🇺🇸 United States – Story 1 of 2
House Republicans Advance National Guard Border Surge Bill Amid Cartel Violence Spike
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On November 13, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Guard Border Surge Act (H.R. 8124) in a 228–204 vote, authorizing the deployment of up to 15,000 National Guard troops to the southern border in response to escalating cartel violence and record illegal crossings.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), mandates that the Department of Defense coordinate with state governors to reinforce Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in high-traffic sectors, including Del Rio, El Paso, and Tucson. The legislation also provides $3.2 billion in emergency funding for surveillance drones, mobile barriers, and detention infrastructure.
“America is under siege,” Roy said during floor debate. “This is not immigration—it’s an invasion. We must restore order and sovereignty at our border.”
The move follows a 38% increase in fentanyl seizures and a 22% rise in cartel-related homicides in border counties since August. Law enforcement officials in Texas and Arizona have reported increased encounters with armed smugglers and transnational gangs.
President Donald Trump has signaled support for the measure and is expected to sign it if it clears the Senate. “We will not allow narco-terrorists to dictate our border policy,” Trump said during a rally in Yuma, Arizona, on November 12.
Democrats criticized the bill as militarizing immigration enforcement and bypassing humanitarian protections. However, polling suggests growing public support for stronger border measures. A Rasmussen survey released November 14 found 61% of likely voters favor deploying the National Guard to assist CBP.
The bill also includes provisions for intelligence sharing between the Department of Homeland Security and state law enforcement, as well as expanded authority for National Guard units to interdict smuggling operations.
Critics argue the measure could strain military readiness, but supporters counter that the Guard is uniquely positioned to provide logistical and surveillance support without overextending active-duty forces.
The legislation comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reassert federal control over immigration policy. In October, the White House issued an executive order requiring asylum seekers to remain in designated border zones pending adjudication.
Analysts view the bill as a strategic shift toward a more assertive border doctrine. “This is about deterrence and sovereignty,” said Dr. Victor Davis Hanson of the Hoover Institution. “The era of passive border management is over.”
The Senate is expected to take up the bill next week, with several moderate Democrats signaling openness to a compromise version.
🇺🇸 United States – Story 2 of 2
Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady, Signals Shift Toward Industrial Repatriation Incentives
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On November 13, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced it would maintain its benchmark interest rate at 5.25%, citing persistent inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. However, in a notable policy pivot, Fed Chair Christopher Waller emphasized the need to support domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
“We are entering a new era where monetary policy must account for national security and industrial independence,” Waller said during a press briefing. “The Fed will work with Congress to ensure that capital flows support strategic sectors.”
The statement marks a departure from the Fed’s traditionally narrow inflation-employment mandate, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over America’s reliance on foreign supply chains—particularly in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and rare earths.
The Fed’s decision follows a Commerce Department report showing that U.S. manufacturing output contracted for the third consecutive quarter, even as consumer demand remained strong. The report cited persistent bottlenecks in electronics, defense components, and critical minerals.
In response, the Fed announced a new Industrial Resilience Lending Facility (IRLF), which will provide low-interest loans to firms relocating production from China and other adversarial nations. The facility will prioritize sectors deemed vital to national security, including aerospace, microelectronics, and energy storage.
The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader economic nationalism agenda. In September, President Trump signed Executive Order 14301, directing federal agencies to prioritize U.S.-made components in procurement and infrastructure projects.
Treasury Secretary Vivek Ramaswamy praised the Fed’s announcement, calling it “a long-overdue recognition that economic policy must serve national interests, not just abstract models.”
Critics argue the Fed is overstepping its mandate and risking politicization. However, supporters contend that the globalized monetary consensus has failed to protect American workers and industries.
The Fed’s decision to hold rates steady also reflects caution amid global instability. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and renewed tensions in the Taiwan Strait have rattled markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 3.4% over the past two weeks.
Analysts say the Fed’s new posture could reshape the economic landscape. “This is the beginning of a post-globalist monetary regime,” said Peter Navarro, former White House trade adviser. “It’s about time we stopped subsidizing our own decline.”
The IRLF is expected to begin disbursing funds in early 2026, with initial recipients likely to include defense contractors and semiconductor foundries in Arizona, Texas, and Ohio.
