Podcasts about indo pacific

Today, Martha and Joshua discuss the upcoming August 15 meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Alaska, following Trump's threat to “end the war or face sanctions.” With Ukraine unable to retake Russian-held territory and U.S. attention focused on the Indo-Pacific, speculation grows over whether Kyiv will be pressured to concede land. European partners signal readiness to support a deal, but details remain unclear. Will this be a breakthrough for diplomacy or another case of Putin playing a U.S. president? How will Congress and European allies react to any agreement that is made? Could enforcing existing sanctions against Russia be more effective than imposing new ones? And what message does holding this meeting in Alaska send to both Russians and Americans?Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows' discussions: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/10/putin-trump-russia-ukraine-summit/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/09/politics/white-house-zelensky-trump-putin-meeting https://thehill.com/policy/international/5445054-european-leaders-putin-russia-ukraine-trump-talks/ https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-deadline-putin-423e6a28df5186a48b7383eae41c11c2 Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@joshuachuminskiLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/QHfiD0gN-5w Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and James Carouso dive deep into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's dramatic 2016 pivot from the US to China. Joined by authors Marites Vitug and Camille Elemia, they discuss their book Unrequited Love: Duterte's China Embrace.The conversation kicks off with why this "love affair" matters globally–how it reshaped South China Sea geopolitics, tested international law, and challenged the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty over Duterte's six-year term in office. Duterte downplayed the 2016 arbitral ruling against China as "a piece of paper," turning a blind eye to Chinese incursions while seeking economic aid. Our guests explain how China provided cover for Duterte's drug war while the West heaped on criticism.Duterte's pro-China tilt stemmed from personal history: As Davao City mayor, he built ties with Chinese businessmen and harbored anti-US resentment from incidents like when a suspected US agent allegedly implicated in a Davao City bombing incident was whisked out of the country. Influenced by communist professor Jose Maria Sison and his anti-imperialist mother, Duterte viewed America as imperialists. Yet, surveys show Filipinos mostly remain pro-US and distrust China, with 70-80% favoring assertion of West Philippine Sea rights.The 2016 election saw Duterte win by portraying himself as an authentic outsider fighting a "narco state." His charm, social media savvy, and anti-elite messaging resonated, in contrast to his predecessor's perceived lack of empathy.Economically, however, the promised benefits fell flat: Duterte touted billions in Chinese loans, but only 3-4 infrastructure projects materialized. In return, the authors contend that China gained "free rein" in disputed waters, ultimately blocking Philippine resource exploration. Xi Jinping benefited from strategic breathing room, more ASEAN allies, and weakened US influence—though some in Duterte's cabinet resisted, voicing the military's deep sentiments against appeasement.Despite this, Rodrigo Duterte left office with his popularity largely intact due to his personal connection to the electorate, not his foreign policy. Our guests resist his supporters' pragmatism claims, noting neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are able to balance China without surrendering their sovereignty.The authors express fears that his daughter Sara Duterte–the Philippines' current vice president–may revive his pro-China policies if elected in 2028. She opposes US missiles like the Typhon; never criticizes Chinese aggression, and repeats his scare tactics about war. Unlike current President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr., who pivoted back to the US, Sara lacks significant Western exposure. Her charisma, Duterte brand, and social media machine boost her chances, even amid a recent impeachment effort.The episode touches on the recent Marcos-Trump deal (which saw tariffs barely cut from 20% to 19%), divided reactions in the Philippines, and media bubbles. The authors explain that President Duterte's current ICC detention for drug war crimes has drawn sympathy, potentially aiding Sara's bid.A must-listen for insights on Philippine politics, US-China rivalry, South China Sea tensions, and Duterte's enduring legacy. Get the book on Amazon (ebook) or Ateneo Press. Follow guests on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose strong economic sanctions against Russia ahead of an expected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the Middle East, Israel's State Security Cabinet approved a plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy the whole of the Gaza Strip, while the U.S. is set to take over aid operations in the territory. In the Indo-Pacific, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, while Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire deal. In global trade, reciprocal tariffs against U.S. trading partners went into effect, with threats of additional tariffs remaining on several key partners, including the European Union. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250808/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Valley of Depth, we sit down with Regent cofounder and CEO Billy Thalheimer to explore a radical reimagining of coastal mobility, not with eVTOLs or hyperloops, but with high-speed electric seagliders that skim just above the water.Part hydrofoil, part aircraft, and fully electric, Regent's vehicles operate in the sweet spot between aviation and maritime. They're fast enough to replace short-haul flights, regulated like boats, and increasingly viewed by the Pentagon as a new class of strategic asset.Billy walks us through Regent's founding story, from MIT aerodynamics to launching the world's largest electric aircraft-by-another-name. We dive deep into the company's dual-use strategy, its multibillion-dollar commercial backlog, and its early defense work with the U.S. Marine Corps.We also get into:The technical magic behind “float, foil, fly”Why flying 10 feet above water solves big infrastructure problemsRegent's bet on maritime-first regulationHow seagliders fit into Indo-Pacific logistics and contested environmentsThe case for a new coastal transportation layer and why no one's built it until now• Chapters •00:00 – Intro01:01 – Why Rhode Island?03:15 – Startup community in Rhode Island07:17 – Founding and origin behind Regent12:10 – How things have changed since the ekranoplan19:05 – How Regent's planes handle a rogue wave20:52 – State of Regent's product build24:35 – Who will be Regent's first operators?26:11 – Regent's regulatory process as a maritime vessel31:59 – What happens when the FAA decides to be involved?36:02 – Commercial vs government use38:15 – When did Regent start talking with the DoD?43:34 – Scaling for dual use commercial vs military46:34 – Raising $90m and common skeptical questions49:39 – What does success for Regent look like?• Show notes •Regent's website — https://www.regentcraft.com/Regent's socials — https://x.com/regentcraftMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload's socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspaceIgnition's socials — https://twitter.com/ignitionnuclear / https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignition-nuclear/Tectonic's socials — https://twitter.com/tectonicdefense / https://www.linkedin.com/company/tectonicdefense/Valley of Depth archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/• About us •Valley of Depth is a podcast about the technologies that matter — and the people building them. Brought to you by Arkaea Media, the team behind Payload (space), Ignition (nuclear energy), and Tectonic (defense tech), this show goes beyond headlines and hype. We talk to founders, investors, government officials, and military leaders shaping the future of national security and deep tech. From breakthrough science to strategic policy, we dive into the high-stakes decisions behind the world's hardest technologies.Payload: www.payloadspace.comIgnition: www.ignition-news.comTectonic: www.tectonicdefense.com

