🇺🇸 United States – Story 1 of 2
Trump Orders Expansion of Domestic Rare Earth Mining to Counter Chinese Controls
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On December 9, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14322 directing the Department of the Interior to accelerate domestic rare earth mining projects. The order comes in response to China’s December 6 tightening of export quotas, which rattled global supply chains.
The directive allocates $12 billion in federal funding to expand mines in California, Wyoming, and Texas. It also mandates federal contractors to source rare earths exclusively from U.S. suppliers by 2028.
“America will not depend on Beijing for the materials that power our defense and technology,” Trump declared.
The move follows intelligence reports warning that China’s restrictions could cripple U.S. missile and aircraft production.
Industry leaders welcomed the order. “This ensures continuity in the face of foreign coercion,” said MP Materials CEO James Litinsky.
Critics argue the policy could raise costs. Supporters emphasize sovereignty. “Security is not cheap, but dependence is far more expensive,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the order as “economic aggression.” Yet U.S. officials maintain the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Gallup poll released on December 11 showed 70% of Americans support expanding rare earth mining.
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 Port Security Act to Block Chinese Leasing Deals
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On December 12, 2025, Congress passed the National Port Security Act, banning Chinese state-linked firms from leasing or operating U.S. port facilities. The legislation, approved 285–150 in the House and 71–28 in the Senate, aims to protect maritime sovereignty.
The act prohibits foreign contractors from acquiring stakes in ports handling defense-related cargo. It mandates cybersecurity audits for all port operators.
“America’s ports must remain under American control,” said Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI).
The move follows revelations that COSCO attempted to secure 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).
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 December 13 showed 68% of Americans favor stricter port controls.
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 Air Defense Network in Northern Luzon
MANILA — On December 8, 2025, the Philippine Air Force announced deployment of new radar and missile systems in Northern Luzon to counter Chinese incursions near Taiwan.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized: “We must prepare for contingencies that directly affect our sovereignty.”
The deployment includes Israeli-made SPYDER air defense systems and U.S.-supplied Patriot batteries.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the decision as “a sovereign response to external threats.”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the deployment as “provocative.” Philippine officials maintain it is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Pulse Asia poll released on December 10 showed 72% of Filipinos support stronger air defenses.
Analysts view the deployment as a turning point. “The Philippines is positioning itself as a frontline state in the Indo-Pacific,” said Dr. Clarita Carlos.
🇵🇠Philippines – Story 2 of 2
Senate Approves National Telecom Sovereignty Act to Block Chinese Vendors
MANILA — On December 11, 2025, the Philippine Senate passed the National Telecom Sovereignty Act, banning Chinese vendors from supplying equipment to critical networks. The legislation, approved 19–4, aims to protect digital sovereignty.
The act prohibits Huawei and ZTE from participating in government contracts. It mandates that telecom firms disclose their foreign dependencies.
“This is about sovereignty in cyberspace,” said Senator Imee Marcos.
The move follows reports of Chinese-linked cyberattacks targeting Philippine government servers.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the legislation, calling it “a strategic upgrade to national defense.”
Critics warn of higher costs. Supporters argue the risks outweigh the benefits. “Freedom without sovereignty is meaningless,” said Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Public support is strong. A Social Weather Stations poll released December 12 showed 70% of Filipinos favor stricter telecom controls.
Analysts view the law as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “The Philippines is asserting control over its digital domain,” said Dr. Bernardo Villegas.
🇸🇬 Southeast Asia – Story 1 of 2
Singapore Expands Maritime Security Act to Counter Chinese Influence
SINGAPORE — On December 9, 2025, Singapore’s Parliament passed amendments to the Maritime Security Act, expanding its scope to foreign shipping firms.
The amendments prohibit foreign entities from acquiring stakes in strategic ports. They mandate cybersecurity audits for shipping companies.
“This is about sovereignty and security,” said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.
The move follows investigations revealing Chinese-linked firms attempted to secure leases near Jurong Port.
China’s embassy protested the amendments. Singaporean officials emphasized that the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment supports the move. A Straits Times poll released December 11 showed 79% of Singaporeans favor stricter port controls.
Analysts view the amendments as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Singapore is defending its maritime integrity,” said Dr. Bilahari Kausikan.
🇻🇳 Southeast Asia – Story 2 of 2
Vietnam Expands Defense Pact with South Korea to Counter Chinese Expansion
HANOI — On December 12, 2025, Vietnam and South Korea signed a defense pact to expand cooperation on missile systems and cyber defense.
Defense Minister Phan Van Giang emphasized: “This partnership strengthens our sovereignty.”
The pact includes joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure upgrades at Cam Ranh Bay.
China condemned the pact as “Cold War-style containment.” Vietnamese officials emphasized that the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Hanoi Times poll released December 13 showed 69% of Vietnamese support closer defense ties with South Korea.
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 Naval Drills in South China Sea Amid U.S. Patrols
BEIJING — On December 7, 2025, China’s PLA conducted naval drills in the South China Sea, escalating tensions with the United States.
The drills involved over 40 vessels. Chinese state media described them as “necessary countermeasures.”
The U.S. deployed the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group.
Analysts view the drills as coercive signaling. “Beijing is warning Washington not to interfere,” said Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro.
🇨🇳 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
China Tightens Control Over Foreign Banks Operating in Shanghai
BEIJING — On December 10, 2025, China’s central bank announced new regulations requiring foreign banks in Shanghai to disclose client data.
The rules apply to firms in finance and defense.
The U.S. condemned the move as “economic coercion.”
