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March 28, 2023 - North Korean state media reports Kim Jong Un guided the mounting of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27th. The North's Academy of Defense Science conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25th to 27th. Read more
March 27, 2023 - UPDATES (1) North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese Prime Minister's office. Read more
March 24, 2023 - PYONGYANG - North Korea has claimed that it tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone with the ability to create a radioactive wave, or "tsunami" capable of taking out naval strike groups and ports. Read more
March 22, 2023 - North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday from the Hamhung region of North Korea's east coast, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Read more
March 19, 2023 - North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday as the United States and South Korea carry out joint military drills. Read more
March 16, 2023 - North Korean state media claims that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test that the country carried out on Thursday was a Hwasong-17. Read more
March 16, 2023 - Kermadec Islands - A tsunami warning has been declared after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit near the Kermadec Islands. Read more
March 16, 2023 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense now says that the missile launched by North Korea was a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and that the details are "currently under analysis". Read more
March 15, 2023 - The Japanese Prime Minister's office released a statement that said that North Korea has launched a "suspected ballistic missile". The Japanese Ministry of Defense then released a statement confirming that a ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea, toward the east. Read more
March 14, 2023 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea a day after the United States and South Korea began carrying out a combined military exercise. Read more
March 14, 2023 - The United States and South Korea began carrying out another combined military exercise in the Indo-Pacific called "Freedom Shield" that was announced on March 2nd by the United States Forces Korea after North Korea launched two cruise missiles from a submarine the day before. Read more
March 13, 2023 - North Korea announced that they launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine underwater on Sunday. The missiles flew about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) for about 125 minutes (7,563 to 7,575 seconds). Read more
March 09, 2023 - DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors. Read more
March 09, 2023 - SEOUL - North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Read more
March 08, 2023 - A U.S. intelligence report on Wednesday reiterated earlier warnings, as well as a warning in the 2023 Annual Threat Assessment that North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test. South Korea has said that it could be carried out at any time. Read more
March 06, 2023 - A statement released by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the United States and South Korea are carrying out simulations of nuclear strikes and are planning a "surprise strike" against "major deep strategic [North Korean] bases". Read more
March 06, 2023 - The North Korean National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said that it has made "steady progress" regarding the development of its satellite program, and has "succeeded" in developing a high-thrust engine carrier rocket in order to launch it into space. Read more
March 01, 2023 - A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Kimbe, Papua New Guinea at a depth of 598km (372 miles). Read more
February 26, 2023 - Kwon Jeong-geun, Director-General for US Affairs and North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement posted by North Korean state-run news agency KCNA that said if the US continued its "hostile and provocative practices" against North Korea, it could be regarded as a "declaration of war" against the country. Read more
February 26, 2023 - A Chinese J-11 fighter jet shadowed a U.S. P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft from a few hundred feet away and issued a warning to stop approaching or "pay full responsibility" while it was in international airspace. Read more
February 25, 2023 - Chinese fishing vessels have been linked to the severing of multiple Taiwanese undersea cables in February according to Chunghwa Telecom, a telecommunications firm that handles Taiwan's undersea cables. Read more
February 24, 2023 - Chinese state-affiliated media Global Times has responded to reports that the United States is expanding their troop presence in Taiwan by saying that it is "illegal" for the soldiers to go to Taiwan, and that the Chinese mainland "won't take any responsibility for their safety" and that they will be "wiped out" together with the "resisting Taiwan troops" if China takes "military action". Read more
February 24, 2023 - 37 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 24th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
February 24, 2023 - North Korea launched "four strategic" Arrow-2 type cruise missiles from the area of Kimchaek City, North Hamgyong Province to the East Sea of Korea, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA. Read more
February 24, 2023 - Though only 30 U.S. Soldiers were located in Taiwan one year ago, the United States is now sending 100 to 200 more soldiers to the island for training (potentially more than quadrupling the number) amidst increasing tensions with China. Read more
February 20, 2023 - North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea in response to the joint "flight training" by the United States and South Korea the previous day. Read more
February 19, 2023 - An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC), near Hokkaido according to Japan's Prime Minister, and the NHK news agency. Read more
February 15, 2023 - The U.S. military had been tracking the first balloon that it shot down for about a week as it left China on a heading toward Guam and Hawaii, before making a sharp turn north towards Alaska. Read more
February 09, 2023 - Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder says that the Pentagon is aware of four previous balloons having gone over the United States, and that they are a part of a "larger Chinese surveillance balloon program". Read more
February 05, 2023 - After the United States Air Force carried out the operation to shoot down the Chinese surveillance balloon, efforts are underway to study and scrutinize both the balloon and its payload. Read more
February 05, 2023 - Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the "US claim" that it shot down a Chinese unmanned airship. Read more
February 04, 2023 - DoD: "An F-22 Raptor fighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fired one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon.The balloon fell approximately six miles off the coast in about 47 feet of water. No one was hurt". Read more
February 04, 2023 - Department of Defense: A U.S. fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Northern Command successfully brought down the Chinese high altitude surveillance balloon over the water off the coast of South Carolina in U.S. airspace. Read more
February 04, 2023 - CIA Director William Burns said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered China's military to "be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion" of the island of Taiwan. Read more
February 04, 2023 - Statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry regarding the balloon spotted above mainland United States. Read more
February 04, 2023 - A specialist in surveillance balloons says that balloons are difficult to shoot down and that the one over the United States flying over U.S. military sites looks to have been equipped with an advanced AI guidance system. Read more
February 04, 2023 - The Chinese "spy balloon" has altered its flight path and is now moving east at about 60,000 feet over the "central" United States, which demonstrates its ability to maneuver, according to a statement by the U.S. military Friday. Read more
February 03, 2023 - Canadian Ministry of Defense: "A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD. Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident". Read more
February 03, 2023 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE transcript of a background briefing regarding the high-altitude surveillance balloon spotted hovering over mainland United States, having come from Alaska, through Canada and into the northern United States from Canada. Read more
February 03, 2023 - NORAD: "NORAD and U.S. Northern Command statement on the high-altitude surveillance balloon. The United States government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now. Read more
February 03, 2023 - UPDATED (1) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The United States Government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now". Read more
February 02, 2023 - The U.S. government is currently tracking a balloon that has been in northern U.S. airspace for a few days now, and U.S. officials say they are confident it is a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon. Read more
February 01, 2023 - 34 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 1st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
January 28, 2023 - General Mike Minihan, who heads the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command has warned that he believes the United States will be at war with China in 2025. Read more
January 27, 2023 - Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, traveled to Japan to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Rear Adm. Nobuyuki Takenaka for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Japanese Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. Read more
January 27, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Airmen and Sailors from Kadena Air Base teamed up in the skies near Okinawa with Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel during the latest iteration of the bilateral Southern Beach exercise. Read more
January 27, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "PHILIPPINE SEA -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fired a RIM-116 rolling airframe missile, during routine operations, while underway in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24. Read more
January 23, 2023 - State Department: The United States is warning China against material and security assistance to Russia in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, laying out Washington’s red line ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing early next month. Read more
January 23, 2023 - The FBI Director Christopher Wray stated Thursday that he is "deeply concerned" regarding the artificial intelligence program run by the Chinese government. Read more
January 21, 2023 - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". Read more
January 18, 2023 - US forces intercepted a drone flying near Forward Operating Site Carroll, nearby Camp Carroll in Seongju County, which is equipped with a missile defense system. The incident happened about 130 miles from Seoul, in South Korea. Read more
January 16, 2023 - The Chinese Navy held "confrontational drills" in the South China Sea, according to state media, including Global Times, which stated that the drills were carried out "when a US carrier strike group had entered the region". Read more
January 16, 2023 - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China. Read more
January 16, 2023 - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity". Read more
January 14, 2023 - Japan says that they are set to release over 1 million tons of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean within the next few months, in the coming Spring or Summer. Read more
January 14, 2023 - Indonesia says that one of its warships, as well as a patrol aircraft and a drone have been monitoring a Chinese coast guard vessel in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a zone rich with resources that both China and Indonesia claim as their own. Read more
January 14, 2023 - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated on Wednesday that he "seriously doubts" that Chinese activities around the island of Taiwan mean that China is planning an imminent invasion of the island. Read more
January 09, 2023 - China's military has released a statement that it carried out military exercises around the island of Taiwan practicing land and sea assaults. The exercises are the second such exercises in the region, the first having been carried out in December. Read more
January 09, 2023 - 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on January 8-9th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
January 08, 2023 - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes". Read more
January 06, 2023 - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says that he believes that a coming recession is the most likely outcome of the recent spate of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation. Read more
January 06, 2023 - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit. Read more
January 06, 2023 - Alan Greenspan warned that if China invades Taiwan it could trigger an economic "Black Swan" event that could affect economies worldwide. The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. Read more
January 05, 2023 - China is running secret overseas police stations around the world, including unauthorized stations in the US, in order to surveil Chinese nationals in countries across the globe. Read more
January 05, 2023 - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. Read more
January 05, 2023 - South Korea has begun considering sharing real-time radar information along with missile tracking data with Japan. The United States, South Korea and Japan have begun "technical discussions" which involve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Read more
January 03, 2023 - The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. Read more
January 01, 2023 - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist. Read more
January 01, 2023 - North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the east sea, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. The North also ordered an "exponential expansion" of its nuclear arsenal. Read more
December 31, 2022 - The Liaoning Chinese aircraft carrier approached the U.S. territory of Guam while carrying out drills in the West Pacific from December 17th to December 27th. Read more
December 31, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 30-31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 31, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD - "North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the northeast from the suburbs of Pyongyang at 8:00 today. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that they all fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Read more
December 31, 2022 - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more
December 30, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 30, 2022 - North Korea has fired three ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. Read more
December 30, 2022 - USINDOPACOM: "Navy J-11 fighter pilot performed an unsafe maneuver during and intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace." Read more
December 26, 2022 - The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays. Read more
December 26, 2022 - The South Korean military says that it deployed fighter jets, helicopters "and other assets" in order to shoot down North Korean drones that it says crossed over the inter-Korean border on Monday "without South Korea's permission". Read more
December 26, 2022 - 71 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 25-26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 25, 2022 - The Chinese military said that they carried out "strike drills" around the island of Taiwan on Sunday in response to a "provocation" from both the United States and Taiwan. Read more
December 25, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 24-25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 23, 2022 - North Korea has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, according to the South Korean military, days after U.S. and South Korea carried out joint military exercises involving nuclear-capable bombers and jets. Read more
December 22, 2022 - 39 Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 21-22nd, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Rare occurrences: Z-9 ASW plane, Y-20 Aerial Refueling aircraft. Bombers were also spotted. Read more
December 20, 2022 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that On December 19th, a Chinese Shupan-class survey ship entered into its territorial waters south of Yakushima. The MOD reported that this is the 9th time the Chinese navy has entered into Japan's territorial waters, and is a "cause for concern". Read more
December 18, 2022 - North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles off of its east coast, according to both the South Korean and Japanese Ministry of Defense. Indo-Pacific Command releases statement regarding the launch. Read more
December 14, 2022 - On December 13th, China sent 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers around the island of Taiwan, which is highly unusual activity. It is the first time China has sent so many bombers at once. China is flying a higher number of aircraft around Taiwan recently. Check the ongoing report... Read more
December 12, 2022 - 150 Indian soldiers and 300 Chinese soldiers are reported to have clashed at the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Read more
December 08, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 7-8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 06, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 06th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
December 06, 2022 - Russia has deployed the Bastion coastal missile system on Kuril island of Paramushir, Russia which is an island also claimed by Japan, known by the Japanese as the Northern Territories. Read more
December 06, 2022 - North Korea has fired 90 rounds of multiple rocket launchers into the buffer zone between North and South Korea, as South Korea and the United States continue to carry out joint live-fire military drills near the border. Read more
December 05, 2022 - North Korea has fired around 130 artillery shells off its east and west coasts, some of which landed in the buffer zone between the North's border with the South, according to the South Korean military. Read more
December 03, 2022 - China's semiconductor exports are on the decline amidst the United States moving microchip manufacturing in-house, possibly making an invasion of Taiwan by China more appealing. Read more
November 28, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read more
November 28, 2022 - BEIJING - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read more
November 28, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 27th and 28th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 27, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 26th and 27th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 26, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th-26th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 25, 2022 - The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported that fighters from the Japanese Air Self-Defense force (ASDF) were scrambled from November 22nd to 23rd due to "threat of territorial infringement" over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. Read more
November 25, 2022 - 6 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th, 2022 (by 6am), according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 24, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 24th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 24, 2022 - The United States is expanding military presence in the Philippines in order to counter Chinese presence in the region, as well as speeding up the implementation of the 2014 defense pact between the two countries that had been stalled under the previous Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Read more
November 23, 2022 - 3 Chinese military aircraft, including one submarine hunting helicopter and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 22-23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 22, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 21-22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 21, 2022 - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim. Read more
November 20, 2022 - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency. Read more
November 19, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read more
November 19, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 18th/19th according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 18, 2022 - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read more
November 17, 2022 - The entire North Korean internet was taken offline over a period of two and a half hours, according to a cybersecurity researcher. Read more
November 17, 2022 - Pakistan has shut down its southwestern border with Afghanistan for an indefinite period, according to both officials and local media on Monday. Read more
November 17, 2022 - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula. Read more
November 14, 2022 - 11 countries have been placed on the travel advisory page in the last 30 days, including Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Ecuador, Moldova, Nigeria, China, Taiwan, Samoa, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Read more
November 12, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 11, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 11, 2022 - Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Tuesday that China will be increasing the training of its military and preparation for war as the nation's security is increasingly unstable and uncertain. Read more
November 11, 2022 - The commander of the U.S. Strategic Command has said that the war in Ukraine is just a warm up and that the United States must be prepared for much more, around the corner, because the big one is coming. Read more
November 07, 2022 - The Japanese and South Korean Ministry of Defense reported that North Korea launched a short-range (SRBM) ballistic missile from the Sukchon area in South Pyongang Province. Read more
November 07, 2022 - 63 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 7th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 07, 2022 - 46 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 07, 2022 - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Read more
November 07, 2022 - Ties between North Korea and both Russia and China have been deepening as Russia and China stand in the way of holding North Korea responsible for continued provocations at the U.N. Security Council. Read more
November 07, 2022 - The United States and South Korea have finished conducting large-scale bilateral air exercises called "Vigilant Storm" that was held from October 31st, 2022 to November 4th, 2022. Read more
November 06, 2022 - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station. Read more
November 06, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 05, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 4th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
November 05, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military. Read more
November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in northern Japan. Read more
November 03, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read more
November 02, 2022 - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read more
November 01, 2022 - North Korea on Monday called on the United States and South Korea to stop carrying out joint military exercises, calling the drills a provocation that might cause "more powerful follow-up measures" from the North in response. Read more
October 31, 2022 - Three PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 30, 2022 - 8 Chinese aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 30, 2022 - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read more
October 29, 2022 - 25 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 29th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 28, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 28th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 28, 2022 - US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on October 26th that the United States will be cooperating with South Korea and Japan in order to ensure Taiwan's self-defense. Read more
October 28, 2022 - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read more
October 28, 2022 - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read more
October 27, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 26, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels, 2 reconnaissance drones were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 25, 2022 - 16 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 25th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 24, 2022 - 10 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 24th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 24, 2022 - South Korea Fires Warning Shots At North Korean Vessel After NLL Intrusion: South Korea has fired warning shots at a North Korean vessel after the South accused the North of crossing the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea, which the South calls the "de facto maritime border, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. Read more
October 23, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 22, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 21, 2022 - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read more
October 21, 2022 - "North Korea may be preparing to hold a large-scale event, as planes appeared to be parked in front of the Pyongyang International Airport terminal on Oct. 19th-20". Read more
October 20, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 20th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 20, 2022 - The United States deployed four bombers from South Dakota to the Andersen AFB, in Guam ahead of North Korea's expected nuclear test, as well as recent provocations. Read more
October 20, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 19th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 19, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 19, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korea has fired at least 250 artillery rounds into the buffer zone with South Korea on Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday. Read more
October 17, 2022 - Ongoing Report: Chinese military aircraft have been spotted every day of the month of August, September, and October since Pelosi's visit to the island on August 2nd, 2022. PLAN vessels have also been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
October 17, 2022 - 5 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 17, 2022 - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read more
October 16, 2022 - The following countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: China, Egypt, Kazakhstan. There are alerts for other countries embassy's floating around social media, but many of those look to be older, previously issued embassy alerts. Read more
October 16, 2022 - Sun Yeli, a spokesperson for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has reiterated China's stance that while China does not promise to renounce the use of force, they will do their best to achieve "peaceful reunification". Read more
October 16, 2022 - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea. Read more
October 16, 2022 - South Korea put their military on high alert after the latest ballistic missile launch by the South. The move also followed North Korea sending aircraft near the shared border with the South and firing around 80 artillery shells. Read more
October 15, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.Read more
October 15, 2022 - South Korea put their military on high alert after the latest ballistic missile launch by the South. The move also followed North Korea sending aircraft near the shared border with the South and firing around 80 artillery shells. Read more
October 14, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang Read more
October 13, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 13th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 13, 2022 - *Updated* South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. Read more
October 13, 2022 - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles. Read more
October 12, 2022 - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - The 16th annual Garuda Shield exercise started Aug. 3, this year expanding from a bilateral training event between the Indonesian and U.S. militaries to 14 participant nations Read more
October 12, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 15 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted in the "surrounding region" around the island of Taiwan on October 12th, 2022. Read more
October 12, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential. Read more
October 11, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 10, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 10, 2022 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA. Read more
October 09, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft (1 UAV), and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 9th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 09, 2022 - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of Japan.." Read more
October 09, 2022 - US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches: We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Read more
October 09, 2022 - North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military. Read more
October 08, 2022 - 6 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 07, 2022 - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test. Read more
October 06, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 06, 2022 - North Korea conducted firing drills with fighter jets and bombers on Thursday, flying aircraft near the South Korean border. Read more
October 05, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles. Read more
October 05, 2022 - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read more
October 05, 2022 - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the United States has not only commenced joint live-fire missile drills with South Korea in the region, but is now sending nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan back to waters near the Korean Peninsula, according to officials at the U.S. Defense Department. Read more
October 05, 2022 - 33 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 05, 2022 - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States Read more
October 03, 2022 - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan. Read more
October 03, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 3rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 02, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 2nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 01, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 1st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
October 01, 2022 - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more
September 30, 2022 - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military. Read more
September 30, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 29, 2022 - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military. Read more
September 29, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 29, 2022 - 31 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 28th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 27, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 27, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 25, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 25, 2022 - Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read more
September 24, 2022 - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read more
September 23, 2022 - There is a rumor going around regarding a coup in China. We see no evidence of any coup in China. If we do see some solid evidence, we'll put out an update. Read more
September 21, 2022 - North Korean state media has reported that the country is not exporting weapons to Russia, and does not have any plans at all to do so. Read more
September 21, 2022 - 38 Chinese military aircraft, and 6 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 21st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 19, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 19th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 18, 2022 - Biden on 60 Minutes: US would defend Taiwan if invaded by China. Officially, aside from comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden, the United States government hasn't made any declarations that they will be defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Read more
September 18, 2022 - *UPDATED* Super Typhoon Nanmadol has reached Japan. Around two million people in the country had been ordered to evacuate ahead of the Typhoon, according to NHK-World Japan. Read more
September 18, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 18, 2022 - TAIWAN - Magnitude 7.2 earthquake has been detected off of the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Sunday, at 3:44 pm local time, according to Taiwan's weather bureau, and the U.S. Geological Survey. A tsunami warning has been issued as a result. Read more
September 17, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 17th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 16, 2022 - Fighting has been reported between Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, in which both countries have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire agreement. Read more
September 16, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 15, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 15th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 14, 2022 - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read more
September 14, 2022 - 24 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 14th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 13, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 13th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 12, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 12th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, which included a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone. Read more
September 12, 2022 - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read more
September 11, 2022 - The U.S. Geological Survey has detected a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Northeastern Papua New Guinea Read more
September 10, 2022 - After U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei on September 2nd, 2022, both Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on a daily basis. Read more
September 10, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 9 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 10, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 9th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 08, 2022 - TAIWAN - 45 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 8th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 08, 2022 - The Pentagon has suspended deliveries of new Lockheed Martin's F-35 aircraft to the army after finding that a component of the jet uses an alloy made in China, which, according to a CNN report, and Interfax, violates federal defense procurement policies. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Japan's Ministry of Defense has released another update on Taiwan's defense strategy "to prevent an invasion by China at the furthest distance possible". Read more
September 08, 2022 - China has been increasingly aggressive about controlling the microchip industry and emboldened in its aggressive stance towards Taiwan since the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan, and the lack of direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict by the United States. Read more
September 08, 2022 - The Biden administration has announced plans to invest $50 billion in the US semiconductor industry, in order to "revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry and spur innovation while creating good-paying jobs in communities across the country," according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Read more
September 08, 2022 - Russian energy giant Gazprom has said that it has signed a deal with China to pay for Russian gas in the Chinese yuan and Russian ruble, rather than paying with the U.S. dollar. Read more
September 07, 2022 - According to a newly declassified U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. The White House has indicated that Moscow looking to purchase arms from North Korea and claims that it is further evidence that Russia is desperate, and that its ammunition supplies are running low as its "special operation" on Ukraine passes its six and a half month mark. Read more
September 07, 2022 - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read more
September 07, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 7th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Of the military aircraft, three were SU-30 multirole aircraft. Read more
September 06, 2022 - Eight Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 6th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 05, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 5th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 04, 2022 - Seven Chinese military aircraft, one UAV, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 4th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 04, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has put out a statement saying that "unidentified drones" from PRC (People's Republic of China) have been reported "hovering over the barracks in Kinmen". Read more
September 03, 2022 - The U.S. was threatened by China with a delay of a new product launch from Nvidia if it did not stop with the tech export reduction, and stated that some products might have to leave Chinese manufacturing lines. Read more
September 03, 2022 - After a full month of straight Chinese incursions around the island of Taiwan following the visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 2nd, 2022, the Biden administration has announced a $1.1 Billion arms sale to Taipei, angering China. Read more
September 03, 2022 - Four Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA vessels have been spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on September 3rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 02, 2022 - 19 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 2nd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 02, 2022 - The Taiwanese military have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st. Japan's Ministry of Defense has also put out a statement, along with a map showing Taiwan's defensive strategy, meant to deter "Chinese aggression". The United States is also strengthening "alliance" with the Philippines. Read more
September 01, 2022 - KREMLIN - On Thursday, September 1st, Russia initiated the Vostok 2022 exercise. Being held in the far east of Russia and the Sea of Japan, The wargames are intended to demonstrate to western countries that Russia still has enough military to hold these massive exercises while it is still engaged in Ukraine. Read more
September 01, 2022 - The Taiwanese military says they have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st. Read more
September 01, 2022 - 53 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 1st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
September 01, 2022 - The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom said that if China successfully invades the island of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people may suffer a similar fate as the Uyghurs in western China’s Xinjiang region. Read more
August 30, 2022 - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the northern part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read more
August 30, 2022 - Taiwan has fired live ammunition at a Chinese drone that had intruded over one of Taiwan's outer islands for the first time, on Tuesday, August 30th. Read more
August 30, 2022 - 783 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 179 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
August 29, 2022 - 759 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 168 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read more
August 29, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 28th, 2022, making the total military aircraft spotted this month around the island: 722, and vessels: 160. Read more
August 28, 2022 - The president of the BRICS International Forum, Purnima Anand told reporters on Thursday that both Russia and India no longer need the U.S. dollar, as they have turned to national currencies to conduct mutual settlements. Read more
August 27, 2022 - After completing an international patrol mission on August 26th, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Oliver Henry, was denied clearance for a pre-scheduled resupply port call from the Solomon Islands, a country that has been strengthening ties in the Pacific with China. Read more
August 27, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 26, 2022 - WASHINGTON - Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, along with the Senate Homeland Security Governmental Affairs Committee has stated that China is attempting to recruit individuals, which are already employed inside the Federal Reserve (FED), as agents of international espionage. Read more
August 26, 2022 - 35 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels have been spotted in the 'surrounding region' around Taiwan on August 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 25, 2022 - 653 Chinese military aircraft have been spotted around Taiwan every day so far for the month of August, and 139 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island every day since August 6th. Read more
August 24, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels in the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 24th, 2022. Read more
August 23, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and four PLAN vessels were spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on August 23rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 22, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted in the region surrounding the island of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 22, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted in the 'surrounding region' near the island of Taiwan on August 21st, 2022. Read more
August 19, 2022 - 51 Chinese military aircraft and 6 vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 18th, 2022. Taiwan responded by monitoring the situation, deploying aircraft in CAP, naval vessels and land-based missile systems, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read more
August 19, 2022 - During a press briefing in Singapore, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet stated that the amount of unsafe interceptions by Chinese aircraft has increased over the last few months. The United States had carried out wargames simulating an attack by China in 2021, but failed miserably. Read more
August 19, 2022 - CHINA - After post-Taiwan tensions, including live-fire exercises around Taiwan and Chinese missiles falling in Japan's economic exclusion zone (EEC), Akiba Takeo, Japan's National Security Secretariat, and Yang Jiechi, Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor, have met in northern China. Read more
August 18, 2022 - The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that their military is carrying out joint military exercises that are co-hosted by 12 countries, with 37 countries in total participating. Read more
August 17, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan August 17th, 2022. Five of the Chinese military aircraft included two SU-30 and one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. Read more
August 15, 2022 - 30 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted on the "east part of the median line" of the Taiwan Strait August 15th, 2022. Read more
August 14, 2022 - UNITED KINGDOM - There are major elections being held this fall around the world. In countries such as Australia, Israel, the UK, the United States, and Estonia, political campaigns are ongoing. Due to current price hikes on staple products and commodities, terms like recession and inflation are going around, but a new trend in UK campaigns has been mentioning The China Threat. Read more
August 14, 2022 - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an analytical statement of world events, states that the U.S. is "Teetering on the brink of war" with China and Russia and owns some responsibility for its manifestation. Read more
August 14, 2022 - ARMENIA - A series of explosions hit the Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on August 14th, leaving 20 people injured and 1 person dead. Fires have now broken out and an unknown number of people are reportedly trapped under debris, according to the Yerevan Mayor's office. Read more
August 14, 2022 - A five-member delegation, led by Senator Ed Markey (D) of Massachusetts, meeting in Taiwan to discuss security, economical, and trade topics, according to the American Institute in Taiwan. Read more
August 14, 2022 - White House teleconference press release: On call with Kurt Campbell regarding China and Taiwan and the recent tensions that have arisen in the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 14, 2022 - TAIWAN - The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan expressed with sincerity, its gratefulness to the United States for its constant presence around Taiwan and for taking specific action to safeguard the region and the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 13, 2022 - China is sending bombers and fighter jets to Thailand for joint exercises with Thailand's military on Sunday, August 14th, 2022. Read more
August 13, 2022 - NEW YORK CITY - In another escalation due to rising tensions, 5 Chinese state-run global companies have announced their decision to de-list from the New York Stock Exchange. Read more
August 09, 2022 - The Chinese military has said that they would be continuing their live-fire military drills Monday, August 8th, 2022 in the waters and skies around the island of Taiwan, focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-ship strikes. Read more
August 08, 2022 - The Group of Seven #G7) Foreign ministers released a joint statement regarding Taiwan calling an end to China's provocative exercises around the island of Taiwan, after which the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) condemned the statement and called it scrap paper. Read more
August 07, 2022 - 66 Chinese military aircraft and 14 vessels were detected around Taiwan on August 7th, 2022. 22 of the aircraft had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and the southwest ADIZ according to Taiwan's MOD. Read more
August 07, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 14 Chinese vessels conducted an air-sea operation on the surrounding area of Taiwan on August 6th, 2022. Chinese state-run television also says that China will be carrying out regular drills from now on. Read more
August 06, 2022 - TAIWAN - (From Taiwanese Translation) Taiwanese official Ou Yang Li-hsing, who was the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and led missile production has died of a "sudden heart attack" at 57 years old in the hotel that he was saying in. Read more
August 05, 2022 - The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs have announced a list of "countermeasures" in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island of Taiwan. Read more
August 05, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 49 Chinese aircraft flew into the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait on August 5th, 2022. Read more
August 05, 2022 - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after having visited the island of Taiwan visiting the heavily fortified Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) that sits between the North and South Korean border on her way to Seoul, the Capital of South Korea. Read more
August 04, 2022 - Chinese state-affiliated media announced live fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait. The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that five Chinese missiles are 'presumed' to have landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Read more
August 04, 2022 - The U.S. Department of State has put out a worldwide travel alert, advising against traveling abroad after Sunday's drone strike where two R9X Hellfire missiles killed al-Qaeda leader, and Osama bin Laden successor, Ayman al-Zawahri. Read more
August 03, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft entered into the surrounding area of Taiwan on August 3rd, 2022, and 21 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's ADIZ just one day before that, after Pelosi's visit to the island according to the country's MOD. Read more
August 03, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft entered into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on August 2nd, 2022 after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touched down in Taiwan. Read more
August 02, 2022 - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was confirmed to have been on the aircraft heading toward the Island of Taiwan and has now landed safely. The U.S. air force had been authorized to open fire in case there was any interference from the Chinese on the plane that carried Pelosi. Read more
August 02, 2022 - There have been many reports, and sightings of Chinese military vehicles, equipment and tanks in the Chinese city of Xiamen and the province of Fujian, which sits straight across from the island of Taiwan. Read more
August 02, 2022 - According to Taiwan's official state news The Central News Agency (CNA) and the Xiamen Airlines website, China's Fujian region has announced August 2nd that airspace flow control will be implemented, and a "large number of flights have been canceled". Read more
August 02, 2022 - US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to travel to Taipei on Tuesday. Chinese military vessels and aircraft have been spotted carrying out tactical moves by touching the median line in the Taiwan Strait. Read more
August 01, 2022 - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read more
August 01, 2022 - As Pelosi is expected to arrive in the Asia Pacific, growing concerns come from other countries who are in support of China instead of the United States and an independent Taiwan. Read more
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North Korean Statement: Leader Guides Mounting Nuclear Warheads on Ballistic Missiles, Underwater Strategic Weapon System Test Held - North Korean state media reports Kim Jong Un guided the mounting of nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27th. The North's Academy of Defense Science conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to 27. See All Alerts
North Korean state media KCNA: "Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), guided the work for mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles on March 27".