The Air Force is getting ready to roll out a brand new cloud computing strategy, and this version includes a big focus on making sure service members can access secure and resilient cloud services in contested theaters like Europe and the Indo Pacific. Officials say it will build on progress the service has already made in transitioning from limited cloud use to a more robust multi cloud architecture. Keith Hardiman is the Department of the Air Force's director of Enterprise Information Technology. He talked with Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis as part of our annual cloud exchange. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How has the Australia-China relationship changed since the Prime Minister's last visit to China in 2023? From China's perspective, how does its relationship with Australia fit into its current worldview? And how has US policy under Trump impacted that relationship? What does the future hold for the Australia-China relationship, given China's increasingly assertive foreign and strategic policies? In this episode, Rowan Callick and Will Glasgow join Susan Dietz to unpack PM Anthony Albanese's recent visit to China and the complexities of navigating the Australia–China relationship.Rowan Callick OBE is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is an experienced journalist with extensive China and other Indo-Pacific expertise. Will Glasgow is The Australian's North Asia Correspondent, now based in Beijing. He has lived and reported from Beijing and Taipei since 2020. Susan Dietz is Senior Executive Advisor, China at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – study with us We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As August kicks off and summer hits full swing, From the Crows' Nest takes a step back from its usual format for a special Q&A episode. Host Ken Miller is joined in the studio by Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs to answer questions from listeners and the (very real) studio audience. The conversation touches on topics like EMSO's role in future global conflicts, what to watch from the latest World Radio Conference, and even the lighter side of the spectrum—like what kind of mascot might best represent the field. Ken also shares some insights on the Indo-Pacific region and weighs in on today's fast-changing security environment. It's a relaxed but thought-provoking episode that brings fresh perspective to some of the big questions facing EMSO today. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage. We also invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this week's episode, Dominic Bowen speaks with Dr. Bruce Jones about the shifting balance of power in the South China Sea and the future of maritime strategy. Dr. Jones, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of To Rule the Waves, joins the International Risk Podcast to discuss China's escalating naval activity, gray zone tactics, and the growing risk of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Together, they explore how China's military drills have evolved into potential launchpads for rapid escalation, the vulnerability of Taiwan, and the strategic calculus behind Beijing's posture.Dr. Jones is a Senior Fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology and the Center for Asia Policy Studies at The Brookings Institution. His research focuses on U.S. strategy, international order, and great power relations, and he has extensive experience in international security policy. Dr. Jones has significant expertise in intervention and crisis management. He served in the United Nations' operation in Kosovo and was special assistant to the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and a partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

This week Mike speaks with Ja Ian Chong, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. They discuss the lessons and parallels of WWI and WWII for the contemporary Indo-Pacific, the potential for an outbreak of crisis and conflict in the region, the need for Singapore to review its geopolitical strategy, and much more.  

Visit us at Network2020.org. The U.S. has slapped a 25% tariff on most Indian exports and threatened further measures over India's continued oil and arms deals with Russia. India isn't backing down—defending those ties as “time-tested” while rejecting an American offer of F‑35 fighter jets.To make sense of this standoff, we're revisiting a 2023 conversation on India's foreign policy dilemma: Can the world's largest democracy maintain strategic autonomy while deepening ties with the U.S. and other major powers? How does India balance its historic relationship with Moscow against its rivalry with Beijing? And what role will domestic politics play in shaping India's future on the global stage?This episode unpacks the forces driving India's choices—and why its push for sovereignty could redefine alliances, trade, and security across the Indo-Pacific.Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay.

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso are joined by Kharis Templeman, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, to analyze the fallout from Taiwan's recent failed recall election attempt and what it means for the island's future.The discussion centers on the July 26 recall votes, where an attempt to remove 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers from office was rejected by voters. This outcome solidifies a challenging period of divided government for President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which controls the presidency but not the legislature. Templeman explains that the recalls, initiated by grassroots activists concerned about the KMT's legislative agenda, represented a high-stakes effort to shift the balance of power. Their failure means President Lai must continue to navigate an opposition that has resisted efforts to bolster Taiwan's defenses against pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC).The podcast provides essential context on Taiwan's key political players:• The KMT, or "Blue" camp, is Taiwan's oldest political party. Once staunchly anti-communist, it now advocates for engagement and dialogue with Beijing and is seen as the party the PRC prefers. The KMT positions itself as better able to manage cross-strait relations peacefully.• The DPP, or "Green" camp, is more skeptical of China. The Lai administration has focused on strengthening Taiwan's military and civil resilience, a stance the KMT-led opposition claims is provocative.Templeman unpacks the broader geopolitical implications, touching on how Beijing frames the recall failure as a rejection of "Taiwan independence". The conversation also covers the recent US decision to deny President Lai a stop in New York City during a planned transit visit, a move viewed by many as a concession to Beijing amid ongoing US-China negotiations. This highlights the complex and often transactional nature of the US-Taiwan relationship.Looking ahead, with the recall option almost exhausted, Taiwan's political factions face a stalemate. Templeman suggests this could lead to either more intense partisan conflict or a period of moderation and compromise as both parties eye the 2026 local elections. This episode offers a crucial analysis of the domestic power struggles and international pressures shaping Taiwan's path forward.

