southfront--2020-08-18--RAND Corporation And Pentagon Simulate US-China War Over Taiwan: China Wins Every Time

The US Department of Defense and the Rand Corporation are continuously simulating war between the US and China over Taiwan .
It appears that Washington loses every time , Real Clear Investigations reported .
The Red Team , composed of experts on the Chinese military , aims to use all available forces to capture Taiwan .
The Blue Team , made up U.S. military personnel with operational experience — fighter pilots , cyber warriors , space experts , missile defense specialists – must try to defeat the Chinese invasion .
It just goes poorly for the Blue Team , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obviously , this is a war simulation , and it is not real world where economic , diplomatic and cultural considerations have a very tangible effect on what takes place .
There ’ s also one thing most experts on China agree on – it ’ s not going to war over Taiwan “ any time soon.
” The US appears to be causing a sort of deterioration of the situation – the US Secretary of Healthy and Human Services Alex Azar visited Taiwan , in the highest-level visit in 40 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress is to vote on the “ Taiwan Defense Act ” – it ends the US policy of “ strategic ambiguity.
” The bill would force the US “ to delay , degrade , and ultimately defeat ” an attempt by China “ to use military force to seize control of Taiwan.
” The bill suggests that both parties in the US Congress strongly support Taiwan .
As China faces more criticism from the US and other Western countries , it is obvious that achieving what Beijing calls the “ reunification of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought-after achievement for the Chinese Communist Party and its President Xi Jinping .
With the A2/AD capability , China has a 2-million-strong military and could directly attack Taiwan , with a standing force of 220,000 , hoping that the U.S. would stay out of the conflict .
But the U.S. would have powerful reasons for not allowing that to happen .
A Chinese seizure of Taiwan would enormously expand China ’ s power and position in Asia , especially if combined with its absorption of the entire South China Sea into its maritime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. would intervene , military planners from the Pentagon and Rand who have gamed out scenarios believe a war over Taiwan would most likely begin with a massive attack by advanced Chinese missiles against three American targets : its bases on Okinawa and Guam , its ships in the Western Pacific , including aircraft carrier groups , and its air force squadrons in the region .
Military analysts predict the American side would initially counter with Patriot anti-missile missiles .
But the sheer number of Chinese missiles would mean that hundreds of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating near Taiwan would be able to sink some Chinese ships , including amphibious landing craft bringing the Chinese invading force to Taiwan .
Regardless , the number of submarines close enough to take action would still not be enough to deal anything near a crushing blow .
China would have its challenges , but in the end it would more than likely achieve victory .
“ They are giving off a lot of signals about how this campaign would unfold , ” Lyle J. Goldstein , a China and Russia specialist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told RCI .
“ They ’ re talking a lot about airborne assault in two varieties , by parachute and by helicopters .
It ’ s what ’ s called vertical envelopment .
Amphibious assault is old school .
It may be necessary but it ’ s not the main military effort .
The new school is to bring lead elements over by air , secure the terrain and then bring in more forces over the beach .
The intensity and scale of training in the Chinese military now for airborne assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There would be 15 , maybe 20 different landings on the island , east , west , north , and south , all at once , some frogmen , some purely airborne troops , ” Goldstein continued , saying he was expressing his own views , not official assessments of the U.S. “ The Chinese high command would watch these bridgeheads to see which of them is working , while the Taiwan command is looking at this amid decapitation attempts and massive rocket and air assaults .
The Chinese would seize several beachheads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into play in deploying specialized floating dock apparatuses to ensure a steady flow of supplies and reinforcements—a key element .
My appraisal is that Taiwan would fold in a week or two.
” In short , China ’ s strategy would be to get an invasion fleet across the Taiwan Strait before the U.S. could come to its ally ’ s aid .
“ And once that happens we ’ d face an Iwo Jima situation , ” Ochmanek said , referring to the small Japanese-held island in the Pacific that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualty-heavy battles of World War II .
“ Once Taiwan was occupied , the option of retaking it with an amphibious assault of our own would be very unattractive.
” In order to deter that , the US could move towards defending Taiwan with stand-off missiles and not with aircraft and aircraft carriers .
A second component of such a defense could space-based reconnaissance using artificial intelligence to locate enemy targets , which the long-range anti-ship missiles would strike .
A third would be an American version of flooding the zone , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Chinese landing craft .
What else is a possibility between the US and China ?
Finally , if all else fails , China would face the risk of a larger war with the United States , which might involve nuclear weapons and an outcome Beijing could not guarantee .
“ The biggest threat to China is that a regional anti-China coalition forms , ” Heath said .
“ And so if the United States can succeed in building its alliances in Asia , that would be a powerful deterrent , because China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war with Asia.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Visualizing The Military Imbalance In The Taiwan Strait • U.S. To Negotiate Selling SeaGuardian Spy UAVs To Taiwan : Reuters report

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The US Department of Defense and the Rand Corporation are continuously simulating war between the US and China over Taiwan.
It appears that Washington loses every time, Real Clear Investigations reported.
“Around a large table with a map and icons representing ships, submarines, planes, missile batteries, land-based forces, space-based sensors, and other apparatuses of modern warfare, officials from the Pentagon and the Rand Corp. fight a thus far unimaginable conflict.”
The Red Team, composed of experts on the Chinese military, aims to use all available forces to capture Taiwan.
The Blue Team, made up U.S. military personnel with operational experience — fighter pilots, cyber warriors, space experts, missile defense specialists – must try to defeat the Chinese invasion.
It just goes poorly for the Blue Team, more or less, every single time.
“It’s had its ass handed to it for years,” David A. Ochmanek, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for force development and now a defense analyst at Rand, told the outlet. “For years the Blue Team has been in shock because they didn’t realize how badly off they were in a confrontation with China.”
Obviously, this is a war simulation, and it is not real world where economic, diplomatic and cultural considerations have a very tangible effect on what takes place.
There’s also one thing most experts on China agree on – it’s not going to war over Taiwan “any time soon.”
The US appears to be causing a sort of deterioration of the situation – the US Secretary of Healthy and Human Services Alex Azar visited Taiwan, in the highest-level visit in 40 years.
To make it worse, the US Congress is to vote on the “Taiwan Defense Act” – it ends the US policy of “strategic ambiguity.” The bill would force the US “to delay, degrade, and ultimately defeat” an attempt by China “to use military force to seize control of Taiwan.”
The bill suggests that both parties in the US Congress strongly support Taiwan.
As China faces more criticism from the US and other Western countries, it is obvious that achieving what Beijing calls the “reunification of the motherland” would be a significant and sought-after achievement for the Chinese Communist Party and its President Xi Jinping.
“As several military analysts put it, the days of unfettered American military superiority in the Western Pacific are over. China has, the analysts say, achieved what’s called anti-access area denial, or A2/AD, which would prevent American forces from being able to penetrate anywhere near Taiwan once a war there started.”
With the A2/AD capability, China has a 2-million-strong military and could directly attack Taiwan, with a standing force of 220,000, hoping that the U.S. would stay out of the conflict. But the U.S. would have powerful reasons for not allowing that to happen.
A Chinese seizure of Taiwan would enormously expand China’s power and position in Asia, especially if combined with its absorption of the entire South China Sea into its maritime territory.
If China felt that the U.S. would intervene, military planners from the Pentagon and Rand who have gamed out scenarios believe a war over Taiwan would most likely begin with a massive attack by advanced Chinese missiles against three American targets: its bases on Okinawa and Guam, its ships in the Western Pacific, including aircraft carrier groups, and its air force squadrons in the region.
Military analysts predict the American side would initially counter with Patriot anti-missile missiles. But the sheer number of Chinese missiles would mean that hundreds of them would reach their targets. American submarines operating near Taiwan would be able to sink some Chinese ships, including amphibious landing craft bringing the Chinese invading force to Taiwan.
Regardless, the number of submarines close enough to take action would still not be enough to deal anything near a crushing blow.
“We’re playing an away game against China,” Rand’s Ochmanek said. “When bases are subjected to repeated attacks, it makes it exponentially more difficult to project power far away.” “The casualties that the Chinese could inflict on us could be staggering,” said Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at Rand and formerly a China analyst at the U.S. Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii. “Anti-ship cruise missiles could knock out U.S. carriers and warships; surface-to-air missiles could destroy our fighters and bombers.”
China would have its challenges, but in the end it would more than likely achieve victory.
“They are giving off a lot of signals about how this campaign would unfold,” Lyle J. Goldstein, a China and Russia specialist at the Naval War College in Rhode Island, told RCI. “They’re talking a lot about airborne assault in two varieties, by parachute and by helicopters. It’s what’s called vertical envelopment. Amphibious assault is old school. It may be necessary but it’s not the main military effort. The new school is to bring lead elements over by air, secure the terrain and then bring in more forces over the beach. The intensity and scale of training in the Chinese military now for airborne assault is, to me, shocking. There would be 15, maybe 20 different landings on the island, east, west, north, and south, all at once, some frogmen, some purely airborne troops,” Goldstein continued, saying he was expressing his own views, not official assessments of the U.S. “The Chinese high command would watch these bridgeheads to see which of them is working, while the Taiwan command is looking at this amid decapitation attempts and massive rocket and air assaults. The Chinese would seize several beachheads and airports. Their engineering prowess would come into play in deploying specialized floating dock apparatuses to ensure a steady flow of supplies and reinforcements—a key element. My appraisal is that Taiwan would fold in a week or two.”
In short, China’s strategy would be to get an invasion fleet across the Taiwan Strait before the U.S. could come to its ally’s aid. “And once that happens we’d face an Iwo Jima situation,” Ochmanek said, referring to the small Japanese-held island in the Pacific that the U.S took in one of the most casualty-heavy battles of World War II. “Once Taiwan was occupied, the option of retaking it with an amphibious assault of our own would be very unattractive.”
In order to deter that, the US could move towards defending Taiwan with stand-off missiles and not with aircraft and aircraft carriers.
A second component of such a defense could space-based reconnaissance using artificial intelligence to locate enemy targets, which the long-range anti-ship missiles would strike.
A third would be an American version of flooding the zone, with unmanned undersea drones that could fire torpedoes at Chinese landing craft.
“All of these things are doable,” Ochmanek said. “There’s no magic here, no technological breakthroughs.” He estimates that the Defense Department could make the needed changes if it diverted about 5 percent of its budget— about $35 billion — a year. Taiwan, he said, also needs to move away from the glamorous, showy weapons, like F-16 fighter planes, that it buys from the United States. “The F-16s are not going to get off the ground once the war starts,” Ochmanek said. “They need anti-ship cruise missiles, sea mines, mobile artillery, mobile air defenses, unmanned aerial vehicles. It comes down to sinking about 300 Chinese ships in about 48 hours,” he said.
What else is a possibility between the US and China?
“What both sides can do is turn the sea and air space around Taiwan into a no-go zone,” Heath said. “China could do that, but we could make it very hard for any surface ship to survive near Taiwan, including Chinese transport vessels loaded with troops. That alone might stop an invasion.”
Finally, if all else fails, China would face the risk of a larger war with the United States, which might involve nuclear weapons and an outcome Beijing could not guarantee. “The biggest threat to China is that a regional anti-China coalition forms,” Heath said. “And so if the United States can succeed in building its alliances in Asia, that would be a powerful deterrent, because China can’t afford to go to war with Asia.”
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southfront--2020-08-18--In Video: Houthis Pursue Saudi-led Forces In Hihm Area