North Korean state media statement regarding underwater strategic weapon system test: "The Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK [North Korea] conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to 27.
The underwater nuclear attack drone "Haeil-1", deployed for the test in Wonsan Bay on the afternoon of March 25, reached the target point in the waters off Hwadae County of North Hamgyong Province on the morning of March 27 after cruising along an jagged and oval course simulating the distance of the 600 kilometers in the East Sea of Korea for 41 hours and 27 minutes and correctly set off the test warhead underwater.
Through the test, all tactical and technical specifications and underwater navigational and technical indices were correctly estimated and the reliability and safety of the weapon system were verified."
North Korea Launches 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Into The East Sea - PYONGYANG - Initial Report: North Korea has launched 2 short-range ballistic missiles, according to the South Korean military. The Japanese Prime Minister's office also reported a launch from the North. See All Alerts
Both missiles are believed to have fallen outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) according to Japan's Ministry of Defense.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that a ballistic missile was launched by the North "into the East Sea", according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The two ballistic missiles were launched from near the west coast of North Korea and fell outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to a statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
The missiles flew at an irregular trajectory and were launched at around 7:47 am and 7:57 am with the analysis by the Japanese military still ongoing.
Each missile reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and flew a distance of around 350 kilometers (217 miles).
The Defense Ministry said that this is the 8th time that North Korea has launched a ballistic missile this month, and the 11th time this year, including the cruise missiles announced by both North Korea and South Korea.
Japanese Prime Minister's Office Statement
PM’s instructions (07:50): 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies.
North Korea Claims It Tested Underwater Nuclear Capable "Tsunami" Drone - PYONGYANG - North Korea has claimed that it tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone with the ability to create a radioactive wave, or "tsunami" capable of taking out naval strike groups and ports. See All Alerts
A translated statement released by North Korean state news agency KCNA said that the test was due to the "intentional, persistent and provocative" joint "war drills" between the United States and South Korea around the Korean Peninsula, which it says has driven the "military and political situation" of the region to an "irreversibly dangerous point".
The statement added that the "dangerous nature" of the "confrontational hysteria" of the United States and South Korea is "unprecedented in history", and reiterated its stance that the joint exercise is actually a drill for "occupying" North Korea.
It went on to say that the exercises being carried out are in defiance of the "repeated stern warnings by the DPRK [North Korean] government, army and its people.
It also said that the "war scenario" being played out in the joint exercise are based on the deployment of "huge nuclear strategic assets" which "urgently require" that North Korea make its entire armed forces gird themselves for an "all out war" and bolster up its nuclear force.
In response, the statement said, The Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) is "energetically" bolstering its war deterrence for "self-defense" in order to strengthen the country's "defense posture" in every way and "promptly counter" and "thoroughly control and manage" any nuclear war threats and challenges "by the enemy".
The WPK organized a combined tactical drill simulating a nuclear counterattack, it continued, and commanded drills from March 21st to March 23rd, 2023 to serve "as a demonstration" of its military attack capability to "alert the enemy" of an actual nuclear crisis and verify the reliability of its nuclear force for "self-defense".
It then said that a new underwater attack weapon system test was carried out from March 21st to March 23rd with a weapon that the country's "scientific research institute" has been developing since 2012.
It said that the "secret" weapon it tested is an "underwater nuclear strategic attack weapon system based on a new operational concept, studying warfare in the new era and defining the orientation of the development of the self-defense capabilities to outpace the military and technical superiority of the imperialist aggressor forces".
"The mission of the underwater nuclear strategic weapon is to stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami through underwater explosion to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy," the statement read.
"This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," it added.
The statement went on to say, "The underwater nuclear attack drone, which was deployed for a drill off the coast of Riwon County of South Hamgyong Province on Tuesday, reached the target point in the waters off Hongwon Bay set as a mock enemy port with its test warhead detonating underwater on Thursday afternoon after cruising along an oval and pattern-8 course at an underwater depth of 80 to 150 meters in the East Sea of Korea for 59 hours and 12 minutes".
It said on March 22nd, a launching drill was carried out where the strategic cruise missile was tipped with a test warhead simulating a nuclear warhead.
"Two "Hwasal-1"-type strategic cruise missiles and two "Hwasal-2"-type strategic cruise missiles, launched in Jakdo-dong, Hungnam District, Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province, accurately hit the target set in the East Sea of Korea after flying on their programmed 1 500km- and 1 800km-long oval and pattern-8 orbits for 7 557 to 7 567 seconds and 9 118 to 9 129 seconds respectively," the statement said.
North Korea Fires Multiple Cruise Missiles Toward East Sea - North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday from the Hamhung region of North Korea's east coast, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). See All Alerts
The missile firing comes as the United States and South Korea continue the 11-day long Freedom Shield joint military exercise that North Korea claims is preparation for an invasion on the North.
In a press release regarding the Warrior Shield exercise, the JCS said, "Under the firm combined defense posture, our military will successfully wrap up the FS and continue to carry out the ongoing Warrior Shield in a high-intensity manner".
Japan: North Korea Has Launched A Short-Range Ballistic Missile - The Japanese Prime Minister's Office has reported that North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile on Sunday as the United States and South Korea carry out joint military drills that North Korea claims is a rehearsal for an invasion on the country. See More Alerts
The South Korean military has confirmed that a ballistic missile was fired from North Korea toward the East Sea.
South Korean news agency Yonhap has cited the South Korean military as stating that the missile flew around 800 kilometers (497 miles).
North Korean state news agency KCNA released a statement entitled: "March 18 Revolution" on March 19th that said, "The untiring efforts and devotion of the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un, who energetically led the development of Juche-oriented strategic weapons under the uplifted banner of the great line of simultaneously developing the two fronts, brought about the "March 18 revolution" - the accomplishment of the historic great cause of completing the state nuclear forces".
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North Korea Claims Thursday's ICBM Test Was A Hwasong-17 - North Korean state media claims that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test that the country carried out on Thursday was a Hwasong-17. Photos of the launch posted by KCNA show the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter with him watching the test launch. See All Alerts
The state media also claimed that the missile launch was a direct response to the "provocative and invasive large-scale drills by the United States and South Korea" that began this week.
Tsunami Warning Declared After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Near Kermadec Islands - Kermadec Islands - A tsunami warning has been declared after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit near the Kermadec Islands. See All Alerts
Time 2023-03-16 08:56:02 (UTC+08:00), Location 30.115°S 176.112°W, Depth 22.1 km (13 miles)
South Korea: North Korea Fired Long-Range ICBM - SEOUL - The Japanese Ministry of Defense now says that the missile launched by North Korea was a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and that the details are "currently under analysis". See All Alerts
The South Korean military has released their own assessment on the missile fired by North Korea, saying that it was a long-range ballistic missile and was fired toward the East Sea, which was fired just hours before leaders of South Korea and Japan were set to meet in order to discuss the regional threat posed by North Korea.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it detected the missile as launching from the Sunan area in Pyongyang at 7:10 in the morning.
The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".
The South Korean military said that the long-range missile flew at a lofted angle for about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Yonhap put out a statement that said, "There will be a price to pay for North Korea's provocation... Intensive ROK-US joint training," and in another article said that the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korea of consequences for the provocations.
Japan: North Korea Launched Ballistic Missile - JAPAN - Initial Report: The Japanese Prime Minister's office released a statement that said that North Korea has launched a "suspected ballistic missile". The Japanese Ministry of Defense then released a statement confirming that a ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea, toward the east. See All Alerts & News
The Japanese Ministry of Defense statement estimated that the missile will fall outside of Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 550 kilometers (342 miles) east of the Korean Peninsula at around 8:18 local time.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense released the following statement regarding the launch (message has been translated):[Translation] "At around 7:09 today, a single ballistic missile was launched from the west coast of North Korea toward the east. As it is currently in flight, it may change in the future, but at this time, it is estimated that it will fall outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 550 km east of the Korean Peninsula, at around 8:18".
The office also released the following Prime Minister's instructions:
1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies.
North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea - SOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea a day after the United States and South Korea began carrying out a combined military exercise, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Subscribe To All Alerts And Intel
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the Jangyon region in the Hwanghae Province between 7:41 in the morning to 7:51 in the morning.
In a text message sent to South Korean reporters, the JCS said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance in preparation against the possibility of additional launches, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".
US And South Korea Carry Out Combined Exercise After North Fires Two Cruise Missiles From Submarine - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea began carrying out another combined military exercise in the Indo-Pacific called "Freedom Shield" that was announced on March 2nd by the United States Forces Korea after North Korea launched two cruise missiles from a submarine the day before. Subscribe To All Alerts And Intel
The statement from United States Forces Korea posted early in March said that Freedom Shield was set to begin on March 13th, 2023, and would be conducted "over an 11-day period" which will involve integrating elements of "live exercises" with "constructive simulations".
South Korean news agency Yonhap cited Seoul officials as saying that the simulations will consist of "realistic scenarios reflective of the North's evolving nuclear and missile threats" in the region, and is to "proceed with the concurrent field training exercise, called the Warrior Shield".
A statement released by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of staff said, "The combined exercise is a defensive one based on a combined operational plan designed to defend the ROK from potential North Korean aggression".
Regarding Warrior Shield, the statement by US Forces Korea said, "In addition to FS23, several combined field training exercises (FTX), collectively called Warrior Shield FTX, will also be taking place around the Korean Peninsula".
The purpose of the Warrior Shield training, according to the statement, is to "further enhance the ROK and U.S. militaries’ cooperation through air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations, and improve upon tactics, techniques and procedures".
U.S. strategic bombers and ROK fighters conduct combined air training
USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea - U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys - The Republic of Korea Air Force and the United States Air Force conducted a combined air training event with the redeployment of the U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress over the Korean Peninsula today.
In the latest U.S.-ROK combined air training event, ROK Air Force F-15s and F-16s escorted the U.S. B-52 strategic bomber as it entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone and conducted combined flight operations.
The training offered the alliance an opportunity to improve interoperability between the ROK and the U.S. by demonstrating a combined defense capability and providing extended deterrence in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity through the region to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific, and our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea remains ironclad.
U.S. strategic bombers and ROK fighters conduct combined air training
(FS23) March 13, 2023. The word 'Freedom' in the name refers to the strong will in protecting freedom as an immutable value of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and 'Shield' symbolizes the defensive nature of the exercise.
The exercise will be conducted over an 11-day period and will integrate elements of "live exercises" with constructive simulations.
Participating units will include personnel from the ROK Military, United States Forces Korea (USFK), United Nations Command (UNC), and subordinate component commands under CFC, along with augmented, civilian personnel and representatives of the United Nations sending states.
The exercise will include but not be limited to lessons learned from current and ongoing conflicts to increase the units’ combat readiness and combined defense posture, as well as strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and across Northeast Asia.
In addition to FS23, several combined field training exercises (FTX), collectively called Warrior Shield FTX, will also be taking place around the Korean Peninsula. The name Warrior Shield stands for the ROK-US Alliance's ability and resolution to solidify their combined defense posture to defend the ROK.
The purpose of the training for Warrior Shield FTX is to further enhance the ROK and U.S. militaries’ cooperation through air, land, sea, space, cyber and special operations, and improve upon tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains at a high level of readiness and continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture. All professional militaries train using routine and continuously executed events to maintain proficiency, credibility, and trust.
Freedom Shield 23 is the latest example of that training and the ironclad commitment to support and defend the ROK sovereignty from any threat or adversary.
North Korea Launched Two Strategic Cruise Missiles From Submarine - PYONGYANG - North Korea announced that they launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine underwater on Sunday. The missiles flew about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) for about 125 minutes (7,563 to 7,575 seconds). See All Alerts
According to a translated version of the article by Voice of Korea, the submarine that launched the missile was called "August 24 Hero Warship" and was mobilized for a drill before launching two strategic cruise missiles "at the waters off the Kyongpho Bay off the East Sea of Korea".
A translated report by South Korean news agency Yonhap said: "N. Korea says it fired two 'strategic cruise missiles' from submarine Sunday," along a "figure-8 shaped flight orbit simulating the distance of 1,500 kilometers set on the East Sea of Korea and hit the target".
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff released a statement on Monday that said it had detected the missile launch from a North Korean submarine near the country's eastern port city of Sinpo on Sunday.
South Korean and United States intelligence agencies are analyzing the details of the missile launch, according to South Korean authorities.
Voice of Korea said that the drill "confirmed the reliability of the weapon system" and "inspected and judged the operational posture of the underwater-to-ground attack of the submarine units," and said that the submarine launch "served its purpose".
DOD: Russia Reportedly Supplying Enriched Plutonium to China - Department of Defense: Various open-source outlets reported how Rosatom is providing highly enriched uranium for Chinese fast breeder reactors, said a U.S official during a posture hearing today at the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. See All Alerts
North Korea Fires Short-range Ballistic Missile Toward Yellow Sea - SEOUL - North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Yellow Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). See All Alerts
The JCS said that they detected that a short-range missile was launched from North Korea's port city of Nampo at 6:20 pm local time.
In a text message sent to reporters, the JCS said, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".
US Intelligence Repeats Warning That North Korea Likely To Conduct Nuclear Test - A U.S. intelligence report on Wednesday reiterated earlier warnings, as well as a warning in the 2023 Annual Threat Assessment that North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test. South Korea has said that it could be carried out at any time. See All Alerts
The report, which was released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said, "Kim almost certainly views nuclear weapons and ICBMs as the ultimate guarantor of his autocratic rule and has no intention of abandoning those programs, believing that over time he will gain international acceptance as a nuclear power".
It added that "North Korea is using its nuclear-capable missile program to try to establish strategic dominance over South Korea and U.S. forces in the region by pursuing missiles probably aimed at defeating missile defenses on the peninsula and the region and issuing threats to militarily respond to any perceived attacks against its sovereignty".
North Korea Claims US, South Korea Simulating Nuclear Strikes So It Can Strike Its Bases - PYONGYANG - A statement released by the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the United States and South Korea are carrying out simulations of nuclear strikes and are planning a "surprise strike" against "major deep strategic [North Korean] bases". See All Alerts
The statement said: "Recently, the United States and south Korea are heating up the situation on the Korean peninsula to an extremely dangerous level with threatening rhetoric and military demonstrations against the DPRK.
"According to reports, on the 3rd, the United States and South Korea mobilized various strategic equipment that they claim to be superior, such as the strategic bomber "B-1B" and unmanned combat aircraft "MQ-9 Reaper", and conducted the fourth joint air strike over the West Sea of Korea this year. training was extended.
Prior to this, the US and the south Korean military department held a “exercise on the operation of extended deterrence measures” simulating the use of nuclear weapons against the DPRK and even announced a press release mentioning the “end of the regime” in the DPRK.
Even now, the US does not hide the fact that it is carrying out special operations training for the purpose of a surprise strike against major deep strategic bases in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in alliance with south Korea."
North Korea: Development of Satellites Propelled in DPRK - PYONGYANG - On March 6th, the North Korean National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) said that it has made "steady progress" regarding the development of its satellite program, and has "succeeded" in developing a high-thrust engine carrier rocket in order to launch it into space. See All Alerts
The statement released by North Korean state news agency KCNA said, "The DPRK has made steady progress in the work to put the satellite on a multi-functional and high-performance basis and improve its reliability. It succeeded in developing high-thrust engine for carrier rocket and thus provided a sure guarantee for launching various kinds of satellites into relevant orbits."
It added, "The work to introduce the space sci-tech achievements into various fields including agriculture, fishery, meteorological observation, communication, natural resources exploration, land management and disaster prevention is getting brisk to give a strong impetus to the comprehensive development of socialist construction."
"All these successes foretell the bright future of the DPRK's space development."
Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Hits Kimbe, Papua New Guinea - A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Kimbe, Papua New Guinea at a depth of 598km (372 miles). See All Alerts
Time: 2023-03-01 13:36:15 (UTC+08:00). Location: 4.814°S 149.487°E. Depth: 598.9 km (372 miles).
North Korean MFA: If US Continues "Hostile" And "Provocative" Practices, It Could Be Regarded As Declaration Of War - PYONGYANG - [North Korean statements translated] Kwon Jeong-geun, Director-General for US Affairs and North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement posted by North Korean state-run news agency KCNA that said if the US continued its "hostile and provocative practices" against North Korea, it could be regarded as a "declaration of war" against the country. See All Alerts
Chinese Jet Shadows US P-8 Poseidon, Gives Warning - SOUTH CHINA SEA - A Chinese J-11 fighter jet shadowed a U.S. P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft from a few hundred feet away and issued a warning to stop approaching or "pay full responsibility" while it was in international airspace, a near-daily occurrence now, according to U.S. officials. See All Alerts
Chinese Vessels Sever Multiple Undersea Cables Linking Taiwan To Malaysia - TAIWAN - Chinese fishing vessels have been linked to the severing of multiple Taiwanese undersea cables in February according to Chunghwa Telecom, a telecommunications firm that handles Taiwan's undersea cables. See All Alerts
Over the past five years, damage to cables between Taiwan and the Matsu islands has been reported over 20 times. It should be noted that it is not known whether the cables are being severed by the Chinese vessels by accident, or deliberately.
Deputy head of Taiwan’s National Communications Commission Wong Po-tsung (翁柏宗) said that on February 2nd, one cable was reported to have been severed by a Chinese fishing vessel. On February 8th damage to the Taima 3 submarine cable was reported to have been linked to a Chinese cargo ship identified by MMSI.
Chunghwa Telecom has filed incident reports with the Taiwanese Coast Guard Administration, according to Central News Agency (CNA) Taiwan.
This is the second time in the last year that two Taiwanese undersea cables were severed at the same time. Last year another incident occurred which resulted in multiple damaged cables.
Vessels are expected to arrive at the location to repair the damaged cables but aren't expected to begin repairs until April 20th, which is the earliest possible date to begin repairs, which will cost between $329,000 and $658,000. Australian Senator Says China Would Take Out Internet Cables On Ocean Floor If Invades Taiwan
Chinese State Media Responds To News US Expanding Troop Presence In Taiwan - BEIJING - Chinese state-affiliated media Global Times has responded to reports that the United States is expanding their troop presence in Taiwan by saying that it is "illegal" for the soldiers to go to Taiwan, and that the Chinese mainland "won't take any responsibility for their safety" and that they will be "wiped out" together with the "resisting Taiwan troops" if China takes "military action". See All Alerts
Global Times commentator Hu Xijin 胡锡进 said, "It’s illegal for these US soldiers to go to Taiwan,and Chinese mainland won’t take any responsibility for their safety. If we take military action when necessary,they’ll be wiped out together with the resisting Taiwan troops.They can also be eliminated first as the invading army."
37 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On February 24th, 2023 - 37 Chinese military aircraft and 6 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 24th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were J-11 fighter jets, two were J-10 fighter jets, one was a TB-001 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, one was a CH-4 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
12 of the detected military aircraft crossed over the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released the following statement: "37 PLA aircraft and 6 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".
The MOD added, "12 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, J-10*2, TB-001 UCAV RECCE, J-16*4, CH-4 UCAV RECCE, Y-8 ASW, BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
North Korea Strategic Cruise Missile Firing Exercise - PYONGYANG - North Korea launched "four strategic" Arrow-2 type cruise missiles from the area of Kimchaek City, North Hamgyong Province to the East Sea of Korea, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA. See All Alerts
"A strategic cruise missile firing exercise was conducted at dawn on February 23," KCNA reported, adding that "the launch training successfully achieved its purpose".
The news agency reported that the four strategic cruise missiles flew in an "elliptical and 8 shaped flight trajectory" for 10.2 seconds, "simulating the distance line set in the EAst Sea of Korea".
"The Republic's nuclear combat force, which is strengthening its lethal nuclear counterattack capability against the hostile forces in every way, clearly demonstrated once again the state of war," KCNA stated. Read Full Statement
US Sending 200 Additional Soldiers To Taiwan - TAIPEI - Though only 30 U.S. Soldiers were located in Taiwan one year ago, the United States is now sending 100 to 200 more soldiers to the island for training (potentially more than quadrupling the number) amidst increasing tensions with China. Get More Alerts (And Earlier)
The additional soldiers will be added to the smaller training program that has already existed on the island consisting of personnel from the U.S. National Guard, U.S. Marines, and Special Operations.
In addition, the Michigan National Guard will be training Taiwanese soldiers, which will include some training within the United States.
Tensions have been on the increase in the region as China sends military aircraft into the country's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on a near daily basis since U.S. officials such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island on August 2nd, 2022.
In addition, there are now reports that Chinese vessels are Severing Undersea Cables linking Taiwan to Malaysia. Australian General: China Would Take Out Taiwanese Cables On Ocean Floor At Start Of Invasion
South Korea: North Fired Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles In East Sea - SEOUL - South Korean news agency Yonhap has reported (translated) that North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea in response to the joint "flight training" by the United States and South Korea the previous day. Get Alerts Earlier
North Korea has claimed that the SRBM is a 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher capable of a nuclear attack and threatens to devastate the enemy's operational airfield with four projectiles.
North Korean news agency KCNA stated, "The corresponding radiation artillery division of the long-range artillery unit of the Western Front of the Korean People's Army conducted a radiation firing drill at 7:00 in the morning of the 20th." , and fired two projectiles into the East Sea".
KCNA said that the rocket launcher is, "the latest multiple-shot precision attack weapon system of our military, and is a tactical nuclear strike tool that boasts formidable power enough to allocate 1 to 4 shots per enemy's operational airfield."
“At the presentation ceremony held at the end of December of last year, the Academy of Defense Sciences and the Nuclear Weapons Research Institute expressed a firm view that, against the power of multiple rocket launchers, the explosive power of four rounds could devastate the enemy’s operational airfield to paralyze it."
"Through today's shooting exercise using super-large multiple rocket launchers, a means of tactical nuclear attack, the Korean People's Army's thorough deterrence readiness and will to respond to the combined air force capabilities of the United States and South Korea, which pride themselves on air supremacy, were fully demonstrated."
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that it had "captured" two short-range ballistic missiles that had been launched into the East Sea from around Sukcheon, South Pyongan Province at around 7:00 am to 7:11 am local time.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, ""Our military is maintaining a full readiness posture while closely cooperating with the United States while strengthening surveillance and vigilance".
Yonhap said that the "super-large" launcher is a weapon that belongs to the category of short-range ballistic missiles because it "has a guidance function" and flies in a trajectory similar to that of a ballistic missile.
North Korean ICBM Lands In Japan's EEC, Near Hokkaido - JAPAN - An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC), near Hokkaido according to Japan's Prime Minister, and the NHK news agency. See All Alerts
Japanese officials say the North Korean missile was launched towards the east at 5:21 pm on Saturday, and landed in the ocean at about 6:27 pm west of Oshima-oshima in Hokkaido.
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch
"We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners.
The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from any further unlawful and destabilizing acts.
While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we will continue to monitor the situation.
The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad."
US Military Tracked Balloon As It Left China, Before It Entered US Mainland - "The U.S. military had been tracking the first balloon that it shot down for about a week as it left China on a heading toward Guam and Hawaii, before making a sharp turn north towards Alaska. Read Full Article
Pentagon: Chinese Balloons Part Of Larger Surveillance Program By China - Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder says that the Pentagon is aware of four previous balloons having gone over the United States, and that they are a part of a "larger Chinese surveillance balloon program".
Pentagon: Chinese Balloons Part Of Larger Surveillance Program By China [Video Transcript]
USNORTHCOM continues their recovery operations in support of the recent takedown of the Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon. Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary: [Only Statements About Balloon Added]:
GENERAL RYDER: "As of today, recovery operations of the balloon and the payload continue without issue. Sea states Tuesday permitted divers and explosives ordnance technicians to conduct underwater salvage and recovery, and underwater survey activities continue using unmanned underwater vehicles. The USS Carter Hall remains in the vicinity of the debris field and is leading the recovery efforts. US Coast Guard cutters continue to provide security, and the FBI and NCIS agents continue their work cataloguing debris and transporting it for further processing.
Again, we remind members of the public, if you come across debris, please do not handle it, but call your local law enforcement to facilitate safe recovery. Additional information on recovery operations will be forthcoming.
QUESTION: Thank you. To go back to the balloon, does the Pentagon know with certainty now that the balloon actually came from China, i.e., it was launched from China? And if so, where?
And then the DOD has said that there have been at least three other balloon incidents during the previous administration and one other incident during this administration. Can you tell us a little bit about how you were able to discern that these balloons were the same, and they were also Chinese spy balloons?
GENERAL RYDER: GEN. RYDER: Sure. So let me address your second questions - well, your second question first. So again, I'm not able to go into the intelligence. As you highlight, we are aware that there have been four previous balloons that have gone over U.S. territory. This is what we assess as part of a larger Chinese surveillance balloon program. You've heard us talk in the past about the fact that this is a program that's been operated for several years. What we do know is that in some cases whereas some of these balloons previously had not been identified, subsequent analysis, subsequent intelligence analysis did enable us to indicate that these were Chinese balloons.
In terms of where they're coming from, I can't go into the specific location other than to say China, and the last thing I'll say is that this last week provided the United States with a unique opportunity to learn a lot more about the Chinese surveillance balloon program, all information that will help us to continue to strengthen our ability to track these kinds of objects.
QUESTION: Thank you. As you said, as it's part of a wider surveillance program, if four previous ones had transited the U.S., have there been others that maybe got near international U.S. military installations, but didn't actually cross U.S. soil?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so again, for classification reasons, I'm not going to be able to go into a lot of details other than these four are the ones that we assess went over U.S. soil. And I'm not going to go over specifically what they tracked other than what we've acknowledged publicly -- that we know that they were looking to surveil strategic sites, to include some of our strategic bases in the continental United States.
And so when you look at the scope of this program and the fact that we know that these balloons have been spotted, and what we now can subsequently assess to be Chinese balloons operating over at least five continents in regions like Latin America, South America, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Europe, again, it demonstrates why, for the Department of Defense, that China remains the pacing challenge, and something that we'll continue to stay focused on. Thank you.
QUESTION: Thanks, Pat. Do these Chinese surveillance balloons somehow explain the UAP, some of the unidentified aerial phenomena that were reported in that report to Congress? Have you gone back to look? And are some of those UAP incidents perhaps those Chinese surveillance balloons? And also, did you start tracking this balloon when it left China on July 21st? Were you tracking it all over -- the way over the Pacific Ocean, or did you just start tracking it when it got close to Alaska?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jennifer. So your first question, that's really a question best addressed by the Director of National Intelligence, that puts that report together. I will say, broadly speaking, that when it comes to our assessment of objects in air and space, you know, that's going to always be ongoing work, right?
