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First Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Why any future conflict will be a single front for Bharat
It would be wise to consider our entire border as ONE FRONT, the Chinese front. Pakistan is in effect an 'autonomous region' of China and a trial and testing platform for Chinese-produced systems read more The title may sound alarming in defiance of the long-held view that Bharat should be ready for a two-front war. Having gone through Operation Sindoor (even if partially), one can confidently derive that the adversary has demonstrated that it is in effect an 'autonomous region' of China since no war-waging asset was its own. It also became clear that the Chinese satellite network Baidu continuously searched, identified, and tracked targets on the Indian side, and thereafter the data was fed to the fire control systems of the aircraft that were being tested by China through the air force of its autonomous region–Pakistan. Therefore, the air-to-air missiles could have found a target on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It may be recalled that a few years ago, the Western Theatre Command of China's Operations room was linked to Pakistan's Ops room in Rawalpindi by optical fibre cable, which, in all probability, can link/replicate the Rawalpindi Ops room to the Western Theatre Command Ops room; effectively, the war can be fought and controlled from a master controller far away from Rawalpindi. More importantly, the weapon platforms and entire paraphernalia of warfare of the Chinese Autonomous Region of Pakistan are of China's. Not only the Air Force (barring the F16), but now the Navy will be fully equipped with Chinese frigates and submarines. It is not a matter of chance that Pakistan is completely dependent on Chinese systems. It is well planned to achieve not only interoperability but interchangeability across the entire Indian border, be it the LoC, the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the International Border (IB). All the platforms used have to be compatible with the Chinese satellite constellation Baidu. Therefore, no matter where on the border the aggression is—west, northwest, north, or northeast—Bharat will face weapon and space-based systems of only one adversary, China. It would be wise to consider our entire border as ONE FRONT, the Chinese front. Pakistan is in effect an 'autonomous region' of China and a trial and testing platform for Chinese-produced systems. It was not surprising to observe the stock markets in China responding positively during Op Sindoor after Day One of the conflict. It would also not be surprising if we learn that the Chinese weapon platforms have been leased to its autonomous region–Pakistan–to cut down the cost to virtually zero; otherwise, to imagine that Pakistan has bought these as an outright purchase in its pathetic economic state will be a stretch. No matter where Bharat has a conflict, it will be up against similar systems—one seamless theatre. It should not be a surprise if the war is fought from one ops room of the Western Theatre Command. Recently, General Stephen Whiting, Commander of the US Space Force, expressed concern to the military publication Breaking Defence about China's expanding capabilities in the space-based 'kill chain'. His remarks came shortly after the US conducted Operation Midnight Hammer—airstrikes on suspected Iranian nuclear facilities—reportedly utilising advanced space-based assets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whiting has identified three areas of concern (which Bharat needs to note as well). First, Beijing's space-based targeting systems are aimed at locating, tracking, and striking targets across the Indo-Pacific region. The Chinese military uses these systems to support over-the-horizon precision strikes. The Indo-Pacific Commander of the US Space Force, Anthony Mastalir, has reported that China was using a large number of satellites to find, fix, track, and target terrestrial capabilities of the US, its four aircraft carriers, and other US assets (by that it could target Indian assets too). The end of 2024 fact sheet of the United States Space Force (USSF) mentions that China has more than 510 satellites capable of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). These satellites have optical, multispectral, radar, and radio frequency sensors for detecting military assets and activities. Over the past 10 years, China has added 875 satellites in orbit. In 2024 alone, 260 space objects were launched, of which 67 are ISR-capable satellites. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The second threat Whiting pointed out was China's deployment of a series of weapons to counter US-based space capabilities, including 'soft kills'—like reversible cyberattacks, satellite communication, and GPS jamming—plus 'hard kills' like high-energy lasers. (By that logic, a similar offensive against Indian space-based assets). He also pointed at direct ascent anti-satellite rockets and missiles as well as co-orbital anti-satellite systems. In fact, the report goes on to say that in March this year they observed Chinese satellites practicing 'space dogfights' in orbit, or multiple satellites making controlled synchronised manoeuvres. The third area of concern that Whiting pointed out is the way in which the Chinese military was moving 'breathtakingly fast,' with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) integrating its space capabilities into traditional forces. It seems the Chinese have leveraged all the advantages of space to make their army, navy, and air force more lethal, more precise, and more far-ranging, using space-enabled service. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It may be recalled that China added an aerospace unit under its Strategic Support Force Branch in a major structural overhaul in 2016, which is three years earlier than the US Space Force creation (we do not have one). (The figures quoted and other quotations have been referenced from an article published by Liu Zhen in the South China Morning Post). Space is the new frontier for strategic competition and potential conflict. What we witnessed during Op Sindoor was a test of these advancements in a real warlike scenario. Irrespective of the location of our future conflicts, the space assets will be used, which makes our front a SINGLE entity further for the adversary. The ISR-enabled satellite inputs to the weapon platforms will make them more lethal and projectiles more precise at enhanced ranges. Interoperability/interchangeability will now mean that all the platforms of China and its autonomous region, Pakistan, will be paired with the Baidu satellite network for precise identification, lock, and fire at enhanced ranges. These are not Star Wars stories anymore but a reality. Bharat must move swiftly to not only integrate space-based assets with its defence platforms but also to develop a robust strategy to deny adversaries access to space-based intelligence and support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is Chairman, Trustee Board of India Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
American Military News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
US power grid may be at risk from Chinese solar power inverters, fmr. NSA official warns: Report
A former National Security Agency intelligence analyst has suggested China may be placing devices in 'strategic places' after mysterious communication devices were recently discovered in Chinese-produced solar power inverters used in U.S. electric grids. Two sources recently told Reuters that U.S. experts who check for potential security issues with equipment used for power grids have discovered that rogue communication devices not included in the official documents for the products have been discovered in Chinese solar power inverters. One of the anonymous sources told Reuters that cellular radios and other undocumented communication devices have also been discovered in certain batteries from various suppliers in China over the past nine months. According to Reuters, the two sources explained that the rogue components discovered in the Chinese solar power inverters allow undocumented communication channels that could potentially be used to remotely bypass firewalls and cause significant harm. Rocky Cole, a former National Security Agency intelligence analyst, told Fox News that it was 'very conceivable that China was using the solar power inverters to secure access to America's infrastructure. READ MORE: China labels US, Japanese destroyers as 'enemy vessels' Cole told Fox News, 'It very much fits into the model of China implanting hardware in American critical infrastructure for the purpose of planning cyberattacks against the United States in the event of, say, a conflict with Taiwan or something along those lines.' While the sources did not tell Reuters which Chinese companies were responsible for the production of the solar power inverters or batteries discovered with communication devices, Fox News reported that Chinese companies are required by law to provide assistance to China's intelligence agencies when needed. 'There are communications devices in these really strategic places that you can imagine could theoretically be used to disrupt U.S. commerce in the event of some sort of conflict,' Cole stated. 'It's difficult not to view Chinese-made hardware in the realm of critical infrastructure as a national security threat in my mind.' In response to the allegations regarding the Chinese-produced equipment, Liu Pengyu, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson, told Fox News, 'The goal of China's pursuit of development is to enable its people to live a better life. We oppose the presumption of guilt under unclear facts, the generalization of the concept of national security, and the distortion and smear of China's achievements in the field of energy infrastructure.'