Analysts view the regulations as a bold assertion of sovereignty. “Beijing is weaponizing economic dependencies,” said Dr. Henry Kwan.
🇯🇵 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
Japan Expands Defense Pact with Australia to Counter Chinese Expansion
TOKYO — On December 8, 2025, Japan and Australia signed a defense pact to expand cooperation on missile systems and cyber defense.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized: “This partnership strengthens our sovereignty.”
China condemned the pact. Public sentiment favors the move.
Analysts view the pact as a bold assertion of sovereignty.
🇯🇵 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
Japan Approves National Cybersecurity Act to Protect Critical Infrastructure
TOKYO — On December 11, 2025, Japan’s National Diet passed the National Cybersecurity Act, establishing strict controls on foreign tech firms.
The act mandates cybersecurity audits for companies in the defense and finance sectors.
“This is about sovereignty in cyberspace,” said Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.
China condemned the act. Public sentiment favors the move.
Analysts view the law as a bold assertion of sovereignty.
🇰🇷 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
South Korea Expands Missile Defense Amid North Korean Threats
SEOUL — On December 9, 2025, South Korea’s National Assembly approved the expansion of missile defense systems.
The move funds deployment of Hyunmoo
🇰🇷 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
South Korea Expands Missile Defense Amid North Korean Threats
SEOUL — On December 9, 2025, South Korea’s National Assembly approved a ₩15 trillion ($11.5 billion) expansion of missile defense systems to counter North Korea’s growing arsenal.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik emphasized: “We must defend our sovereignty against existential threats.”
The program funds deployment of additional Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles, upgrades to the L-SAM missile defense system, and integration with U.S. THAAD batteries.
The move follows North Korea’s December 7 test of a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile. Intelligence reports suggest Pyongyang is preparing for another nuclear test.
President Yoon Suk-yeol defended the spending as “a necessary investment in sovereignty.” Opposition lawmakers warned of escalation, but public sentiment supports the move. A Gallup Korea poll released on December 10 showed 66% of respondents favor missile defense 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 Defense Pact with Canada to Diversify Alliances
SEOUL — On December 12, 2025, South Korea and Canada signed a defense pact expanding cooperation in cyber defense, naval patrols, and intelligence sharing.
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair signed the agreement in Ottawa.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures technological independence,” Shin said.
The pact includes joint naval exercises in the Pacific, cyber resilience programs, and infrastructure upgrades at Busan Naval Base.
The move follows growing concerns over Chinese and North Korean threats. Canadian officials emphasized: “We stand with South Korea in defending freedom of navigation and the rule of law.”
Public sentiment favors the move. A Korea Herald poll released December 13 showed 68% of South Koreans support closer defense ties with Canada.
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 Naval Fleet Amid Chinese Drills
TAIPEI — On December 8, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced plans to expand its naval fleet with four new indigenous frigates.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng emphasized: “We must defend our sovereignty against escalating threats.”
The expansion follows China’s December 7 naval drills near Taiwan.
The new vessels will be built domestically by CSBC Corporation, with delivery expected by 2030. The program will cost NT$180 billion ($5.7 billion).
President Tsai Ing-wen defended the spending as “a necessary investment in sovereignty.” Opposition lawmakers warned of escalation, but public sentiment supports the move. A Taipei Times poll released on December 9 showed that 71% of respondents favored naval expansion.
China condemned the program. Taiwan emphasized that it is defensive.
Analysts view the expansion as a decisive step. “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 Lithuania to Diversify Alliances
TAIPEI — On December 11, 2025, Taiwan and Lithuania signed a defense pact expanding cooperation in cyber defense, missile systems, and intelligence sharing.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng and Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas signed the agreement in Vilnius.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures technological independence,” Chiu said.
The pact includes joint research centers in Taipei and Vilnius.
The move follows growing concerns over Chinese threats. Lithuanian officials emphasized: “We stand with Taiwan in defending freedom of navigation and the rule of law.”
Public sentiment favors the move. A Taipei Times poll released December 12 showed 69% of Taiwanese support closer defense ties with Lithuania.
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 Defense Pact with Japan Amid Rising Pacific Tensions
CANBERRA — On December 9, 2025, Australia and Japan signed a defense pact expanding cooperation in missile systems, cyber defense, and naval patrols.
Prime Minister Peter Dutton and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed the agreement in Canberra.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures regional stability,” Dutton said.
The pact includes joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure upgrades at Darwin Naval Base.
The move follows increased Chinese activity in the Pacific.
China condemned the pact. Public sentiment favors the move. A Roy Morgan poll released on December 11 showed 73% of Australians support closer defense ties with Japan.
Analysts view the pact as a strategic recalibration. “Australia is asserting agency in a contested region,” said Dr. John Lee.
🇫🇯 Asia Pacific – Story 2 of 2
Fiji Signs Defense Pact with New Zealand to Counter Chinese Influence
SUVA — On December 12, 2025, Fiji and New Zealand signed a bilateral defense pact expanding cooperation in maritime security, cyber defense, and humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon signed the agreement in Suva.
“This partnership strengthens our sovereignty and ensures regional stability,” Rabuka said.
The pact includes joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure upgrades at Suva and Lautoka ports. It also provides NZ$500 million in funding for radar systems and training.
The move follows increased Chinese activity in the Pacific.
China’s embassy in Suva condemned the pact as “divisive.” Fijian officials emphasized that the policy is defensive.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Fiji Sun poll released December 13 showed 72% of respondents support closer defense ties with New Zealand.
Analysts view the pact as a strategic recalibration. “Fiji is asserting agency in a contested region,” said Dr. Meg Taylor.
