Podcasts about Liberation Army

Preview for later today: Rick Fischer analyzes the People's Liberation Army's role in Iran, highlighting their surveillance satellites and technical support for the Mullahs' defense systems.1945 MAO AND GEORGE MARSHALL

Professor Evan Ellis reports that constant leadership turnover in Peru complicates governance, raising fears that China's Chancay port could serve military logistics for the People's Liberation Army during wartime. 12.1900 SNAKE DANACE MEXICO

1912 WILLIAM JENNINGS  RBYAN SPEECHAnatol Lieven examines Europe's missing voice in Kremlin negotiations, highlighting hurdles like sanctions relief and Russia's demand for Ukrainian withdrawal from the contested Donbass territory. 1.Anatol Lieven questions the lack of a clear strategy for US naval fleets near Iran, hoping for diplomatic compromise and economic opening rather than war. 2.Arthur Herman contrasts the Scottish Enlightenment's focus on liberty with the French "general will," arguing that collectivism historically descends into state violence and tyranny. 3.Arthur Herman argues that the American worldview rests on three Scottish pillars: unity of knowledge, common sense, and the harmonious integration of modern scientific discovery with ancient religious revelation. 4.John Yoo reports that in a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that the IEEPA does not grant the president power to impose universal tariffs without explicit Congressional authorization. 5.John Yoo argues that the tariff ruling proves the Court is not a partisan tool, but an independent body upholding constitutional boundaries and judicial ideology. 6.Mary Anastasia O'Grady describes Cuba's regime reaching its limits, discussing the difficulty of replacing the leadership without causing total societal chaos, looting, or a power vacuum. 7.Doug Messier reports that persistent thruster failures and engineering incompetence have marred Boeing's Starlinerprogram, leaving astronauts marooned and NASA heavily dependent on SpaceX for crewed orbital missions. 8.Professor Evan Ellis reports that the death of kingpin Nemesio Cervantes triggered nationwide gunplay and roadblocks in Mexico, highlighting cartel dominance and the personal nature of the security forces' fight. 9.Professor Evan Ellis reports that a deadly clash between Cuban forces and an American speedboat underscores the island's dire economic crisis and massive blackouts caused by severe, ongoing petroleum shortages. 10.Professor Evan Ellis reports that the US allows Venezuelan oil resale to Cuba's private sector to empower citizens, while Nicolas Maduro faces criminal proceedings in a formal New York courtroom. 11.Professor Evan Ellis reports that constant leadership turnover in Peru complicates governance, raising fears that China's Chancay port could serve military logistics for the People's Liberation Army during wartime. 12.Josiah Hesse explores Mason City's religious history, linking the Music Man allegory to the Scopes trial and traveling preachers who exploited regional evangelical fervor. 13.Josiah Hesse describes his parents' journey through the apocalyptic 1970s Jesus movement into a prosperity gospel church that resulted in extreme poverty and financial disillusionment. 14.Josiah Hesse reports that Paul Weyrich used abortion as a wedge issue to mobilize evangelical voters, successfully aligning Iowa's religious community with the Republican Party during Reagan's campaign. 15.Josiah Hesse recounts the psychological fear of his religious upbringing while observing how Donald Trump's populism continues to resonate deeply with modern Iowa evangelical voters. 16.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran Nears Deal For Supersonic “Ship-Killer” Missile — Tehran is reportedly closing in on an agreement with China to acquire a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile capable of threatening even advanced U.S. naval vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. We break down what the CM-302 can do and how it could change the strategic calculus at sea. Xi's Military Purge May Be Hurting China's Readiness — A new defense study suggests that Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption purge inside the People's Liberation Army is creating command gaps and potentially undermining the very force he has spent years modernizing. Russian Troops Allege Executions Inside Their Own Ranks — A BBC documentary reveals disturbing claims from Russian soldiers who say senior officers ordered brutal punishments — including executions — for troops refusing near-suicidal assault missions in Ukraine. Back of the Brief: Mexico Travel Concerns After El Mencho's Death — With cartel violence flaring following the killing of CJNG boss El Mencho, we take a closer look at travel advisories and what the latest unrest could mean for thousands of Americans planning Spring Break trips to Mexico. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promocode PDB at checkout. Ultra Pouches: Don't sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PDB at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric and Eliot debate the merits and deficiencies of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's attempt to present “Trumpism with a human face” at the Munich Security Conference before turning to the dilemmas Trump faces in Iran. They discuss the administration's uncertain strategic objective, the failure to consult Congress and the public, and the potential for a much longer military engagement than Trump is accustomed to. In the second half of the show, they welcome Hoover Institution Senior Fellow Frank Dikötter to discuss his newly published book, Red Dawn Over China: How Communism Conquered a Quarter of Humanity. They explore the weakness of the communist movement before World War II; the extensive role Soviet support played in sustaining it and in equipping and training what would become the People's Liberation Army; the deep Stalinist ideological impact on the party; and the extraordinary violence and barbarity the CCP inflicted on the Chinese populace in the territories it occupied.Red Dawn Over China: How Communism Conquered a Quarter of Humanity:https://a.co/d/0d3ozDuBEliot on Marco Rubio's Munich Speech (Gift Link):https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/marco-rubio-munich/686025/?gift=KGDC3VdV8jaCufvP3bRsPv8cuxRM97HlBS7AWRa8x2QShield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Part 3 of reuploading classic history episodes in the run up to our book club review of Serve the People! by Yan Lianke.In this episode, we look at how Mao reversed the course of the Cultural Revolution, bringing in the army to end the violence and destruction caused by the factionalism between the Red Guards and other mass organisations. We discuss the much vaunted revolutionary committees, temporary governments made up of a triple alliance between the mass organisations, the Cultural Revolution Group, and the People's Liberation Army.The original aim of the revolution to promote the masses to positions of power in place of corrupt cadres was replaced by the singular quest to restore the country to order. To do this, Mao relied heavily on the PLA, as well as the cadres who not too long ago were seen as public enemy #1.Music clips are from "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman" and "The People of the World Will Surely be Victorious"00:00 Song "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman"00:25 Introduction06:23 January Revolution11:50 Song "The People of the World Will Surely be Victorious"12:05 The Triple Alliance14:10 The February adverse current23:20 The Wuhan incident26:24 The 516 purge29:30 Resitance to demobilisation38:10 The failure of the revolutionBuy bookclub books hereBuy me a coffeeLinks to everythingSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod

A new investigative report reveals known Chinese Communist Party members and military-linked researchers working inside sensitive U.S. university programs tied to defense research, AI, nuclear science, and drone warfare. In this interview, I speak with Tom Jones of the American Accountability Foundation about how visa programs, academic partnerships, and research funding are likely enabling technology transfer to China — often openly and legally. We discuss the national security implications policymakers aren't addressing. This isn't cyber-espionage. According to the report, it's happening through the front door with our suicidal visa policies. Despite the obvious national security threat, federal agencies and state-level flagship universities continue to fund labs run by foreign nationals developing drone swarm software, nuclear engineering, and AI capabilities that directly benefit the People's Liberation Army. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China's top military leadership has been shaken by a new round of purges at the highest level, raising urgent questions about loyalty, corruption, and combat readiness. What do these removals, and especially the purge of Zhang Youxia, signal about Xi Jinping's grip on power, the health of the People's Liberation Army, and Beijing's appetite for risk abroad? We are joined by four seasoned analysts of China and its military, three of whom worked at the Central Intelligence Agency, to parse these questions and more.   This episode is brought to you by Onebrief. Find out more at https://warontherocks.com/onebrief

Is 2026 China's window to “reunite” Taiwan? With Trump's muted position on Taiwan and focus on the Western Hemisphere, China experts see a "perfect storm" of opportunity. Yun Sun, Ph.D., Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, explains why Beijing believes this may be a now-or-never moment.  Dr. Sun unpacks her arguments and warnings from her recent Foreign Affairs essay. In this episode: The People's Liberation Army's military readiness  If the United States won't intervene, would Japan or South Korea?  Decoding the signals from the purge of PLA generals Xi Jinping's legacy ambitions Warning signs to watch in 2026 Show Notes:  A Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026? | Foreign Affairs   Yun Sun | Stimson Center Yun Sun | Brookings  Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood iInternational journalist). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe now for 24/7 access to the entire catalog of 500+ episodes. Chinese President Xi Jinping is purging the military's leadership, raising doubts about the People's Liberation Army's readiness. China has not fought a war since 1979, so how can anyone know whether the United States' No. 1 rival can fight and win a conflict in Taiwan, the South China Sea, or some other flashpoint? David Finkelstein, an expert on Chinese military and security matters at CNA, is our guest. CNA is an independent research institute in Arlington, Virginia. 

“People have misunderstood that [Greenland] is somehow a President Donald Trump issue, and it's not,” says Alex Gray, who previously served as National Security Council chief of staff and deputy assistant to the president.So why does Greenland matter? And why has it become such a massive issue?In fact, Gray explained to me, multiple American presidents have tried to purchase or acquire Greenland over the last 160 years. Andrew Johnson was the first in 1867. Woodrow Wilson tried during the First World War. And Harry Truman tried right after World War II, Gray says.In my deep-dive interview with Gray, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and co-founder of American Global Strategies, he lays out Greenland's geostrategic importance to America's national security and what it would mean if Greenland became dependent on China.In 1952, the United States signed a treaty with Denmark, still in effect today, that provides America with extensive military access to Greenland. Gray's overarching concern is what will happen when Greenland is likely to become independent in five or 10 years.For many years, China has shown great interest in establishing dominance over the Arctic region and is regularly moving its submarines up to the North Pole.Gray is convinced that after independence, Greenland is likely to fall prey to the Chinese Communist Party's “well-worn playbook” to gain influence and eventually control the island. He calls it the “Solomon Islands scenario.”“They start offering Belt and Road projects. They start buying dual-use facilities. They buy ports. They're taking over airfields. Next thing you know, we're hearing conversations about potentially having [China's People's Liberation Army] naval access to ports in the Solomons. … This is a well-worn Chinese playbook,” Gray says.Beyond Greenland, we also dive into security threats related to America's northern neighbor and the implications of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's overtures in Beijing.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), conveyed the greetings while attending a gala held by the CMC for retired military officers of Beijing-based troops on Friday.Greeted with warm applause, Xi chatted with the veterans, inquiring about their health and living conditions. Together, they reviewed the extraordinary journey of the Party, the country and the military over the past year.The veterans vowed to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and act on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military.They pledged to gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and of establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. They also vowed to consciously uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership.Moreover, the veterans pledged to implement the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the CMC chairman.The veterans vowed to contribute their part to achieving the centenary goals of the People's Liberation Army by 2027 and to advancing the modernization of national defense and the armed forces at a high standard.People's Liberation Army (PLA) /ˈpiːpəlz ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃn ˈɑːmi/中国人民解放军retired military officers /rɪˈtaɪərd ˈmɪlɪtəri ˈɒfɪsəz/军队离退休干部rally around /ˈræli əˈraʊnd/团结在……周围

