The South China Sea's Gathering Storm
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Seem to be actually ramming them off course as well.
4 #Filipinos hurt after 2 #China Coast Guard ships use water cannons on PH Ayungin resupply vessel, shattering the wind shield of the ship on March 5.
4 #Filipinos hurt after 2 #China Coast Guard ships use water cannons on PH Ayungin resupply vessel, shattering the wind shield of the ship on March 5.
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China announces ‘excessive’ baseline in Gulf of Tonkin
Another attempt to take Vietnamese waters?
Another attempt to take Vietnamese waters?
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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/army-in...rets-to-china/
Army intelligence analyst charged with selling military secrets to contact in China for $42,000
Washington — An active duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst spent over a year selling sensitive military documents related to the U.S. defense of Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense systems to China, federal prosecutors alleged in an indictment unsealed Thursday and obtained by CBS News.
Sergeant Korbein Schultz is accused of using his top secret security clearance to download classified U.S. government records at the behest of an unnamed individual who claimed to live in Hong Kong, allegedly amassing $42,000 in the process.
He was arrested Thursday and charged with six counts including conspiracy and bribery. According to court filings, Schultz was a sergeant and intelligence analyst and assigned to the 506th Infantry Battalion. The Army said Schultz, 24, of Willis Point, Texas, has been in the service since November 2018.
The charging documents don't name the Chinese government as the recipient of the information or as perpetrators of the scheme, but much of the military information Schutlz is accused to have passed on relates to that country.
Beginning in June 2022, prosecutors said Schultz and his co-conspirator began communicating online and via encrypted messaging applications. He was instructed to prioritize passing along "original and exclusive documents" to his handler, including information related to Russia's war in Ukraine and the "operabitly of sensitive U.S. military systems and their capabilities," court documents said.
The pair allegedly agreed to enter into a long-term partnership.
By July 2022, investigators alleged Schultz was sending information about High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, the type of systems the U.S. has been sending to Ukraine to use against Russia. He is also accused of transmitting sensitive documents about hypersonic equipment and summaries of U.S. military drills in August 2022.
Court documents detailed a months-long exchange in which the unnamed co-conspirator asked for specific documents and Schutlz complied, selling dozens of sensitive records for thousands of dollars at a time.
Money appeared to be his motivation. In one message, Schultz allegedly told his handler, "I need to get my other BMW back."
“I will just keep sending you an abundance of information," he wrote to the coconspirator, according to prosecutors, later expressing a desire to compare himself to Jason Bourne, the fictional spy created by author Robert Ludlum.
By August of 2023, Schultz — whose job was in part to instruct others on the proper handling of classified information — discussed with his Chinese handler the separate arrests that month of two U.S. Navy sailors accused of transmitting sensitive information to China.
Schultz's co conspirators advised him to be careful, court papers revealed.
And in November 2023, prosecutors alleged the handler asked Schultz to discuss work "for the next year."
The charges come days after Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Texeira pleaded guilty to illegally posting classified military records on an online gaming platform in one of the military's most damaging leak campaigns.
And on Tuesday, an Air Force employee was charged with leaking classified information related to Russia's war in Ukraine to an individual over a foreign dating site.
It was not immediately clear if Schultz had an attorney. His first court appearance will be Friday.
Army intelligence analyst charged with selling military secrets to contact in China for $42,000
Washington — An active duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst spent over a year selling sensitive military documents related to the U.S. defense of Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense systems to China, federal prosecutors alleged in an indictment unsealed Thursday and obtained by CBS News.
Sergeant Korbein Schultz is accused of using his top secret security clearance to download classified U.S. government records at the behest of an unnamed individual who claimed to live in Hong Kong, allegedly amassing $42,000 in the process.
He was arrested Thursday and charged with six counts including conspiracy and bribery. According to court filings, Schultz was a sergeant and intelligence analyst and assigned to the 506th Infantry Battalion. The Army said Schultz, 24, of Willis Point, Texas, has been in the service since November 2018.
The charging documents don't name the Chinese government as the recipient of the information or as perpetrators of the scheme, but much of the military information Schutlz is accused to have passed on relates to that country.
Beginning in June 2022, prosecutors said Schultz and his co-conspirator began communicating online and via encrypted messaging applications. He was instructed to prioritize passing along "original and exclusive documents" to his handler, including information related to Russia's war in Ukraine and the "operabitly of sensitive U.S. military systems and their capabilities," court documents said.
The pair allegedly agreed to enter into a long-term partnership.
By July 2022, investigators alleged Schultz was sending information about High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, the type of systems the U.S. has been sending to Ukraine to use against Russia. He is also accused of transmitting sensitive documents about hypersonic equipment and summaries of U.S. military drills in August 2022.
