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September 29, 2023 - Released From North Korea, U.S. Soldier Now in Texas, Will Be Debriefed. "Private King arrived ... early in the morning to San Antonio, where he will be going through a reintegration program". Read more
September 27, 2023 - American Soldier Returned To US Custody After Crossing Into North Korea. Travis King was transferred out of North Korea and into China with the aid of the Swedish government after North Korea said that they had completed their investigation of King. Read more
September 27, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan. The number of military aircraft spotted today is substantially higher than normal. Read more
September 26, 2023 - Philippines Condemns & Removes Chinese "Floating Barrier" At Scarborough Shoal. While the Philippines said that the shoal is Philippine territory, China said in its own statement that it has always been Chinese territory. Read more
September 25, 2023 - Japan: Defense of Japan regarding China-Russia coordination. "Activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan". Also, Japan on military activities by North Korea: Read more
September 24, 2023 - Taiwan Reports Chinese Military Activity At Dacheng Bay. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense: "[Taiwanese] Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation with our ISR system in response". Read more
September 22, 2023 - Taiwan's Defense Minister says that China's recent military activity around the island of Taiwan is "quite abnormal" and added that they believe China is carrying out joint land, sea, air, and amphibious exercises. Read more
September 22, 2023 - US Deploys Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) To Japan For The First Time. Before arriving in Japan, USVDIV-1 had participated in the Navy and Marine Corpse' Large Scale Exercise 2023. Read more
September 21, 2023 - U.S. Strengthening Deterrence in Taiwan Strait. DOD: "A major conflict in the strait would result in thousands of casualties and jeopardize more than $2 trillion dollars in global economic activity, igniting a global economic depression." Read more
September 21, 2023 - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that an arms deal between Russia and North Korea would be considered a "direct provocation" against the South. Last week Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is looking to expand ties with North Korea in all possible areas. Read more
September 20, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of defense 15 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 20th, 2023. Read more
September 19, 2023 - Japan Reports Chinese Naval Activity Around Islands, Says China/Taiwan Military Balance Tilting In China's Favor. "While China has intensified its coercive military activities around Taiwan, following the aggression against Ukraine, Taiwan is enhancing its own defense capabilities." Read more
September 19, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 55 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 19th, 2023. The number of spotted military aircraft remains highly elevated. Read more
September 18, 2023 - US Foreign Military Sales To Canada, Poland, Korea Totaling $5.7 Billion. To Korea: F-35 aircraft & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, Poland: F-16 sustainment, and related equipment, Canada: MQ-9B munitions and other integrated systems. Read more
September 18, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 103 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 18th, 2023, setting a new single day record for military aircraft spotted around the island. Read more
September 16, 2023 - Russian Aircraft & Chinese Naval Forces Navigating Around Japanese Islands. Japan Reports Russian Ilyushin Il-20 Aircraft & Chinese Naval Forces Navigating Around Japanese Islands. Read more
September 16, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 16th, 2023. The number of PLAN vessels spotted today is higher than normal, military aircraft are slightly higher than normal. Read more
September 14, 2023 - Japan Reports Chinese Naval Vessels Navigating Around Japanese Islands. Japan reports Chinese naval vessels navigating north of Tsushima (Nagasaki Prefecture) and sailing through the Tsushima Strait toward the East China Sea: Read more
September 14, 2023 - China Pressing Ahead With Rapid Land Reclamation, Intensifying Military Activities Around Japan. Japan: China’s military activities are a matter of serious concern for Japan & international community and an unprecedented strategic challenge. Read more
September 14, 2023 - Japan's Ministry of Defense Reports Chinese Naval Activity Around Southern And Southwestern Japanese Islands. Read more
September 14, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 14th, 2023. The number of aircraft and vessels spotted today is substantially higher than normal. Read more
September 13, 2023 - According to the South Korean military North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from Sunan toward the East Sea. Read more
September 11, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 11th, 2023. The number of military aircraft and vessels spotted is both substantially higher than usual today. Read more
September 11, 2023 - Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency. Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024. Read more
September 8, 2023 - Japan Spots Russian Navy Surveillance Boat Around Japanese Islands, Holds Japan/US Talks. On September 7th, Japan spotted a Russian Vishnya-class intelligence gathering ship sailing west through the Soya Strait. Read more
September 8, 2023 - North Korea Introduces New "Tactical Nuclear Submarine". North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: New submarine launching expresses not only readiness but also "rounding off the preparations for a revolutionary war". Read more
September 8, 2023 - Philippines: Four Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Carried Out "Dangerous Maneuvers" Around Philippine PCG Vessels And Resupply Boats. The CCG and CMM have increasingly been involved in the harassment of Philippine vessels around the region of the Spratly Islands which are claimed by multiple nations. Read more
September 6, 2023 - DOD: AUKUS Partnership Strengthens Indo-Pacific Security, Seeing Successes In Indo-Pacific Strategy. Australia has demonstrated a commitment to purchasing conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. See full report: Read more
September 4, 2023 - US Military May Build Port On Philippine Island Close To Taiwan. The United States military is currently talking about possibly building a port on a Philippine island close to Taiwan. Read more
September 3, 2023 - The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party stressed the need for the North to take "offensive actions" to make the U.S. and South Korea clearly understand the situation's "seriousness". Read more
September 3, 2023 - 3,000 people have been evacuated from locations in Taiwan most at risk from Typhoon Haikui (Hanna) as it moves toward the island and is expected to make landfall at around 5 pm local time on Sunday (9 am UTC). Read more
September 1, 2023 - North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles Into Yellow Sea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the North began launching cruise missiles at about 4 in the morning. Read more
August 31, 2023 - North Korea Stages Tactical Nuclear Strike Drill In Response To Joint US/South Korea B-1B Bomber Drills. Read more
August 30, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 30th, 2023. Number of aircraft higher than normal. Read more
August 29, 2023 - Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world. Read more
August 29, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 29th, 2023. Number of aircraft and vessels higher than normal. Read more
August 28, 2023 - Japan reports Russian and Chinese military aircraft and naval activity around Japanese islands, including a reconnaissance drone around Taiwan. Read more
August 28, 2023 - Japanese Statements On Results Of Sea Area Monitoring Of APLS-Treated Water. Japan: "The results of sea area monitoring related to The tritium concentration in the seawater sampled on August 25 was below the detection limit". Read more
August 27, 2023 - 3 Marines Killed, 20 Injured In Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft Crash. The incident took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. There were a total of 23 personnel on board. Read more
August 26, 2023 - China Responds To US Approval Of F-16 IRST Systems To Taiwan, saying it threatens the safety of the Taiwanese people. China has been ramping up military activity around the island of Taiwan as of late, with 32 military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy vessels encircling the island today alone. Read more
August 26, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 26th, 2023. Numbers of both military aircraft and vessels are much higher than normal. Read more
August 25, 2023 - Japan Reports Chinese Reconnaissance Drone East Of Taiwan, In Response Scrambled Fighters. Japanese Ministry of Defense: "A Chinese military reconnaissance drone (BZK-005) flew over the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan". Read more
August 25, 2023 - Japan Reports Russian Naval Vessel Sailing Around Japanese Islands. The Russian Navy vessels "carried out surveillance and information gathering," around he Japanese islands, according to Japan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 25, 2023 - Japan: Two Chinese H-6 bombers Flew Between Okinawa And Miyako Island. Japan Scrambles Fighters. Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled the fighters of the Southwestern Air Force in response. Read more
August 25, 2023 - Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 25th, 2023. Number of aircraft and vessels elevated above normal. Read more
August 24, 2023 - Japan has begun dumping ALPS-treated Fukushima nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean, causing China to ban Japanese seafood. Read more
August 24, 2023 - India Successfully Lands On Moon Near South Pole. The moon's South Pole is expected to contain water in the form of ice located underground which can be used as oxygen, water, and fuel. Read more
August 23, 2023 - North Korea Launches "Space Launch Vehicle" In Second Attempt To Launch Satellite, Ends In Failure. North Korean state news admits that the attempt to launch a space launch vehicle ended in failure after an "accident". Read more
August 23, 2023 - China Says It Restricted Philippine Vessels From "Trespassing" Into Philippine Occupied Territory - Although the Ren'ai Reef is claimed by multiple nations, it is currently occupied by Philippine military forces. Read more
August 23, 2023 - Philippines: Chinese Coast Guard Blocked, Harassed And Interfered With Philippine Supply Vessels. Earlier this month the US released a statement saying that it stands with its Philippine allies in the face of "dangerous actions" by the Chinese Coast Guard after a previous incident. Read more
August 23, 2023 - Taiwan: No Evidence Of Chinese Submarine Crash Near Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense addresses rumors regarding a Chinese submarine that was said to have crashed near the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 23, 2023 - Japan Reports Russian Naval Vessels Around Japanese Islands. Japan: Two Russian missile escort boats with the ship numbers 921 and 978 sailed east through the Soya Strait. Read more
August 22, 2023 - Japan Set To Discharge ALPS Treated Fukushima Nuclear Waste Into Sea. Starting this year, over 1.3 million tons of ALPS-treated water will be released into the ocean over time over several decades. IAEA releases assessment. Read more
August 22, 2023 - North Korean state media released a statement saying that an “unprecedented large-scale thermonuclear war is approaching the Korean Peninsula,” citing the U.S. and South Korean joint military drills “Ulji Freedom Shield” as a "provocation". Read more
August 22, 2023 - Japan: North Korea To Launch Satellite. Japanese Prime Minister received a report that north Korea plans to launch a satellite between August 24th and August 31st. Read more
August 21, 2023 - Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023. Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia.Read more
August 21, 2023 - North Korea Tests Cruise Missiles, US-ROK Carry Out Joint Exercises. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) responded to the statement by North Korean state media saying that much of the statement was "exaggerated and different from facts".Read more