Enjoy Mountains hiking or climbing for fun to learn how weak you are… Mountain Peoples are at home in the @ @ @ @ @ their garden knowing any cave and trail to join next valley !
Cities or low-land @ @ @ @ @ and trained enough to lift a finger , aside for push button in an office @

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The Houthis media wing released a field footage showing another operation against Saudi-led forces in the Nehm area in Yemen. Saudi proxies are victoriously retreating under strikes of Houthis.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Israel’s Air Force Has Launched 5,000 Missiles And Bombs Towards Its Neighbors Since 2015

On August 13th , almost all major Israeli news outlets , almost simultaneously , began publishing articles with statistics on Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) Air Force operations over the last 5 years .
Although the Air Force carries out quite a few airstrikes in the Gaza Strip , apparently all the statistics provided are focused in the north and are mostly covert .
They are ones for which Israel didn ’ t take responsibility , such as hitting alleged Iranian targets in Syria , and attempts to hinder the alleged transfer of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ( 2015-2020 ) , the Air Force has used about 5,000 units of aviation weapons “ in all theaters ” , incl .
over the past 3 years ( i.e.
, from mid-2017 , but mainly from the beginning of 2018 , when truly active operations began ) , 955 targets were attacked , on which 4,239 bombs and missiles were used , including dozens of strikes by F-35I fighter jets ; • Since 2017 , Syria has fired 873 anti-aircraft missiles , incl .
844 over the last 3 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the SA-17 ( Buk-M2E ) and SA-22 ( Pantsir-S1 ) complexes ; for comparison – in 2013 – only 2 missiles were fired ; • Over the past 2 years ( and mainly in open operations , i.e .
such as when Israel took responsibility , usually in response to terrorist attacks or shelling of Israeli territory ) , the Air Force destroyed a third of the Syrian air defense systems ; • The number of operations has skyrocketed over the past year , despite the coronavirus epidemic ; • 70 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations are reservists .
In parallel , the Air Force also notes the enemy ’ s response .
So , there is an exchange of information about the actions of the Israeli Air Force and the conclusions drawn from them .
Syria buys new radars and new air defense systems , incl .
Russian S-300 missile defense systems .
The Air Force confirms that Syria manages to shoot down some of the bombs and missiles launched by Israel , but only one plane was lost – the F-16I in 2018 .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One shows a flight at extremely low altitude , the other a refueling in the air of a F-15I fighter jet at night .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Israel Begins Reform Of Its Air Forces , Focused Towards Reinforced Northern Defenses

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On August 13th, almost all major Israeli news outlets, almost simultaneously, began publishing articles with statistics on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Air Force operations over the last 5 years.
Although the Air Force carries out quite a few airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, apparently all the statistics provided are focused in the north and are mostly covert. They are ones for which Israel didn’t take responsibility, such as hitting alleged Iranian targets in Syria, and attempts to hinder the alleged transfer of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The statistics include:
Over the past 5 years (2015-2020), the Air Force has used about 5,000 units of aviation weapons “in all theaters”, incl. over the past 3 years (i.e., from mid-2017, but mainly from the beginning of 2018, when truly active operations began), 955 targets were attacked, on which 4,239 bombs and missiles were used, including dozens of strikes by F-35I fighter jets; Since 2017, Syria has fired 873 anti-aircraft missiles, incl. 844 over the last 3 years, i.e. since mid-2017, mainly missiles of the SA-17 (Buk-M2E) and SA-22 (Pantsir-S1) complexes; for comparison – in 2013 – only 2 missiles were fired; Over the past 2 years (and mainly in open operations, i.e. such as when Israel took responsibility, usually in response to terrorist attacks or shelling of Israeli territory), the Air Force destroyed a third of the Syrian air defense systems; The number of operations has skyrocketed over the past year, despite the coronavirus epidemic; 70% of the pilots who participated in these operations are reservists.
In parallel, the Air Force also notes the enemy’s response.
So, there is an exchange of information about the actions of the Israeli Air Force and the conclusions drawn from them.
Syria buys new radars and new air defense systems, incl. Russian S-300 missile defense systems.
The Air Force confirms that Syria manages to shoot down some of the bombs and missiles launched by Israel, but only one plane was lost – the F-16I in 2018.
In addition, two videos have been published. One shows a flight at extremely low altitude, the other a refueling in the air of a F-15I fighter jet at night.

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southfront--2020-08-18--Iran Paid Taliban Bounties To Target US Soldiers In Afghanistan: CNN

In a “ shocking revelation ” it turned out that Iran paid Taliban bounties to target US soldiers in Afghanistan , CNN reported on August 17th .
“ ’ Bounties ’ were paid by a foreign government , identified to CNN as Iran , to the Haqqani network — a terrorist group that is led by the second highest ranking leader of the Taliban — for their attack on Bagram Air Base on December 11 , which killed two civilians and injured more than 70 others , including four US personnel , according to a Pentagon briefing document reviewed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name remained classified , but CNN ’ s two unnamed sources said it was Iran .
The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani on January 3rd , 2020 .
And he was killed less than a month after the Bagram attack .
There was allegedly a “ a lengthy process involving several agencies to develop options aimed at countering Iran ’ s support for militant groups in Afghanistan.
” Then , in March , it was concluded not to allegedly do anything because negotiations with the Taliban had started .
The “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Taliban to target US troops follows the exact same accusations that Russia paid bounties to Taliban to target US troops .
Both are also similar in that they make no sense , since they ’ re essentially paying the Taliban to do something they ’ re doing for free , regardless .
The Bagram attack was “ highly sophisticated and rattled officials working on Afghanistan matters because it highlighted vulnerabilities of some of the American compounds , according to one source involved in the Taliban peace efforts.
” The Pentagon briefing document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices ( SVBIED ) was used in the attack .
Roughly 10 Taliban fighters engaged in a firefight with local security forces after the explosion and were ultimately killed by US airstrikes .
While US intelligence officials acknowledge that the Haqqani Network would not necessarily require payment in exchange for targeting American troops , the internal Pentagon document reviewed by CNN notes that the funding linked to the December 11 attack at Bagram “ probably incentivizes future high-profile attacks on US and Coalition forces.
” The entire situation is quite puzzling , since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Taliban , as a whole , consider Iran as an ideological enemy , since Tehran represents a Shiite Republic , which is at war with Sunni fundamentalism .
At the same time , it should be noted that all influential players in the region , including the US , China , Iran , Russia etc , keep some contacts with the Taliban .
The US even holds direct negotiations with the group .
Nonetheless , it would be quite strange if some third state decides to pay the Taliban for combating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does for free .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • One Thousand And One Fakes .
Pompeo Argues Taliban Kills US Soldiers In Afghanistan Thanks To Russian Money

