Both sides share the "same culture, same race, and same blood," he said, and added that it would be "cruel to meet in war." Head of the Shanghai branch of the TAO Zhong Xiaomin ( ) praised former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's ( ) planned trip to China that will begin Monday. Zhang said that the "blood and cultural ties" across the strait have never been reduced by politics. The forum comes amid high tensions around the outlying Taiwan-held Kinmen Islands, following the deaths of Chinese fishermen who were pursued by Taiwan's Coast Guard in February. Beijing blamed Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for the deaths, while KMT and DPP legislators have clashed over the facts of the incident. |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 12:16:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Last story of the night:
Majority in Southeast Asia would choose China over US, survey suggests It's a poll taken of respondents over time and in multiple South East Asian countries. Taipei, Taiwan More than half of people in Southeast Asia would side with China over the United States if forced to choose, a survey has found, underscoring Beijing's growing influence in the region. In the State of Southeast Asia 2024 survey released this week, 50.5 percent of respondents said they would favour China, up more than 11 percentage points compared with last year. The latest edition of the survey, conducted annually by the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, is the first to show China being preferred over the US. Last year, only 38.9 percent of respondents preferred China, with 61.1 percent favouring the US. China was also chosen as the most influential economic power in the region by most respondents, with 59.9 percent of respondents picking it over the US. Looks like everything is coming together!! Again, I'm ignoring the construction of the poll, and any controversial issues about how the polling was done. I'm just concentrating on this finding of the poll: Despite acknowledging China's clout, respondents also expressed distrust of Beijing, with 67.5 percent of respondents saying they feared its growing economic influence. Concern was highest in Vietnam, where worry was expressed by 87.7 percent of respondents, followed closely by Myanmar at 87.6 percent, Thailand at 80.3 percent and the Philippines at 75.8 percent. Just over half of survey respondents said they fear China might use its economic and military power to coerce countries in the region, while another 45.5 percent said they did not trust China. Japan, the US, and the European Union were chosen as the most trustworthy regional powers by 58.5 percent, 42.4 percent and 41.5 percent of respondents, respectively. |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:00:04 PM EDT
[#8]
First a Score card and then some "upticks" in the attempt to degrade Taiwanese Civil Society:
Taiwan tracks 6 Chinese military aircraft, 5 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked six Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 13) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 14). Of the six People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, according to the MND. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the PLA activity. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 107 times and naval vessels 84 times.  Attached FileSo far, a typical "mild" month that we've seen over the last two years. In May, however, is the Taiwanese Inauguration Day. |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:03:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Biden with say "don't", then take the weekend off at his beach house and do nothing.
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:30:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Next up, two straight forward stories about an increase in the type of civil society degradation that the PRC has been doing to the US for the last 3 years.
Chinese spouse sells Taiwan passports to gang in Europe First the story, then the summary: TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A Chinese spouse sent Taiwanese passports to help Chinese nationals travel around Europe, reports said Friday (April 12). The suspect named Zheng ( ) bought Taiwanese passports at low prices and mailed them to a Chinese gang of people smugglers in Europe who sold them to Chinese citizens, per CNA. After uncovering the scheme last September, law enforcement in the European Union alerted Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB). A probe found the involvement of Zheng, 46, who had divorced her Taiwanese husband after obtaining citizenship. She then worked in areas close to military installations in Yilan County and teamed up with a local man named Lai ( ) to purchase passports. Zheng posted job and loan ads on Facebook before offering respondents the opportunity to buy their passport for around NT$7,000 (US$216), according to the CIB. She sent pictures of the passports to her overseas accomplices so they could judge whether the documents fitted the age and other requirements. Once she received their approval, Zheng would mail the passports in packages to European countries, and the U.K., receiving in return about NT$10,000 per travel document. From September to March, she provided 50 passports to the gang, but police did not exclude the possibility that the scheme began earlier. Zheng confessed after police detained her with eight other suspects, seven of whom were released on bail. However, when the CIB suggested her actions might have national security implications, she denied she had been working for China to target military personnel in Yilan.
Next story is about TikTok: How China uses TikTok to influence Taiwan's society TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A Taiwanese civil society organization on Monday (April 8) presented evidence of Beijing's strategies to concoct an "alternative worldview" for Mandarin Chinese speakers and use TikTok to amplify this construct. Yu Chih-hao ( ), a software designer and co-director of the Taiwanese Information Environment Research Center, or IORG, delivered a presentation on Taiwan's experience of Chinese interference at the National Press Club in Washington on Monday. He said his organization analyzes the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) influence and impact on Taiwan's information environment through its activities. He said that CCP information manipulation is creating an "alternative worldview" for Mandarin speakers in Taiwan and across the globe. He added that this is conducted through the five following strategies:
The PRC has now increased the tempo and amount of content directed at Taiwan. Back to the article: Yu said that an example of methods used to follow these strategies includes the launch of fake polls to try to sway public opinion during elections. He cited reports by the Financial Times and Reuters as stating the CCP worked with Taiwanese media to "orient our public discourse." Yu said that a major tactic by CCP propagandists is to stoke "U.S. skepticism." He said that 84 narratives on the subject have been detected since 2021, including eight types that discredit the U.S. and U.S.-Taiwan relations Recent examples of narratives include:
