Chinese Military Views of Low Earth Orbit | What Are Uyghurs Doing in Syria? | How Will Russia Reconstitute Its Military?, and more

It was a remarkable spectacle: Ms. Loomer, who has floated the baseless conspiracy theory that the Sept. 11 attacks were an “inside job” and is viewed as extreme even by some of Mr. Trump’s far-right allies, was apparently wielding more influence over the staff of the National Security Council than Mr. Waltz, who runs the agency.

More Than Just Chips: Chinese Threats and Trump Tariffs Could Disrupt Lots of “Made in Taiwan” Imports − Disappointing US Builders, Cyclists and Golfers Alike  (Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation)
What would the United States stand to lose economically if its current access to the Taiwanese market were upended or totally restricted?
This seemingly theoretical question about the longtime U.S. trading partner has taken on more relevance in the past several weeks. First, longtime fears about a potential Chinese invasion of the island – which Beijing claims as its own – were magnified as China increased military pressure by sending patrols, firing live ammunition nearby, practicing blockading the island and even publicly revealing the existence of new barges that might be used in an invasion. If China uses force, Taiwan’s manufacturing capacity could be destroyed.

Surprisingly, the Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire Is Holding  (David Schenker, Foreign Policy)
Notwithstanding continued exchanges, the agreement is functioning and appears durable.

What Are Uyghurs Doing in Syria?  (Umar Farooq, Foreign Policy)
They helped overthrow Assad, but potential terrorist ties complicate the community’s future in the country.

Chinese Barges and Taiwan Strait Drills Are About Global Power Projection − Not Just a Potential Invasion  (Colin Flint, The Conversation)
Is China intent on a D-Day style invasion of Taiwan?
Certainly that has been the tone of some of the reporting following the emergence of photos and videos depicting massive new Chinese barges designed for land-to-sea military operations. The fact that China launched a two-day military drill in the Taiwan Strait on April 1, 2025, has only intensified such fears.
To me, the curious thing regarding these musings about a potential war involving China, which has one of the world’s most advanced militaries, is that it is supported by reference to technology first used some 80 years ago – specifically, the Mulberry Harbours, floating piers that allowed Allies to deploy land vehicles onto the beaches at Normandy on June 6, 1944.
As an expert on the history and geopolitics of the Mulberry Harbours, I believe using the World War II example obscures far more than it clarifies with regard to the geopolitical situation today. Indeed, while the new Chinese ships may be operationally similar to their historical forebears, the strategic situation in China and Taiwan is far different.