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: First up—the United States downs an Iranian drone in international waters, marking the first direct kinetic encounter in what could be a new and far more dangerous phase with Tehran. Retired Rear Admiral Mike Studeman, former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, joins us to break down what happened and why this moment matters. Later in the show—China's military faces fresh upheaval as Xi Jinping expands his purge of senior officers, tightening his grip amid growing unease inside the People's Liberation Army. Jan Jekielek, senior editor of The Epoch Times, stops by to explain what's driving the purge and what it reveals about power struggles at the top in Beijing. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Mars Men: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com  StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save 15% off @StopBoxUSA with code BAKER at https://www.stopboxusa.com/BAKER #stopboxpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in April 2021 we covered news about a record breaking 25 Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers that entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). At the time 25 seemed like an alarming number. It was the largest incursion by Chinese military planes into Taiwan's ADIZ to date.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/chinas-alarming-gray-zone-tactics-around-taiwan-and-its-neighboring-nations-in-asia-ep-340/   To be clear these sorts of activities had been going on long before this and long before September of 2020 which about the time that Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense started to publicly report China's incursions.   The China's People's Liberation Army has shown no signs of letting up. The PLA's gray zone tactics, have also included the use of drones and balloons. Incursions by warplanes and naval ships into the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan are now a daily occurrence.. And they have completely shattered the record 25 aircraft in Taiwan's ADIZ many times over.   Major military exercises have included the Joint Sword-2024A. Three days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's inauguration in May 20 of 2024, China's PLA conducted two days of military exercises in the air and sea space around Taiwan.   More recently, at the end of 2025 on December 29 and 30, People's Republic of China (PRC) military forces carried out a large-scale exercise in the air and ocean areas around Taiwan called "Justice Mission-2025."  This two days of PLA military exercises involved at least 200 warplanes.   Unfortunately these types of gray zone tactics by China have become commonplace and while they have been more widely reported on, even more troubling are the other gray zone tactics that the PRC has been levying on Taiwan, which include the presence of Chinese owned and operated oil rigs in Taiwan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and on January 16th the New York Times reported that China quietly mobilized thousands of fishing boats twice already, most recently in the first few weeks of this new year.   Quoting from the New York Times, "By January 11, they had assembled into a rectangle stretching more than 200 miles. Maritime and military experts said the maneuvers suggested that China was strengthening its maritime militia, which is made up of civilian fishing boats trained to join in military operations."   This was not the first time, a month earlier on December 25th the Times reported that "about 2,000 Chinese fishing boats assembled in two long, parallel formations on Christmas Day in the East China Sea. Each stretched 290 miles long, about the distance from New York City to Buffalo, forming a reverse L shape"   According to the New York Times, "The unusual formations were spotted by Jason Wang, the chief operating officer of ingeniSPACE, a company that analyzes data, and were independently confirmed by The Times using ship location data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence."   In this episode of Talking Taiwan we will be speaking to Marvin Bernado, Maritime Domain Awareness Analyst at ingeniSPACE and Elva Wu, National Security Researcher / Imagery Analyst at ingeniSPACE.   About ingeniSPACE:   ingeniSPACE is a geospatial intelligence company integrating remote sensing data across multiple phenomenologies. We are an insight-as-a-service platform delivering all weather day-night multi-temporal understanding around the world. Our intelligence extends the "executive decision making time" that public sector and commercial leaders need to make well-informed decisions.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/chinas-alarming-gray-zone-tactics-around-taiwan-and-its-neighboring-nations-in-asia-ep-340/  

China’s military leadership has been under rare and intense scrutiny in recent weeks, following the removal of some of its most senior generals including figures once seen as close to Xi Jinping. While authorities have described the investigations as cases of “serious violations of discipline and law”, messaging from military-linked outlets has stressed zero tolerance for corruption and warned that no rank is beyond reach. As these moves ripple through China’s armed forces, questions are emerging about command stability, morale, and how power is now exercised inside the People’s Liberation Army. Yew Lun Tian, Senior Correspondent reporting on China, The Straits Times joins the Breakfast Show to unpack why this matters beyond Beijing and what should countries in the region, including Singapore, be paying attention to?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if Chinese Communist emperor Xi Jinping is lying to Donald Trump, like he did to his top generals?  The President has repeatedly reported Xi told him Taiwan would not be invaded during the second Trump administration. While that's obviously desirable, the implication that Communist China will invade after Trump leaves office is ominous. It also seems increasingly unlikely.  The People's Liberation Army is now regularly rehearsing decapitation attacks, blockades and other invasion scenarios against Taiwan's main island. Xi is fracturing America's alliances. And he has his country on a war-footing. Xi is also a practiced liar. Just ask the top generals he has systematically purged, obviously having told the most recent victims they would not share the earlier ones' fate. Their replacements will likely be all-in for invasion, and the truth is, it could – and probably will – come at any time.  This is Frank Gaffney.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—new reporting sheds light on Xi Jinping's sweeping purge of China's military leadership, exposing deep corruption inside the People's Liberation Army and raising serious questions about whether some of Beijing's most critical weapons systems were ever fully operational. Later in the show—some rare good news out of Venezuela, as the interim government under Delcy Rodriguez announces a sweeping amnesty plan for political prisoners, reaching back to detentions from the Chávez era. Plus, new reporting reveals Saudi Arabia is privately urging President Trump to follow through on his warnings to Iran, arguing that restraint could leave Tehran stronger and more emboldened. And in today's Back of the Brief—the United States is now in the midst of a partial government shutdown, with signs it may last longer than initially expected. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB  Mars Men: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com  Ava: See how millions are boosting their credit with Ava—download the Ava app & use code BAKER for 20% off your first year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has fired two top generals for alleged corruption, in a dramatic purge of the armed forces. With the move, Xi appears to have tightened his hold over the military but added significant instability. Adam and Cameron discuss the history and economics of the People's Liberation Army. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the purging of another top general, China's President Xi Jinping has ripped a hole in the People's Liberation Army leadership. Only two of his nine top generals remain in office.It's been explained as an anti-corruption move, but what's really going on? And how will it impact Beijing's behaviour towards Taiwan? Guest: Neil Thomas, Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China AnalysisMentions:"China's top general accused of giving nuclear secrets to US" - Wall Street Journal "The demise of Zhang Youxia hits different" - Drew Thomson, Substack article.Recommendations:Geraldine: It was just an accident - film, dir. Jafar PanahiHamish: But also John Clarke - documentary, ABC iViewGet in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.auFind all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.  

Gregory Copley assesses China's instability under President Xi Jinping, who continues arresting generals in sweeping military purges that reveal deep fissures and distrust within the People's Liberation Army leadership.1932

Gregory Copley assesses China's instability under President Xi Jinping, who continues arresting generals in sweeping military purges that reveal deep fissures and distrust within the People's Liberation Army leadership.1949 STORK CLUB

Chinese President Xi Jinping is firing top officials in the People's Liberation Army at an unprecedented rate—is he preparing for an invasion of Taiwan, or simply worried about challenges to his leadership? On this week's One Decision: In Brief, co-host Kate McCann joins former head of MI6 and host Sir Richard Dearlove to examine what's actually happening in Beijing through the lens of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. Sir Richard explains why Europe's economic dependencies on China may be cause for national security concerns. Kate and Sir Richard also discuss what to look for in the coming week regarding potential US military intervention in Iran, and why the US's focus on Greenland was a distraction from just that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss Xi Jinping's purge of the People's Liberation Army, the ongoing showdown between ICE and Minneapolis, the death toll in Iran, and how the tech-MAGA alliance could outlast Trump.

2026-01-26 | UPDATES #113 | “Treason” in the PLA? Xi's unprecedented purge — corruption, loyalty, and coup rumours. Today's story is not “just another corruption scandal” in China. This is the Chinese Communist Party reaching up into the absolute top of the People's Liberation Army — right into the room where war plans live — and yanking out two senior figures in one move. Top figures in fact. Beijing's official language is clipped. The implications are not. China's defence ministry says it has opened investigations into General Zhang Youxia — a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, effectively the uniformed number two under Xi Jinping — and General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department. The stated reason: “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” (Reuters)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: Xinhua: Defence ministry announcement (Jan 24, 2026). Xinhua / PLA Daily editorial summary (Jan 24, 2026). Reuters: Investigation details and context on PLA purges (Jan 24, 2026). Associated Press: Overview and recent purge timeline (Jan 24, 2026).Financial Times: Loyalty framing and “authority” angle (Jan 25, 2026). Washington Post: Scale of upheaval and command implications (Jan 25, 2026).Wall Street Journal: Reported additional allegations (unconfirmed by PRC statement) South China Morning Post: “Party purity” framing and political timing (Jan 25, 2026). Official explainer of the “CMC Chairperson Responsibility System” (SCIO, background).Reuters (background): Li Shangfu/Wei Fenghe expulsions (Jun 2024) and 2027 readiness reporting (Feb 2023). German Marshall Fund (background): Rocket Force shakeup (Aug 2023). Andrew Erickson (analysis aggregation; includes translated/linked primary text). Sinocism (analysis; discussion of messaging speed and implications). ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

Today, Les, Jamil, and Matt discuss the removal of General Zhang Youxia, one of the most senior figures in China's military. Zheng's ouster, amid allegations of corruption and possible espionage, marks the latest in a sweeping series of purges that many say have hollowed out China's top military leadership, leaving Xi and just one other general at the apex of the Central Military Commission. As Xi appears to position himself for an unprecedented fourth term in 2027, the shakeup raises new questions about stability inside the Chinese Communist Party and the People's Liberation Army.Is Xi consolidating power or has paranoia begun to consume his own system? Do these purges weaken China's ability to act militarily, particularly toward Taiwan, or do they increase the risk of miscalculation? And as Beijing continues aggressive exercises, cyber operations, and coordination with Russia, how should the United States interpret this moment? @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike 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/k9_kzrJSN3s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary: The global security environment is nearing a fever pitch, but China remains the pacing military challenge for the United States. The central issue shaping that challenge is China's threat to Taiwan. Can Taiwan defend itself against coercion or invasion from China's People's Liberation Army? Join us for an in-depth assessment as Heather Penney explores this critical topic with Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow Mike Dahm, who just returned from an extensive trip to Taiwan. These are insights you will not want to miss. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: J. Michael "JDAM" Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies 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 #China #Taiwan

It's appropriate that weather more typical of Greenland will be assaulting much of the continental United States as the nation is called to address a new front in Communist China's unrestricted warfare against us – namely, the Arctic north.  Xi Jinping's regime has absurdly, but ominously, asserted that China is a “near-Arctic nation.” It has been: sending nuclear submarines to execise under the polar icecap; using its large and growing fleet of icebreakers to facilitate PRC shipping via the so-called “Polar Silk Road”; and evincing growing interest in exploiting the region's abundant natural resources.  And the Chinese Communist regime has just secured a “strategic partnership” with Canada that may result in the presence of People's Liberation Army forces in North America.  A very timely webinar today will explore the absolute necessity of securing Greenland and our northern front. Join us at PresentDangerChina.org.  This is Frank Gaffney.

Ground stations, built by proxies of China's People's Liberation Army and Russia's Roscosmos, can be found across Latin America, including three on Venezuelan military bases. Recent operations in and around Venezuela demonstrate that these strategically important adversarial space assets are now in the cross-hairs of the Trump Corollary. Laura Winter speaks with Namrata Goswami, Professor of Space Security, Schriever and West Space Scholars Program, Johns Hopkins University, and co-Author of the book “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space”.

Days after the announcement of the largest U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, the Chinese People's Liberation Army launched 'Justice Mission 2025' – the latest sophisticated military drills around Taiwan, as a stern warning to the separatist forces and external interference. Are these drills justified deterrence or sheer aggression, as often labeled by certain foreign critics? Has China abandoned its effort to seek peaceful development of cross-Strait ties? How to read U.S. President Donald Trump's real Taiwan policy?