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In a “shocking revelation” it turned out that Iran paid Taliban bounties to target US soldiers in Afghanistan, CNN reported on August 17th.
“’Bounties’ were paid by a foreign government, identified to CNN as Iran, to the Haqqani network — a terrorist group that is led by the second highest ranking leader of the Taliban — for their attack on Bagram Air Base on December 11, which killed two civilians and injured more than 70 others, including four US personnel, according to a Pentagon briefing document reviewed by CNN.”
The foreign government’s name remained classified, but CNN’s two unnamed sources said it was Iran.
The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani on January 3rd, 2020.
And he was killed less than a month after the Bagram attack. There was allegedly a “a lengthy process involving several agencies to develop options aimed at countering Iran’s support for militant groups in Afghanistan.” Then, in March, it was concluded not to allegedly do anything because negotiations with the Taliban had started.
The “revelation” that Iran allegedly paid bounties to Taliban to target US troops follows the exact same accusations that Russia paid bounties to Taliban to target US troops.
Both are also similar in that they make no sense, since they’re essentially paying the Taliban to do something they’re doing for free, regardless.
The Bagram attack was “highly sophisticated and rattled officials working on Afghanistan matters because it highlighted vulnerabilities of some of the American compounds, according to one source involved in the Taliban peace efforts.”
The Pentagon briefing document noted that a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIED) was used in the attack. Roughly 10 Taliban fighters engaged in a firefight with local security forces after the explosion and were ultimately killed by US airstrikes.
Pence blames Iran for 9/11.
Bush blamed Iraq for 9/11. Maybe the GOP just really sucks at national security. And thinkin’. https://t.co/Ss3WPXl7TN — Bryan Behar (@bryanbehar) January 5, 2020
While US intelligence officials acknowledge that the Haqqani Network would not necessarily require payment in exchange for targeting American troops, the internal Pentagon document reviewed by CNN notes that the funding linked to the December 11 attack at Bagram “probably incentivizes future high-profile attacks on US and Coalition forces.”
The entire situation is quite puzzling, since official ideology of the abovementioned Haqqani network and the Taliban, as a whole, consider Iran as an ideological enemy, since Tehran represents a Shiite Republic, which is at war with Sunni fundamentalism. At the same time, it should be noted that all influential players in the region, including the US, China, Iran, Russia etc, keep some contacts with the Taliban. The US even holds direct negotiations with the group. Nonetheless, it would be quite strange if some third state decides to pay the Taliban for combating US-led forces in Afganistan – something what it does for free.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Google’s Open Letter: Fighting Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code

Tech giants tend to cast thin veils over threats regarding government regulations .
They are also particularly concerned by those more public spirited ones , the sort supposedly made for the broader interest .
Google has given us an example of this in an open letter published on August 17 to all Australians – the generosity that comes with transparency – that does not shy away from a degree of menace .
Penned by the company ’ s Australasian managing director Mel Silva , it starts with a note of warning on accessing the Google website , a white exclamation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The way Aussies search every day on Google is at risk from new Government regulation.
” Google ’ s terse and syntax-challenged response was directed at the draft News Media Bargaining Code developed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and released on July 31 .
Digital platforms have made all the running of late , extinguishing media outlets in an exercise of withering effectiveness , while subjugating others .
Along the way , a myth has been created : the idea of small news producers and users , treasured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news media businesses the power to individually or collectively bargain with Google and Facebook over revenue for news that is included on their platforms .
As the ACCC explains , the imbalance between digital platforms and conventional media outlets has arisen because of the “ less favourable terms for the inclusion of news on digital platform services ” .
The ACCC would have responsibility to administer and police the code , while the Australian Communications and Media Authority would be the gatekeeper over which media news businesses would qualify to use the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for instance , “ predominantly produce ‘ core news ’ , and publish this online ” .
They must “ adhere to appropriate professional editorial standards ” and “ maintain editorial independence from the subjects of their news coverage.
” A local ingredient is also added : that they “ operate primarily in Australia for the purpose of serving Australian audiences , ” with annual revenue exceeding A $ 150,000 for the most recent financial year or three out of five most recent financial years .
Google regards the Code as nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free flow of information by a state authority .
But more to the point , it is a challenge to the way it has sought to cultivate its own licensing arrangements with publishers , known as the Publisher Curated News initiative .
Brad Bender ( where to they find them ? )
, Vice President of Product Management News , discussed the plan in a company statement on June 25 , 2020 .
“ The program will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests.
” Bender , in gibbering like this , shows little understanding of his material .
The quality of news should be shorn of storytelling of an enhanced nature .
Dull facts do not necessarily make for poor reading .
But we do live in the age of Donald Trump and Silicon Valley oligopolies , where , like hormone pumped meat , the taste often matters more than the health of the content .
And complexity is not exactly high on that list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already yielded various deals with outlets that have done their bit in improving the Australian media stable : ’ s publisher Schwartz Media , publisher Private Media and publisher Solstice Media .
Unsurprisingly , Google is using them as paragons of how the negotiated model , free of regulator meddling , works .
According to Silva , permitting the Australian authorities to go ahead with the measure would dramatically worsen Google Search and YouTube and “ could lead to your data being handed over to big news businesses , and would put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia.
” This is markedly amusing , given that Google and that other behemoth , Facebook , is very much into the business handing over the details of consumers to third parties , a practice often excused by complex consent agreements .
The company contends that hefty news media businesses will be unduly advantaged .
All others who have a website , small business or YourTube channel will suffer .
The big entities would “ artificially inflate their ranking over everybody else , even when someone else provides a better result.
” Silva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to news sites as it is , paying them millions of dollars and sending “ them billions of free clicks every year.
” To give news site providers a leg-up via government regulation would “ put our free services at risk.
” The head of YouTube APAC , Gautam Anand , has also used talk that sits oddly with the Silicon Valley monsters : fairness .
The Code , he argues , would “ create an uneven playing field when it comes to who makes money on YouTube.
” The ones to benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news businesses who can demand large amounts of money over and above what they earn on the platform ” thereby leaving less for “ you , our creators , and the programmes to help you develop your audience in Australia and around the globe.
” This has been dismissed as disinformation and piffle by the ACCC .
In a statement released on the same day of Google ’ s letter it attempted to put to bed claims that the company would find itself having to charge for gratis services .
“ Google will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of its free services such as Google Search and YouTube , unless it chooses to do so.
” Nor will Google “ be required to share any additional user data with Australian news businesses unless it chooses to do so.
” The ACCC has its ardent supporters .
The appropriately named Bridget Fair of Free TV Australia called Google ’ s letter the product of “ a monopolist flexing its considerable muscle ” in its attempt to retain “ excessive profits.
” The note was “ straight out of the monopoly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australians to protect their position as the gateway to the internet.
” She defends the proposed ACCC code as “ ensuring a free and vibrant Australian news media sector into the future.
” Any data Google agreed to supply “ would have to be under existing Australian privacy laws.
” While there is much to encourage in terms of having a vibrant media sector of boisterous and inquiring voices , anyone vaguely familiar with the Australian news scape will be aware that it tends towards the yawningly monochrome .
Google ’ s disingenuous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bound to run off with the revenue loot ahead of smaller news providers , making the situation worse .
The ACCC is accepting public submissions regarding the Code till August 28 .
Google has already made its view clear : a shot of threatening fury that government regulations of this sort will unduly hinder the “ experience ” it provides its users and benefit big fish news outlets .
But the ACCC , this small , relatively miniscule entity in the global regulatory landscape , is spoiling for a fight .
Dr. Binoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Tech giants tend to cast thin veils over threats regarding government regulations. They are also particularly concerned by those more public spirited ones, the sort supposedly made for the broader interest. Google has given us an example of this in an open letter published on August 17 to all Australians – the generosity that comes with transparency – that does not shy away from a degree of menace. Penned by the company’s Australasian managing director Mel Silva, it starts with a note of warning on accessing the Google website, a white exclamation mark framed by a pyramid of yellow. “The way Aussies search every day on Google is at risk from new Government regulation.”
Google’s terse and syntax-challenged response was directed at the draft News Media Bargaining Code developed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and released on July 31. Digital platforms have made all the running of late, extinguishing media outlets in an exercise of withering effectiveness, while subjugating others. Along the way, a myth has been created: the idea of small news producers and users, treasured and promoted.
The code seeks to grant news media businesses the power to individually or collectively bargain with Google and Facebook over revenue for news that is included on their platforms. As the ACCC explains, the imbalance between digital platforms and conventional media outlets has arisen because of the “less favourable terms for the inclusion of news on digital platform services”. The ACCC would have responsibility to administer and police the code, while the Australian Communications and Media Authority would be the gatekeeper over which media news businesses would qualify to use the scheme.
To qualify, such outlets must, for instance, “predominantly produce ‘core news’, and publish this online”. They must “adhere to appropriate professional editorial standards” and “maintain editorial independence from the subjects of their news coverage.” A local ingredient is also added: that they “operate primarily in Australia for the purpose of serving Australian audiences,” with annual revenue exceeding A$150,000 for the most recent financial year or three out of five most recent financial years.
Google regards the Code as nothing less than a satanic imposition on the free flow of information by a state authority. But more to the point, it is a challenge to the way it has sought to cultivate its own licensing arrangements with publishers, known as the Publisher Curated News initiative. Brad Bender (where to they find them?), Vice President of Product Management News, discussed the plan in a company statement on June 25, 2020. “The program will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper into more complex stories, stay informed and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests.”
Bender, in gibbering like this, shows little understanding of his material. The quality of news should be shorn of storytelling of an enhanced nature. Dull facts do not necessarily make for poor reading. But we do live in the age of Donald Trump and Silicon Valley oligopolies, where, like hormone pumped meat, the taste often matters more than the health of the content. And complexity is not exactly high on that list of preferences.
The PCN initiative has already yielded various deals with outlets that have done their bit in improving the Australian media stable: The Saturday Paper’s publisher Schwartz Media, Crikey publisher Private Media and InDaily publisher Solstice Media. Unsurprisingly, Google is using them as paragons of how the negotiated model, free of regulator meddling, works.
According to Silva, permitting the Australian authorities to go ahead with the measure would dramatically worsen Google Search and YouTube and “could lead to your data being handed over to big news businesses, and would put the free service to use at risk in Australia.” This is markedly amusing, given that Google and that other behemoth, Facebook, is very much into the business handing over the details of consumers to third parties, a practice often excused by complex consent agreements.
The company contends that hefty news media businesses will be unduly advantaged. All others who have a website, small business or YourTube channel will suffer. The big entities would “artificially inflate their ranking over everybody else, even when someone else provides a better result.” Silva suggests that Google is more than generous to news sites as it is, paying them millions of dollars and sending “them billions of free clicks every year.” To give news site providers a leg-up via government regulation would “put our free services at risk.”
The head of YouTube APAC, Gautam Anand, has also used talk that sits oddly with the Silicon Valley monsters: fairness. The Code, he argues, would “create an uneven playing field when it comes to who makes money on YouTube.” The ones to benefit from it will be those “big news businesses who can demand large amounts of money over and above what they earn on the platform” thereby leaving less for “you, our creators, and the programmes to help you develop your audience in Australia and around the globe.”
This has been dismissed as disinformation and piffle by the ACCC. In a statement released on the same day of Google’s letter it attempted to put to bed claims that the company would find itself having to charge for gratis services. “Google will not be required to charge Australians for the use of its free services such as Google Search and YouTube, unless it chooses to do so.” Nor will Google “be required to share any additional user data with Australian news businesses unless it chooses to do so.”
The ACCC has its ardent supporters. The appropriately named Bridget Fair of Free TV Australia called Google’s letter the product of “a monopolist flexing its considerable muscle” in its attempt to retain “excessive profits.” The note was “straight out of the monopoly 101 playbook trying to mislead and frighten Australians to protect their position as the gateway to the internet.” She defends the proposed ACCC code as “ensuring a free and vibrant Australian news media sector into the future.” Any data Google agreed to supply “would have to be under existing Australian privacy laws.”
While there is much to encourage in terms of having a vibrant media sector of boisterous and inquiring voices, anyone vaguely familiar with the Australian news scape will be aware that it tends towards the yawningly monochrome. Google’s disingenuous point is that such big leaguers are bound to run off with the revenue loot ahead of smaller news providers, making the situation worse.
The ACCC is accepting public submissions regarding the Code till August 28. Google has already made its view clear: a shot of threatening fury that government regulations of this sort will unduly hinder the “experience” it provides its users and benefit big fish news outlets. But the ACCC, this small, relatively miniscule entity in the global regulatory landscape, is spoiling for a fight.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-08-18--AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (Infographics)

