MENAS Facts 🌍

According to well-informed sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Military Regime of Algiers, afraid of Donald Trump’s return to the White House after last week’s U.S. elections, rushed to revise its foreign policy and its strategic alliances. The foreign intelligence services of the Military Regime of Algiers have just presented its Presidency with a report regarding a Country that intends to withdraw its recognition of the Polisario Front, the movement advocating for Western Sahara independence....

Context This article verifies the statements made by Nadia Pajarón, spokesperson for the Unified Spanish Police Union (SUP), regarding the supposed Moroccan nationality of Mr. Hichem Aboud. The allegation was initially reported by Rue20 and then amplified by Algérie patriotique, a site classified by Conspiracy Watch as one of the top ten French-speaking conspiracy sites and circulated on social media. The Claim Based on a Rue20 interview with Nadia Pajarón, Algérie patriotique claimed that Hichem Aboud was a Moroccan citizen, labeling him a traitor to Algeria (ed: secessionist)....

Indian companies are aggressively acquiring Israeli businesses, despite the ongoing conflict with Hamas and India’s historical support for Palestine. These strategic investments, spanning major sectors, reflect deeper geopolitical ambitions to counter China’s influence and secure India’s economic future. Major Acquisitions Adani Ports: Acquired 70% of Haifa Port for $1.2 billion in July 2022. As Israel’s largest seaport, handling 30 million tons of cargo annually, this acquisition is expected to lower living costs in Israel by increasing competition....

Overview As part of its major military shift, Japan is developing five cutting-edge weapons systems aimed at bolstering its naval capabilities and countering emerging threats in the region. These advanced systems are set to be tested and deployed by 2030. The 5 Weapons Combat Support Multipurpose Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Autonomous or remotely controlled vessel for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat Counters enemy ships and submarines, shares data with other USVs Can submerge to evade threats, uses quiet electric propulsion and fuel cells Unmanned Amphibious Vehicle (UAV)...

The United States has developed a multi-faceted strategy to counter China’s growing influence and maintain its position as the world’s leading superpower. This strategy encompasses various domains, including technology, military, and economic measures. Weaponizing Undersea Internet Cables Disrupt Chinese companies from winning contracts to lay undersea cables connecting to the US or allies Threaten sanctions on companies that choose Chinese firms to lay cables Ensure US or allied companies win contracts to maintain control over cables Potentially tap into or track data transmitted through US/allied cables to monitor Chinese communications Restricting Access to Advanced Semiconductors Implement export controls to limit China’s ability to import advanced chips and equipment from the US and allies Require licenses for US companies to sell certain chip technologies to China Pressure allies like the Netherlands to not sell advanced chip manufacturing machines to China Aim to cripple China’s ability to manufacture high-end chips itself Strengthening Military Alliances and Presence in Asia-Pacific Increase military access and rotational presence in the Philippines Leverage bases in Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other regional allies Conduct freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea Provide security assurances to Taiwan against potential Chinese aggression Exploit China’s lack of combat experience and realistic training compared to battle-hardened US forces Leverage global military presence and alliances to force China to spread its forces while the US can concentrate power Pursuing Technological Decoupling Restrict Chinese investment in and access to sensitive US technologies Provide incentives for US companies to move manufacturing out of China Work with allies to develop secure, China-free technology supply chains Maintain advantages in key technologies like stealth aircraft, nuclear submarines, and advanced missiles Exploiting Weaknesses in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Take advantage of corruption and lack of meritocracy in the PLA, which prioritizes political loyalty over competence Overwhelm Chinese defenses with swarms of cheap, expendable drones that can be easily mass-produced Exploit Chinese soldiers’ poor morale, pay, and living conditions compared to US troops The US strategy aims to leverage its advantages in undersea cables, semiconductors, military partnerships, technological innovation, and personnel to undermine China’s economic and military capabilities while strengthening America’s position in the Asia-Pacific....