Tag Archives: China

U.S. Aiding Nations in Asia to Counter Chinese Expansion

On April 14, 2016, the U.S. announced it would be conducting joint patrols of the South China Sea with the Philippines. BBC reports that the U.S. has rarely conducted joint patrols in the region, and this move may point to the growing concern over China’s expansion in the region.

Along with launching joint patrols the U.S. will also sending aircrafts and pilots over to the former Clark Air Base, which is now apart of the Philippines Air Force. The New York Times reports “The aircraft will include five Warthog ground-attack planes, three search-and-rescue helicopters and a transport plane often used to ferry Special Operations forces.”

Coinciding with this announcement is the annual military exercise conducted between the U.S., Philippines, and Australia. The Balikatan, or shoulder to shoulder, exercise is used as a show of force to China’s territorial expansion in the region. The Chinese were quick to respond by claiming the U.S. was bringing a “Cold War mentality” to the South China Sea.

The Chinese criticisms are somewhat ironic as they have bolstered their defenses on several disputed islands, and have been developing massive artificial islands to expand their territorial claim. The Chinese have continued this strengthening of its defenses despite backlash from the U.S. and countries in the region. China’s response to all these criticisms is the islands belong to China’s sovereignty, so they have the right to build upon them.

Earlier this week the Military Times reported the Filipino ambassador to the U.S. asked for the U.S. to convince the Chinese to not build an artificial island near the Scarborough Shoal. The Filipino ambassador discussed the importance of that region to Filipino fishermen, and any attempt to build near the shoal would be a “very provocative” step. The U.S. announcing its plan to enter into joint patrols may have been its way of persuading China to back off.

While the Filipino government believes the U.S. presence will help protect their interests, it may also serve as a provocation to China. Responding to the U.S. announcement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released the statement, “Military exchanges by relevant countries should not target third parties, much less support a few countries in challenging China’s sovereignty and security, inciting regional contradictions and sabotaging regional peace and stability.”

However, other nations may not feel the same safety and stability, as just recently the Vietnamese seized a Chinese fishing vessel that encroached on its waters. Vietnam also has several disputed islands in the South China Sea, and has multiple times expressed its concern over China’s expansion in the region.

The U.S. has voiced criticism of China’s South China Sea activities many times, and has been patrolling the area to ensure the freedom of navigation. China’s foreign ministry has claimed its island construction will not interfere with the freedom of navigation or overflights, yet U.S. planes have been warned to divert their course when flying near the islands.

In order to further counter Chinese influence in the region, the U.S. and India agreed to strengthen military ties earlier this week. According to the New York Times, “the United States and India said they would allow their armed forces to share logistics abilities and enhance the exchange of defense technologies and other information.”

India’s primary interest in deterring China revolves around energy products, and trade coming from the Indian Ocean. Roughly 70% of India’s oil supply is imported, 77% of their trade goes through the Indian Ocean.

30% of China’s trade goes through the Indian Ocean, making the Strait of Malacca, which provides entry to the Indian Ocean from the South China Sea, a vital choke point for Chinese energy security. A Chinese newspaper noted “it is no exaggeration to say that whoever controls the Strait of Malacca will also have a stranglehold on the energy route of China.”

As China begins to assert its influence over more parts of the South China Sea and in Afghanistan, India may be looking for a partner that can help to counter this growing influence.

While The U.S. and its partners are taking steps to counter Chinese influence in the South China Sea, it may also be facilitating Chinese efforts to become a global power. The U.S. has stood behind China’s new Silk Road Initiative that would spread Chinese influence across the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Europe. While the U.S. has supported the idea to link the world in trade, it will be allowing China to grow economically, and further allow the Chinese to influence more parts of the world.

The U.S. is starting to show physical signs that it will not put up with Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. With trillions of dollars of trade running through its waters every year, the U.S. cannot afford to allow China to dictate who can and cannot trade in the region.

China Seeks Stability in Afghanistan for Economic Benefit

As the Afghanistan peace talks continue to prove fruitless, China is beginning to consider a larger security role in the country. In March of this year China pledged to send “$70 million in military aid and proposed a four-nation security bloc including Pakistan and Tajikistan.” Along with the $70 million, China is set to donate $327 million to the Afghan government.