Will China invade Taiwan? If so, when and what signs should we look for that will show it is imminent? How exactly could Beijing seize the island? And what would the US do in response? These questions have been at the core of Indo-Pacific security concerns for decades, but in recent years, the threat has become more tangible - and the questions more urgent. In the final episode of this three-part series on China's military, Venetia Rainey looks at different analyses of whether Beijing is getting ready to invade the self-ruled island it claims as its own. Plus, she examines the different scenarios that could unfold and crucially, what that would mean for a conflict with the US and a potential Third World War. This series dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND, Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group, and The Telegraph's Asia Correspondent Allegra Mendelson. Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CCTV, Weibo/social mediaFind episodes one and two of the series here: https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, several countries, including Canada, India, and other major economies, continued to negotiate with the U.S. ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline to make a trade deal, as the European Union and Asian nations including South Korea reached agreements. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with a Chinese delegation in Stockholm, where both sides agreed to extend bilateral trade negotiations. In the Middle East, several countries have announced they would recognize Palestine as a state in the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in September, while the U.S. imposed additional sanctions targeting Iran. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump reduced the timeline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire from 50 to 10 days, while the Ukrainian parliament passed legislation restoring the independence of anti-corruption bodies after facing international and domestic backlash. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250801/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's coast sparks tsunami alerts from Japan to Chile as millions evacuate; VBS programs see record attendance and tens of thousands of salvations. FOCUS: Sean Feucht responds after Canadian officials fine a church and cancel worship events—what's really going on? MAIN THING: 19 nations unite for massive Indo-Pacific military drills—but will they stand united if China makes a move on Taiwan? LAST THING: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” SHOW LINKS SEAN FEUCHT INTERVEW: https://youtu.be/SkqZyYUT5w0?feature=shared GARY LANE'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-global-lane/id1817692674 Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

What are some of the key mechanisms for avoiding conflict? Why is ASEAN a key player in preventive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region? What challenges are faced in trying to prevent conflict in the region? And what role does Australia play? In this episode, Bec Strating, Huong Le Thu and Collin Koh join Rory Medcalf to delve into the complexities of conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the role of ASEAN, Australia and other partners.Rebecca (Bec) Strating FAIIA is the Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).Dr Huong Le Thu is Deputy Director of Asia at the International Crisis Group – a conflict prevention organisation. She is also an Expert Associate at NSC.Dr Collin Koh is Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies and an Expert Associate at NSC.Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.TRANSCRIPTShow notes· NSC academic programs – study with us· Preventing conflict in our region: options for Australian statecraft· ASEAN Community Vision 2045· COLREGSWe'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The relations between China and the Republic of Korea have evolved fast over the past more than three decades, marked by a substantial increase in trade and economic interdependence. Bilateral trade has surged by around 50 times since they established diplomatic ties in 1992, with China remaining the ROK's largest trade partner for many consecutive years. The economic interdependence is also underscored by the fact that China received about 40 percent of the ROK's technology exports as of the end of last year.在过去的三十多年里，中国与韩国之间的关系迅速发展，贸易和经济上的相互依存度显著提高。自1992年两国建立外交关系以来，双边贸易增长了约50倍，中国连续多年成为韩国最大的贸易伙伴。经济上的相互依存关系还体现在，截至去年年底，中国接收了韩国约40%的技术出口。China has always valued the mutually beneficial relationship with the ROK, describing the country as an inseparable neighbor and cooperation partner. That was reaffirmed once again by Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a telephone conversation on Monday with his ROK counterpart Cho Hyun, their first exchanges after the inauguration of the new ROK government early last month.中国一直重视与韩国的互利关系，将该国视为不可分割的邻国和合作伙伴。外交部长王毅在周一与韩国外长赵贤哲的电话交谈中再次强调了这一观点。这是自上个月韩国新政府就职以来双方的首次交流。Wang expressed the hope that the new ROK government will ensure that its China policy is "stable, sustainable and predictable", without vacillation. Stressing that China and the ROK should work together to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, he said that the two sides needed to maintain policy stability, as only in this way will the two countries be able to continue to benefit from their strategic cooperative partnership free from external interference.王表示，希望韩国新政府能够确保其对华政策“稳定、可持续且具有可预测性”，做到坚定不移。他强调，中国和韩国应携手努力，将双边关系提升到更高水平。他还指出，双方需要保持政策的稳定性，只有这样，两国才能不受外部干扰地继续从战略合作伙伴关系中获益。On his part, Cho said the ROK attaches great significance to its relations with China and will promote greater development of the two countries' strategic cooperative partnership.赵表示，韩国方面高度重视与中国的关系，并将推动两国战略合作伙伴关系的进一步发展。All this indicates the two countries are now ready to start from a new beginning to advance their partnership.所有这些都表明，两国现在已准备好从新的起点开始，推进双方的伙伴关系发展。Bilateral ties experienced some difficulties during the ROK's previous administration, mainly due to Seoul aligning itself with the "value diplomacy" of the previous United States administration, which led to it making confrontational moves, such as the upgrading of the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system and supporting the US' "Indo-Pacific" strategy to contain China.在韩国上一届政府执政期间，双边关系遭遇了一些困难，主要原因是首尔方面与上一届美国政府推行的“价值外交”政策保持一致，从而采取了对抗性的举措，比如升级美国的“末段高空区域防御”导弹系统，并支持美国的“印太”战略以遏制中国。The adoption of a pragmatic stance by the new ROK administration toward China has been driven by the recognition that sound, stable and ever-deepening China-ROK relations serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples.韩国新政府对华采取务实态度，这一举措源于其认识到，稳固、稳定且不断深化的中韩关系符合两国人民的根本利益。In the past, thanks to their good-neighborly and friendly policy toward one another, China and the ROK have been able to transcend their differences in ideology and social systems, and actively advance exchanges and cooperation across various fields.过去，由于两国之间秉持着睦邻友好、相互包容的政策，中国和韩国得以超越意识形态和社会制度上的差异，积极促进各领域的交流与合作。For example, the China-ROK Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2015, has played a significant role in boosting trade and investment between the two countries. Both countries are currently engaged in negotiations to enhance the liberalization in their services trade and investment, demonstrating their shared commitment to fostering economic growth and cooperation.例如，2015年生效的中韩自由贸易协定在促进两国之间的贸易和投资方面发挥了重要作用。目前，两国正在就进一步扩大服务贸易和投资的自由化程度进行谈判，这表明双方都致力于推动经济增长与合作。However, the evolving geopolitical landscape poses rising challenges to the China-ROK relationship. Since ROK President Lee Jae-myung took office in June, there have been reports that Washington is pressuring Seoul to take on a larger role in countering China, emphasizing the need to modernize their bilateral alliance by beefing up their defense and security cooperation.然而，不断变化的国际政治格局给中韩关系带来了新的挑战。自韩国总统李在明于6月上任以来，有报道称华盛顿方面正向首尔施压，要求其在对抗中国方面发挥更大作用，强调需要通过加强双方的防务和安全合作来使双边联盟现代化。This could potentially strain the ROK's efforts to maintain strategic autonomy. The US has also been seeking the ROK's participation in reshaping global supply chains aimed at decoupling from China, a move that risks harming the long-standing economic partnership between China and the ROK.这可能会对韩国维持战略自主权的努力造成不利影响。美国还一直在寻求韩国参与重塑旨在与中国脱钩的全球供应链，这一举动有可能损害中国与韩国长期以来的经济合作关系。Looking ahead, it is imperative that China and the ROK join hands to navigate these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities for cooperation. Keeping their industry and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and expanding cooperation in areas such as innovation and climate change can serve as positive steps toward strengthening their partnership.展望未来，中国和韩国必须携手共渡这些难关，并抓住合作机遇。保持各自的产业和供应链稳定畅通，并在创新和气候变化等领域扩大合作，将有助于加强两国之间的伙伴关系。The China-ROK relationship stands at a critical juncture, where both countries must carefully balance their strategic interests while fostering mutual trust and cooperation. By upholding the principles of good neighborliness, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, China and the ROK can continue to build a resilient and productive partnership that contributes to regional and global peace, stability and development.中韩关系正处于一个关键的转折点，两国必须在维护自身战略利益的同时，努力增进相互信任与合作。通过秉持睦邻友好、互利共赢的原则，中国和韩国能够继续构建一个稳固且富有成效的伙伴关系，为地区和全球的和平、稳定与发展做出贡献。 bilateral traden.双边贸易/ˌbaɪˈlætərəl treɪd/strategic cooperative partnershipn.战略合作伙伴关系/strəˈtiːdʒɪk kəʊˈɒpərətɪvˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/