August 20, 2023 - China Continues Military Exercises Around The Island Of Taiwan, Sends 45 Aircraft & 9 Vessels. Taiwan: Facing the provocations from the PLA, Taiwanese Armed Forces remain steadfast at their posts 24/7, closely monitoring PLA activities. Read more
August 19, 2023 - China Conducts Military Exercises Around Taiwan As "Stern Warning" For "Provocations". China: Patrols Meant To Train The Coordination Of Military Vessels And Airplanes To Seize Control Of Air And Sea Spaces. Read more
August 18, 2023 - Japan, South Korea, U.S. Strengthen Trilateral Cooperation. The nations agreed to elevate defense collaboration, including speeding up information sharing on North Korea's missile launches, cyber activities, strengthening ballistic missile defense cooperation. Read more
August 18, 2023 - DOD and Japanese MOD Commencement of Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development. Department of Defense: "Due to repeated missile launches and progress in the development of hypersonic weapons around Japan, missile attacks on Japan have become a real threat. It is an urgent need". Read more
August 17, 2023 - DoD: General Says Deterring Two 'Near Peer' Competitors Is Complex. Department of Defense: U.S. Strategic Command is focusing on extended deterrence during a time when the country faces two near-peer rivals. Read more
August 17, 2023 - Japanese Ministry of Defense: On August 17th, it was confirmed that a total of 11 vessels, 6 Chinese naval vessels, and 5 Russian naval vessels, sailed northwest through the waters between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima. Read more
August 15, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 18 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 15th, 2023. Read more
August 14, 2023 - Japanese Ministry of Defense (translation): "China's naval and air forces are expanding and intensifying their activities in the waters and airspace surrounding Japan, including those around the Senkaku Islands". Read more
August 11, 2023 - International Space Race To Moon's South Pole Begins. NASA administrator: The Moon's South Pole may become another "South China Sea" with China staking claims and telling other countries to "stay out" if they end up getting there first. Read more
August 10, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 33 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 10th, 2023. Read more
August 9, 2023 - Mexico & Canada Replace China As Leading US Trade Partners. Data from the International Trade Administration and the United States Census Bureau shows Mexico taking the lead as trade partner in 2023, with Canada taking second a close place. Read more
August 7, 2023 - India, Russia Ban Rice Exports Raising Risk Of Global Food Price Increase. India is the largest rice exporter in the world, accounting for about 40% of global exports, potentially leading to a major impact on the price of rice across the world. Read more
August 6, 2023 - China Says They Shot Water Cannon At Philippine Vessels To Drive Them Away. Nansha Islands are located in the disputed Spratly Islands claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and some parts of the islands are claimed by both Malaysia and the Philippines. Read more
August 6, 2023 - 29 Chinese Military Aircraft, 12 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 6th, 2023. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported 9 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island of Taiwan on August 6th, 2023, then detected an additional 20 military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels. Read more
August 6, 2023 - A Chinese Coast Guard vessel has water cannoned a Philippine chartered supply boat. According to the White House, the Philippines is the oldest Indo-Pacific ally to the United States, since 1951. Read more
July 24, 2023 - The South Korean military has reported that North Korea has launched at least one ballistic missile into the eastern sea. Read more
July 24, 2023 - China To Japan: NATO's Plan To Expand To Asia Violates UN Rules. Beijing claimed that the wars and conflicts NATO is involved in suggest that the alliance is a grave challenge to global peace and security. Read more
July 22, 2023 - North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles Into Yellow Sea. North Korea: The presence of the US nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine which recently surfaced while visiting South Korea could be justification to use nuclear weapons. Read more
July 18, 2023 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea after an American nuclear ballistic missile submarine arrived at the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean military. Read more
July 18, 2023 - An American citizen crossed over the border from South Korea into North Korea without having authorization and has been taken into custody by North Korean authorities. Read more
July 18, 2023 - From July 16th to 17th, a total of six Chinese Navy Dongdiao-class information-gathering ships, two Luyang III-class missile destroyers, two Jiangkai II-class frigates, and one Huchi-class replenishment ship sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait. On July 14th, a Chinese navy Dongdiao-class intelligence-gathering ship was spotted. Read more
July 16, 2023 - The South Korean Navy held a joint missile defense exercise with the United States and Japan on Sunday in order to counter growing missile threats from North Korea. Read more
July 15, 2023 - China announced plans to build a “massive” remote sensing satellite network before 2030, which will include 300 remote sensing satellites in extra-low orbits around the earth that would be capable of taking high-resolution photos anywhere in the world within 15 minutes time of being requested. Read more
July 15, 2023 - The United Nations has claimed that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea on Wednesday, July 12th landed in Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which has led Russia to investigate the site where the ICBM crashed down. Read more
July 14, 2023 - A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flew over the Taiwan Strait on Thursday, after which China protested the flight saying that the United States "hyped" up the flight publicly. Read more
July 13, 2023 - North Korea Says It Test-Fired Hwasong-18 Solid-Fuel ICBM. State media said that the “military security situation on the Korean peninsula and in the region has reached the phase of nuclear crisis beyond the Cold War era”. Read more
July 12, 2023 - North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea. The launch comes after North Korean state media claimed that U.S. reconnaissance aircraft made an intrusive flight into its EEC, and made threats to shoot down the American aircraft. Read more
July 8, 2023 - Philippine Coast Guard: AFP [Armed Forces Philippines] reports Chinese vessels swarming in Iroquois and Sabina, within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, highlighting threat to Recto Bank security. The Philippines is an ally of the United States. Read more
June 28, 2023 - The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released a white paper on Wednesday that not only would a conflict over Taiwan impact Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea the most, it would create a “severe vulnerability” for Australia and Hong Kong, as well as other regions within Southeast Asia. Overview of how a war over Taiwan would affect the world: Read more
June 28, 2023 - Chinese state-run propaganda outlet Global Times released a report about the Chinese military aircraft that approached the 24-nautical-mile line of Taiwan on Sunday, saying that PLA activities will become closer to the island, more frequent, and “more combat-oriented” if Taiwan does not “give up” on “secessionist moves”. Read more
June 28, 2023 - The Russian warships were spotted around the island of Taiwan just a day after Taiwan reiterated its stance that it will attack any Chinese vessels or aircraft that cross over into its airspace. Read more
June 22, 2023 - US Pacific Fleet: The legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on June 20 (local time). Read more
June 22, 2023 - 29 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on June 22nd, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. [Number of both military aircraft and Naval vessels unusually high today] Read more
June 21, 2023 - 19 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on June 21st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
June 21, 2023 - Japan Reports Russian Naval Activity Around Japanese Islands. Latest: "From June 19th to 20th, it was confirmed that a total of 10 ships, including 6 Tarantal III-class missile patrol boats of the Russian Navy, sailed westward through the Soya Strait". Read more
June 15, 2023 - North Korea Fired 2 Short Range-Ballistic Missiles Towards The East Sea. South Korea says the launches are in "apparent protest" over recent live-fire military drills between the United States and South Korea, which it says targeted North Korea. Read more
June 15, 2023 - US Indo-Pacific Command statement: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches [By North Korea] and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more
June 13, 2023 - China carried out live-fire naval exercises to the north of the island of Taiwan in the East China Sea on Tuesday while the United States and allies carried out their own military exercises in waters in the Western Pacific. Read more
June 9, 2023 - 37 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan June 9th, 2023, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, after it had been reported 37 Chinese aircraft had breached Taiwan's airspace. Read more
June 8, 2023 - Chinese Aircraft Successfully Enter Taiwan's Southeast Airspace. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported spotting 12 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island of Taiwan on June 8th, 2023. Then, a few hours later reported that 37 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's southeast airspace suddenly. Read more
June 8, 2023 - Japanese Ministry of Defense: "It was confirmed that the [Chinese Navy Shupan-class survey ship] entered Japanese territorial waters southwest of Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture)" Read more
June 7, 2023 - Chinese and Russian bombers both flew together over waters surrounding the Japanese islands, causing the Japanese Self-Defense Force to scramble fighter jets in response, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Read more
June 4, 2023 - US Indo-Pacific Command, and the 7th Fleet Chinese LUYANG III DDG 132 (PRC LY 132) executed maneuvers in an unsafe manner in the vicinity of Chung-Hoon. Read more
June 3rd, 2023 - The FBI released a joint CSA with our USG and South Korean partners detailing the operations of Kimsuky cyber actors, a subset of DPRK cyber actors. It outlines warning signs of spearphishing campaigns. Read more
June 1st, 2023 - Chinese citizens have attempted to access United States military facilities in Alaska pretending to be tourists, but are suspected by U.S. officials as being spies. Read more
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Released From North Korea, U.S. Soldier Now in Texas, Will Be Debriefed - "Private King arrived ... early in the morning to San Antonio, where he will be going through a reintegration program".
Department of Defense: This week, Army Pvt. Travis T. King was released from North Korean custody and returned to American authorities. King is now back in the U.S., in San Antonio, Texas, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
"Private King arrived ... early in the morning to San Antonio, where he will be going through a reintegration program," Singh said. "He'll be going through medical screenings, medical evaluations, and then he'll be meeting with professionals to assess his emotional and mental health ... and he'll be meeting with counselors." King Will Be Debriefed By U.S. Military Officials About What Happened In North Korea: Read More.
Taiwan Unveils First "Domestically Produced Submarine" - The submarine is diesel-electric powered and equipped with MK-48 torpedoes and bolsters Taiwan's efforts to increase its defenses against potential attacks from Chinese naval forces.
TAIPEI - Taiwan unveiled its "first domestically produced submarine," costing $1.54 billion on Thursday, which it has dubbed "Narwhal" or "Sea Monster". The new submarine was christened by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen after its unveiling.