So any time there's something that's unidentified, by default, we will track that information, and when new information can become available that we can apply, certainly we're going to do that, but to answer your direct question, the DNI would be the best folks to address that portion.
In terms of when we started tracking this, again, I'm not going to get into those kinds of specifics, other than to say we did see it approaching U.S. airspace. NORAD, NORTHCOM tracked it for the duration. Again, as it entered U.S. airspace, NORAD determined that it did not pose a physical or military threat, and in accordance with their procedures, monitored it.
When it did come over the continental United States, we began to develop options on how to take it down and address this threat, with the idea being that we wanted to wait until it was over water so that we could mitigate any potential civilian harm or property damage, and importantly, as I highlighted, use this as an opportunity to, again, better understand the Chinese surveillance balloon program and apply that information to increase our ability to track these kinds of objects. Thanks.
QUESTION: Can you clarify when the Chinese balloon -- the last surveillance balloon that went down near Hawaii went down? There are reports that it was four months ago and there's another report that it was in June. When did it go down?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, I've seen those press reports. Again, I'm not going to have any information to provide on the previous balloon flights that were out there. But again, appreciate your understanding on that.
QUESTION: Thank you. Could you just, in layman's terms, explains why there has been this -- what the General called "awareness gaps," why the U.S. was not able to detect these kinds of balloons previously?
And then given that, is there a kind of intelligence failure here? Did the military and the intelligence somehow fail to understand or grasp this threat or is it a failure of imagination? And how's that being addressed?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Dan. So to answer your last question there right up front, no, it was not an intelligence failure. You know, as we learn more about this type of capability and really, what General VanHerck was referring to was previously having a domain awareness gap -- but we've learned a lot about these balloons, we've learned a lot how to track them, as evidenced by the fact that, again, we were tracking it as it approached U.S. airspace. And so we're confident that what we've learned about this program enables us to be able to monitor and be on the lookout for these kinds of capabilities.
And when you think about the wide array of activities that we monitor globally, but most importantly when it comes to defense of the homeland along our coasts and our skies, by being able to identify the characteristics of things like this or other potential threats, it all gets put into a broader library, so to speak, of information that our analysts can monitor, track, and detect, and then respond appropriately.
QUESTION: And then in terms of this global program, are the balloons that are spotted elsewhere in the world essentially similar to the one that was flying across the U.S.? And is there reason to believe that those balloons were flying near or over U.S. military bases abroad in those countries?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so beyond the fact that they share the common characteristic of being surveillance balloons, right, intelligence collection assets that the PRC is employing, the only other thing I'd say is that we do know there's variation in the various sizes and capabilities of balloon, but beyond that, I'm not going to go into specifics. In other words yeah, I'll just leave it at that.
In terms of what they're monitoring and what their flight paths are going to be, I'm not going to go into that level of information, but needless to say again it calls into question why China, the PRC, feel that it's okay to violate sovereign airspace of nations in a way that is inappropriate and unacceptable -- so combining this capability with the other intelligence assets that they have at their disposal.
And so again, as I highlighted earlier, this just demonstrates why the PRC continues to remain our pacing challenge and I think that they have a lot of explaining to do when it comes to conducting these types of programs and violating nations' airspace and sovereignty. Thank you.
QUESTION: First, did you guys assess that this was a fleet after this balloon was spotted or from what you've determined in previous UAP investigations?
And with that, are you planning to declassify any information about those 163 reports of balloon and balloon-like entities so that we could understand better how they compare and don't compare?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so on your second question, I'd refer you to the DNI. Clearly, within the realms of operations security and protecting intelligence sources and methods, we are trying our best to provide the public with as much information as we can on this program, recognizing that we don't want to do anything that's going to compromise our sources and methods.
In terms of your question about assessments on the overall surveillance balloon fleet, yes, we were tracking this before this particular incident. As I mentioned, our awareness and understanding of this capability has increased over the last couple of years.
You know, as General VanHerck highlighted, this wasn't information that we necessarily had previously, but again, our analysts have been able to, over time, put the pieces together and learn a lot more about this program.
And the last thing I'd say on that, again, is this was a unique opportunity for us to observe this balloon and its characteristics very closely as it traveled over the United States, and needless to say -- and I won't go into details -- we gained a lot of information on this and I believe we'll continue to gain more information on this.
QUESTION: Following up on -- following up on Tara's question, I thought you said, about the other four previous ones, that they were over strategic sites.
GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to -- they were over sites that would be of interest to the Chinese but I'm not going to go into the specifics, David. Thank you.
QUESTION: Just a quick follow-up and then a separate question. You said a moment ago the awareness and understanding of the situation has increased. When did the U.S. come to the conclusion that these were in fact surveillance balloon? Because it seems like that was an incredibly recent conclusion, based on the understanding of the situation.
And then just a short time ago in a House Intel briefing, Representative Stewart said the balloon may be the Chinese testing the American people to see their reaction, while General Philip Breedlove suggests that it was the enemy conditioning the U.S. population. Does the Pentagon believe that was China was conditioning or testing the U.S. with these balloons in some way?
GENERAL RYDER: Yes, thanks, Oren. So, you'd really need to talk to China about what its motivations were. Again, the facts are that they sent a surveillance balloon into sovereign U.S. airspace. We responded quickly and appropriately, monitored it, tracked it and took it down as soon as it was safe to do so. And I'll just leave it at that.
GENERAL RYDER: I don't have a specific date to provide you in terms of when the intelligence community developed this other than to say it's been in the last couple of years that we've been able to do the analysis and look at these objects and determine which has built the body of knowledge available to us. So again, as I mentioned, as this object approached U.S. airspace, NORAD NORTHCOM knew what it was and tracked it.
QUESTION: Thank you. You mentioned these four previous incidents. Was this the first time that the U.S. military had the capability of shooting down one of these balloons or was this a consideration in any of those previous incidences as well? And I also have a question on Ukraine.
GENERAL RYDER: Yes. So, we always maintain a variety of options on how best to respond. So, in terms of being able to shoot down any object that violates or threatens the United States, or our airspace, or our people, certainly, that is an option that's available to us. But in each case we took what we consider appropriate action. So, just leave it that.
If anything enters into our airspace whether we know what it is or not, we will monitor and we'll take appropriate action. Luis’ question was, did you have the capability to take down a balloon? Yes. We maintain the capability to take down balloons.
QUESTION: Well, kind of. It was more like, were there discussion about shooting it down --
GENERAL RYDER: Yes, I'm not going to get into those discussions.
QUESTION: Thank you for taking my question. Also wanted to touch on the hearing on the Hill this morning, the former EUCOM commander calling the delay in shooting down the balloon a miscalculation and that it could be China trying to condition the U.S. to miscalculate in the future. Was this a miscalculation? And how confident are we that we'll be able to detect these kinds of balloons in the future?
GENERAL RYDER: GEN. RYDER: Yes, so I think we are very confident that we'll be able to detect these kinds of capabilities, as evidenced by the continuing body of knowledge that we've been able to build up on this. But, obviously, that is something that our intelligence community will continue to work very closely on for this and any other potential threats.
In terms of how others may characterize it, I'm going to allow them to speak for themselves. Again, we detected this balloon, tracked it very closely. When it went into the continental United States we evaluated options on how best to bring it down. As you know, once it was safe to do so, we brought it down over water and we continue to collect the debris to be able to exploit for further intelligence.
QUESTION: And if I could ask, what did China think that they could get at 60,000 feet that they couldn't get with a satellite? What do you think they were collecting?
GENERAL RYDER: Again, that's a question that's best addressed by China. Obviously, at a high altitude you're operating above civilian air traffic. As you've heard us say before, the collection capabilities of this balloon were not of more advantage to other capabilities that we know they maintain. But regardless, we took steps to mitigate the potential collection of information. But as I also mentioned, we learned a lot about this balloon program.
And you know, the last thing I'd say on that is that I would not be surprised that the PRC starts to reevaluate its dirigible collection program. Thank you.
QUESTION: Thank you, General. Just first clarification, because I'm confused. With the previous four balloons, did you say they were not detected, but later intelligence assessment got your awareness? Would -- did this happen -- is this true, and did this happen with this administration, that assessment, or with the previous administration?
GENERAL RYDER: So what we know is that over the last several years, to include time during the previous administration, subsequent analysis determined that objects that had traversed over the United States, although not for the duration of this fifth balloon, were ultimately determined to be PRC surveillance balloons.
QUESTION: And the four previous balloons, they all happened during the last administration?
GENERAL RYDER: Three during the last administration, one during the Biden admin -- at the beginning of the Biden administration.
QUESTION: Well, this is the second balloon during the Biden administration?
GENERAL RYDER: Correct
QUESTION: Okay. And then did the technology you're able now to collect from the debris, did this lead you to think that this is actually part of a spy program, or are you leaving any room for maybe, no, actually, this was for civilian purposes?
GENERAL RYDER: I can assure you this was not for civilian purposes. We are 100 percent clear about that.
QUESTION: And are you willing in the future to share information with the public that confirms this assessment?
GENERAL RYDER: Well, what do you mean?
QUESTION: I mean, we have two narratives here, right? You referred us to the PRC before. The PRC maintains this is for civilian purposes strictly. The DOD and the administration is maintaining, no, this is actually spy balloon for military purposes, although it has no value added to what they have in terms of more than 400 satellites. So we have, as a press corps, we have two narratives here, competing narratives.
GENERAL RYDER: Okay. So I'll give you the facts. Again, based on what we know and have observed about this balloon, it is a surveillance balloon. It was an intelligence-collection capability. You know, a question that I would ask myself is if, in fact, it was a civilian balloon, a weather balloon, and it was approaching a sovereign nation, about to enter their airspace, a responsible nation would have put out some kind of public statement saying, "Hey, heads up. This is heading your way. We just want to let you know." The PRC did not do that. They didn't respond until after they were called out. I'll just leave it at that.
QUESTION: Thank you for taking my question, General. So on the balloon, I -- it -- have you shared the ID characteristics, now that we now have some better definition, with our other allies and partners so that they can watch over their own airspace and detect potential incursions?
GENERAL RYDER: So yes, so we are -- we are in the process of updating our international allies and partners. Not going to have more specifics to provide. Clearly, we maintain an intelligence-sharing relationship with many countries, and so as we have information to provide and as we currently are, we will share that information.
QUESTION: So I've heard multiple stories about the balloon in Hawaii. How exactly did it go down? Was it -- did it crash? Was it shot down? I just want to confirm.
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, again, I'm not going to be able to talk about what we know on those previous balloons.
QUESTION Second, once we found out that it did go down, however it went down, were we able to recover any information from it?
GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to have any specifics to provide. As I highlighted earlier, broadly speaking, we've learned a lot about this surveillance balloon program, and every piece of information that we gather contributes to that body of knowledge that enables us to detect them, track them, and take appropriate action.
QUESTION -- one in Guam, anything?
GENERAL RYDER: Again, I'm not going to be able to go into more details.
QUESTION: I just had a very quick follow-up. Is the unofficial U.S. policy now that you're not going to shoot down balloons over land, only over water, or in the way that you're scrutinizing this further information that you have, is that going to change the way you respond to future balloons since it's a fleet?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, so I think you need to take a step back and look at our policy has not changed. If something is about to enter our airspace, we're going to track it and monitor it and determine whether or not it's a threat. And in this particular case, as the balloon approached U.S. airspace, the NORAD NORTHCOM Commander determined that it did not present an imminent physical or military threat.
So we're always going to reserve the right to take appropriate action against any foreign objects, unexplained aerial phenomenon, whatever it is, to safeguard the American public, and that's exactly what we did in this case.
QUESTION: Pat, if there were four previous incidents were Chinese spy balloons were over U.S. airspace and they weren't reported, how is this not an intelligence failure?
GENERAL RYDER: So the idea here is that we're going to be tracking all kinds of objects on any given day, both in the air, on the sea. And so as we gain information and as we see the profile of those objects determining whether or not it's a threat -- and so in terms of our ability to collect on those, as I've highlighted, we have learned a lot about their program, we've been able to learn a lot about what they're doing and their intent.
We observe a lot of things every single day in a lot of different ways, from an intelligence collection standpoint, and those are things that we're not necessarily going to talk about publicly for obvious reasons. There's also benefit in us knowing what they're doing and not publicly talking about what they're doing.
But in terms of monitoring these and collecting on them, we have been able to put together a body of knowledge that enables us to be able to detect them and act appropriately.
QUESTION: But did you know they were Chinese spy craft at the time, those four incidents?
GENERAL RYDER: They were tracked and subsequently determined to be Chinese.
QUESTION: And lastly, J-21 Chinese aircraft that came very close to the U.S. surveillance plane on December 21st, was that related to the balloon program or observation of the balloon -
GENERAL RYDER: No, completely discounted.
QUESTION: Thanks very much for doing this. One follow-up on the question of communications with China. You said that responsible nations, if it was a civilian balloon, would have notified the U.S. in advance. Does the Pentagon then assess that China is acting recklessly on purpose, in the hopes of creating some sort of bigger incident?
And then separately on the balloons, how -- is there any evidence or any assessment that some of the balloons, whether the one that was tracked just over the U.S. or the others, had capabilities other than surveillance, perhaps transmission?
And are there any other countries that may be running similar balloon programs to that being run by the PRC?
GENERAL RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. So on your last question, I mean, obviously nations around the world maintain various degrees of intelligence programs, and I'm not going to get into those from here.
In terms of what message China was trying to send with this balloon, again, I'd refer you to the PRC. I'm going to deal with the facts. The facts are that the balloon went into and violated sovereign U.S. airspace. We tracked it very closely, we developed options, and when the time was right to minimize potential civilian harm, we took a shot and took the balloon down.
And again, this is contributing to our body of knowledge on this program, which we will apply to defending our skies and protecting our citizens well into the future. And I will say also that when it comes to learning about these kinds of programs, I think we all appreciate the fact that this is not static. You're constantly learning, you're constantly applying lessons learned in order to protect the American public and our allies and our partners, and this is no different in that case.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much. Appreciate your time today.
Efforts Underway To Study Chinese Surveillance Balloon After Downed - After the United States Air Force carried out the operation to shoot down the Chinese surveillance balloon, efforts are underway to study and scrutinize both the balloon and its payload. Read Full Article
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Statement Regarding "US Claim" It Shot Down Chinese Unmanned Airship - Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and protest against the US's use of force to attack civilian unmanned airships".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the US claim that it shot down the Chinese unmanned airship.
"China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and protest against the US's use of force to attack civilian unmanned airships.
The Chinese side has repeatedly informed the US side after verification that the airship is for civilian use and entered the US due to force majeure, which was completely accidental. China clearly requires the US to handle it properly in a calm, professional and restrained manner.
A spokesman for the US Department of Defense also stated that the balloon will not pose a military or personal threat to ground personnel. Under such circumstances, the U.S. insists on using force, obviously overreacting and seriously violating international practice.
China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of relevant companies, while reserving the right to make further necessary reactions."
DoD F-22 Safely Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off South Carolina Coast - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "A U.S. Air Force fighter safely shot down a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a written statement.
President Joe Biden ordered the action on Wednesday, but it was delayed until the balloon was over water off the coast of South Carolina to ensure no Americans on the ground were harmed.
"The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above U.S. territorial waters," Austin said.
The action was taken in coordination and support of the Canadian government. "We thank Canada for its contribution to tracking and analysis of the balloon through [North American Aerospace Defense Command] as it transited North America," Austin said.
"Today's deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC's unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," Austin said referring to the Peoples Republic of China.
U.S. officials first detected the balloon and its payload on January 28 when it entered U.S. airspace near the Aleutian Islands. The balloon traversed Alaska, Canada and re-entered U.S. airspace over Idaho.
"President Biden asked the military to present options and on Wednesday President Biden gave his authorization to take down the Chinese surveillance balloon as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to us civilians under the balloon's path," said a senior defense official speaking on background.
"Military commanders determined that there was undue risk of debris causing harm to civilians while the balloon was overland."
An F-22 Raptor fighter from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fired one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at the balloon.
The balloon fell approximately six miles off the coast in about 47 feet of water. No one was hurt.
Long before the shoot down, U.S. officials took steps to protect against the balloon's collection of sensitive information, mitigating its intelligence value to the Chinese. The senior defense official said the recovery of the balloon will enable U.S. analysts to examine sensitive Chinese equipment.
"I would also note that while we took all necessary steps to protect against the PRC surveillance balloon's collection of sensitive information, the surveillance balloon's overflight of U.S. territory was of intelligence value to us," the official said.
"I can't go into more detail, but we were able to study and scrutinize the balloon and its equipment, which has been valuable."
The balloon did not pose a military or physical threat. Still its intrusion into American airspace over several days was an unacceptable violation of U.S. sovereignty. The official said Chinese balloons briefly transited the continental United States at least three times during the prior administration.
While Chinese officials admitted that the balloon was theirs, they said it was a runaway weather balloon. "The PRC has claimed publicly that the high-altitude balloon operating above the United States is a weather balloon that was blown off course.
This is false," the official said. "This was a PRC surveillance balloon. This surveillance balloon purposely traversed the United States and Canada, and we are confident it was seeking to monitor sensitive military sites."
The mission now transitions to one of recovery. There are a number of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels establishing a security perimeter around the area where the balloon came to Earth. They are searching for debris, said a senior military official also speaking on background.
There is no estimate for how long the recovery mission will take, the military official said, but the fact that it came down in such a shallow area should make recovery "fairly easy".
The military official gave some detail of the engagement. The F-22 fired the Sidewinder at the balloon from an altitude of 58,000 feet. The balloon at the time was between 60,000 and 65,000 feet.
F-15 Eagles flying from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, supported the F-22, as did tankers from multiple states including Oregon, Montana, South Carolina and North Carolina. Canadian forces also helped track the overflight of the balloon.
The Navy has deployed the destroyer USS Oscar Austin, the cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the USS Carter Hall, an amphibious landing ship in support of the effort."
DoD Statement: Chinese High Altitude Surveillance Balloon Successfully Shot Down - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "This afternoon, at the direction of President Biden, U.S. fighter aircraft assigned to U.S. Northern Command successfully brought down the high altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) over the water off the coast of South Carolina in U.S. airspace.
The balloon, which was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States, was brought down above U.S. territorial waters.
On Wednesday, President Biden gave his authorization to take down the surveillance balloon as soon as the mission could be accomplished without undue risk to American lives under the balloon’s path.
After careful analysis, U.S. military commanders had determined downing the balloon while over land posed an undue risk to people across a wide area due to the size and altitude of the balloon and its surveillance payload.
In accordance with the President’s direction, the Department of Defense developed options to take down the balloon safely over our territorial waters, while closely monitoring its path and intelligence collection activities. This action was taken in coordination, and with the full support, of the Canadian government.
And we thank Canada for its contribution to tracking and analysis of the balloon through NORAD as it transited North America.
Today’s deliberate and lawful action demonstrates that President Biden and his national security team will always put the safety and security of the American people first while responding effectively to the PRC’s unacceptable violation of our sovereignty."
CIA Director: Chinese President Has Instructed Military To Be Ready By 2027 For Invasion On Taiwan - WASHINGTON - CIA Director William Burns said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered China's military to "be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion" of the island of Taiwan.
Burns spoke at Georgetown University on Thursday and said that Xi has been watching Russian President Vladimir Putin's drawn-out war on Ukraine.
"On Taiwan, I guess I would say our assessment at CIA is that I wouldn’t underestimate President Xi’s ambitions with regard to Taiwan. He has been pretty clear about that over the years," Burns stated.
He continued by saying, "I think he has watched very carefully – it seems to us – Putin’s experience in Ukraine and been a little bit unsettled and sobered by that as well".
"We know as a matter of intelligence he has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready by 2027 to conduct a successful invasion."
He added, "Now, that does not mean that he's decided to conduct an invasion in 2027, or any other year, but it's a reminder of the seriousness of his focus and his ambition".
"Therefore, I think it’s very much in our interest as a policy matter in the United States to make clear our commitment to the status quo, to make clear we are not interested as a country in changing that status quo, that we are deeply opposed to anyone trying to change that unilaterally, especially by the use of force".
"And to continue to do all we can to help Taiwan defend itself and think through how best to do that to deter what would be a sort of deeply unfortunate conflict for everyone involved, including China as well".
Taiwan has been sending military aircraft and drones into the airspace around the island of Taiwan, some of which cross into Taiwan's air defense identification zone nearly every single day since former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island on August 2nd, 2022.
Before Pelosi's visit to the island, China's incursions around the island were far less frequent and were not daily occurrences.
China also began sending frequent reconnaissance drones around Taiwan, which were not generally sent around the island before Pelosi's visit occurred.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement
"Q: On February 3, senior US State Department officials said at a briefing via teleconference that due to the entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into US airspace, US Secretary of State Blinken has decided to postpone his planned trip to China. Do you have any comment?
Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement On Balloon Over United States - Below is a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry regarding the balloon spotted above mainland United States.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement
"Q: On February 3, senior US State Department officials said at a briefing via teleconference that due to the entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into US airspace, US Secretary of State Blinken has decided to postpone his planned trip to China. Do you have any comment?
A: Regarding the unintended entry of a Chinese unmanned airship into US airspace due to force majeure, the Chinese side has verified it and communicated it to the US side. It is a civilian airship used for research, mainly meteorological, purposes.
Affected by the Westerlies and with limited self-steering capability, the airship deviated far from its planned course. This is entirely an unexpected situation caused by force majeure and the facts are very clear.
China always acts in strict accordance with international law and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
We have no intention to violate and has never violated the territory or airspace of any sovereign country. Some politicians and media in the US have hyped it up to attack and smear China. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to that.
Maintaining contact and communication at all levels is an important common understanding reached by the Chinese and US presidents at their meeting in Bali.
One of the tasks of the diplomatic teams on both sides is to properly manage bilateral relations, particularly to manage some unexpected situations in a cool-headed and prudent manner. In fact, neither side has ever announced that there would be a visit.
It is a matter for the US to make its latest announcement, and we respect that."
Surveillance Balloon May Be Guided By Artificial Intelligence - A specialist in surveillance balloons says that balloons are difficult to shoot down and that the one over the United States flying over U.S. military sites looks to have been equipped with an advanced AI guidance system. Read Full Article
A Second Chinese "Spy Balloon" Hovering Over Latin America - WASHINGTON - The Chinese "spy balloon" has altered its flight path and is now moving east at about 60,000 feet over the "central" United States, which demonstrates its ability to maneuver, according to a statement by the U.S. military Friday.
A second balloon has also been spotted hovering over Latin America, according to the Pentagon.
China claimed that the balloon was merely a civilian airship that accidentally got blown off course into U.S. airspace.
Pentagon spokesperson: "we are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon.”
Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder spoke at a news briefing and said, ""We know this is a Chinese (surveillance) balloon and that it has the ability to maneuver".
Ryder said that he expects that the balloon will continue on its path over U.S. airspace for a few more days.
He also refused to say where exactly the balloon is located currently, and when asked "Doesn't the public not have a right to know if the balloon is over their state?" he stated, "The public certainly has the ability to look up in the sky and see where the balloon is".
Ryder also said that the balloon "does not pose a physical threat to people on the ground".
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said that the balloon is hovering over the northeastern portion of his own state, and said "I condemn any attempts the Chinese make to spy on Americans. President Biden must protect the sovereignty of the U.S.".
Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon".
Canadian Ministry of Defense Statement on High Altitude Surveillance Balloon - "February 2, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces: "A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD. Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident.
NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination.
Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.
We remain in frequent contact with our American allies as the situation develops."
Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE transcript of a background briefing regarding the high-altitude surveillance balloon spotted hovering over mainland United States, having come from Alaska, through Canada and into the northern United States from Canada.
DoD: "BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: Good evening, everyone. Brigadier General Pat Ryder here, the Pentagon press secretary. So thank you very much for joining us a little bit later in the day. I'm going to go over a couple of ground rules first. I'll provide you then with an on-the-record statement. And then I'll turn it over our senior defense official.
So first, I'm going to read you an on-the-record statement. This is from Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary.
"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now. The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely. The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic, and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years. Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information."
STAFF: And with that, we'll go ahead now and revert to on-background. And you can attribute this to a senior defense official.
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Thanks, Pat.
Hey, everybody. Thanks for joining us late. So a couple of things up top, and then happy to take a few questions. I'll let Pat moderate on that. But so a few things.
First, we are confident that this high-altitude surveillance balloon belongs to the PRC. As was said at the top, instances of this activity have been observed over the past several years, including prior to this administration. In this instance, President Biden was briefed and asked for military options.
Secretary Austin convened senior DoD leadership yesterday, even as he was on the road in the Philippines. It was the strong recommendation by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Milley, and the commander of NORTHCOM, General VanHerck, not to take kinetic action due to the risk to safety and security of people on the ground from the possible debris field.
Currently we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collection perspective. But we are taking steps, nevertheless, to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information.
We are also tracking what abilities it could have in gaining insights, and continue to monitor the balloon as it is over the continental United States.
And so with that, let me pause and I'll take your questions.
Pat, you want to run the show?
STAFF: Yes, sir. Thank you.
All right, first we'll go to Tara Copp, Associated Press.
Q: Hey, thanks for doing this. A couple of questions about the balloon itself. Can you give us a sense of how big is it? Is it as big as a car? Big as a bus? Did that factor into the decision not to shoot it down? And, I guess, third on the balloon, when did you first start tracking it? Was it before it crossed into the continental United States?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, good questions. So how big? You know, I'm not going to go into the exact dimensions. We did assess that it was large enough to cause damage from the debris field if we downed it over an area. We had been looking at whether there was an option yesterday over some sparsely populated areas in Montana. But we just couldn't buy down the risk enough to feel comfortable recommending shooting it down yesterday.
So, beyond that, though, I can't really go into the dimensions. But there have been reports of pilots seeing this thing, even though it's pretty high up in the sky. So, you know, it's sizeable.
In terms -- and so whether it factored into the decision, it did in the sense that we had to assess what the possible debris field would look like falling from that height. We wanted to, you know, take care that somebody didn't get hurt or property wasn't destroyed.
And, I'm sorry, how long have we been tracking it. I'm not going to go into all the details because I don't want to reveal sensitive information. But I will say we have been tracking it for some time. And we have had custody of it the entire time it has been over U.S. airspace, entered the continental United States airspace a couple of days ago.
Q: And just one last, you know, Montana's one of the three homes for our siloed nuclear weapons. Was there any concern that the balloon was trying to collect intelligence on those silo fields?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so clearly the intent of this balloon is for surveillance. And so the current flight path does carry it over a number of sensitive sites. I'd just say a couple of things.
First, our best assessment at the moment is that whatever the surveillance payload is on this balloon, it does not create significant value added over and above what the PRC is likely able to collect through things like satellites in Low Earth Orbit.
But out of an abundance of caution, we have taken additional mitigation steps. I'm not going to go into what those are. But we know exactly where this balloon is, exactly what it is passing over. And we are taking steps to be extra vigilant so that we can mitigate any foreign intelligence risk.
STAFF: Thank you.
Let's go to Jen Griffin, FOX.
Q: Thank you very much. What do you think the target of this balloon was? And has this ever happened before that you've seen either a Chinese surveillance balloon or another country's surveillance balloon over the United States, or is this the first time?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so, I mean, it is a surveillance balloon. And not to be -- I'm not trying to be a wiseguy. But the goal is surveillance. And clearly they're trying to fly this -- this balloon over sensitive sites, one of which was just mentioned, to collect information. As I said, we do not judge that it provides significant value added over and above what they can currently collect in other means. But nevertheless, it's something we're watching closely.
Is it the first time. It is not the first time that you had a balloon of this nature cross over the continental United States. It has happened a handful of other times over the past few years, to include before this administration.
It is appearing to hang out for a long period of time this time around, more persistent than in previous instances. So that would be one distinguishing factor. Over.
STAFF: Let's go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.
Q: All right, thank you. What makes you believe this is a Chinese spy balloon? And then just for arguments sake, why not blow it up and just take the risk that it hits something on the ground?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Right. No, I'm not going to go into all the ways in which we know that it's a PRC balloon. I will just say we have very high confidence that this is a PRC balloon. Very high confidence.
So we do not doubt that this is a PRC balloon. And that is an assessment shared across our intelligence and analytic community. Why not shoot it down? We have to do the risk-reward here. So the first question is does it pose a threat -- physical kinetic threat to individuals in the United States or the U.S. Homeland. Our assessment is it does not.