While China’s aid is much smaller than the United States, their increased support to Afghanistan shows their concern for the stability of the region. China recently invested $46 billion in Pakistan, and its increased aid to Afghanistan shows its desire to protect that investment by preventing unrest from continuing to spillover the border.

The Afghan peace talks, orchestrated by Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the U.S. have centered on the integration of the Taliban into the Afghan government. The Taliban refuses to sit in on these talks or share power with the current government. The Taliban have instead listed several preconditions to their arrival including all foreign troops leaving Afghanistan, the release of prisoners, and removing sanctions from Taliban leaders.

While the governments sponsoring talks hold out an apparently naïve hope that the Taliban will agree to peace, the Taliban has little reason to come to the negotiation table. Since last September the Taliban have been on the offensive, and now control over one-third of Helmand province, and continue to push towards the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah. The Afghan government is currently on the defensive, and the Taliban have little reason to make concessions.

In February, the U.S. announced it will begin to deploy hundreds of troops to the Helmand province to aid the fight against the Taliban, but it would not be increasing the overall troop levels in the country. At the moment, the U.S. force in Afghanistan sits at roughly 9,800 troops. President Obama has pushed for troop reductions in the past, but the current situation in Afghanistan has apparently forced him to reconsider.

Some in the Afghan government feel the current troop numbers may not be enough and the Afghan government is likely to need all the help it can get, as Reuters reports that the Taliban has announced the start of their annual Spring offensive. The Taliban have also reportedly seen senior members from the Islamic State’s (IS) defect to its ranks as well as Afghan military personnel.

While China is set to spend potentially billions of dollars in the future, it has already invested significant amounts of money in mines within Afghanistan. China has already invested heavily into the Anyak copper mine, which is located southeast of Kabul, and the Amu Darya oil field, which is situated in northern Afghanistan. Afghanistan is home to a plethora of rare earth elements (REE) that China may seek to invest in. It is reported that the undeveloped mineral resources within Afghanistan can be worth upwards of $1 trillion.

Outside of mining Afghanistan’s valuable resources, China has also set to reopen one of its most ancient trade networks. CNBC reported that China is “moving to revitalize the ancient Silk Road trade network,” running through the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Europe. Carnegie Middle East Center states China’s Silk Road Economic Belt strategy includes, “the construction of railways and highways to better connect Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.”

The Silk Road is not just intended to bring trade to other nations, however. The Silk Road is predominantly intended to give Chinese companies the opportunities to seek lucrative contracts abroad. The Silk Road will allow China to lower the cost of shipping while also accessing key markets around the world. By doing this, China is lowering the influence and economic opportunity the West has around the world.

China’s interest in creating a stable Afghanistan is so they may mine its REE’s and establish an efficient Silk Road. The U.S. has stated its support behind China’s initiative, but aiding China’s strategic interests may come back to harm the U.S. Allowing China to establish this vast trade network will give the Chinese the ability to further its influence around the world, potentially to the detriment of the U.S.

Preliminary G-7 Talks Discuss Terrorism, Refuges, China, and Nuclear Weapons

n Sunday, April 10, 2016, seven foreign ministers gathered in Hiroshima, Japan to discuss topics of great concern prior to May’s G-7 Summit in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The initial set of talks were arranged after the March 22 Brussels terrorist attacks.The G-7 group is made up of Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

The two day meeting between world leaders to address global concerns from terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and maritime security.

On the first day of the meeting the ministers discussed global concerns such as terrorism and the Syrian refuge crisis. Terrorism is the most concerning problem Europe is facing right now as frequent attacks by the Islamic State (IS) have devastated countries like France and Belgium. However, Asia has also become targeted by IS as with the case with last January’s attack in Jakarta, Indonesia as well as the August 2015 bombing in Bangkok, Thailand and repeated attacks in India and Pakistan which are hitting these emerging markets economies.

While Japan has not experienced a major terrorist attack there was concern by Japanese officials in regards to the security for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The Japanese foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation between the G-7 states in tackling the refuge crisis. This past weekend clashes occurred in Macedonia when refuges stormed the border and police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Kishida described how Japan wants to see the creation of the “Hiroshima Declaration”, which is calling for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. His comments seemed to be directly aimed at China who is one of five nations recognized under the Non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT), that does not disclose its warhead count, and is suspected of increasing their warhead supply. Japan wants the NPT to make make annual checks on China and report their warhead count.