Yes the public education system , which was once envied by other countries , is now a complete laughingstock and a failure .
The last Program for International Student Assessment study ( PISA ) which compares the test scores of 15-year-old public school students was another national disgrace for the USA .
When you factor in how many BILLIONs of dollars is spent and the cost per student , it is even more humiliating .
The study is conducted every three years and the 2018 results showed the US to be 36th in math , 18th in science and 13th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people , really brainwashed , arrogant , condescending know it all freaks who insist that the US is the best country in the world , As they say in the ghettos : “ You just can ’ t fix stupid !
” Just think many of these young idiots will actually vote in elections when they reach voting age .
The elected US politicians will continue to be some of the worst life on this planet as long as there are millions of dummies out there .
As for US military hardware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs more , it must be the best is only the thinking of complete idiots .
There are equivalent Russian , Chinese , etc .
weapons that will do what they are designed for and at a lower cost .

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The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon is a standardized medium range precision guided weapon designed for the engagement of defended targets from outside the range of standard anti-aircraft defenses.
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southfront--2020-08-18--‘US Justice’: Black Mobsters That Killed 59yo Father Of Family In Baltimore Got No Real Penalty

The justice in the modern United States looks this way : In September 2019 , two black mobsters ( 16yo and 15yo ) attacked and killed a 59yo white father of a family , John Weed , at the Great Frederick Fair in Baltimore .
“ On September 20 , Weed was enjoying the fair with family when he was approached by the 16-year-old boy and his 15-year-old brother and their friends .
The 15-year-old and another teen asked Weed for money .
When he said no , the teen ’ s kept asking him for money as family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The teen ended up punching Weed in the back of the head .
As Weed tried to confront the 16-year-old , his 15-year-old brother punched Weed with such force he immediately lost consciousness .
The teen then spat on him while he lied on the ground .
Weed ultimately died of his injuries the next day in Shock Trauma , ” baltimore.cbslocal.com reported .
In August 2020 , it was finally revealed what penalty the killers got .
Judge Julie Stevenson Solt ordered the 16yo mobster to be placed on probation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 15yo attacker was ordered to be placed in a long-term behavioral modification program .
Therefore , the life of the 59yo man appeared to cost almost nothing from the point of view of the court .
Meanwhile , in New York 49 people were shot during the past 72 hours only amid the continued anti-Trump and pro-BLM protests across the country .
Bulletproof vest sales soared amid the increase of violence .
They are already up 80 percent this year .
This is how the modern US ‘ democracy ’ run by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like .
It is easy imagine what would happen if the neo-liberal agenda takes an upper hand in the entire country .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • 49 People Shot In Last 72 Hours In New York As City Hits Its “ Expiration Date ”

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The justice in the modern United States looks this way:
In September 2019, two black mobsters (16yo and 15yo) attacked and killed a 59yo white father of a family, John Weed, at the Great Frederick Fair in Baltimore.
“On September 20, Weed was enjoying the fair with family when he was approached by the 16-year-old boy and his 15-year-old brother and their friends. The 15-year-old and another teen asked Weed for money. When he said no, the teen’s kept asking him for money as family members pleaded for them to leave him alone. The teen ended up punching Weed in the back of the head. As Weed tried to confront the 16-year-old, his 15-year-old brother punched Weed with such force he immediately lost consciousness. The teen then spat on him while he lied on the ground. Weed ultimately died of his injuries the next day in Shock Trauma,” baltimore.cbslocal.com reported.
In August 2020, it was finally revealed what penalty the killers got. Judge Julie Stevenson Solt ordered the 16yo mobster to be placed on probation with conditions, including anger management, while the 15yo attacker was ordered to be placed in a long-term behavioral modification program. Therefore, the life of the 59yo man appeared to cost almost nothing from the point of view of the court.
Meanwhile, in New York 49 people were shot during the past 72 hours only amid the continued anti-Trump and pro-BLM protests across the country. Bulletproof vest sales soared amid the increase of violence. They are already up 80 percent this year.
Don't know who recorded it but I downloaded this yesterday He's single handedly wrecked Manhattan Ghost town "Beirut DeBlasio" without the explosion pic.twitter.com/5I48ZGcWTZ — tadgermania (@tadgermania) August 7, 2020
This is how the modern US ‘democracy’ run by the pro-minotrity, neo-liberal local elites looks like. It is easy imagine what would happen if the neo-liberal agenda takes an upper hand in the entire country.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Rain Of Rockets Hits US Forces In Iraq. Israeli-UAE Peace Deal Crumbles Days After Its Announcement