Does it pose a threat to civilian aviation? Our assessment is it does not. Does it pose a significantly enhanced threat on the intelligence side? Our best assessment right now is that it does not. And so given that risk, that profile, we assess that the risk of downing it, even if the probability was low in a sparsely populated area of the debris falling and hurting somebody or damaging property that it wasn't worth it and that was the recommendation of our military commanders.
That is what we recommended to the White House yesterday.
STAFF: Let's go to Idrees Ali, Reuters.
Q: Hey, just two quick questions. Firstly, have you directly brought this up with Chinese officials and what has their response been? And in terms of altitude, is this over U.S. airspace or is it sort of in the stratosphere? What's sort of the height of this right now?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, both good questions. Good to hear your voice, Idrees. We have engaged PRC officials with urgency through multiple channels. They've been engaged both through their embassy here in Washington and through our embassy in Beijing.
We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue. But beyond that I'm not going to go into the content of the -- of the message. But we have made clear we will do whatever is necessary to protect our people and our homeland. And so if the risk profile that I described earlier, if that changes we will have options to deal with this balloon.
In terms of the altitude, I'm not going to go into the exact altitude. What I will say is that it is significantly above where civilian air traffic is active, which is why we do not assess that it's a threat to civilian aviation. It -- but it is in the atmosphere and it is over U.S. airspace. It is not in outer space.
STAFF: OK. Let's go to Heather Mongilio, USNI.
Q: Thank you so much. You mentioned this is not the first time. Can you say when the last time a similar situation happened?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: I -- I'm not going to go into the details of that. It's happened a few times in recent years to include before this administration. But beyond that I'm not going to go into the details.
STAFF: Got time for just a few more. We'll go to Dan Lamothe, Washington Post.
Q: Yes, thank you. And can you walk us through how you observed it? NBC News reported that system F-22s were sent up -- I don't if scrambled would be the right terminology there but at least sent up to get a closer look. Thank you.
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, so we've been -- we've been observing it through multiple means, including manned aircraft. You did see reports yesterday of a ground stop at billings airport and the mobilization of a number of assets including F-22s.
The context for that was it would put some things on station in the event that a decision was made to bring this down while it was over Montana. So we wanted to make sure we were coordinating with civil authorities to empty out the air space around that potential area. But even with those protective measures taken it was the judgment of our military commanders that we didn't drive the risk down low enough, so we didn't take the shot.
But that's why you saw the reports that you saw, Dan.
STAFF: And Nancy Youssef, Wall Street Journal.
Q: Thank you. (Inaudible) you mentioned earlier that the balloon stayed for a longer period of time than in the past and that it wasn't offering any significant intelligence relative to other means of ISR that the Chinese have. My question is, is there any reason to believe that the Chinese wanted this to be spotted. Is there -- is that your conclusion?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: You know, I can't speculate. It's probably a question better to direct to the Chinese embassy. I don't know why they did what they did. I will say that the past number of times it did not loiter over the continental United States for an extended period of time. It's different.
And precisely why they made the decision to make this different I think really is a question for them.
STAFF: And last question, Brandi Vincent, DefenseScoop.
Q: Thank you so much for doing this. Does the balloon appear to have technology that is different or more advanced than any technology that the U.S. has? Does the U.S. have a policy for dealing with balloons like this? I can't help but think of the 163 balloons that were made sense of in the UAP report. So is this something that you're developing policy on or does policy exist about how to handle these sort of sightings?
SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes, you know I'm not going to go into the exact nature of the technology. I don't think that the -- that the pay load on this is -- I wouldn't characterize it as revolutionary. I think the thing that is different is the altitude and of course the willingness to put it over the continental United States for an extended period of time.
I think that's the -- that's the biggest difference here. As it relates to do we have a policy, the answer is yes, we do and most importantly we also have sufficient authority given to us to take action under Title 10 against unmanned aerial systems of which this balloon would be a part. So we think we have all the authorities we need to do anything that we need to do to protect the American people and we'll continue to do that.
Q: Thank you.
STAFF: Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, that's all the time we have. Just as a reminder the comments are as a senior defense official on background. My comment at the top is on the record and we will post a transcript on defense.gov when it's available. Thank you for joining us.
NORAD And Northern Command Statement On Surveillance Balloon Over US - NORAD: "NORAD and U.S. Northern Command statement on the high-altitude surveillance balloon.
The United States government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.
The North Americacn Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) continues to track and monitor it closely.
The NORAD Commander, General Glen VanHerck assesses the balloon does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground at this time.
The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic."
U.S. Tracking High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "An intelligence-gathering balloon, most certainly launched by the People's Republic of China, is currently floating above the United States, the Defense Department announced Thursday evening.
"The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during an impromptu briefing Thursday evening. "The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely."
Ryder said the balloon is well above commercial air traffic and doesn't pose a threat to civil aviation. He also said this isn't the first time such a balloon has been seen over the United States.
After the balloon was detected, Ryder said, the U.S. government "acted immediately" to protect against the collection of sensitive information, though he didn't detail what measures were taken.
A senior defense official who participated in the briefing on background only said the U.S. intelligence community has "very high confidence" the balloon belongs to the People's Republic of China, and that the United States has engaged with Chinese officials "with urgency, through multiple channels" regarding the presence of the balloon.
"We have communicated to them the seriousness with which we take this issue," the official said. "We have made clear we will do whatever is necessary to protect our people and our homeland."
Right now, the official said, following recommendations of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley and Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the U.S. position is to allow the balloon to continue to float above the United States, rather than attempt to shoot is down.
The official said the risk of using kinetic force to take the balloon out of the sky might put civilian communities at risk, and that the threat the balloon poses now to both safety and U.S. intelligence doesn't justify such an action.
"Currently, we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collective collection perspective," the official said. "But we are taking steps, nevertheless, to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information."
The official said this is not the first time such a balloon has been seen above the United States, but did say this time the balloon appears to be acting differently than what has been seen in the past.
"It's happened a handful of other times over the past few years, to include before this administration," the official said. "It is appearing to hang out for a longer period of time, this time around, more persistent than in previous instances. That would be one distinguishing factor."
While the senior defense official would not say how large the balloon is, the official did say its size did figure into the calculation to not use kinetic force to take it out of the sky.
"We did assess that it was large enough to cause damage from the debris field if we downed it over an area," the official said. "I can't really go into the dimension — but there have been reports of pilots seeing this thing, even though it's pretty high up in the sky. So ... it's sizable."
As early as yesterday, the official said, the balloon was seen over Montana."
DoD Statement on High-Altitude Surveillance Balloon - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: "The United States Government has detected and is tracking a high altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now.
The U.S. government, to include NORAD, continues to track and monitor it closely. The balloon is currently traveling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years. Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information."
U.S. Government Tracking Suspected Chinese "Spy" Balloon Hovering Over Northern United States - UNITED STATES - The U.S. government is currently tracking a balloon that has been in northern U.S. airspace for a few days now, and U.S. officials say they are confident it is a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon.
Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder spoke to NBC news and said, “The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now".
Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information,” he added.
It was detected hovering over Billings, Montana Wednesday, flying in from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, and entering the United States through Canada.
Defense officials have been discussing shooting it down, two U.S. officials and a senior defense official told NBC.
The senior defense official said, "Currently we assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collection perspective over and above what the PRC can do through other means".
“Nevertheless we are taking all necessary steps to protect against foreign intelligence collection of sensitive information,” he added.
Due to the altitude of the balloon is at, the official told NBC that it does not currently pose a threat to civilian aircraft.
He also said that while the balloon was hovering over Montana on Wednesday, they could have shot it out of the sky. NORAD did send aircraft, which included F-22 Raptors from the Nellis Air Force Base, but NBC says the official wouldn't speak on whether their options included taking the balloon out.
U.S. officials have contacted the Chinese government "through multiple channels both here in D.C. and in Beijing," the official reportedly told NBC.
34 Chinese Military Aircraft, 9 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan February 1st, 2023 - 34 Chinese military aircraft and 9 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on February 1st, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, six were J-16 fighter jets, four were J-10 fighter jets, two were Y-8 electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft, two were SU-30 multi-role aircraft, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a BZK-007 reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
20 of the detected military aircraft were reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "34 PLA aircraft and 9 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".
A second statement by the MOD said, "20 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, J-11*2, J-10*4, J-16*6, BZK-005 UAV RECCE, BZK-007 UAV RECCE, Y-8 EW, Y-8 ASW and Y-8 ELINT*2) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
USAF General Says He Believes US Will Be At War With China In 2025 - General Mike Minihan, who heads the United States Air Force's Air Mobility Command has warned that he believes the United States will be at war with China in 2025. View Documents.
The following is a memo which is dated in the future (February 1, 2023) and according to The Drive has been confirmed as authentic by a spokesperson of the Air Mobility Command (AMC).
SUBJECT: February 2023 Orders in Preparation for - The Next Fight:
1. SITUATION. I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025. Xi secured his third term and set his war council in October 2022. Taiwan's presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a reason. United States' presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a distracted America. Xi's team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025. We spent 2022 setting the foundation for victory. We will spend 2023 in crisp operational motion building on that foundation. If you want to know what the operational motion I demand looks like, look at what Total Force Team Charleston did in January.
2. COMMANDER'S INTENT. Go faster. Drive readiness, integration, and agility for ourselves and the Joint Force to deter, and if required, defeat China. This is the first of 8 monthly directives from me. You need to know I alone own the pen on these orders. My expectations are high, and these orders are not up for negotiation. Follow them. I will be tough, fair, and loving in my approach to secure victory.
3. END STATE. A fortified, ready, integrated, and agile Joint Force Maneuver Team ready to fight and win inside the first island chain. Maximize the use of the force and the tools we currently have and extract full value from things that currently exist. Close the gaps: C2, navigation, maneuver under attack, and tempo.
4. RISK. Run deliberately, not recklessly. You will be governed by the principle of calculated training risk, which you shall interpret to mean the avoidance of death, serious injury, and Class A damage to attain higher readiness, integration, and agility. If the Tactic, Technique, and Procedure you are developing increases AMC's ability to fight and win inside the first island chain ... move out. If you are comfortable in your approach to training, then you are not taking enough risk.
5. OT&E. Attached are our OT&E efforts from 2022 Fall PHOENIX Rally, which will guide our preparation but are not intended to limit creativity of approach. This is not an all- encompassing list. I expect you to move out briskly on the monthly tasks, anticipate the projected tasks and weave them eloquently into your units' training and operational battle rhythms.
6. FEBRUARY. (a) All AMC aligned personnel with weapons qualifications will fire a clip into a 7-meter target with the full understanding that unrepentant lethality matters most. Aim for the head. (b) All AMC personnel will update vRED. (c) All commanders will acknowledge this order directly to me immediately. Then, report all 2022 accomplishments preparing for the China fight, and forecast major efforts in 2023 through command chains by COB 28 February 2023.
7. MARCH (Projected). (a) All units will report progress toward established OT&E requirements for INDOPACOM Operations discussed and reviewed at Fall PHOENIX Rally. (b) All AMC personnel will consider their personal affairs and whether a visit should be scheduled with their servicing base legal office to ensure they are legally ready and prepared. (c) KC-135 units will coordinate to provide a conceptual means of air delivering 100 off-the- shelf size and type UAVs from a single aircraft.
8. APRIL (Projected). (a) All units will report their integration and operation plans for MOBILITY GUARDIAN 2023 to include all events (lead-in and concurrent) they wish to include for credit.
9. ADMIN. AMC/A3 will formalize these orders in FRAGO format. Completion, progress, reporting, reporting format, and advancement will be measured, driven, and collected by our AMC/A3 Team through ARC, NAF and EC leadership. LET'S GO!"
U.S. Navy visits Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue - US PACIFIC FLEET: "WASHINGTON -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, traveled to Japan to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Rear Adm. Nobuyuki Takenaka, Director General, Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Japanese Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Jan. 25, 2023.
The dialogue built upon the Strategic Approach Plan, originally signed by the JMSDF and the United States Navy in 2020. The Strategic Approach strengthens existing cooperation, addresses mutual strategic priorities and promotes collaborative development of defense capability.
“I am deeply grateful for the remarkable hospitality I was shown during my visit to the Japanese Ministry of Defense. It was my honor to work alongside the JMSDF to identify opportunities to strengthen our longstanding partnership,” said Black. “I believe in our shared efforts to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific and I’m optimistic about how our combined determination will manifest in collective military advantages.”
Rear Adm. Takenaka echoed the strategic value of the partnership, reflecting on the importance of ongoing dialogue.
“The United States Navy and JMSDF exchanged views on the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region based on the newly developed National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy of both countries, deepening our mutual understanding,” he said. “We renewed our commitment to further improving our interoperability and interchangeability in order to protect the free and open oceans and the order and values based on international law.”
The U.S. – Japan alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The two navies routinely operate together to deepen interoperability to enable mutual action. Recent successful joint exercises, including RIMPAC and MALABAR, demonstrate the effectiveness of the bilateral framework and the mutual benefit strong partnerships deliver.
The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces."
Image: "221009-N-DW158-1021 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 9, 2022) A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60J Seahawk lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 9. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gray Gibson)".
US, Japanese Forces Team Up for Exercise Southern Beach - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Airmen and Sailors from Kadena Air Base teamed up in the skies near Okinawa with Japan Air Self Defense Force personnel during the latest iteration of the bilateral Southern Beach exercise, Jan. 19.
“Southern Beach is a bilateral exercise between U.S. personnel from Kadena Air Base and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Sebastian Coburn, 18th Operations Support Squadron dissimilar air combat-training wing chief.
Southern Beach provides U.S. and Japanese personnel the opportunity to integrate as an allied force to better understand each other’s strengths, practice fluidity and execute the mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
There were a multitude of aircraft from different units coming together. Aircraft from Kadena AB included F-15C Eagles, KC-135 Stratotanker, E-3 Sentry, HH-60 Pave Hawks and U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon. Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft included the F-2, the F-15J and the E-767.
The Southern Beach exercise involves close coordination between all forces involved, from mission planning, execution and debrief.
While U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force often train together in similar Southern Beach exercises, the inclusion of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A added a unique dimension to this event."
USS America Conducted Missile Launch On January 24th, 2023 - US INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND: "PHILIPPINE SEA -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fired a RIM-116 rolling airframe missile, during routine operations, while underway in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24.
The crew aboard the ship detected, tracked, and engaged a target to maintain proficiency of the onboard weapons systems and confirm the crew’s warfighting readiness.
"This exercise demonstrated our team's ability to work together, coordinate across multiple departments, and ultimately execute safely and effectively," said Cmdr. Avery Wilson, America's operations officer. "We demonstrated that through the hard work of our technicians and logistics support, our equipment is fully operational and our watch-standers in the Combat Information Center are trained and prepared for any threat."
USS America with Amphibious Squadron 11 and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) are sailing as the America Amphibious Ready Group to create a warfighting team committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and stability in the area of operations.
“The ship has to always be ready to deploy a lethal combat capability if necessary,” said Capt. Shockey Snyder, America’s commanding officer. This evolution reminds every Sailor aboard this ship that they, as tactical watchstanders, are the tip of the spear and we are ready to execute the nation’s defense strategy.
America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region."
State Department: US Warns China of Red Line in Ukraine War Ahead of Blinken Visit - VOA: "State Department: The United States is warning China against material and security assistance to Russia in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, laying out Washington’s red line ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing early next month.
Tuesday, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Michael Chase spoke to Song Yanchao, deputy director of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission, according to a U.S. official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity.
This week’s military-to-military talks come as the U.S. is monitoring closely any decisions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in response to Russian requests for security assistance. The U.S. official took note of reports about Multiple Visits to China by Russian transport aircraft.
“If we see the PRC taking action to systemically assist Russia evade sanctions, of course there will be costs,” said Price.
Tuesday’s two-hour talks came after China turned down a U.S. offer for military de-confliction talks between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe earlier this month.
During a press conference at the State Department after the U.S.-Japan 2+2 talks last week, Austin said he has asked his Chinese counterpart to meet the U.S. “halfway” and keep “open lines of communication” to avoid miscalculation.
Wei is retiring in March. Li Shangfu, a new member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Military Commission (CM) is widely seen as the PRC’s next minister of national defense.
Li was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2018 due to Chinese purchases of advanced Russian fighters and missile systems. But the U.S. sanctions would not prevent Li from holding official meetings with American officials, according to a State Department official.
During Tuesday’s talks, the U.S. official told VOA that China also raised concerns about a potential visit to Taiwan by the new U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy said last year he would visit Taiwan if he became the house speaker, a move that would anger China.
China claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy, a claim rejected by Taiwan.
U.S. diplomats and military officials have pointed out that the House of Representatives operates independently from the Biden administration and cautioned China against an overreaction near the Taiwan Strait that may lead to an “unintended” military accident.
“We can’t hold our foreign policy hostage to things that China may or may not do,” said a senior State Department official."
FBI Director Deeply Concerned About Chinese Government's AI Program - WASHINGTON - The FBI Director Christopher Wray stated Thursday that he is "deeply concerned" regarding the artificial intelligence program run by the Chinese government.
During the panel session at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland he said Chinese ambitions with artificial intelligence has been “built on top of massive troves of intellectual property and sensitive data that they’ve stolen over the years".
He also said that China could use the artificial intelligence technology to advance its methods regarding cyberattacks, repress people that China sees as dissidents, as well as those located overseas, use it to steal intellectual property.
“That’s something we’re deeply concerned about, and I think everyone here should be deeply concerned about,” he said.
“AI is a classic example of a technology where I have the same reaction every time. I think, ‘Wow, We can do that?’ And then I think, ‘Oh god, they can do that.'" he stated.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum panel session Wray also said that "The level of collaboration between the private sector and the government, especially the FBI, has made significant strides".
U.S. Declares Russian Wagner Group A Transnational Criminal Organization - WASHINGTON - The White House has declared the Russian private paramilitary organization PMC Wagner group as "transnational criminal organization". The Wagner group is known to be the private army of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House national security council spokesman, John Kirby announced the move on Friday that the Treasury Department will be applying the new designation in the coming days, which will place the Wagner group in the same category as international mafia and organized crime groups.
The move will allow the United States to apply a broader range of sanctions on the group worldwide, as well as affiliated companies in Africa and in other countries internationally.
During Kirby's statement he said, "Wagner “is a criminal organization that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses".
“We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting Wagner,” he added.
The new designation comes as the White House released evidence, including images of Russia allegedly accepting a delivery of arms from North Korea that it stated was intended to aid Wagner forces on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Washington also released images dated November 18th that it says show Russian rail cars traveling back and forth from Russia and North Korea.
“The arms transfers from are in direct violation of United Nations security council resolution,” Kirby said.
“These actions recognize the transcontinental threat that Wagner poses, including through its ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity with these actions, and there’ll be more to come,” Kirby said.
According to Kirby's statement, around 50,000 Wagner soldiers are fighting in Ukraine along side Russian soldiers, including 40,000 convicts that were recruited from various prisons, and 10,000 contractors.
“We are seeing indications, including in intelligence, that tensions between Wagner and the Russian defense ministry are increasing,” Kirby said.
“Wagner is becoming a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. Publicly, Prigozhin and his fighters have criticized Russian generals and defense officials for their performance in Ukraine," he added.
US Forces Intercept Drone At South Korean Base With Jamming Gun - US forces intercepted a drone flying near Forward Operating Site Carroll, nearby Camp Carroll in Seongju County, which is equipped with a missile defense system. The incident happened about 130 miles from Seoul, in South Korea.
Both U.S. and South Korean soldiers detected an unmanned aerial vehicle flying near the base, according to Stars and Stripes which cited an email from Eighth Army spokesman Lt. Col. Neil Penttila.
In the email, the spokesman said that the soldiers “swiftly acted to deny its entry" and said that the investigation is currently ongoing.
The drone was intercepted using a jamming gun, but the base is equipped with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) missile defense system which was deployed at the base in 2017 to defend against North Korean threats.
The drone, which is presumed to be a civilian drone, was spotted by a United States soldier at 12:54 pm on Tuesday, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The Yonhap report says that military officials do not believe the drone originated from North Korea, nor does it look like it was equipped with espionage equipment.
Chinese Navy Holds "Confrontational Drills" In South China Sea - BEIJING - The Chinese Navy held "confrontational drills" in the South China Sea, according to state media, including Global Times, which stated that the drills were carried out "when a US carrier strike group had entered the region".
The report by Global Times said that the US carrier only "stirred up tensions" and had "limited military significance".
The Chinese state media said the drills included the Shandong aircraft carrier group, several different types of warships and dozens of warplanes and that the aircraft carrier conducted realistic combat-oriented "confrontational exercises" in the South China Sea, citing the PLA Navy in a statement released on Saturday.
It also said that the drills simulated hostile attacks by aircraft, and that J-15 fighter jets took off from the Shandong and carried out "interception training".
The PLA Navy statement also said that the carrier group practiced "cross-service multidimensional attack and defense on the surface, in the air and underwater".
US Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Begins Operating In South China Sea
The US Navy announced on Thursday that the Nimitz carrier strike group had begun operating in the South China Sea. Global Times reported that it was being tailed by two Chinese vessels.
Global Times said that the US carrier strike group is "attempting to threaten China" but "actually have limited military significance" and that it "will only stir up tension in the region".
The state-run media made sure to point out the recent war game scenario run by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies "indicated that the US would lose its aircraft carriers should they interfere in a possible conflict in the Taiwan Straits".
Although the report by Global Times said that the US would "lose its aircraft carriers" the war game scenarios indicated only the loss of two of its aircraft carriers.
China Responds To US-Japan Joint Statement On January 11th - BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has put out a statement calling on the United States and Japan to "Abandon" their "Cold War" mentality and "ideological bias" against China.
A report by Russian Sputnik news cited the spokesperson as saying, “Countries in the region are for justice and against hegemonism. They hope to engage in cooperation, not confrontation. They aspire for true multilateralism and reject small circles that incite bloc confrontation".
He was cited as adding the the United States and Japan should “stop creating imaginary enemies and stop trying to sow the seeds of a new Cold War in the Asia-Pacific, and not become disrupters of a stable Asia-Pacific".
The spokesperson also addressed the joint statement hat the United States and Japan released on January 11th by the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee.
The joint statement claimed that China is attempting to “reshape the international order” and “unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East China Sea” which it says is a reason for concern.
Wang said, “The wording on China in this joint statement smacks heavily of a zero-sum Cold War mentality and contains groundless smears and attacks on China".
“The US and Japan claim to advance regional peace and security, but engage in finding pretexts for a military build-up and the willful use of force," he continued.
"They claim to champion a free and open Indo-Pacific, but put up various exclusionary blocs to create division and confrontation. They claim to uphold the rules-based international order, but trample on international law and the basic norms governing international relations and grossly interfere in other countries’ internal affairs".
Russian Official Told Japanese Prime Minister To Disembowel Himself - MOSCOW - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to disembowel himself after Kishida warned Russia any use of nuclear weapons would be an act of "hostility against humanity".
The Japanese Prime Minister said in a statement, "We state unequivocally that any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and unjustifiable in any way. And we will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's abhorrent attacks on critical infrastructure".
On a Telegram channel, Medvedev said that Kishida "betrayed the memory of hundreds of thousands of Japanese who burned in the nuclear fires of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," referring to the two nuclear bombs that the United States dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Medvedev continued by saying, "He should remind the US president about this and demand repentance, even if it was not brought by the American leadership for this act of war. But no, Kysida is just a service staff for the Americans. And servants cannot have courage".
He then said that Kishida should perform "seppuku" on himself, which is a ritualistic Japanese form of suicide once used by ancient Samarai warriors.
"It remains to feel sorry for the Japanese. "After all, such a shame can be washed away only after committing seppuku right at the meeting of their Cabinet. Although the concept of honor of this generation of Japanese vassals is not inherent," Medvedev added.
Japan Set To Release Fukushima Wastewater Into Pacific Ocean In Next Few Months - TOKYO - Japan says that they are set to release over 1 million tons of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean within the next few months, in the coming Spring or Summer.
Since the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown in 2011, Japan has been flushing more than 100 tons of water through its damaged reactors in order to cool them down.
The radioactive wastewater is then stored in over a thousand large storage tanks near the nuclear power plant. Japan now has more than 1.3 million tons of radioactive wastewater sitting in storage.
Japan says that they will be treating the wastewater with an Advanced Liquid Processing System, which it says will be diluting the tritium to 1500 becquerels per liter, and that the water they will be releasing into the ocean will not be contaminated with dangerous levels of radiation.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a Cabinet meeting last year that "Releasing the treated water into the sea is a realistic solution. We will do our utmost to keep the water far above safety standards".
A governmental advisory committee in February 2020 said that the only practical way of disposing of the wastewater "are discharge into the sea and vapor release, both of which have preceding practices".
Although Japanese officials say that the treated water will not pose any danger to humans or marine animals, fishermen in the region say that it will put their trade at risk.
What Caused The Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Meltdown?
On March 11th, 2011 an earthquake struck the north-eastern coast of Japan that had a 9.0 magnitude. The earthquake caused a tsunami that resulted in nearly 50 foot waves to hit Japan.
The earthquake, and resulting tsunami killed about 18,500 people. While the reactor was initially damaged by the earthquake, it was further damaged as a result of the tsunami that hit afterword.
Indonesia Monitoring Chinese Vessel In Its EEZ - INDONESIA - Indonesia says that one of its warships, as well as a patrol aircraft and a drone have been monitoring a Chinese coast guard vessel in their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a zone rich with resources that both China and Indonesia claim as their own.
Vessel monitoring data shows the CCG 5901 moving through the Natuna Sea near the Tuna Bloc gas field and the Vietnamese Chin Sao oil and gas field since December 30th, 2022, according to an Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative that spoke to Reuters.
Laksamana Muhammad Ali told Reuters on Saturday that Indonesia had sent a maritime patrol plane, a warship and a drone to monitor the Chinese vessel.
"The Chinese vessel has not conducted any suspicious activities. However, we need to monitor it as it has been in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for some time," he was cited as saying.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) does allow vessels the freedom to navigate through a country's exclusive economic zone.
Although Indonesia claims the region as its exlusive economic zone, China rejects the claim and says that the area is within its nin-dash-line territorial claim.
DOD "Seriously Doubts" Chinese Activities Around Taiwan Mean China Planning Imminent Invasion - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated on Wednesday that he "seriously doubts" that Chinese activities around the island of Taiwan mean that China is planning an imminent invasion of the island.
“We’ve seen increased aerial activity in the straits, we’ve seen increased surface vessel activity around Taiwan,” Austin said at a press conference that was held along with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Japanese counterparts.
He added, “But whether or not that means that an invasion is imminent, you know, I seriously doubt that".
Despite this, the United States has been bolstering ties in the Indo-Pacific, including relations with Japan. If a Chinese invasion of Taiwan did happen and the United States were to come to Taiwan's aid, U.S. bases in Japan would be vital for the U.S. to operate out of due to their close proximity to Taiwan.
Blinken told reporters, “Both of our countries, Japan and the United States, have complex and consequential relationships with China. “And there are clearly aspects of intense competition between us".
He continued, “We’re not looking for conflict. We’ll manage the competition responsibly, but we will compete vigorously".
“We will seek to keep these lines of communication open and do all that we can to establish guardrails, to prevent competition, as I said, from entering into conflict".
China Practices Land And Sea Assaults Around Taiwan Citing Provocative Actions By External Forces And Taiwan - BEIJING - China's military has released a statement that it carried out military exercises around the island of Taiwan practicing land and sea assaults. The exercises are the second such exercises in the region, the first having been carried out in December.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command released a statement regarding the “joint combat readiness patrols and actual combat drills” in the surrounding area around Taiwan.
On the same day Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels having been spotted around the island of Taiwan, 28 of which entered into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
The PLA Eastern Theater Command said, "The exercise focused on land strikes, sea assaults and other subjects, aiming to test the troops’ joint combat capability and resolutely counter the collusive and provocative acts of the external forces and the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces".
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that the actions by China "“have severely disrupted the peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and surrounding waters".
Taiwan's Presidential Office said that China is making "groundless accusations" and strongly condemned the military drills around the island.
The statement released by Taiwan's Presidential Office said that "The nation’s military has a close grasp of the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding area and responds calmly. Our people can rest assured".
The military exercises came after the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit.
China had notified the United States in June of 2022 that the Taiwan Strait is a part of their maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and not international waters, opposing the U.S. view that the strait is part of international waters. They have also given a warning to the U.S. to stay out of the Strait saying that they have sovereign rights over it.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time, "Our policy hasn't changed, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be true for the PRC. We're seeing growing coercion from Beijing".