Kishida reminded the G7 panel that atomic bombs literally wiped Hiroshima off the face of the earth during World War II and killed 140,000.

Japan is also concerned about China’s involvement in the South China Sea which all foreign members agreed was becoming a problem. Parts of the South China Sea have been claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and the Philippines, but China has continuously and aggressively implemented its influence over almost the whole area. China has implemented militarization of islands in the region and also begun a questionable land reclamation campaign.

Without mentioning China by name the G-7 group stated, “that all states refrain from any action such as land reclamations, for example, building out posts for military purposes.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang when he heard of the G-7 committees statement about the South China Sea noted for them to use caution when discriminating against Beijing.

Critics of the G-7 and similar summits claim the group does not pay attention to serious global issues until its too late, and that they try and control the direction of the world.

All of these issues from terrorism, refuges, nuclear proliferation, and China will take much more than seven nations, and countries not included as part of these groups rarely abide by recommendations summit provides.

Navy Officer Arrester for Spying Against U.S.

Today, April 11, 2016, Reuters reported that a U.S. Navy officer, Lieutenant Commander Edward Lin, will face espionage charges. Lin was apart of the Navy’s Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, which handles intelligence collection operations. While it has yet to be fully verified, it is believed Lin was sending secrets to either China or Taiwan.

The case of Lieutenant Commander Lin would just be a small piece in China’s larger plan for stealing U.S. secrets. The strategic threat of China understanding our military capabilities rivals that of terrorism and cybersecurity, and it is unclear if the U.S. has the ability or understanding to counter this threat.

Lin, born in Taiwan, was accused “twice of sending secret information and three times attempting to do so to a representative of a foreign government “with intent or reason to believe it would be used to the advantage of a foreign nation.”” according to Reuters.

While Lin may not have had access to highly classified information, it is a known strategy for the Chinese to rely on large numbers of low level workers to gain information. The Chinese work the information like a puzzle, putting smaller pieces together in order to form a larger picture. It is more difficult to find hundreds of low level people, as opposed to known higher ups with sensitive information.

The Canadian Navy has also been a victim of Chinese espionage. In 2013 it was discovered that a Chinese-Canadian man, Qing Quentin Huang, was sending information to the Chinese. Huang was arrested for allegedly sending information regarding Canada’s ship building capability. With this information, foreign governments can gain a tactical advantage over a nation’s Navy by preparing for the capabilities it would encounter.

The U.S. has uncovered multiple attempts by the Chinese to steal sensitive material regarding economic and military technology and capabilities in the past.

  • Gwo-Bao Min was an aeronautical engineer from Taiwan. In 1975 he began to work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. An FBI investigation into Min discovered he had been giving secrets to the Chinese regarding nuclear weapon technology, including how to miniaturize nuclear warheads. However, no formal charges were placed on Min, as prosecutors felt the evidence was not strong enough.
  • Katrina Leung was recruited by the FBI to spy on Chinese officials, and during her time with the FBI it is estimated she was paid more than $1.7 million. Leung turned out to be a double agent, and was able to acquire classified information from her FBI handler James Smith. Leung passed along information regarding military, nuclear, and political information to the Chinese for over a decade.
  • Wen Ho Lee was an employee of the Los Alamos National Laboratory where he worked on the bomb-design unit. The FBI began to investigate Lee in the early 1980s when he began connecting with Gwo-Bao Min. Lee was then suspected of stealing the design of the W88 nuclear warhead and sending it to the Chinese. Lee was arrested in December 1999 and indicted on 59 felony counts alleging that he illegally downloaded classified information and violated the Atomic Energy Act and the Foreign Espionage Act. However, after striking a deal with the Federal Government, he only pled guilty to one count, and was later given compensation for a faulty investigation.

These examples illustrate the vulnerability of our nation’s classified information to foreign espionage. The Chinese have not just tried to steal our national security information, but also our economic technology and capabilities. The Justice Department has characterized the vast scale of Chinese corporate espionage as a national security emergency. The Chinese stealing U.S. corporate information is costing U.S. companies billions of dollars and over 2 million jobs.

Instead of investing in innovation themselves, the Chinese are simply stealing the innovative technologies coming out of the U.S. This allows the Chinese to focus primarily on cheap labor and production, instead of paying larger salaries for innovative thinkers.