Court documents detailed a months-long exchange in which the unnamed co-conspirator asked for specific documents and Schutlz complied, selling dozens of sensitive records for thousands of dollars at a time.
Money appeared to be his motivation. In one message, Schultz allegedly told his handler, "I need to get my other BMW back."
“I will just keep sending you an abundance of information," he wrote to the coconspirator, according to prosecutors, later expressing a desire to compare himself to Jason Bourne, the fictional spy created by author Robert Ludlum.
By August of 2023, Schultz — whose job was in part to instruct others on the proper handling of classified information — discussed with his Chinese handler the separate arrests that month of two U.S. Navy sailors accused of transmitting sensitive information to China.
Schultz's co conspirators advised him to be careful, court papers revealed.
And in November 2023, prosecutors alleged the handler asked Schultz to discuss work "for the next year."
The charges come days after Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Texeira pleaded guilty to illegally posting classified military records on an online gaming platform in one of the military's most damaging leak campaigns.
And on Tuesday, an Air Force employee was charged with leaking classified information related to Russia's war in Ukraine to an individual over a foreign dating site.
It was not immediately clear if Schultz had an attorney. His first court appearance will be Friday.
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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/army-in...rets-to-china/
Army intelligence analyst charged with selling military secrets to contact in China for $42,000
Washington — An active duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst spent over a year selling sensitive military documents related to the U.S. defense of Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense systems to China, federal prosecutors alleged in an indictment unsealed Thursday and obtained by CBS News.
Sergeant Korbein Schultz is accused of using his top secret security clearance to download classified U.S. government records at the behest of an unnamed individual who claimed to live in Hong Kong, allegedly amassing $42,000 in the process.
Army intelligence analyst charged with selling military secrets to contact in China for $42,000
Washington — An active duty Army soldier and intelligence analyst spent over a year selling sensitive military documents related to the U.S. defense of Taiwan, weapons systems, and missile defense systems to China, federal prosecutors alleged in an indictment unsealed Thursday and obtained by CBS News.
Sergeant Korbein Schultz is accused of using his top secret security clearance to download classified U.S. government records at the behest of an unnamed individual who claimed to live in Hong Kong, allegedly amassing $42,000 in the process.
The following users liked this post:
US Army Soldier Sold Taiwan Response Plans to China: DOJ (msn.com)AU.S. soldier has been arrested at Fort Campbell for allegedly accepting bribes and sending sensitive military information to a China-based co-conspirator, including reports on the potential defense of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.
Army intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz faces charges of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, engaging in a conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Schultz's arrest, which came just a day after the arrest of a Chinese national for allegedly stealing proprietary AI information from Google, highlights U.S. security concerns about Chinese intelligence efforts, particularly in the realm of military intelligence and technological advancements.
"As part of the conspiracy, the defendant provided sensitive government information to his co-conspirator in exchange for thousands of dollars, placing personal profit above the security of the American people," a Department of Defense press statement quoted Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen as saying.
The U.S. Army and Justice Department did not immediately respond to written requests for comment.
The federal grand jury indictment reveals that Schultz was contacted by a foreign national who claimed to reside in Hong Kong and work for a geopolitical consulting firm.
From around June 2022 to around October 2023, Schultz received 14 payments from this source, totaling approximately $42,000, for allegedly collecting and transmitting sensitive U.S. military information, including some that was export-controlled.
One of the contact's requests was for insights into the lessons the U.S. had drawn from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, particularly concerning the defense of Taiwan against a potential attack.
China considers Taiwan a rogue province and has vowed to someday annex it—through force if necessary—though the Chinese Communist Party government in Beijing has never ruled on the democratic island.
The U.S. maintains a longstanding policy of "strategic ambiguity," which doesn't commit to or rule out the possibility of defending Taiwan from a Chinese invasion. However, the 1979 Taiwan relations act requires Washington to sell Taiwan sufficient weaponry to maintain a credible self-defense posture.
Per his China-based contact's instructions, Schultz also allegedly provided sensitive information on U.S military assets, including the HIMARS light rocket launcher, F-22A fighter aircraft, modifications to the country's fleet of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and hypersonic equipment.
Schultz is also accused of sharing details on operations such as recent Navy exercises in the Philippine Sea and on Chinese observations of these drills, according to the indictment.
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Army intelligence analyst Korbein Schultz faces charges of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, engaging in a conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Schultz's arrest, which came just a day after the arrest of a Chinese national for allegedly stealing proprietary AI information from Google, highlights U.S. security concerns about Chinese intelligence efforts, particularly in the realm of military intelligence and technological advancements.