The People's Liberation Army continued its interservice exercise, named "Justice Mission 2025", near Taiwan Island for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, according to the PLA Eastern Theater Command. 周二，中国人民解放军东部战区消息，解放军代号为 “正义使命 - 2025” 的军种间联合演习在台岛周边海域持续进行，演习已进入第二天。Starting early in the morning, destroyers, frigates, fighters and bombers sent by the command conducted drills involving identification, warning and expulsion, strikes on hostile vessels, fleet air defense, and anti-submarine warfare from air and in the waters to the north and south of Taiwan. 当天清晨起，东部战区出动驱逐舰、护卫舰、歼击机、轰炸机等兵力，在台岛南北两侧海空域开展识别查证、警告驱离、对海突击、编队防空、海空联合反潜等课目演练。During the exercise, H-6K bombers simulated precision strikes against designated targets in Taiwan. The operation was intended to test the units' capability of joint operations and regional blockade, the Eastern Theater Command said. 东部战区表示，演习期间，轰 - 6K 轰炸机对台岛指定目标实施了模拟精确打击，此次行动旨在检验部队联合作战和区域封锁能力。On Tuesday afternoon, a flotilla sent by the PLA Southern Theater Command and led by an amphibious assault ship worked with destroyers, frigates and drones of the Eastern Theater Command to conduct drills including rapid landing and the seizure of key ports in the waters to the east of Taiwan. 周二下午，解放军南部战区派出一支以两栖攻击舰为核心的舰艇编队，与东部战区驱逐舰、护卫舰及无人机部队协同配合，在台岛以东海域开展快速登陆、夺取关键港口等课目演练。On the ground, two units equipped with long-range rocket systems executed live-fire drills, covering the waters to the north and south of Taiwan. 地面部队方面，两支远程火箭炮部队在台岛南北方向海域同步开展实弹射击演练。All these operations achieved desired effects, according to the Eastern Theater Command. 东部战区称，各项演练行动均达到预期效果。Zhang Chi, a professor at the PLA National Defense University, said that some "Taiwan independence" separatists have the delusive belief that the PLA will never dare to strike Taiwan, but the fact is the PLA has just been mindful of the ties between Chinese mainland and Taiwan compatriots, and does not want the people of Taiwan to be dragged into war because of separatists. 国防大学教授张弛表示，部分 “台独” 分裂势力妄称解放军不敢对台采取行动，但事实上，解放军始终顾及两岸同胞情谊，不愿让台湾民众因分裂势力的行径卷入战火。However, if "Taiwan independence" separatists dare to cross the red line, or if external forces dare to seriously harm China's core interests, the PLA will "definitely deliver a head-on blow", he added. 他补充道，倘若 “台独” 分裂势力胆敢触碰红线，或外部势力蓄意损害中国核心利益，解放军必将予以迎头痛击。Zhang noted that Taiwan is an island "standing alone in the sea" with scarce resources. "It relies heavily on imports for the vast majority of its energy and food supplies. Once its import routes are cut off, its war potential will plummet rapidly and the island will soon descend into chaos. Therefore, these import shipping lanes constitute the Achilles' heel of the 'Taiwan independence' separatists," he said. 张弛指出，台湾是一座孤悬海外的岛屿，资源禀赋匮乏，其绝大多数能源和粮食供应高度依赖进口。一旦对外运输通道被切断，其战争潜力将迅速枯竭，全岛也将很快陷入混乱。因此，这些海上运输生命线，正是 “台独” 分裂势力的致命软肋。Tuesday's drills demonstrated that the PLA possesses formidable capabilities to cut off the lifeline of energy and resource imports for Taiwan authorities at any time, thereby destroying their separatist agenda, Zhang said. 张弛表示，周二的演练充分证明，解放军具备随时切断台当局能源和资源进口命脉的强大能力，能够彻底粉碎其分裂图谋。"The PLA can strike whenever it chooses to strike, and its firepower package can be delivered right to where the separatists are," he added. 他强调：“解放军想打就打，火力打击范围完全覆盖分裂势力盘踞之地。”He urged the people of Taiwan to draw a clear line with "Taiwan independence" separatists, work together to safeguard national reunification and share in the glory of national rejuvenation. 他呼吁台湾民众与 “台独” 分裂势力划清界限，共同捍卫国家统一，共享民族复兴的荣光。The biggest threats to cross-Strait peace and stability are attempts by external forces to use Taiwan to contain China and the pursuit of "independence" by the island's Democratic Progressive Party authorities with outside support, he said, adding that the two colluding forces are doomed to fail. 他指出，当前破坏台海和平稳定的最大威胁，是外部势力 “以台制华” 的图谋，以及民进党当局挟洋自重、谋 “独” 分裂的行径，这两股沆瀣一气的势力，注定难逃失败的命运。He emphasized that no matter how many weapons are sold to Taiwan, it cannot stop the historical trend that China must — and it will — achieve reunification. 他强调，无论外部势力向台湾出售多少武器，都无法阻挡中国必然统一、也必将统一的历史大势。separatist /ˈseprətɪst/释义：n. 分裂主义者；独立主义者blockade /blɒˈkeɪd/（英式） /blɑːˈkeɪd/（美式）释义：n. 封锁；v. 实行封锁formidable /ˈfɔːmɪdəbl/释义：adj. 强大的；令人敬畏的；难以对付的reunification /ˌriːˌjuːnɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/释义：n. 重新统一；再联合

It's Tuesday, December 30th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Trump bombed Nigerian ISIS camps It was a first in United States history. President Donald Trump authorized US military action against ISIS-linked camps in northwestern Nigeria for the purposes of defending Christians who have been the brunt of a genocide that's taken place over the last decade. At least two camps, run by the Muslim terrorists, were hit by 18 precision missiles last Thursday on Christmas Day, reports The Guardian. Nicaragua banned Bibles Nicaragua has banned Bibles at the border.  Tourists may not carry Bibles in any form into the country, according to new regulations. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that the list of forbidden items now includes Bibles, newspapers, magazines, books of any kind, drones and cameras. The Nicaraguan government has also shut down 1,300 religious organizations since April 2018. Repression has picked up since the 2021 election when Daniel Ortega was elected for a fourth consecutive term in office.  Leading opposition candidates were jailed before the sham election.   Nicaragua has the fourth worst economy in South America, just above Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. Scottish pro-life grandmother arrested outside abortion mill A 75-year-old grandmother is the first to be arrested in Scotland for coming within 656 feet of an abortion mill. This comes after an anti-protesting law was passed last year.   The Times reported that Rose Docherty was holding a sign that simply stated: “Coercion is a crime. Here to talk, only if you want.” In John 3:20, Jesus said, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Puerto Rico recognizes pre-born baby as a person Puerto Rico will now recognize the human fetus as a natural person from conception. That's the substance of a new law which is intended to provide the unborn child with dignity, rights of inheritance, and legal recognition. Sadly, the country still allows abortion for reasons connected to the alleged “life and health of the mother.” Iran's skyrocketing inflation and war with U.S., Israel, & Europe External and internal pressures are increasing on nations worldwide. Iran has edged up into 53 percent year-on-year inflation. That's the fifth worst in the world.  The economy is exasperated by water and energy shortages. And the nation is dealing with rising numbers of protests and strikes. In a published interview late last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was in a "full-scale" war with the U.S., Israel and Europe. Russia's unrelenting attacks on Ukraine And Russia continues its war on Ukraine. Russia Today reported an additional 32 settlements in the Donbas area came under Russia control in December. United States sold $11 billion of arms to Taiwan Following the U.S. sale of $11 billion of arms to Taiwan, the Chinese armed forces have initiated an aggressive military exercise in the South China Sea.  It's the largest scale blockade and attack simulation ever conducted to date. The communist nation is conducting live-fire exercises extremely close to the shores of Taiwan.  The official People's Liberation Army news site announced that the drills include “task forces of bombers, amphibious assault ships, and anti-ship missiles.” But keep in mind Isaiah 40:15. The prophet wrote, “The nations are as a drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust on the scales; [The Lord]  lifts up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.” U.S. blocks Venezuela's oil exports Things are heating up in Venezuelan waters — as the U.S. military continues its blockade of the nation's oil exports.  Tankertruckers.com reports  about $1 billion of oil, or about 8-10 tankers, have been held up in the Caribbean by the current blockade.   The Venezuelan government relies on oil exports for about two-thirds of its financing. Venezuela is pushing 250 percent inflation, year-over-year. That qualifies as the absolutely worst conditions in the world. Private Texas schools applying for $10,000 government grants Now, in stateside news, private schools in Texas are signing up for state funding. At least 600 private schools have applied for grants under a new law, for the 2026-27 school year, according to Center Square.  The pilot program is offering $10,000 grants to 100,000 students in the Lone Star state. U.S. dollar less desirable Will the dollar retain supremacy in the world market? The U.S. dollar is less and less desirable by national banks around the world.  The percent of the world's foreign exchange reserve, held in U.S. assets, has dropped off from 72 percent to 57 percent since 1999.  Oklahoma college teacher fired for penalizing Biblical worldview The teacher at the University of Oklahoma who had given a Christian student a zero score on her paper for advocating a biblical view of gender has been fired.  The university issued a statement charging the teacher assistant, by the name of William Curth, with arbitrary grading. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, had appealed to the Bible in her essay, noting that, “God created men in the image of His courage and strength, and He created women in the image of His beauty. He intentionally created women differently than men.” Dad rescued daughter from kidnapper on Christmas And finally, a Texas dad rescued his daughter from a kidnapper on Christmas Day, reported WDBJ7.com.   The 15-year-old was walking her dog, when she was abducted at knife point. Her father traced her location by the phone — and found his daughter in the suspect's truck, rescued her, and called the authorities. Praise God she was not physically harmed.  What a courageous father! Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, December 30th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

China has held its annual Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing to map out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026 (01:10). The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has run its second day of military drills around Taiwan, conducting long-range live fire exercises (05:33). U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed breaking the Gaza deadlock (17:59).

The People's Liberation Army began to carry out an inter-service exercise surrounding Taiwan Island on Monday, according to a military spokesman.据一名军方发言人介绍，人民解放军于周一开始在台湾岛周边开展多军兵种联合演习。Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said on Monday morning that his command has launched the "Justice Mission 2025" exercise, which involves its ground, air, naval, missile, and other forces.解放军东部战区新闻发言人施毅大校周一上午表示，战区已启动代号为“正义使命—2025”的演习，参演力量包括陆军、空军、海军、火箭军等多种兵力。"The operation includes air and sea patrols, suppression of hostile forces, blockade of critical ports and zones, and battlefield periphery deterrence, and is intended to test our forces' joint combat capabilities," he said.他说，此次行动涵盖空中与海上巡逻、压制敌对力量、封锁关键港口和区域以及战场周边慑控，旨在检验部队的联合作战能力。Aircraft and warships will conduct exercises near the Taiwan Island from multiple directions while units from different PLA branches will simulate joint strikes, the spokesman noted, adding that these moves will examine the troops' capabilities in rapid, all-dimensional deployment and omnidirectional blockade and control.发言人指出，解放军航空兵和海军舰艇将从多个方向在台湾岛附近开展演练，不同军兵种部队将模拟实施联合打击，这些行动将检验部队快速、全维度部署以及全方位封锁与控制能力。Shi stressed that this is a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" separatists and external forces attempting to interfere in the Taiwan question and is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.施毅强调，此举是对“台独”分裂势力及企图干涉台湾问题的外部势力发出的严正警告，是维护国家主权和国家统一的正当且必要行动。His command also published a themed poster titled "Shield of Justice, Smashing Illusion".其所在战区还发布了主题海报《正义之盾，粉碎幻象》。The latest military action comes in the wake of the United States' announcement earlier this month about its large-scale arms sale package planned for Taiwan that totals $11.1 billion.此次最新军事行动是在美国本月早些时候宣布拟向台湾地区出售总额达111亿美元的大规模武器装备计划之后采取的。The plan was unveiled on Wednesday, covering eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones, and parts for other equipment.该计划于周三公布，涵盖八个项目，包括“海马斯”火箭系统、榴弹炮、“标枪”反坦克导弹、“阿尔蒂乌斯”巡飞弹无人机以及其他装备的相关零部件。The Chinese government said the move has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interfered in China's internal affairs, and undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.中国政府表示，此举严重违反一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，粗暴干涉中国内政，损害中国的主权和领土完整。It has announced countermeasures against some US companies and executives involved in the arms sale plan.中方已宣布对参与该军售计划的部分美国企业及其高管采取反制措施。inter-service exercise /ˌɪntərˈsɜːrvɪs ˈeksərsaɪz/多军兵种联合演习Eastern Theater Command /ˈiːstərn ˈθɪətər kəˈmænd/东部战区joint combat capabilities /dʒɔɪnt ˈkɑːmbæt ˌkeɪpəˈbɪlɪtiz/联合作战能力large-scale arms sale package/ˈlɑːrdʒ skeɪl ɑːrmz seɪl ˈpækɪdʒ/大规模军售方案countermeasures /ˈkaʊntərˌmeʒərz/反制措施

On today's podcast:1) President Trump said he made “a lot of progress” in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over a possible peace deal, but that it might take a few weeks to get it done and there’s no set timeline. The pair met at the US president’s Mar-a-Lago resort Sunday, where they had lunch and later spoke on the phone with a group of European leaders to brief them on their progress. Among the major sticking points left to be resolved: the future of Ukraine’s Donbas region, which is partially occupied by Russian forces. Trump told reporters the issue was still unresolved, but “getting a lot closer.”2) President Trump has another high profile meeting on the docket at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon. The two aim to boost a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, which faces challenges as it looks to move into a more complicated second phase. That phase involves rebuilding Gaza under international supervision, creating an international security force and normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world.3) China kicked off military maneuvers around Taiwan that will include live-fire drills, a move that comes after the US announced one of its biggest arms packages ever for the self-run democracy. The exercises starting Monday would involve the army, navy, air force and Rocket Force, the Chinese military said in a statement. The exercises named “Justice Mission-2025” would “test the actual combat capability of theater troops in joint operations.” The People’s Liberation Army said in a separate statement that from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday it would hold live-fire exercises in five blocks around Taiwan, saying “any irrelevant vessel or aircraft is advised not to enter” the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has begun drills around Taiwan to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity (01:10). Cambodia and Thailand vow to gradually consolidate a ceasefire in their disputed border area following talks that China hosted (11:46). Criticism over the Japanese government's record defense budget continues to mount across the country (21:17).