🇵🇠Philippines – Story 1 of 2
Marcos Orders Audit of Chinese Telecom Infrastructure Amid Espionage Concerns
MANILA — On November 10, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full national security audit of Chinese-built telecommunications infrastructure, citing concerns over espionage and data integrity. The directive, issued through Executive Order No. 47, mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Security Council (NSC) to assess all systems installed by Chinese firms since 2016.
The audit will focus on backbone networks, submarine cables, and 5G towers operated by Dito Telecommunity, a joint venture between Udenna Corporation and China Telecom. The NSC will also review contracts involving Huawei and ZTE, which have supplied equipment to government agencies and private carriers.
“We must ensure that our digital infrastructure serves the Filipino people—not foreign interests,” Marcos said during a press briefing. “Sovereignty in cyberspace is as vital as sovereignty on land and sea.”
The move follows a classified report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) indicating anomalous data traffic patterns near military installations. Intelligence sources suspect passive data collection and signal triangulation linked to Chinese assets.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed that the audit will include forensic analysis of hardware and software components. “We are not accusing—we are verifying,” Año stated. “But we will not tolerate covert surveillance.”
The DICT has been instructed to suspend new permits for Chinese telecom vendors pending the audit’s outcome. Local carriers have been given 90 days to submit compliance reports detailing foreign equipment and software dependencies.
China’s embassy in Manila expressed “grave concern,” warning that the audit could “undermine bilateral trust.” However, Philippine officials maintain the review is a sovereign prerogative.
Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, praised the move. “We cannot allow our communications grid to be a Trojan horse,” she said. “This is about national survival.”
The audit aligns with broader efforts to decouple from Chinese strategic infrastructure. In October, the Department of Transportation canceled a $2.3 billion railway deal with China, citing financing delays and security risks.
Public support for the audit is strong. A Pulse Asia poll released November 12 showed 74% of Filipinos favor stricter controls on foreign tech firms operating in critical sectors.
The audit is expected to conclude by March 2026. Findings will inform future procurement policies and cybersecurity legislation, including the proposed Critical Infrastructure Protection Act.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the Philippines is asserting digital sovereignty—one audit at a time.
🇵🇠Philippines – Story 2 of 2
Philippine Coast Guard Expands Fleet with Japanese Patrol Vessels Amid South China Sea Tensions
MANILA — On November 12, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally commissioned two new 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) from Japan, bolstering its maritime enforcement capabilities amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The vessels—BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino—were delivered under a ¥16.5 billion ($110 million) loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). They are equipped with advanced radar, night-vision systems, and water cannons for non-lethal interdiction.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista hailed the acquisition as “a strategic upgrade to our maritime law enforcement.” The ships will be deployed to Palawan and Zambales, near contested waters frequently patrolled by Chinese vessels.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan emphasized the vessels’ role in asserting Philippine jurisdiction. “These ships are not just assets—they are symbols of our resolve,” Gavan said during the commissioning ceremony at Manila South Harbor.
The move follows a series of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. On November 8, a Chinese coast guard vessel reportedly used a military-grade laser against a PCG patrol, temporarily blinding crew members.
Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to regional stability. “We stand with the Philippines in defending freedom of navigation and rule of law,” he said.
The vessels are part of a broader modernization program under the PCG’s Maritime Security Enhancement Plan, which includes satellite-linked surveillance, drone integration, and expanded training with U.S. and Australian forces.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prioritized maritime security as a cornerstone of national defense. In his November 9 address to the National Maritime Summit, he stated: “We will not yield our seas. We will patrol, protect, and prevail.”
The new ships will also support humanitarian missions and disaster response, particularly in typhoon-prone regions. Their design allows for rapid deployment of rescue teams and medical supplies.
China has criticized the acquisition as “foreign interference,” but Philippine officials maintain the vessels are defensive and consistent with international law.
Public sentiment favors a stronger maritime posture. A Social Weather Stations poll released November 13 showed 69% of Filipinos support increased naval and coast guard funding.
With regional tensions mounting, the PCG’s fleet expansion signals a clear message: the Philippines is no longer defenseless in its own waters.
🇸🇬 Southeast Asia – Story 1 of 2
Singapore Expels Foreign Academics Over Covert Influence Campaign Linked to Beijing
SINGAPORE — On November 11, 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed the expulsion of three foreign academics affiliated with Chinese state-linked think tanks, citing evidence of covert influence operations targeting policymaking and public opinion in the city-state.
The individuals—two Chinese nationals and one Malaysian citizen—were affiliated with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). According to MHA, the operatives used academic conferences and policy forums to cultivate local contacts, gather sensitive information, and promote narratives aligned with Beijing’s regional agenda.
“These individuals abused their academic cover to interfere in Singapore’s domestic affairs,” said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam. “We will not tolerate foreign subversion, regardless of origin.”
The expulsions follow a six-month investigation by the Internal Security Department (ISD), which uncovered encrypted communications, undisclosed financial transfers, and attempts to influence local media narratives on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and U.S. military presence in the region.
The government emphasized that the action was not directed at any nationality but at specific actors engaged in covert influence. “Singapore remains open, but not naïve,” Shanmugam added.
The Chinese embassy issued a formal protest, denying the allegations and accusing Singapore of “political persecution.” However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stood firm, reiterating the city-state’s commitment to neutrality and sovereignty.
The incident has reignited debate over foreign interference in Southeast Asia, where Chinese influence operations have increasingly targeted academia, media, and political elites. In 2024, Australia and Malaysia also expelled individuals linked to similar networks.
Singapore’s Parliament is now considering amendments to the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) to expand its scope to include digital platforms and academic institutions. The proposed changes would require foreign-funded think tanks to disclose affiliations and funding sources.
Analysts say the expulsions reflect Singapore’s growing concern over hybrid threats. “This is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Bilahari Kausikan, former Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs. “Small states must be vigilant in defending their informational sovereignty.”
Public reaction has been largely supportive. A Straits Times poll released November 13 showed 81% of Singaporeans back stronger counter-influence measures.
As geopolitical competition intensifies, Singapore is drawing a clear line: academic freedom must not be a Trojan horse for foreign manipulation.
🇻🇳 Southeast Asia – Story 2 of 2
Vietnam Launches National Lithium Strategy to Break Chinese Battery Supply Chain Dominance
HANOI — On November 14, 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade unveiled a comprehensive National Lithium Strategy aimed at transforming the country into a regional hub for battery-grade lithium production and reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains.
The strategy includes the development of two major lithium extraction zones in Lai Chau and Gia Lai provinces, with estimated reserves of over 1.3 million metric tons. The government will offer tax incentives, fast-track permitting, and public-private partnerships to attract foreign investment in refining and battery manufacturing.
“Vietnam will not be a passive node in someone else’s supply chain,” said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien. “We will build our own.”
The plan comes amid rising global demand for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, grid storage, and defense systems. China currently controls over 70% of global lithium refining capacity, raising concerns about supply security among Western and regional partners.
Vietnam’s strategy includes a $1.8 billion investment package, with funding from the state-owned Vietnam National Chemical Group and private firms such as VinFast and Masan High-Tech Materials. The government is also negotiating technology transfer agreements with South Korean and Australian firms.
The United States has expressed support for the initiative. U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper confirmed that Washington will provide technical assistance through the Minerals Security Partnership, a multilateral initiative to diversify critical mineral sources.
The strategy also includes environmental safeguards and community development programs to address concerns over mining impacts. Local governments will receive a share of royalties to fund infrastructure and education.
China’s Global Times criticized the plan as “geopolitically motivated,” warning that bypassing Chinese processing capacity would be “economically inefficient.” However, Vietnamese officials dismissed the criticism, emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy.
Analysts view the move as a bold assertion of economic sovereignty. “Vietnam is positioning itself as a critical node in the post-China supply chain,” said Dr. Le Hong Hiep of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. “It’s a smart play.”
The first lithium processing plant is expected to begin operations in mid-2026, with an initial capacity of 20,000 tons per year. VinFast has already announced plans to source lithium domestically for its next-generation EVs.
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Vietnam’s lithium strategy marks a decisive step toward industrial independence and regional leadership.