Yu said IORG believes this skepticism is mirrored by favorable propaganda about China. For example, the U.S. is portrayed as a "fake friend" that will abandon Taiwan, while China is the "real family" and has helped Taiwan. His group found there are CCP proxies circulating content that is identical to that of state-media Douyin accounts. The similarity of the content and timing of release indicate coordinated propaganda efforts by CCP operatives in Fujian Province. The group concluded that this campaign was successful in amplifying CCP propaganda on TikTok. In terms of evidence, the group tallied 106 instances of identical footage posted by the "Two Tea Eggs" TikTok account and Douyin videos. For example, a propaganda video on the Kinmen Chinese speedboat capsizing incident first posted on YouTube, was quickly posted on the Two Tea Eggs TikTok channel and shared on Taiwan-related Chinese state media Douyin accounts. They found that sharing the content on Douyin amplified the reach of the video by 100% while placing it on TikTok increased the reach nearly two-fold. This made the Chinese disinformation video on the Kinmen speedboat sinking the most viewed video on the subject. For those that are interested, here's a copy of their report: Detecting PRC Proxies on TikTok "Two Tea Eggs" and Others |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:37:43 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By piperpa24: Biden with say "don't", then take the weekend off at his beach house and do nothing. Now, I'm pretty sure we just get the Presidents we deserve when we need better. |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:39:36 PM EDT
[#12]
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:41:54 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By zoinks: Next up, two straight forward stories about an increase in the type of civil society degradation that the PRC has been doing to the US for the last 3 years. Chinese spouse sells Taiwan passports to gang in Europe First the story, then the summary: A few things to keep in mind:
Next story is about TikTok: How China uses TikTok to influence Taiwan's society If you have a FB account, you can check out Yu Chih-hao's presentation. The link is in the original article. The PRC has now increased the tempo and amount of content directed at Taiwan. Back to the article: Again, and I can't harp on this enough, no one goes fishing without fishing gear, and no one goes fishing in a double-engined speed boat. For those that are interested, here's a copy of their report: Detecting PRC Proxies on TikTok "Two Tea Eggs" and Others Heard some of this but wasn’t able to follow up on it but had not heard about most of it, that’s sobering |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 2:44:18 PM EDT
[#14]
Heading to the NEX and commissary shortly but will finish checking the updates when I get back from the naval air station
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-12/solomon-islands-election-watched-by-us-china-amid-pacific-influence-contest |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 3:07:23 PM EDT
[#15]
As a follow-up to the Bongkrek acid poisoning that we covered, here's an update in sorts!
Here in the US we went through the bad Chinese dog-food, bad Chinese milk products, and etc. Apparently in line with typical Chinese incompetence in manfuctured goods, there's typical Chinese incompetence in processed goods. Shocking, right? It's one thing to flub QA on manufactured items, but it's totally different to ignore inspecting food exports. Unless, of course, there's a point to ignoring some food products. First, we'll post two stories about the Bongkrek acid follow-up with the anomaly with the "temp" foreign cook at the restaurant: Bongkrek acid found on hands of Taipei eatery cook The Taipei government on Tuesday (April 2) announced that traces of bongkrek acid were found on the hands of a substitute Vietnamese cook surnamed Ho ( ), reported TVBS. Toxicology expert Yang Chen-chang ( ) said it is likely that the food ingredients were contaminated, leading to contamination of the hands of the staff, knives, and cutting boards. Test indicates bongkrek acid in Taipei cook's digestive tract TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Traces of a deadly toxin have been detected in the digestive tract of the cook at a Taipei restaurant where at least 34 people have fallen ill. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang ( ) on Saturday (April 6) said on Facebook that traces of bongkrek acid were not only found on the hands of a substitute Vietnamese cook, but also in stool samples. Wang believes the cook, surnamed Ho ( ), may have inadvertently ingested the toxin when he ate food that had come into contact with his hands. Ho's test results were positive for the toxin in his feces, but his blood and biochemical tests were negative, according to Wang. He said the cook's liver functions will continue to be observed for abnormalities. Next, I'm just going to post seven articles that follow a chain of events from two ground pepper products imported from China into Taiwan has put people in hospitals, plus they found that the two ground pepper products contain a known carcinogen in a dye called Sudan Red III. 4 ill after eating at Bafang Dumpling in Taipei Suspected food poisoning at another Taipei restaurant franchise Company says it purchased different batch from importer Grandpa Brand's Silver Label - Original Blend Pepper Powder tainted with Sudan Red III Chili powder tainted with Sudan III food additive spreads to popular Chinese franchise Customers who bought tainted chili powder packages can apply for refunds 8 other local governments follow example Inspections of food processing plants continue TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A court approved the detention Saturday (March 2) of the manager of the company which imported chili powder from China in which the banned dye Sudan III was found. New Taipei City-based Bao Shin Enterprises Co. had bought the powder from a company in the Chinese province of Henan. The importer went on to sell the product to at least 13 food processing companies, some of which used the powder in other products which eventually ended up on the shelves of supermarkets. The discovery of the carcinogenic additive led to raids by investigators on Bao Shin Friday (March 1), per CNA. Five managers and employees were taken in for questioning, but only the company's top executive, a man surnamed Liu ( ), was charged with breaking the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The New Taipei District Court approved prosecutors' request to keep him detained incommunicado. They had argued Liu might destroy evidence and collude with other suspects. As a side note, the Taiwanese Gov't uses a third party laboratory to test substances. I believe it to be a Swiss lab. (I'll post later.) How the process failed is probably why Mr. Liu is being held incommunicado. |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 3:10:51 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/15/world/asia-oceania/solomon-islands-polls-to-test-chinas-influence/1941400/amp Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/15/world/asia-oceania/solomon-islands-polls-to-test-chinas-influence/1941400/amp I can't get past the pay wall. Website doesn't offer a 'reader' view, but here's the opening paragraph: HONAIRA, Solomon Islands: Solomon Islanders will head to the polls this week, voting in an election that promises to bolster or blunt China's regional ambitions, with security consequences that will ripple far beyond the Pacific nation's palm-fringed shores. |