Japan will "be destined to pay a heavy price" if it dares to cross the red line of the Taiwan question, a Chinese defense spokesman said on Thursday.一位中国国防部发言人周四表示，日本若胆敢跨越台湾问题的红线，“注定将付出沉重代价”。Jiang Bin, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a regular news conference in Beijing in response to Japan's claim that a plan to station medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, about 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, was making steady progress.国防部发言人姜斌在北京举行的例行记者会上作出上述表态，这是针对日本声称其在与台湾相距约110公里的与那国岛部署中程地对空导弹的计划“稳步推进”所作出的回应。In addition, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Sunday that the deployment will "lower the chance of an armed attack", while claiming it would not heighten regional tensions, Bloomberg reported.此外，据彭博社报道，日本防卫大臣小泉进次郎周日声称，这一部署将“降低武装攻击的可能性”，并称不会加剧地区紧张局势。At the briefing, Jiang stressed that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair.在记者会上，姜斌强调，台湾问题纯属中国内政。"How to solve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, and has nothing to do with Japan," he said.他说：“台湾问题怎么解决是中国人的事，与日本毫无关系。”This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, Jiang added.姜斌补充说，今年是台湾光复祖国80周年。"Instead of repenting its war crimes of invading and colonizing Taiwan, Japan is taking an extremely wrong approach by suggesting military intervention in a so-called Taiwan contingency," he said.他说：“日本非但不反思其侵略并殖民台湾的战争罪行，反而鼓吹在所谓‘台海有事'时进行军事介入，这是极其错误的行径。”This dangerous approach will uproot the post-World War II international order and lead Japan to repeat the mistakes of its militarist past, he emphasized.他强调，这种危险行为将撼动二战后国际秩序，使日本重蹈军国主义覆辙。"The People's Liberation Army has strong capabilities and reliable means to defeat any aggressors," Jiang said, warning that should Japan dare to cross the red line and invite trouble upon itself, it is destined to pay a heavy price.姜斌表示，中国人民解放军有强大的能力和可靠的手段击败任何来犯之敌。他警告说，日本若胆敢越线挑衅，自招祸端，必将付出沉重代价。Jiang also criticized Japan's recent actions in the military and security fields, urging the country to fully repent its war crimes and immediately abandon attempts at constitutional revision and military expansion.姜斌还批评了日本近期在军事安全领域的举动，敦促其深刻反省战争罪行，立即停止推动修宪和扩大军备。"Any attempt to repeat the evil path of aggression and expansion and undermine the post-World War II international order will not succeed," he said.他说：“任何试图重走侵略扩张的邪路、破坏二战后国际秩序的企图都不会得逞。”According to Kyodo News, Japan recently exported domestically produced Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors to the United States. It was believed to be the first export of lethal weapons since Japan relaxed controls on its arms shipments.据共同社报道，日本近日向美国出口了国产“爱国者”地对空拦截导弹，被认为是日本放宽武器出口限制以来的首次致命性武器出口。Separately, The Asahi Shimbun reported that Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has begun discussions on revising the National Security Strategy and two other defense documents.另据《朝日新闻》报道，日本执政党自民党已着手讨论修订《国家安全保障战略》等两份防务文件。The review could cover the Three Non-Nuclear Principles — not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons — as well as a further increase in defense spending.此次审查可能涉及“无核三原则”——不拥有、不制造、不引进核武器——以及进一步增加防卫开支。The spokesman said it remains an "ironclad fact" that Japan was a defeated country in World War II, noting that international treaties and instruments, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, clearly banned Japan from rearmament.发言人表示，日本在二战中战败是“铁一般的事实”，《开罗宣言》《波茨坦公告》和《日本投降书》等国际法律文件明确禁止日本再武装。"The international community must be on high alert against Japan's revisionist attempts to break away from the restraints of its pacifist Constitution in recent years," Jiang said.姜斌指出：“国际社会必须高度警惕日本近年来试图摆脱和平宪法束缚的修正主义企图。”Japan has been seeking to do so by brazenly expanding its military build-up, drastically increasing its defense budget, expediting revisions of its security policies, relaxing weapons export restrictions and attempting to revoke the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, he added.他补充说，日本通过大肆扩军、急剧增加防卫预算、加快修订安全政策、放松武器出口限制以及试图取消“无核三原则”等方式，企图突破宪法限制。"Japan is even attempting to intervene militarily on the Taiwan question. These moves pose serious threats to regional peace and stability," he warned.他警告说：“日本甚至妄图在台湾问题上进行军事干预。这些举动对地区和平稳定构成严重威胁。”This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, he said.他说，今年也是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。"People around the world, especially those from China and other victimized countries in Asia, will never forget the catastrophe brought by Japanese fascists," Jiang said. "The specter of Japanese militarism must never be allowed to haunt the world again."姜斌表示：“全世界人民，尤其是中国和亚洲其他受害国人民，永远不会忘记日本法西斯带来的浩劫。”“日本军国主义的阴影绝不能再次笼罩世界。”cross the red line跨越红线medium-range surface-to-air missiles中程地对空导弹invite trouble upon itself自招祸端/自找麻烦military expansion军备扩张ironclad fact铁一般的事实

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi openly claimed at the Diet that "something happening to Taiwan" could constitute an "existential crisis situation" in which Japan could exercise the right to collective self-defense, implying a possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait issue.近日，日本首相高市早苗在国会公然宣称“台湾发生事态”可能构成日本行使集体自卫权的“存亡危机事态”，暗示可能对台湾海峡问题进行军事干预。On the afternoon of today (the 14th), Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Press Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, released information on recent military-related issues and commented on Sanae Takaichi's remarks concerning Taiwan.今天（14日）下午，国防部新闻局副局长、国防部新闻发言人蒋斌大校就近期涉军问题发布消息，并就高市早苗涉台言论进行评论。Jiang Bin stated that the wrong remarks made by Japanese leaders on Taiwan constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs. They seriously violate theone-China principle, the spirit of the four Sino-Japanese political documents and the basic norms governing international relations, challenge the post-war international order, and send a serious wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" forces. Such remarks are extremely bad in nature and impact, and are highly irresponsible and dangerous.蒋斌表示，日本领导人涉台错误言论粗暴干涉中国内政，严重违背一个中国原则、中日四个政治文件精神和国际关系基本准则，挑战战后国际秩序，向“台独”势力发出严重错误信号，性质影响十分恶劣，极不负责、极其危险。The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China and admits no external interference. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory ofthe Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. If Japan fails to profoundly learn from historical lessons, dares to take reckless risks, or even intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait situation, it will inevitably be badly beaten against the iron wall of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and pay a heavy price.台湾问题纯属中国内政，不容任何外来干涉。今年是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，也是台湾光复80周年。日方若不深刻汲取历史教训，胆敢铤而走险，甚至武力介入台海局势，必将在中国人民解放军的铜墙铁壁面前碰得头破血流，付出惨痛代价。"Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willedChinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and pay a heavy price," stressed a Chinese defense spokesperson on November 14, 2025.2025年11月14日，中国国防部发言人强调：“日方若不汲取历史教训，胆敢铤而走险，甚至以武力干涉台湾问题，必将在中国人民解放军的钢铁意志面前遭遇惨败，付出沉重代价。”The Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Jiang Bin made the above remarks at a regular press briefing on Friday when being asked to comment on media reports that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said that if the Chinese mainland uses military vessels and other forces against Taiwan, it would cause a situation threatening Japan's survival, and the Japanese Self-defense Force could exercise the right of collective self-defense in accordance with law.国防部发言人蒋斌大校在周五的例行记者会上，就媒体报道的相关问题作出上述回应。报道称，日本首相高市早苗近期表示，若中国大陆动用军舰等力量针对台湾，将造成威胁日本生存的局面，日本自卫队可依法行使集体自卫权。The spokesperson added that the erroneous remarks on Taiwan made by the Japanese leader constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs, and a serious violation of the one-China principle, the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and the basic norms governing international relations. The remarks have challenged the post-war international order, and sent very wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Such words are egregious in nature and have caused very negative impact. They are extremely irresponsible and dangerous.蒋斌补充指出，日本领导人涉台错误言论，严重干涉中国内政，严重违反一个中国原则、中日四个政治文件精神和国际关系基本准则。该言论挑战战后国际秩序，向“台独”分裂势力发出严重错误信号，性质极其恶劣、影响十分负面，是极不负责、极其危险的。The spokesperson emphasized that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no foreign interference. He said that this year, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan.蒋斌强调，台湾问题纯属中国内政，不容任何外来干涉。他表示，今年是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，也是台湾光复80周年。"Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willed Chinese PLA and pay a heavy price," stressed the spokesperson at the end.蒋斌最后强调：“日方若不吸取历史教训，妄图冒险甚至动用武力干涉台湾问题，必将遭到意志钢铁的中国人民解放军的沉重打击，付出惨痛代价。”the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争one-China principle一个中国原则Chinese People's Liberation Army中国人民解放军

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. 1901

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America.

