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Jan 15, 2025 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
The South China Sea continues to be a focal point of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China. Recent actions by the Chinese Coast Guard have prompted strong condemnation from Manila, leading to increased concerns about potential conflict. A significant incident occurred when a large Chinese Coast Guard vessel, estimated at 541 feet in length, patrolled the Scarborough Shoal and then approached the Philippine coast to within 77 nautical miles.
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Jan 8, 2025 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
A shift is underway in the naval strategies of Asia-Pacific nations. Driven by concerns over China’s increasingly assertive posture in the region, countries from Japan to Australia are rapidly expanding their amphibious warfare capabilities. This buildup reflects a growing emphasis on securing complex coastlines and projecting power within their respective maritime territories.
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday the initiation of combat readiness drills in response to a significant mobilization of Chinese military forces around the island. The scale of the Chinese deployment is unprecedented, surpassing previous activities in scope and geographic reach. China has designated seven no-fly zones east of the Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Fujian coasts, extending these restrictions until Wednesday.
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Dec 4, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
Following a series of incidents involving damage to undersea cables across European waters, NATO is developing plans for a dedicated fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to enhance surveillance and security in the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. The initiative, modeled after urban surveillance systems, aims to provide continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure and deter potential threats.
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Nov 27, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
The Russian Federation Council has given its final approval to an increase in military spending for 2025. The budget allocates a record-breaking 13.5 trillion rubles (approximately $125 billion USD) to “national defense,” representing a nearly 30 percent surge compared to 2024’s already substantial allocation. This marks the highest level of military expenditure since the Soviet era, dwarfing even the record-setting budget approved for 2024.
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Nov 20, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
A wave of new defense initiatives is sweeping across Europe, marked by increased collaboration on joint military projects and the expansion of NATO’s missile defense capabilities. These developments come during heightened security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical instability. Get alerts: The European Defence Agency (EDA) recently announced a series of joint projects focused on developing crucial defense technologies.
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Nov 15, 2024 | 
entrepreneur.com | Jeffrey Johnson
Whitestone REIT (NYSE: WSR) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with a unique community-centered approach. REITs offer investors a streamlined way to participate in the real estate market without the burdens of direct property ownership, providing potential for dividend income and portfolio diversification. Whitestone carves its niche by focusing on convenience-based, open-air retail centers located in the high-growth Sun Belt markets of Texas and Arizona.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
While China flaunts its cutting-edge J-35 stealth fighter, a less glamorous but equally potent weapon lurks within its arsenal: the H-6 bomber. A modernized version of a Cold War-era Soviet design, the H-6 has become a cornerstone of China’s evolving military strategy, playing a prominent role in recent exercises around Taiwan and showcasing Beijing’s growing long-range strike capabilities. Get alerts: During the Joint-Sword 2024B exercises in October, the H-6 bomber took center stage.
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Nov 6, 2024 | 
defenseworld.net | Jeffrey Johnson
In a significant shift in policy, Meta has announced that its open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models will be made available to U.S. Defense and National Security Agencies. The move, which involves partnerships with leading defense contractors and tech companies, marks a significant expansion of AI technology in military applications and a potential turning point in the relationship between Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex.
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Nov 4, 2024 | 
entrepreneur.com | Jeffrey Johnson
November is often a lucrative period for small-cap stock market investments. Historically, the S&P 500 and the small-cap-focused Russell 2000 have delivered strong returns during the November-April stretch. This year, the S&P 500 has maintained its upward trajectory since April, suggesting continued momentum. Historical data reveals that when the S&P 500 gains over 10% in the May-October period, it typically sees further gains in the following six months.