The submarine is diesel-electric powered and equipped with MK-48 torpedoes and bolsters Taiwan's efforts to increase its defenses against potential attacks from Chinese naval forces as tensions continue to mount between Taipei and Beijing. Tsai: Once Considered Impossible, A Domestically Produced Submarine “Now Sits Before Our Eyes”. China’s Response: Read More.
Soldier Returned To US Custody After Crossing Into North Korea- Travis King was transferred out of North Korea and into China with the aid of the Swedish government after North Korea said that they had completed their investigation of King.
Luanda, Angola - According to the Pentagon the U.S. soldier who illegally crossed the border into North Korea in July is now in the custody of the United States.
Travis King was transferred out of North Korea and into China with the aid of the Swedish government after North Korea said that they had completed their investigation of King. Senior Administration Official: No Concessions Took Place For The Exchange: Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 27th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 32 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 27th, 2023. The number of military aircraft spotted today is substantially higher than normal.
Of the military aircraft spotted there were four J-16 fighter jets, four J-10 fighter jets, two SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, two BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drones, one Y-9CC aircraft, one Y-8 antisubmarine (ASW) aircraft, one Y-8 electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, and one Z-9 antisubmarine (ASW) helicopter, all 16 of which entered Taiwan's north, southwest and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. Read More.
Philippines Condemns & Removes Chinese "Floating Barrier" At Scarborough Shoal - While the Philippines said that the shoal is Philippine territory, China said in its own statement that it has always been Chinese territory.
After condemning the barrier China put into place, the Philippines said that it executed a "special operation" ordered by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during which it removed the floating barrier located at a central fishing spot in the region. Read More.
Japan: Defense of Japan China-Russia Coordination, Japan on North Korea - Japanese Ministry of Defense: "Even amid ongoing aggression against Ukraine, China and Russia are promoting close military ties. They conducted joint flight of bombers and joint navigation of warships around Japan”.
Activities Intended For Demonstration Of Force Against Japan: “These activities are clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan and are of grave concern from the perspective of the security of Japan”. See Maps, Japan On North Korea.
Taiwan Reports Chinese Military Activity At Dacheng Bay - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense: "[Taiwanese] Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation with our ISR system in response".
Taiwanese Ministry of Defense: "Earlier this morning, we detected PLA aircraft and ground troops conducting military drills at Dacheng Bay located in Dongshan Island. [Taiwanese] Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation with our ISR system in response." Read More.
Taiwan Calls China's Military Activities Recently "Quite Abnormal" - TAIPEI - Taiwan's Defense Minister says that China's recent military activity around the island of Taiwan is "quite abnormal" and added that they believe China is carrying out joint land, sea, air, and amphibious exercises.
On Friday Taiwan's defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said, "Our enemy's recent movements are really quite abnormal. "Our initial analysis is that up to September, they have been doing joint exercises, including land, sea, air, and amphibious".
Defense Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang said on Thursday of the Chinese military activities, "The threat posed by PLA's [People's Liberation Army] activities have led to an escalation of tension and damaged the regional security".
He added, "The closer the PLA's aircraft are to Taiwan, the stronger our countermeasures will be". Read More.
US Deploys Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) To Japan For The First Time - Before arriving in Japan, USVDIV-1 had participated in the Navy and Marine Corpse' Large Scale Exercise 2023.
YOKOSUKA - The United States has deployed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to Japan for the first time to counter neighboring China after the U.S. Navy increased unmanned capabilities by establishing a new Unmanned Surface Division earlier this year.
A statement by the U.S. Navy said, "The port visit marks the first time any U.S. Navy USV has visited Japan as IBP 23.2 is the first exercise to employ USVs in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility". The U.S. Navy Created USVDIV-1 In May To Innovate The Surface Force. Read More.
U.S. Strengthening Deterrence in Taiwan Strait - DOD: "A major conflict in the strait would result in thousands of casualties and jeopardize more than $2 trillion dollars in global economic activity, igniting a global economic depression."
DOD: The Defense Department is working with other government agencies, allies, and friends to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Ely Ratner told the House Armed Services Committee today.
Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, testified about the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the moves the United States is making to deter China from bellicose activities toward Taiwan. China Remains Top Pacing Challenge, A Conflict In The Strait Would Ignite A Global Economic Depression: Read More.
South Korean President: North Korea And Russian Arms Deal Would Be "Direct Provocation" - Yoon: "Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is illegal and unjust as it contravenes U.N. Security Council resolutions and various other international sanctions".
SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that an arms deal between Russia and North Korea would be considered a "direct provocation" against the South.
Last week Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is looking to expand ties with North Korea in all possible areas, which could include aiding the North with expanding its nuclear program. Yoon: International Community Will Unite In Response To The Cooperation, South Will Respond To Nuclear Threats: Read More.
15 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 20th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of defense 15 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 20th, 2023.
Of the military aircraft spotted there was one BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV drone, and Y-8 antisubmarine warfare aircraft, both of which entered Taiwan's north or southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. Read More
Japan Reports Chinese Naval Activity Around Islands, Says China/Taiwan Military Balance Tilting In China's Favor - "While China has intensified its coercive military activities around Taiwan, following the aggression against Ukraine, Taiwan is enhancing its own defense capabilities."
Japanese Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces: "China-Taiwan overall military balance is rapidly tilting in China’s favor. While China has intensified its coercive military activities around Taiwan, following the aggression against Ukraine, Taiwan is enhancing its own defense capabilities". Japanese MOD Reports Chinese Naval Activity Around Japanese Islands: Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 19th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 55 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 19th, 2023. The number of spotted military aircraft remains highly elevated.
Of the military aircraft spotted around the island, there were twelve SU-30 multi-role aircraft, ten J-10 fighter jets, four J-16 fighter jets, and one WZ-7 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, all 27 of which entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. Read More.
US Foreign Military Sales To Canada, Poland, Korea Totaling $5.7 Billion - U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency: U.S. Foreign military sales to Poland, Korea, and Canada total $5.7 billion. To Korea: F-35 aircraft & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, Poland: F-16 sustainment, and related equipment, Canada: MQ-9B munitions and other integrated systems.
More About The Foreign Military Sales To Canada, Poland, and South Korea: Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 18th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 103 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 18th, 2023. [Number of aircraft substantially higher than normal and sets a new single day record, number of vessels is also higher than normal].
Taiwanese Ministry of Defense: "The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the Chinese military uses joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance methods to closely control and simultaneously monitor the dynamics of the Chinese army's air defense, long-range fire, and other forces, and coordinates the appropriate response of mission aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile systems". Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: Read More.
Russian Aircraft & Chinese Naval Forces Navigating Around Japanese Islands - Japan Reports Russian Ilyushin Il-20 Aircraft & Chinese Naval Forces Navigating Around Japanese Islands. Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 16th, 2023 - Taiwanese Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 9 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 16th, 2023. The number of PLAN vessels spotted today is higher than normal, military aircraft are slightly higher than normal. Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: Read More.
Japan Reports Chinese Naval Vessels Navigating Around Japanese Islands - Japan reports Chinese naval vessels navigating north of Tsushima (Nagasaki Prefecture) and sailing through the Tsushima Strait toward the East China Sea: Read More.
China Pressing Ahead With Rapid Land Reclamation, Intensifying Military Activities Around Japan - Japan: China’s military activities are a matter of serious concern for Japan & international community and an unprecedented strategic challenge.
Japanese Ministry of Defense: "In the South China Sea, China is pressing ahead with large-scale and rapid land reclamation and promoting the militarization by setting up military facilities such as batteries, runways for takeoff/landing by fighter jets and bombers, large ports capable of accommodating surface combatant ships. Unilateral changes to the status quo by force and efforts to create a fait accompli are progressing. Chinese Navy And Air Force Intensified Activities Around Japan: Read More.
Japan Reports Chinese Naval Activity Around Southern And Southwestern Islands - Japanese Ministry of Defense: "Regarding the movements of Chinese naval vessels, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Force conducted warning and monitoring information gathering". See Statements/Locations.
Japanese Ministry of Defense: On September 13, it was confirmed that multiple Chinese naval vessels, including the Chinese Navy Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier "Shandong", were sailing in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
We also confirmed the arrival and departure of carrier-based fighter jets and other ships. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct surveillance and information gathering.
It has been confirmed that on September 12-13, a Chinese Navy Jiangkai II-class frigate sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait toward the East China Sea. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct surveillance and information gathering.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 14th, 2023 - Taiwanese Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 68 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 14rh, 2023. The number of aircraft and vessels spotted today is substantially higher than normal. Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: Read More.
North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Missiles Toward East Sea - SEOUL - According to the South Korean military North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from Sunan toward the East Sea. The Japanese Prime Minister's office has also reported that the country has fired a "suspected ballistic missile".
Japanese Prime Minister's Office: "[Emergency Alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow". Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 11th, 2023 - Taiwanese Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 26 Chinese military aircraft and 13 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 11, 2023. The number of military aircraft and vessels spotted is both substantially higher than usual today.
Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: Read More.
Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency - Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.
JOHANNESBURG - After six new members were announced to be added to BRICS, Russia says that the emerging economic Bloc is moving towards establishing a single currency, adding that it will be a "long and difficult process" to get there.
According to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, the BRICS members decided to invite the following countries to join the economic Bloc: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.
The new additions will cause the BRICS economic alliance to grow to cover 37% of the world's combined GDP, and contain 46% of the global population: Read More.
Over 2,000 Dead And Rising Due To 6.8 Earthquake In Morocco - MOROCCO - Over 2,000 people have been found dead and 2,059 injured, 1,404 seriously due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, Northern Africa. The number is likely to rise as casualties are assessed. Pager fatality and economic risk changed to RED.