American Military News
12-05-2025
- Business
- American Military News
Video: Trump admin secures major trade deal with China
The United States and China announced on Monday that the two countries agreed to significantly reduce tariffs for a 90-day period following an initial trade deal between the U.S. and China that was secured by President Donald Trump's administration. In a joint statement released by the White House on Monday, the United States confirmed that the president's tariffs against China that were implemented on April 2 will be reduced by 24 percentage points 'for an initial period of 90 days.' The statement added that the United States will retain the 'remaining ad valorem rate of 10 percent.' The joint statement confirmed that China will reduce tariffs by the same amount as the United States and that the country will 'adopt all necessary administrative measures to suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2.' According to Fox Business, Monday's announcement came after U.S. and Chinese officials held trade negotiation discussions in Geneva, Switzerland. The outlet noted that U.S. and Chinese reciprocal tariffs will be reduced by 115% under the initial trade deal, with the United States temporarily reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China temporarily reducing tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 110%. In Monday's joint statement, U.S. and Chinese officials emphasized the 'importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship' and agreed to 'establish a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations.' READ MORE: Videos: Trump pledges major tax cuts, possible income tax elimination amid tariff plan The joint statement announced that additional negotiations will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. During a Monday morning interview on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the trade deal between the United States and China as an 'extraordinary first step in the right direction.' Leavitt credited the 'strength' of the president, Bessent, and Greer for securing an 'initial deal with China.' 'China agreed to reduce their tariffs on the United States by 115%,' Leavitt said. 'They also agreed to continue having discussions about opening Chinese markets to American-made products and goods, and they also agreed to continue seriously discussing the grave impact that Chinese-produced fentanyl is having right here in the United States and our people.' The White House press secretary added, 'This is a great first step for the American public, and Secretary Bessent, Ambassador Greer, and, of course, President Trump will continue negotiations with China so we can hopefully inevitably get to a fair and comprehensive big trade deal.' "Thanks to the strength of President Trump, @SecScottBessent and @USTradeRep were able to cut this initial deal with China," says @PressSec. "China agreed to reduce their tariffs on the United States by 115%." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 12, 2025
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
The Failure of China Engagement Policies Justifies Trump Admin's New Approach
Commentary Opinions about President Donald Trump's efforts to rebalance international trade and isolate China are legion. Some characterize the resulting policy shift to isolate the communist country as One's point of view often depends on whose ox is being gored. Those who have long questioned the U.S. policy decisions over the years that facilitated China's rapid development and modernization—and the subsequent rise of Chinese mercantilism and the People's Liberation Army, America's growing dependency on Chinese-produced strategic minerals and pharmaceuticals, and the decline of U.S. manufacturing offshored to China—believe that a Chinese reset is essential and a U.S. national security imperative. On the other hand, those who have made careers out of (and benefited personally from) China engagement—whether diplomats, academics, politicians, or business people—believe that U.S.–China policy should return to that of engagement, or at least 'friendly competition.' These people have come to be categorized over the decades as 'China hands.' What has history taught? Let us examine the topic. China Hands In the first decades of the 20th century, U.S. involvement expanded on the political-military front, especially after Dec. 7, 1941. The United States and China formed an official wartime alliance in 1942, and the United States provided considerable material support to China throughout the war, including through an Throughout that time, members of the U.S. diplomatic corps in China, as well as journalists, missionaries, businessmen, and others with lengthy direct experience in China, came to be known as 'China hands.' They were the modern-day equivalent of experts who influenced U.S. policies through congressional testimony and public persuasion and helped steer U.S.–China policy. Related Stories 5/2/2025 4/29/2025 Some of those early China hands, such as the journalist Edgar Snow and scholar Owen Lattimore, were sympathetic to the new Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Captured by the siren song and the grandiose promises of communism before the genocides and purges became public knowledge, they admired the communists' early focus on land reforms, a complete societal restructuring, and 'fighting corruption' (a familiar refrain). Some believed that socialism would deliver everything its theoreticians promised, and that the Chinese regime would lead the way to that future. At least partially influenced by pro-China engagers, in 1972, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China after the communists seized power in 1949. Most observers have concluded that his main purpose was to open a new front in the U.S.