While China has illustrated its ability to steal valuable secrets from both the federal and private sector, the U.S. still lacks in the ability to counter these efforts. In a discussion on Strategic Counterintelligence, Michelle Van Cleave, who served as the National Counterintelligence Executive (NCIX) under President George W. Bush, argued the U.S. does not have the understanding or the ability to counter foreign powers’ espionage efforts. Her criticism comes in the lack of strategic understanding put on Counterintelligence. The U.S. has for too long focused espionage as a case-by-case event instead of looking at the larger picture. Her argument is perfectly summed up by a quote by Former deputy defense secretary John Hamre, “the goal should not be to catch the spy after he’s gotten into the country; we’ve got to stop him from entering in the first place.”

The U.S. is at a constant threat from foreign governments stealing information. Whether it be security or economic information, the U.S. must look to guard its valuable assets. A stronger focus on CI will be the first step in the right direction to mitigating these threats before it is too late.

U.S. and Philippine Military Exercise Angers China

The United States (US), Australia, and the Philippines have gathered to conduct annual military exercises as a show of force to China’s territorial expansion into the South China Sea. More than 5,000 US, Australian, and Philippine troops will take part in the Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder exercise started last Monday and will conclude in mid-April.

The Balikatan exercise has evolved from counter-terrorism operations aimed at insurgent groups in the southern Philippines to now reclaiming and protecting territory from an aggressive China.

The exercise will take place across the Philippines including the island of Palawan, which is near the disputed Spratly islands where the Chinese have built a number of artificial islands.  China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei have all made territorial claims to the waters of the South China Sea.

In January, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement went into effect that will give US troops access to five military bases in the Philippines.

Last Sunday, Japan sent down two warships and a submarine, which docked at Subic Bay, the Philippines’ strategic port. It was the first time in 15 years a Japanese submarine made the trip down to the Philippines. While Japan is not directly participating in the exercise they are starting to develop a larger military capability in response to China’s territorial expansion.

Japan has also agreed to sell short-range reconnaissance aircraft and partrol boats to the Philippines and Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani will also be visiting the Philippines to discuss future relations.

Australia has sent 86 military personnel including 30 commandos from the 2nd commando regiment to take part in the Balikatan exercise. Australian personnel will be involved with large amphibious landing exercises and humanitarian work.

The Australian contingent has announced their goal is to both display “friendship” and “support” for the Philippines while also maintaining interoperability with US Pacific Command Fleet.

The South China Sea contains some of the world’s most important sea-lanes and has $5 trillion in trade come through the area annually. China has claimed the South China Sea for themselves and developed airstrips, structures, and radar systems throughout the reefs and waterways.

China has not been pleased with the US and Australian presence in the region as a Chinese Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense Yang Yujun claimed that the US has brought in a “Cold War Mentality” to the region. He insisted that the US has come back to the Philippines and reinforced its military presence, and has now militarized the South China Sea.

Tensions with China have increased in recent days, following reports indicating that Vietnam had seized a Chinese fishing vessel for entering Vietnamese waters.

The joint multi-national exercises are critical not just for allies to maintain essential military training, but also to build strong international relations.

 

 

 

 

Japan Strengthens Position in East China Sea

In order to further its intelligence capabilities around its borders, Japan has opened a radar station near a contested island in the East China Sea. The Japanese have established a Self Defense Force base on the island of Yonaguni, which is recognized as Japanese territory, is just 90 miles south of an island disputed between Japan and China.

The islands under dispute are called the Senaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China. After the Sino-Japanese war, the islands were considered no man’s land by the Japanese, and they set their claims to the territory. Since there was no formal agreement, the Chinese have refuted the claim.

Both nations started to militarize the area after a Chinese fishing trawler intentionally rammed two Japanese Coast Guard vessels in 2010. Two years later, the Japanese began to buy some of the privately owned islands in the region, which prompted the Chinese to provoke the Japanese with air and naval exercises in the area.

Similar to the South China Sea, the East China Sea is home to valuable oil and natural gas. In 2008, both countries were able to reach an agreement on a joint development of East China Sea resources, but Japan has since accused China of tapping into its exclusive economic zone.