Join Justin Bassi, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and former National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss threats to international security, Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific, and opportunities for Canberra and Washington to work together to promote peace and prosperity. Viewing China's military and technological rise as Australia's top security threat, Bassi discusses the ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party leaders and how Australia and its allies can compete more effectively to counter CCP aggression and prevent a war with China. The US and Australia sharing a deep history since World War I, Bassi reflects on how more recent internal debates are playing out within Australia regarding Trump administration policies, how we can promote a positive agenda to advance our mutual interests, and his views on the future of AUKUS – the alliance between Australia, the US and the UK to strengthen defense and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. For more conversations from world leaders from key countries, subscribe to receive instant notification of the next episode.  ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Justin Bassi is the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. From 2015 to 2018, Bassi served as National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, where he was responsible for security policy and operations, including counter terrorism, foreign interference, and cyberspace. He then served as the Cyber Intelligence Mission Manager at the Office of National Intelligence, and later as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne. Prior to this role, Bassi served as National Security Adviser to the Attorney-General. He spent over a decade in the Australian Public Service, including in the intelligence community and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.  

China's military is not a real army - it's the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party. Ideology is paramount and corruption is endemic. Plus, the People's Liberation Army hasn't fought a war since 1979. Xi Jinping calls it “the peace disease”. In episode two of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey looks at the PLA's weaknesses and how the Chinese president Xi is trying to fix them, from endless purges of top generals to a specially built training centre in Mongolia and live-fire drills around Taiwan. This series on China's military dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.Listen to episode one of this series on China's military here. With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND,  and Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group. Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, Shortwave Radio Audio Archive, Reuters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class in a new special series on Battle Lines.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.In episode one of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey uncovers the strengths that define the PLA today, from its vastly modernised Navy, now the largest globally, to its Air Force equipped with stealth fighters and advanced drones.Plus, a look at China's potent non-conventional forces, such as its highly sophisticated cyber warfare units, its independent aerospace and counter-space capabilities, and the secretive Rocket Force, responsible for a fast-expanding nuclear arsenal.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CGTN, GettyEpisode two out on Wednesday, 30/07/25.Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a surprise 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam. Just days later, the U.S. government decided to postpone the implementation for 90 days to allow room for negotiation. The move has drawn close attention from Vietnamese businesses and raised questions about the future of trade relations between the two countries. In this context, Vietnam's role at the international negotiating table and its ability to maintain its position in the global supply chain have become key areas of focus.In this week's episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), we are honored to welcome Daniel Kritenbrink, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and now a Partner at The Asia Group, where he advises on strategy, policy, and geopolitics across the Indo-Pacific region. He previously appeared on Vietcetera in the 2021 Tet rap video alongside rapper Wowy, leaving a lasting impression as a diplomat who embraced Vietnamese culture with warmth and openness.Now in a new role, he returns with candid and thoughtful reflections on the future of U.S.–Vietnam relations in a world that is rapidly evolving. Can Vietnam become the next “Singapore” with a neutral, dynamic, and forward-looking position? Or will it define a development path entirely its own? And along the way, what strategies will be key to strengthening Vietnam's role on the global stage?Listen to this episode on YouTubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso welcome back Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and professor at Princeton University, to examine how recent U.S. military strikes in Iran impact deterrence dynamics across the Indo-Pacific region.Iran Strikes and China DeterrenceCooper argues that U.S. strikes against Iran may actually strengthen deterrence against China by demonstrating American unpredictability. Chinese officials had reportedly viewed Trump as a "paper tiger" following trade negotiations, but the Iran strikes have forced Beijing to recalculate its assumptions about U.S. willingness to use force in a Taiwan crisis.Alliance Management Under PressureThe conversation explores growing tensions in U.S. Indo-Pacific alliances as the Trump administration links trade negotiations to security commitments. Cooper expresses concern that threatened tariffs and demands for increased defense spending could undermine alliance relationships, particularly with South Korea, Japan, and Australia.Nuclear Proliferation ConcernsThe panel discusses alarming implications for nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific, with Cooper warning that recent events may accelerate desires for independent nuclear capabilities among regional allies. The setback to Iran's nuclear program paradoxically demonstrates both the risks and benefits of pursuing nuclear weapons.Regional Defense ArchitectureCooper critically examines Eli Ratner's proposal for an Indo-Pacific defense pact (the "Squad" - U.S., Japan, Australia, Philippines), arguing that formal defense agreements may be premature given current political realities in allied capitals. He suggests focusing on operational cooperation and interoperability instead.India-Pakistan LessonsThe recent India-Pakistan border conflict provides valuable insights for Indo-Pacific military planning, with Cooper noting that Indian air operations were largely successful despite Pakistani use of Chinese-supplied air defense systems.Information Warfare ChallengesAs chairman of the Open Technology Fund, Cooper discusses ongoing efforts to maintain internet freedom tools like Signal and VPN access in authoritarian countries, despite Trump administration attempts to shut down U.S. Agency for Global Media operations.Strategic ImplicationsCooper emphasizes that while Middle East conflicts may seem distant from Indo-Pacific concerns, they fundamentally shape how regional powers assess American resolve and commitment. The unpredictability doctrine may serve deterrence purposes, but creates significant challenges for alliance management and strategic planning.