As it was expected , the ‘ historic ’ UAE-Israeli peace deal did not contribute to the stability in the Middle East .
Instead , the situation has been slowly , but steadily moving towards a larger confrontation in the region .
Immediately after the announcement of the US-sponsored peace deal , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country is not going to fulfill one of its key provisions – the suspension of the annexation of West Bank territories .
The prime minister emphasized that the annexation plan was just delayed , but not suspended .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend sovereignty , our sovereignty in Judea and Samaria , in full coordination with the United States , ” Netanyahu said adding that “ Israel will have comprehensive peace agreements with other Arab countries without returning to the 1967 borders.
” This unfortunate , but expected statement goes fully in the framework of the Israeli regional policy and contradicts position of the US-sponsored deal reached with the UAE .
In particular , Crown Prince Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized that “ it was agreed to stop Israel ’ s annexation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the already existing controversy over the deal and on August 15-16 , the situation escalated in the Gaza Strip .
According to the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) , Palestinian protesters with explosives tried to approach the security fence and then Palestinian forces launched at least 2 rockets at southern Israel .
In its own turn , IDF aircraft conducted a series of airstrikes on what Tel Aviv described as Hamas targets .
If the Israeli leadership keeps its course on the annexation of the West Bank areas , the Palestinian-Israeli conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand further .
For example , in this scenario , an escalation could be expected in the area of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights and on the Lebanese-Israeli contact line .
On August 14 , Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah already declared that the movement “ will not remain silent on the crime of the bombing the Port of Beirut if it is proven that Israel is behind it.
” According to Nasrallah , Hezbollah would wait for results of an investigation into the Beirut port explosion and if it turns out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it would “ pay an equal price ” .
The August 4 blast in the port of Beirut is still surrounded by mystery and uncertainties , and many sources , including the top US leadership , still consider the possibility that the tragedy was caused by some kind of ‘ attack ’ .
In this event , the main suspect is Israel , which has always been interested in the destabilization of neighboring Arab states to secure own dominance in the region .
Tensions are also growing between the United States and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Justice announced that US forces have seized some 1.116m barrels of Iranian fuel aboard 4 ships headed for Venezuela .
The seizure came amid increasing attacks on US forces and facilities from pro-Iranian and anti-US armed groups in Iraq .
On the evening of August 16 , a rocket targeted the Green Zone of Iraq ’ s capital Baghdad , which houses government buildings and foreign missions .
The strike led to no casualties .
Just a few hours earlier , the pro-Iranian armed group Ashab al-Kahf released a video showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US equipment convoy in the Anbar area .
The group claimed that the convoy was fully destroyed .
On August 15 , two rockets targeted the biggest US military base in Iraq – Camp Taji .
The base is located north of Baghdad .
On the same day , a convoy carrying logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition was targeted on the highway between Dhi Qar and Basrah in southern Iraq .
The attack was conducted by another pro-Iranian group , Usbat al-Tha ’ ireen .
Pro-US sources denied any casualties as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the most recent in about two dozen various attacks on US-affiliated targets in Iraq during the past few weeks .
If the US and Iran continue the current confrontational course , it is expected that the number and intensity of attacks in Iraq will increase boosting the chances of an open confrontation between the US and Iranian-led forces .

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As it was expected, the ‘historic’ UAE-Israeli peace deal did not contribute to the stability in the Middle East. Instead, the situation has been slowly, but steadily moving towards a larger confrontation in the region.
Immediately after the announcement of the US-sponsored peace deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country is not going to fulfill one of its key provisions – the suspension of the annexation of West Bank territories. The prime minister emphasized that the annexation plan was just delayed, but not suspended.
“There is no change to my plan to extend sovereignty, our sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, in full coordination with the United States,” Netanyahu said adding that “Israel will have comprehensive peace agreements with other Arab countries without returning to the 1967 borders.”
This unfortunate, but expected statement goes fully in the framework of the Israeli regional policy and contradicts position of the US-sponsored deal reached with the UAE. In particular, Crown Prince Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized that “it was agreed to stop Israel’s annexation of the Palestinian lands.”
The Israeli actions strengthened the already existing controversy over the deal and on August 15-16, the situation escalated in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Palestinian protesters with explosives tried to approach the security fence and then Palestinian forces launched at least 2 rockets at southern Israel. In its own turn, IDF aircraft conducted a series of airstrikes on what Tel Aviv described as Hamas targets.
If the Israeli leadership keeps its course on the annexation of the West Bank areas, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will expectedly escalate, and even possibly expand further. For example, in this scenario, an escalation could be expected in the area of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights and on the Lebanese-Israeli contact line.
On August 14, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah already declared that the movement “will not remain silent on the crime of the bombing the Port of Beirut if it is proven that Israel is behind it.” According to Nasrallah, Hezbollah would wait for results of an investigation into the Beirut port explosion and if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would “pay an equal price”.
The August 4 blast in the port of Beirut is still surrounded by mystery and uncertainties, and many sources, including the top US leadership, still consider the possibility that the tragedy was caused by some kind of ‘attack’. In this event, the main suspect is Israel, which has always been interested in the destabilization of neighboring Arab states to secure own dominance in the region.
Tensions are also growing between the United States and Iran. On August 14, the Department of Justice announced that US forces have seized some 1.116m barrels of Iranian fuel aboard 4 ships headed for Venezuela. The seizure came amid increasing attacks on US forces and facilities from pro-Iranian and anti-US armed groups in Iraq.
On the evening of August 16, a rocket targeted the Green Zone of Iraq’s capital Baghdad, which houses government buildings and foreign missions. The strike led to no casualties. Just a few hours earlier, the pro-Iranian armed group Ashab al-Kahf released a video showing an improvised explosive device attack on a US equipment convoy in the Anbar area. The group claimed that the convoy was fully destroyed. On August 15, two rockets targeted the biggest US military base in Iraq – Camp Taji. The base is located north of Baghdad. On the same day, a convoy carrying logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition was targeted on the highway between Dhi Qar and Basrah in southern Iraq. The attack was conducted by another pro-Iranian group, Usbat al-Tha’ireen. Pro-US sources denied any casualties as a result of the attack. These were just the most recent in about two dozen various attacks on US-affiliated targets in Iraq during the past few weeks.
If the US and Iran continue the current confrontational course, it is expected that the number and intensity of attacks in Iraq will increase boosting the chances of an open confrontation between the US and Iranian-led forces.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Palestine On August 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Eh… .
indicent ….sorry , indcendiary ball..ballooons , yeah , fascinating low tech , and what on earth are they/that @ @ @ @ @ they work , an bottle of juice , attached to an balloon , in hope @ @ @ @ @ , etc .
And like the barrage of Khazams whom somehow , despite the packed @ @ @ @ @ , villages , etc never hits anything , apart from landing in an desert , @ @ @ @ @ , even an stonehead would probably be able to hit something , but this cant @ @ @ @ @ draw the only logical conclusion , its either just bollocks aka fake , or is @ @ @ @ @ , since they per-def wount be alowed to kill or main any ISISraeli .
And @ @ @ @ @ civlians , but then again according to the HasbaRats and Q-tards , all Palestinians are @ @ @ @ @ Hezb , whom is so mean they even kill the friends of Trumpstein & Co @ @ @ @ @ .