As expected, the Chinese criticized the Japanese radar station, calling upon the international community to stop Japanese military expansion in the East China Sea. This is ironic considering the Chinese have continued to expand their own military presence in the East and South China Sea despite criticism from neighboring countries and the U.S.

The Japanese are set to establish anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile batteries on more than 200 islands stretching between Japan and Taiwan, as well as increase its troop presence to 10,000 on these islands in the next five years. The Japanese have also announced they will increase their military spending by 1.5%, placing their budget at $41.8 billion.

Earlier this year China sent an advanced missile frigate into the East China Sea. The Type 054A frigate has a displacement of more than 4,000 tons, has long range surveillance and strong air defense capabilities. This move came as the Japanese were considering to send military aid to the Philippines in the South China Sea.

In 2013 China established an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Foreign Affairs describes an ADIZ as “a publicly defined area extending beyond national territory in which unidentified aircraft are liable to be interrogated and, if necessary, intercepted for identification before they cross into sovereign airspace.” This establishment of an ADIZ allows China to expand it borders further than its internationally recognized borders. The ADIZ has been largely unrecognized by national governments, but its establishment alone illustrates China’s expansion goals.

Japan is the only force, other than the U.S., with the potential to deter further Chinese expansion. Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines do not have the military capability to alter Chinese action, so the U.S. has actively encouraged Japan to show strength in the region.

 

Russia Mirrors China’s Activity in the South China Sea…. Moves Weapon Systems to the Kuril Island Chain

Reuters reported earlier today, March 25, 2016, Russia will deploy its Bal and Bastion weapon systems, which are new generations of the Eleron 3 drone, on the disputed Kuril island system North of Japan..

Reuters reports, “The Bastion is a mobile defense system armed with two anti-ship missiles with a range of up to 300 km (188 miles). It has also been deployed in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The Bal anti-ship missile has a similar range.”

Last year Russia began the construction of two military compounds on the eastern islands in the chain. This buildup, along with the current decision to put weapon systems on the island, are primarily done by Russia to force Japan into a peace agreement. Russia has tried in the past to work out an agreement, but has only been willing to let go of the smallest islands in the chain.

The Islands in dispute are surrounded by rich fishing ground, mineral deposits, and most importantly a possible offshore deposit of natural gas and oil. The Japanese mainland is not rich in natural resources, and they are forced to import most of their oil and natural gas. Being able to claim offshore deposits just off their coast would allow them to be less dependent on foreign markets.

Sovereignty over the Kuril Islands has been disputed since the end of WWII. Russia gave the four most Southern islands, Shikotan, Habomai, Kunashiri, and Etorofu, to Japan in 1855. The Japanese recognized this territory as apart of Japan, and since considered anything North to be the Kurils. The Soviet Union claimed control over these islands in 1949, after being promised the territory in Yalta. In 1951, the Japanese agreed to give up any claim to the Kurils in the San Francisco Peace Treaty, but this never meant anything as Russia never signed the treaty and Japan did not consider the contested islands as apart of the Kurils. Since then the islands have been in dispute, and neither side seems to be willing to relent.

Russia’s move to arm its controlled islands closely mirrors China’s current militarization of its artificial islands in the South China Sea. Both nations are seeking to push out the competition by a show of force. China and Russia have much larger militaries than the nations they seek to push out, and both Russia and China expect little opposition to their moves. By continuing to build up arms, both nations may be seeking to reach a point where they can assert their will on others despite treaties and formal agreements.

Late last year Japan stepped up its military force in the East China Sea to counter China’s growing presence. The Japanese will position a line of anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile batteries along 200 islands stretching 870 miles from the Japanese mainland towards Taiwan along with 10,000 soldiers. With the Japanese military budget seeming to grow by the year, it would not be surprising if the Japanese placed more military equipment on areas near the Kurils.

Russia’s continued militarization of the Kuril Islands will further complicate their instable relationship with Japan. Neither side is likely to give in to the others’ demands or propose a solution that is agreeable to both sides. With China posing an increased threat in the South and East China Seas, along with the current power plays by Japan and Russia in the Kuril Islands chain, trading will be even more difficult.

North Korea’s Nuclear Threat Made During U.S.-South Korea Military Drill

On Monday March 7, 2016, North Korea stated it would use its nuclear arsenal to target the United States (U.S.) and South Korea as the two countries conduct their annual joint military drills. The North Korean administration claims the joint exercise of 300,000 South Korean and 17,000 U.S. forces is a preliminary engagement for war.