China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. 1906

SHOW 10-28-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1920 FORDS THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT AI AND JOBLESSNESS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Market Relief, AI Layoffs, and Political Turmoil Guest: Elizabeth Peek Elizabeth Peek analyzes market relief following the temporary US-China trade truce, noting that President Trump effectively uses American consumer spending and tariff policy as a powerful geopolitical weapon. However, she expresses serious alarm over AI-driven mass layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon, coupled with a notable absence of substantive political debate addressing workforce displacement. Peek warns that the rise of an inexperienced, anti-capitalist mayoral candidate threatens New York City's economic prosperity and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging urban landscape. 915-930 Market Relief, AI Layoffs, and Political Turmoil Guest: Elizabeth Peek Elizabeth Peek analyzes market relief following the temporary US-China trade truce, noting that President Trump effectively uses American consumer spending and tariff policy as a powerful geopolitical weapon. However, she expresses serious alarm over AI-driven mass layoffs across major corporations, including Amazon, coupled with a notable absence of substantive political debate addressing workforce displacement. Peek warns that the rise of an inexperienced, anti-capitalist mayoral candidate threatens New York City's economic prosperity and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging urban landscape. 930-945 Gaza Conflict Persists and Iran's Nuclear Threat Revived Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer confirms the Gaza conflict continues unabated, with Israel responding to ongoing Hamas attacks while Hamas deliberately slow-rolls hostage returns to maintain negotiating leverage. Hamas's fighting force is now commanded by inexperienced officers and young combatants operating in shrinking territory with diminishing resources. Schanzer also addresses alarming reports that Iran is rebuilding a suspect nuclear enrichment site, underscoring that maintaining peace requires constant vigilance and sustained pressure against malevolent actors determined to destabilize the region. 945-1000 Gaza Conflict Persists and Iran's Nuclear Threat Revived Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer confirms the Gaza conflict continues unabated, with Israel responding to ongoing Hamas attacks while Hamas deliberately slow-rolls hostage returns to maintain negotiating leverage. Hamas's fighting force is now commanded by inexperienced officers and young combatants operating in shrinking territory with diminishing resources. Schanzer also addresses alarming reports that Iran is rebuilding a suspect nuclear enrichment site, underscoring that maintaining peace requires constant vigilance and sustained pressure against malevolent actors determined to destabilize the region. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Tariffs as a Consumer Tax and the Inflationary Impact Guest: Professor John Cochrane Professor John Cochrane explains that tariffs effectively function as a tax on American consumers and create a temporary bump in inflation throughout the economy. Retailers are currently absorbing substantial cost increases but will likely pass these expenses on to consumers after the Christmas holiday season. Cochrane notes the Federal Reserve faces a challenging policy dilemma: tariffs increase prices, yet there is mounting political pressure to lower interest rates. He characterizes tariffs as a potentially costly geopolitical weapon with uncertain strategic benefits. 1015-1030 Tariffs as a Consumer Tax and the Inflationary Impact Guest: Professor John Cochrane Professor John Cochrane explains that tariffs effectively function as a tax on American consumers and create a temporary bump in inflation throughout the economy. Retailers are currently absorbing substantial cost increases but will likely pass these expenses on to consumers after the Christmas holiday season. Cochrane notes the Federal Reserve faces a challenging policy dilemma: tariffs increase prices, yet there is mounting political pressure to lower interest rates. He characterizes tariffs as a potentially costly geopolitical weapon with uncertain strategic benefits. 1030-1045 UK "Chinese Spy" Case Collapses and Trump's Trade Deal Outcomes Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses the collapse of the United Kingdom's high-profile Chinese espionage case involving Chris Cash and Chris Barry, highlighting the injustice of a media-driven trial despite allegations never being proven in court. The alleged intelligence supposedly passed was largely parliamentary rumors of minimal significance. Sternberg expresses disappointment with President Trump's temporary trade concessions from China, characterizing the outcome as underwhelming and questioning whether the deal achieves meaningful geopolitical objectives. 1045-1100 UK "Chinese Spy" Case Collapses and Trump's Trade Deal Outcomes Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses the collapse of the United Kingdom's high-profile Chinese espionage case involving Chris Cash and Chris Barry, highlighting the injustice of a media-driven trial despite allegations never being proven in court. The alleged intelligence supposedly passed was largely parliamentary rumors of minimal significance. Sternberg expresses disappointment with President Trump's temporary trade concessions from China, characterizing the outcome as underwhelming and questioning whether the deal achieves meaningful geopolitical objectives.THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. 1115-1130 China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. 1130-1145 China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. 1145-1200 China's Weakness and Global Geopolitical Shifts Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley assesses the strategic implications of President Trump's Asia trip amid China's accelerating economic and political collapse. He notes Xi Jinping's apparent loss of consolidated power and the disarray within the People's Liberation Army command structure. Copley discusses emerging US and allied rare earth supply agreements designed to counter Chinese leverage in critical materials markets. He also highlights Turkey's continuing role in prolonging the Gaza conflict and analyzes the broader shift toward conservative, market-oriented governance across Latin America. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Proliferation Risks from US Surplus Plutonium Sales Guest: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski critiques the Department of Energy's plan to sell 20 tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium to American firms for use in new reactor designs. He warns that promoting plutonium fuel exports substantially raises international proliferation risks by bringing nations substantially closer to nuclear weapons capability. Sokolski notes that South Korea is actively seeking permission to recycle plutonium domestically, a development that increases nuclear uncertainty across the Korean Peninsula and challenges the global nonproliferation regime. 1215-1230 Google's Quantum Leap and the Advancing AI Frontier Guest: Brandon Weichert Brandon Weichert discusses Google's Willow quantum chip, which has achieved verifiable quantum advantage, surpassing supercomputers by a factor of 13,000. This breakthrough contrasts sharply with Microsoft's contested Majorana chip, which remains unproven. Weichert notes the rapid evolution of AI systems, including Grok and ChatGPT, each advancing in sophistication at an accelerating pace. He emphasizes that the future demands pairing artificial intelligence with quantum technology to unlock transformative computational capabilities beyond current limitations. 1230-1245 Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Takayuki Sai. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability. 1245-100 AM Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance and Rare Earth Supply Guest: Grant Newsham Grant Newsham analyzes the successful meeting between President Trump and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Takayuki Sai. The two leaders agreed on rare earth supply cooperation, crucial for countering Chinese economic leverage and maintaining technological independence. Sai is focused on substantially increasing Japan's defense spending and addressing military recruitment shortfalls to strengthen regional capability. The United States values Japan's defensive posture as a critical bulwark against the People's Republic of China, making this alliance essential for Indo-Pacific stability.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: China's military is in turmoil. Xi Jinping's latest purge has reportedly removed key generals from power, signaling deep fractures within the People's Liberation Army. We'll speak with Steve Yates to unpack what's driving the chaos. Later in the show—the U.S. expands its maritime crackdown, striking two more vessels in the Pacific Ocean allegedly linked to drug trafficking. But key questions remain about the evidence, the objectives, and who's really calling the shots. Epoch Times Senior Investigative Reporter Joshua Phillip joins us with his analysis. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/PDB #trueclassicpod Mando: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code PDB at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save 15% off @StopBoxUSA with code BAKER at https://www.stopboxusa.com/BAKER #stopboxpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, John Culver argues that two seemingly contradictory trends define China's military this year: Xi Jinping's sweeping purge of senior PLA leaders and the PLA's rapid transformation into a far more lethal, joint-capable force. He notes unprecedented vacancies on the Central Military Commission and across theater commands—suggesting corruption is the excuse, not the cause—as Xi prioritizes loyalty and faster progress toward his ambitious reform goals. While 2027 isn't an “invasion deadline,” Culver says the PLA is racing to meet its centennial benchmarks, with September's parade showcasing a growing nuclear triad, serious investments in undersea warfare, and expanding unmanned aircraft. He cautions that any U.S.-created “hellscape” around Taiwan can be mirrored by China, which can produce equipment that is combat relevant in the Western Pacific at industrial scale. On gray-zone pressure, he casts China's Coast Guard as a paramilitary tool and says its ability to run a sustained blockade would hinge on complex command-and-control that it hasn't yet demonstrated in military exercises. Ultimately, Culver emphasizes that there is much about the PLA that remains unknown from the outside as Xi Jinping purposely keeps information opaque. This episode was recorded on October 15, 2025. John Culver is a nonresident senior fellow in the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings. Prior to retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency in 2020, he served since 1985 as an analyst and manager on China, with a particular focus on the People's Liberation Army. From 2015 to 2018, Culver served as national intelligence officer for East Asia (NIO-EA). He was a founding member of the CIA's Senior Analytic Service, was in the Senior Intelligence Service, and was a recipient of the CIA's Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, and the William L. Langer Award for extraordinary achievement in the CIA's analytic mission.

PLA Dissent Rumors and General Zhang Youxia's Loyalty Strategy. John Batchelor and General Blaine Holt discuss the rumor mill regarding the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and potential dissent against Xi Jinping. Specifically, rumors suggest General Zhang Youxia, a top uniformed PLA leader, is unhappy with changes in the country's direction. Holt notes that this information is currently under the "fog of diplomacy, fog of war." However, based on his research, Zhang Youxia has successfully ensured commanders of elite units, including the 82nd around Beijing, are loyal to the PLA itself, rather than solely the Chinese Communist Party. This strategy has helped stabilize the military situation. Holt suggests that average Chinese soldiers facing economic issues might see a morale boost if they believe their top general could lead efforts to "right the ship." 1906 PEKING

In this hard-hitting episode of Corsi Nation, Dr. Jerome Corsi breaks down three major global stories that reveal the collapse of the globalist playbook — from Washington to Beijing:

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute. The day Secretary of War Pete Hegseth chose to gather hundreds of generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia, the flag of Communist China will fly over our nation's birthplace in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the whole country may one day be flying China's flag, rather than our own, if American leaders don't recognize that the Chinese Communist Party is determined to destroy the USA. And, with ongoing funding from Wall Street, it has been inexorably putting into place the capabilities needed to accomplish that goal. President Trump says they'll discuss at Quantico “how well the military is doing.” But there must also be a frank discussion of the need for comprehensive and innovative efforts to prepare for a possibly imminent Chinese onslaught – likely starting with fifth column operations inside America thanks to Joe Biden allowing in tens of thousands of People's Liberation Army soldiers.  This is Frank Gaffney.

Jake Sullivan was the US National Security Advisor from 2021-2025. He joined our friends on The Cognitive Revolution podcast in August to discuss AI as a critical national security issue. We thought it was such a good interview and we wanted more people to see it, so we're cross-posting it here on The 80,000 Hours Podcast.Jake and host Nathan Labenz discuss:Jake's four-category framework to think about AI risks and opportunities: security, economics, society, and existential.Why Jake advocates for "managed competition" with China — where the US and China "compete like hell" while maintaining sufficient guardrails to prevent conflict.Why Jake thinks competition is a "chronic condition" of the US-China relationship that cannot be solved with “grand bargains.”How current conflicts are providing "glimpses of the future" with lessons about scale, attritability, and the potential for autonomous weapons as AI gets integrated into modern warfare.Why Jake worries that Pentagon bureaucracy prevents rapid AI adoption while China's People's Liberation Army may be better positioned to integrate AI capabilities.And why we desperately need private sector leadership: AI is "the first technology with such profound national security applications that the government really had very little to do with."Check out more of Nathan's interviews on The Cognitive Revolution YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CognitiveRevolutionPodcastOriginally produced by: https://aipodcast.ingThis edit by: Simon Monsour, Dominic Armstrong, and Milo McGuire | 80,000 HoursChapters:Cold open (00:00:00)Luisa's intro (00:01:06)Jake's AI worldview (00:02:08)What Washington gets — and doesn't — about AI (00:04:43)Concrete AI opportunities (00:10:53)Trump's AI Action Plan (00:19:36)Middle East AI deals (00:23:26)Is China really a threat? (00:28:52)Export controls strategy (00:35:55)Managing great power competition (00:54:51)AI in modern warfare (01:01:47)Economic impacts in people's daily lives (01:04:13)

Tristan Tang discusses Taiwan's security dilemma in the face of increasing threats from China. The conversation explores the Taiwanese perspective on military preparedness, defense spending, and the expectations of U.S. support in the event of a conflict. Tristan shares insights on the societal attitudes towards the threat of invasion, the military strategies being employed, and the potential consequences of a Chinese takeover. The discussion concludes with Tristan's wishes for Taiwan's future, emphasizing the need for peace, political harmony, and strong U.S. military presence in the region.K. Tristan Tang is an associate fellow at the Research Project on China's Defense Affairs, Secure Taiwan Associate Corporation, and a member of the Pacific Forum's Young Leaders Program. His research focuses on China's defense industry and the People's Liberation Army. His work has appeared in the U.S. Naval War College's CMSI Note, U.S. Air University's Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, the Jamestown Foundation's China Brief, the Pacific Forum's PacNet, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's The Strategist, and The Diplomat. He frequently posts overview maps of PLA activities around Taiwan and across the Pacific on X (@KTristanTang) and LinkedIn. He is also the founder of KTT's wargame, a popular science simulation of cross-strait conflict scenarios designed for non-military experts and the general public.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Last time we spoke about the surrender of Japan. Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender on August 15, prompting mixed public reactions: grief, shock, and sympathy for the Emperor, tempered by fear of hardship and occupation. The government's response included resignations and suicide as new leadership was brought in under Prime Minister Higashikuni, with Mamoru Shigemitsu as Foreign Minister and Kawabe Torashiro heading a delegation to Manila. General MacArthur directed the occupation plan, “Blacklist,” prioritizing rapid, phased entry into key Japanese areas and Korea, while demobilizing enemy forces. The surrender ceremony occurred aboard the Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, with Wainwright, Percival, Nimitz, and UN representatives in attendance. Civilians and soldiers across Asia began surrendering, and postwar rehabilitation, Indochina and Vietnam's independence movements, and Southeast Asian transitions rapidly unfolded as Allied forces established control. This episode is the Aftermath of the Pacific War Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  The Pacific War has ended. Peace has been restored by the Allies and most of the places conquered by the Japanese Empire have been liberated. In this post-war period, new challenges would be faced for those who won the war; and from the ashes of an empire, a defeated nation was also seeking to rebuild. As the Japanese demobilized their armed forces, many young boys were set to return to their homeland, even if they had previously thought that they wouldn't survive the ordeal. And yet, there were some cases of isolated men that would continue to fight for decades even, unaware that the war had already ended.  As we last saw, after the Japanese surrender, General MacArthur's forces began the occupation of the Japanese home islands, while their overseas empire was being dismantled by the Allies. To handle civil administration, MacArthur established the Military Government Section, commanded by Brigadier-General William Crist, staffed by hundreds of US experts trained in civil governance who were reassigned from Okinawa and the Philippines. As the occupation began, Americans dispatched tactical units and Military Government Teams to each prefecture to ensure that policies were faithfully carried out. By mid-September, General Eichelberger's 8th Army had taken over the Tokyo Bay region and began deploying to occupy Hokkaido and the northern half of Honshu. Then General Krueger's 6th Army arrived in late September, taking southern Honshu and Shikoku, with its base in Kyoto. In December, 6th Army was relieved of its occupation duties; in January 1946, it was deactivated, leaving the 8th Army as the main garrison force. By late 1945, about 430,000 American soldiers were garrisoned across Japan. President Truman approved inviting Allied involvement on American terms, with occupation armies integrated into a US command structure. Yet with the Chinese civil war and Russia's reluctance to place its forces under MacArthur's control, only Australia, Britain, India, and New Zealand sent brigades, more than 40,000 troops in southwestern Japan. Japanese troops were gradually disarmed by order of their own commanders, so the stigma of surrender would be less keenly felt by the individual soldier. In the homeland, about 1.5 million men were discharged and returned home by the end of August. Demobilization overseas, however, proceeded, not quickly, but as a long, difficult process of repatriation. In compliance with General Order No. 1, the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters disbanded on September 13 and was superseded by the Japanese War Department to manage demobilization. By November 1, the homeland had demobilized 2,228,761 personnel, roughly 97% of the Homeland Army. Yet some 6,413,215 men remained to be repatriated from overseas. On December 1, the Japanese War Ministry dissolved, and the First Demobilization Ministry took its place. The Second Demobilization Ministry was established to handle IJN demobilization, with 1,299,868 sailors, 81% of the Navy, demobilized by December 17. Japanese warships and merchant ships had their weapons rendered inoperative, and suicide craft were destroyed. Forty percent of naval vessels were allocated to evacuations in the Philippines, and 60% to evacuations of other Pacific islands. This effort eventually repatriated about 823,984 men to Japan by February 15, 1946. As repatriation accelerated, by October 15 only 1,909,401 men remained to be repatriated, most of them in the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, the Higashikuni Cabinet and Foreign Minister Shigemitsu Mamoru managed to persuade MacArthur not to impose direct military rule or martial law over all of Japan. Instead, the occupation would be indirect, guided by the Japanese government under the Emperor's direction. An early decision to feed occupation forces from American supplies, and to allow the Japanese to use their own limited food stores, helped ease a core fear: that Imperial forces would impose forced deliveries on the people they conquered. On September 17, MacArthur transferred his headquarters from Yokohama to Tokyo, setting up primary offices on the sixth floor of the Dai-Ichi Mutual Life Insurance Building, an imposing edifice overlooking the moat and the Imperial palace grounds in Hibiya, a symbolic heart of the nation.  While the average soldier did not fit the rapacious image of wartime Japanese propagandists, occupation personnel often behaved like neo-colonial overlords. The conquerors claimed privileges unimaginable to most Japanese. Entire trains and train compartments, fitted with dining cars, were set aside for the exclusive use of occupation forces. These silenced, half-empty trains sped past crowded platforms, provoking ire as Japanese passengers were forced to enter and exit packed cars through punched-out windows, or perch on carriage roofs, couplings, and running boards, often with tragic consequences. The luxury express coaches became irresistible targets for anonymous stone-throwers. During the war, retrenchment measures had closed restaurants, cabarets, beer halls, geisha houses, and theatres in Tokyo and other large cities. Now, a vast leisure industry sprang up to cater to the needs of the foreign occupants. Reopened restaurants and theatres, along with train stations, buses, and streetcars, were sometimes kept off limits to Allied personnel, partly for security, partly to avoid burdening Japanese resources, but a costly service infrastructure was built to the occupiers' specifications. Facilities reserved for occupation troops bore large signs reading “Japanese Keep Out” or “For Allied Personnel Only.” In downtown Tokyo, important public buildings requisitioned for occupation use had separate entrances for Americans and Japanese. The effect? A subtle but clear colour bar between the predominantly white conquerors and the conquered “Asiatic” Japanese. Although MacArthur was ready to work through the Japanese government, he lacked the organizational infrastructure to administer a nation of 74 million. Consequently, on October 2, MacArthur dissolved the Military Government Section and inaugurated General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, a separate headquarters focused on civil affairs and operating in tandem with the Army high command. SCAP immediately assumed responsibility for administering the Japanese home islands. It commandeered every large building not burned down to house thousands of civilians and requisitioned vast tracts of prime real estate to quarter several hundred thousand troops in the Tokyo–Yokohama area alone. Amidst the rise of American privilege, entire buildings were refurbished as officers' clubs, replete with slot machines and gambling parlours installed at occupation expense. The Stars and Stripes were hoisted over Tokyo, while the display of the Rising Sun was banned; and the downtown area, known as “Little America,” was transformed into a US enclave. The enclave mentality of this cocooned existence was reinforced by the arrival within the first six months of roughly 700 American families. At the peak of the occupation, about 14,800 families employed some 25,000 Japanese servants to ease the “rigours” of overseas duty. Even enlisted men in the sparse quonset-hut towns around the city lived like kings compared with ordinary Japanese. Japanese workers cleaned barracks, did kitchen chores, and handled other base duties. The lowest private earned a 25% hardship bonus until these special allotments were discontinued in 1949. Most military families quickly adjusted to a pampered lifestyle that went beyond maids and “boys,” including cooks, laundresses, babysitters, gardeners, and masseuses. Perks included spacious quarters with swimming pools, central heating, hot running water, and modern plumbing. Two observers compared GHQ to the British Raj at its height. George F. Kennan, head of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff, warned during his 1948 mission to Japan that Americans had monopolized “everything that smacks of comfort or elegance or luxury,” criticizing what he called the “American brand of philistinism” and the “monumental imperviousness” of MacArthur's staff to the Japanese suffering. This conqueror's mentality also showed in the bullying attitudes many top occupation officials displayed toward the Japanese with whom they dealt. Major Faubion Bowers, MacArthur's military secretary, later said, “I and nearly all the occupation people I knew were extremely conceited and extremely arrogant and used our power every inch of the way.” Initially, there were spasms of defiance against the occupation forces, such as anonymous stone-throwing, while armed robbery and minor assaults against occupation personnel were rife in the weeks and months after capitulation. Yet active resistance was neither widespread nor organized. The Americans successfully completed their initial deployment without violence, an astonishing feat given a heavily armed and vastly superior enemy operating on home terrain. The average citizen regarded the occupation as akin to force majeure, the unfortunate but inevitable aftermath of a natural calamity. Japan lay prostrate. Industrial output had fallen to about 10% of pre-war levels, and as late as 1946, more than 13 million remained unemployed. Nearly 40% of Japan's urban areas had been turned to rubble, and some 9 million people were homeless. The war-displaced, many of them orphans, slept in doorways and hallways, in bombed-out ruins, dugouts and packing crates, under bridges or on pavements, and crowded the hallways of train and subway stations. As winter 1945 descended, with food, fuel, and clothing scarce, people froze to death. Bonfires lit the streets to ward off the chill. "The only warm hands I have shaken thus far in Japan belonged to Americans," Mark Gayn noted in December 1945. "The Japanese do not have much of a chance to thaw out, and their hands are cold and red." Unable to afford shoes, many wore straw sandals; those with geta felt themselves privileged. The sight of a man wearing a woman's high-buttoned shoes in winter epitomized the daily struggle to stay dry and warm. Shantytowns built of scrap wood, rusted metal, and scavenged odds and ends sprang up everywhere, resembling vast junk yards. The poorest searched smouldering refuse heaps for castoffs that might be bartered for a scrap to eat or wear. Black markets (yami'ichi) run by Japanese, Koreans, and For-mosans mushroomed to replace collapsed distribution channels and cash in on inflated prices. Tokyo became "a world of scarcity in which every nail, every rag, and even a tangerine peel [had a] market value." Psychologically numbed, disoriented, and disillusioned with their leaders, demobilized veterans and civilians alike struggled to get their bearings, shed militaristic ideologies, and begin to embrace new values. In the vacuum of defeat, the Japanese people appeared ready to reject the past and grasp at the straw held out by the former enemy. Relations between occupier and occupied were not smooth, however. American troops comported themselves like conquerors, especially in the early weeks and months of occupation. Much of the violence was directed against women, with the first attacks beginning within hours after the landing of advance units. When US paratroopers landed in Sapporo, an orgy of looting, sexual violence, and drunken brawling ensued. Newspaper accounts reported 931 serious offences by GIs in the Yokohama area during the first week of occupation, including 487 armed robberies, 411 thefts of currency or goods, 9 rapes, 5 break-ins, 3 cases of assault and battery, and 16 other acts of lawlessness. In the first 10 days of occupation, there were 1,336 reported rapes by US soldiers in Kanagawa Prefecture alone. Americans were not the only perpetrators. A former prostitute recalled that when Australian troops arrived in Kure in early 1946, they “dragged young women into their jeeps, took them to the mountain, and then raped them. I heard them screaming for help nearly every night.” Such behaviour was commonplace, but news of criminal activity by occupation forces was quickly suppressed. On September 10, 1945, SCAP issued press and pre-censorship codes outlawing the publication of reports and statistics "inimical to the objectives of the occupation." In the sole instance of self-help General Eichelberger records in his memoirs, when locals formed a vigilante group and retaliated against off-duty GIs, 8th Army ordered armored vehicles into the streets and arrested the ringleaders, who received lengthy prison terms. Misbehavior ranged from black-market activity, petty theft, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct to vandalism, arson, murder, and rape. Soldiers and sailors often broke the law with impunity, and incidents of robbery, rape, and even murder were widely reported. Gang rapes and other sex atrocities were not infrequent; victims, shunned as outcasts, sometimes turned to prostitution in desperation, while others took their own lives to avoid bringing shame to their families. Military courts arrested relatively few soldiers for these offenses and convicted even fewer; Japanese attempts at self-defense were punished severely, and restitution for victims was rare. Fearing the worst, Japanese authorities had already prepared countermeasures against the supposed rapacity of foreign soldiers. Imperial troops in East Asia and the Pacific had behaved brutally toward women, so the government established “sexual comfort-stations” manned by geisha, bar hostesses, and prostitutes to “satisfy the lust of the Occupation forces,” as the Higashikuni Cabinet put it. A budget of 100 million yen was set aside for these Recreation and Amusement Associations, financed initially with public funds but run as private enterprises under police supervision. Through these, the government hoped to protect the daughters of the well-born and middle class by turning to lower-class women to satisfy the soldiers' sexual appetites. By the end of 1945, brothel operators had rounded up an estimated 20,000 young women and herded them into RAA establishments nationwide. Eventually, as many as 70,000 are said to have ended up in the state-run sex industry. Thankfully, as military discipline took hold and fresh troops replaced the Allied veterans responsible for the early crime wave, violence subsided and the occupier's patronising behavior and the ugly misdeeds of a lawless few were gradually overlooked. However, fraternisation was frowned upon by both sides, and segregation was practiced in principle, with the Japanese excluded from areas reserved for Allied personnel until September 1949, when MacArthur lifted virtually all restrictions on friendly association, stating that he was “establishing the same relations between occupation personnel and the Japanese population as exists between troops stationed in the United States and the American people.” In principle, the Occupation's administrative structure was highly complex. The Far Eastern Commission, based in Washington, included representatives from all 13 countries that had fought against Japan and was established in 1946 to formulate basic principles. The Allied Council for Japan was created in the same year to assist in developing and implementing surrender terms and in administering the country. It consisted of representatives from the USA, the USSR, Nationalist China, and the British Commonwealth. Although both bodies were active at first, they were largely ineffectual due to unwieldy decision-making, disagreements between the national delegations (especially the USA and USSR), and the obstructionism of General Douglas MacArthur. In practice, SCAP, the executive authority of the occupation, effectively ruled Japan from 1945 to 1952. And since it took orders only from the US government, the Occupation became primarily an American affair. The US occupation program, effectively carried out by SCAP, was revolutionary and rested on a two-pronged approach. To ensure Japan would never again become a menace to the United States or to world peace, SCAP pursued disarmament and demilitarization, with continuing control over Japan's capacity to make war. This involved destroying military supplies and installations, demobilizing more than five million Japanese soldiers, and thoroughly discrediting the military establishment. Accordingly, SCAP ordered the purge of tens of thousands of designated persons from public service positions, including accused war criminals, military officers, leaders of ultranationalist societies, leaders in the Imperial Rule Assistance Association, business leaders tied to overseas expansion, governors of former Japanese colonies, and national leaders who had steered Japan into war. In addition, MacArthur's International Military Tribunal for the Far East established a military court in Tokyo. It had jurisdiction over those charged with Class A crimes, top leaders who had planned and directed the war. Also considered were Class B charges, covering conventional war crimes, and Class C charges, covering crimes against humanity. Yet the military court in Tokyo wouldn't be the only one. More than 5,700 lower-ranking personnel were charged with conventional war crimes in separate trials convened by Australia, China, France, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Of the 5,700 Japanese individuals indicted for Class B war crimes, 984 were sentenced to death; 475 received life sentences; 2,944 were given more limited prison terms; 1,018 were acquitted; and 279 were never brought to trial or not sentenced. Among these, many, like General Ando Rikichi and Lieutenant-General Nomi Toshio, chose to commit suicide before facing prosecution. Notable cases include Lieutenant-General Tani Hisao, who was sentenced to death by the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal for his role in the Nanjing Massacre; Lieutenant-General Sakai Takashi, who was executed in Nanjing for the murder of British and Chinese civilians during the occupation of Hong Kong. General Okamura Yasuji was convicted of war crimes by the Tribunal, yet he was immediately protected by the personal order of Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek, who kept him as a military adviser for the Kuomintang. In the Manila trials, General Yamashita Tomoyuki was sentenced to death as he was in overall command during the Sook Ching massacre, the Rape of Manila, and other atrocities. Lieutenant-General Homma Masaharu was likewise executed in Manila for atrocities committed by troops under his command during the Bataan Death March. General Imamura Hitoshi was sentenced to ten years in prison, but he considered the punishment too light and even had a replica of the prison built in his garden, remaining there until his death in 1968. Lieutenant-General Kanda Masatane received a 14-year sentence for war crimes on Bougainville, though he served only four years. Lieutenant-General Adachi Hatazo was sentenced to life imprisonment for war crimes in New Guinea and subsequently committed suicide on September 10, 1947. Lieutenant-General Teshima Fusataro received three years of forced labour for using a hospital ship to transport troops. Lieutenant-General Baba Masao was sentenced to death for ordering the Sandakan Death Marches, during which over 2,200 Australian and British prisoners of war perished. Lieutenant-General Tanabe Moritake was sentenced to death by a Dutch military tribunal for unspecified war crimes. Rear-Admiral Sakaibara Shigematsu was executed in Guam for ordering the Wake Island massacre, in which 98 American civilians were murdered. Lieutenant-General Inoue Sadae was condemned to death in Guam for permitting subordinates to execute three downed American airmen captured in Palau, though his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1951 and he was released in 1953. Lieutenant-General Tachibana Yoshio was sentenced to death in Guam for his role in the Chichijima Incident, in which eight American airmen were cannibalized. By mid-1945, due to the Allied naval blockade, the 25,000 Japanese troops on Chichijima had run low on supplies. However, although the daily rice ration had been reduced from 400 grams per person per day to 240 grams, the troops were not at risk of starvation. In February and March 1945, in what would later be called the Chichijima incident, Tachibana Yoshio's senior staff turned to cannibalism. Nine American airmen had escaped from their planes after being shot down during bombing raids on Chichijima, eight of whom were captured. The ninth, the only one to evade capture, was future US President George H. W. Bush, then a 20-year-old pilot. Over several months, the prisoners were executed, and reportedly by the order of Major Matoba Sueyo, their bodies were butchered by the division's medical orderlies, with the livers and other organs consumed by the senior staff, including Matoba's superior Tachibana. In the Yokohama War Crimes Trials, Lieutenant-Generals Inada Masazumi and Yokoyama Isamu were convicted for their complicity in vivisection and other human medical experiments performed at Kyushu Imperial University on downed Allied airmen. The Tokyo War Crimes Trial, which began in May 1946 and lasted two and a half years, resulted in the execution by hanging of Generals Doihara Kenji and Itagaki Seishiro, and former Prime Ministers Hirota Koki and Tojo Hideki, for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace, specifically for the escalation of the Pacific War and for permitting the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war. Also sentenced to death were Lieutenant-General Muto Akira for his role in the Nanjing and Manila massacres; General Kimura Heitaro for planning the war strategy in China and Southeast Asia and for laxity in preventing atrocities against prisoners of war in Burma; and General Matsui Iwane for his involvement in the Rape of Nanjing. The seven defendants who were sentenced to death were executed at Sugamo Prison in Ikebukuro on December 23, 1948. Sixteen others were sentenced to life imprisonment, including the last Field Marshal Hata Shunroku, Generals Araki Sadao, Minami Hiro, and Umezu Shojiro, Admiral Shimada Shigetaro, former Prime Ministers Hiranuma Kiichiro and Koiso Kuniaki, Marquis Kido Koichi, and Colonel Hashimoto Kingoro, a major instigator of the second Sino-Japanese War. Additionally, former Foreign Ministers Togo Shigenori and Shigemitsu Mamoru received seven- and twenty-year sentences, respectively. The Soviet Union and Chinese Communist forces also held trials of Japanese war criminals, including the Khabarovsk War Crime Trials, which tried and found guilty some members of Japan's bacteriological and chemical warfare unit known as Unit 731. However, those who surrendered to the Americans were never brought to trial, as MacArthur granted immunity to Lieutenant-General Ishii Shiro and all members of the bacteriological research units in exchange for germ-w warfare data derived from human experimentation. If you would like to learn more about what I like to call Japan's Operation Paper clip, whereupon the US grabbed many scientists from Unit 731, check out my exclusive podcast. The SCAP-turn to democratization began with the drafting of a new constitution in 1947, addressing Japan's enduring feudal social structure. In the charter, sovereignty was vested in the people, and the emperor was designated a “symbol of the state and the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will of the people in whom resides sovereign power.” Because the emperor now possessed fewer powers than European constitutional monarchs, some have gone so far as to say that Japan became “a republic in fact if not in name.” Yet the retention of the emperor was, in fact, a compromise that suited both those who wanted to preserve the essence of the nation for stability and those who demanded that the emperor system, though not necessarily the emperor, should be expunged. In line with the democratic spirit of the new constitution, the peerage was abolished and the two-chamber Diet, to which the cabinet was now responsible, became the highest organ of state. The judiciary was made independent and local autonomy was granted in vital areas of jurisdiction such as education and the police. Moreover, the constitution stipulated that “the people shall not be prevented from enjoying any of the fundamental human rights,” that they “shall be respected as individuals,” and that “their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall … be the supreme consideration in legislation.” Its 29 articles guaranteed basic human rights: equality, freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin, freedom of thought and freedom of religion. Finally, in its most controversial section, Article 9, the “peace clause,” Japan “renounce[d] war as a sovereign right of the nation” and vowed not to maintain any military forces and “other war potential.” To instill a thoroughly democratic ethos, reforms touched every facet of society. The dissolution of the zaibatsu decentralised economic power; the 1945 Labour Union Law and the 1946 Labour Relations Act guaranteed workers the right to collective action; the 1947 Labour Standards Law established basic working standards for men and women; and the revised Civil Code of 1948 abolished the patriarchal household and enshrined sexual equality. Reflecting core American principles, SCAP introduced a 6-3-3 schooling system, six years of compulsory elementary education, three years of junior high, and an optional three years of senior high, along with the aim of secular, locally controlled education. More crucially, ideological reform followed: censorship of feudal material in media, revision of textbooks, and prohibition of ideas glorifying war, dying for the emperor, or venerating war heroes. With women enfranchised and young people shaped to counter militarism and ultranationalism, rural Japan was transformed to undermine lingering class divisions. The land reform program provided for the purchase of all land held by absentee landlords, allowed resident landlords and owner-farmers to retain a set amount of land, and required that the remaining land be sold to the government so it could be offered to existing tenants. In 1948, amid the intensifying tensions of the Cold War that would soon culminate in the Korean War, the occupation's focus shifted from demilitarization and democratization toward economic rehabilitation and, ultimately, the remilitarization of Japan, an shift now known as the “Reverse Course.” The country was thus rebuilt as the Pacific region's primary bulwark against the spread of Communism. An Economic Stabilisation Programme was introduced, including a five-year plan to coordinate production and target capital through the Reconstruction Finance Bank. In 1949, the anti-inflationary Dodge Plan was adopted, advocating balanced budgets, fixing the exchange rate at 360 yen to the dollar, and ending broad government intervention. Additionally, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry was formed and supported the formation of conglomerates centered around banks, which encouraged the reemergence of a somewhat weakened set of zaibatsu, including Mitsui and Mitsubishi. By the end of the Occupation era, Japan was on the verge of surpassing its 1934–1936 levels of economic growth. Equally important was Japan's rearmament in alignment with American foreign policy: a National Police Reserve of about 75,000 was created with the outbreak of the Korean War; by 1952 it had expanded to 110,000 and was renamed the Self-Defense Force after the inclusion of an air force. However, the Reverse Course also facilitated the reestablishment of conservative politics and the rollback of gains made by women and the reforms of local autonomy and education. As the Occupation progressed, the Americans permitted greater Japanese initiative, and power gradually shifted from the reformers to the moderates. By 1949, the purge of the right came under review, and many who had been condemned began returning to influence, if not to the Diet, then to behind-the-scenes power. At the same time, Japanese authorities, with MacArthur's support, began purging left-wing activists. In June 1950, for example, the central office of the Japan Communist Party and the editorial board of The Red Flag were purged. The gains made by women also seemed to be reversed. Women were elected to 8% of available seats in the first lower-house election in 1946, but to only 2% in 1952, a trend not reversed until the so-called Madonna Boom of the 1980s. Although the number of women voting continued to rise, female politicisation remained more superficial than might be imagined. Women's employment also appeared little affected by labour legislation: though women formed nearly 40% of the labor force in 1952, they earned only 45% as much as men. Indeed, women's attitudes toward labor were influenced less by the new ethos of fulfilling individual potential than by traditional views of family and workplace responsibilities. In the areas of local autonomy and education, substantial modifications were made to the reforms. Because local authorities lacked sufficient power to tax, they were unable to realise their extensive powers, and, as a result, key responsibilities were transferred back to national jurisdiction. In 1951, for example, 90% of villages and towns placed their police forces under the control of the newly formed National Police Agency. Central control over education was also gradually reasserted; in 1951, the Yoshida government attempted to reintroduce ethics classes, proposed tighter central oversight of textbooks, and recommended abolishing local school board elections. By the end of the decade, all these changes had been implemented. The Soviet occupation of the Kurile Islands and the Habomai Islets was completed with Russian troops fully deployed by September 5. Immediately after the onset of the occupation, amid a climate of insecurity and fear marked by reports of sporadic rape and physical assault and widespread looting by occupying troops, an estimated 4,000 islanders fled to Hokkaido rather than face an uncertain repatriation. As Soviet forces moved in, they seized or destroyed telephone and telegraph installations and halted ship movements into and out of the islands, leaving residents without adequate food and other winter provisions. Yet, unlike Manchuria, where Japanese civilians faced widespread sexual violence and pillage, systematic violence against the civilian population on the Kuriles appears to have been exceptional. A series of military government proclamations assured islanders of safety so long as they did not resist Soviet rule and carried on normally; however, these orders also prohibited activities not explicitly authorized by the Red Army, which imposed many hardships on civilians. Residents endured harsh conditions under Soviet rule until late 1948, when Japanese repatriation out of the Kurils was completed. The Kuriles posed a special diplomatic problem, as the occupation of the southernmost islands—the Northern Territories—ignited a long-standing dispute between Tokyo and Moscow that continues to impede the normalisation of relations today. Although the Kuriles were promised to the Soviet Union in the Yalta agreement, Japan and the United States argued that this did not apply to the Northern Territories, since they were not part of the Kurile Islands. A substantial dispute regarding the status of the Kurile Islands arose between the United States and the Soviet Union during the preparation of the Treaty of San Francisco, which was intended as a permanent peace treaty between Japan and the Allied Powers of World War II. The treaty was ultimately signed by 49 nations in San Francisco on September 8, 1951, and came into force on April 28, 1952. It ended Japan's role as an imperial power, allocated compensation to Allied nations and former prisoners of war who had suffered Japanese war crimes, ended the Allied post-war occupation of Japan, and returned full sovereignty to Japan. Effectively, the document officially renounced Japan's treaty rights derived from the Boxer Protocol of 1901 and its rights to Korea, Formosa and the Pescadores, the Kurile Islands, the Spratly Islands, Antarctica, and South Sakhalin. Japan's South Seas Mandate, namely the Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, and Caroline Islands, had already been formally revoked by the United Nations on July 18, 1947, making the United States responsible for administration of those islands under a UN trusteeship agreement that established the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. In turn, the Bonin, Volcano, and Ryukyu Islands were progressively restored to Japan between 1953 and 1972, along with the Senkaku Islands, which were disputed by both Communist and Nationalist China. In addition, alongside the Treaty of San Francisco, Japan and the United States signed a Security Treaty that established a long-lasting military alliance between them. Although Japan renounced its rights to the Kuriles, the U.S. State Department later clarified that “the Habomai Islands and Shikotan ... are properly part of Hokkaido and that Japan is entitled to sovereignty over them,” hence why the Soviets refused to sign the treaty. Britain and the United States agreed that territorial rights would not be granted to nations that did not sign the Treaty of San Francisco, and as a result the Kurile Islands were not formally recognized as Soviet territory. A separate peace treaty, the Treaty of Taipei (formally the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty), was signed in Taipei on April 28, 1952 between Japan and the Kuomintang, and on June 9 of that year the Treaty of Peace Between Japan and India followed. Finally, Japan and the Soviet Union ended their formal state of war with the Soviet–Japanese Joint Declaration of 1956, though this did not settle the Kurile Islands dispute. Even after these formal steps, Japan as a nation was not in a formal state of war, and many Japanese continued to believe the war was ongoing; those who held out after the surrender came to be known as Japanese holdouts.  Captain Oba Sakae and his medical company participated in the Saipan campaign beginning on July 7, 1944, and took part in what would become the largest banzai charge of the Pacific War. After 15 hours of intense hand-to-hand combat, almost 4,300 Japanese soldiers were dead, and Oba and his men were presumed among them. In reality, however, he survived the battle and gradually assumed command of over a hundred additional soldiers. Only five men from his original unit survived the battle, two of whom died in the following months. Oba then led over 200 Japanese civilians deeper into the jungles to evade capture, organizing them into mountain caves and hidden jungle villages. When the soldiers were not assisting the civilians with survival tasks, Oba and his men continued their battle against the garrison of US Marines. He used the 1,552‑ft Mount Tapochau as their primary base, which offered an unobstructed 360-degree view of the island. From their base camp on the western slope of the mountain, Oba and his men occasionally conducted guerrilla-style raids on American positions. Due to the speed and stealth of these operations, and the Marines' frustrated attempts to find him, the Saipan Marines eventually referred to Oba as “The Fox.” Oba and his men held out on the island for 512 days, or about 16 months. On November 27, 1945, former Major-General Amo Umahachi was able to draw out some of the Japanese in hiding by singing the anthem of the Japanese infantry branch. Amo was then able to present documents from the defunct IGHQ to Oba ordering him and his 46 remaining men to surrender themselves to the Americans. On December 1, the Japanese soldiers gathered on Tapochau and sang a song of departure to the spirits of the war dead; Oba led his people out of the jungle and they presented themselves to the Marines of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Company. With great formality and commensurate dignity, Oba surrendered his sword to Lieutenant Colonel Howard G. Kirgis, and his men surrendered their arms and colors. On January 2, 1946, 20 Japanese soldiers hiding in a tunnel at Corregidor Island surrendered after learning the war had ended from a newspaper found while collecting water. In that same month, 120 Japanese were routed after a battle in the mountains 150 miles south of Manila. In April, during a seven-week campaign to clear Lubang Island, 41 more Japanese emerged from the jungle, unaware that the war had ended; however, a group of four Japanese continued to resist. In early 1947, Lieutenant Yamaguchi Ei and his band of 33 soldiers renewed fighting with the small Marine garrison on Peleliu, prompting reinforcements under Rear-Admiral Charles Pownall to be brought to the island to hunt down the guerrilla group. Along with them came former Rear-Admiral Sumikawa Michio, who ultimately convinced Yamaguchi to surrender in April after almost three years of guerrilla warfare. Also in April, seven Japanese emerged from Palawan Island and fifteen armed stragglers emerged from Luzon. In January 1948, 200 troops surrendered on Mindanao; and on May 12, the Associated Press reported that two unnamed Japanese soldiers had surrendered to civilian policemen in Guam the day before. On January 6, 1949, two former IJN soldiers, machine gunners Matsudo Rikio and Yamakage Kufuku, were discovered on Iwo Jima and surrendered peacefully. In March 1950, Private Akatsu Yūichi surrendered in the village of Looc, leaving only three Japanese still resisting on Lubang. By 1951 a group of Japanese on Anatahan Island refused to believe that the war was over and resisted every attempt by the Navy to remove them. This group was first discovered in February 1945, when several Chamorros from Saipan were sent to the island to recover the bodies of a Saipan-based B-29. The Chamorros reported that there were about thirty Japanese survivors from three ships sunk in June 1944, one of which was an Okinawan woman. Personal aggravations developed from the close confines of a small group on a small island and from tuba drinking; among the holdouts, 6 of 11 deaths were the result of violence, and one man displayed 13 knife wounds. The presence of only one woman, Higa Kazuko, caused considerable difficulty as she would transfer her affections among at least four men after each of them mysteriously disappeared, purportedly “swallowed by the waves while fishing.” According to the more sensational versions of the Anatahan tale, 11 of the 30 navy sailors stranded on the island died due to violent struggles over her affections. In July 1950, Higa went to the beach when an American vessel appeared offshore and finally asked to be removed from the island. She was taken to Saipan aboard the Miss Susie and, upon arrival, told authorities that the men on the island did not believe the war was over. As the Japanese government showed interest in the situation on Anatahan, the families of the holdouts were contacted in Japan and urged by the Navy to write letters stating that the war was over and that the holdouts should surrender. The letters were dropped by air on June 26 and ultimately convinced the holdouts to give themselves up. Thus, six years after the end of World War II, “Operation Removal” commenced from Saipan under the command of Lt. Commander James B. Johnson, USNR, aboard the Navy Tug USS Cocopa. Johnson and an interpreter went ashore by rubber boat and formally accepted the surrender on the morning of June 30, 1951. The Anatahan femme fatale story later inspired the 1953 Japanese film Anatahan and the 1998 novel Cage on the Sea. In 1953, Murata Susumu, the last holdout on Tinian, was finally captured. The next year, on May 7, Corporal Sumada Shoichi was killed in a clash with Filipino soldiers, leaving only two Japanese still resisting on Lubang. In November 1955, Seaman Kinoshita Noboru was captured in the Luzon jungle but soon after committed suicide rather than “return to Japan in defeat.” That same year, four Japanese airmen surrendered at Hollandia in Dutch New Guinea; and in 1956, nine soldiers were located and sent home from Morotai, while four men surrendered on Mindoro. In May 1960, Sergeant Ito Masashi became one of the last Japanese to surrender at Guam after the capture of his comrade Private Minagawa Bunzo, but the final surrender at Guam would come later with Sergeant Yokoi Shoichi. Sergeant Yokoi Shoichi survived in the jungles of Guam by living for years in an elaborately dug hole, subsisting on snails and lizards, a fate that, while undignified, showcased his ingenuity and resilience and earned him a warm welcome on his return to Japan. His capture was not heroic in the traditional sense: he was found half-starving by a group of villagers while foraging for shrimp in a stream, and the broader context included his awareness as early as 1952 that the war had ended. He explained that the wartime bushido code, emphasizing self-sacrifice or suicide rather than self-preservation, had left him fearing that repatriation would label him a deserter and likely lead to execution. Emerging from the jungle, Yokoi also became a vocal critic of Japan's wartime leadership, including Emperor Hirohito, which fits a view of him as a product of, and a prisoner within, his own education, military training, and the censorship and propaganda of the era. When asked by a young nephew how he survived so long on an island just a short distance from a major American airbase, he replied simply, “I was really good at hide and seek.”  That same year, Private Kozuka Kinshichi was killed in a shootout with Philippine police in October, leaving Lieutenant Onoda Hiroo still resisting on Lubang. Lieutenant Onoda Hiroo had been on Lubang since 1944, a few months before the Americans retook the Philippines. The last instructions he had received from his immediate superior ordered him to retreat to the interior of the island and harass the Allied occupying forces until the IJA eventually returned. Despite efforts by the Philippine Army, letters and newspapers left for him, radio broadcasts, and even a plea from Onoda's brother, he did not believe the war was over. On February 20, 1974, Onoda encountered a young Japanese university dropout named Suzuki Norio, who was traveling the world and had told friends that he planned to “look for Lieutenant Onoda, a panda, and the abominable snowman, in that order.” The two became friends, but Onoda stated that he was waiting for orders from one of his commanders. On March 9, 1974, Onoda went to an agreed-upon place and found a note left by Suzuki. Suzuki had brought along Onoda's former commander, Major Taniguchi, who delivered the oral orders for Onoda to surrender. Intelligence Officer 2nd Lt. Onoda Hiroo thus emerged from Lubang's jungle with his .25 caliber rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, and several hand grenades. He surrendered 29 years after Japan's formal surrender, and 15 years after being declared legally dead in Japan. When he accepted that the war was over, he wept openly. He received a hero's welcome upon his return to Japan in 1974. The Japanese government offered him a large sum of money in back pay, which he refused. When money was pressed on him by well-wishers, he donated it to Yasukuni Shrine. Onoda was reportedly unhappy with the attention and what he saw as the withering of traditional Japanese values. He wrote No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War, a best-selling autobiography published in 1974. Yet the last Japanese to surrender would be Private Nakamura Teruo, an Amis aborigine from Formosa and a member of the Takasago Volunteers. Private Nakamura Teruo spent the tail end of World War II with a dwindling band on Morotai, repeatedly dispersing and reassembling in the jungle as they hunted for food. The group suffered continuous losses to starvation and disease, and survivors described Nakamura as highly self-sufficient. He left to live alone somewhere in the Morotai highlands between 1946 and 1947, rejoined the main group in 1950, and then disappeared again a few years later. Nakamura hinted in print that he fled into the jungle because he feared the other holdouts might murder him. He survives for decades beyond the war, eventually being found by 11 Indonesian soldiers. The emergence of an indigenous Taiwanese soldier among the search party embarrassed Japan as it sought to move past its imperial past. Many Japanese felt Nakamura deserved compensation for decades of loyalty, only to learn that his back pay for three decades of service amounted to 68,000 yen.   Nakamura's experience of peace was complex. When a journalist asked how he felt about “wasting” three decades of his life on Morotai, he replied that the years had not been wasted; he had been serving his country. Yet the country he returned to was Taiwan, and upon disembarking in Taipei in early January 1975, he learned that his wife had a son he had never met and that she had remarried a decade after his official death. Nakamura eventually lived with a daughter, and his story concluded with a bittersweet note when his wife reconsidered and reconciled with him. Several Japanese soldiers joined local Communist and insurgent groups after the war to avoid surrender. Notably, in 1956 and 1958, two soldiers returned to Japan after service in China's People's Liberation Army. Two others who defected with a larger group to the Malayan Communist Party around 1945 laid down their arms in 1989 and repatriated the next year, becoming among the last to return home. That is all for today, but fear not I will provide a few more goodies over the next few weeks. I will be releasing some of my exclusive podcast episodes from my youtube membership and patreon that are about pacific war subjects. Like I promised the first one will be on why Emperor Hirohito surrendered. Until then if you need your fix you know where to find me: eastern front week by week, fall and rise of china, echoes of war or on my Youtube membership of patreon at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.