TikTok

TikTok witness implodes in front of Congress. The fundamental issue driving Congressional concern is China's access to and control over U.S. related data and coding.

Macron pension reforms

Emmanuel Macron's courage on pension reform offers a lesson to Biden and Congress. The French president is breaking the third rail of Fifth Republic politics for a simple reason. He must do so.

Putin's red carpet, China ambassador to Netherlands

How Putin's rare pageantry and promptness show his immense value in Xi. The Russian president figuratively and literally threw out the red carpet.

China's ambassador to the Netherlands has a meltdown over Chip ban. Interviewed by a Dutch newspaper, Tan Jian entered full on "Wolf Warrior" mode.

Putin-Xi, TikTok lobbying

Endorsing Putin's re-election, Xi underlines his own greatest fear. The Chinese president views unquestioned leadership as his preeminent principle.

Why TikTok's DC lobbying campaign is likely pointless. Unless it is sold to a U.S. owner, the social media company won't persuade Congress of its security reliability.

ICC Putin

How the International Criminal Court helps Putin with its arrest warrant. The move will play perfectly to Putin's narrative that he is waging war on Ukraine to save Russia from foreign liberal domination.

Drone defense, China internet white paper

How and why the U.S. must prevent Russia from downing more drones. The principle of free movement in international airspace must be upheld, and Putin must know the U.S. won't be cowed.

China's new internet white paper: obey Xi and ban global disinformation. The Chinese Communist Party has a rather odd conception of popular interest. And no regard for free speech.

AUKUS and China trade considerations, Missile stocks

Celebrating AUKUS, the UK and Australia hesitate on China hawkishness. The two U.S. allies want to improve trade ties with China alongside military cooperation with America. 

Pentagon's boosted missile buys are insufficient to meet China's threat. The U.S. cannot nickel and dime much-needed improvements to the military industrial base.

Saudi-Iran fiction, China's Taiwan visit offer, Gary Lineker

Saudi Arabia and Iran's diplomatic accord is lipstick on a pig. The two nations despise one another and will not engage in long term compromise.

U.S. should reject China's Kamala Harris for Kevin McCarthy visit offer. Beijing is proposing that the U.S. send Harris to Beijing when McCarthy goes to Taiwan. It might sound good, but it isn't. 

Why the BBC just suspended its star soccer presenter. Gary Lineker breached rules surrounding political impartiality. The BBC really fears is others following in his footsteps.

Mexican cartels, Prince Harry, Biden's defense request

A US military insurgency against the Mexican cartels would be bloody and difficult. This isn't Colombia in the 1980s. The complications in 2023 Mexico are more numerous and significant.

The tedious Mr. Harry. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want their children to have princely titles, but don't ask them to go to the Coronation.

How Biden's defense budget request fails the China test. The president has proposed a paltry 3.19% defense spending increase. It's just not nearly enough.

McCarthy Ukraine

Kevin McCarthy has a weak excuse for not traveling to Ukraine. The Speaker of the House risks sending a message of GOP ambivalence about democratic sovereignty.