In preparation for the exercise and the ongoing threats made by North Korea to the U.S. the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard was deployed to Busan, South Korea and has 4,000 sailors and marines on board. An additional 55 marine aircraft are expected to be deployed to South Korea for the exercise as well.

The two exercises “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” will run to April 30, and Foal Eagle will conduct exercises that include ground, air, naval, and special operations for both the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea’s National Defense Commission made it clear to both nations that “preemptive and offensive nuclear strike” would be made if the exercises commenced on Monday. A statement read by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) from North Korean officials stated, “enemies are working with blood shot eyes to infringe upon the dignity, sovereignty, and vital rights of the country.”

North Korea has increasingly expressed alarmed when it learned the joint U.S. – South Korean exercise was aimed at the leadership in North Korea. Operations Plan 5015 (OPLAN) signed last year between the U.S. and South Korea detailed the exercise, designed around to a response to a potential North Korean attack. The proposed exercise featured both the North Korean government in addition to it’s missile and nuclear program. Officials from the U.S. and South Korea deny that the exercise is aimed at escalating tensions between the nations.

North Korean President Kim Jung Un made a statement to KCNA noted, “under the extreme situation the U.S. imperialists is misusing its military influence and pressuring other countries and people to start war and catastrophe, the only way for our people to protect sovereignty and the right to live is to strengthen the quality and quantity of our nuclear program.”

Kim has long made threats to the U.S. for years, including taking action against the United States in wake of a 2013 joint military exercise and for the 2014 Sony hacking incident.  South Korea has been the target of repeated nuclear threats from North Korea  since 1994, with the North claiming to send them into a sea of fire. North Korea has a history of engaging in a form of nuclear blackmail in order to intimidate the West into providing aid, and given the very attractive package provided to it’s Iranian ally in exchange for negotiations, there’s no doubt North Korea believes now is the time to seek concessions. However North Korean brinkmanship always carries with it the concerning possibility that a miscalculation by one or more parties may lead to unintended conflict.

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated further when the United Nations added additional sanctions to North Korea in an effort to destroy its financial means of supporting nuclear and missile defense programs. North Korea responded hours later by firing several short -range missiles into the sea.

In February, North Korea launched several missiles over Japanese air space and also tested what they claimed was a hydrogen bomb, in violation  of U.N.’s regulations. South Korean Defense Ministry Spokesman Moon Sang Gyun told reporters, “If North Korea launches a provocation, our military will respond sternly and mercilessly.”

North Korea’s hydrogen bomb test was the fourth successful nuclear test the country has run over the past decade. Three previous tests were conducted in 2006, 2009, and 2013. Iran is a major partner of North Korea’s nuclear program, and has been known to utilize North Korean produced missiles in their program.

North Korea’s tactics have even put its closest ally China on edge. When Chinese officials were asked about the hydrogen bomb test without being notified one official stated, “it was risky, irresponsible, and reckless.”

Kim’s threats despite the credibility are always going to be taken seriously especially by South Korea. His erratic and brutal behavior makes him capable of anything. This multi-national exercise is a great way for nations to display unity while combating tyranny. The training South Korea receives today will keep the nation alert and prepared and combat a ruler whose unpredictable nature threatens the region.

While the Afghan Government Focuses on Peace Talks the Taliban Focus on Controlling Afghanistan

The Taliban have continued their campaign against the Afghan government after detonating a suicide bomb at a clinic north of Kabul, Monday, February 22, 2016. The attacker, riding a motorcycle, targeted an Afghan police commander, killing 14 and wounding 11 including the police commander.

The Taliban’s insurgency has increased dramatically following the pull out of U.S. forces in 2014. The Afghan government and remaining U.S. and allied troops have struggled to prevent further attacks and have proposed peace talks to quell the violence.

Monday’s attack came as Afghan forces began to pull out of Musa Qala and Nawzad districts of the Helmand province, allowing the Taliban to easily reclaim the territory. Afghan commanders have claimed the move was to concentrate soldiers more effectively in the region.

While the government continues to lose ground, the Taliban have been extending their control. It is estimated the Taliban now control or threaten up to one-third of the country.

The Helmand Province is a major source of Afghanistan’s opium production, and controlling Helmand province could provide a financial shot in the arm for the Taliban’s campaign against the government.