"As part of the conspiracy, the defendant provided sensitive government information to his co-conspirator in exchange for thousands of dollars, placing personal profit above the security of the American people," a Department of Defense press statement quoted Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen as saying.
The U.S. Army and Justice Department did not immediately respond to written requests for comment.
The federal grand jury indictment reveals that Schultz was contacted by a foreign national who claimed to reside in Hong Kong and work for a geopolitical consulting firm.
From around June 2022 to around October 2023, Schultz received 14 payments from this source, totaling approximately $42,000, for allegedly collecting and transmitting sensitive U.S. military information, including some that was export-controlled.
One of the contact's requests was for insights into the lessons the U.S. had drawn from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, particularly concerning the defense of Taiwan against a potential attack.
China considers Taiwan a rogue province and has vowed to someday annex it—through force if necessary—though the Chinese Communist Party government in Beijing has never ruled on the democratic island.
The U.S. maintains a longstanding policy of "strategic ambiguity," which doesn't commit to or rule out the possibility of defending Taiwan from a Chinese invasion. However, the 1979 Taiwan relations act requires Washington to sell Taiwan sufficient weaponry to maintain a credible self-defense posture.
Per his China-based contact's instructions, Schultz also allegedly provided sensitive information on U.S military assets, including the HIMARS light rocket launcher, F-22A fighter aircraft, modifications to the country's fleet of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and hypersonic equipment.
Schultz is also accused of sharing details on operations such as recent Navy exercises in the Philippine Sea and on Chinese observations of these drills, according to the indictment.
Related Articles
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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Taiwan commanders authorized to use force against intruding enemy military aircraft, vessels
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) clarified its definition of “first strike,” saying it considered any Chinese military asset crossing into Taiwan’s territorial borders as an act of aggression.
The MND said in a press release Friday (March 8) that if enemy aircraft or vessels intruded into Taiwan’s airspace or waters, then commanders are authorized to take appropriate measures to maintain national defense security when all other non-peaceful means fail.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) clarified its definition of “first strike,” saying it considered any Chinese military asset crossing into Taiwan’s territorial borders as an act of aggression.
The MND said in a press release Friday (March 8) that if enemy aircraft or vessels intruded into Taiwan’s airspace or waters, then commanders are authorized to take appropriate measures to maintain national defense security when all other non-peaceful means fail.
“If they have problems with China, they should not impose it upon us. We do not have a problem with China,” Anwar told reporters.
Prime Minister of Malaysia will be sitting this one out. I guess the Brits and Aussies won’t be able to access their old bases on the Peninsula or Borneo? Singapore knows where its bread is buttered too- on both sides- so they may play similarity. The Straits of Malacca have always been assumed an easy interdiction and choke point on China militarily. Perhaps not so in the future!
Prime Minister of Malaysia will be sitting this one out. I guess the Brits and Aussies won’t be able to access their old bases on the Peninsula or Borneo? Singapore knows where its bread is buttered too- on both sides- so they may play similarity. The Straits of Malacca have always been assumed an easy interdiction and choke point on China militarily. Perhaps not so in the future!
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India frees 10,000 more soldiers to guard border with China
A 10,000-strong unit of soldiers previously assigned to the country’s western border has now been set aside to guard a stretch of its frontier with China, said senior Indian officials who didn’t want to be named because discussions are private.
In addition, an existing contingent of 9,000 soldiers, already designated to the disputed Chinese border, will be brought under the newly created fighting command.
The combined force will guard a 532 km (330.57 miles) stretch of border that separates China’s Tibet region with India’s northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army and Ministry of Defense declined to comment.
The unprecedented assignment of troops — backed by their own dedicated artillery and air support — to this stretch of the border highlights both the region’s strategic importance and its growing sensitivity in the eyes of India’s leaders.
The area, nestled in the Himalayas, is home to some of Hinduism’s holiest shrines. It has seen huge infrastructure investment and development in the last decade as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has encouraged tourism to the area.
In 2021, India repositioned an additional 50,000 soldiers to patrol its border with China, after a deadly border clash the year before left at least 20 Indian soldiersdead, seriously straining ties.
China and India have since upgraded military-related infrastructure and moved missiles and aircraft to either side of their border, in addition to positioning more troops…..
A 10,000-strong unit of soldiers previously assigned to the country’s western border has now been set aside to guard a stretch of its frontier with China, said senior Indian officials who didn’t want to be named because discussions are private.
In addition, an existing contingent of 9,000 soldiers, already designated to the disputed Chinese border, will be brought under the newly created fighting command.
The combined force will guard a 532 km (330.57 miles) stretch of border that separates China’s Tibet region with India’s northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army and Ministry of Defense declined to comment.
