China’s naval expansion is outpacing the U.S., with 400 ships to America’s 295. While U.S. vessels are more advanced, China’s massive shipbuilding capacity gives it a strategic edge in a prolonged war.

Experts warn the U.S. must act now to close this "ship gap" by ramping up production and preparing for long-term naval competition.

In a long war, the U.S. would struggle to replace losses quickly, while China could rapidly replenish its fleet, posing a serious strategic disadvantage.

To counter China’s advantage, the U.S. could expand shipbuilding capacity, stockpile critical materials, and integrate allied shipyards in Japan and South Korea.

Source: Foreign Affairs

Trump on Russia-China "marriage":

As a student of history, which I am — and I've watched it all — the first thing you learn is you don't want Russia and China to get together.

Obama forced them to a marriage, which would never have taken place. It was always a natural enemy situation.

They’re probably friendly now, but we’re gonna be friendly with both.

German Defence Minisiter Pistorius:

Russia’s pledge to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid counts for "nothing". Trump would have to win greater concessions from Vladimir Putin.

Attacks on civilian infrastructure continued despite the so-called pivotal phone call.

Putin is playing a game, and I doubt the American president will watch for much longer.

Mission Data Files: The Invisible Kill Switch of the F-35

The Pentagon insists that the F-35 does not have a remote “kill switch”, but it doesn’t need one.

While there is no direct mechanism to disable an allied jet remotely, the Mission Data File (MDF) system effectively serves as a functional equivalent.

These files are essential for the aircraft’s stealth optimization, target identification, and overall combat effectiveness.

Without timely updates from the United States, an allied nation’s F-35 could become significantly less capable in modern warfare.

MDFs are the F-35’s electronic battle manual, loaded with real-time intelligence and threat recognition data.

These files:
✔️ Optimize stealth flight paths (the “blue-line” track) to avoid enemy radar detection.
✔️ Enable sensor fusion, allowing the jet to identify and classify enemy aircraft and missile threats.
✔️ Provide electronic warfare data, essential for jamming and countermeasures.

Each allied nation depends on U.S.-controlled MDF updates to keep their jets operationally relevant. Without these updates, an F-35’s ability to detect new threats diminishes over time, making it more vulnerable.

The U.S. doesn’t need a physical shutdown mechanism—simply delaying or withholding MDF updates would significantly impact a foreign operator’s ability to deploy the F-35 effectively.

Since MDFs are updated by U.S. facilities, Washington retains control over how and when allied nations receive critical updates.

🇺🇸 U.S. Military Presence in the Indo-Pacific & Australia

The U.S. has 100,000+ troops stationed across the Indo-Pacific, maintaining strategic bases and alliances to counter regional threats.

Compiled by Clash Report

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas:

Russia can’t be trusted.

It's clear that Russia does not really want to make any kind of concessions.

What Russia wants is for Ukraine to let its guard down

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on Gaza:

I talked to Israeli Foreign Minister Saar.

What is happening, why are you doing this...

This is unacceptable.

China’s Ministry of State Security confirmed the espionage case of Liu, an engineer sentenced to death for leaking state secrets, reportedly including classified data on the FC-31 stealth jet, to foreign intelligence agencies.

Over six months, Liu secretly traveled to multiple countries, compromising critical defense information.

The case, long speculated on Chinese social media, has now been officially acknowledged.

Source: CCTV

Germany plans to release an additional €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in military aid for Ukraine.

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously blocked the aid.

Source: Reuters

Taiwan Begins Rapid Response Drills

Taiwan launched a five-day rapid response exercise to enhance military readiness in case China’s drills escalate into an attack.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned that the PLA could swiftly transition from exercises to an assault, stressing the need for constant vigilance.

The drills come as China deployed 59 warplanes and warships near Taiwan, calling it “punishment” for President Lai Ching-te’s pro-independence stance.

Source: Reuters

Trump on why he is tougher with Canada than with America's biggest adversaries:

Only because it's meant to be our 51st state.

One of the nastiest countries to deal with is Canada.

Trudeau's people were nasty.

Russia's Medvedev:

Putin-Trump call confirmed a classic idea: Russia and America dine, others are on the menu.

Brussels sprouts, British fish & chips, Paris rooster for starters—main course? Kiev-style cutlet. Bon appétit!

NEW: After Putin-Trump talks, Russian Armed Forces received an order from Putin to halt strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russian MoD:

At the time, seven Russian drones were airborne, targeting energy facilities in Mykolaiv linked to the defense industry.

Russian air defense was ordered to neutralize the drones , six of them were shot down by Pantsir, one by a Russian jet.

Trump and his inner circle, including Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, Witkoff and Tucker Carlson, have been engaging with Ukrainian opposition figures behind the scenes.

The goal appears to be engineering early elections that could push President Volodymyr Zelensky out of power.

Source: Politico

Zelensky:

After Putin’s call with Trump, Russia struck energy infrastructure, hospitals, and transportation, launching 150 drones.

Putin’s words do not match reality.

Zelensky:

Ukraine will not recognize occupied territories as Russian, this is a ‘red line’.

Zelensky:

We will definitely win this war. Today, I will have a call with Trump.

Zelensky:

Without US intelligence, we will lose accuracy regarding the Russian ballistic missile flight, but we have our own intelligence capabilities.

Zelensky:

If Russia stops hitting our targets, we will definitely stop hitting their targets.

Finnish President Stubb:

If you show weakness to the Russians, they will definitely take advantage of it.

Kremlin:

Putin and Trump understand and trust each other well.