How much of Donald Trump's sanctions strategy is substance — and how much is performance? In this episode of Independent Thinking, Chatham House experts unpack whether sanctions work. And at Trump's shifting use of sanctions, tariffs and personal power plays in global economic policy. With Dr Christopher Sabatini, Timothy Ash, and Christopher Vandome from Chatham House. Read our latest reports: Understanding and improving sanctions today Russia's struggle to modernize its military industry Why the Indo-Pacific should be a higher priority for the UK Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Executive producer - John Pollock. Produced by Jonathan Coates and Warren Nettleford. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Summer issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

This week, the United States approved a new weapons package for Ukraine, while representatives from Russian and Ukraine agreed to a new round of prisoner exchanges. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. signed new trade deals with Japan and the Philippines, while EU representatives met with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid simmering trade tensions. In the Middle East, EU and Iranian officials discussed recent sanctions threats against Tehran, while U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to discuss the release of hostages from Hamas. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=27490&action=edit Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Situation Report for July 24, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the biggest story of the week: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's criminal referral to the Department of Justice over the Intelligence Community's “Russia collusion” claims from 2017 – laying out what Director Gabbard found and what happens next. He also covers new trade deals, defunding gender transition procedures, a disturbing report on America's organ transplant system, and much more.   President Trump seals new trade deals with key Indo-Pacific allies   Hospitals lose federal funding for gender transition procedures on minors   DNI Tulsi Gabbard makes a criminal referral over the Russia collusion scandal   An investigation into the organ transplant system reveals disturbing practices   YouTube deletes thousands of propaganda accounts tied to China and Russia   Get well soon, President Trump   Classic Coca-Cola is coming to a shelf near you   Read of the week: “The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Attack”

How might combat collaborative aircraft be used to fight a war in Europe? Or the Indo-Pacific? To discuss these questions, and the latest from the YFQ-44A, President Aaron Stein sat down with Andrew Van Timmeren, the director of air dominance systems at Anduril Industries, about what he and the company are working on.FPRI's new project, Behind the Front, analyzes current and future national security challenges with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base, military procurement, lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, and challenges and opportunities in the technology and space sector. Read more here. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. David Bray, Director of the Loomis Accelerator Program and Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, and Jeffrey Wright, recently retired Special Operations Officer and Founder of SplashOne Robotics. In this episode, Dr. Bray and Mr. Wright discuss whether the DOD needs to develop and deploy warfighter-portable small unmanned aerial systems in the Indo-Pacific, and potentially other theaters. Additionally, we cover the current barriers to implementing small-UAS in the Indo-Pacific region and what changes need to be made to DOD acquisition processes and culture to better prepare for future conflicts. To view Dr. David Bray's full report, “Strategic Sufficiency: Mapping DOD Small Drone Requirements to Potential Warfighter Needs in the Indo-Pacific", click here: https://oodaloop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Strategic-Sufficiency_-Mapping-DoD-Small-Drone-Requirements-to-Potential-Warfighter-Needs-in-the-Indo-Pacific.pdfJoin us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is now open at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠.This year, we will be joined by Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as two of our engaging keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking sessions, and a multi-day Hackathon. To register for the multi-day Hackathon, please visit: https://hackathon.ndia.org/?_gl=1*1ux9nxs*_ga*NzIzODIyMDUuMTc0OTc1MDI2Nw..*_ga_Z4X7EV9BT1*czE3NTMzMDM5MzIkbzIyJGcxJHQxNzUzMzAzOTM2JGo1NiRsMCRoMA..Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date. Thank you for listening to another episode of Emerging Tech Horizons.Join us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is now open at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠.⁠https://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI 

Does the United States need a new playbook — or just fewer plays? In this charged episode, big ideas collide over how to sequence American power across the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. Ryan is joined by A. Wess Mitchell (Marathon Initiative), Stacie Pettyjohn (Center for a New American Security), and Justin Logan (Cato Institute) for a scintillating debate over the future of U.S. strategy.