The number of dead is expected to be substantially higher as first responders are having great difficulty reaching some remote villages impacted by the earthquake. Read More.
Japan Spots Russian Navy Surveillance Boat Around Japanese Islands, Holds Japan/US Talks - On September 7th, Japan spotted a Russian Vishnya-class intelligence gathering ship sailing west through the Soya Strait.
TOKYO - On September 7th, Japan spotted a Russian Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship sailing west through the Soya Strait. On Thursday, September 7th, the Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministers held a telephone talk. Translated/Untranslated Japanese Statements, Vessel Information: Read More.
North Korea Introduces New "Tactical Nuclear Submarine" - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: New submarine launching expresses not only readiness but also "rounding off the preparations for a revolutionary war".
PYONGYANG - North Korea has introduced what it calls a new tactical nuclear attack submarine, which it introduced during a launching ceremony celebrating North Korea's 75th founding anniversary on September 6th, attended by the country's leader Kim Jong Un.
A statement by North Korean state media called the tactical nuclear attack submarine No. 841 the "first of its kind" and stated that it was being transferred to a submarine squadron under the East Sea Fleet of the KPA Navy and was named "Hero Kim Kun Ok". Submarine Launching Ceremony Attended By Russian And Chinese Officials: Read More.
Philippines: Four Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Carried Out "Dangerous Maneuvers" Around Philippine PCG Vessels And Resupply Boats - The CCG and CMM have increasingly been involved in the harassment of Philippine vessels around the region of the Spratly Islands which are claimed by multiple nations.
PHILIPPINES - The Philippine Coast Guard has released a statement calling on the CCG (Chinese Coast Guard] and CMM [Chinese maritime militia] to "immediately cease any illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines" after it said the Chinese vessels carried out "dangerous maneuvers" around Philippine Coast Guard [PCG] vessels and resupply boats around the Ayungin Shoal which is part of the contested Spratly Island chain.
"Despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the illegal presence and activities of the CCG and CMM in our exclusive economic zone, the mission was carried out successfully," the statement said.
The Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia vessels have increasingly been involved in the harassment of Philippine vessels around the region of the Spratly Islands which are claimed by multiple nations, including China and the Philippines. What Was Reported By The Philippine Coast Guard: Read More.
DOD: AUKUS Partnership Strengthens Indo-Pacific Security, Seeing Successes In Indo-Pacific Strategy - The US, UK, and Australia have committed to conducting naval nuclear propulsion cooperation in a manner that is fully consistent with respective legal obligations.
Department of Defense: The 2022 National Defense Strategy describes China as the most consequential strategic competitor for the coming decades, highlights Indo-Pacific security and stability, and underscores the importance of new and fast-evolving technologies to meet the shifting global security environment.
AUKUS, the enhanced trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is a critical part of how those goals will be achieved, said Mara Karlin. Performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy,she testified today at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
Hearing Video, What Is AUKUS? DoD Says U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy Is Seeing Successes: Read More
US Military May Build Port On Philippine Island Close To Taiwan - The Philippines recently allowed the U.S. to access four new military bases located within the country as the two countries continue to strengthen ties.
WASHINGTON - The United States military is currently talking about possibly building a port on a Philippine island close to Taiwan, a move that could increase the tension between Beijing and Washington.
The Batanes Islands governor, Marilou Cayco has been pursuing funding from the United States to build a civilian "alternative port" on Basco Island.
About The Island And Information About The Military Bases The Philippines Recently Gave The US Access To: Read More & View Maps.
North Korea Conducts "Simulated Tactical Nuclear Attack" To Warn "Enemies" - The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party stressed the need for the North to take "offensive actions" to make the U.S. and South Korea clearly understand the situation's "seriousness".
PYONGYANG - North Korea carried out a "simulated tactical nuclear attack" on September 2nd, in order to "warn the enemies of the actual nuclear war danger," according to a report by state media released on Sunday, just one day after the North fired off cruise missiles.
North Korean state media cited the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party as stressing the need for the North to take "offensive actions" in order to make the U.S. and South Korea clearly understand the seriousness of the situation.
Simulated Scorched Earth Nuclear Strikes On South Korea: Read More.
Typhoon Haikui (Hanna) Approaches Taiwan - TAIPEI - 3,000 people have been evacuated from locations in Taiwan most at risk from Typhoon Haikui (Hanna) as it moves toward the island and is expected to make landfall at around 5 pm local time on Sunday (9 am UTC).
The typhoon will be the first to hit the island in four hours. High-risk counties and cities located in southern and eastern Taiwan were evacuated, along with hundreds of flight cancellations. Schools in high-risk areas were also suspended.
Wind Speed, Projections, Satellite Photos, And Other Details: Read More.
North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles Into Yellow Sea - The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the North began launching cruise missiles at about 4 in the morning.
SEOUL - North Korea has fired "several" cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the North began launching cruise missiles at about 4 in the morning, and said that the launches are being analyzed.
Launches Are Just A Day After Joint B-1B Strategic Bomber Exercises By US/South Korea: Read More.
North Korea Stages Tactical Nuclear Strike Drill In Response To Joint US/South Korea B-1B Bomber Drills - Japan: Although the details are currently being analyzed, it is estimated that all of the falls occurred near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
PYONGYANG - North Korean state media reported that the country had launched multiple ballistic missiles while staging tactical nuclear strike drills in response to joint B-1B bomber drills by the United States and South Korea. The launches were confirmed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
North Korea's Interpretation Of Joint US/South Korean Exercises, And Response: Read More.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 30th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 32 military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN)vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 30th, 2023. [Number of aircraft elevated above normal].
Flight Path Map, Statements, And Aircraft Details: Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-10 fighter jets, four J-16 fighter jets, one BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, and one Y-9CC aircraft, all of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, or entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. See Flight Path Map, Statements.
Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe - North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world.
Wildfire maps for each country: See Current Wildfire Maps.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 29th, 2023 - Number of aircraft and vessels substantially higher than normal. Aircraft again surrounded the island, as shown in the flight path diagram.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 11 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 29th, 2023.
Later, 24 more aircraft, and 5 additional vessels were spotted around the island. [Number of aircraft and vessels substantially higher than normal. Aircraft again surrounded the island, as shown in the flight path diagram].
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that China's "continuous military harassment in the region could lead to a sharp escalation of tensions and worsening of regional security". See Flight Paths, Statements
Japan Reports Russian And Chinese Military Aircraft And Naval Activity Around Japanese Islands, And Taiwan - The BZK-005 reconnaissance drone (shown on the map) made a flight around the eastern, southern, and northern parts of the island of Taiwan.
TOKYO - The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported Chinese and Russian military activity around the Japanese islands, which included a Chinese BZK-005 reconnaissance drone, and Russian and Chinese naval vessels.
The BZK-005 reconnaissance drone (shown on the map) made a flight around the eastern, southern, and northern parts of the island of Taiwan. See Flight Path Maps/Statements
Japanese Statements On Results Of Sea Area Monitoring Of APLS-Treated Water - Japan: "The results of sea area monitoring related to The tritium concentration in the seawater sampled on August 25 was below the detection limit".
Results of ALPS Treated Water Marine Monitoring, and statement by Minister of the Environment, Akihiro Nishimura, on the results of sea area monitoring related to ALPS-treated water (Sampling on August 25, 2023): See Results & Statements.
3 Marines Killed, 20 Injured In Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft Crash - The incident took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. There were a total of 23 personnel on board.
AUSTRALIA - Three Marines were killed and 20 injured after a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crashed on Melville Island, north of Darwin Australia while transporting troops during a "routine training exercise". See Full Report
China Responds To US Approval Of F-16 IRST Systems To Taiwan - China has been ramping up military activity around the island of Taiwan as of late, with 32 military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy vessels encircling the island today alone.
BEIJING - The Chinese military has responded to the approval from the United States for the sale of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems to Taiwan, saying that the sale "threatens the safety and wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots," and lodged "stern representations with the US side". See Full Report.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 26th, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 32 military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 26th, 2023. [Numbers of both military aircraft and vessels are much higher than normal].
Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: Of the military aircraft spotted, there were eight J-10 fighter jets, four JH-7 fighter bombers, two SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, one TB-001 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, one BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, one CH-4 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, one KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, and one Y-9CC plane.
All 20 of the aforementioned military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and northeast air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. See Flight Path Map & Statement.
Japan Reports Chinese Reconnaissance Drone East Of Taiwan, In Response Scrambled Fighters - Japanese Ministry of Defense: "A Chinese military reconnaissance drone (BZK-005) flew over the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan".
Japanese Ministry of Defense (translated): "A Chinese military reconnaissance drone (BZK-005), presumed to be a Chinese drone, flew over the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taiwan, passing between Yonaguni Island and Taiwan from the East China Sea. In response to these, fighters from the JASDF JASDF Southwestern Air Defense Force scrambled to respond".
Japanese MOD Statement And Drone Flight Path Information: See Flight Path, Statements.
Japan Reports Russian Naval Vessel Sailing Around Japanese Islands - The Russian Navy vessels "carried out surveillance and information gathering," around he Japanese islands, according to Japan's Ministry of Defense.
Japanese Ministry of Defense (translation): "Regarding the trend of Russian naval vessels, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces have announced that the Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato Guard Corps "Suou" (Ominato), Yokosuka Guard Corps "Enshu" (Yokosuka), and the 2nd Air Group "P-3C" (Hachinohe) belonging to the 2nd Aviation Group. They also carried out surveillance and information gathering."
Japanese MOD Statement And Vessel Information: See Vessel Path, Statements.
Japan: Two Chinese H-6 bombers Flew Between Okinawa And Miyako Island. Japan Scrambles Fighters - Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled the fighters of the Southwestern Air Force in response.