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Posted: 4/14/2024 3:20:31 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Heading to the NEX and commissary shortly but will finish checking the updates when I get back from the naval air station https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-12/solomon-islands-election-watched-by-us-china-amid-pacific-influence-contest Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Heading to the NEX and commissary shortly but will finish checking the updates when I get back from the naval air station https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-12/solomon-islands-election-watched-by-us-china-amid-pacific-influence-contest (Reuters) - A national election in the Solomon Islands, the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with Beijing, will be watched next week for its potential to jolt the U.S.-China rivalry in the South Pacific. The United States and Australia are concerned about China's naval ambitions in Pacific countries, as tensions rise over Taiwan. Voters will be focused on hospitals struggling without medicines, education shortcomings and inadequate roads when they cast ballots on April 17, opposition party lawmakers said. "The services and economy are really in a desperate situation. The issue of China and this new relationship is also important. That is a source of anger towards Sogavare," said Democratic Alliance Party leader Rick Houenipwela, who was prime minister before Sogavare. Sogavare, installed as prime minister by independent candidates who won a combined 37% of the vote in 2019, has pointed to hosting the Pacific Games as a major achievement and pledged to strengthen relations with China. China donated stadiums for the Games, and is building ports, roads and a Huawei telecommunications network. And finally, an American official stated what we did pages and pages ago: "The increased policing presence in the Solomon Islands is concerning, that's a foot in the door, and then we'll see where it goes from there," Commander of the United States Indo Pacific Command, Admiral John Aquilino, said in an interview. "But the goal is to have the ability to deliver infrastructure and ultimately a place for Chinese military power." |
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Posted: 4/17/2024 12:35:27 AM EDT
[#18]
Couple of quick Score Cards before tomorrow's voting totals start being announced in the Solomon Islands:
Taiwan tracks 18 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 18 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 14) and 6 a.m. on Monday (April 15). Of the 18 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, while two entered the northeast corner of the nation's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), and three flew into the southwest sector of the ADIZ, according to the MND.  Attached FileTaiwan tracks 11 Chinese military aircraft, 8 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 11 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Monday (April 15) and 6 a.m. on Tuesday (April 16). Of the 11 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, one entered the southwest sector of the nation's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), and one helicopter was detected in the southeast ADIZ, according to the MND. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 136 times and naval vessels 98 times.  Attached FileThe Taiwanese have developed a new missile that's going through its testing against targets now: 1st Taiwan Land Sword II missile live-fire test successful All 3 Land Sword II missiles hit aerial drone targets TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The first live-fire test for the new land-based Sky Sword II missiles (Land Sword II) was successfully held on Monday (April 15). The Land Sword II ( ) air defense system, developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), was scheduled to be tested on April 9, but due to bad weather was postponed till Monday, reported Liberty Times. At 9:10 a.m., the first Land Sword II missile was launched from Pingtung County's Jiupeng Military Base. Three Land Sword II missiles were fired with all hitting their targets, drones built by NCSIST. The missile system is a derivative of the Sky Sword II missile and is designed to replace the Chaparral air-defense system. The effective range of the new system is estimated to be 15 km with the ability to detect and strike fixed-wing enemy aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. It can be combined with the Stinger man-portable air-defense system and the Avenger air defense system to address gaps in air defenses and achieve a "layered interception" effect. |
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Posted: 4/17/2024 10:05:46 AM EDT
[#19]
Saw this in my notes forgot to post a long time ago
https://media.defense.gov/2023/Apr/24/2003205865/-1/-1/1/07-AMONSON%20&%20EGLI_FEATURE%20IWD.PDF  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:35:15 AM EDT
[#20]
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:21:05 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.foxnews.com/world/solomon-islands-national-election-count-begins-closely-watched-us-china.amp Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.foxnews.com/world/solomon-islands-national-election-count-begins-closely-watched-us-china.amp The Indian election was garnering more coverage, and now tonight with Isreali strikes against Iranian and Iranian allies throughout the region, we may not find anything about what's going on in the Solomon's until the weekend. France24 had nothing tonight. Even SCMP had a story from 1.5 days ago. Here's the al-jazeera article only because it gives a chronology of how "we" got to this election: Solomon Islanders vote in election that could shape ties with China Voters in the Solomon Islands have cast their ballots in a general election that was being closely watched by Australia, China and the United States for its potential impact on regional security. The election on Wednesday is the first since the government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare switched formal diplomatic ties to China from Taiwan and he has pledged to further bolster relations with Beijing if he is reelected. His main challengers want to tone down Beijing's influence. Some voters queued outside polling stations three hours before polling began, with many more flocking to booths early after seeing the growing crowds. The country's struggling health services, education and inadequate roads were a top focus for many of them. In the capital, Honiara, lawyer Eddie Toifai, in his 40s, said a long-promised flood of Chinese aid had failed to make life better. "We have severed ties with Taiwan and we have developed ties with China," he told the AFP news agency. "For me, I was hoping that would bring change to this country, but I'm yet to see that happen." Hilda Nuake, a 49-year-old teacher, was fretting about the dilapidated state of basic services and the nation's health system. "Many times, we run short of medicine and places for sleeping [in hospitals]. We just sleep on the floor," she told AFP. More than 1,000 polling stations are scattered across villages and towns across the Solomons archipelago, 2,000km (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast. It will take several weeks to collect all the ballots and the country's 50 legislators will then need to form a government before they choose the next prime minister. The incumbent leader points to Beijing's gift of a $100m sporting complex used to host