🇨🇳 East Asia – Story 1 of 2
China Expands Military Drills to Yellow Sea, Pressuring South Korea and Japan
BEIJING — On November 12, 2025, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched a new round of live-fire naval and air drills in the Yellow Sea, escalating regional tensions and drawing sharp responses from South Korea and Japan. The exercises, which began without prior notice, involved over 40 vessels and dozens of aircraft operating within 100 nautical miles of the Korean Peninsula.
The PLA’s Eastern and Northern Theater Commands coordinated the drills, which included amphibious assault simulations, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range missile launches. Chinese state media described the operation as a “strategic readiness test” in response to “foreign provocations.”
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the drills as “reckless and destabilizing,” while Japan’s Self-Defense Forces scrambled F-15s to monitor Chinese aircraft approaching the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The exercises follow the trilateral U.S.-Japan-South Korea summit held in Tokyo on November 8, during which the three allies reaffirmed their commitment to joint missile defense and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing has accused the alliance of “militarizing Asia” and undermining regional peace.
China’s Foreign Ministry defended the drills as “routine and lawful,” but analysts say the timing and scale suggest a deliberate show of force. “This is coercive signaling,” said Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro of Stanford University. “Beijing is warning its neighbors not to align too closely with Washington.”
The drills also included cyber and electronic warfare components, with Chinese forces jamming GPS signals and simulating attacks on maritime communication nodes. South Korean fishing vessels reported navigation disruptions near Jeju Island.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense noted increased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait during the same period, suggesting a coordinated regional pressure campaign. “This is not just about one flashpoint—it’s about reshaping the entire security architecture,” said Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng.
The United States has responded by deploying the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group to the Philippine Sea and increasing aerial reconnaissance flights over the Yellow Sea.
With tensions rising, regional governments are reassessing their defense postures. Japan’s National Security Council convened an emergency session on November 13, while South Korea announced plans to accelerate deployment of its indigenous missile defense system, L-SAM.
China’s aggressive maneuvers underscore its intent to dominate the near seas and deter allied cooperation. But the backlash may only deepen regional alignment against Beijing’s expansionist agenda.
🇰🇷 East Asia – Story 2 of 2
South Korea Approves Preemptive Strike Doctrine, Expands Missile Arsenal
SEOUL — On November 14, 2025, South Korea’s National Assembly passed a landmark defense policy resolution endorsing a formal preemptive strike doctrine against imminent threats from North Korea and other hostile actors. The resolution, backed by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s conservative administration, also authorizes a 20% increase in the country’s missile production budget.
The doctrine, known as “Kill Chain Plus,” expands on South Korea’s existing preemptive capabilities by integrating space-based surveillance, AI-driven targeting, and hypersonic missile development. It allows for immediate strikes on enemy command centers, missile launchers, and cyber warfare nodes upon detection of hostile intent.
“Deterrence is no longer enough,” said Defense Minister Shin Won-sik. “We must be prepared to act decisively before threats materialize.”
The resolution follows a series of North Korean provocations, including the November 9 test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and a cyberattack on South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. Pyongyang has also resumed construction at its Yongbyon nuclear complex, raising fears of a seventh nuclear test.
The new doctrine has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and peace groups, who warn it could trigger an arms race. However, public support is strong. A Gallup Korea poll released November 13 showed 67% of respondents support preemptive strike capabilities.
The policy shift aligns with broader regional trends. Japan recently adopted a counterstrike doctrine, and Taiwan has expanded its asymmetric warfare capabilities. The United States has welcomed Seoul’s move, with Indo-Pacific Command offering to integrate South Korean systems into allied early warning networks.
The resolution also includes funding for the mass production of the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, capable of carrying a 9-ton warhead over 3,000 kilometers. The missile will be deployed in hardened silos and mobile launchers across the peninsula.
China and Russia have expressed concern over the doctrine, warning it could destabilize the region. North Korea’s state media called it “a declaration of war” and threatened “merciless retaliation.”
President Yoon defended the policy as a necessary evolution. “We will not wait to be attacked,” he said. “We will defend our people with strength and resolve.”
With the Korean Peninsula entering a new era of strategic competition, South Korea’s doctrine marks a decisive turn toward proactive deterrence and sovereign defense.