Japanese Ministry of Defense: "Two Chinese bombers (H-6) flew over the Pacific Ocean from the East China Sea, passing between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island. In contrast, Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled the fighters of the Southwestern Air Force to respond”. Flight Path Map & Statements.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 25th, 2023 - TAIPEI - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 36 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island on August 25th, 2023. [Number of aircraft and vessels elevated above normal].
Aircraft Details, Flight Paths, And MOD Statements: First, 14 Chinese aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted, and then the Taiwanese MOD reported another 22 aircraft and 5 more vessels. *NOTE* - It is not entirely clear whether the second batch of aircraft is in addition to the first or not. It is assumed to be in addition to.
Of the military aircraft initially spotted there was one TB-001 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, one BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, and one Z-9 antisubmarine warfare helicopter (ASW), all of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Of the aircraft spotted after that were J-10 and J-16 fighter jets, H-6 bomber(s), SU-30 multi-role fighter aircraft, UAV, etc. Flight Path Data & Statements.
Japan Begins Dumping Treated Radioactive Water Into Pacific Ocean - Although nuclear waste has been treated using the ALPS filtration system, the only element that cannot be filtered out of it is the radioactive isotope tritium.
TOKYO - Japan has begun dumping ALPS-treated Fukushima nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean, causing China to ban Japanese seafood. Some South Koreans held protests upon hearing the news.
China Bans All Aquatic Products From Japan, How Dangerous Is It? Read Full Report.
India Successfully Lands On Moon Near South Pole - The moon's South Pole is expected to contain water in the form of ice located underground which can be used as oxygen, water, and fuel.
NEW DELHI - India successfully landed on the Moon, near its South Pole, after Russia's attempt failed, becoming the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon. Read Full Report.
North Korea Launches "Space Launch Vehicle" In Second Attempt To Launch Satellite, Ends In Failure - TOKYO - Japan reported a missile launch by North Korea, after which South Korea stated that the North claimed it had launched a “space launch vehicle”, which state media says failed due to an "accident", according to state media.
North Korean state news reported, “The flights of the first and second stages of the rocket were normal, but the launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight”.
The launch was reportedly a second attempt to launch a reconnaissance satellite into orbit after the first attempt had failed.
The Prime Minister, considering that launching missiles through Japan's airspace is an act that could have a serious impact on the lives and property of the people of Japan. Read More.
China Says It Restricted Philippine Vessels From "Trespassing" Into Philippine Occupied Territory - Although the Ren'ai Reef is claimed by multiple nations, it is currently occupied by Philippine military forces.
BEIJING - Chinese state media explained that they "restricted" and warned off Philippine vessels from trespassing into waters near the Ren'ai Reef, which although claimed by multiple nations is currently occupied by Philippine military forces.
According to Chinese state media, its Coast Guard did, however, "temporarily" allow the transportation of food to the Philippine's "grounded" warship.
It claimed that two Philippine supply vessels, and two Coast Guard vessels "trespassed" into waters near Ren'ai Jiao, which is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Although the region is not internationally recognized as Chinese territory, China has repeated demands that the Philippines remove a grounded World War II warship, which it says the country is using as a makeshift military base on the Ren'ai Reef in order to occupy it.
China Sends "Stern" Warning To Philippine Vessels, Says It Has “Undisputable Sovereignty”: Read More.
Philippines: Chinese Coast Guard Blocked, Harassed And Interfered With Philippine Supply Vessels - Earlier this month the US released a statement saying that it stands with its Philippine allies in the face of "dangerous actions" by the Chinese Coast Guard after a previous incident.
MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard reported that after they deployed two Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) in order to support the Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission of the Philippine Armed Forces on August 22nd, Chinese Coast Guard vessels attempted to "block, harass, and interfere with the supply vessels".
What Was The Philippine Coast Guard’s Reaction? Philippine Reaction & Videos.
Taiwan: No Evidence Of Chinese Submarine Crash Near Taiwan Strait - Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) spokesperson Sun Li-fang said that there has been no information corroborating the story that any Chinese submarine had been sunk in the region.
TAIPEI - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense addressed rumors regarding a Chinese submarine that was said to have crashed near the Taiwan Strait. The MOD said that they have no evidence that this occurred, nor have they detected any crash near the Strait.More About Rumor & Taiwan's Response.
Japan Reports Russian Naval Vessels Around Japanese Islands - Japan: Two Russian missile escort boats with the ship numbers 921 and 978 sailed east through the Soya Strait.
TOKYO - Japan has reported two missile escort boats with the ship numbers 921 and 978 sailed east through the Soya Strait, according to a statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense. See Statement/Map.
Japan Set To Discharge ALPS Treated Fukushima Nuclear Waste Into Sea - Starting this year, over 1.3 million tons of ALPS-treated water will be released into the ocean over time over several decades. IAEA releases assessment.
TOKYO - Japan is set to begin discharging the ALPS-treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea on August 24th, if weather and sea conditions permit.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken responded to Japan's plans to discharge the treated radioactive water from the plant, saying that the United States is satisfied with Japan's plans, and considers the water safe, and in accordance with international standards.
"With regard to the release of water from Fukushima, we are satisfied with Japan’s plans, which are safe and in accordance with international standards, including, critically, the IAEA nuclear safety standards.
Japan has coordinated closely, proactively with the IAEA on its plans, and they’ve conducted a science-based and transparent process, one that we’re satisfied with," Blinken said at a Press Availability on August 15th.
IAEA assessment of the ALPS treated nuclear waste water, and more: Read Full Report.
North Korea: Nuclear War Is Approaching The Korean Peninsula Citing Previous Warnings - The DPRK says they will "wait for the time" to "punish the hostile forces" as it goes on the "offensive" and "overwhelming action for war" in response to "provocations".
PYONGYANG - North Korean state media released a statement saying that an “unprecedented large-scale thermonuclear war is approaching the Korean Peninsula,” citing the U.S. and South Korean joint military drills “Ulji Freedom Shield”, which it says is a “nuclear war drill”, or “war rehearsal”.
North Korea’s statement said that the United States had mobilized “war hardware” and “troops” in the operational area of the Korean Peninsula during Ulji Freedom Shield exercises, but also space forces “in its mainland” for the first time in history, and did so “despite our repeated warnings”, noting that the exercises are set to last until August 31st.
It also said that strategic assets such as a carrier, nuclear submarine, B-1B, and B-52H strategic bombers are set to join the military exercises, calling the drill “aggressive” and “conspicuous”.
North Korea laments the number of countries joining the joint drills, Claims US, Japan, and South Korea met at Camp David to formulate nuclear war provocation and that it's going on the "offensive": Read Full Report.
Japan: North Korea To Launch Satellite - Japanese Prime Minister received a report that north Korea plans to launch a satellite between August 24th and August 31st.
The Japanese Prime Minister's office reported that North Korea will launch a satellite between August 24th and August 31st. The Japanese Coast Guard released drop zone coordinates.
Japanese Prime Minister's Office: "[North Korea-related instructions from the Prime Minister] The Prime Minister received a report that North Korea will launch a satellite: Read Full Report & Coordinates.
Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023 - National Weather Service Seattle: "Air quality remains poor across most of Washington this morning, though improvement can be seen along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca as onshore flow is beginning to mix smoke out of the area".
Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia. Whether that is due to a lack of sensors in the region is unknown. See Global Wildfire Maps.
North Korea Tests Cruise Missiles, US-ROK Carry Out Joint Exercises - South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) responded to the statement by North Korean state media saying that much of the statement was "exaggerated and different from facts".
PYONGYANG - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a cruise missile test on board the country's "Patrol Ship No. 661" Amnok-class corvette, which state media says successfully hit its target without error, as the US and South Korea hold joint exercises.
The statement said that the patrol ship staged a drill launching strategic cruise missiles, "aimed to reconfirm the combat function of the ship and the feature of its missile system and make the seamen skilled at carrying out the attack mission in actual war, the ship rapidly hit the target without even an error".
The KCNA statement also said that the leader advanced the country's policy for "strengthening the Navy for making it an all-round and powerful Juche-based service group with rapidly improved combat efficiency and full modern means of surface and underwater offensive and defensive".
South Korean JCS: North Korean Statement "Exaggerated", "Different From Facts": Read More.
China Continues Military Exercises Around The Island Of Taiwan, Sends 45 Aircraft & 9 Vessels - Taiwan: Facing the provocations from the PLA, Taiwanese Armed Forces remain steadfast at their posts 24/7, closely monitoring PLA activities.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 45 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 20th, 2023. [Number of aircraft and vessels higher than usual due to Chinese military exercises around the island of Taiwan].
Taiwan: Facing the provocations from China, the Taiwanese Armed Forces Are closely monitoring PLA activities: Read More.
China Conducts Military Exercises Around Taiwan As "Stern Warning" For "Provocations" - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 51 Chinese military aircraft and 14 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 19th, 2023.
Initially,9 military aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels were spotted, then later an additional 42 military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted as a result of military exercises being carried out around the island by Chinese forces.
China: Patrols Meant To Train The Coordination Of Military Vessels And Airplanes To Seize Control Of Air And Sea Spaces: Read More.
Japan, South Korea, U.S. Strengthen Trilateral Cooperation - The nations agreed to elevate defense collaboration, including speeding up information sharing on North Korea's missile launches, cyber activities, strengthening ballistic missile defense cooperation.
Department of Defense: The trilateral ties among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States will make the world safer and the three countries stronger, President Joe Biden said at the conclusion of talks at Camp David, Maryland today.
The United States has decades of solid relations with both South Korea and Japan bilaterally – both nations are treaty allies of the United States. But forging a trilateral relationship has long proved difficult, as there have been roadblocks to relations between South Korea and Japan. Read Full Report.
