"When you are studying any matter or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only what are the facts and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted either by what you wish to believe, or by what you think would have beneficent social effects if it were believed. But look only, and solely, at what are the facts." — Bertrand Russell
by Tyler Durden
An inconvenient reality for the Trump administration's race to rebuild Western conflict-free critical materials supply chains outside China, whether domestically or through friendshoring, is that it won't break China's chokehold this decade.
Reuters reported Taiwan’s defense ministry warned that China is “strengthening its control” over nearby sea and air, calling Beijing “unpredictable”. Reported patrols and incursions fit a pattern of pressure that limits Taiwan’s freedom of movement without an open attack. Regional coverage said recent drills focused on “joint blockade and control,” pointing to plans that could cut Taiwan’s trade lifelines and test U.S. resolve to keep vital sea lanes open. These moves risk a crisis, even without a formal invasion.
by Tyler Durden
A possible plague case in Siberia has triggered a major containment effort after the death of a 28-year-old employee of an anti-plague laboratory. A hospital wing is under quarantine, nearly 200 people are reportedly under observation, and Russia's chief sanitary official has flown in. Local outlets say FSB units have been escorting ambulances carrying the woman's contacts for examination.
Debate over the future of the Republic of China Air Force’s fighter force has intensified after the Liberty Times discussed the possibility that a larger fleet of upgraded F-16V and F-16 Block 70 fighters could offer greater value than a smaller force of newer F-35s.
Reuters reports that Ford, General Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover are competing for a £900 million United Kingdom Ministry of Defence contract, initially covering 3,000 vehicles, by adapting pickup trucks and off-road models they already build. Executives see defense orders as a practical way to keep factories busy as car demand cools. Companies want steady, government-backed work that can run on existing lines. The effort reflects a hard truth: many Western plants are not full, and managers need volume fast.
by Tyler Durden
If you want an indication that resource nationalism and Beijing's weaponization of critical material exports to gain leverage over the US in high-stakes trade negotiations are accelerating, a new report Thursday afternoon says the Trump administration is planning to slow shipments of commercial jet parts to China.
by Tyler Durden
Update (1650ET): So after today's big White House meeting with tech leaders, President Trump announced that they had signed a "morally binding" (lol) document governing the development of artificial intelligence.
Following the luncheon, Trump told reporters that he's "seeing tremendous self-policing," and that the administration is looking to assemble a 10-person committee tasked with overseeing the AI industry.
Recent disclosures about China’s purported in-orbit servicing operations have intensified a quiet revolution in space, where the mechanics of satellite sustainment are swiftly becoming the frontline of great-power counterspace rivalry.