"We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan. That includes PLA aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months — and on a nearly daily basis," he added.
US Pacific Fleet: 7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait
U.S. Pacific Fleet statement: "The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit Jan. 5 (local time) through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law. The ship transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State".
China Says Taiwan Strait Part Of Their EEZ, Warns US To Stay Out
China notified the United States in June of 2022 that the Taiwan Strait is a part of their maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and not international waters, opposing the U.S. view that the strait is part of international waters. They have also given a warning to the U.S. to stay out of the Strait saying that they have sovereign rights over it.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, "Our policy hasn't changed, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be true for the PRC. We're seeing growing coercion from Beijing".
"We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan. That includes PLA aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months — and on a nearly daily basis," he added.
China's Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe responded by saying that "If anyone dares to secede Taiwan from China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs, and we will fight to the very end. This is the only choice for China".
The ministry of foreign affairs released a statement saying "The biggest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the obdurate separatist activities of the “Taiwan independence” forces and the US’s connivance and endorsement of such activities".
They put out another statement saying "The US has deployed military aircraft and warships in the SCS on a regular basis and its reconnaissance aircraft have electronically impersonated the civil aircraft of other countries there many times. A US nuclear-powered submarine even hit an “uncharted seamount” there".
"Apparently, “militarization” and “endangering freedom of navigation” are more accurate when used to describe the US’ behaviors" the ministry added.
Wang Wenbin, the ministry's spokesman had also said that China "has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait" and that "It is a false claim when certain countries call the Taiwan Strait 'international waters' in order to find a pretext for manipulating issues related to Taiwan and threatening China's sovereignty and security".
Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Martin Meiners was cited by Bloomberg as saying "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, and that includes transiting through the Taiwan Strait".
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said that the comments by China were a 'fallacy' and that "The Taiwan Strait is international waters, and the waters outside our territorial waters are subject to the 'freedom of the high seas' principle of international law".
She said, "We understand and support the U.S. freedom of navigation missions' contribution to promoting regional peace and stability".
57 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan January 8-9th, 2023 - 57 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on January 8-9th, 2023 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted twelve were J-16 fighter jets, six were J-11 fighter jets, three were BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV drones, two were SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, two were H-6 nuclear capable bombers, and one was a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
28 of the aircraft spotted crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "57 PLA aircraft and 4 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".
A second statement by the MOD said, "28 of the detected aircraft(BZK-005 UAV RECCC*3, J-11*6, SU-30*2, J-10*2, J-16*12, H-6*2, and KJ-500)had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated"
Japan's Trade Minister Urges To Rebuild A "World Order" To Counter Authoritarian Regimes - JAPAN - The Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is calling for the rebuilding of a "world order" in order to counter the rise of "authoritarian regimes".
During a speech made by Nishimura at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, he said "We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law".
There has been a "growing concern" since the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine that China and Russia will begin to use their energy supplies and manufacturing supply chains in order to stop the West from opposing their military and diplomatic goals, according to a report by Japan Today.
The report cited Nishimura as saying that leaders from the Group of Seven "industrialized nations" are likely to discuss how to respond to economic coercion when they hold their meeting in May in Hiroshima.
The Japanese Minister said that democracies need to protect their industrial power, and defend against the loss of technologies, in particular those technologies that can be used for military purposes.
He also pushed for more cooperation between the United States and Japan that go beyond semiconductors, to biotechnology, quantum science and artificial intelligence.
Nishimura said that Japan will be working more closely with the United States on export controls.
"It is ... absolutely imperative for us to reinforce our cooperation in the area of export controls. We will implement strict export controls grounded in international cooperation while engaging closely in the exchange of views with the United States and other relevant countries," he stated.
Alan Greenspan Says Coming Recession Is Likely - Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says that he believes that a coming recession is the most likely outcome of the recent spate of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation. Read Full Article
Greenspan: Chinese Invasion Of Taiwan Could Cause Economic Black Swan Event - Alan Greenspan warned that if China invades Taiwan it could trigger an economic "Black Swan" event that could affect economies worldwide. The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020. Read Full Article
7th Fleet Destroyer Transits Taiwan Strait Despite China's Warnings - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon transited the Taiwan Strait on January 5th, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which it says was a 'routine' transit. Read Full Article
China Running Secret Overseas Police Stations Worldwide - China is running secret overseas police stations around the world, including unauthorized stations in the US, in order to surveil Chinese nationals in countries across the globe. Read Full Article
British MI5 Addresses Threats From Iran, Russia, And China - The British MI5 Security Service addressed threats to the UK posed by Iran, Russia, and China and is expected to declare the Iranian IRGC a terrorist organization in the coming weeks. Read Full Article
South Korea Considers Sharing Real-Time Radar Intel With Japan By End Of Year - SEOUL - (based on translation) South Korea has begun considering sharing real-time radar information along with missile tracking data with Japan, according to a report by the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, which cited several government officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea.
The paper stated that if the two countries share radar intelligence and data it will "lead to improved capabilities such as missile defense and information dissemination to the public".
The United States, South Korea and Japan have begun "technical discussions" which involve the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, according to the Japanese paper which says that the plan is to accelerate talks with the aim of realizing the deal by the end of the year at the earliest.
Why Is It Necessary To Share Live Radar Data?
Due to the fact that the earth is spherical, radar signals used to track missiles cannot track below the horizon, so Japan cannot track missiles until they reach a specific altitude.
Similarly, South Korea cannot track missiles that fall beyond a certain point near Japan due to this same limitation. This difference in tracking has led to both South Korea and Japan releasing different data on the same missile launches, such as the number of missiles launched and the flight distance the missiles achieved.
If South Korea and Japan were to share their live radar data with the US Indo-Pacific Command their data would then be in sync and the issue would then be resolved.
The South Korea is already sharing live radar data with the United States, the new proposed plan would simply plug Japan into the live-data stream as well so that missile information is shared among the three countries simultaneously.
Chinese Incursions Every Year Have Been Nearly Doubling Since 2020 - TAIPEI - The number of Chinese aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan has nearly doubled each consecutive year since 2020 according to an AFP database using data from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The following is the number of Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island in the last few years based on reports from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense:
2022: 1,727 military aircraft | Sorties: 1,241. 2021: 960 military aircraft | Sorties: 538. 2020: 380 military aircraft | 380 Sorties.
Lee Hsi-min, Taiwan’s former chief of general staff, told AFP, "They want to show their determination, their will and to coerce the United States: don’t get too close to their red lines, don’t cross their red lines".
What Is A Sortie? In air operations, a sortie is an "operational flight by one aircraft" according to the United States Department of Defense.
Japan Expresses Outrage After One Of Its Reporters Injured in Russian New Year Attack On Ukraine - JAPAN - The Japanese embassy released a statement expressing "outrage" after Russia's New Year's Eve attack on Ukraine that it says resulted in the death and injuries of civilians, which included a Japanese journalist.
The statement said, “The Embassy of Japan is deeply outraged by the repeated massive attack on the civilian population and civilian objects in Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, which resulted in the death and injury of civilians, including a Japanese journalist".
The Japanese photo journalist, 36 year old Sekita, who works for the Asahi Shimbun which is a Japanese Newspaper was injured from falling debris after a missile hit the Alfavito Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The missile damaged multiple floors of the hotel, as well as residential buildings and 3 schools located near the hotel.
One person is reported to have been killed as a result of the attack. Sekita, who was one of the injured, was reported to have been injured in the leg but is expected to recover from the injury.
North Korea Fires Missile, Orders "Exponential Expansion" Of Nuclear Arsenal - SEOUL - North Korea fired another ballistic missile toward the east sea, according to a report by South Korean news agency Yonhap. The North also ordered an "exponential expansion" of its nuclear arsenal.
North Korea is moving to develop a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to a report by their state media KCNA.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) recently put out a statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that said of the United States and South Korea, "They are now keen on isolating and stifling (North Korea), unprecedented in human history. The prevailing situation calls for making redoubled efforts to overwhelmingly beef up the military muscle.”
During a six day meeting discussing new objectives, Kim Jong Un called for "an exponential increase of the country’s nuclear arsenal” and to mass produce battlefield tactical nuclear weapons.
He has ordered his military to develop the country's "quick nuclear counterstrike capability" and to create a weapon that is capable of striking mainland United States. He also said that the Norths first military reconnaissance satellite will be launched “at the earliest date possible".
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke to military officers in a video conference and said that "The new year started but our security situation is still very grave. Our military must resolutely punish any provocation by the enemy with a firm determination that we dare to risk fighting a battle".
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approached Guam - GUAM - The Liaoning Chinese aircraft carrier approached the U.S. territory of Guam while carrying out drills in the West Pacific from December 17th to December 27th.
The aircraft carrier was also spotted by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and reported in a statement on December 25th.
The statement said that the Liaoning was spotted 416 miles southeast of Okinotorishima, about 384 miles northwest of Guam before it returned to waters around Taiwan and Japan.
Chinese state propaganda site Global Times said that it appears that this is the first time the Liaoning aircraft carrier has ever approached Guam.
“The U.S. is building a group of military bases in Guam, Japan and Australia targeting China, with Guam being a core forward operating base featuring all types of military services," Global Times stated.
The Global Times continued, "Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was recently spotted for the first time sailing close to Guam, a key US military node in the second island chain, during its ongoing exercises in the West Pacific, a move analysts said on Thursday showed that the Chinese carrier is ready to defend the country against potential US attacks launched from there, including military interference attempts over the Taiwan question".
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 30-31st, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 30-31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one was a BZK-007 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Two of the spotted military aircraft entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense posted a statement that said, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 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."
A second statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (BZK-007 UAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Japanese MOD On 3 North Korean Missile Launches - JAPAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE - "North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the northeast from the suburbs of Pyongyang at 8:00 today. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that they all fell near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
(1) At around 8:01, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km.
(2) At around 8:14, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km.
③ At around 8:15, the missile was launched from the suburbs of Pyongyang toward the northeast, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100km and flying approximately 350km.
The government has provided information to aircraft and ships sailing in the vicinity, but no information such as damage reports has been confirmed at this time. Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister.
(1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information. ② Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc. ③ Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures
There were instructions about three points. At the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister's Office for the North Korean Situation, which was established in the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center, gathered information from relevant ministries and agencies, convened an emergency gathering team, and discussed responses.
In the Ministry of Defense, the Minister of Defense receives instructions from the Prime Minister."
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners.
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."
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted December 29-30, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region 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."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 EW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea - SEOUL - North Korea has fired three short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".
The ballistic missile test by North Korea comes the day South Korea conducted a test flight of a solid-fuel space vehicle, according to the South Korean defense ministry.
The solid-fuel test followed claims by North Korea that they had tested a "high-thrust, solid-fuel" rocket motor for a "new-type" of strategic weapon system.
The South Korean defense ministry said that "This flight test is a follow-up to the test on March 30 and we will achieve progress through the development process over the next several years".
The ministry added that, "Our military will double down on efforts to reinforce defense capabilities, including for the space domain."
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approached Guam, Japan, Taiwan - USINDOPACOM: "Navy J-11 fighter pilot performed an unsafe maneuver during and intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace."
The aircraft carrier was also spotted by the Japanese Ministry of Defense and reported in a statement on December 25th.
The statement said that the Liaoning was spotted 416 miles southeast of Okinotorishima, about 384 miles northwest of Guam before it returned to waters around Taiwan and Japan.
Chinese state propaganda site Global Times said that it appears that this is the first time the Liaoning aircraft carrier has ever approached Guam.
“The U.S. is building a group of military bases in Guam, Japan and Australia targeting China, with Guam being a core forward operating base featuring all types of military services," Global Times stated.
The Global Times continued, "Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was recently spotted for the first time sailing close to Guam, a key US military node in the second island chain, during its ongoing exercises in the West Pacific, a move analysts said on Thursday showed that the Chinese carrier is ready to defend the country against potential US attacks launched from there, including military interference attempts over the Taiwan question".
Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan - The U.S. government is aware of information that unknown individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad sometime during the holidays. Read Embassy Alert
Effective immediately, the Embassy in Islamabad is prohibiting all American staff from visiting Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel. Furthermore, as Islamabad has been placed on a Red Alert citing security concerns while banning all public gatherings, the embassy is urging all Mission personnel to refrain from non-essential, unofficial travel in Islamabad throughout the holiday season.
Actions to Take: Exercise vigilance at events, places of worship, and avoid locations with large crowds. Review your personal security plans. Carry identification and follow requests from law enforcement. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates.
South Korea Attempts To Shoot Down Suspected North Korean Drones Crossing Line Separating Two Countries - SEOUL - The South Korean military says that it deployed fighter jets, helicopters "and other assets" in order to shoot down North Korean drones that it says crossed over the inter-Korean border on Monday "without South Korea's permission".
The Joint Chiefs of Staff put out a statement saying that the South Korean military detected "multiple unidentified objects" which it "presumed to be unmanned aerial vehicles", in border areas of Gyeonggi Province from 10:25 am.
It said that the vehicles traveled across the Military Demarcation Line separating North Korea from South Korea, and were spotted flying "in those areas" in Gimpo, Ganghwa Island and Paju, which led South Korea to temporarily suspend civilian flights.
In response to the flights, South Korea sent fighter jets, helicopters and warplanes to "get rid of them" but said that it was unconfirmed whether or not "they carry any weapons".
A report by South Korean news agency Yonhap said that the military also deployed a KA-1 light attack aircraft, but for an "unknown reason" it crashed in Hoengseong County, which is located about 140 kilometers east of the South Korean Capital of Seoul.
71 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 25-26th, 2022 - 71 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 25-26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the military aircraft spotted, 18 were J-16 fighter jets, 12 were J-11 fighter jets, 6 were J-10 fighter jets, 6 were SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, 1 was a CH-4 reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV drone, 1 was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, 1 was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft and 1 was a WZ-7 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of defense released a statement that said, "71 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region 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."
A second statement said, "47 of the detected aircraft (J-11*12, SU-30*6, CH-4 UCAV RECCE*1, J-10*6, J-16*18, Y-8 EW*1, Y-8 ASW*1, KJ-500*1, WZ-7 UAV RECCE*1) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
China Carried Out "Strike Drills" Around Taiwan In Response To "Provocation" - BEIJING - The Chinese military said that they carried out "strike drills" around the island of Taiwan on Sunday in response to a "provocation" from both the United States and Taiwan.
On December 25th, the PLA Eastern Command announced live-fire exercises as well as patrols around the island of Taiwan in response to "provocations" from the United States.
Spokesman for the Eastern Theater Colonel Shi Yi said, "The PLA Eastern Command will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty & territorial integrity".
China has condemned the new National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the United States congress that authorized $10 billion in security assistance to Taiwan.
Taiwan says that the NDAA contains provisions that "cause serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and its foreign ministry said "China deplores and firmly opposes this U.S. move" in a statement released on Saturday.
The new defense law also contains an amendment that restricts the U.S. government from purchasing products that contain microchips manufactured by Chinese companies.
The Chinese foreign ministry said, "The case ignores the facts to exaggerate a 'China threat', wantonly interferes in China's internal affairs and attacks and smears the Chinese Communist Party, which are serious political provocations to China".
Taiwan's MOD Releases Statement On Chinese "Strike Drills" Around Taiwan - Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense issued a press release explaining that the CCP held a joint combat readiness patrol and firepower strike drill in the sea and airspace around Taiwan, undermining regional peace and stability (December 25, 2011):
Taiwan's MOD (translated): "In response to the CCP’s Eastern Theater Command holding a joint combat readiness patrol and firepower strike exercise in the sea and airspace around Taiwan today (25th), the Ministry of National Defense stated that the actions of the CCP once again highlighted its mentality of using force to resolve differences and undermine regional peace and stability.
The national army uses joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance methods to fully grasp the relevant developments, and in accordance with the principle of "guarding the center line, guarding the territorial sea, and guarding sovereignty", it dispatches troops to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the cooperation between Taiwan and the United States will help the freedom, openness, peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The National Army will continue to strengthen military preparations based on enemy threats and self-defense needs. The CCP’s related “military intimidation” actions are clearly aimed at deterring Chinese people, which will not help its international image.
The National Army is absolutely determined, capable, and confident in defending national sovereignty and ensuring national defense security."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 24-25th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 24-25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone. One of the aircraft spotted entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region 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."
Taiwan's MOD also said, "1 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Launches Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, according to the South Korean military, days after U.S. and South Korea carried out joint military exercises involving nuclear-capable bombers and jets.
The missile launches were detected at 4:32 pm, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff in a released statement, adding that South Korea has increased its surveillance posture and maintaining a state of readiness, closely coordinating with the United States.
On Sunday, North Korea had also launched two medium-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, which it said was linked to the development of a reconnaissance satellite.
39 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On December 21-22nd, 2022 - 39 Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 21-22nd, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Rare occurrences: Z-9 ASW plane, Y-20 Aerial Refueling aircraft. Bombers were also spotted. Read Full Article
Japan: Chinese Vessel Entered Territorial Waters - JAPAN - The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that On December 19th, a Chinese Shupan-class survey ship entered into its territorial waters south of Yakushima. The MOD reported that this is the 9th time the Chinese navy has entered into Japan's territorial waters, and is a "cause for concern".
The Japanese Ministry of Defense posted the following message: (translated): "On December 19th, it was confirmed that a Chinese Navy Shupan-class survey ship had entered Japanese territorial waters south of Yakushima. This is the ninth time since November this year that the Chinese navy has entered the territorial waters, and this is a cause for concern. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will resolutely protect our territory, waters and airspace."
Full Statement Released From The Japanese MOD (translated)
"On the trend of the China Maritime Supervision Paper. Reiwa 4 year 12 month 19 day (Mon) 3:20 am, Maritime Self-Defense Force, China Navy system.
1 Dupin-class survey ship (ship number "26") is about 50km southeast of Tanegashima (Kagoshima Prefecture). In the sea area, it was confirmed that it was moving westward in the sea area.Then the survey
The ship entered the connecting waters of Japan in the south of Tanegashima Island, and around 6:50 a.m. on the same day, Yakushima. It was confirmed that it entered the Japanese territorial sea in the south.
Then, around 10:30 p.m. on the same day, the survey ship was sent to Kuchinoerabujima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture).It was confirmed that it came out of the territorial sea of Japan in the west and sailed toward the southwest.
"P-1" (Kanoya) belonging to the JMSDF 1st Aviation Group collects necessary information and monitors security."
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch - U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has released a statement regarding the missile launch by North Korea saying that they are aware of the missile launch and that it poses no threat to US personnel or territory, or allies.
Statement by INDOPACOM: "We are aware of the ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. 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."
North Korea Launches 2 Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast - SOUTH KOREA/JAPAN - North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles off of its east coast, according to both the South Korean and Japanese Ministry of Defense.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it had detected the launches from the Tongchang-ri area, North Pyongan Province, between 11:13 a.m. and 12:05 p.m, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The ballistic missile tests are the first tests that North Korea has carried out in a month, and two days after North Korean state news claimed it had Carried Out A Test of a "high-thrust solid-fuel" motor at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground.
The missiles were fired around 50 minutes apart, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, which said that it has increased its surveillance posture and maintains a state of readiness, closely coordinating with the United States .
The JCS put out a statement that said, "While strengthening our monitoring and surveillance activities, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States."
So far this year, North Korea has fired over 60 ballistic missiles, the largest amount ever fired in a single year by the North.
Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Missile Launch by North Korea (11:16)
The Japanese Prime Minister's office put out the following announcement:
1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information.
2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets.
3. Take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies.
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On December 14th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels were spotted on December 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. The number of Chinese vessels spotted around the island are higher than usual today. Ongoing December Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft, one was a Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "11 PLA aircraft and 7 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."
A second statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
29 Chinese Military Aircraft, Including 18 Nuclear Capable Bombers, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 12-13th, 2022 - 29 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 12-13th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Included in the aircraft spotted were 18 nuclear capable H-6 fighter jets. Ongoing December Report
Of the military aircraft spotted, there were 18 H-6 nuclear capable bombers, one Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft and one J-11 fighter jets.
21 of the detected aircraft, including 18 nuclear capable H-6 bombers entered into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "29 PLA aircraft and 3 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."
A second statement by the MOD said, "21 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 RECCE, Y-8 ASW, J-11 and H-6*18) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated".
Chinese, Indian Troops Clash In Tawang, India - TAWANG - 150 Indian soldiers and 300 Chinese soldiers are reported to have clashed at the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China on December 9th. Read Full Article
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 11-12th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 11-12th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December Report
13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 10-11th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 11-12th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December Report
11 Chinese Military Aircrfat, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 9-10th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan December 9-10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Ongoing December Report
24 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. - 24 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 8-9th, 2022 *Unusual Activity Reported* Ongoing December Report
Unusual activity by the aircraft shown on the map near the Bashi Channel. Most Chinese military aircraft are spotted around Taiwan's northern and southwestern regions.
27 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan December 7-8th, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 7-8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, four were J-10 fighter jets, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, one was a CH-4 UCAV reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, and one was a BZK-005 UAV reconnaissance (RECCE) drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "27 PLA aircraft and 4 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, "11 of the detected aircraft (J-10*4, CH-4 UCAV, J-16*4, Y-8 ASW, BZK-005 UAV) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ."
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted On December 06th, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on December 06th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were nuclear capable H-6 bombers and one was a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "20 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
A second statement by the MOD said, "7 of the detected aircraft (J-16*4, KJ-500 and H-6*2) had entered Taiwan’s southwest and southeast ADIZ."
Russia Deploys Bastion Missile System On Island Also Claimed By Japan - Russia has deployed the Bastion coastal missile system on Kuril island of Paramushir, Russia which is an island also claimed by Japan, known by the Japanese as the Northern Territories. Read Full Article
North Korea Fires 90 Rounds Of Multiple Rocket Launchers Into Buffer Zone With South - SEOUL - (from translation): North Korea has fired 90 rounds of multiple rocket launchers into the buffer zone between North and South Korea, as South Korea and the United States continue to carry out joint live-fire military drills near the border.
The rounds fired by North Korea landed in the Northern Maritime Buffer Zone of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) which is a violation of the 9/19 military agreement.
A spokesperson for the North Korean Army's General Staff said (translated), "Since yesterday (5th) and today at around 9:15, the situation has been raised that the enemy is firing multiple rocket launchers and howitzers in the vicinity of the front again." “I gave an order to the artillery squads to immediately fire live ammunition at sea for the purpose of warning of a strong countermeasure."
North Korea Fires 130 Artillery Rounds Off West And East Coasts - PYONGYANG - North Korea has fired around 130 artillery shells off its east and west coasts, some of which landed in the buffer zone between the North's border with the South, according to the South Korean military.
South Korea says that the shells entering the buffer zone violates the 2018 inter-Korean agreement that was designed to reduce tensions between the two countries.
South Korea sent warnings to the North regarding the incident, according to a statement by the South Korean defense ministry.
The artillery shell firing was reportedly in response to joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.
North Korean state news KCNA put out a statement saying that, "The enemy should immediately cease military actions that cause escalation of tensions in areas near the front lines where visual surveillance is possible."
"We sternly warn the enemy not to stir up unnecessary escalation of tension along the front lines," it said.
The United States and South Korea have been carrying out joint land-based firing drills in Cheorwon County, which is near the border with the North, and will be continued on Tuesday.
China's Semiconductor Exports Decline, Increasing Possibility Of Taiwan Invasion - BEIJING - China's semiconductor exports are on the decline amidst the United States moving microchip manufacturing in-house, possibly making an invasion of Taiwan by China more appealing. Read Full Article
Kim Jong Un: Goal Is To Have World's Strongest Nuclear Force - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the ultimate goal for North Korea is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear strategic force and eventually build the world's strongest army. Read Full Article
China Plans To Build Nuclear Powered Base On Moon By 2028 - BEIJING - China has announced plans to build a base on the moon by 2028 and then land astronauts several years later. The base will likely be powered by a nuclear reactor. Read Full Article
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On November 27-28th, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 27th and 28th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, one was a CH-4 UCAV reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Three of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense statement said, "9 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. 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, "3 of the detected aircraft (CH-4 UCAV RECCE, Y-8 EW and Y-8 ASW) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ. R.O.C, flight paths as illustrated."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 26-27th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 26th and 27th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
The military aircraft that was spotted included two J-10 fighter jets and two J-16 nuclear capable bombers.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
A second statement by the MoD said, "4 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2 and H-6*2)had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 Vessels Spotted Around Island of Taiwan November 25-26th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th-26th, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Among the 11 Chinese aircraft that were spotted, 4 of them were H-6 nuclear capable bombers. Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "11 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
An additional statement said, "5 of the detected aircraft (CH-4 UCAV and H-6*4) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Japanese MOD: Threats Of Territorial Infringement - The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported that fighters from the Japanese Air Self-Defense force (ASDF) were scrambled from November 22nd to 23rd due to "threat of territorial infringement" over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.
Statement from the Japanese Ministry of Defense: "From November 22nd to 23rd, due to the threat of territorial infringement over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, fighters from the ASDF Northern Air Defense Force scrambled to respond. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to take all possible measures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Japan's territory and the peaceful lives of its citizens. "
6 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 25th - 6 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 25th, 2022 (by 6am), according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "6 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
US Expanding Military Presence In Philippines, Speeding Up 2014 Defense Pact - PHILIPPINES - The United States is expanding military presence in the Philippines in order to counter Chinese presence in the region, as well as speeding up the implementation of the 2014 defense pact between the two countries that had been stalled under the previous Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
During her three day visit to the Philippines, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with the current president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and addressed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and expressed the "unwavering" commitment to the Philippines.
The visit was multi-purposed and served not only to deter Chinese aggression in the region, but also mend the previously faltering ties between the United States and the Philippines.
7 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 24th, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 24th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Among the 7 Chinese aircraft that were spotted, 2 of them were J-11 fighter jets. The 4 Chinese vessels "continued to operate around the sea" surrounding Taiwan.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "7 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
"A second statement by the MoD said, "The detected aircraft (J-11*2) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
3 Chinese Military Aircraft (One Helicopter), 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 22/23rd, 2022 - 3 Chinese military aircraft, including one submarine hunting helicopter and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 22-23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Of the Chinese military aircraft, two were J-16 fighter jets, and one was a KA-28 antisubmarine (ASW) submarine hunting helicopter.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "3 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
A second statement by the MoD said, "The detected aircraft (J-16*2 and KA-28 ASW) had entered Taiwan’s southwest and east ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
17 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted November 21-22, 2022, 2022 - 17 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 21-22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
12 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 20-21st, 2022.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
November 21-22 statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense: "17 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
"6 of the detected aircraft (J-10*4, Y-8 ASW and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
November 20-21 statement by Taiwan's MOD: "12 PLA aircraft and 4 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."
"5 of the detected aircraft(H-6*5) had entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
SEOUL - The South Korean military has put out a statement saying that they do not have any new information on the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea recently launched. The North claims that it was a Hwasong-17 missile, but thus far the South Korean military have not been able to verify the claim.
Col. Kim Jun-rak, a spokesperson for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "We have assessed the ICBM, fired on Nov. 18, was the Hwasong-17 missile as the North has claimed, and we have no information regarding its operational deployment".
He said that intelligence officials from both South Korea and the United States are currently carrying out "additional analysis" in an attempt to find out more.
2.0 Earthquake Near North Korea's Nuclear Test Site - PYONGYANG - A 2.0 earthquake hit near North Korea's Pungye-ri nuclear test site, but was found to be likely a naturally occurring earthquake, and not that of nuclear testing, according to South Korea's weather agency.
This earthquake is one of a series of earthquakes that have hit North Korea in the last few months.
The latest earthquake occurred 38 kilometers north-northwest of Kilju, North Hamgyong Province at 3:21 p.m. local time, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 41.29 degrees north and a longitude of 129.22 degrees east and had a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).
There were six other minor earthquakes near Kiju, near the location of the nuclear test site in February and March of this year.
Kim Jong Un Oversaw ICBM Test, Vows To Respond With Nukes If Enemies Continue To Pose Threats - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the latest ICBM test, vowed that if enemies continue to pose threats, the North Korean government will react with nukes. Read Ongoing Report
17 Chinese Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On November 18th, 19th - 17 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 18th/19th according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
North Korea Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - ICBM - North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (#ICBM) that flew 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 kilometers (3790 miles) at a speed of Mach 22. Read Full Article
Entire North Korean Internet Taken Offline - PYONGYANG - The entire North Korean internet was taken offline over a period of two and a half hours, according to a cybersecurity researcher who Spoke To Reuters. Read Full Article
Reuters cited Junade Ali as saying, "This isn’t like a single web server is being taken offline. The network stress is so great their Domain Name System (DNS) servers have been taken offline and eventually the key routers allowing traffic in and out of the country entirely."