the regional Pacific Games last year and a similarly sized loan to build a national broadband network led by Chinese tech giant Huawei as examples of why the switch to China from Taiwan was the correct move for the developing country. "There is still a bit of pressure on Prime Minister Sogavare to demonstrate that the switch in diplomatic relations has delivered dividends for the country," Mihai Sora, a research fellow in the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, told Al Jazeera. "Certainly it has delivered dividends for him as a leader, he was able to deliver the games, increased security presence on the ground through Chinese police presence. So there have been some changes, but arguably not much of that trickle down effect." Sogavare's embrace of China in 2019, however, partly led to a wave of antigovernment riots which tore through the Chinatown district in Honiara. Violence returned in 2021 when angry mobs tried to storm parliament, torched Chinatown and attempted to raze Sogavare's home. The prime minister's rivals this year have campaigned on re-examining elements of the Chinese relationship, including a controversial 2022 security pact with China. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:28:32 PM EDT
[#22]
Score Card, and I guess I'll need to grab the one tomorrow at 0600 to see if there's a difference now with Isreali strikes:
Taiwan tracks 18 Chinese military aircraft, 5 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 18 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Wednesday (April 17) and 6 a.m. on Thursday (April 18). Of the 18 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, while five entered the southwest corner of the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 164 times and naval vessels 110 times.  Attached FileYou'll notice the red line crossing the black line. The black line represents the "median line" that until recently both the PRC and Taiwan recognized as a de facto "sea and air border." The red line represents the area of PLAAF aircraft take up doing essentially loops. Normally, when PLAAF aircraft cross over it's in small amounts. This is the first time that I've seen that big of a cross over. It's longer than Taiwan is. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:33:38 PM EDT
[#23]
Here's the latest on the back log of US weapon sales to Taiwan:
US House urges fast tracking missile delivery to Taiwan TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday (April 17) calling for a US$165 million (NT$5.3 billion) investment to speed up the delivery of Harpoon missiles to Taiwan. Led by U.S. Representative Mark Alford, signatories to the letter included representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Rob Wittman, and Donald Davis, per CNA. In addition to expediting the missile delivery, it also calls for the weapons to be set up in Taiwan before the Davidson Window. This refers to the period of time suggested by former commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Philip Davidson, in which China could invade Taiwan. "It is clear that Harpoons are the deterrent we urgently need to prevent China from invading or blockading Taiwan," Alford wrote. In addition to the Harpoon missiles, the letter also mentioned the Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) manufactured by Boeing. "The Harpoon and SLAM-ER programs are in the final stages of updating weapons. Four hundred missiles and 100 mobile launchers are being prepared to be sent to Taiwan in the third quarter of 2025," the letter said. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Oct. 26, 2020 the sale of 100 sets of Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems to Taiwan, which includes 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon II Surface Launched Missiles, four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles, 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units, and 25 radar trucks, with delivery expected by 2028. The package is estimated to cost US$2.37 billion. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have been backlogged by nearly NT$614 billion (US$19 billion) in arms sales, including Harpoon missiles, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and F-16s, Politico reported. Lawmakers have a fix for Taiwan's weapons backlog: Build them on the island There's nothing concrete that's going to happen. Just much talk, but if it changes, we'll report because when News Breaks, we fix it!! |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:47:10 PM EDT
[#24]
Last story of the night:
China sells more US Treasury bills as Fed signals low interest in rate cuts Worries over security and a further delay to expected interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have depleted Beijing's appetite for US Treasury bills, and its position as the second-largest foreign holder of the financial instruments could be taken by the UK in coming months, analysts warned. The world's second-largest economy offloaded US$22.7 billion of the bills in February, with its total holdings adding up to US$775 billion as of the end of that month, according to figures released by the US Treasury Department on Wednesday. Up until February of 2010, Americans were the single biggest group of buyers of US gov't debt. The PRC became the single biggest buyer at this point. The PRC and other countries sell the bounds on secondary markets all the time. It's always a matter of how much is going to be made available as to what Treasury will do in terms of offering how much for auction, and at what rate they'll be offering. The more bonds available in the secondary market normally means the less people at auction...unless Treasury offers a larger interest rate to attract buyers to the auction. Remember back when Pres. Obama made his famous "pivot to the Pacific" speech? The PRC sold bonds like crazy and the Obama Admin backed off plans and rhetoric (as they normally did when anyone stood up to them except for US citizens.) When Trump was President, the PRC did the same thing with the intent of pulling buyers from the auction to the secondary market. Not to worry! The amount of duty taken in on tariffs more than made up for the loss at auction. We'll now see what the Biden Admin will do with the same scenario. To be sure, at one time PRC holdings of US Treasuries were around $1.8 T at their highest point. |
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Posted: 4/19/2024 9:51:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: zoinks]
[#25]
Yesterday's score card (same day as reported Israeli attack):