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Palestine:
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Eshkol area;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Nahal Gerar area;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Kissufim area;
The power plant in the Gaza Strip ceases its operations, since Israel stops fuel supply;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Mefalsim area;
IDF tanks targeted a number of Hamas observation posts, in response to riots along the security fence.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Yemen On August 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • The Liaison and @ @ @ @ @ ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 146 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past @ @ @ @ @ between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led coalition continue in the north of Marib province ; • @ @ @ @ @ and Ansar Allah were reported in the Al-Fakher front , north of Al-Dhalea .
MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on Sanaa province;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Nate district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Maheliyah district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 6 airstrikes on the Majzar district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Sarwah district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Haradh district;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 146 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led coalition continue in the north of Marib province;
Clashes between the Southern Movement and Ansar Allah were reported in the Al-Fakher front, north of Al-Dhalea.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Schismatics Using Unrest In Belarus To Try To Further Divide Moscow Patriarchate

As it was expected the ongoing ‘ soft ’ pro-Western coup in Belarus is a step towards the increase of ethnic and religious tensions in the country .
On August 17 , Orthochristian.com released the article “ Schismatics Using Unrest In Belarus To Try To Further Divide Moscow Patriarchate “ : As protests and political unrest continue to grow in Belarus following the recent presidential elections , the schismatics of the “ Orthodox Church of Ukraine ” ( OCU ) and the “ Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church ” ( BAOC ) are using the situation to lob accusations at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian people to separate from the canonical Church and establish their own group .
On August 13 , Epiphany Dumenko , the head of the schismatic OCU addressed the Belarusian people , calling on them to “ request a tomos [ of autocephaly—O.C . ]
from the Mother Church , ” referring to the Patriarchate of Constantinople , which issued a tomos of autocephaly to the OCU in January last year .
“ These days , the people of Belarus are suffering greatly—our neighbors , with whom we have had many centuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making up a single Kievan Metropolis until 1686 , ” Dumenko wrote on his Facebook page .
“ Its non-canonical annexation by Moscow has had and continues to have tragic consequences for Orthodoxy throughout Eastern Europe , ” he continued , referring to the novel interpretation of the transfer of the Metropolis of Kiev from the Patriarchate of Constantinople to the Moscow Patriarchate that undergirds the existence of the OCU .
“ With the will of the faithful and with the blessing of our common Mother Church , the Ecumenical Patriarchate , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Autocephalous Sister Churches .
The Orthodox Church of Belarus has the same reasons and right to request a tomos from the Mother Church whenever it wishes , ” Dumenko writes .
The OCU can not but feel compassion “ when the future of the Belarusian people , the independence of the state , the freedom and security of citizens and their lives are under threat , ” writes the head of the OCU .
However , His Eminence Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk of the canonical Belarusian Church noted in January 2019 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus , and if it caused so much trouble in Ukraine , it would mean the destruction of the Church in Belarus .
Archbishop Daniel of Pamphylia of the Patriarchate of Constantinople ’ s Ukrainian Church in America and one of the two exarchs who first invaded Ukrainian Church territory in the summer of 2018 to begin creating the schismatic OCU mocked Met .
Pavel for this position , saying that only “ people who fear the spiritual growth of their own flock can speak this way.
” On August 14 this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the schismatic BAOC published his own appeal to the Belarusian people , not only calling on them to “ protect their freedom of choice and the future of their state , ” but also accusing the canonical Belarusian Orthodox Exarchate of un-Christian behavior .
The BAOC was created in America in the second half of the 20th century .
Login is its sole bishop , with 3 parishes in America , 1 in Canada , 3 in Australia , and 1 in England .
It has no official churches in Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the whole civilized world stands with those who “ defend their dignity and their voice in the presidential elections in Belarus , ” “ Unfortunately , not all Christian churches in Belarus support and pray for their people , ” Login continues .
“ For example , the so-called primate of the Belarusian Exarchate of the ROC ( sent from Ryazan , Russia ) congratulated the dictator even before the official announcement of the winner of the election ( Scripture says , Ye shall know them by their fruits [ Mt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In September 2018 , Login expressed his support for the autocephaly of the Ukrainian schismatics , as he hopes to also acquire autocephaly for his independent group .
Despite Login ’ s assertion , prayers are being offered for the Belarusian people and land in every church and monastery of the canonical Church , and Met .
Pavel has called on the Belarusian authorities and people to find a peaceful solution to the present crisis .
The Holy Synod of the canonical Belarusian Church made the same call in a statement issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clergy and laity of the Church are busy collecting medicine , food , and hygiene products for those who have been injured and detained during the protests over the past two weeks .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ukraine Is Hovering Between New War And Economic Collapse

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As it was expected the ongoing ‘soft’ pro-Western coup in Belarus is a step towards the increase of ethnic and religious tensions in the country.
On August 17, Orthochristian.com released the article “Schismatics Using Unrest In Belarus To Try To Further Divide Moscow Patriarchate“:
As protests and political unrest continue to grow in Belarus following the recent presidential elections, the schismatics of the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” (OCU) and the “Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church” (BAOC) are using the situation to lob accusations at the canonical Belarusian Orthodox Church and call for the Belarusian people to separate from the canonical Church and establish their own group.
On August 13, Epiphany Dumenko, the head of the schismatic OCU addressed the Belarusian people, calling on them to “request a tomos [of autocephaly—O.C.] from the Mother Church,” referring to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which issued a tomos of autocephaly to the OCU in January last year.
“These days, the people of Belarus are suffering greatly—our neighbors, with whom we have had many centuries of common ecclesiastical and state history … making up a single Kievan Metropolis until 1686,” Dumenko wrote on his Facebook page.
“Its non-canonical annexation by Moscow has had and continues to have tragic consequences for Orthodoxy throughout Eastern Europe,” he continued, referring to the novel interpretation of the transfer of the Metropolis of Kiev from the Patriarchate of Constantinople to the Moscow Patriarchate that undergirds the existence of the OCU.
“With the will of the faithful and with the blessing of our common Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Church of Ukraine has been established among the Autocephalous Sister Churches. The Orthodox Church of Belarus has the same reasons and right to request a tomos from the Mother Church whenever it wishes,” Dumenko writes.
The OCU cannot but feel compassion “when the future of the Belarusian people, the independence of the state, the freedom and security of citizens and their lives are under threat,” writes the head of the OCU.
However, His Eminence Metropolitan Pavel of Minsk of the canonical Belarusian Church noted in January 2019 that there is no real desire for autocephaly in Belarus, and if it caused so much trouble in Ukraine, it would mean the destruction of the Church in Belarus.
Archbishop Daniel of Pamphylia of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Ukrainian Church in America and one of the two exarchs who first invaded Ukrainian Church territory in the summer of 2018 to begin creating the schismatic OCU mocked Met. Pavel for this position, saying that only “people who fear the spiritual growth of their own flock can speak this way.”
On August 14 this year, “Archbishop” Svyatoslav Login of the schismatic BAOC published his own appeal to the Belarusian people, not only calling on them to “protect their freedom of choice and the future of their state,” but also accusing the canonical Belarusian Orthodox Exarchate of un-Christian behavior.
The BAOC was created in America in the second half of the 20th century. Login is its sole bishop, with 3 parishes in America, 1 in Canada, 3 in Australia, and 1 in England. It has no official churches in Belarus, though there are religious communities there.
While the whole civilized world stands with those who “defend their dignity and their voice in the presidential elections in Belarus,” “Unfortunately, not all Christian churches in Belarus support and pray for their people,” Login continues.
“For example, the so-called primate of the Belarusian Exarchate of the ROC (sent from Ryazan, Russia) congratulated the dictator even before the official announcement of the winner of the election (Scripture says, Ye shall know them by their fruits [Mt. 7:16]),” he writes.
In September 2018, Login expressed his support for the autocephaly of the Ukrainian schismatics, as he hopes to also acquire autocephaly for his independent group.
Despite Login’s assertion, prayers are being offered for the Belarusian people and land in every church and monastery of the canonical Church, and Met. Pavel has called on the Belarusian authorities and people to find a peaceful solution to the present crisis.
The Holy Synod of the canonical Belarusian Church made the same call in a statement issued on August 15.
Moreover, the clergy and laity of the Church are busy collecting medicine, food, and hygiene products for those who have been injured and detained during the protests over the past two weeks.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Iraq On August 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • A rocket targeted @ @ @ @ @ , causing no casualties .
Two other rockets were dismantled ; • Ashab Kahf group @ @ @ @ @ US-led coalition convoy in Anbar province ; • Fuad Hussein , Iraqi PM , asked @ @ @ @ @ to play a role in stopping Turkey from constantly assaulting Iraq ’ s sovereignty and @ @ @ @ @ soil ; • One civilian was killed , two others were wounded in bomb blast @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
A rocket targeted the Green Zone in Baghdad, causing no casualties. Two other rockets were dismantled;
Ashab Kahf group claimed an IED attack on US-led coalition convoy in Anbar province;
Fuad Hussein, Iraqi PM, asked UK, Germany, France to play a role in stopping Turkey from constantly assaulting Iraq’s sovereignty and also to retreat from Iraqi soil;
One civilian was killed, two others were wounded in bomb blast in Kirkuk city.
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southfront--2020-08-18--AGM-86 ALCM Air-Launched Strategic Cruise Missile (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The AGM-86 ALCM is a subsonic air-launched cruise missile built by Boeing and operated @ @ @ @ @ .
The main launch platform is Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers .
MORE ON THE @ @

