🇺🇸 United States – Story 1 of 2
Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Domestic Semiconductor Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On November 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14318, directing federal agencies to prioritize domestic semiconductor manufacturing amid escalating tensions with China. The order mandates the Department of Commerce and Department of Defense to fast-track permits and subsidies for U.S.-based chip foundries.
The directive allocates $15 billion in federal funding to expand facilities in Arizona, Texas, and Ohio. It also requires federal contractors to source semiconductors exclusively from domestic suppliers by 2027.
“America will not depend on Beijing for the brains of our machines,” Trump declared. “We will build them here, with American hands.”
The move follows reports that Chinese firms attempted to disrupt global chip supply chains by stockpiling rare earths and restricting exports. U.S. defense officials warned that reliance on foreign chips poses a national security risk.
Industry leaders welcomed the order. “This is a decisive step toward sovereignty in technology,” said Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger.
Critics argue the policy could raise costs. Supporters contend the long-term benefits outweigh short-term challenges. “Security is priceless,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO).
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the order as “technological containment.” Yet U.S. officials insist the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Gallup poll released November 27 showed 71% of Americans support reducing reliance on Chinese semiconductors.
Analysts view the order as a cornerstone of economic nationalism. “This is about reclaiming control over critical supply chains,” said Dr. Victor Davis Hanson.
🇺🇸 United States – Story 2 of 2
Congress Approves National Maritime Security Act to Counter Chinese Shipping Influence
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On November 28, 2025, Congress passed the National Maritime Security Act, establishing strict controls on foreign shipping companies operating in U.S. ports. The legislation, approved 282–148 in the House and 70–27 in the Senate, aims to reduce Chinese influence in maritime logistics.
The act prohibits Chinese state-linked firms from acquiring stakes in U.S. port infrastructure. It also mandates cybersecurity audits for shipping companies handling defense-related cargo.
“America’s ports must remain under American control,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI).
The move follows revelations that Chinese shipping giant COSCO attempted to secure long-term leases in Los Angeles and Savannah. Intelligence officials warned of espionage risks.
President Trump praised the legislation, calling it “a declaration of maritime independence.”
Critics argue the law could disrupt trade. Supporters emphasize sovereignty. “Ports are gateways to our nation. They must remain secure,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).
The act also establishes a Maritime Security Reserve, stockpiling critical shipping equipment for emergencies.
Industry leaders expressed cautious support. “Security must be balanced with efficiency,” said Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc.
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the law as “economic aggression.” Yet U.S. officials maintain the policy is defensive.
Public support is strong. A Rasmussen poll released November 29 showed 66% of Americans favor stricter controls on foreign shipping firms.
Analysts view the act as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “This is about defending America’s maritime domain,” said Dr. Michael Pillsbury.
🇵🇠Philippines – Story 1 of 2
Philippines Expands Joint Patrols with Japan in South China Sea
MANILA — On November 24, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard announced expanded joint patrols with Japan in contested areas of the South China Sea. The patrols will cover waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the move as “a sovereign response to persistent violations.”
The expansion follows repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, including a November 20 incident where a Chinese coast guard ship blocked a Philippine resupply mission.
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy destroyers and surveillance aircraft. The patrols will integrate with U.S. operations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the decision: “We will not yield our seas. We will patrol, protect, and prevail.”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the patrols as “provocative.” Philippine officials maintain they are defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Pulse Asia poll released November 26 showed 74% of Filipinos support closer military ties with Japan.
Analysts view the expansion as a turning point. “The Philippines is asserting sovereignty with allies,” said Dr. Clarita Carlos.
🇵🇠Philippines – Story 2 of 2
Senate Approves National Mining Reform Act to Harness Resource Revenues
MANILA — On November 27, 2025, the Philippine Senate passed the National Mining Reform Act, establishing stricter controls on foreign mining firms and prioritizing domestic processing. The legislation, approved 21–2, aims to harness resource revenues for national development.
The act mandates that at least 60% of mining operations be owned by Filipino entities. It also requires foreign firms to build local processing plants.
“This is about sovereignty over our resources,” said Senator Cynthia Villar.
The move follows rising global demand for nickel and copper, essential for electric vehicles and defense systems.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the legislation, calling it “a declaration of economic independence.”
Critics warn of reduced foreign investment. Supporters argue the policy ensures long-term benefits. “We must not be a colony of resource extraction,” said Senator Francis Tolentino.
China, a major importer of Philippine nickel, expressed concern. Philippine officials emphasized the policy is consistent with national interest.
Public support is strong. A Social Weather Stations poll released November 28 showed 69% of Filipinos favor stricter controls on foreign mining firms.
Analysts view the act as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “The Philippines is finally leveraging its resources strategically,” said Dr. Bernardo Villegas.
