Chinese and Philippine Maritime Forces Clash With Sticks and Oars Near Disputed Shoal in South China Sea

Germany, France Hold Secret Talks On Continental Nuclear Shield In Pivot From US Has Europe really embarked on a nuclear reset, rethinking its US-led deterrent architecture? For the first time since the Cold War, major European capitals are openly debating the need for an independent nuclear deterrent - an emerging theme on clear display this week at the Munich Security Conference. We've reported before that the turning point came in March, when Washington temporarily halted battlefield intelligence sharing with Ukraine - a move that forced allies to confront the prospect that...

UK Pushes Ahead With Temporary Ban On Political Crypto Donations Authored by Stephen Katte via CoinTelegraph.com, The UK government is advancing plans for a moratorium on political donations made through cryptocurrencies, following an independent review and pressure from multiple high-ranking politicians. Cointelegraph reported on Wednesday that the Rycroft Review, an independent inquiry into foreign financial interference in the UK’s political and electoral systems, recommended a moratorium on crypto donations to political parties. New statements from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday have confirmed that the government will pursue the temporary ban. “I can tell the...

French Commandos Board & Seize 4th Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Vessel Since September France announced Monday another weekend interdiction of a Russian "shadow fleet" vessel in international waters near its coast. The French Navy boarded and detained a sanctioned oil tanker, President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday, in an operation which had the assistance from the UK Royal Navy and other allies. This marks the fourth time since September that French commandoes have intercepted a boarded a sanctioned Russian vessel in regional waters. via AFP/French military The vessel, identified as the Tagor, originated from Murmansk,...