Trafigura, China-Netherlands, Xi and Kim

Why is the Biden Administration helping Trafigura support a Kremlin kingpin? The trading house is acting in a manner that flows against the grain of U.S. policy on Russia.

China complains as the Netherlands warns of its endemic espionage. The Netherlands's intelligence service chief just identified China as the top economic threat.

Xi hints at using North Korea to pressure the U.S. In a newly released letter to Kim Jong-un, the Chinese leader praises Kim and pledges new cooperation. Absent? Any subtle criticism of Kim's missile tests.

Discord SIGINT, Russia-North Korea

Discord leaks underline the importance and complexity of signals intelligence. Much of the intelligence material involved appears to have been derived from SIGINT.

Russia and North Korea assist China by pressuring U.S. pacific forces. The Russians are conducting snap naval exercises focused on Japan, and Kim Jong-un is firing off ICBMs.

Annalena Baerbock in Beijing, Discord leaks and allies

From Thursday...

Breaking with Macron, Germany's Annalena Baerbock brings a message of European courage to Beijing. The foreign minister shows fortitude in face of China's duplicity and threats.

Allied tensions over Discord leaks hint at different intelligence community cultures. The U.S. is seen as a very capable but not terribly secret-secure intelligence ally.

China F-22s, Senate UFO hearing

China, or the problem with F-22s leaving Okinawa but arriving in Poland. The U.S. cannot do everything at maximalist levels, everywhere. 

Senate UFO hearing should focus on government programs, not Skinwalker Ranch. The need for serious inquiry is diluted by dalliances with entertainment.

Biden in Ireland

Inside the terrorist threat concerns over Biden's visit to Northern Ireland. Loyalist paramilitaries despise Biden for what they regard as his pro-Irish sympathies.

Macron/Talleyrand, Biden to Ireland

Mr. Macron, the modern Talleyrand, goes to Beijing. The French president has chosen China over his nation's oldest ally.

Biden's Ireland trip comes with complications below the surface. The political situation and security challenges in Northern Ireland are of particular note.

Lebanon rockets

Why Israel is about to attack Hamas in Lebanon, and likely also Hezbollah in Beirut. The Israeli government and opposition are united in the belief they must broadcast strength amid domestic political tension.

Taiwan meetings

Kevin McCarthy fails to publicly pressure Taiwan's Tsai on defense spending. The simple truth is that Taiwan spends far too little on defense. An American president might find it hard to justify future military intervention when Taiwan is ambivalent about defending itself.

Did China's consulates send protesters to the Tsai-McCarthy meeting? Beijing's track record and the abundance of the same Communist Party flags in Simi Valley suggest so.

Philippines bases, RC-135 spy flight, Macron to Beijing, China military, Trump protests, France tech-China, Sanna Marin, Trump Secret Service

Philippines gives U.S. war planners big boost with new base locations. The bases would enable U.S. forces to refuel and rearm, and strike PLA forces with greater efficiency.

U.S. spy plane monitors new Russia warship as Finland joins NATO. The RC-135 signals intelligence aircraft was operating just outside of Russia's Northern Fleet headquarters.

Macron bows before Xi before even arriving in Beijing. The French president views China relations through the prism of trade. And very little else.

China military newspaper emphasizes the need for absolute loyalty to the Communist Party. It's a reminder that the Chinese military is not a national military similar to that of other nations.

The pro- and anti-Trump protests show America at its best. Political disagreement on matters of significant national import need not entail violence or government repression.

U.S. should recall its ambassador if France provides China with access to its high-tech industry. The U.S. cannot tolerate support, even if indirect, for the PLA's warfighting capability.

From Monday...

Finland's Sanna Marin leaves office with America's thanks. The prime minister has been a stalwart U.S. ally in face of Russian aggression and Chinese coercion.

Trump's New York travel poses special Secret Service challenges. The former president's itinerary is public and the Secret Service's means of protection are more limited.

China reeducates Europe

China reminds Europe that obedience is the cost of profit. The visit of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez to Beijing has given Xi a chance to reeducation the European Union on his expectations.