Ali told Reuters that the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and Naenara, another North Korean government website appeared to be hit with the 'brunt' of the "suspected attack" before the internet was taken completely offline.
Other sites affected by the suspected cyberattack was the Air Koryo national airline and "major" internal email servers.
Pakistan Shuts Down Border Crossing With Afghanistan After Both Sides Exchange Fire - Pakistan has shut down its southwestern border with Afghanistan for an indefinite period, according to both officials and local media on Monday. Read Full Article
North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) - SEOUL - The South Korean military has reported that the North launched a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) towards its eastern waters after threatening to respond with 'fiercer military responses' to the United States as a result of efforts by the United States to increase military presence on and near the Korean Peninsula. Read Full Article
11 Countries Placed On Travel Advisory Page In Last 30 Days - 11 countries have been placed on the travel advisory page in the last 30 days, including Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Ecuador, Moldova, Nigeria, China, Taiwan, Samoa, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
China
Reconsider travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macau SAR, due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions. See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction below. Exercise increased caution in the PRC due to wrongful detentions.
Taiwan
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Taiwan.
Trinidad and Tobago
Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Tonga
Reissued with updates to health information and removal of natural disaster risk indicator. Exercise normal precautions in Tonga. Read the Country Information page.
Moldova
Exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Nigeria
Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Samoa
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Samoa.
Ukraine
Reissued from October 4, 2022 with updates to security information. Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Those U.S citizens in Ukraine should depart if it is safe to do so using commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Afghanistan
Reissued with updates to relocation, citizen services, and safety and security information. Do not travel to Afghanistan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high. Given the serious risks, U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation.
Israel
Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.
Camerroon
Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Level 4 Do Not Travel List
The Level 4: Do Not Travel list includes: Afghanistan, Belarus, Faso, Burma, CAR, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tonga, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The month of October saw a large number of travel advisory alerts being released. View Travel Advisories
14 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 11th, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.Read Ongoing Report
Among the 14 Chinese military aircraft were four nuclear capable H-6 bombers and one JH-7 fighter bomber.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "14 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 11, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "5 of the detected aircraft (JH-7 and H-6*4) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
26 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 10th, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the military aircraft spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were J-11 fighter jets, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "26 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 10, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "8 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, J-16*4, BZK-005 UAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Chinese President Tells Military To Prepare For War Amid Tensions Over Taiwan - BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Tuesday that China will be increasing the training of its military and preparation for war as the nation's security is increasingly unstable and uncertain. Read Full Article
Stratcom Commander: Ukraine Just A Warm Up, The Big One Is Coming - WASHINGTON - the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command has said that the war in Ukraine is just a warm up and that the United States must be prepared for much more, around the corner, because the big one is coming. Read Full Article
Short-Range Ballistic Missile Launch By North Korea - The Japanese and South Korean Ministry of Defense reported that North Korea launched a short-range (SRBM) ballistic missile from the Sukchon area in South Pyongang Province.
The initial statement by the Japanese Ministry of Defense said, "A possible ballistic missile was launched from North Korea. We will let you know as soon as we have further news."
The South Korean military said that North Korea launched an "unspecific" ballistic missile toward the "East Sea" on Sunday, as announced by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The South Korean military later said that the missile fired by the North was short-range, and was detected from the Sukchon area in South Pyongan Province at about 3:31 p.m. local time.
63 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 7th, 2022 - 63 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 7th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
The Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island included 24 J-16 fighter jets, 2 J-11 fighter jets, 2 Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, 2 J-10 multirole combat aircraft and one KJ-500 airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "63 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 7, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"31 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, J-16*24, Y-8 ASW*2, J-10*2, and KJ-500 AEW&C) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
46 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 6th, 2022 - 46 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. The aircraft spotted included three drones. Read Full Article
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, eight were J-16 fighter jets, four were J-11 fighter jets, two were SU-30 multirole aircraft, two were Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, one was a JH-7 fighter bomber, one was a CH-4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle UCAV Reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a BZK-005 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, one was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, and one was a Guizhou WZ-7 Soaring Dragon is a high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "46 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 6, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "21 of the detected aircraft (JH-7, CH-4, SU-30*2, J-11*4, J-16*8, BZK-005, Y-8 ASW*2, KJ-500, WZ-7) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Pentagon: U.S. Able To Respond Quickly To North Korean Nuclear Test - PENTAGON - The United States is able to respond quickly to a North Korean nuclear test if necessary, a spokesperson for the Pentagon said on Friday. Washington believes North Korea has completed all preparations for a seventh nuclear test. Read Full Article
Ties Between North Korea, Russia And China Deepening - Pyongyang - Ties between North Korea and both Russia and China have been deepening as Russia and China stand in the way of holding North Korea responsible for continued provocations at the U.N. Security Council. Read Full Article
U.S. Air Force and ROK Air Force Finish Conducting Large-Scale Joint Air Training Event Vigilant Storm - INDO-PACIFIC - The United States and South Korea have finished conducting large-scale bilateral air exercises called "Vigilant Storm" that was held from October 31st, 2022 to November 4th, 2022. Read Full Article
China Completes Construction Of Its Space Station - SPACE - China launched its third and last component for its Tiangong space station on October 31st, completing construction of the station.
The Mengtian module was launched into space using a Long March 5B rocket at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and 13 hours after launch made a successful dock with the Space Station.
About a fifth of the size of the International Space Station, it can hold three astronauts, or up to six astronauts during handovers.
The station includes the core Tianhe module and two laboratory modules named Wentian and Mentian.
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 2 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 5th, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, one was an H-6 nuclear capable bomber.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "9 PLA aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 5, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (H-6) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
27 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan November 4th, 2022 - 27 Chinese military aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on November 4th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the 27 Chinese military aircraft eight were J-11 fighter jets, two were J-16 fighter jets, two were J-10 fighter jets, two were H-6 nuclear capable bombers and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of defense put out a statement that said, "27 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Nov. 4, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "15 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2, J-11*8, J-16*2, Y-8 ASW and H-6*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Fires 4 Ballistic Missiles Into Western Sea - SEOUL - North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the western sea on Saturday, according to the South Korean military.
The missiles were fired from the Tongrim County in North Pyongyan Province at 11:32 a.m. and 11:59 a.m. local time, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
They flew about 130 kilometers (80 miles) at an apogee of 20 kilometers (a little over 12 miles) at a top speed of Mach 5, the JCS statement said.
The ballistic missile test by the North comes as South Korea and the United States end their joint six-day-long military exercises.
The last day of exercises involved two U.S. B-1B strategic bombers and four South Korean F-35A fighter jets.
North Korea Launches At Least 4 More Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea launched at least four more ballistic missiles into the sea today, after launching at least 26 ballistic missiles including one ICBM the day before that triggered Japan's J-alert system and stopped trains from running in northern Japan.
The barrage of missile launches by North Korea came, at least in part in response to joint military exercises being held by North Korea and the United States. Exercises in which North Korea has called a provocation.
In response to the latest missile launches by North Korea, the United States and South Korea decided to extend the large-scale joint aerial exercises.
North Korea responded to the move by the United States and South Korea to extend exercises by saying, "North Korea says that the US and South Korea have made a very risky and wrong decision by extending air force drills, and both countries will come to know what a terrible mistake they have made," according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
North Korea Launches At Least 26 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells In Last 24 Hours - North Korea launched at least 26 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over the last 24 hours, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard, including one suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). One missile is reported to have flown over Japan, activating Japan's J-alert system. Read Full Article
North Korea Launches At Least 23 Ballistic Missiles And 100 Shells - North Korea launched at least 23 ballistic missiles and 100 shells over a 6-hour period of time, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Japanese Coast Guard. Read Full Article
North Korea Calls On US, South Korea To Stop Joint Military Exercises - PYONGYANG - North Korea on Monday called on the United States and South Korea to stop carrying out joint military exercises, calling the drills a provocation that might cause "more powerful follow-up measures" from the North in response.Read Full Article
3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 31st, 2022 - Three PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 31st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
This is the first day since Pelosi's visit to the island on August 2nd that there have been no Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 31, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
8 Chinese Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On October 30th, 2022 - 8 Chinese aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense . Read Ongoing Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island, one was an SU-30 multirole aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
"8 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 30, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"1 of the detected aircraft (SU-30) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
2022 National Defense Strategy Of The United States Of America - WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said that although Russia is an "acute threat", China "is the only competitor out there with both the intent to reshape the international order, and increasingly the power to do so". Read Full Article
25 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 29th, 2022 - 25 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 29th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the Chinese military aircraft that were spotted, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were J-11 fighter jets and one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
"25 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 29, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"7 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, J-16*4 and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
A statement from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense website said, (translated) "The Ministry of National Defense stated today (29) that as of 1700, a total of 25 aircraft sorties (7 sorties over the central line of the strait and its extension into the southwest airspace) and a total of 3 ships have been detected, continuing to operate in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. The National Army uses mission aircraft, ships and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond."
13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On October 28th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 28th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
The Chinese military aircraft spotted included one BZK-005 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone and one Y-8 Reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
"13 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 28, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"2 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 RECCE and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
The statement Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out on their website said, "The Ministry of National Defense stated today (28) that as of 1700 hours, a total of 13 aircraft sorties (2 in the southwest airspace) and a total of 3 ships have been detected, continuing to operate in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. The National Army uses mission aircraft, ships and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond."
US, South Korea, Japan Working Together To Ensure Taiwan's Self-Defense - WASHINGTON - US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on October 26th that the United States will be cooperating with South Korea and Japan in order to ensure Taiwan's self-defense. Read Full Article
US, South Korea Vow Unparalleled Response If North Carries Out 7th Nuclear Test - SEOUL - The United States and South Korea have vowed that there would be an unparalleled response if North Korea carries out an expected 7th nuclear test, and have urged North Korea to refrain from provocations. Read Full Article
North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL - North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the location of the Tongchon, Kangwon province, according to the South Korean military. The US Indo-Pacific Command put out a statement saying that they are aware of the missile launches. Read the following article for more information on them: Read Full Article
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 2 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 27th, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the 20 Chinese military aircraft, 5 were J-16 fighter jets, 2 were JH-7 nuclear-capable bombers, 1 was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, 1 was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "20 PLA aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 27, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "9 of the detected aircraft (JH-7*2, J-16*5, BZK005 UAV RECCE and KJ-500 AEW&C) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
22 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On October 26th, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels, 2 reconnaissance drones were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the 22 Chinese military aircraft spotted, three were J-16 fighter jets, two were J-11 fighter jets, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, one was a BZK007 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, and one was a WZ-7 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
"22 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 26, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"9 of the detected aircraft (J-16*3, Y-8 ASW, Y-8 EW, BZK007 UAV RECCE, J-11*2 and WZ-7 UAV RECCE) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense also released the following statement on their website (translated to English): "The Ministry of National Defense stated today (26) that as of 1700 hours, a total of 22 aircraft sorties (including 9 sorties entering the southwest airspace) and a total of 3 ships have been detected, continuing to operate in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. The National Army uses mission aircraft, ships and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond."
16 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 25th, 2022 - 16 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 25th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Seven of the aircraft, which included a JH-7 bomber, a Y-8 Reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft, Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and three J-16 fighter aircraft were spotted flying into the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and the Taiwan's southwest Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that read, "16 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 25, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
A second statement by the MOD said, "7 of the detected aircraft (JH-7, J-16*4, Y-8 RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
10 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 24th, 2022 - 10 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 24th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's MOD put out a statement that said, "10 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 24, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
South Korea Fires Warning Shots At North Korean Vessel After NLL Intrusion - SEOUL - South Korea has fired warning shots at a North Korean vessel after the South accused the North of crossing the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea, which the South calls the "de facto maritime border, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Shortly after the incident, about 90 minutes later, North Korea responded by firing 10 shots from a multiple rocket launcher (MLRS) into the buffer zone between the two countries.
Yonhap reported (translated from Korean), that a North Korean merchant vessel violated the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea early on in the morning on October 24th, and was fired on by the South Korean military after first being warned.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reportedly said, "At 3:42 a.m. today, a North Korean merchant ship (ship name: Mupo) violated the NLL from the northwest of Baengnyeong Island (about 27 km) in the West Sea, and the South Korean military took measures to evacuate it with warning communications and warning fire."
The news agency reported that the South Korean military regards the NLL as 'intrustion' and is currently investigating the incident.
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 23rd, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 23rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out the following statement, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 23, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 22nd, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 22nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "9 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 22, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Iranian Foreign Ministry Advisory Advises Citizens To Leave Ukraine - TEHRAN - Iran has released an advisory to all of its citizens strongly advising them not to travel to Ukraine, and told Iranians currently living in the country to leave the country "for their own safety".
The Iranian Foreign Ministry statement read, "Due to the military escalation in Ukraine, all Iranians are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to Ukraine. Also, Iranians living in Ukraine are advised to leave the country for their own safety".
The statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry comes just one day after the United States claimed that Iranians were sent to Ukraine to instruct Russian soldiers how to target Ukrainian locations with the Iranian-made drones Russia has reportedly acquired from the country.
Advisory From Iranian Foreign Ministry (Translated): Travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Ukraine
"Public Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notice on the travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Ukraine.
It is emphasized in the travel advice of the General Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: due to the escalation of military conflicts and the increase in insecurity in Ukraine, all Iranian citizens are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to this country.
Also, in this announcement, all Iranian nationals living in Ukraine are advised to leave this country in order to save their lives and safety.
In the final part of this travel advice, compatriots living in Ukraine are asked to remain calm and, if needed, contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kyiv at 00380630449029
Pentagon: Supersonic Bombers Sent To Guam To Send Message, To Deter Provocations - The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-1B supersonic bombers that arrived in Guam this week is a show of strength in order to deter "potential provocations," after North Korea carried out a series of ballistic missile tests, and fired into the buffer zone with the South. Read Full Article
Satellite Images Suggest North Korea May Be About To Hold Large-Scale Event - "North Korea may be preparing to hold a large-scale event, as planes appeared to be parked in front of the Pyongyang International Airport terminal on Oct. 19th-20 like during ceremonial guest arrivals before past events, according to @planet imagery analysis by @ColinZwirko. View Satellite Images
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 20th, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 20th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
China has flown military aircraft around the island every day since Pelosi's visit to the island on August 2nd, 2022.
Of the Chinese military aircraft spotted, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one was a Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
"20 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 20, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"2 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 2 PLAN Vessles Spotted Around Taiwan October 19th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 19th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
One of the Chinese military aircraft was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and a second was a Y-8 Reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement that said, "11 PLA aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 19, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MoD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 2 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 18th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
One of the Chinese military aircraft spotted was a J-11 fighter jet, a second was an SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement that said, "11 PLA aircraft and 2 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 18, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (J-11 and SU-30) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Fires Artillery Shells Into Eastern And Western Buffer Zone - SEOUL - North Korea has fired at least 250 artillery rounds into the buffer zone with South Korea on Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday.
The buffer zone was created in order to limit tensions between North and South Korea, but is not officially recognized by the North Korean government.
North Korea fired around 100 artillery rounds into the Yellow Sea at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, and then fired another 150 rounds into the East Sea at around 11 p.m. according to the South Korean JCS.
The artillery shells fell into the Eastern and Western buffer zones north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) established in 2018.
A statement by the JCS read, "Firing artillery shells into the eastern and western buffer zones is a clear violation of the September 19 military agreement, and we strongly urge North Korea to immediately halt its actions as North Korea's continued provocations are actions that undermine peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the international community".
Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said, "So again, we are seeing this happening over the course of this week. We are aware of these reports, and we call on the DPRK to cease all provocative and threatening actions".
"We continue to believe and be open to dialogue without preconditions with the DPRK as it relates to our ultimate goal here, which is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Patel added.
5 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 16th, 2022 - 5 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "5 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 16, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Ongoing Report: Chinese Military Aircraft Spotted Around Taiwan October 2022 - TAIWAN - Chinese military aircraft have been spotted every day of the month of August, September, and October since Pelosi's visit to the island on August 2nd, 2022. People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have also been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. In addition, September began seeing UAVs flying around the region surrounding Taiwan. Read Ongoing Report
Situation Overview: South Korea On 24-Hour Standby: Possible Nuclear Test By North - SEOUL - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has been on "24-hour standby" as North Korea is expected to carry out its seventh nuclear test "at any time," according to South Korean officials. The following is a situation overview on North and South Korea over the last 7 months. Read Full Article
Multiple Countries Urge Citizens To Leave Ukraine Immediately - The following countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: China, Egypt, Kazakhstan. There are alerts for other countries embassy's floating around social media, but many of those look to be older, previously issued embassy alerts.
China's Foreign Affairs agency called on citizens to leave Ukraine immediately due to a "serious security situation".
Kazakhstan began the evacuation of embassy staff from Ukraine on October 11th, 2022, on the same day that Poland advised its citizens to leave Belarus.
China Does Not Promise Not To Use Force, But Will Try To Achieve Reunification With Taiwan Peacefully - Sun Yeli, a spokesperson for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has reiterated China's stance that while China does not promise to renounce the use of force, they will do their best to achieve "peaceful reunification".
"Reunification brings bright prospects while [a pathway towards] Taiwan’s independence remains a dead end. Those external forces are unreliable," Sun stated.
"It is our first choice in resolving the Taiwan question. We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts".
"We do not promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the possibility of taking all necessary measures against the interference of external forces and the extremely small number of pro-Taiwan independence separatist forces and their separatist activities," he stated during a press conference in Beijing, China on Saturday.
"This is to guard against external interference and a small handful of Taiwan independence elements and their separatist movements. By no means does this target our fellow Chinese in Taiwan."
He said that the actions of China will not be directed against the people of Taiwan, because Beijing's goal is to promote the process of peaceful reunification of the island with mainland China.
"We will do our best to achieve peaceful reunification. Even if there is the slightest possibility of such a reunification, we will implement it to the end," he said, and added that a military solution would be the 'last resort'.
He accused foreign and separatist forces in Taiwan of carrying out provocations, and using the island to contain China.
"Taiwan independence forces keep making provocations. External forces are doubling down on using Taiwan to contain China. All this severely undermines the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and immediate interests of compatriots across the Taiwan Strait," he said.
“If left unchecked, it will plunge Taiwan into the abyss and bring disaster to our compatriots.”
China has been sending military aircraft into the area surrounding Taiwan every day since the visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 2nd, 2022 and has recently been frequently sending reconnaissance drones into the region as well.
South Korea Looking Carefully At Nuclear Deterrance Options - SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said on Thursday that he is looking carefully at "extended deterrence" options as North Korea tests ballistic missiles that it says were intended to simulate a tactical nuclear weapon strike on South Korea.
South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, one of the oldest running newspapers in the country reported that South Korea had requested that the United States deploy strategic assets, such as nuclear submarines or aircraft carriers around the Korean Peninsula around the clock on a rotational basis if the South carries out a 7th nuclear test.
When the South Korean President was asked about the report, he said "As I said the other day, there are diverse opinions across our nation and in the United States regarding extended deterrence, so I am listening to them carefully and looking carefully at various possibilities."
"I'd like you to understand that it's difficult for a president to openly confirm or give a clear answer on such security issues," he added.
Chinese ambassador, and Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsula Affairs posted a statement regarding reports that the South Korean ruling party had proposed the United States redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in the region.
Xiaoming said, "In response to reports that in response to the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons, South Korea's ruling party proposed that South Korea need to redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that we have taken note of the relevant reports. All parties concerned should abide by their international obligations and commitments and take concrete actions to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula and the region."
He then added, "In response to the report that the ruling party in the #ROK has proposed that the country needs to re-deploy the #US ’s tactical nuclear weapons to respond to the threat of the #DPRK ’s nuclear weapons, #FM spokesperson said that we have noted the reports."
"Relevant parties need to fulfill their respective international obligations and commitments, and take concrete actions to uphold peace and stability on the #Korean Peninsula and in this region."
South Korean Daegu City Mayor Hong Joon-pyo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has been calling for South Korea to acquire nuclear weapons of its own.
On October 5th, he wrote on Facebook, "It is time for the government to thoroughly review the nuclear strategy towards the North" and said that national security should be obtained through "military balance".
Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for North Korean Studies at the Sejong Institute told the South Korean daily newspaper Hankyoreh that, "The tactical nuclear redeployment brought up by the ruling party is not a well-thought-out decision."
“It is a misjudgment which has been caused by excessive trust in the US since [South Korea] has long been relying on extended deterrence from the US," he reportedly added.
Experts in the United States however, have stated that there is "little or no military benefit that can be served by deploying U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea," according to South Korean news Yonhap.
The paper also reported that stationing nuclear-armed submarines in waters near South Korea may also provide no significant merit, and said that the 28,500 U.S. soldiers already currently stationed in South Korea may provide enough security assurance and deterrence that the country needs.
Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow at the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation said, "The redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korean soil lacks military merit".
The expert also said that the United States does not maintain ground-based nuclear weapons and that its tactical nuclear weapons are now mounted on mobile air and sea platforms, which make them "difficult for North Korea to find and target".
"To place them in a static underground bunker would degrade allied deterrence and heighten the risk of a North Korean preemptive attack on such high-value targets," he added.
In 1991 the United States removed its nuclear weapons from South Korea due to a disarmament deal with the Soviet Union at the time, as well as an inter-Korean agreement on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
However, according to Yonhap, a growing number of South Koreans, including ruling party lawmakers have "been calling for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea," due to the recent series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea.
Patrick Cronin, Chair for Asia-Pacific Security at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington said that he does not think that the Biden Administration will agree to deploy nuclear weapons in South Korea, and said that the United States military may not have such weapons available currently due to the war with Ukraine, and competition with China.
"The deployment of 28,500 U.S. troops on South Korean soil remains a severe barrier to aggression by North Korea. These forces and the alliance are backed by the entire arsenal of U.S. forces, including stealthy undersea and long-range nuclear weapons," he told Yonhap.
In response to the South Korean President's comments on looking into "various possibilities" to strengthen U.S. extended deterrence, Yonhap reported Klingner as pointing out that America's nuclear submarines do not need to be near the continent to hit North Korea.
"Submarines are stealthy launch platforms whose location is best kept from opponents. Any U.S. statement that a submarine was "near" Korea could not be verified by either North or South Korea. Nor does the submarine need to (be) near the peninsula to reach North Korea with nuclear weapons," he stated according to Yonhap.
Another expert, Harry Kazianis, president and CEO of Rogue States Project, a national security think tank based in Washington told the news agency that the United States may be already be patrolling the Pacific on a 'nearly continuous basis".
"Basing such a submarine would only speed up the destruction of North Korea within a few minutes if the DPRK attacked, and provides no benefit to Seoul at all," he said.
"While it does signal support for sure, there is no military benefit in any way at all," he added, adding that the Biden administration might appear to consider deploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea if the request is made, but not actually deploy them.
"Washington could float the idea it was considering such a request to get North Korea to back off or deter more DPRK missile tests and get the benefit of deployment without actually doing it," he told Yonhap.
In another report, Radio Free Asia said that North Korea is not yet in a position to deploy tactical nuclear weapons that would have the capability of hitting targets with precision.
It did say, however, that according to experts, the country will likely begin testing tactical nuclear weapons in the near future.
Tactical nuclear weapons have warheads much smaller than a larger nuclear warhead. While a nuclear missile is intended for widespread destruction, tactical nuclear missiles are meant to be used on targets in the battlefield.
Olli Heinonen, who is a former deputy director-general for safeguards at the International Atomic Energy Agency spoke to Radio Free Asia and said that North Korea does not have enough fuel to manufacture multiple tactical nuclear weapons.
"The bulk of its plutonium has the wrong composition for short-range targeted strikes," RFL cited him as saying. He did say that the country is striving "to produce good fissile material for miniaturizing nuclear weapons."
He said that even if the North obtains enough plutonium, the weapons will still have to be tested, which would lead to depleted supplies.
"They need to conduct nuclear tests if they want to miniaturize weapons. Once they will test it, they will see if it works, Only then can they manufacture more efficient and smaller weapons." he stated according to RFA.
Bruce Bennett, a senior defense researcher at the RAND Corporation told RFA that the tests that North Korea has carried out thus far were "not very serious operational tests," but said that their purpose may have been to “to make sure his personnel really understand how to fire the missiles.”
“In real operations, these theater missiles would need to be fired within a few tens of seconds of each other to then give their launchers time to escape before they could be targeted,” he told RFA.
"But on the North’s five recent test events involving two missiles, the shortest separation in the launches was nine minutes, the longest 22 minutes, and the average 14 minutes. That is not really operational," he added.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a press briefing that the United States is committed to "dialogue and diplomacy" and to diffuse the tensions with North Korea, but is ensuring that its "deterrent capabilities are where they need to be."
"We want to see the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We believe that the best way to do that is through diplomacy – through principled, hard-nosed diplomacy with the DPRK,” referring to North Korea. “Clearly the DPRK is not there yet." Price said.
South Korea Put Military On High Alert Due To Latest Missile Launch -South Korea put their military on high alert after the latest ballistic missile launch by the South. The move also followed North Korea sending aircraft near the shared border with the South and firing around 80 artillery shells.
A spokesperson for the National Defense Ministry of South Korea said that the North's actions were "a critical provocation to damage international peace and regional stability," according to Newsweek.
"Our military is keeping strong military posture on high alert on the condition of cooperation with U.S," Newsweek cited the spokesperson as saying on Friday.
The North Korean General Staff statement said that "the south Korean army conducted an artillery fire for about 10 hours near the forward defence area of the KPA Fifth Corps on Oct. 13," according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA.
"Taking a serious note of this provocative action by the South Korean military in the frontline area, we took strong military countermeasures. The KPA sends a stern warning to the south Korean military inciting military tension in the frontline area with reckless action," KCNA cited the KPA as saying.
KCNA also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said that the North's Nuclear Combat Forces "proved again their full preparedness for actual war to bring the enemies under their control at a blow through the unconditional, mobile, precise and powerful counterstrike by any weapon system."
"Stressing again that the test-fire is...another clear warning to the enemies and the practical verification and clear demonstration of the absolute reliability and combat capacity of our state's war deterrent," KCNA reported.
"Kim Jong Un added that we should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it," it added.
23 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 14th, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
23 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 14th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 23 Chinese military aircraft that were spotted one was an SU-30 multirole aircraft, and three were J-16 fighter jets.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "23 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 14, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In a second statement the MOD said, "4 of the detected aircraft (SU-30 and J-16*3) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
South Korea Put Military On High Alert Due To Latest Missile Launch - South Korea put their military on high alert after the latest ballistic missile launch by the South. The move also followed North Korea sending aircraft near the shared border with the South and firing around 80 artillery shells.
A spokesperson for the National Defense Ministry of South Korea said that the North's actions were "a critical provocation to damage international peace and regional stability," according to Newsweek.
"Our military is keeping strong military posture on high alert on the condition of cooperation with U.S," Newsweek cited the spokesperson as saying on Friday.
The North Korean General Staff statement said that "the south Korean army conducted an artillery fire for about 10 hours near the forward defence area of the KPA Fifth Corps on Oct. 13," according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA.
"Taking a serious note of this provocative action by the South Korean military in the frontline area, we took strong military countermeasures. The KPA sends a stern warning to the south Korean military inciting military tension in the frontline area with reckless action," KCNA cited the KPA as saying.
KCNA also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said that the North's Nuclear Combat Forces "proved again their full preparedness for actual war to bring the enemies under their control at a blow through the unconditional, mobile, precise and powerful counterstrike by any weapon system."
"Stressing again that the test-fire is...another clear warning to the enemies and the practical verification and clear demonstration of the absolute reliability and combat capacity of our state's war deterrent," KCNA reported.
"Kim Jong Un added that we should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it," it added.
Statement From Japan's Ministry of Defense: North Korean Missile Launch (Translated) - JAPANESE MOD - At around 1:47 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile toward the east from the suburbs of Pyongyang, North Korea. The details are currently under analysis, but it is estimated that it flew about 650km at a maximum altitude of about 50km and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, it is possible that the ballistic missile flew on an irregular trajectory, and the analysis is still ongoing.
The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.
Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister, (1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information. Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc. Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.
