News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Exclusive: 600 U.S. groups linked to Chinese Communist Party influence effort with ambition beyond election

2. U.S. troops might be in danger. Why is the military trying to hide it?

3. Analysis: U.S. confirms senior al Qaeda leader killed in Afghan raid

4. Meet the Trump official calling Beijing’s bluff

5. US ambitions to expand QUAD set to fail

6. U.S. warns of threat posed by China, signs military pact with India

7. China’s inexorable rise to superpower is history repeating itself

8. Third India-US 2+2 dialogue: breaking the mold on post-war model of bilateral ties - analysis

9. India-US discuss cross-border terrorism, security, China at bilateral meetings

10. Japan and U.S. begin major military exercise as concern about China grows

11. These are all the major flashpoints between China and the U.S.

12. Trump admin dismantles 'firewall' for editorial independence at U.S.-funded outlets

13. Japan rejects nuclear ban treaty; survivors to keep pushing

14. Oxford covid vaccine works in all ages, trials suggest

15. Air Force Ospreys make first landing on Japanese destroyer to start Keen Sword drills

16. Japan and China both claim these islands as their own. Now the US is showing Tokyo how it can help defend them

17. U.S. Army moves to close red teaming university

18. Why the “orders project” is troubling

19. US airstrike in Syria wipes out 7 al Qaeda leaders

20. U.S. State Department approves $2.4 billion more in potential arms sales to Taiwan: Pentagon

21. FBI won’t release doc on white-supremacist terror until after election: report

22. Trump had one last story to sell. The Wall Street Journal wouldn’t buy it.

1. Exclusive: 600 U.S. groups linked to Chinese Communist Party influence effort with ambition beyond election

Newsweek · Didi Kirsten Tatlow · October 26, 2020

An amazing development. I am not surprised by the CCP’s actions, but I am surprised by our naivete that allows us to be duped by Chinese political warfare strategy.

2. U.S. troops might be in danger. Why is the military trying to hide it?

Vice · Nick Turse · October 26, 2020

Of course, Nick Turse is an investigative reporter, who, per his biased agenda, focuses on exposing special operations.

3. Analysis: U.S. confirms senior al Qaeda leader killed in Afghan raid

Long War Journal · Thomas Joscelyn · October 25, 2020

4. Meet the Trump official calling Beijing’s bluff

National Review · Jimmy Quinn · October 26, 2020

5. US ambitions to expand QUAD set to fail

Global Times · Lu Yuanzhi · October 25, 2020

From a propaganda mouthpiece of the CCP.

6. U.S. warns of threat posed by China, signs military pact with India

Reuters · Neha Arora & Sanjeev Miglani · October 27, 2020

I had hoped for a broader "military pact," but it is a step forward, though a small one.

7. China’s inexorable rise to superpower is history repeating itself

Bloomberg · Michael Shuman · October 27, 2020

Author's conclusion:

8. Third India-US 2+2 dialogue: breaking the mold on post-war model of bilateral ties - analysis

Eurasia Review · Observer Research Foundation · October 27, 2020

A positive step forward.

9. India-US discuss cross-border terrorism, security, China at bilateral meetings

India Today · Geeta Mohan · October 27, 2020

10. Japan and U.S. begin major military exercise as concern about China grows

Reuters · Tim Kelly · October 26, 2020

Keen Sword is an important Japan-US exercise.

11. These are all the major flashpoints between China and the U.S.

Bloomberg · Bloomberg News · July 21 (updated: October 27), 2020

A useful "scorecard" for keeping track.

12. Trump admin dismantles ‘firewall’ for editorial independence at U.S.-funded outlets

NBC News · Dan De Luce · October 27, 2020

These continuing reports are troubling and truly sadden me. The sad irony is those who think we should propagandize VOA, RFA, etc. are actually dooming our information efforts to failure. It will not achieve the desired effects and will only undermine the legitimacy of these great organizations and destroy the trust in that has been built up for decades. The only thing these efforts will result in are a feel-good effect in the US among the partisan supporters, but it will not support any US national level influence efforts. Sacrificing our values to prevent criticism or unwanted messages (e.g. reporting of facts) is not the way to support US national security.

13. Japan rejects nuclear ban treaty; survivors to keep pushing

Outlook India · Outlook · October 26, 2020

14. Oxford Covid vaccine works in all ages, trials suggest

Guardian · Sarah Boseley · October 27, 2020

Hopefully some good news here.

15. Air Force Ospreys make first landing on Japanese destroyer to start Keen Sword drills

Stars & Stripes · Seth Robson · October 27, 2020

16. Japan and China both claim these islands as their own. Now the US is showing Tokyo how it can help defend them

CNN · Brad Lendon · October 27, 2020

17. U.S. Army moves to close Red Teaming University

Forbes · Bryce Hoffman · October 26, 2020

This is a very troubling development. The Army is making a huge mistake.  "You train for certainty and educate for uncertainty" (General Schoomaker). We need to invest in education and developing our intellectual capital.

I have enjoyed supporting these efforts at Leavenworth and I guess I will do so only for the next year.  I hope senior leaders in our military will recognize the folly of the Army's decision to overturn it. 

And I hope Congress will act. The late Ike Skelton must be turning over in his grave.  We need a new Congressional advocate for PME (of course, the Army's decision is probably intended to force Congress to add back the funding since it is only $2.5 million, which is budget dust in the larger scheme of things).

18. