EXPLAINED: 3 | Vintage Vibes

16,000 missiles, a vengeful Iran, and an AI race America cannot afford to lose: 2026 threat assessment, explained

The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment warns of escalating global threats: a five-fold rise in missiles targeting the US, Iran seeking revenge, North Korea’s expanding arsenal, and China’s race for AI dominance. While highlighting persistent cyber, space, and nuclear challenges, the report credits Trump for border security and de-escalation efforts, noting…

The Times of India · Mar 19

US waters down assessment of China’s threat to Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community says Chinese leaders do not currently plan to execute an invasion of Taiwan in 2027

The Independent UK · Mar 19

What to know about the falloff in China's military flights around Taiwan

China has sharply reduced its warplane flights near Taiwan and analysts aren't sure why

The Independent UK · Mar 13

CIA publishes recruitment video aimed at disaffected Chinese soldiers

Army in turmoil after Xi Jinping placed top general under investigation for suspected corruption last month

The Guardian - UK · Feb 13

CIA sabotaging Chinese military? US releases video appealing to potential PLA spies; Beijing sees red

The CIA's new Chinese-language recruitment video, targeting China's military, has sparked outrage in Beijing. The clip depicts a PLA officer disillusioned by corruption, a theme echoed by recent purges of top generals. China vows "all necessary measures" against foreign espionage, escalating intelligence rivalry amid US efforts to rebuild its China…

The Times of India · Feb 13

Beijing stages ‘combat readiness’ patrols at Scarborough Shoal in disputed South China Sea

China carried out fresh naval and air patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, in a move likely to heighten tensions with the Philippines and its treaty ally, the United States.

The Times of India · Jan 31

The Guardian view on China’s military purge: the risks grow in an age of strongmen

Editorial: Xi Jinping’s ousting of the country’s top general underscores the concentration of power in the hands of a few – with dangers for us all

The Guardian - UK · Jan 30

Why Xi purged China’s top military general

Zhang Youxia, a top military general and vice-chairman of the body in overall command of China’s military forces, was removed from office on January 23. His departure means all but one of the seven members of the central military commission (CMC), which is chaired by Chinese president Xi Jinping, have…

The Conversation · Jan 30

My Take 5 (Edition 63): The week that was in international affairs

Syria sees conflict between Damascus and Kurds, with a new integration deal announced. India and the EU finalize a major trade agreement after 18 years. Russia-Ukraine war negotiations continue with sticking points. China's top general is purged, raising questions about military leadership. The EU backs Morocco's autonomy plan for the…

The Times of India · Jan 30

Xi Jinping has dismissed two of China’s most senior generals. What does this mean?

Last weekend, China’s Ministry of National Defence announced that the country’s two most senior generals – Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli – would be removed from office and placed under investigation for serious disciplinary violations.

The Conversation · Jan 28