The President of the Philippines was at the White House on Tuesday visiting President Trump, discussing the issue of China and their ambitions to expand. U.S. lawmakers have asked the Defense Department to study building a joint munitions hub in the Philippines, as China continues to menace other nations crossing through the South China Sea. When it comes to American military spending, we are on track to allocate more than $920 billion in the next fiscal year, and it appears there's bipartisan support to fully fund this Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott sits on the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committee, and he joined the Rundown to discuss the long-term threats posed by both China and Iran. The CDC reports an estimated 48,422 deaths from synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, in 2024. With a dangerous amount of the drug supply now laced with this deadly substance, overdose deaths are surging, especially among young people. President Trump recently signed the Halt Fentanyl Act, expanding law enforcement's ability to crack down on traffickers. Gregory Swan, who lost his son Drew to a fentanyl overdose in 2013, co-founded Fentanyl Fathers to raise awareness and prevent more families from suffering the same loss. He joins the Rundown to discuss his mission: educating students, empowering parents, and mobilizing a movement to fight the fentanyl crisis. Plus, commentary from FOX News Digital columnist David Marcus. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. Makes 'Largest Trade Deal in History' With Japan; Habba Removed as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey | NTD Good MorningPresident Donald Trump is hailing a new trade deal with Japan as the largest in history, opening Japanese markets to more U.S. goods and lowering tariffs on Japanese cars. Japan is also planning to invest $550 billion in the United States and to launch a joint LNG project in Alaska. The announcement sparked a rally in Japanese stocks. The United States also reached trade deals with the Philippines and Indonesia on Tuesday, whereby Filipino goods will be charged a 19 percent tariff, but American goods zero percent.A panel of federal judges in New Jersey refused to extend the appointment of Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, instead naming her deputy as a replacement. Department of Justice officials said Habba was pushed out for political reasons, as she is a former lawyer to President Donald Trump. The DOJ removed her deputy hours later. It remains unclear who will now take up the role.On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, two former ambassadors to Japan and Australia will discuss how they can better cooperate with the United States to counter the CCP's economic coercion. The three nations are working to try to reshape global trade to lessen reliance on China and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific. The navies of the three countries recently signed a new logistics deal to streamline cooperation should a conflict break out in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the United States is pursuing trade negotiations with China next week in Sweden to discuss tariff deadlines.

The President of the Philippines was at the White House on Tuesday visiting President Trump, discussing the issue of China and their ambitions to expand. U.S. lawmakers have asked the Defense Department to study building a joint munitions hub in the Philippines, as China continues to menace other nations crossing through the South China Sea. When it comes to American military spending, we are on track to allocate more than $920 billion in the next fiscal year, and it appears there's bipartisan support to fully fund this Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott sits on the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committee, and he joined the Rundown to discuss the long-term threats posed by both China and Iran. The CDC reports an estimated 48,422 deaths from synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, in 2024. With a dangerous amount of the drug supply now laced with this deadly substance, overdose deaths are surging, especially among young people. President Trump recently signed the Halt Fentanyl Act, expanding law enforcement's ability to crack down on traffickers. Gregory Swan, who lost his son Drew to a fentanyl overdose in 2013, co-founded Fentanyl Fathers to raise awareness and prevent more families from suffering the same loss. He joins the Rundown to discuss his mission: educating students, empowering parents, and mobilizing a movement to fight the fentanyl crisis. Plus, commentary from FOX News Digital columnist David Marcus. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President of the Philippines was at the White House on Tuesday visiting President Trump, discussing the issue of China and their ambitions to expand. U.S. lawmakers have asked the Defense Department to study building a joint munitions hub in the Philippines, as China continues to menace other nations crossing through the South China Sea. When it comes to American military spending, we are on track to allocate more than $920 billion in the next fiscal year, and it appears there's bipartisan support to fully fund this Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott sits on the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committee, and he joined the Rundown to discuss the long-term threats posed by both China and Iran. The CDC reports an estimated 48,422 deaths from synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, in 2024. With a dangerous amount of the drug supply now laced with this deadly substance, overdose deaths are surging, especially among young people. President Trump recently signed the Halt Fentanyl Act, expanding law enforcement's ability to crack down on traffickers. Gregory Swan, who lost his son Drew to a fentanyl overdose in 2013, co-founded Fentanyl Fathers to raise awareness and prevent more families from suffering the same loss. He joins the Rundown to discuss his mission: educating students, empowering parents, and mobilizing a movement to fight the fentanyl crisis. Plus, commentary from FOX News Digital columnist David Marcus. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is canceling much of this week's legislative agenda and telling Members of Congress to begin their month-long August recess early to avoid votes on releasing the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; House Oversight Committee and Justice Dept seek to interview Ghislane Maxwell, former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, now in prison related to his crimes; President Trump when asked about Maxwell pivots to the accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, accusing former President Barack Obama of 'treason' for allegedly manufacturing evidence; Senate takes its first vote on fiscal year 2026 spending bills, with Democrats warning Republicans unilateral push for rescissions packages is undermining any bipartisan goodwill in the appropriations process; President  Trump meets with the Filipino President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr in the WH Oval Office to talk trade & Indo-Pacific security and China; President Trump announces the United States will withdraw again from UNESCO, the United Nations cultural, education and scientific organization due to, the president says, its woke agenda and anti-Israel bias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S&P Futures are displaying some weakness this morning as market await a catalyst. Tariffs, Trade and Earnings remain hot topics for the markets. President Trum is scheduled to meet with the president of the Philippines today. Discussions are expected to focus on trade negotiation and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Markets are caution on a potential U.S. EU trade agreement as the EU is said to be preparing a list of possible retaliatory measures. The lack of movement in the U.S. India trade agreement has markets questioning if a deal will actually occur. On the earnings front, CCK, KO, MEDP & NOC are higher after their releases. NXPIT is moving lower after their announcement last night as tech expectations are elevated. After the bell today, earnings releases are expected from CB, SAP & TI.