In response, the Minister of Defense (1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries. (2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance. I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives.
North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible.
13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 13th, 2022 - 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 13th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
One of the aircraft spotted was a Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft, and another was a BZK-005 reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "13 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 13, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (BZK-005 UAV RECCE and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Fires Another Ballistic Missile, Flies Military Aircraft Near South Korean Border - SEOUL - South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff has reported that North Korea has launched another ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and flown military aircraft toward the South Korean border. North Korea also fired around 170 artillery shots into the "buffer zone".
The incident caused South Korea to scramble F-35 fighter jets, as well as other military aircraft in response after the North's aircraft flew around 7 miles from the shared border between the two countries early on Friday.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, "From 10:30 pm on the 13th to 0:20 on the 14th, North Korea fired a ballistic missile immediately after making a threatening flight south of the tactical action line with about 10 military aircraft."
The South Korean military put out a statement saying that North Korea had fired 1 short-range ballistic missile from Sunan area in Pyongyang.
The Japanese Prime Minister's office also put out a statement saying, "PM’s instructions (01:52) 1. Dedicate maximum effort to gather & analyze information, & provide the public speedy & adequate information. 2. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, & other assets. 3. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."
On October 4th, North Korea had fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) which has been presumed to be an upgraded version of the Hwasong-12 ballistic missile. It's maximum range was 4,500 kilometers (2796 miles).
Japane's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu said on Thursday that he believes North Korea has developed small nuclear warheads designed to fit onto ballistic missiles capable of reaching South Korea.
He also said that North Korea has made significant progress with its nuclear weapons program, and believes that the country has manufactured smaller warheads that can be placed onto medium-range ballistic missiles.
A few of those missiles include the Nodong, as well as the Scud-ER that has the capability of reaching Japan.
Hamada said that it is becoming more and more difficult to detect ballistic missile launches by North Korea, or to intercept them successfully.
A State Department spokesman said in a written inquiry regarding the North Korean ballistic missile launch, "This, along with other launches since last month, violates a number of resolutions unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council, and threatens peace and stability in the region" Yonhap reported.
"We continue to pursue sincere and continued dialogue with North Korea, but North Korea is refusing it".
*Update* - The South Korean military has reported that North Korea fired around 170 artillery rounds into the "buffer zone," and violated the 2018 inter-Korean accord.
The National Security Council (NSC) has strongly condemned North Korea for flying their military aircraft near the border and firing the artillery rounds into the buffer zone, as well as the missile launch.
A statement by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said that they are aware of the missile launch by North Korea, and said that the launch does not pose an immediate threat to United States personnel, or territory, or to allies.
USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK Missile Launch:
USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of a DPRK ballistic missile launch. We have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. We will continue consulting closely with our allies and partners to monitor the DPRK’s destabilizing ballistic missile launches. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad."
North Korea Launches Two Long-Range Cruise Missiles - SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles Thursday, according to the country's state media, saying that it was a test in order to confirm reliability and operation of nuclear-capable missiles.
North Korea's state news agency said that the purpose of the test carried out on Wednesday was "enhancing the combat efficiency and might" of cruise missiles deployed to the Korean People's Army "for the operation of tactical nukes".
Kim said that the test was a clear warning to its "enemies", and that the country "should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it".
According to KCNA the missiles flew for 10,234 seconds in order to "clearly hit the target 2,000 km (1,240 miles) away".
DOD: Indo-Pacific Exercise Offers Effective Deterrence - DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - The 16th annual Garuda Shield exercise started Aug. 3, this year expanding from a bilateral training event between the Indonesian and U.S. militaries to 14 participant nations, making it one of the largest multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Garuda Shield is a great example of integrated deterrence where allies and partners work together to deter aggression from China and Russia, Mara E. Karlin, assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities, said during a panel on "Landpower and Integrated Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific" at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army. Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific
"Partners in regions across the world want to collaborate, want to work together. And we just see this in spades. It brings a comparative advantage as we deal with challenges," she said.
"The National Defense Strategy is really premised on this urgent need to sustain and strengthen deterrence with the focus on the People's Republic of China," she said.
Besides working with allies and partners, integrated deterrence also means integrating with interagency partners, she said.
"We are most successful as a U.S. government when we're all focused on our comparative advantages; when our diplomats are focused on delivering in their world; when our treasury colleagues are focused on just sanctioning the heck out of our adversaries; when all of us are showing up across the interagency doing what we do best," she said.
A third type of integrated deterrence is having a credible combat force able to maneuver at speed and scale across theaters and across spectrums of conflict using capabilities in all domains — air, land, sea, space and cyber, she said.
The spectrums of conflict refer to gray zone, hybrid and conventional warfare, each at a different level of intensity and strategy.
Regarding integrated deterrence, Karlin said the force must be resilient and have a "good feedback loop," to understand what adversaries are thinking.
"How does the adversary perceive what's going on, and are we having the impact we think we are having? That's a hard conversation because there's often resources and attention put toward an issue. But we really have to be rigorous. We have to be comfortable looking and saying, 'We have tried to do X or Y. Did it work?' And then really being able to learn," she said. View DOD Statement
15 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 12th, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 15 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted in the "surrounding region" around the island of Taiwan on October 12th, 2022.
Of the 15 Chinese military aircraft spotted, three were J-16 fighter jets, one was a BZK007 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare plane, and one was a Y-8 Reconnaissance plane.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "15 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 12, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "6 of the detected aircraft (BZK007 UAV, Y-8 ASW, Y-8 RECCE and J-16*3) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea: Recent Missile Tests Simulated Use Of Tactical Nuclear Weapons - PYONGYANG - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un released a statement on the 77th anniversary of its ruling Worker's Party that said that the North's recent ballistic missile launches have been to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons for "hit and wipe out" potential.
North Korean's official state news agency KCNA said that military units handling "tactical nukes" staged exercises where they practiced launching ballistic missiles "under the simulation of loading tactical nuclear warheads at a silo under a reservoir."
"The drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".
"Through seven times of launching drills of the tactical nuclear operation units, the actual war capabilities … of the nuclear combat forces ready to hit and wipe out the set objects at any location and any time were displayed to the full" KCNA stated.
The state news agency said that the ballistic missile tests were in response to the joint drills carried out by the United States and South Korea, which involved nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
North Korea viewed the drills as a military threat, and thus staged a "simulation of an actual war" in order to do checks on, and improve its war deterrence capabilities, as well as send a message to its enemies, according to KCNA.
Although the United States and allies insist that the joint drills in the region were purely defensive, North Korea considered them to be an invasion rehearsal.
The North had released a series of photos documenting the launches, which were supervised by Kim himself.
The launches included a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, as well as missiles which have the purpose of carrying out nuclear strikes on airfields in South Korea, as well as command facilities and strategic ports, KCNA said.
The missile that flew over Japan, North Korea said was a new-type intermediate range missile that flew a distance of 4,500 kilometers, or roughly 2796 miles, capable of hitting Guam, and possibly even Alaska or Hawaii which sits around 3,552 miles away from North Korea.
North Korea also claimed that 150 combat aircraft carried out a large-scale combined air-attack drill on October 8th, 2022.
The The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol released a statement that said, "It is important to accurately recognize the grave security reality on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and prepare appropriately for it. Protecting the lives and safety of people is not about words, but it is a real-life problem."
The South Korean President said that North Korean "drill was aimed at confirming the order of taking tactical nuclear warheads out and transporting them and of managing them in a rapid and safe way at the time of operation, checking the reliability of the overall management system, making the units acquire launching capabilities of the ballistic missile at the underwater silos and inspecting their rapid response posture".
South Korean President Yoon told reporters that North Korea has "nothing to gain from nuclear weapons".
"North Korea is steadily developing and advancing its nuclear weapons and threatening not only the Republic of Korea but the world, but I believe it has nothing to gain from nuclear weapons," he said, while saying that the nuclear threat is "growing serious by the day".
When he was asked whether Yoon's administration's denuclearization policy on North Korea is still effective in pushing the country toward complete denuclearization, Yoon replied yes, he does believe so.
"North Korea's denuclearization has been sought over the last 30 years since the early 90s under the aim of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which saw us having our tactical nukes withdrawn," he stated.
There have been raised concerns lately of an expected 7th nuclear test by the North after satellite photos show that the work being done on Tunnel 3 of North Korea's nuclear test site appears to be finished, which would conceivably make the facility ready to carry out a nuclear test.
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 11th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 11 Chinese military aircraft spotted one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare aircraft, and one was a Y-8 reconnaissance (RECCE) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "11 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 11, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
26 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 10th, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Of the 26 Chinese military aircraft spotted, six were J-16 fighter jets, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "26 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 10, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "8 of the detected aircraft (J-16*6, Y-8 ASW and Y-8 EW) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Kim Jong Un Inspects Military Training Of Tactical Nuclear Weapon Units - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the military training of tactical nuclear weapon units, according to the country's state media KCNA.
The North Korean leader, who said he wants no more dialogue with enemies, made a "field guidance" to the drills that were carried out from September 25th to October 9th during the joint live-fire missile exercises between the United States and South Korea.
KCNA said that the joint exercises saw an aircraft carrier, an Aegis destroyer and a nuclear-powered submarine.
Kim reportedly said that he feels no need for dialogue with enemies, and there is nothing to talk with them about.
12 Chinese Military Aircraft (1 UAV), 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 9th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft (1 UAV), and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 9th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 12 Chinese military aircraft spotted around the island of Taiwan, one was an SU-30 multirole aircraft, and one was a BZK-005 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV drone.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released a statement saying, "12 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 9, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In a second statement the MOD stated, "2 of the detected aircraft (SU-30 and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
Japanese Ministry Of Defense Statement On Latest North Korean Missile Launches - JAPANESE MOD (Translated from Japanese)- "North Korea launched two ballistic missiles toward the east from near the east coast of North Korea at 1:00 today. We are currently analyzing the details, but it is estimated that it fell in the Sea of Japan on the east side of the Korean Peninsula, and both are outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The flight distance is estimated as follows, and the possibility of the launch location being over the sea is still being analyzed.
(1) At around 1:47 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.
(2) At around 1:53 a.m., the missile was launched from the eastern coast of North Korea toward the east, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 km and flying approximately 350 km.
The Ministry of Defense promptly shared information within the government and with related organizations. To date, no reports of damage from aircraft or ships have been confirmed.
Immediately report this matter to the Prime Minister,
(1) Make every effort to collect and analyze information, and provide the public with prompt and accurate information.
2 Thorough confirmation of the safety of aircraft, ships, etc.
3 Prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take all possible measures There were instructions about three points.
In response, the Minister of Defense:
(1) Make every effort to gather and analyze information while cooperating closely with the United States and other countries.
(2) To prepare for the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, continue to take all possible measures to ensure vigilance and surveillance.
I gave instructions on two points. After that, we are taking all possible measures, such as holding a meeting of related executives under the vice minister.
North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. We strongly condemn such ballistic missile launches, which violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely with the United States and other countries, and will make every effort to collect and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance based on the instructions of the Minister. We will make an announcement as soon as possible."
US Indo-Pacific Command Statement On North Korean Launches - USINDOPACOM: "We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. 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 launch highlights 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."
North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - SEOUL- North Korea has fired two more short-range missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to the South Korean military, after the United States and South Korea completed joint naval exercises the day before which involved U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
The missile tests came after North Korea had warned the United States that the redeployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier near the Korean Peninsula was inflaming tensions in the region.
The South Korean military reported that they detected the two missile launches between 1:48 a.m. and 1:58 a.m. from North Korea's eastern coastal city of Munchon.
6 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 8th, 2022 - 6 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 8th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "6 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 8, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
UN Panel: North Korea Continues Preperations For Nuclear Test - A U.N. Panel stated Friday that North Korea spent the first half of 2022 advancing its missile programs, and preparing for a possible nuclear test.
It also said the country may be obtaining and transferring weapons technology through students currently studying abroad.
The panel's biennial report, which covers the first six months of 2022 stated, "During the reporting period, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made preparations at its nuclear test site, although it did not test a nuclear device".
In March, the U.N. panel had reported that North Korea may have begun repairing the North's main nuclear site in Punggye-ri, possibly in order to carry out it's 7th nuclear test.
The report said, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has reopened its nuclear test infrastructure, including the test tunnel and supporting buildings (see figures I–III), which were demolished in May 2018".
The report said that the North's missile program has rapidly advanced, which may have been made possible by the "intangible transfer of technology involving scientists of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in particular fields of activity."
"A Member State informed the Panel that there were students from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea studying abroad who send information back to the country by order of military organizations and governmental departments responsible for science, technology and the economy," it stated.
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 6th, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, 4 PLAN vessels spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 6th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
One of the Chinese military aircraft spotted was a Y-8 ASW.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "9 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 6, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Flies Fighter Jets, Bombers Near Shared Border With South, South Mobilizes 30 Jets - North Korea conducted firing drills with fighter jets and bombers on Thursday, flying aircraft near the South Korean border, according to the South Korean military. South Korea mobilized 30 fighter jets in response, including F-15Ks.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the drills were an apparent response to joint air, ground and naval drills between the United States and South Korea.
12 jets conducted a firing drill in the afternoon after North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles that same day.
Eight fighter jets flew with four bombers, all in formation, and appeared to be carrying out air-to-surface firing exercises according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The military said that North Korean military aircraft breached South Korea's "special surveillance line" which is located near the two countries shared border in the afternoon.
The JCS statement said that the South Korean military then mobilized 30 fighter jets, which included F-15Ks in response to the actions by North Korea.
North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has reportedly fired another "unspecified" ballistic missile toward the East Sea, according to Japan's Coast Guard, the South Korean military and South Korea's news agency Yonhap, which is reporting multiple ballistic missiles.
Japan's Prime Minister's office has put out a statement saying, "[Emergency alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan."
After putting out the statement, the Prime Minister's office quickly deleted it. More information to follow.
Prime Minister's office update correction: "[Emergency alert (Correction)] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."
*Update* - The South Korean military is now saying that two short-range ballistic missiles were fired from Pyongyang, according to Yonhap.
Yonhap reported that the Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches from the Samsok area in Pyongyang between 6:01am and 6:23am local time.
The JCS put out a statement saying, "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States".
North Korea Sends Missile Over Japan, US South Korea Hold Live-Fire Drills - PYONGYANG - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the US and South Korea held live-fire missile drills, during which one missile malfunctioned and crashed down inside the Air Force base in Gangneung. Read Full Article
US Sends Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier To Korean Peninsula After North Korean Missile Flies Over Japan - After North Korea sent a missile flying over Japan, the United States has not only commenced joint live-fire missile drills with South Korea in the region, but is now sending nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan back to waters near the Korean Peninsula, according to officials at the U.S. Defense Department.
The USS Ronald Reagan is now located in the Sea of Japan, according to a Navy Spokesperson Wednesday. It has returned to the waters after finishing up exercises with South Korea and Japan on Friday.
Sending the aircraft carrier to the region for the first time since 2017 just after the North had launched the missile over Japan, its fifth missile test in the last two weeks, is an apparent signal to Pyongyang.
33 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 5th, 2022 - 33 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 5th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Four of the Chinese military aircraft spotted were J-11 fighter jets, another four were J-16 fighter jets, and another was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "9 of the detected aircraft (J-11*4, J-16*4 and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
An additional statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "33 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 5, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Malfunctioned South Korean Missile Crashes Down Inside Airforce Base In Gangneung During Joint Exercises With US - A malfunctioned Hyumoo-2 ballistic missile fired by South Korea crashed inside the ground of an air force base in Gangneung on Wednesday during live-fire missile drills with the United States, leading some residents of the area to believe North Korea had attacked the city and caused panic.
Government officials didn't release any information regarding the incident for hours, leading to various assumptions as to what might have occurred.
The ballistic missile malfunction isn't reported to have caused any injuries, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The military said that it was investigating what had caused the "abnormal flight" of the missile.
Gangneung’s fire department, as well as its city hall stated that emergency workers were dispatched to the scene at the air force base in response to calls regarding a possible explosion, but were sent back by military officials.
On Thursday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that drills with the United States on Tuesday included test firing four intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRCBMs).
Each side launched two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), as well as a Hyumoo-2 missile which was successful.
During the joint live fire drills, fighter jets were deployed which fired at a target located off South Korea's western coast.
The drills were an apparent response to a North Korean IRBM Mupyong-ri missile that was fired on October 4th from Jagang which flew over Japan, leading to the country putting out a nationwide J-alert telling residents to seek cover underground or in a sturdy building.
A spokesperson for the Japanese government stated that the missile was not shot down because it was not believed to post a threat.
So far this year North Korea has test fired 40 ballistic missiles.
Statements By South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff: Statement 1 | Statement 2
Japanese Government Issues Warning: North Korea Appears To Have Launched Ballistic Missile Over Japan - The Japanese government has issued a warning saying that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile toward Japan and has urged everyone in the country to monitor news media.
A second message by the Prime Minister's Office of Japan stated, " [Emergency Alert] A projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely flown over Japan".
14 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 3rd, 2022 - 14 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 3rd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "14 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 3, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-9 EW) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
22 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan October 2nd, 2022 - 22 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 2nd, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "22 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 2, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
The MOD added, "8 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, J-16*2, BZK-005 UAV, CH-4 UCAV, Y-8 and Y-9 EW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Island Of Taiwan October 1st, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on October 1st, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Oct. 1, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (SU-30 and J-16) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
North Korea Fires Four Rounds Of Short-Range Ballistic Missiles In A Week - North Korea has fired a four rounds of ballistic missiles in less than a week, according to the South Korean military. Details on the launches here: Read Full Article
North Korea Fires Two More Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - North Korea has fired another two ballistic missiles, in their fourth round of missile tests in a week, according to the South Korean military.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the missiles were fired at around 6:45 am from Sunan, which is located north of Pyongyang. Each of the two missiles were fired around 8 minutes apart from one another.
The missiles flew around 217 miles at a maximum speed of Mach 6, according to the South Korean military.
Japan's Coast Guard also reported the missile test, saying that they flew 400km and 350 km respectively and reached an altitude of 50km, according to Japan's State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino.
USINDOPACOM Statement Regarding DPRK Launches: The US Indo-Pacific command has put out the following statement on the two short-range missile launches by North Korea:
"We are aware of the two ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. 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 launch highlights 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.
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 30th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 30th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
The statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "8 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 30, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems." Read Full Article
North Korea Fires At Least One More Missile From Suchon Region - North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military.
North Korea has fired at least one more short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunchon region, according to the South Korean military, which says the missiles flew about 350 kilometers (217 miles) at apogees of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a speed of Mach 5.
One report by Yonhap says that one missile had been fired. Another report by Yonhap says that two missiles were fired, both short-range.
The missile(s), which landed in the East Sea, were fired hours after U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) around South Korea's shared border with North Korea.
The Japanese Coast Guard also reported that North Korea had launched a missile.
During her visit Kamala Harris said that the United States has a "strong alliance" with "the republic of North Korea," accidentally referring to South Korea as "North Korea".
She said that "It is an alliance that is strong and enduring."
Harris also said, "I cannot state enough that the commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea is iron-clad, and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that it has meaning in every way that the words suggest".
She condemned North Korea as a "brutal dictatorship", along with the North's arms program and its human rights violations.
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 29th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 11th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
31 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 28th, 2022 - 31 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 28th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
The Chinese military aircraft included four J-11 fighter jets, two J-16 fighter jets, one BZK-005 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, one TB-001 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV, and one CH-4 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UCAV.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan released a statement saying, "31 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 28, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
The MOD added, "10 of the detected aircraft (J-11*4, J-16*2, BZK-005 UAV, Y-8 ASW, TB-001 UCAV and CH-4 UCVA) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 27th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
No other information was given out by the Ministry of Defense on today's report except for the following statement, "11 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 27, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 26th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 26th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Three of the Chinese military aircraft were J-16 fighter jets.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "12 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 26, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
A second statement by the MOd said, "3 of the detected aircraft (J-16*3) had flown on our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
15 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 25th, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 25th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Updated Ongoing Report
DOD: Conflict With Nuclear Peer Possible, As Russia Uses Dangerous Nuclear Rhetoric - RUSSIA/UKRAINE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "partial mobilization", as well as Putin's threats to use "all means" at Russia's disposal to protect the country, saying that Putin's speech used "dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric". Read Full Article
North Korea Fires Unidentified Ballistic Missile Into East Sea - North Korea has reportedly fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to the South Korean military. Read Full Article
Rumor Regarding Coup In China - There is a rumor going around regarding a coup in China. We see no evidence of any coup having taken place in China.
The rumor was started due to a video circulating the internet showing a military convoy traveling down a road in China, along with reports of flight cancellations, which started a few days ago. The Chinese President Xi Jinping also has not been seen since the rumor started.
There have been many flights canceled, though the reason is unknown. It is more likely the flights were canceled due to COVID measures and "zero COVID policy", than due to a coup.
If we do see solid evidence about what is happening, we'll put out an update on the situation.
North Korean State News: Country Is Not And Will Not Be Exporting Weapons To Russia - North Korean state media has reported that the country is not exporting weapons to Russia, and does not have any plans at all to do so.
The North Korean military issued a 'rare' statement according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, where it said, "We have never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia before and we will not plan to export them".
The statement also said, "We condemn the U.S. for thoughtlessly circulating the rumor against the DPRK to pursue its base political and military aim."
"Not only the development, production, possession of military equipment, but also their export and import are the lawful right peculiar to a sovereign state. We have never recognized the UNSC unlawful 'sanctions resolution' against the DPRK, which was cooked up by the U.S. and its vassal forces."
38 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 21st, 2022 - 38 Chinese military aircraft, and 6 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 21st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
The aircraft included: six J-11 fighter jets, three SU-30 multirole aircraft, two J-16 fighter jets, one JH-7 fighter bomber, one BZK-005 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV, one TB-001 UCAV Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV, One Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircarft, one CH-4 UCAV Reconnaissance UAV, and one Y-8 Reconnaissance (RECCE) UAV.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense released the following statement: "38 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 21, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
A second statement by the MOD said, "17 of the detected aircraft (JH-7, BZK-005, SU-30*3, J-11*6, J-16*2, TB-001, Y-8 ASW, CH-4 and Y-8 RECCE) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
9 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 19th, 2022 - 9 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 19th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 9 Chinese military aircraft, two were SU-30 multirole aircraft, one was a JH-7 fighter bomber, and one was a J-16 fighter jet.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement by Taiwan's ministry of defense said, "9 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 19, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement by the MOD said, "4 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, JH-7 and J-16) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Biden: US Would Defend Taiwan If Attacked By China - Biden: US Would Defend Taiwan If Attacked By China
Biden on 60 Minutes: US would defend Taiwan if invaded by China.
Question: “But would U.S. forces defend the island?"
Biden: “Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack.”
Question: “So unlike Ukraine, to be clear, sir. U.S. forces, U.S. men and women would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion?"
Biden: “Yes.”
After the interview, a White House official stated that United States policy on Taiwan hasn't changed. U.S. Policy on Taiwan has always been that the United States does not support Taiwan independence.
Officially, aside from comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden, the United States government hasn't made any declarations that they will be defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Super Typhoon Nanmadol Reaches Japan - Super Typhoon Nanmadol has reached Japan. Around two million people in the country had been ordered to evacuate ahead of the Typhoon, according to NHK-World Japan. Read Full Article
Evacuations were carried out in the cities of Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Amakusa, with a total of 965,000 households having been ordered to evacuate.
A level 5 alert, which is the highest on Japan's natural disaster warning scale had been issued to over 14,0000 in Nishinoomote, which is located on Kyushu island, according to the NHK news agency.
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 18th, 2022 - 8 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 18th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
One of the military aircraft spotted was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "8 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 18, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
A second statement by the MOD said, "1 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW) had flown to our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
7.2 Earthquake Off Taiwan: Tsunami Warning - TAIWAN - Magnitude 7.2 earthquake has been detected off of the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Sunday, at 3:44 pm local time, according to Taiwan's weather bureau, and the U.S. Geological Survey. A tsunami warning has been issued as a result.
At 3:49 pm Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama regions of the Okinawa Prefecture. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center also issued a Tsunami warning, and said that tsunami waves are possible within 186 miles of the earthquake's epicenter, along Taiwan's coastline.
Japan Times has reported that the estimated height of the resulting tsunami is around 1 meter, and has advised people in the area to move to higher ground.
Taiwan news reported that a convenience store collapsed, and a train had been derailed on the east coast, as a result of the earthquake. So far casualties are unknown. Read Ongoing Report
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 17th, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 17th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Ongoing Report
Of the 20 military aircraft that were spotted, one was a CH-4 UCAV Reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "20 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 17, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement said, "2 of the detected aircraft (CH-4 UCAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had flown to our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Read Full Article
Intense Fighting Between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan - Fighting has been reported between Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, in which both countries have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire agreement. Read Full Article
43 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 16th, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 16th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 43 Chinese military aircraft, twelve were J-16 fighter jets, two were SU-30 multirole aircraft, two were H-6 nuclear capable bombers, one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV (RECCE), and one was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense read: "43 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 16, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement read: "20 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, SU-30*2, J-16*12, BZK-005 UAV RECCE, H-6*2 and KJ-500 AEW&C) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated." Read Full Article
26 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 15th, 2022 - 26 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 15th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 26 Chinese military aircraft, four were J-16 fighter jets, two were SU-30 multirole fighter aircraft, two JH-7 fighter bombers, one BZK-007 UAV Reconnaissance (RECCE) drone, and one Y-9 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese forces.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "26 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 15, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "11 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, JH-7*2, BZK-007 UAV RECCE, J-16*4, WZ-7 UAV RECCE and Y-9 EW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated." Read Report
Pentagon Had Top Secret Meeting To Discuss China And Russia's Plans To Build Unique Space Weapons - WASHINGTON – Pentagon leaders held a top-secret conference at the Pentagon on September 6th, and 7th, to discuss China and Russia's potential to develop unique space weapons, giving to a publicly posted dossier. The meetings also centered around protecting the US-owned assets currently in orbit around the earth. Read Full Article
24 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 14th, 2022 - 24 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 14th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
One of the Chinese aircraft that was spotted was a J-16 fighter jet, a second was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, and a third was a J-11 fighter jet.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "24 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 14, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
A second by Taiwan's MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (J-11, J-16 and Y-8 EW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
11 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 13th, 2022 - 11 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 13th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Two of the Chinese aircraft spotted were J-10 multirole combat aircraft, and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) plane.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "11 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 13, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement by the MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2 and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
7 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 12th, 2022 - 7 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 12th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, which included a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone.
Of the 7 Chinese military aircraft, two of them were J-10 multirole combat aircraft, and one was a BZK-005 reconnaissance UAV (RECCE).
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "7 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 12, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2 and BZK-005 UAV RECCE) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated." Read Report Here
New North Korean Nuclear Force Policy: Nuclear Launch If Leader Killed In Attack - Additions to North Korea's nuclear force policy say that a nuclear attack could commence "automatically and immediately" if the leader Kim Jong Un is either killed or incapacitated by an attack. Read Full Article
7.6 Magnitude Earthquake In Northeastern Papua New Guinea - The U.S. Geological Survey has detected a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Northeastern Papua New Guinea.
The earthquake occurred at 9:46 a.m. local time and had a depth of 56 miles. No Tsunami warning has been reported to have been issued for the region as a result of the earthquake.
Although it yet remains unclear how many deaths and injuries have been caused by the earthquake, the death toll is expected to be high, due to the severity of the earthquake.
Ongoing Report: Chinese Military Aircraft Spotted Around Taiwan September 2022 - After U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei on September 2nd, 2022, both Chinese military aircraft and PLAN vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan on a daily basis. Read Full Article
43 Chinese Military Aircraft, 9 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 10th, 2022 - 43 Chinese military aircraft, and 9 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 10th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 43 Chinese military aircraft, nine SU-30 multirole aircraft, four J-16 fighter jets, four J-10 multirole combat aircraft, one B2K-005 high-altitude, long-range UAV reconnaissance aircraft, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out the following statement, "43 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 10, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another MOD statement said, "19 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*9, J-10*4, J-16*4, BZK-005 UAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan September 9th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 9th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the 12 Chinese military aircraft spotted, two were J-10 multirole combat aircraft, one was a JH-7 fighter bomber, one was a J-16 fighter jet, one was a Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle (UAV RECCE), and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan's military tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings, and deployed air defense missile systems in order to monitor their activities.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "12 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 9, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In another statement, the MOD said "6 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2, JH-7, J-16, UAV RECCE and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
45 Chinese Military Aircraft, 7 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 8th, 2022 - TAIWAN - 45 Chinese military aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 8th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Twelve of the military aircraft that were spotted were SU-30 multi-role fighter aircraft, four were J-16 fighter jets, four were JH-7 fighter bombers, two were J-10 multi-role combat aircraft, one was a TB-001 Twin-Tailed Scorpion medium-altitude, long-range combat Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), one was a J-11 fighter jet, and one was a Y-9 Tactical Transport aircraft.