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The AGM-86 ALCM is a subsonic air-launched cruise missile built by Boeing and operated by the US Air Force. The main launch platform is Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers.
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southfront--2020-08-18--US Troops Occupying Koniko Gas Field Came Under Rocket Attack

On August 18 evening , US troops occupying the Koniko gas field area on the eastern bank of the Euphrates @ @ @ @ @ rocket attack , according to Arab media and local sources .
Several unguided rockets reportedly @ @ @ @ @ but did not cause any casualties .
Just a few hours ago the US military @ @ @ @ @ Reaper ( it may appear that two ) over Idlib .
More about the incident @ @ @ @ @ found HERE .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • MQ-9 Reaper Of US Military Was @ @ @ @ @ Video ) • Russian Major-General Died , Two Servicemen Injured In Roadside Blast In Syria

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On August 18 evening, US troops occupying the Koniko gas field area on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in Syria came under rocket attack, according to Arab media and local sources.
Several unguided rockets reportedly hit the US positions, but did not cause any casualties.
Just a few hours ago the US military lost at least one MQ-9 Reaper (it may appear that two) over Idlib. More about the incident with US drones could be found HERE.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Is Lukashenko Losing Battle For Belarus?

Belarus has been passing through a deep political crisis strengthened by the complicated economic situation and Western-backed regime-change attempts .
On August 18 , pro-Western forces continued their pressure campaign on the Lukashenko-led government seeking to force Alexander Lukashenko to resign .
Western mainstream media and opposition propaganda structures ( funded and controlled from the EU , first of all Poland ) argue that the demonstrations showed signs of expanding , with more factory workers joining the protests and hundreds of people gathering outside factories and a jail where the husband of the country ’ s main opposition figure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pro-Western opposition is currently focusing on the following directions : • The further expansion of protests across the country ; • The promotion of the nation-wide strike with the goal of stopping all main industrial facilities of Belarus , including the direct blockade of key administrative and industrial objects ; • The psychological pressure on citizens , government workers , diplomats and security forces personnel in order to force them to break the ties with the Lukashenko government and declare the public support to the opposition ( even if this goes contrary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The creation of an alternative system of governance , including the government in exile led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya that is now in Lithuania .
The number of protesters participating in daily events and especially plants involved in the ‘ nation-wide ’ strike is intentionally overestimated by Western-funded propaganda structures .
At the same time , it should be noted that the real coordinators of the ‘ grassroots ’ protest use the created opposition ‘ strike force ’ very effective .
The video below shows what ’ s happening near the entrance to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MTZ ) and what a plant worker sees when he leaves the plant .
All these people that gathered near the plant and were waving opposition flags and screaming were not plant workers .
This is an organized gathering designed to threaten and psychologically pressure the plant ’ s workers , as well as the rest of the population ( depending on the location of event ) , and force them to accept the ‘ new reality ’ – i.e .
the self-declared victory of the opposition .
The actions of these protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative objects under the command of their coordinators are aimed at forcing people , regardless their real position , to declare the public support to the regime change efforts .
In other cases , this crowd signals , people will face negative consequences ( including threats to life ) as ‘ supporters of the regime ’ .
Earlier , this approach was already employed during the coup in Ukraine in 2014 .
Nonetheless , the Belarusian case is slightly different because Belarus has kept its industrial potential and the industrial sector and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s economic and social life .
Therefore , they become a target of a coordinated attack .
At the same time , the establishment of control over Belarusian plants and their further looting in the field of interests of the leaders of the Belarusian ‘ democratic opposition ’ and its sponsors .
The dominance of the opposition in the media sphere and on the street have become almost unconditional .
At least , this situation will remain in this filed as long as there are no looting and violent actions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities .
However , even in this case , the reaction of the Lukashenko government will likely be painted as the suppression of ‘ peaceful protesters ’ .
The international community is very concerned by the situation in Belarus : In own turn , after the first days of riots , when the government successfully and extensively used force to suppress them , President Lukashenko demonstrated that currently he has no understanding on what to do with the ‘ nonviolent resistance ’ campaign and does not control the situation .
If nothing changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governance system and the fall of Lukashenko is the matter of the next few weeks .
Meanwhile , the entire policy of Lukashenko and a majority of his recent actions were apparently aimed at causing the maximum damage to Belarus ’ main military ally and de-facto economic sponsor , Russia .
For a long time , Lukashenko had made regular and hostile statements towards Moscow and had contributed extensive efforts to undermine the relations with Russia .
Just ahead of the elections , Lukashenko provoked a new public conflict with Russia regarding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more unconditional support by blackmailing Moscow in various fields ) .
Then , Lukashenko employed a harsh anti-Russian rhetoric ahead and during the presidential election .
The Lukashenko government staged and participated in the provocation with detention of ‘ Russian mercenaries ’ that allegedly came to destabilize Belarus ( spoiler – no ) .
After this , the Lukashenko government allowed the main public figure of the opposition , Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , to flee to Lithuania , where he , under the patronage of Lithuanian , Polish and US special services , immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the situation went out of control and Lukashenko felt that his political regime is crumbling , he found out that he ’ s an ally of Russia and Belarusians are the ‘ Russian people ’ .
So , he started fiercely speculating that Moscow will support his political regime at any cost , including the military intervention .
In fact , no such statements were made by the Kremlin and the only declaration of the military support was related to the protection of Belarus from a foreign intervention as a member state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite this , the behavior of Lukashenko created conditions for the anti-Russian hysteria among the pro-Western opposition in Belarus as well as in Western mainstream media .
The refusal of Lukashenko to make political reforms and his determination to remain in power at any cost prolong the ongoing crisis and play into the hand of the Western-controlled opposition .
Every day , the political and public campaign run by pro-Western forces gains momentum .
The ‘ alternative ’ governance system controlled from the abroad and consisting of clearly anti-Russian and pro-Western figures is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As to Russia , over the past weeks , Moscow has demonstrated that it has no active policy towards the crisis in Belarus .
The Russian leadership may have decided that it has no tactical opportunities that will allow it to secure its interests .
Therefore , Moscow may have opted a more prolonged strategy that includes into the consideration the possible victory of the pro-Western opposition and its expected negative consequences ( looting of the industrial complex and the collapse of the economy ) .
In this case , Russia will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belarus using the dissatisfaction of the population with the deterioration of the social and economic situation under the Western rule in 2-3 years .
In the event of a larger crisis and the start of a nationalist-initiated bloodbath in Belarus , Russia may opt to employ a peace-keeping force to put an end to the violence .
In this scenario and in the case of success of the peace-restoring operation , the political and economic integration of Belarus with Russia as a part of the Union Sate will be relaunched and Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only on paper ( since 1996 ) , but de-facto .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Polish Psychological Operations Unit On Guard Of ‘ Democracy ’ In Belarus