Amid growing speculation around China's invasion of Taiwan, the island nation has held its largest ever military exercises. Fresh from reporting on live fire drills off the Taiwanese coast, The Telegraph's Asia correspondent Allegra Mendelson shares the latest on Indo-Pacific tensions with Roland Oliphant.Also, Roland speaks to Neal Urwitz, close friend of the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy - Elbridge A. Colby - to discuss the latter's push to dramatically refocus America's military might purely on Taiwan.Read Allegra's dispatch here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/14/taiwan-forgotten-front-line-defensive-drills-may-not-matter/https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphantRead Allegra's dispatch here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/14/taiwan-forgotten-front-line-defensive-drills-may-not-matter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No country is too small in China's push for greater power in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As part of its Belt and Road initiative, Beijing is now looking to win over small island states in the Pacific. Indo-Pacific specialist Dr Dalbir Alhawat explains what China is getting in return for its billions of dollars of investment - and why it poses a problem for the US.The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: www.thetimes.com Picture: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Andrew Phelan, a China specialist with decades of business experience, to analyze Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's week-long diplomatic visit to China. The discussion examines critical questions about Australia's economic dependence on China, security vulnerabilities, and the broader implications for Indo-Pacific stability.Phelan asserts that no country has benefited more from China's rise than Australia. Since China's opening under Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s, Australia has experienced unprecedented economic growth, with China transforming from a closed economy similar to North Korea today into Australia's largest trading partner. This relationship has fundamentally underwritten Australia's wealth and sustained economic expansion without recession.However, this prosperity comes with significant risks. Australia's economy, worth just over a trillion dollars, is dwarfed by China's economic might. Unrestricted Chinese foreign direct investment could result in Australia losing its economic independence entirely. The recent rejection of Chinese acquisition attempts highlights the tension between economic opportunity and national sovereignty.The discussion reveals concerning patterns of technology transfer, where Western corporations pursuing quarterly profits inadvertently strengthen future competitors. This short-term thinking contrasts sharply with China's long-term strategic planning and subsidies.Phelan also cites evidence of Chinese interference in Australian elections, including AI-based communications specifically targeting the Australian-Chinese community. Following the October 7 attacks in Gaza, for example, some speeches were manipulated using AI and distributed through Chinese social media platforms to influence vulnerable community members.The relationship between China and Australia's Labor Party raises additional concerns. Victoria's former Premier Daniel Andrews maintained controversial close ties with China, including signing the only standalone Belt and Road Initiative agreement by any global jurisdiction. This led to new federal legislation preventing such unilateral agreements.Australia's current defense capabilities pale compared to World War II preparations. Phelan says that today's "boutique defense force" of 60,000 personnel from a 25 million person population is nowhere near adequate for current strategic challenges.The Pentagon's AUKUS review under Elbridge Colby reflects legitimate concerns about allied preparedness. Phelan believes the best way to avoid conflict is to be as well-prepared as possible, requiring clear commitments from allies facing an increasingly assertive China.China's objective to distance the United States from its allies shows “patchy” success. While their soft power efforts remain “clumsy” and easily identifiable, institutional influence through organizations like the Australia-China Relations Institute demonstrates more subtle approaches.Xi Jinping's global initiatives represent an alternative operating system for the world, seeking to make Chinese governance models the default globally. This constitutes “an existential challenge to democratic governance”, requiring sustained engagement and strategic clarity from democratic nations.The episode reveals Australia's precarious position between economic prosperity and strategic security. As China's “continuous struggle” philosophy ensures ongoing pressure, Phelan says Australia must develop a greater strategic backbone while maintaining necessary economic relationships. The challenge extends beyond Australia to all Indo-Pacific democracies navigating similar dependencies in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.Follow Andrew on X, @ajpheloSponsored by BowerGroupAsia

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it does not engage in ceasefire talks with Ukraine, while U.S. officials met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss the delivery of U.S. weapons. In the Indo-Pacific, Australia and China hailed a reset in their trade relations following Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and details emerged of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Paraguay next month, which may include a stop in the United States. In the Middle East, Israeli strikes targeted the Syrian Ministry of Defense, while the Iranian parliament issued a statement against resuming nuclear talks with the U.S. until unspecified conditions are met. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250718/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What should we make of Trump's latest 35% tariff threat on Canada? Rudyard and Andrew agree that while this is not surprising given who we are dealing with, it's also not unique to Canada, with Europe and Mexico likewise getting hit with a tariff threat as well. We are not dealing with a normal interlocutor, and anybody who talks about Trump being a natural negotiator is not familiar with the trajectory of his career and many bankruptcies. Unfortunately for Mark Carney, the US holds most of the cards in cross border negotiations, and if recent history is any indication, there is no way of guaranteeing that Trump will live up to any treaty he signs. In the meantime, Europe and the Indo-Pacific have begun strengthening their relationships with other trade partners which will cost the US bargaining power in the future. But should Canada - in a similar bid to diversify trade - seek to strengthen business ties with China? And can Trump's tariffs - which have already paid off a portion of the US treasury's deficit - actually work as intended and chip away at America's ballooning debt?

Gaurav Sen is a senior research fellow at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the author of Peril of the Pacific: Military balance and Battle for Taiwan. He expertise on Taiwan and Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be days away "US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire deal could be wrapped up within the week. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, he noted talks are progressing and hinted at a breakthrough soon. He confirmed that Israel has agreed to the proposed terms for a 60-day truce, with the deal now in Hamas' hands. Qatar and Egypt are mediating, and Hamas has responded positively, showing readiness to move forward. " Trump approves Patriot missiles for Ukraine "Trump announced the US will send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine but says the EU is paying the bill. “We're not paying anything for it,” he said, calling it good business for the US. He took a jab at Putin, accusing him of double talk: “He talks nice and then bombs people at night.” Trump didn't say how many missile systems will be delivered." Australia launches biggest war games ever "Australia kicked off its largest-ever military drill, with 35,000 troops training across the country. “Talisman Sabre 2025” includes forces from over 15 partner nations and, for the first time, extends into Papua New Guinea. The exercise reflects growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, especially around Taiwan. The three-week drills will cover land, sea, and air operations, showcasing serious regional coordination." Sudan: RSF attack kills 11 civilians, including children "At least 11 civilians, among them three children, were killed in a deadly RSF attack in North Kordofan, Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network slammed it as one of the most brutal assaults yet. Over 30 others were injured, including nine women and pregnant civilians. Medical officials are calling on the UN and African Union to intervene and stop the violence." Erdogan pushes for ‘Terror-Free Türkiye' "President Erdogan says Türkiye is pushing to erase terrorism from the region's agenda for good. In a call with UAE President Al Nahyan, he reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to regional security under its ‘Terror-Free Türkiye' initiative. Al Nahyan welcomed the move and said it would greatly enhance stability."