–Soviet Cold War that was raging at the time—the leveraging of communist China as a counterbalance against rising Soviet power and influence in Asia and elsewhere. Others had different agendas. Some believed that bringing China into the global community would expand trade opportunities for the United States, help 'democratize' China, and soften Maoism. Others believed that worldwide implementation of socialism with Chinese characteristics was the inevitable future of mankind and thus worked to psychologically promote and make that a reality. Others descended from the missionary strain of old China hands thought that 'opening China' would result in international pressure on the CCP to end the persecution and cultural genocide of minority groups while improving the basic human rights of average Chinese citizens. The Result of China Engagement Thanks to decades of engagement cheerleading from the U.S.–China Business Council and many other China hands, the West has been financing the CCP through the World Trade Organization and World Bank. In retrospect, China got the gold while the rest of the world got the shaft, as the promises of 'democratization' and tempering of CCP and PLA belligerence through free trade enticements did not materialize. The Chinese regime selectively embraced free-market principles and pursued a mercantilist agenda that exploited access to the WTO and Most-Favored Nation (MFN) status to its benefit while perfecting economic espionage and stealing up to an estimated $600 billion in intellectual property annually from the United States alone. Persecution of minorities continued apace, including forced organ harvesting, with Enter US Reciprocal Tariffs Trump recognized more than a decade ago that continuing the U.S.–China trajectory unchanged meant disaster for the United States over the long haul. During his first term as president, he negotiated a trade agreement in January 2020 aimed at rebalancing U.S.–China trade and resolving systemic problems in China's economic and trade regime. China failed to fully comply with its commitments, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics assessed that the 'phase one' trade deal was The big problem for China and much of the rest of the world is that most countries have implemented relatively high tariffs against U.S. goods, while the United States has generally promoted free trade and low tariffs against imported goods. For example, Chinese tariffs on most U.S. products in recent years have averaged around 20 percent (in violation of WTO provisions on free trade among MFN partners), while U.S. tariffs on China prior to 2016 averaged about 3.5 percent (consistent with the average MFN rate among all U.S. trade partners). Reciprocal tariffs are intended to fix that problem. Given that the engagement policies backed by China hands have clearly not worked—and indeed have subsidized and exacerbated the behavior that was to have been ameliorated by those policies!—one would expect cautious support for Trump's new approach to China or at least acknowledgment that the past policies have failed and a new approach is needed. Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Body Armor Maker Sued for Mislabeling Plates Sold to Law Enforcement
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a new lawsuit against body armor manufacturer ShotStop Ballistics from Stow, Ohio, for allegedly importing Chinese-produced plates and labeling them as 'made in Ohio' and compliant with standards from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Department of Justice's testing arm. The lawsuit stated that the alleged actions by ShotStop, its Vallmar Studios affiliate and owner Vall Iliev violated the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA). Most Read on IEN: Trade War Could Put 'Christmas in Danger' IBM to Invest Billions in American Manufacturing Mack Trucks to Lay Off Up to 450, Cites Tariffs PODCAST: Tesla's Odometer Troubles; Mack Layoffs; Tariff Fallout Reports of the alleged scandal surfaced in May 2024 when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned the Akron Police Department that its SWAT officers were using counterfeit ballistic plates, according to Ohio television station WKYC. A police department spokesperson said it was his understanding that ShotStop was accused of providing the fake armor. ShotStop had filed for bankruptcy about a week before the report. Yost's lawsuit stems from a cross-agency investigation regarding the allegations. In February, the DOJ charged Iliev with smuggling the armor and selling it to customers that included law enforcement from around 2017 to October 2023. In May 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at a Washington port of entry stopped a Canadian-registered truck transporting over 200 ballistic body armor plates in boxes from China. The agents found the boxes pre-labeled and addressed to Vallmar Studios. Test results revealed that the plates did not meet NIJ standards for Level III protection, which can stop 7.62-millimeter FMJ lead core rifle ammunition. The company marketed the armor as Level III and IV. According to the DOJ release, Iliev allegedly collaborated with a Chinese broker company to find cheap manufacturers to make the body armor. The DOJ said Iliev would tell his employees to attach the false labels before selling the products. The agency noted that ShotStop's U.S. location had no means of producing the thousands of body armor plates that investigators found. Yost's lawsuit seeks restitution for consumers who purchased the defective bulletproof vests. The lawsuit noted that realizing the extent of consumer losses will require further legal discovery because of ShotStop's bankruptcy filing and the federal government's seizure of company records. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