DOD and Japanese MOD Commencement of Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development - Department of Defense: "Due to repeated missile launches and progress in the development of hypersonic weapons around Japan, missile attacks on Japan have become a real threat. It is an urgent need".
Department of Defense: During the January 2023 Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) meeting, the United States and Japan concurred with beginning discussions on the potential joint development of a future interceptor.
Based on subsequent studies, the U.S. Department of Defense and Japan Ministry of Defense decided to initiate a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development program as an important part of implementation for the 2023 U.S.-Japan bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E).
The development of a counter-hypersonic capability is a pressing need for both countries to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including the emergence of offensive hypersonic and other sophisticated missile capabilities for potential acts of coercion.
The GPI co-development will build upon long-standing U.S.-Japan missile defense cooperation and strengthen the Alliance deterrence posture.
Japanese Ministry Of Defense: Japan And US To Start Interceptor Discussions: Read Full Report.
DoD: General Says Deterring Two 'Near Peer' Competitors Is Complex - Department of Defense: U.S. Strategic Command is focusing on extended deterrence during a time when the country faces two near-peer rivals, said Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton yesterday.
The command continually assesses the threats and examines the command "for sizing and the right force posture to meet the challenges which we would face," he said during U.S. Strategic Command’s Deterrence Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska.
Russia has long been a near-peer competitor to the United States, with around 5,900 nuclear weapons in manned bombers, intercontinental missiles and submarine-launched platforms.
China today has around 350-400 nuclear weapons, and Chinese leaders have announced a program to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Read Full Report.
Japan Reports Chinese And Russian Military Vessels Around Its Islands - Japanese Ministry of Defense: On August 17th, it was confirmed that a total of 11 vessels, 6 Chinese naval vessels, and 5 Russian naval vessels, sailed northwest through the waters between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima.
Japanese Ministry of Defense: “On August 17th, it was confirmed that a total of 11 vessels, 6 Chinese naval vessels, and 5 Russian naval vessels, sailed northwest through the waters between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima, heading for the East China Sea.
The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering”. Read Full Report.
18 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 15th, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 18 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 15th, 2023.
Flight Paths Around Taiwan And Details About Military Aircraft: Of the military aircraft spotted, there were two J-16 fighter jets, two J-10 fighter jets, and one SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, all of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. More Information & Flight Paths.
Japan: Chinese Naval, Air Forces Expanding And Intensifying Activities Around Japan - Japanese Ministry of Defense (translation): "China's naval and air forces are expanding and intensifying their activities in the waters and airspace surrounding Japan, including those around the Senkaku Islands".
"The joint flights of bombers and joint sailing of ships by China and Russia are clearly intended as demonstrations against Japan, and are of great concern to Japan's security." Read More | With Translated White Paper.
International Space Race To Moon's South Pole Begins - Luna 25, Russia's first moon mission in almost 50 years, as well as India's Chandrayaan 3, are expected to land on the moon at the end of August.
FLORIDA - NASA administrator Bill Nelson said on Tuesday at the Kennedy Space Center that the Moon's South Pole may become another "South China Sea" with China staking claims and telling other countries to "stay out" if they end up getting there first.
The United States, Russia, India, and China are in a race to get to the moon, namely the South Pole where it is believed ice is trapped. Luna 25, Russia's first moon mission in almost 50 years, as well as India's Chandrayaan 3, are expected to land on the moon at the end of August. Read Full Report.
33 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 10th, 2023 - According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, 33 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 10th, 2023. [Number of aircraft spotted unusually high].
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense 33 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on August 10th, 2023. [Number of aircraft spotted unusually high].
Of the military aircraft spotted, there were six J-10 fighter jets, two J-16 fighter jets, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one Y-9CC aircraft, all of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered into the island's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Statements & Flight Path Diagram
Mexico & Canada Replace China As Leading US Trade Partners - Data from the International Trade Administration and the United States Census Bureau shows Mexico taking the lead as trade partner in 2023, with Canada taking second a close place.
MEXICO CITY - Mexico has replaced China as the leading trade partner for the United States, according to the Mexican Embassy in the United States, which stated that in the first half of 2023, Mexico has been the top trading partner for the United States.
The United States has imported 23.1% less goods from China, with the European Union also importing 20.6% less goods from China.
The Embassy of Mexico in the United States posted the below graph and said, "Fantastic news! Mexico maintains its position as the leading trade partner for the US in the first half of 2023. Our robust partnership drives economic growth and nurtures collaboration beyond borders": Read Full Report With Graphs.
India, Russia Ban Rice Exports Raising Risk Of Global Food Price Increase - NEW DELHI - India has banned all non-basmati rice exports worldwide, and Russia has also announced a "temporary" ban on all rice exports, which it says is aimed at "stabilizing the domestic market", according to the Kremlin.
India is the largest rice exporter in the world, accounting for about 40% of global exports, potentially leading to a major impact on the price of rice across the world.
India Shores Up Rice Supply As It Fights To Feed Its Own:
Heavy rains in early July wiped out many of the country's rice paddies, causing India's government to shore up its rice supply so that its own citizens don't starve, and to “ensure adequate domestic availability at reasonable prices”.
There are over 10,000 varieties of rice, one of which is basmati, which means that many thousands of varieties of rice are now banned in India from being exported. Non-basmati varieties account for about 25 to 30 percent of rice exports.
Previously, when the global price of rice began to increase the Indian government had placed a 20% tax on its export. Despite this, however, the exportation of rice continued to increase. The government also completely banned broken rice. Read More
China Says They Shot Water Cannon At Philippine Vessels To Drive Them Away - Nansha Islands are located in the disputed Spratly Islands claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and some parts of the islands are claimed by both Malaysia and the Philippines.
BEIJING - Chinese state-run media responded to reports that the Chinese Coast Guard shot a water cannon at a Philippine vessel by saying that it was driving away the vessel, claiming that it was "intruding" into waters near Ren'ai Jiao of the disputed Nansha Islands.
Although China claims that the Nansha Islands, which are located in the also disputed Spratly Islands, are also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and some parts of the islands are claimed by both Malaysia and the Philippines. Read More
.29 Chinese Military Aircraft, 12 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 6th, 2023 - TAIPEI - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported 9 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island of Taiwan on August 6th, 2023, then detected an additional 20 military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels later on the same day, making it a total of 29 military aircraft and 12 naval forces detected that day.
The MOD reported that its armed forces detected an additional 20 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island after the initial report, 10 of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered the island's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
It added that five of the Chinese military vessels carried out a joint combat patrol. Read More
.Philippines: Chinese Coast Guard Water Cannons Philippine Chartered Supply Boat - A Chinese Coast Guard vessel has water cannoned a Philippine chartered supply boat. According to the White House, the Philippines is the oldest Indo-Pacific ally to the United States, since 1951.
The Philippine Armed Forces condemned the actions and expressed "grave concern" over the Chinese Coast Guard's "excessive and unlawful actions" agains Philippine vessels near Ayungin Shoal.
"One of our chartered supply boats was blocked and water cannoned by a CCG vessel yesterday, August 5, while en route to Ayungin Shoal for a routine troop rotation and resupply mission, in wanton disregard of the safety of the people on board and in violation of international law," a statement by the Philippine Armed Force said.
"We call on the China Coast Guard and the Central Military Commission to act with prudence and be responsible in their actions to prevent miscalculations and accidents that will endanger peoples' lives" Read More.
North Korea Launches At least One Missile Into Eastern Sea - SEOUL - The South Korean military has reported that North Korea has launched at least one ballistic missile into the eastern sea. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
The Japanese Prime Minister's office also released a statement that said, "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow".
China To Japan: NATO's Plan To Expand To Asia Violates UN Rules - Beijing claimed that the wars and conflicts NATO is involved in suggest that the alliance is a grave challenge to global peace and security. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
BEIJING - The Chinese embassy to Japan said that NATO's plan to expand to the Asia Pacific region violates rules set by the United Nations and that it hopes Japan refrains from actions that undermine trust among countries in the region during its interaction with the alliance.
China did not react well to a NATO communique earlier this month at Vilnius, which for the first time called China a security challenge to the alliance, saying that Beijing's "ambitions and coercive policies" are a significant challenge to the alliances "interests, security and values".
North Korea Fires Cruise Missiles Into Yellow Sea, After Saying US Nuclear Submarine Could Be Reason To Use Nuclear Weapons - North Korea: The presence of the US nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine which recently surfaced while visiting South Korea could be justification for North Korea to use nuclear weapons. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
SEOUL - North Korea fired "several" cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea early on Saturday morning, according to the South Korean military, but did not address U.S. Army Pvt. Travis King who had crossed over into North Korean territory recently.
North Korea: Presence Of US Nuclear Sub In South Korea May Justify The Use of Nuclear Weapons:
In a recent statement released by North Korean state media, it said that the presence of the U.S. nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine which recently surfaced while visiting South Korea could be a reason for North Korea to use nuclear weapons.
North Korea has been ramping up claims that the United States and its allies are planning to use nuclear weapons against it, saying that the "hostile forces" pose "the most undisguised and direct nuclear threat to the DPRK [North Korea]".
North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Into East Sea - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea after an American nuclear ballistic missile submarine arrived at the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean military. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that it detected the missile launches from Sunan, in Pyongyang at between 3:29 in the morning, and 3:45 in the morning.
It said that missile 1 flew for 550 kilometers (342 miles) before splashing down into the East Sea, and missile 2 flew about 600 kilometers (373 miles) with a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers (31 miles).
The South Korean military said that the launches are "acts of significant provocation" and are a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, according to South Korean media.
The South Korean JCS sent out a text message to reporters that said, "Our military will maintain a firm readiness posture based on capabilities to respond overwhelmingly to any North Korean provocations".