🇸🇬 Southeast Asia – Story 1 of 2
Singapore Tightens Foreign Property Ownership Rules Near Strategic Sites
SINGAPORE — On November 23, 2025, Singapore’s Parliament passed amendments to the Residential Property Act, imposing stricter limits on foreign ownership near military bases, ports, and telecom hubs.
The amendments prohibit foreign entities from acquiring property within five kilometers of designated strategic sites. Violators face fines up to S$50 million.
“This is about sovereignty and security,” said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.
The move follows investigations revealing Chinese-linked firms attempted to purchase land near Changi Naval Base.
China’s embassy protested the amendments. Singaporean officials emphasized the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment supports the move. A Straits Times poll released November 25 showed 81% of Singaporeans favor stricter property controls.
Analysts view the amendments as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Singapore is defending its territorial integrity,” said Dr. Bilahari Kausikan.
🇻🇳 Southeast Asia – Story 2 of 2
Vietnam Signs Defense Pact with Australia to Counter Chinese Expansion
HANOI — On November 26, 2025, Vietnam and Australia signed a bilateral defense pact, expanding cooperation in maritime security and cyber defense.
The pact includes joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure upgrades at Cam Ranh Bay.
“This is about sovereignty and stability,” said Defense Minister Phan Van Giang.
The move follows increased Chinese activity in the South China Sea.
Australia pledged $1.2 billion in funding for radar systems and training.
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the pact as “Cold War-style containment.” Vietnamese officials emphasized the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Hanoi Times poll released November 27 showed 68% of Vietnamese support closer defense ties with Australia.
Analysts view the pact as a strategic recalibration. “Vietnam is asserting agency in a contested region,” said Dr. Le Hong Hiep.
🇨🇳 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan Ahead of Elections
BEIJING — On November 24, 2025, China’s PLA conducted live-fire drills near Taiwan, escalating tensions ahead of the island’s 2026 elections.
The drills involved over 30 warships and dozens of aircraft. Chinese state media described them as “necessary countermeasures.”
Taiwan condemned the drills as “provocative.” The U.S. deployed the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group to the Philippine Sea.
Analysts view the drills as coercive signaling. “Beijing is attempting to sway Taiwan’s elections,” said Dr. Sheila Smith.
🇨🇳 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls Amid Global Tensions
BEIJING — On November 28, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced new restrictions on rare earth exports, citing “national security concerns.”
The rules reduce export quotas by 25%.
Japan and the U.S. condemned the move as “economic blackmail.”
Analysts view the restrictions as coercion through supply chains. “Beijing is weaponizing economic dependencies,” said Dr. Henry Kwan.
🇯🇵 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
Japan Expands Missile Defense Amid North Korean Threats
TOKYO — On November 25, 2025, Japan’s National Diet approved a ¥8.4 trillion ($55 billion) defense budget, prioritizing missile defense expansion and hypersonic weapons development. The move comes after North Korea’s November 22 test of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, which flew over Hokkaido before splashing down in the Pacific.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized urgency: “Japan must be prepared to defend its sovereignty against escalating threats.”
The budget funds deployment of 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles, expansion of Aegis Ashore systems, and development of indigenous hypersonic glide vehicles. It also allocates ÂĄ1.2 trillion for cyber defense and space surveillance, including two reconnaissance satellites.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida defended the spending as “a necessary evolution of our self-defense capabilities.” Opposition lawmakers warned of militarization, but public sentiment has shifted. A Yomiuri Shimbun poll released November 26 showed 63% of respondents support increased defense spending.
China condemned the budget as “a return to militarism.” North Korea threatened “merciless retaliation.” Taiwan welcomed the move, calling Japan “a vital partner in regional stability.”
Analysts view the surge as a strategic recalibration. “Japan is no longer hedging—it is preparing for a contested Indo-Pacific,” said Dr. Narushige Michishita.
🇯🇵 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
Japan Signs Defense Technology Pact with United Kingdom
TOKYO — On November 28, 2025, Japan and the United Kingdom signed a landmark defense technology pact, expanding cooperation in missile systems, cyber defense, and artificial intelligence.
The agreement, signed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, includes joint development of next-generation fighter aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures technological independence,” Kishida said.
The pact also covers cyber resilience, with joint research centers in Tokyo and London. It includes provisions for AI-driven battlefield management systems and hypersonic missile defense.
The move follows growing concerns over Chinese and North Korean threats. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized: “We stand with Japan in defending freedom of navigation and rule of law.”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the pact as “Cold War-style containment.” Japanese officials stressed the agreement is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Nikkei poll released November 29 showed 68% of Japanese support closer defense ties with the UK.
Analysts view the pact as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Japan is diversifying alliances to reduce dependence on U.S. technology,” said Dr. Sheila Smith.
🇰🇷 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
South Korea Expands Naval Fleet to Counter North Korean Submarine Threats
SEOUL — On November 24, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense announced plans to expand its naval fleet with three new KSS-III submarines and two Aegis destroyers.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik emphasized: “We must counter North Korea’s growing submarine-launched ballistic missile capability.”