CAP aircraft were tasked, radio warnings were issued to the Chinese forces in the area, and air defense missile systems were deployed in order to monitor their activities.
The statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "7 PLAN vessels and 45 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (Sept. 4, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "25 of the detected aircraft (TB-001, SU-30*12, J-10*2, J-16*4, JH-7*4, J-11 and Y-9 CC) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Pentagon Suspends Deliveries Of F-35 Jets After Finding Chinese Made Component - The Pentagon has suspended deliveries of new Lockheed Martin's F-35 aircraft to the army after finding that a component of the jet uses an alloy made in China, which, according to a CNN report, and Interfax, violates federal defense procurement policies. Read Full Article
Japan's MOD Update On Taiwan's Defensive Strategy - Japan's Ministry of Defense has released another update on Taiwan's defense strategy "to prevent an invasion by China at the furthest distance possible".
The MOD statement said, "Taiwan has formulated a defense strategy to prevent an invasion by China at the furthest distance possible through a multilayered defense posture combining major equipment such as fighter aircraft and naval vessels…"
In addition, the MOD stated, "…with asymmetric capabilities, known as “resolute defense and multi-domain deterrence” and strengthened its domestic development of sea and air capabilities, long-range missiles."
Biden Administration Preparing To Invest $50 Billion In The US Semiconductor Industry - The Biden administration has announced plans to invest $50 billion in the US semiconductor industry, in order to "revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry and spur innovation while creating good-paying jobs in communities across the country," according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Read Full Article
Invasion Of Taiwan Would Give Emboldened China Edge Over Microchip Industry - China has been increasingly aggressive about controlling the microchip industry and emboldened in its aggressive stance towards Taiwan since the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan, and the lack of direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict by the United States. Read Full Article
Declassified Intelligence: Russia Requested Ammunition From North Korea - According to a newly declassified U.S. Intelligence, Russia could be purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. The White House has indicated that Moscow looking to purchase arms from North Korea and claims that it is further evidence that Russia is desperate, and that its ammunition supplies are running low as its "special operation" on Ukraine passes its six and a half month mark. Read Full Article
Top Stories - NK: US & South Korean Military Drills Increased Possibility Of Nuclear War - PYONGYANG - North Korean state news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has said that military drills by the United States and South Korea have increased the possibility of "nuclear war" on the "Korean Peninsula". Read Full Article
12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 7th, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 7th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Of the military aircraft, three were SU-30 multirole aircraft.
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "5 PLAN vessels and 12 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 7, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
An additional statement from the MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*3) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
8 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 6th, 2022 - Eight Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 6th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. Read Full Article
Two of the military aircraft that were spotted were JH-7 fighter bombers, and one was an SU-30 multirole aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "5 PLAN vessels and 8 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 6, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In another statement, Taiwan's MOD said, "3 of the detected aircraft (SU-30 and JH-7*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
17 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels, 1 UAV Spotted Around Taiwan On September 5th, 2022. - 17 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 5th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Four of the military aircraft were H-6 nuclear capable bombers, two were J-11 figher jets, one was a Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one was a UAV Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle (RECCE).
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, radio warnings were issued and air defense missile systems were deployed in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese assets.
A statement released by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense stated, "17 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected today (September 5, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement by Taiwan's MOD stated, "9 of the detected aircraft (J-11*2, Y-8 EW, Y-8 ASW, UAV RECCE and H-6*4) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
7 Chinese Aircraft, 1 UAV, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 4th, 2022 - Seven Chinese military aircraft, one UAV, and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on September 4th, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Two of the military aircraft spotted were J-10 multirole combat aircraft, one of the planes was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense put out the following statement, "5 PLAN vessels, 1 PLA UAV & 7 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 4, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems.
In an additional statement, they stated, "3 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2 and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Regarding the UAV, Taiwan's MOD stated, "Recently, unidentified drones from PRC have been reported hovering over the barracks in Kinmen. To counter the harassment from PRC, #ROCArmedForces have deployed anti-drone jammers & authorized soldiers to fire warning shots & signal flares as countermeasures."
Addtionally, they stated, "In the face of the CCP's drone intrusion into the Kinmen defense area, it attempts to escalate the conflict and undermine regional peace. The national army responded in accordance with the procedures, and used jamming guns, defensive shooting and signal bombs to give warnings, etc., to forcefully counteract and maintain security."
Taiwan: Drones From China Hover Over Barracks In Kinmen - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has put out a statement saying that "unidentified drones" from PRC (People's Republic of China) have been reported "hovering over the barracks in Kinmen".
In response, they have deployed anti-drone jammers and have given soldiers orders to fire warning shots and signal flares as countermeasures.
The statement from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "Recently, unidentified drones from PRC have been reported hovering over the barracks in Kinmen. To counter the harassment from PRC, #ROCArmedForces have deployed anti-drone jammers & authorized soldiers to fire warning shots & signal flares as countermeasures."
In another statement, the MOD said "In the face of the CCP's drone intrusion into the Kinmen defense area, it attempts to escalate the conflict and undermine regional peace. The national army responded in accordance with the procedures, and used jamming guns, defensive shooting and signal bombs to give warnings, etc., to forcefully counteract and maintain security."
China Threatens U.S. With Nvidia Chip Delay If Tech Export Reduction Not Dropped - The U.S. was threatened by China with a delay of a new product launch from Nvidia if it did not stop with the tech export reduction, and stated that some products might have to leave Chinese manufacturing lines. Read Full Article
Biden Administration Announces $1.1 Billion Arms Sale To Taiwan - WASHINGTON - After a full month of straight Chinese incursions around the island of Taiwan following the visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 2nd, 2022, the Biden administration has announced a $1.1 Billion arms sale to Taipei, angering China. Read Full Article
4 Chinese Aircraft, 5 PLA Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 3rd, 2022 - Four Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLA vessels have been spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on September 3rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Of the military aircraft that were spotted, two were J-10 multirole combat aircraft.
CAP aircraft were tasked, radio warnings were issued, and air defense missile systems were deployed in order to monitor the Chinese military activity in the area.
The statement made by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "5 PLAN vessels and 4 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 3, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement by the MOD said, "2 of the detected aircraft (J-10*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated".
19 Chinese Military Aircraft, 3 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 2nd, 2022 - 19 Chinese military aircraft, and 3 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 2nd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The Chinese military aircraft included two J-16 fighter jets, one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft (EW).
A statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "3 PLAN vessels and 19 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 2, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement said, "4 of the detected aircraft (Y-8 ASW, J-16*2 and Y-8 EW) had flown in our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Taiwan Military Shoots Civilian Drone, Releases Defensive Strategy - TAIWAN - The Taiwanese military have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st. Japan's Ministry of Defense has also put out a statement, along with a map showing Taiwan's defensive strategy, meant to deter "Chinese aggression". The United States is also strengthening "alliance" with the Philippines. Read Full Article
Russia Initiates Wargames With China And Others Amid Tensions With The Western World - KREMLIN - On Thursday, September 1st, Russia initiated the Vostok 2022 exercise. Being held in the far east of Russia and the Sea of Japan, The wargames are intended to demonstrate to western countries that Russia still has enough military to hold these massive exercises while it is still engaged in Ukraine. Read Full Article
Taiwan Shoots Down Civilian Drone Near Kinmen - The Taiwanese Kinmen Defense Command says they have shot down an unidentified unmanned "civilian drone" near Kinmen, Taiwan on Thursday, September 1st.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has responded to the incident. TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian stated that she's aware of reports on the incident and said that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is purposefully hyping up the incident in order to increase tensions, which she said was "absurd".
Zhu Fenglian said, "We have seen relevant reports," but said that the DPP authorities are attempting to hype the situation and create tension, and heighten the confrontation between the two sides.
Although the spokeswoman said that she was aware of the reports, she did not reveal any information on who might have been piloting the drone that was shot down.
Earlier in the day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about the incident. He responded that he was not aware of any reports in the news regarding to a drone being shot down by Taiwan's military over the Shiyu Islet.
The Taiwanese government however, have put out a report that a drone had been shot down Thursday afternoon, which they referred to as a "civilian drone".
On Sunday, the KDC had said that they would be heeding a four-step process when it comes to dealing with Chinese drone incursions, including "firing signal flares, reporting the intrusion, driving the drone out, and shooting it down".
US Official: Taiwanese People May Face Similar Fate As Uyghurs In China - The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom said that if China successfully invades the island of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people may suffer a similar fate as the Uyghurs in western China’s Xinjiang region. Read Full Article
53 Chinese Military Aircraft, 8 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan On September 1st, 2022 - 53 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan on September 1st, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
Ten of the Chinese military aircraft were J-11 fighter jets, five were J-16 fighter jets, four were JH-7 fighter bombers, two were H-6 nuclear capable bombers, one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one was a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLAN vessels and 53 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (September 1, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In another statement, Taiwan's MOD said, "23 of the detected aircraft (J-11*10, JH-7*4, Y-8 ASW, J-16*5, H-6*2 and KJ-500 AEW&C) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Rare Supertyphoon Hinnamnor Has Formed Near Japan, East Of Okinawa - A rare supertyphoon named Hinnamnor has formed over the northern part of the Pacific ocean. This tropical cyclone is currently located east of Okinawa and is presently heading southwest at a speed of around 20 miles per hour. Read Full Article
Taiwanese Soldiers Fire Defensive Shots At Intruding Chinese Drone For First Time - Taiwan has fired live ammunition at a Chinese drone that had intruded over one of Taiwan's outer islands for the first time, on Tuesday, August 30th. Taiwanese Army's Kinmen Defense Command (KDC) had said that they would be heeding a four-step process when it comes to dealing with Chinese drone incursions, including firing signal flares, reporting the intrusion, driving the drone out, and shooting it down. Read Full Article
*UPDATED* Chinese Military Aircraft Spotted Around Taiwan Every Day So Far In Month Of August - 783 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 179 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read Full Article
*UPDATED* Chinese Military Aircraft Spotted Around Taiwan Every Day So Far In Month Of August - 759 Chinese military aircraft (spotted every day of the month so far), and 168 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island of Taiwan every day since August 6th. Read Full Article
First Transit Of Taiwan Strait By U.S. Warships Since Pelosi Visited Taiwan - The USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville transited the Taiwan Strait on August 28th. This is the first transit of the Taiwan Strait since Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, causing a frenzy of live-fire exercises from China. Read Full Article
23 Chinese Military Aircraft, 8 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 28th, 2022 - 23 Chinese military aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 28th, 2022, making the total military aircraft spotted this month around the island: 722, and vessels: 160. See Full Month's Activity
Of the Chinese military aircraft that were spotted around the island, three were J-11 fighter jets, two were J-10 fighter jets, two were J-16 fighter jets, one was an SU-30 multi-role aircraft, one was a WZ-10 Attack helicopter, and one was a Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "8 PLAN vessels and 23 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 28, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In another statement, the Ministry of Defense said, "10 of the detected aircraft (SU-30, J-10*2, J-11*3, J-16*2, Y-8 ASW and WZ-10 Attack) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
BRICS: Russia & India No Longer Need U.S. Dollar - The president of the BRICS International Forum, Purnima Anand told reporters on Thursday that both Russia and India no longer need the U.S. dollar, as they have turned to national currencies to conduct mutual settlements. Read Full Article
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Denied Resupply Port Call By Solomon Islands - After completing an international patrol mission on August 26th, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Oliver Henry, was denied clearance for a pre-scheduled resupply port call from the Solomon Islands, a country that has been strengthening ties in the Pacific with China. Read Full Article
21 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted In Surrounding Region Of Taiwan August 27th, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 27th, 2022 according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The Chinese military aircraft included: Seven J-16 multirole aircraft, four H-6 nuclear capable bombers, and two J-10 fighter aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "5 PLAN vessels and 21 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 27, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
The MOD also said, "13 of the detected aircraft (J-16*7, H-6*4 and J-10*2,) had flown in our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
A U.S. Senator Has Reported That China Is Attempting To Infiltrate The Federal Reserve - WASHINGTON - Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, along with the Senate Homeland Security Governmental Affairs Committee has stated that China is attempting to recruit individuals, which are already employed inside the Federal Reserve (FED), as agents of international espionage. Read Full Article
Israel Reportedly Striking Targets In Syria, Explosions Reported In Tartus - TAIWAN - 653 Chinese military aircraft have been spotted around Taiwan every day so far for the month of August, and 139 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels have been spotted around the island every day since August 6th. Read Full Article
13 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 24th, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported 13 Chinese military aircraft, and 4 PLAN vessels in the surrounding region of Taiwan on August 24th, 2022.
The Chinese military aircraft spotted included two SU-30 multirole aircraft which flew on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The statements put out by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said:
"4 PLAN vessels and 13 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 24, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"2 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
20 Chinese Military Aircraft, 4 PLAN Vessels Spotted In Area Surrounding Taiwan August 23rd, 2022 - 20 Chinese military aircraft and four PLAN vessels were spotted in waters surrounding Taiwan on August 23rd, 2022, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense. The Chinese military aircraft detected included four J-16 fighter jets, three SU-30 multi-role aircraft and two J-11 fighter jets.
Taiwan tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems to track and monitor the activities of the Chinese aircraft and vessels.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "4 PLAN vessels and 20 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 23, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement by Taiwan's MOD said, "9 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*3, J-11*2 and J-16*4) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
15 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Surrounding Taiwan August 22nd, 2022 - 15 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels have been spotted in the region surrounding the island of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The Chinese military aircraft spotted included: two SU-30 multirole aircraft, two J-10 fighter jets, two J-11 fighter jets, two JH-7 fighter bombers, one Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft (RECCE), one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and one J-16 fighter jets.
Taiwan's military tasked CAP aircraft, issued radio warnings, and air defense missile systems were deployed in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese military activities in the surrounding area.
"5 PLAN vessels and 15 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 22, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"11 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, J-10*2, J-11*2, JH-7*2, Y-8 RECCE, Y-8 ASW and J-16) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
12 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 PLAN Vessels Spotted Surrounding Taiwan August 21st, 2022 - 12 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted in the 'surrounding region' near the island of Taiwan on August 21st, 2022.
Taiwan's responded by tasking CAP aircraft, putting out radio warnings to the aircraft and deploying air defense missile systems in order to track the Chinese planes and monitor their activities.
Taiwan's MOD said that five of the Chinese military aircraft had flown on the east part of the Taiwan Strait median line.
The statement by Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said, "5 PLAN vessels and 12 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 21, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
Another statement put out by the Taiwanese MOD said, "5 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, J-10*2 and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
51 Chinese Military Aircraft, 6 Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan - 51 Chinese military aircraft and 6 vessels were spotted around Taiwan on August 18th, 2022. Taiwan responded by monitoring the situation, deploying aircraft in CAP, naval vessels and land-based missile systems, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.
The Chinese military aircraft included twelve SU-30 multi-role aircraft, six J-16 fighter jets, four J-10 fighter jets, two H-6 nuclear capable bombers and one Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out the following statements regarding the incursions:
"6 PLAN vessels and 51 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 18, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
"25 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*12, J-10*4, J-16*6, Y-8 EW and H-6*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
Tensions With China Increasing, But US Had Failed Simulated Chinese Attack - During a press briefing in Singapore, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet stated that the amount of unsafe interceptions by Chinese aircraft has increased over the last few months. The United States had carried out wargames simulating an attack by China in 2021, but failed miserably. Read Full Article
Political Officials from China And Japan Meet Following Taiwan Tensions - CHINA - After post-Taiwan tensions, including live-fire exercises around Taiwan and Chinese missiles falling in Japan's economic exclusion zone (EEC), Akiba Takeo, Japan's National Security Secretariat, and Yang Jiechi, Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor, have met in northern China. Read Full Article
China Holds Joint 2022 International Military Exercises Co-Hosted By 12 Countries - The Chinese Ministry of Defense has reported that their military is carrying out joint military exercises that are co-hosted by 12 countries, with 37 countries in total participating. Read Full Article
21 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 Vessels Spotted Around Taiwan August 17th, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted around the island of Taiwan August 17th, 2022. Five of the Chinese military aircraft included two SU-30 and one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a statement saying, "5 PLAN vessels and 21 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 17, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems."
In another statement they said, "5 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*2, J-11*2 and Y-8 ASW) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."
30 Chinese Military Aircraft, 5 Vessels On East Part Of Median Line August 15th, 2022 - 30 Chinese military aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels were spotted on the "east part of the median line" of the Taiwan Strait August 15th, 2022.
The Chinese military aircraft included eight SU-30 multirole aircraft, four J-16 fighter jets, two J-11 fighter jets and one Z-9 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense put out a report saying "As PLA Eastern Theater announced a joint combat patrol mission, #ROCArmedForces detected 5 PLAN vessels and 30 PLA aircraft today until 1700(GMT+8). 15 of the detected aircraft had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait, flight paths as illustrated."
"We condemn PLA for jeopardizing the peace and security of our surrounding region with announcements of military drills. #ROCArmedForces monitor activities around our surrounding region and respond to every situation with professionalism to #ProtectOurCountry," they added.
CAP aircraft were tasked, radio warnings issued and air defense missile systems were deployed in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese aircraft and vessels.
UK Prime Minister Election September 5th | Main Trending Topic: 'The China Threat' - UNITED KINGDOM - There are major elections being held this fall around the world. In countries such as Australia, Israel, the UK, the United States, and Estonia, political campaigns are ongoing. Due to current price hikes on staple products and commodities, terms like recession and inflation are going around, but a new trend in UK campaigns has been mentioning The China Threat. Read Full Article
United States at Edge of War With China and Russia, Weighs In Henry Kissinger - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, in an analytical statement of world events, states that the U.S. is "Teetering on the brink of war" with China and Russia and owns some responsibility for its manifestation. Read Full Article
Market In The Capital of Armenia Hit With Huge Explosion - ARMENIA - A series of explosions hit the Surmalu shopping center in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, on August 14th, leaving 20 people injured and 1 person dead. Fires have now broken out and an unknown number of people are reportedly trapped under debris, according to the Yerevan Mayor's office. Read Full Article
Another U.S. Congressional Delegation Is In Taiwan, Less Than Two Weeks After Pelosi - A five-member delegation, led by Senator Ed Markey (D) of Massachusetts, meeting in Taiwan to discuss security, economical, and trade topics, according to the American Institute in Taiwan. Read Full Article
White House Press Release: Kurt Campbell Call Regarding China, Taiwan - White House teleconference press release: On call with Kurt Campbell regarding China and Taiwan and the recent tensions that have arisen in the Taiwan Strait. Read Full Article
The U.S. To Maintain Security In Taiwan Straight, Taipei Eternally Grateful - TAIWAN - The Foreign Ministry of Taiwan expressed with sincerity, its gratefulness to the United States for its constant presence around Taiwan and for taking specific action to safeguard the region and the Taiwan Strait. Read Full Article
China Sending Fighter Jets And Bombers To Thailand For Joint Exercises - China is sending bombers and fighter jets to Thailand for joint exercises with Thailand's military on Sunday, August 14th, 2022 Read Full Article
5 State-Run Chinese Companies To De-List From NYSE Due To Tensions With U.S. - NEW YORK CITY - In another escalation due to rising tensions, 5 Chinese state-run global companies have announced their decision to de-list from the New York Stock Exchange. Read Full Article
China: Month Long Live-Fire Drills Begin Monday, Regular Drills Planned - The Chinese military has said that they would be continuing their live-fire military drills Monday, August 8th, 2022 in the waters and skies around the island of Taiwan, focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-ship strikes. Read Full Article
China Responds To G7 Joint Statement Regarding The Taiwan Strait - The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign ministers released a joint statement regarding Taiwan calling an end to China's provocative exercises around the island of Taiwan, after which the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) condemned the statement and called it scrap paper. Read Full Article
66 Chinese Military Aircraft And 14 Vessels Around Taiwan August 7th, 2022 - 66 Chinese military aircraft and 14 vessels were detected around Taiwan on August 7th, 2022. 22 of the aircraft had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and the southwest ADIZ according to Taiwan's MOD. Read Full Article
20 Chinese Aircraft, 14 Vessels Conduct Operations Around Taiwan, China Says Drills Will Now Be Regular Occurrence - 20 Chinese military aircraft and 14 Chinese vessels conducted an air-sea operation on the surrounding area of Taiwan. Chinese state-run television also says that China will be carrying out regular drills from now on. Read Full Article
Taiwanese Official Ouyang Lixing Found Dead At Hotel - TAIWAN - (From Taiwanese Translation) Taiwanese official Ou Yang Li-hsing, who was the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and led missile production has died of a "sudden heart attack" at 57 years old in the hotel that he was saying in. Read Full Article
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces Countermeasures in Response to Nancy Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan - The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs have announced a list of "countermeasures" in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island of Taiwan.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, ""In disregard of China’s strong opposition and serious representations, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China’s Taiwan region. On 5 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the following countermeasures in response:
1.Canceling China-U.S. Theater Commanders Talk.
2.Canceling China-U.S. Defense Policy Coordination Talks (DPCT).
3.Canceling China-U.S. Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) meetings.
4.Suspending China-U.S. cooperation on the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
5.Suspending China-U.S. cooperation on legal assistance in criminal matters.
6.Suspending China-U.S. cooperation against transnational crimes.
7.Suspending China-U.S. counternarcotics cooperation.
8.Suspending China-U.S. talks on climate change."
Taiwan MOD: 49 Chinese Military Aircraft Flew Into Median Line Of Taiwan Straight August 5th, 2022 - Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has reported that 49 Chinese aircraft flew into the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait on August 5th, 2022. The Chinese aircraft included 24 SU-30 multi-role fighter aircraft, 10 J-16 fighter jets, 7 J-10 fighter jets, 6 J-11 fighter jets, 1 Y-8 electronic warfare (EW) aircraft and one Y-8 antisubmarine warfare (ASW) plane.
CAP aircraft tasked, radio warnings issued and air defense missile systems deployed to monitor the activities.
Pelosi To Visit Koreas Demilitarized Zone, Vows To Support South In Denuclearizing The North - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after having visited the island of Taiwan visiting the heavily fortified Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) that sits between the North and South Korean border on her way to Seoul, the Capital of South Korea. Read Full Article
China Shoots Missiles Over Taiwan And Into Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone - Chinese state-affiliated media announced live fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait. The Japanese Ministry of Defense reported that five Chinese missiles are 'presumed' to have landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Read Full Article
U.S. Department Of State: Worldwide Travel Alert - The U.S. Department of State has put out a worldwide travel alert, advising against traveling abroad after Sunday's drone strike where two R9X Hellfire missiles killed al-Qaeda leader, and Osama bin Laden successor, Ayman al-Zawahri.
R9X Hellfire are "kinetic kill" missiles, meaning rather than cause an explosion that kills the target, these missiles deploy six metal blades that do the job.
"Following al-Zawahri's death, supporters of al- Qa'ida, or its affiliated terrorist organizations, may seek to attack U.S. facilities, personnel, or citizens," the State Department said.
A second worldwide travel alert was also put out for a "Global Level 3 Health Advisory" that said that citizens should "reconsider travel" abroad due to COVID-19.
The statement put out by the State Department was as follows:
Caution: August 2nd, 2022 - Worldwide Caution: Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies, receive information on breaking security events and ensure that travelers can be contacted in an emergency. This version replaces the Worldwide Caution dated January 15, 2019.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. The Department of State believes there is a higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022. Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions across the globe. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
As terrorist attacks, political violence (including demonstrations), criminal activities, and other security incidents often take place without any warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad. U.S. government facilities worldwide actively monitor potential security threats and may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
When planning a trip and prior to departing the United States, U.S. citizens should consult country specific Travel Advisories and information pages on travel.state.gov. Travelers are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and to make it easier to locate them in an emergency. The Department uses these security messages to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate or call the following numbers: 1 (888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Private U.S. citizens should not travel to any country to participate in armed conflict. U.S. citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of, or providing other forms of support to, designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines.
China Sends Military Aircraft Into Surrounding Area Of Taiwan, Closes Airspace - 27 Chinese military aircraft entered into the surrounding area of Taiwan on August 3rd, 2022, and 21 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's ADIZ just one day before that, after Pelosi's visit to the island according to the country's MOD. Read Full Article
21 Chinese Military Aircraft Enter Taiwan's ADIZ On August 2nd, 2022 - 21 Chinese military aircraft entered into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on August 2nd, 2022 after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi touched down in Taiwan.
The Chinese military aircraft included 10 J-16 fighter jets, 8 J-11 fighter jets, one KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, one Y-9 Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft and one Y-8 ELINT plane.
CAP aircraft were tasked, radio warnings were issued and air defense missile systems were deployed by the Taiwanese military in order to monitor the activities of the Chinese aircraft.
Speaker Pelosi's Plane Touches Down In Taiwan - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was confirmed to have been on the aircraft heading toward the Island of Taiwan and has now landed safely. The U.S. air force had been authorized to open fire in case there was any interference from the Chinese on the plane that carried Pelosi.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has strongly protested and condemned Pelosis visit to the island of Taiwan.
Pelosi stated over Twitter upon landing: "Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy. Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region."
The hours before Pelosi landed in Taiwan, a cyber attack had hit the country. Taiwan said that an "overseas cyberattack" targeted the Office of the President's website. The website was reportedly down for 20 minutes.
The flight monitoring software, Flightradar 24 was also reported by many users to have been taken down during the cycberattacks.
Pelosi is the highest level official to visit the island in 25 years.
China Pools Amphibious Tanks And Military Equipment Adjacent To Taiwan - There have been many reports, and sightings of Chinese military vehicles, equipment and tanks in the Chinese city of Xiamen and the province of Fujian, which sits straight across from the island of Taiwan.
The Chinese military vehicles and equipment have not only been spotted within the city, but also gathering on the Fujian beaches adjacent to Taiwan. China says that the vehicles and equipment is for military exercises that will be held from August 2nd, to August 6th.
Of the vehicles present on the beaches, are Chinese Type 63A amphibious tanks which are used to carry out beachhead assaults and navigate across rivers and lakes.
Large amounts of military equipment continue to be moved by China to Fujian as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to make a visit to Taiwan, in the midst of Chinese threats of a response.
Chinese Airline In Xiamen Announces Large Number Of Flights Canceled - According to Taiwan's official state news The Central News Agency (CNA) and the Xiamen Airlines website, China's Fujian region has announced August 2nd that airspace flow control will be implemented, and a "large number of flights have been canceled".
CNA reported (translated from Mandarin) "Since the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan tonight, there is speculation that the control should be related to this incident."
Taiwan's state news also said, "Xiamen Airlines issued an announcement this morning stating that due to the impact of traffic control in Fujian, some flights will be adjusted today. Although Xiamen Airlines did not further explain the reasons for traffic control, public opinion generally believed that it was related to Pelosi Will arrive in Taiwan tonight to visit."
The news agency added, "After checking the public flight information, there are still a few flights taking off smoothly at Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi Airport this morning, but almost all the flights that have not yet taken off have been canceled."
The Central News Agency also reported that locals in Xiamen who spoke to them said that flights have been adjusted since August 1st, and told CNA that he had never seen such a thing in over 10 years that he's been in Xiamen. He told the news agency, "What is the reason, everyone is tacit".
The person told CNA that Xiamen is said to be "the front line against Taiwan" geographically, and the fact that Pelosi might be taking a delegation to visit Taiwan had caused "a bad atmosphere" and mentioned that it has been very tense.
Pelosi Set To Travel To Taiwan Tuesday, Despite Warnings From Beijing - US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to travel to Taipei on Tuesday. Chinese military vessels and aircraft have been spotted carrying out tactical moves by touching the median line in the Taiwan Strait. Read Full Article
Satellite Photos Indicate China May Be Resuming Nuclear Tests - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years. Read Full Article
International Support For China's One-China Policy Amid Escalation With US Over Taiwan - As Pelosi is expected to arrive in the Asia Pacific, growing concerns come from other countries who are in support of China instead of the United States and an independent Taiwan. Read Full Article