US Citizen In Custody After Crossing Border Into North Korea - SEOUL - According to the United Nations, an American citizen crossed over the border from South Korea into North Korea without having authorization and has been taken into custody by North Korean authorities. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts.
The American citizen was touring a Korean border village when they crossed the border into North Korea. He is currently in custody.
U.N. Command is currently working with North Korea to resolve the situation.
Japan Reports Chinese Vessels, Including Intelligence Gathering Ships Around Japanese Islands - Translated statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense: "From July 16th to 17th, a total of six Chinese Navy Dongdiao-class information-gathering ships, two Luyang III-class missile destroyers, two Jiangkai II-class frigates, and one Huchi-class replenishment ship sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait". Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts.
"It was confirmed that the ship was sailing toward the Sea of Japan. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering."
"On July 14th, it was confirmed that a Chinese navy Dongdiao-class intelligence-gathering ship was sailing northwest through the waters between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island toward the East China Sea. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering."
South Korea, US, Japan Hold Joint Missile Defense Exercise - SEOUL - The South Korean Navy held a joint missile defense exercise with the United States and Japan on Sunday in order to counter growing missile threats from North Korea, according to the South Korean Navy. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ. Email alerts and full articles only available for paid subscribers.
The trilateral missile defense exercise comes after North Korea claimed to have launched the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile as a "strong practical warning" to what it says are nuclear threats from the United States and its allies due to previous joint military exercises around the Korean peninsula.
The trilateral missile defense exercise was held in international waters between the Japanese islands, and South Korea and included destroyers equipped with Aegis radar systems, according to the navy.
China Plans To Build Massive Remote-Sensing Satellite Network Before 2030 - BEIJING - China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp announced plans to build a “massive” remote sensing satellite network before 2030, which will include 300 remote sensing satellites in extra-low orbits around the earth that would be capable of taking high-resolution photos anywhere in the world within 15 minutes time of being requested. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ - Email alerts and full articles only available for paid subscribers.
Although the agency said that the satellites will be used for public services, such as emergency response and rescue and disaster prevention, it added that they will also be used to carry out “real-time, high-resolution observation of designated areas and specific targets in according with user’s requests”, citing CASIC Space Engineering Development, which it says is a CASIC subsidiary in Beijing leading the project.
The 300 remote-sensing satellites would be set in orbit around the earth at just 300 kilometers altitude, or about 186 miles above the earth’s surface. Low-altitude orbits for satellites can be anywhere between 160 – 2,000km (99 – 1243 miles) above the Earth.
UN Claims North Korean Missile Landed In Russian EEZ, Russia Investigates Crash Site - MOSCOW - The United Nations has claimed that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea on Wednesday, July 12th landed in Russia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which has led Russia to investigate the site where the ICBM crashed down. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ - Email alerts and full articles only available for paid subscribers.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova initially said that the claims by the United Nations were unsubstantiated.
“There’s currently no data confirming the fall [of the North Korean missile] in our exclusive economic zone,” she stated on Telegram.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari had claimed that the North Korean Missile “flew around 1,000km… before falling into the sea, inside the Russian Federation’s exclusive economic zone".
He added that the launch was potentially the "longest ballistic missile flight" on record.
US P-8 Flies Over Taiwan Strait, China Responds - TAIWAN STRAIT - A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flew over the Taiwan Strait on Thursday, after which China protested the flight saying that the United States "hyped" up the flight publicly. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
Chinese fighter jets tracked the flight over the Strait, as the PLA Navy carried out military exercises south of Taiwan, accounting for the increase in military aircraft and naval vessels spotted around Taiwan.
China claims that not only is Taiwan part of its own territory under the "One China Principle" but it also claims that the Taiwan Strait is also part of its territory. The United States, however, sees the Strait as international waters.
North Korea Says It Test-Fired Hwasong-18 Solid-Fuel ICBM - PYONGYANG - On Thursday North Korean state news said that the missile it had test-fired the previous day (July 12th) was a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). North Korea Says Military Situation Has Reached Nuclear Crisis Beyond Cold War Era. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
The statement released by North Korea said that the missile flew for 1,001 kilometers ( 622 miles) for 4,491 seconds (75 minutes) at a maximum altitude of 6,648 kilometers (4,131 miles) before splashing down into the East Sea.
North Korea said that the firing of the missile was in order to “bolster the just right to self-defense to reliably defend the security of our state and regional peace from the disaster of a nuclear war and thoroughly deter the dangerous military moves of the hostile forces”.
The statement said that the “military security situation on the Korean peninsula and in the region has reached the phase of nuclear crisis beyond the Cold War era,” due to provocations against the DPRK (North Korea) by the United States and its “vassal forces”.
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea - The launch comes after North Korean state media claimed that U.S. reconnaissance aircraft made an intrusive flight into its EEC, and made threats to shoot down the American aircraft. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
SEOUL - North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to a statement by the South Korean military.
The South Korean military detected the launch and is currently analyzing the details.
This associated articles on our platforms will be updated with new information as it is released.
Philippine Armed Forces Reports 48 Chinese Vessels Swarming Around Philippine EEZ - Philippine Coast Guard: AFP [Armed Forces Philippines] reports Chinese vessels swarming in Iroquois and Sabina, within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone highlights threat to Recto Bank security. The Philippines is an ally of the United States. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
Philippine Coast Guard: "In a concerning development, forty-eight Chinese fishing vessels have been reported to be swarming Iroquois Reef, located south of the oil and gas-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. This information comes from the latest air patrol conducted on June 30, 2023".
Conflict Over Taiwan Would Severely Impact SE Asian Countries - LONDON - The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released a white paper on Wednesday that not only would a conflict over Taiwan impact Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea the most, it would create a “severe vulnerability” for Australia and Hong Kong, as well as other regions within Southeast Asia. Overview of how a war over Taiwan would affect the world: Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
The EIU, which is a research unit under the Economist Group media organization stated in the white paper, “The devastation of regional information and communications technology production and supply-chain networks would cause disproportionate shocks for Northeast and Southeast Asia”.
A conflict over Taiwan would cause a “huge disruption” in marine shipping, passenger traffic, as well as air cargo, the white paper said.
The paper said that the Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping planes, and Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea would be the most affected because of their close proximity to Taiwan, and the Strait.
“Although we would expect companies and logistics firms to respond to this by adopting a more circuitous route that avoids the Taiwan Strait, this would be costly in terms of time and money, and would involve higher insurance fees as risk premiums surge,” it said.
“Shocks to goods and services trade, including by way of closed or diverted maritime and air logistics networks would have a disproportionate effect on economic activity throughout much of Asia,” it added.
Taiwan manufactures around 60% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
Countries located within Southeast Asia depend on Taiwanese-made semiconductors for their products, and would suffer further losses due to their “extensive trade links” with China, the paper said.
The EIU does not see businesses moving any of their supply chains out of the region, however, due to the fact that they still see opportunities for business there.
“As a result, organizations will probably seek ways to mitigate risk, rather than avoid it outright by pulling operations from Asia,” it stated. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
China: PLA Activities To Become Closer To The Island, More Frequent, More Combat Oriented - BEIJING - Chinese state-run propaganda outlet Global Times released a report about the Chinese military aircraft that approached the 24-nautical-mile line of Taiwan on Sunday, saying that PLA activities will become closer to the island, more frequent, and “more combat-oriented” if Taiwan does not “give up” on “secessionist moves”. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
Global Times cited “experts” as saying that the move is not only “legitimate” but will become “more frequent” if “Taiwan Independence secessionist forces continue to provoke”.
Chinese military aircraft had crossed over the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday and flew near the island’s 24-nautical-mile line for the first time in six months.
After Taiwan’s military warned that any Chinese military aircraft or naval forces entering into its 12-nautical-mile territorial space, two Russian warships also approached the island from the South to the North.
Taiwan Reports 2 Russian Warships Approaching Island From South To North - The Russian warships were spotted around the island of Taiwan just a day after Taiwan reiterated its stance that it will attack any Chinese vessels or aircraft that cross over into its airspace. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
TAIPEI - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported two Russian frigates heading toward the island from South to North in waters east of the island, off its eastern coast on Tuesday.
The statement by the Ministry of Defense said, "As of 23:00 [15:00 GMT Tuesday], two Russian frigates were detected, which were sailing from south to north along our eastern water area".
After sailing north off Taiwan's east coast, the Russian frigates were reported by Taiwan's MOD as departing from the island's "response zone" toward the south of the Taiwanese city of Suao, which houses one of Taiwan's major naval bases.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that they activated shore-based missile systems and sent naval vessels and aircraft to observe the Russian naval activity in the region.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Transits Taiwan Strait - US Pacific Fleet: The legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on June 20 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
Chinese Military Aircraft & PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan June 22nd, 2023 - Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts.
29 Chinese military aircraft and 10 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on June 22nd, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. [Number of both military aircraft and Naval vessels unusually high today]
Of the military aircraft spotted, there were two J-11 fighter jets, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one Z-9 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) helicopter.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "29 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities".
19 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan June 21st, 2023 - 19 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on June 21st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts.
19 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on June 21st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) plane flew into Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "19 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities".
Another statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft(Y-8 ASW & Y-8 EW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
Japan Reports Russian Naval Activity Around Japanese Islands - Latest: "From June 19th to 20th, it was confirmed that a total of 10 ships, including 6 Tarantal III-class missile patrol boats of the Russian Navy, sailed westward through the Soya Strait". See More On Patreon | See More On Defcon Alerts.
Japanese Ministry of Defense statement: "From June 19th to 20th, it was confirmed that a total of 10 ships, including 6 Tarantal III-class missile patrol boats of the Russian Navy, sailed westward through the Soya Strait. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering".