Taiwan tracks 6 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked six Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Thursday (April 18) and 6 a.m. on Friday (April 19). Of the six People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, four crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the southwest sector of the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), while one crossed the median line in the northeast ADIZ, according to the MND. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 164 times and naval vessels 110 times.  Attached FileOn a similar note, we've covered the extension of PRC originating flights and how their flight paths are coming closer to Taiwan. Here's an update: China begins two M503 connecting routes near Taiwan's restricted airspace TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Friday (April 19) announced that it will activate its connecting routes on the controversial M503 flight path that nears Taiwan's restricted airspace. The CAAC said eastbound W122 and W123 routes will connect to the M503 flight path. It added that on May 16, the arrival and departure airspace over the Fuzhou Changle International Airport will be "further optimized and adjusted." The administration claimed this "optimization of airspace in Fujian province" and adjustments to the operation of the M503 route and its connecting flight paths will be conducive to meeting the "development needs" of aviation transportation between the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as southeastern coastal regions. It purported these changes are meant to optimize the operational environment, ensure flight safety, enhance capabilities to cope with the thunderstorm season, improve flight regularity, and serve passenger travel. Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) spokesperson Chien Chih-hung ( ) said in February that China's "unilateral activation" of the W122 and W123 routes would have a "great impact on the flight safety of Kinmen and Matsu," reported Rti. Chien said previously flights only operated in a westward direction, allowing for coordination and ensuring flight route safety. Chien said the eastbound flights would "affect Taiwan's existing air routes, raising great concerns about flight safety risks." Damien Symon, an open-source intelligence researcher on Feb. 1 uploaded a map showing the proximity of the modified route to the median line and Taiwan's FIR. Symon pointed out that the altered routes come close to the Air Force's military patrol zones that are meant to serve as strategic buffer zones against People's Liberation Army aircraft.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/19/2024 9:59:03 AM EDT
[#26]
Here's an interesting story for Propaganda Friday:
China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan I tried to find some stories on the monetary value of PRC total plastic and total polycarbonite production. It would cost me about $199 for a subscription to Statista to get the information. My search returns of the phrase "Peoples Republic of China polycarbonite total production" produced the results you would think it would! A lot of stories on micro-plastics in seafood, global warming, every-motherfucking-thing, but what I'm looking for! So, we're going to presume that the PRC is the World's largest producer of plastic stocks and as polycarbonite is used for military purposes, we're going to assume that the PRC leads the World in this specific type of plastic production as well. I don't think we're going out on a limb for this one!! China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China said Friday (April 19) it would levy extra tariffs on Taiwan's polycarbonate exports to China. The products will face anti-dumping tariffs of up to 22.4% beginning Saturday (April 20), according to China's Ministry of Commerce. The ministry announced November 2022 that it was going to conduct an investigation into polycarbonate imports. The timing of the punitive measures could be interpreted as targeting the May 20 presidential inauguration, the Liberty Times commented. In the run-up to the January presidential elections, China took action against imports from Taiwan, from banning certain fruits and farm products, to ending preferential tariffs for petrochemicals. China's ministry said the alleged dumping by Taiwanese producers had harmed its own polycarbonate sector, providing sufficient grounds for the introduction of anti-dumping measures. Two Taiwanese exporters would be subject to 9% tariffs, two would face 12.2%, while others would have to pay the maximum 22.4% tariff. In 2022, exports to China accounted for 78.5% of Taiwan's total polycarbonate exports, with a value of US$830 million (NT$26.98 billion). |
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Posted: 4/19/2024 10:05:53 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By zoinks: Here's an interesting story for Propaganda Friday: China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan I tried to find some stories on the monetary value of PRC total plastic and total polycarbonite production. It would cost me about $199 for a subscription to Statista to get the information. My search returns of the phrase "Peoples Republic of China polycarbonite total production" produced the results you would think it would! A lot of stories on micro-plastics in seafood, global warming, every-motherfucking-thing, but what I'm looking for! So, we're going to presume that the PRC is the World's largest producer of plastic stocks and as polycarbonite is used for military purposes, we're going to assume that the PRC leads the World in this specific type of plastic production as well. I don't think we're going out on a limb for this one!! China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan Here’s another for Friday https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/19/WS66222160a31082fc043c2ee5.html |
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Posted: 4/20/2024 11:46:33 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Here's another for Friday https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/19/WS66222160a31082fc043c2ee5.html Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Originally Posted By zoinks: Here's an interesting story for Propaganda Friday: China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan I tried to find some stories on the monetary value of PRC total plastic and total polycarbonite production. It would cost me about $199 for a subscription to Statista to get the information. My search returns of the phrase "Peoples Republic of China polycarbonite total production" produced the results you would think it would! A lot of stories on micro-plastics in seafood, global warming, every-motherfucking-thing, but what I'm looking for! So, we're going to presume that the PRC is the World's largest producer of plastic stocks and as polycarbonite is used for military purposes, we're going to assume that the PRC leads the World in this specific type of plastic production as well. I don't think we're going out on a limb for this one!! China slaps tariffs on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan Here's another for Friday https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/19/WS66222160a31082fc043c2ee5.html Opening of new flight routes benefits both sides of Taiwan Strait The initiation of the west-to-east operation of the W122 and W123 routes that connect with the M503 route, effective Friday, benefits both sides of the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Friday. "The M503 route falls within the Shanghai flight information region, and its establishment and implementation are a regular task in the management of mainland civil aviation airspace," she said. She added that the implementation of this measure aims to alleviate the pressure of flight growth in the relevant areas, ensure flight safety, reduce flight delays, and safeguard the rights and interests of passengers, which is beneficial for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. "Since the cancellation of flight deviation measures for the M503 route, the overall operation has been safe and stable, effectively improving the operation of cross-Strait flights and further facilitating the travel of people on both sides of the strait," Zhu said. |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 11:19:47 AM EDT
[Last Edit: zoinks]
[#29]
Score Card Time!!!!