Afghan forces are retreating from outlying areas in Helmand, in part, to better secure the major city of Sangin, in the Southern part of the Helmand Province. Government forces were able to secure Sangin following a Taliban assault the city in late December. In early February the Taliban launched a second assault that Afghan forces have struggled to put down. If the Taliban were able to secure the city it would put them in a dominant position over the entire province.

Apart from Sangin, the Taliban were able to capture and hold Kunduz for a short period of time. The Taliban were only able to hold the city for 15 days, but the seizure served as a sign of the resurgent strength of the Taliban.

The Afghan government along with China, The U.S., and Pakistan have sought to find peace with the Taliban. The first round of talks took place earlier this year, but the Taliban refused to attend. The national governments hope to restart talks in the beginning of March, but there remains no assurance that the Taliban will come to the table, unsurprising since there appears to be no reason for the Taliban to consider peace negotiations, given their continued successes.

U.S. Targets IS in Libya Despite Ongoing Unity Talks

A U.S. airstrike targeting a major Islamic State (IS) operative, Noureddine Chouchane, may have killed upwards of 40 IS trainees in Sabratha, Libya. It is currently unconfirmed if Chouchane was among the dead.

Chouchane was a Tunisian operative of IS working out of Libya. A Western official claim reconnaissance of Chouchane’s location suggested he was involved in training recruits for what appeared to be an attack on a foreign target. The airstrike targeted a barn that is believed to have been used as the trainees’ barracks.

Aside from training foreign recruits, Chouchane was believed to have helped organize two major attacks in his home country, Tunisia. The first attack last March on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis killed 20 to 22 people. The second attack, last June, targeted a Beach Resort in Sousse killed 39.

IS has begun to establish a highly effective branch in Libya amid infighting between the Libyan Dawn, factions which seized control of the capital of Tripoli and claims political authority and the internationally recognized government in Tobruk. IS has proven to be a thorn in the side of both, as they have launched attacks on Tripoli as well as government oil terminals.

IS has established a stronghold in the towns of Sirte and Sabratha. They have held territory in the towns of Derna, Benghazi, and Ajdabiya.

The growing threat of IS has not gone unnoticed, with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates  launched successful airstrikes against IS positions in February 2015. The strikes were later criticized for the high collateral damage against Libyan civilians.

While Egypt and the U.A.E. targeted fighting positions, the U.S. has predominately targeted key terrorist leaders in Libya, both Al Qaeda, and Islamic State. Last November, U.S. launched an airstrike killing the IS leader in Libya, Abu Nabil.

The U.S. has been considering increased military action for some time. The Guardian reported on photos of U.S. Special Operations Forces in Libya who were reportedly on the ground to make contact with Libyan militias in order to determine whom to work with against IS within the divided country.

The two governments in Libya are currently engaged in talks that would unite the government. The self-proclaimed government in Tripoli ousted the legitimate government in August 2014 after losing the democratic elections. The UN has been brokering a unity agreement that would reunite these two governments, but it may be a dangerous move.

Two of the current leading parties in Tripoli, Justice and Construction Party and the Loyalty to Martyrs Bloc, are dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood. This becomes dangerous when there is rumors of a potential cooperation council between the Muslim Brotherhood, IS, and Al Qaeda within Libya. Also, Libya Dawn, the government in Tripoli’s military arm, is allied with Ansar Al-Sharia, AQ’s Libya branch.

The U.S., Egypt, Turkey, Germany, Russia, and China along with 16 other countries have signed an agreement to cut off aid to militias who do not support the deal.  The U.S. and Egypt do not want to pledge significant military support against IS until the government unites, yet IS may be gaining a position in the government if the mega-merger takes hold.

IS has been able to extend its reach all through North Africa. It is believed they have recruited upwards of 7,000 Tunisians to the fight in Syria, and these recruits are more than willing to come back home to fight. The vast numbers that IS can pull from has made targeted killings less effective.

Libya serves as a major hub for recruit training and transport of fighters throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Allowing any terrorist organization to maintain their stronghold would pose significant threats to neighboring countries, Europe, and the Middle East.

While the death of Chouchane may serve as a major morale boost for Libya and foreign governments fighting IS, it is unlikely to have any major impact on IS operations.