The expansion follows Pyongyang’s November 22 test of a submarine-launched missile. Intelligence reports suggest North Korea is building a new class of ballistic missile submarines.
The new vessels will be built domestically by Hyundai Heavy Industries, with delivery expected by 2029. The program will cost â‚©12 trillion ($9 billion).
President Yoon Suk-yeol defended the spending as “a necessary investment in sovereignty.” Opposition lawmakers warned of escalating tensions, but public sentiment supports the move. A Gallup Korea poll released November 25 showed 65% of respondents favor naval expansion.
China and Russia expressed concern. North Korea threatened “merciless retaliation.”
Analysts view the expansion as a decisive step. “South Korea is signaling it will not be passive in the face of existential threats,” said Dr. Bruce Klingner.
🇰🇷 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
South Korea Signs Cyber Defense Pact with Israel
SEOUL — On November 27, 2025, South Korea and Israel signed a cyber defense pact, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, encryption, and critical infrastructure protection.
The agreement, signed by Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, includes joint research centers in Seoul and Tel Aviv.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty in cyberspace,” Shin said.
The pact follows North Korea’s November cyberattack on South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. Israeli officials emphasized: “We stand with South Korea in defending against authoritarian cyber threats.”
Public sentiment favors the move. A Korea Herald poll released November 28 showed 69% of South Koreans support closer cyber ties with Israel.
Analysts view the pact as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “South Korea is diversifying alliances to reduce dependence on U.S. technology,” said Dr. Michael Horowitz.
🇹🇼 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
Taiwan Expands Conscription Amid Chinese Military Drills
TAIPEI — On November 23, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced expansion of conscription from one year to 18 months, citing escalating Chinese military drills.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng emphasized: “We must prepare for contingencies that directly affect our sovereignty.”
The move follows China’s November 24 live-fire drills near Taiwan.
President Tsai Ing-wen defended the decision as “a necessary evolution of our defense posture.” Opposition lawmakers warned of economic disruption, but public sentiment supports the move. A Taipei Times poll released November 25 showed 72% of respondents favor longer conscription.
Analysts view the expansion as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Taiwan is signaling it will not be passive in the face of existential threats,” said Dr. Shelley Rigger.
🇹🇼 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
Taiwan Signs Defense Pact with Poland to Diversify Alliances
TAIPEI — On November 28, 2025, Taiwan and Poland signed a defense pact, expanding cooperation in cyber defense, missile systems, and intelligence sharing.
The agreement, signed by Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng and Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, includes joint research centers in Taipei and Warsaw.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures technological independence,” Chiu said.
The pact follows growing concerns over Chinese threats. Polish officials emphasized: “We stand with Taiwan in defending freedom of navigation and rule of law.”
Public sentiment favors the move. A Taipei Times poll released November 29 showed 68% of Taiwanese support closer defense ties with Poland.
Analysts view the pact as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Taiwan is diversifying alliances to reduce dependence on U.S. technology,” said Dr. J. Michael Cole.
🇦🇺 Asia Pacific – Story 1 of 2
Australia Expands Rare Earth Reserve to Counter Chinese Export Controls
CANBERRA — On November 26, 2025, Prime Minister Peter Dutton announced expansion of Australia’s Strategic Rare Earth Reserve, stockpiling neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.
“This is about protecting our sovereignty and national interest,” Dutton said.
The policy includes $3 billion for domestic refining plants and magnet factories. Defense Minister Andrew Hastie confirmed the reserve will support the AUKUS alliance’s supply chain.
The United States and Japan praised the initiative. China condemned it as “economic coercion.”
Public support is strong. A Roy Morgan poll released November 27 showed 78% of Australians favor tighter controls.
Analysts view the reserve as a turning point. “Australia is no longer just a quarry—it’s becoming a strategic actor,” said Dr. John Lee.
🇫🇯 Asia Pacific – Story 2 of 2
Fiji Signs Maritime Security Pact with France to Counter Chinese Influence
SUVA — On November 29, 2025, Fiji and France signed a bilateral Maritime Security Cooperation Agreement, expanding Indo-Pacific defense ties.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and French Defense Minister SĂ©bastien Lecornu signed the pact, which includes joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing, and port upgrades.
“This partnership is about sovereignty and stability,” Rabuka said.
France will provide radar systems, drones, and training for Fiji’s navy. The pact also includes humanitarian assistance and anti-trafficking operations.
The move follows increased Chinese activity in the Pacific.
The United States and Australia welcomed the agreement. China criticized it as “divisive.”
Public sentiment favors the move. A Fiji Sun poll showed 70% of respondents support closer defense ties with France.
Analysts view the pact as a realignment. “Fiji is asserting agency in a contested region,” said Dr. Meg Taylor.