Japanese Ministry of Defense statement: "On June 16, we confirmed that two Russian Navy Udaloy I-class destroyers had sailed westward through the Soya Strait. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering".
Japanese Ministry of Defense statement: "On June 17th, it was confirmed that a Russian Navy Visinya-class intelligence-gathering vessel sailed east through the Tsugaru Strait toward the Pacific Ocean.
After that, on June 19, it was confirmed that the vessel sailed west through the Tsugaru Strait toward the Sea of Japan. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to conduct warning surveillance and information gathering".
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launches - North Korea Fired 2 Short Range-Ballistic Missiles Towards The East Sea. South Korea says the launches are in "apparent protest" over recent live-fire military drills between the United States and South Korea, which it says targeted North Korea. Read More On Patreon | Read More On SJ News.
Yonhap reported that the missiles fired on Thursday were in “apparent protest” over the recent joint live-fire military drills between the United States and South Korea which ended this week.
Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it detected the launches from the Sunan area in Pyongyang, North Korea between 7:25 pm and 7:37 pm. Yonhap said that the details are “pending analysis”.
It cited a text message the JCS sent to reporters as saying, “While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance against additional provocations, our military is maintaining a readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States”.
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launches - US Indo-Pacific Command statement: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches [By North Korea] and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read More On Patreon | Read On Defcon Alerts.
While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launches highlight the destabilizing impact of the DPRK’s unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs.
The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."
China Carries Out Live-Fire Drills North Of Taiwan As US-led Exercises Commence In Western Pacific - China also recently deployed aircraft southwest of the island of Taiwan one day before the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise was scheduled to begin to surveil the activities, according to military experts. Read More On Patreon | Read More On SJ | Read More On Defcon Alerts.
INDO-PACIFIC - China carried out live-fire naval exercises to the north of the island of Taiwan in the East China Sea on Tuesday while the United States and allies carried out their own military exercises in waters in the Western Pacific.
China’s Maritime Safety Administration issued a no sail zone warning from the morning until the afternoon on Tuesday for a region near Taizhou city in the Zhejiang province.
China had recently deployed aircraft southwest of the island of Taiwan one day before the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE) was scheduled to begin, which military experts say was partly due to military training, but also in order to surveil the military activities by the United States and allies, according to a report by Focus Taiwan.
On June 9th, the 7th Fleet had announced that vessels from the Japanese, French, and Canadian navies were joining two U.s. Navy carrier strike groups in order to "operate as a unified force" in the Philippine Sea.
Countries Increase Nuclear Arsenals In 2023, With China Leading The Way - As geopolitical tensions continue to mount across the world, global powers are beginning to increase their usable nuclear warheads, with China leading the way. Read On Patreon | Read SJ Article.
SWEDEN - The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report that shows the arsenals of some of the nine nuclear powers are growing as tensions on the geopolitical stage continue to mount, with China leading the way by increasing their nuclear stockpile by 60 warheads.
The nine nuclear powers include: Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States, and had a total known combined nuclear arsenal of 12,512 at the beginning of 2023.
Although the previous year the total combined nuclear arsenal was at 12,710, which was 198 fewer than in 2022, 9,576 of the current stockpile is considered “military stockpiles for potential use” which is 86 more than in 2022.
Only the stockpile considered ‘potential use’ are considered available to be used due to the fact that the total stockpile also includes older, out-of-commission nuclear warheads, and those scheduled for dismantling.
37 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan June 9th, 2023 - 37 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan June 9th, 2023, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On SJ.
Earlier, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that 37 Chinese military aircraft had entered Taiwan's southwest airspace suddenly through Taiwan's southeast airspace.
An additional statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "The MND has not yet been informed of plans to share real-time data from naval reconnaissance drones with the US and Japan as has been reported by some media outlets".
"We would like to kindly request that due diligence be exercised in verifying the source of information to prevent misleading the public".
Chinese Aircraft Successfully Enter Taiwan's Southeast Airspace - Chinese Aircraft Successfully Enter Taiwan's Southeast Airspace. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported spotting 12 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels around the island of Taiwan on June 8th, 2023. Then, a few hours later reported that 37 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's southeast airspace suddenly. Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On Patreon.
Of the initial 12 military aircraft spotted, one included a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone. After that, a J-11 [fighter jet], J-16 [fighter jet], H-6 [bomber], YU-20 [Aerial tanker], and AWACS [Airborne Warning and Control System] were spotted.
All except the BZK-005 aforementioned aircraft entered into Taiwan's airspace, with "Several aircraft entered the western Pacific through Taiwan's SE airspace for long-range aerial reconnaissance training".
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems in order to respond to the Chinese activities around the island.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "Since 0500 (UTC+8) today (Jun. 8), 37 PLA aircraft, including J-11, J-16, H-6, YU-20, and AWACS, have successively entered Taiwan's SW airspace. Several aircraft entered the western Pacific through Taiwan's SE airspace for long-range aerial reconnaissance training".
Another statement by the MOD said, "R.O.C. Armed Forces are monitoring the situation closely with our ISR system and have dispatched CAP aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems in response".
Another statement by the MOD said, "12 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 5 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities".
Another statement by the MOD said, "The detected aircraft(BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated".
Chinese Survey Ship Entered Japanese Territorial Waters Around Yakushima - Japanese Ministry of Defense statements translated: “On June 8, it was confirmed that a Chinese Navy Shupang-class survey ship sailed through Japan’s territorial waters near Yakushima Island. This is the 11th time, the first since February this year, that we announce Chinese Naval vessel’s entry into Japan’s territorial waters”. Read On Defcon Alerts | Read On Patreon.
“These Chinese naval activities are of national security concern. The Self-Defense Forces resolutely protect Japan’s territory, territorial waters, and airspace”.
Second Japanese Ministry of Defense Statement (Translated)
At around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023 [a] Chinese Navy Shupan-class survey ship (ship number "22") [sailed] westward through Japan's contiguous zone southeast of Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture), and at around 10:00 am on the same day, it was confirmed that the survey ship entered Japanese territorial waters southwest of Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture).
Later, at around 1:00 p.m. on the same day, we confirmed that the survey ship had left Japan's territorial waters west of Kuchinoerabu Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) and was sailing west.
Maritime Self-Defense Force 12th Escort Corps "Tone" (Kure) and 1st Air Group "P-1" (Kanoya) conducted warning surveillance and information gathering."
Chinese And Russian Bombers Fly Together Over Waters Surrounding Japan - Chinese and Russian bombers both flew together over waters surrounding the Japanese islands, causing the Japanese Self-Defense Force to scramble fighter jets in response, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Read More On SJ | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On Patreon.
The Chinese and Russian bombers did not violate Japanese airspace, but the move caused Japan to lodge complaints to China via diplomatic channels as Japan views the flights of the military aircraft as provocative.
The flights involved two Chinese H-6 bombers, and two Russian Tu-95 bombers, which flew over the Sea of Japan, and jointly flew over the East China Sea, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry also said that the Chinese and Russian bombers were joined by what it believes to have been two Chinese fighter aircraft.
US Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait, Chinese Vessel Executes "Unsafe Maritime Interaction" - Chinese LUYANG III DDG 132 (PRC LY 132) executed maneuvers in an unsafe manner in the vicinity of Chung-Hoon. Read Military Statements | News Report.
TAIWAN STRAIT - Both U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the 7th Fleet have released separate statements regarding the transit of the Taiwan Strait by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), with INDOPACOM reporting an “unsafe maritime interaction” by a Chinese vessel “in the vicinity of the Chung-Hoon”.
Indo-Pacific Command said that the Chinese Navy’s LY 132 “overtook Chung-Hoon on their port side and crossed their bow at 150 yards”.
The 7th Fleet statement reported that the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336) “are conducting a routine Taiwan Strait transit June 3 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law”.
North Korea Using Social Engineering to Enable Hacking of Think Tanks, Academia, and Media - FBI - "The FBI released a joint CSA with our USG and South Korean partners detailing the operations of Kimsuky cyber actors, a subset of DPRK cyber actors. It outlines warning signs of spearphishing campaigns". Read Full Advisory PDF Document
"North Korean cyber actors are known to conduct spearphishing campaigns posing as real journalists, academics, or other individuals with credible links to North Korean policy circles".
"The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of State, and the National Security Agency (NSA), together with the Republic of Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), National Police Agency (NPA), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), are jointly issuing this advisory to highlight the use of social engineering by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK a.k.a. North Korea) state-sponsored cyber actors to enable computer network exploitation (CNE) globally against individuals employed by research centers and think tanks, academic institutions, and news media organizations.
These North Korean cyber actors are known to conduct spearphishing campaigns posing as real journalists, academics, or other individuals with credible links to North Korean policy circles.
The DPRK employs social engineering to collect intelligence on geopolitical events, foreign policy strategies, and diplomatic efforts affecting its interests by gaining illicit access to the private documents, research, and communications of their targets".
US Officials: Chinese Citizens Pose As Tourists, Attempt To Access Alaskan Military Bases - ALASKA - Chinese citizens have attempted to access United States military facilities in Alaska pretending to be tourists, but are suspected by U.S. officials as being spies. Read On The Standeford Journal.
Although many of the encounters looked to be actual tourists to Alaska, wishing to view the northern lights, or other tourist attractions in Alaska, some of the encounters threw up red flags for military officials.
One incident involved a vehicle occupied by Chinese citizens that failed to stop at a security checkpoint at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. The vehicle blew right past the checkpoint but was then stopped and checked. Inside the vehicle were Chinese citizens who claimed to be lost tourists., and a drone that could be used to collect sensitive information about the military facilities.
Reports from soldiers say that other attempts to enter United States military bases "seem to be" probing the military facilities in the region in order to "learn about U.S. military capabilities in Alaska".
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