Taiwan tracks 21 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 20) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 21). Of the 21 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 14 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, according to the MND. Three entered the southwest corner of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and two were detected in the northeast ADIZ. So far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 193 times and naval vessels 125 times.  Attached FileTaiwan tracks 21 Chinese military aircraft including drones TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said there were a further 21 Chinese military aircraft that flew into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday morning (April 20). Between 6 a.m. on Friday (April 19) and Saturday, eight People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and eight vessels were detected around Taiwan. Of the eight aircraft, three crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the southwest sector of the country's ADIZ, according to the MND. However, at 11.28 a.m. the defense ministry posted that after 8.15 a.m. an additional 21 PLA aircraft, including J-16, Y-8, and drones. It added that 17 of the planes entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ and joined up with PLA vessels on combat control. According to the latest updated figures, so far this month Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 193 times and naval vessels 118 times.  Attached FileThere's a huge rain storm in the area. (It's Monsoon season afterall!) So, this month's uptick could be a test of the various Taiwanese detection systems, but there's also a huge uptick in both crossing the "median line" and the depth of these "crossings." Again, none of us here know when the PRC intends, or even if it will actually invade Taiwan, but all this activity is building up to something. Otherwise, it only serves to make the Taiwanese better at doing their job of defending the Island. There's got to be another point to it all. It's a lot of money, and time, and "wear and tear" on aircraft and steaming hours on ships. It all comes at a very real monetary cost. On the other hand, so far, the CCP is proving my point that their a bunch of old women, and they'll end up like the old women that ran the Soviet Union in the late '70s, making a one mistake that has huge consequences and die an ignominous death. All hail the revolution. |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 11:27:39 AM EDT
[#30]
As most of us are aware, a foreign military package aid bill was passed by the House yesterday. Here's Taiwan's response:
Taiwan says it will discuss with US how to use new funding TAIPEI (Reuters) Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday it will discuss with the United States how to use funding for the island included in a $95 billion legislative package mostly providing security assistance to Ukraine and Israel. The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. The defence ministry expressed thanks to the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the package on Saturday, saying it demonstrated the "rock solid" U.S. support for Taiwan. The ministry added it "will coordinate the relevant budget uses with the United States through existing exchange mechanisms, and work hard to strengthen combat readiness capabilities to ensure national security and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Taiwan has since 2022 complained of delays in deliveries of U.S. weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers focussed on supplying Ukraine to help the country battle invading Russian forces. |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 12:03:15 PM EDT
[#31]
I went to look for any report on the Solomon Islands election and came up empty handed exept for this story:
Corruption still seen as a concern in Vietnam despite death sentence This woman has been sentenced to death for the embezzlement of $12.5 Billion (3% of the Vietnamese Gross Domestic Product), using that money to bribe party officials, government officials and selected private businesses. They calculate that what the Vietnamese gov't is calling "damages" runs up to $27 Billion in total. She's getting the death penality. I'm going to post her picture knowning that many of you like "nice racks." This is a 68 year old woman who used some of her money for a pair of bolt-ons. If this leads to a few more "views" here, I'm calling it a win-win. There is a picture without her mask on. I'm doing you a favor here. Here's her picture:  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 12:06:43 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dorobuta]
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By R0N: The assumption is the nation that makes most smart phone can probably conduct a pretty accurate joint fire power strike as opposed to the nation who has to import most of its micro-components. They simply ask all the phones to turn on the transmitters coupled with their Bluetooth and home in on the largest concentrations And they can identify the ones near or in military installations I’m not talking about blue tooth, I’m talking FM. Did you know there’s a software defined radio lurking in most cell phones? It is inactive, due to some regulatory issue. I’m assuming it’s been left in all the designs… |
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Posted: 4/23/2024 7:58:11 AM EDT
[#33]
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Posted: 4/23/2024 8:01:43 AM EDT
[#34]
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Posted: 4/23/2024 8:20:39 AM EDT
[#35]
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Posted: 4/23/2024 8:24:53 AM EDT
[#36]
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Posted: 4/24/2024 9:46:34 AM EDT
[#37]
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Posted: 4/24/2024 1:40:09 PM EDT
[#38]
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Posted: 4/24/2024 1:45:00 PM EDT
[#39]
Didn’t have time to post this a couple days ago
https://www.firstpost.com/world/germany-arrests-three-for-giving-sensitive-tech-to-strengthen-chinese-navy-13762393.html/amp  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:38:04 AM EDT
[#40]
I got a lot of catching up to do as well!
Score cards: Taiwan tracks 6 Chinese naval vessels, 2 military aircraft around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked six Chinese naval vessels and two military aircraft around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Monday (April 22) and 6 a.m. on Tuesday (April 23).  Attached FileChina sends 7 navy ships, 2 fighter jets around Taiwan TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked seven naval vessels and two Chinese military aircraft around the country between 6 a.m. Tuesday (April 23) and 6 a.m. Wednesday (April 24). The defense ministry said that two People's Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jets had been detected in the Taiwan Strait. However, it did not indicate that any had entered the air defense identification zone (ADIZ) or crossed the median line. In April so far, the ministry has detected Chinese military aircraft 207 times and naval vessels 144 times.  Attached FileIt really is shapening up to be a big May, I think. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 12:59:25 AM EDT
[#41]
I have a number of follow ups on stories we've covered. First up from when former Pres. Ma of the KMT got back from visiting the PRC and meeting Xi, he proposed that the legislature amend the "Anti-Infiltration Act."
Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party opposes change to anti-infiltration law (Here's the what the law actually says: Anti-Infiltration Act It's a single page law, and it refers to other laws on the books, but adds enhancements to sentences for crimes committed if these crimes help foreign enemies spy, attack, commit crimes, etc, in support of the downfall of Taiwan. It's a single page law, and only comes into affect against people who are acting as "foreign agents" against Taiwan. Ma was not suggesting strengthening the law.) TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it opposes former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's ( ) proposed amendments to relax the Anti-Infiltration Act at a press conference on Monday (April 22). Ma's statement came following his 11-day visit to China on April 1-11, per CNA. DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu ( ), party member Wang Yi-chuan ( ), and Legislator Shen Pao-yang ( ) held a press conference on Monday, criticizing Ma's proposals. Wu said that Ma's proposal to amend the Anti-Infiltration Act after his visit to China was suspiciously timed, raising doubts about whether there was consultation or exchange of opinions with the Chinese side. Eric Chu ( ) and other Kuomintang (KMT) legislators also supported loosening the law, reported CNA. The PRC is now threatening sanctions after adding tariffs on Taiwanese Polycarbonate products: China threatens more sanctions after duties on Taiwan polycarbonate The PRC belongs to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and if Taiwan brings them to court there, and the PRC loses again, I wonder what happens next. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China will take more measures against imports from Taiwan if it does not change its support for independence, the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said Wednesday (April 24). China's Ministry of Commerce initiated extra duties on polycarbonate products from Taiwan on Saturday (April 20) for five months because it claimed Taiwan manufacturers used dumping tactics. This led to fears that China might expand its sanctions to other products on the 2010 Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) list. Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian ( ) said that if "the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities" did not change their attitude on Taiwan independence, it would support further measures, per CNA. She accused the DPP of "changing the rules," setting up obstacles in the way of Taiwan-China trade, and interfering with normal bilateral economic issues. Over the past few years, China has repeatedly issued bans on Taiwanese products, mostly fruit and farming produce. Two more Taiwanese "corvettes" are to be commisioned next month: Taiwan's 3rd, 4th Tuo Chiang-class corvettes to be commissioned next month TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Navy is set to commission its third and fourth Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, the Hsu Chiang and Wu Chiang, next month. The Hsu Chiang and Wu Chiang were delivered to the Navy in February and March, respectively, Liberty Times reported. The first batch of six corvettes has now all been delivered after the Navy received the An Chiang and Wan Chiang last month. Preparations for construction of the second batch have begun, with completion expected by 2026. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 1:08:19 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Didn't have time to post this a couple days ago https://www.firstpost.com/world/germany-arrests-three-for-giving-sensitive-tech-to-strengthen-chinese-navy-13762393.html/amp https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/459941/IMG_3447_jpeg-3196822.JPG Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: Didn't have time to post this a couple days ago https://www.firstpost.com/world/germany-arrests-three-for-giving-sensitive-tech-to-strengthen-chinese-navy-13762393.html/amp https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/459941/IMG_3447_jpeg-3196822.JPG Germany arrests three people suspected of giving technology to China BERLIN, April 22 (Reuters) - Three Germans have been arrested on suspicion of working with the Chinese secret service to hand over technology that could be used for military purposes, potentially helping to strengthen China's navy, German officials said on Monday. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the government was monitoring what she called a significant threat posed by Chinese espionage in business, industry and science. "We look very closely at these risks and threats and have clearly warned and raised awareness about them so that protective measures are increased everywhere," she said in a statement. In this case, the issue of German innovative technologies that can be used for military purposes was "particularly sensitive", she added. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in a statement: "At the time of their arrest, the accused were in further negotiations about research projects that could be particularly useful for expanding China's maritime combat power." The Chinese embassy in Berlin said Beijing firmly rejected accusations that it carried out spying activities in Germany. "We call on Germany to desist from exploiting the espionage accusation to politically manipulate the image of China and defame China," a spokesperson for the embassy said in an emailed statement. The couple concluded a cooperation agreement with a German university through their company, which involved preparing a study for the MSS employee on machine parts that can be used for marine engines such as in warships, prosecutors said in a statement. The suspects also purchased a special laser from Germany on behalf of and with payment from the MSS, and exported it to China without authorisation, according to the prosecutors, who did not specify what the laser could be used for. |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 1:11:16 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_36/ Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_36/ Solomon islands' pro-China PM fails to secure majority Negotiations on forming a coalition government are set to get underway in the Solomon Islands. This comes after last week's general election delivered no clear winner and the incumbent prime minister's ruling party failed to secure an outright majority. The latest election results released on Wednesday show the ruling party led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who has deepened his country's relations with China, won 15 out of 50 seats in the election. The major opposition camps, which oppose Sogavare's pro-China policy, won a total of 20 seats, with independent and micro parties holding 15 seats. Negotiations are now expected to begin on forming a coalition government. (only 5 more stories to go!!) |
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Posted: 4/25/2024 8:29:15 AM EDT
[#44]
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Posted: 4/26/2024 12:52:51 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryThis one is from New Delhi TV: Deepfake Audio Of Philippine President Urging Military Action Against China Sparks Concerns The manipulated audio features a deep fake voice of Marcos Jr, where he purportedly indicates to his military to intervene if China poses a threat to the Philippines. He adds that he cannot tolerate further harm to Filipinos by Beijing. "We cannot compromise even a single individual just to protect what rightfully belongs to us," says the voice in the faked audio, which was reportedly released via a YouTube channel with thousands of subscribers. The audio was accompanied by a slideshow of photos showing Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported. The PCO said that it is actively working on measures to combat fake news, misinformation, and disinformation through its Media and Information Literacy Campaign. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com "We are also closely coordinating and working with government agencies and relevant private sector stakeholders to actively address the proliferation and malicious use of video and audio deepfakes and other generative AI content," it said. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PwnnmAquyQs Strangely enough, the video short uses a lot of the same language of the article. In fact, all the articles except for the teaser of the SCMP article. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 12:55:28 AM EDT
[#46]
I did find this youtube video about the PLAAF becoming the World's largest Air Force:
 “World’s Largest Airforce,” China Set to Dethrone US Air Power | From The Frontline 482,702 views Premiered on 5 Apr 2024 #firstpost #internationalnews #xijinping "World's Largest Airforce," China Set to Dethrone US Air Power | From The Frontline The People's Liberation Army Air Force of PLAAF is all set to become the largest air force in the world. This comes as China manufactures its fighter jets at a record rate. China is producing J-10, J-11, J-16, and J-20 at home which is giving it an advantage over American Air Force which is reducing its size as it focuses on advanced technology. Now Chinese President Xi Jinping will not only have the world's largest navy but also the largest air force. This comes as China continues to threaten India, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, and the US with its military posturing. Meanwhile allies in Asia are working together to prepare for the Chinese threat with the US leading the way. --- China | United States | Xi Jinping | Philippines | India | Taiwan | Military | Firstpost | World News | Latest News | Global News | International News | Trending News #china #unitedstates #xijinping #philippines #india #taiwan #military #firstpost #worldnews #latestnews #globalnews #internationalnews #trendingnews Firstpost is an Indian news and media website. Get all the incisive opinions, in-depth analyses and other visual stories that matter to you and the world right here on this channel. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 1:12:31 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3260009/south-china-sea-tensions-mount-china-vows-be-cambodias-side-no-matter-what Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3260009/south-china-sea-tensions-mount-china-vows-be-cambodias-side-no-matter-what South China Sea: as tensions mount, Wang Yi vows Beijing to be by Cambodia's side no matter what China will be Cambodia's "most reliable friend and the firmest supporter", regardless of the international environment, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Cambodian leader Hun Manet on Monday amid growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. In response, Hun Manet said Phnom Penh's China policy had been "consistent", adding that his country would firmly support China's position on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. There was no mention of the South China Sea in China's official readout from the meeting. Hun Manet added that Phnom Penh would continue to take part in the Belt and Road Initiative, a Beijing-led infrastructure project. Wang's high-profile visit to Cambodia this week also included meeting King Norodom Sihamoni, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and Chenda Sophea Sok. China's ties with Cambodia remain among the closest of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries. The two have no territorial disputes and Phnom Penh largely depends on China's trade and investment. In 2023, trade between the two countries reached US$12.26 billion, marking a 5 per cent increase compared with 2022, according to Cambodia's customs and excise department. Beijing's relations with the Philippines have deteriorated as the Asean member has drawn closer to Washington amid a series of confrontations in the South China Sea. Other Asean members seek to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the US-China rivalry. In Washington, there has been concern about China's involvement in upgrading Cambodia's Ream naval base on the Gulf of Thailand following Phnom Penh's dismantling of a US-built facility at the same base in 2020. |
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Posted: 4/26/2024 10:42:01 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://amp.abc.net.au/article/103756996 Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CarmelBytheSea: https://amp.abc.net.au/article/103756996 Pro-China party wins Maldives election in landslide In short: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's party has won 71 of 93 seats in a landslide victory in parliamentary elections. Mr Muizzu has pledged to end the country's "India First" policy. Where the Maldives are:  Attached Filered arrow = PRC expansion "Where's Diego Garcia?", some of you may be asking. Why, here it is:  Attached Fileto the direct South of the Maldives. Not too shappy, PRC!! I hope the Maldives received our material on LGBTQIA+ issues, and why they're important. And Pronoun Respect!!! Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's party has earned a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, a result set to move the Indian Ocean archipelago closer to China and away from traditional partner India. The PNC, together with its coalition parties, holds 75 seats in total while the main opposition Maldives Democratic Party dwindled to only 12 seats from 65 previously. Jubilant voters celebrated with party poppers and cut cakes in their constituencies. Official PNC celebrations were due to start in the evening with a rally in Male. Beijing and New Delhi have wooed the Maldives as they vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Elected last year, Mr Muizzu has pledged to end the country's "India First" policy, straining ties with New Delhi. His government has asked dozens of Indian military personnel to leave the Maldives, a move critics say could hasten its shift toward China. A spokesperson for the US State Department, which has sought to strengthen ties with India and throughout the Indo-Pacific region in the face of China's growing power, said it was closely following the election results. "We are glad to hear observers reported no major issues or irregularities, and that the results are indicative of the will of the people," the spokesperson said. The US opened an embassy in Male in 2023 to boost engagement in the face of China's efforts to spread its regional influence. The spokesperson called the Maldives "a valued partner" and said this partnership was being strengthened in areas including economic development, education, security cooperation, and climate crisis response. |
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Posted: Yesterday 12:27:29 PM EDT
[#49]
I'm a bit behind!
Score Cards! Taiwan tracks 1 Chinese military plane and 5 naval ships TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked one Chinese military plane and five naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Friday (April 26) and the same time on Saturday (April 27).  Attached FileTaiwan tracks 22 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around nation TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 22 Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Saturday (April 27) and 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 28). Of the 22 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 12 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the northeastern section of the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to the MND.  Attached FileSo far this month, Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 240 times and naval vessels 165 times. Here's a follow up to a story we've been following since March. If you recall, there was the PRC speedboat filled with Chinese "fishers", but not filled with fishing gear that flipped over underspeed when the Taiwanese Coast Guard moved into the area. That was followed by the Chinese Coast Guard "rescuing" a taiwanese boat that was stranded with the Chinese releasing one man about a month ago, while the other is still being held. (These two were on an actual fishing boat with fishing gear and some caught fish on it.) Discharge from military could help Taiwan officer return from China TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A Taiwanese angler from the outlying island of Kinmen held for more than a month by China could be freed if he is discharged from the military, a lawmaker said Saturday (April 27). The officer named Hu ( ), 25, set off on a fishing trip with another man from Kinmen on March 17, but as fog closed in, they strayed into Chinese waters and were detained by China's Coast Guard. While the other man was allowed to return to Kinmen almost a week later, Hu was forced to stay as China accused him of hiding his identity as an active-duty officer. Legislator Chen Yu-jen ( ), who represented Kinmen at the Legislative Yuan, told reporters Saturday that a procedure had started for Hu to leave the military, per CNA. Chen was speaking in Beijing, where she was visiting as part of a 17-member delegation of opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers. As Hu would soon no longer be a member of the Armed Forces, his status would change, defusing the situation, she said. According to Chen, she would speak to Chinese officials about Hu's fate during her stay in Beijing, and communicate with his relatives after her return to Taiwan. For the past 40 days or so, Hu had been held on board of a Chinese coast guard ship, but he had been able to contact his family, the lawmaker said. The Army said that officially, Hu was now on annual leave, CNA reported. |
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Posted: Yesterday 12:34:57 PM EDT
[#50]
I missed Propaganda Friday, but it's never too late!!!!!!!!!!
Here's a good one!! Philippines denies deal with China over disputed South China Sea shoal The PRC announced there was a "model" to follow over the "disputed" Second Thomas Shoal: MANILA (Reuters) The Philippines on Saturday denied a Chinese claim that the two countries had reached an agreement over an escalating maritime dispute in the South China Sea, calling the claim propaganda. A spokesperson at China's embassy in Manila said on April 18 that the two had agreed early this year to a "new model" in managing tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal, without elaborating. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday his department was "not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China" since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022. Defence department officials have not spoken to any Chinese officials since last year, Teodoro said in a statement. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Teodoro's comments outside office hours. Teodoro called China's claims of a bilateral agreement "part of the Chinese propaganda", adding that the Philippines would never enter into any agreement that would compromise its claims in the waterway. "The narrative that unnamed or unidentified Chinese officials are propagating is another crude attempt to advance a falsehood," he said. |
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