The unprecedented assignment of troops — backed by their own dedicated artillery and air support — to this stretch of the border highlights both the region’s strategic importance and its growing sensitivity in the eyes of India’s leaders.
The area, nestled in the Himalayas, is home to some of Hinduism’s holiest shrines. It has seen huge infrastructure investment and development in the last decade as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has encouraged tourism to the area.
In 2021, India repositioned an additional 50,000 soldiers to patrol its border with China, after a deadly border clash the year before left at least 20 Indian soldiersdead, seriously straining ties.
China and India have since upgraded military-related infrastructure and moved missiles and aircraft to either side of their border, in addition to positioning more troops…..
Two Chinese strategic bombers and a maritime surveillance plane were intercepted by Japanese fighter aircraft above contested waters on Tuesday during a long-range patrol, Japan's Defense Ministry said. The pair of nuclear-capable H-6 bombers were without fighter escorts as they flew a return sortie from the East China Sea into the Western Pacific via the Miyako Strait, according a map released by the Joint Staff of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Conventional- and nuclear-armed H-6s have an operational range of up to 3,700 miles and a cruising speed of 477 miles per hour, according to the U.S. Army's ODIN database of military technologies. Modern variants are designed to launch ballistic missiles at standoff range.
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….This month, multiple media outlets reported that India has successfully completed the first flight test of its Agni-5 MIRV missile. This milestone propels India into the elite group of nuclear powers with MIRV technology, including the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Pakistan.
The test was conducted on Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal, off India’s northeast coast. While India did not disclose the number of MIRVs involved in the Agni-5 test, it is believed to carry anywhere between two to more than a dozen warheads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch of the solid-fuel, canister-launched Agni-5 missile, part of the Agni series named after the Sanskrit word for “fire,” as a proud moment for the nation.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the test’s contribution to Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India.
The solid fuel, canister-launched Agni-5 has a range of over 5,000 kilometers, allowing it to target regions deep within the territories of potential adversaries like China and Pakistan.
The capability is particularly significant given the ongoing border tensions with China and India’s strategic rivalry and tensions with Pakistan, underscoring the missile’s role in national security and deterrence……
https://asiatimes.com/2024/03/fire-e...irv-nuke-club/
The test was conducted on Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal, off India’s northeast coast. While India did not disclose the number of MIRVs involved in the Agni-5 test, it is believed to carry anywhere between two to more than a dozen warheads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch of the solid-fuel, canister-launched Agni-5 missile, part of the Agni series named after the Sanskrit word for “fire,” as a proud moment for the nation.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the test’s contribution to Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India.
The solid fuel, canister-launched Agni-5 has a range of over 5,000 kilometers, allowing it to target regions deep within the territories of potential adversaries like China and Pakistan.
The capability is particularly significant given the ongoing border tensions with China and India’s strategic rivalry and tensions with Pakistan, underscoring the missile’s role in national security and deterrence……
https://asiatimes.com/2024/03/fire-e...irv-nuke-club/
Great. More nukes for more targets. It's the 1970s all over again.
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Given the problems the Australian Defence Force is having in recruitment, is it time for Australia to seek to recruit a Gurkha battalion for the army,
with the promise of citizenship after service.
I would see that as a win/win situation.
It would have to be negotiated and agreed by the Nepalese Government before it could be implemented of course.
with the promise of citizenship after service.
I would see that as a win/win situation.
It would have to be negotiated and agreed by the Nepalese Government before it could be implemented of course.
Last edited by rjtjrt; 17th Mar 2024 at 00:41. Reason: Spelling
Given the problems the Australian Defence Force is having in recruitment, is it time for Australia to seek to recruit a Gurkha battalion for the army,
with the promise of citizenship after service.
I would see that as a win/win situation.
It would have to be negotiated and agreed by the Nepalese Government before it could be implemented of course.
with the promise of citizenship after service.
I would see that as a win/win situation.
It would have to be negotiated and agreed by the Nepalese Government before it could be implemented of course.
Many could already have some military experience, easier integration into the existing Pacific Island community post service, easier cheaper transport.
They are looking at it, its not a specific Pacific island unit, but they are looking at possibility of pacfic islander recruitment into the general ADF
https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/la...up-adf-numbers
The Australian Police seem to be running active recruitment programs in the UK to persuade serving British police officers to emigrate.
If they have recruitment problems of their own might we soon see a similar approach by the Australian armed forces?
If they have recruitment problems of their own might we soon see a similar approach by the Australian armed forces?
It used to be around 12 months from Application to first day in ADF. Now non priority can be closer to 24 months