🇦🇺 Asia Pacific – Story 1 of 2
Australia Declares Strategic Rare Earth Reserve, Tightens Export Controls on Critical Minerals
CANBERRA — On November 13, 2025, the Australian government announced the creation of a Strategic Rare Earth Reserve (SRER) and imposed new export controls on critical minerals, signaling a decisive shift toward resource nationalism and industrial sovereignty.
The SRER will stockpile neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, and other rare earth elements essential for defense systems, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. The reserve will be managed by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and housed in secure facilities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Prime Minister Peter Dutton emphasized the strategic rationale: “Australia will no longer be a passive supplier to adversarial powers. We will control our destiny and protect our national interest.”
The move follows revelations that Chinese firms have been stockpiling Australian rare earths through indirect channels, raising concerns over supply chain manipulation. In response, the government will require export licenses for all shipments of critical minerals to non-allied nations, effective January 2026.
The legislation also includes incentives for domestic processing and manufacturing, with $2.5 billion allocated to build refining plants and magnet factories in Queensland and South Australia. The goal is to reduce reliance on Chinese processing, which currently accounts for over 80% of global capacity.
Defense Minister Andrew Hastie confirmed that the SRER will support the AUKUS alliance’s defense supply chain, particularly in hypersonic weapons and submarine propulsion systems. “This is about readiness and resilience,” Hastie said.
The United States and Japan have praised the initiative. Washington is expected to co-invest in Australian refining capacity through the Defense Production Act, while Tokyo will provide technical expertise and long-term purchase agreements.
China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the move as “economic coercion,” warning it could disrupt global markets. However, Australian officials maintain the policy is defensive and consistent with international trade norms.
Public support is strong. A Roy Morgan poll released November 14 showed 76% of Australians favor tighter controls on strategic exports to China.
Analysts view the SRER as a turning point. “Australia is no longer just a quarry—it’s becoming a strategic actor,” said Dr. John Lee of the United States Studies Centre.
With global competition for critical minerals intensifying, Australia’s reserve marks a bold assertion of economic independence and geopolitical alignment with democratic allies.
🇫🇯 Asia Pacific – Story 2 of 2
Fiji Signs Maritime Security Pact with India, Expanding Indo-Pacific Defense Cooperation
SUVA — On November 15, 2025, Fiji and India signed a bilateral Maritime Security Cooperation Agreement, marking a significant expansion of Indo-Pacific defense ties and countering growing Chinese influence in the South Pacific.
The agreement, signed by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, includes joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure upgrades at key ports including Suva and Lautoka.
“This partnership is about sovereignty, stability, and shared values,” Rabuka said. “Fiji will not be a pawn in great power competition—we will choose our allies wisely.”
India will provide radar systems, coastal surveillance drones, and training for the Republic of Fiji Navy. The pact also includes provisions for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and anti-trafficking operations.
The move follows increased Chinese activity in the region, including the construction of dual-use facilities in Tonga and Solomon Islands. Intelligence reports suggest PLA-linked vessels have conducted underwater mapping near Fijian waters, raising alarm in Suva and Canberra.
Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to a “free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.” He confirmed that Indian Navy vessels will begin rotational deployments to Fiji starting in early 2026.
The United States and Australia have welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a strategic counterweight to Beijing’s Pacific ambitions. Washington is expected to contribute satellite imagery and logistical support through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
China’s embassy in Suva criticized the pact as “divisive and destabilizing,” but Fijian officials dismissed the claims. “We are strengthening our defenses, not provoking conflict,” said Defense Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
The agreement also includes economic components, with India pledging $250 million in infrastructure aid and renewable energy investment. Fijian officials confirmed that port upgrades will include dual-use capabilities for civilian and defense logistics.
Public sentiment favors the move. A Fiji Sun poll released November 15 showed 68% of respondents support closer defense ties with India and Australia.
Analysts say the pact reflects a broader realignment. “Fiji is asserting agency in a contested region,” said Dr. Meg Taylor, former Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General. “It’s choosing partners who respect sovereignty and offer transparency.”
As strategic competition deepens in the Pacific, the Fiji-India pact signals a new era of regional defense cooperation rooted in democratic values and mutual respect.