Episode Summary: The Air Force increasingly needs a broader set of munitions to achieve mission effects in the modern age. Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq required a specific range of capabilities. Tomorrow's fights will be different. We need to ensure that we evolve our munitions toolkit to cover these new mission demands. This is especially true when looking at missions in the Indo Pacific—where the threat environment, factors involving range, weather, and mission performance are going to demand a broader range of technical solutions. Join Heather Penney as she speaks with Raytheon's Maj. Gen. Jon Norman, USAF (Ret.) about how he and his team are responding to this new paradigm. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin  Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Maj. Gen. John Norman, USAF (Ret.), VP, USAF Air Power Requirements & Capability, Raytheon Missiles & Defense Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #IndoPacom #MiddleEast

President Donald Trump & First Lady Melania Trump travel to Kerrville, Texas to see firsthand the damage from the catastrophic floods that killed at least 120 in the state's Hill Country, with another 170 still missing, meeting with first responders and local officials and promising help to recover and rebuild; federal judge in Maryland indicates she will issue an order to protect Kilmar Abrego Garcia from being quickly deported again if the federal government tries to if Abrego Garcia is released from custody in Tennessee while he is await trial on human trafficking charge; Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets China's Foreign Minister for the first time on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, discussing tariffs and Indo-Pacific security issues; Secretary Rubio also asked about President Trump's announcement that the U.S. will send Ukraine weapons through the NATO military alliance and NATO will pay for them; White House Budget Director Russell Vought promises to investigate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's handling of renovations at the Federal Reserve building in DC, which Vought calls a 'palace' with enormous cost overruns. Longtime DC media pundit and presidential adviser David Gergen has died at age 83. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Ep. 87, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso speak with Ambassador Pou Sothirak, a former Cambodian diplomat and current distinguished advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, to unpack the complex issues facing Cambodia today. The discussion centers on the renewed border conflict with Thailand, the controversy surrounding the Ream Naval Base, and Cambodia's strategic navigation of its relationships with the United States and China.Ambassador Sothirak provides historical context for the century-old border dispute, which has its origins in French colonial-era maps from 1907. He recounts the history of the conflict, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings in 1962 and 2013 that affirmed Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding territory. The most recent clashes, which began in late May, are described as a "misunderstanding" at face value but are deeply entangled with issues of nationalism and domestic politics in both nations. The situation has been exacerbated by a political crisis in Thailand following a leaked phone call between the leaders of the two nations, which has brought bilateral relations to a low point. The Ambassador suggests a path forward involving third-party mediation to facilitate a truce and demilitarization of the border, followed by high-level diplomatic talks.The conversation addresses widespread speculation that China's extensive support in upgrading the Ream Naval Base amounts to establishing a Chinese military outpost. Ambassador Sothirak dismisses this as a "myth," stating that Cambodia's constitution prohibits foreign military bases on its soil. He explains that Cambodia's collaboration with China is aimed at modernizing its own navy to safeguard its maritime security. However, he acknowledges the semi-permanent, rotating presence of Chinese ships and personnel at the base. He views the recent visit by the U.S. Secretary of Defense as a critical opportunity to dispel misconceptions and improve transparency, emphasizing that Cambodia must balance its ties between the two superpowers.The episode explores Cambodia's foreign policy and its efforts to manage its relationships with both the U.S. and China. China is Cambodia's largest donor and source of foreign direct investment, with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) funding essential infrastructure like power plants and highways. At the same time, the United States is Cambodia's biggest export market. Ambassador Sothirak expresses concern that potential U.S. tariffs, intended to pressure China, could inadvertently harm Cambodia's economy and push it further into China's orbit. He argues that for a small country like Cambodia, maintaining engagement with both the U.S. and China is essential for its development and sovereignty.Follow us on X, @IndoPacPodcast, LinkedIn, or BlueSkyFollow Ray Powell on X, @GordianKnotRay, or LinkedInFollow Jim Carouso on LinkedInSponsored by BowerGroupAsia, a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific

Send us a textThe Ones Ready crew is back with a blistering Daily Drop that reads like a classified briefing laced with caffeine and outrage. Jared goes scorched-earth on the U.S. finally banning Chinese farmland buys (spoiler: it's 2025 and somehow this wasn't already illegal). Meanwhile, the Army wants to quadruple Patriot missiles—because what's deterrence without volume? The Air Force still can't decide if the F-15EX should have a roommate. Space Force gets a budget bump, but bureaucratic gatekeepers still cling to outdated classification nonsense like it's a Cold War cosplay. And don't worry, the KC-46 is still a flying contradiction—does it even have SATCOM?Oh, and if you're still here: Nashville. October. OTS. Let's go.

Dr. Kurt Campbell, former Deputy Secretary of State and an architect of the U.S. “Pivot to Asia,” joins the Burn Bag to unpack the strategic crossroads the United States faces in the Indo-Pacific. In a wide-ranging conversation, Campbell discusses the Trump administration's ongoing tariff negotiations with key allies and partners, the shifting contours of U.S.-China competition, and why he believes the United States is underestimating Beijing's long-term scale and capacity. Drawing from his recent Foreign Affairs essay with Rush Doshi, we explore his call for a new strategy of “allied scale” that fuses defense, trade, and technology cooperation. Campbell shares sharp insights on the future of AUKUS, the role of partners such as India, Japan, and Korea, and how the U.S. must adapt its strategy to stay competitive in a region that's central to the 21st century.Read Kurt's Foreign Affairs op-ed (co-authored with Rush Doshi) here.

Send us a textWelcome back to The Daily Drop—where Jared rants, roasts, and breaks down the news like only the Ones Ready crew can. Today's main event? Iran punches back with a missile strike on Al-Udeid, but 13 of 14 missiles get slapped out of the sky. Trump drops an F-bomb on the lawn. Space and Cyber Command flex behind the scenes. And everyone's favorite stealth bat—the B-2—continues to steal headlines.Meanwhile, the Air Force wants airmen to run two miles... twice a year. Cue the Facebook tears and diaper rash in the NCO groups. Jared lets the fatties have it with a no-holds-barred takedown that would make your Chief blush. Also: the F-15EX has supply chain issues (again), Tech Sergeant promotions spike, and drones in Ukraine are now hiding in IKEA houses.It's blunt. It's brutal. It's your morning slap of reality—Ones Ready style.