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Belarus has been passing through a deep political crisis strengthened by the complicated economic situation and Western-backed regime-change attempts.
On August 18, pro-Western forces continued their pressure campaign on the Lukashenko-led government seeking to force Alexander Lukashenko to resign. Western mainstream media and opposition propaganda structures (funded and controlled from the EU, first of all Poland) argue that the demonstrations showed signs of expanding, with more factory workers joining the protests and hundreds of people gathering outside factories and a jail where the husband of the country’s main opposition figure, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is being held.
The pro-Western opposition is currently focusing on the following directions:
The further expansion of protests across the country;
The promotion of the nation-wide strike with the goal of stopping all main industrial facilities of Belarus, including the direct blockade of key administrative and industrial objects;
The psychological pressure on citizens, government workers, diplomats and security forces personnel in order to force them to break the ties with the Lukashenko government and declare the public support to the opposition (even if this goes contrary to their real views);
The creation of an alternative system of governance, including the government in exile led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya that is now in Lithuania.
The number of protesters participating in daily events and especially plants involved in the ‘nation-wide’ strike is intentionally overestimated by Western-funded propaganda structures. (MORE ABOUT THEM HERE AND HERE) At the same time, it should be noted that the real coordinators of the ‘grassroots’ protest use the created opposition ‘strike force’ very effective. The video below shows what’s happening near the entrance to the Minsk Automobile Plant (also known as MTZ) and what a plant worker sees when he leaves the plant.
All these people that gathered near the plant and were waving opposition flags and screaming were not plant workers. This is an organized gathering designed to threaten and psychologically pressure the plant’s workers, as well as the rest of the population (depending on the location of event), and force them to accept the ‘new reality’ – i.e. the self-declared victory of the opposition. The actions of these protest groups that deploy near key industrial and administrative objects under the command of their coordinators are aimed at forcing people, regardless their real position, to declare the public support to the regime change efforts. In other cases, this crowd signals, people will face negative consequences (including threats to life) as ‘supporters of the regime’.
Earlier, this approach was already employed during the coup in Ukraine in 2014. Nonetheless, the Belarusian case is slightly different because Belarus has kept its industrial potential and the industrial sector and its workers play an important role in the country’s economic and social life. Therefore, they become a target of a coordinated attack. At the same time, the establishment of control over Belarusian plants and their further looting in the field of interests of the leaders of the Belarusian ‘democratic opposition’ and its sponsors.
The dominance of the opposition in the media sphere and on the street have become almost unconditional. At least, this situation will remain in this filed as long as there are no looting and violent actions that could justify the usage of force by authorities. However, even in this case, the reaction of the Lukashenko government will likely be painted as the suppression of ‘peaceful protesters’.
The international community is very concerned by the situation in Belarus:
Asked if he supports protesters in Belarus, Trump mishears the reporter and offers a Freudian slip — "protesters and terrorists?" Then, after paying lip service to democracy, he takes the opportunity to bash "so-called peaceful protesters" in Portland. pic.twitter.com/NvulVR26zi — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2020
In own turn, after the first days of riots, when the government successfully and extensively used force to suppress them, President Lukashenko demonstrated that currently he has no understanding on what to do with the ‘nonviolent resistance’ campaign and does not control the situation. If nothing changes, the collapse of the current Belarusian governance system and the fall of Lukashenko is the matter of the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, the entire policy of Lukashenko and a majority of his recent actions were apparently aimed at causing the maximum damage to Belarus’ main military ally and de-facto economic sponsor, Russia. For a long time, Lukashenko had made regular and hostile statements towards Moscow and had contributed extensive efforts to undermine the relations with Russia.
Just ahead of the elections, Lukashenko provoked a new public conflict with Russia regarding the gas supplies and economic questions (demanding more unconditional support by blackmailing Moscow in various fields). Then, Lukashenko employed a harsh anti-Russian rhetoric ahead and during the presidential election. The Lukashenko government staged and participated in the provocation with detention of ‘Russian mercenaries’ that allegedly came to destabilize Belarus (spoiler – no). After this, the Lukashenko government allowed the main public figure of the opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to flee to Lithuania, where he, under the patronage of Lithuanian, Polish and US special services, immediately started creating the government in exile. When the situation went out of control and Lukashenko felt that his political regime is crumbling, he found out that he’s an ally of Russia and Belarusians are the ‘Russian people’. So, he started fiercely speculating that Moscow will support his political regime at any cost, including the military intervention. In fact, no such statements were made by the Kremlin and the only declaration of the military support was related to the protection of Belarus from a foreign intervention as a member state of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Despite this, the behavior of Lukashenko created conditions for the anti-Russian hysteria among the pro-Western opposition in Belarus as well as in Western mainstream media. The refusal of Lukashenko to make political reforms and his determination to remain in power at any cost prolong the ongoing crisis and play into the hand of the Western-controlled opposition. Every day, the political and public campaign run by pro-Western forces gains momentum. The ‘alternative’ governance system controlled from the abroad and consisting of clearly anti-Russian and pro-Western figures is being formed under the brand of Tsikhanouskaya.
As to Russia, over the past weeks, Moscow has demonstrated that it has no active policy towards the crisis in Belarus. The Russian leadership may have decided that it has no tactical opportunities that will allow it to secure its interests. Therefore, Moscow may have opted a more prolonged strategy that includes into the consideration the possible victory of the pro-Western opposition and its expected negative consequences (looting of the industrial complex and the collapse of the economy). In this case, Russia will have an opportunity to restore its influence in Belarus using the dissatisfaction of the population with the deterioration of the social and economic situation under the Western rule in 2-3 years. In the event of a larger crisis and the start of a nationalist-initiated bloodbath in Belarus, Russia may opt to employ a peace-keeping force to put an end to the violence. In this scenario and in the case of success of the peace-restoring operation, the political and economic integration of Belarus with Russia as a part of the Union Sate will be relaunched and Belarus and Russia will become the Union State not only on paper (since 1996), but de-facto.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-08-18--Taiwan And US Sign Agreement For Purchase Of 90 F-16 Aircraft

Taiwan has signed a 62-billion-dollar deal to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States .
The deal is the biggest weapons sale to have been concluded between Washington and Taipei and is sure to further increase the already extremely high tensions with China .
Under the deal , which was announced by the Pentagon last Friday , the US has agreed to sell 90 F-16 fighter jets from US-based aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin to Taiwan over a span of about 10 years .
The self-ruled island , which China considers part of its territory , obtained the green light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new generation F-16s to modernize its air force , however no agreement was concluded at the time .
The deal marks the first time since 1992 that advanced fighter jets have been sold to Taiwan and is expected to infuriate China , which has repeatedly warned Washington against selling advanced weaponry to Taipei .
Following media reports of the agreement last year , a spokesperson for China ’ s Foreign Ministry called on the US to “ refrain ” from selling the “ fighter jets to Taiwan and stop arms sales to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chinese side will surely make strong reactions , and the US will have to bear all the consequences.
” China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan under the “ One China ” policy , and most countries recognize that sovereignty , saying the island is part of China ’ s territory awaiting reunification .
The US also recognizes Chinese sovereignty over the island but at the same time maintains relations with Taipei as a bargaining chip in its geopolitical rivalry with Beijing .
Although Washington has no diplomatic relations with Taipei by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s largest weapons supplier and has been a consistent supporter of Taiwan ’ s secessionist-minded president Tsai Ing-wen .
Tsai has rejected Beijing ’ s stance that Taiwan is part of “ One China ” and instead views the island as “ already independent.
” Washington also regularly conducts military patrols and exercises around the self-governed island , including regular over flights and sailing its warships through the strategic Taiwan Strait , which separates Taiwan from China .
Relations between the United States and China have hit the lowest level in decades under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries are at loggerheads over a range of issues , including trade , Hong Kong , Taiwan , the South China Sea , and the coronavirus pandemic .
Last week , the US navy said in a statement that a strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan had conducted military exercises in the South China Sea .
According to the statement , the strike group carried out flight operations as well as high-end maritime stability operations and drills at the disputed sea .
LINK China does not rule out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under its full control , and if Taiwan and the US take their relations and joint military cooperation much further China may well consider that it has no choice but to use force to occupy the island .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Secretary of State dedicates major address to China baiting

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Taiwan has signed a 62-billion-dollar deal to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States. The deal is the biggest weapons sale to have been concluded between Washington and Taipei and is sure to further increase the already extremely high tensions with China.
Under the deal, which was announced by the Pentagon last Friday, the US has agreed to sell 90 F-16 fighter jets from US-based aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin to Taiwan over a span of about 10 years.
The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, obtained the green light from Washington last year to buy 66 new generation F-16s to modernize its air force, however no agreement was concluded at the time.
The deal marks the first time since 1992 that advanced fighter jets have been sold to Taiwan and is expected to infuriate China, which has repeatedly warned Washington against selling advanced weaponry to Taipei.
Following media reports of the agreement last year, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry called on the US to “refrain” from selling the “fighter jets to Taiwan and stop arms sales to and military contact with Taiwan.” “Otherwise, the Chinese side will surely make strong reactions, and the US will have to bear all the consequences.”
China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan under the “One China” policy, and most countries recognize that sovereignty, saying the island is part of China’s territory awaiting reunification.
The US also recognizes Chinese sovereignty over the island but at the same time maintains relations with Taipei as a bargaining chip in its geopolitical rivalry with Beijing.
Although Washington has no diplomatic relations with Taipei by law, it is the island’s largest weapons supplier and has been a consistent supporter of Taiwan’s secessionist-minded president Tsai Ing-wen.
Tsai has rejected Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of “One China” and instead views the island as “already independent.”
Washington also regularly conducts military patrols and exercises around the self-governed island, including regular over flights and sailing its warships through the strategic Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China.
Relations between the United States and China have hit the lowest level in decades under US President Donald Trump. The two countries are at loggerheads over a range of issues, including trade, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the US navy said in a statement that a strike group led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan had conducted military exercises in the South China Sea. According to the statement, the strike group carried out flight operations as well as high-end maritime stability operations and drills at the disputed sea. LINK
China does not rule out the use of force to bring the island under its full control, and if Taiwan and the US take their relations and joint military cooperation much further China may well consider that it has no choice but to use force to occupy the island.
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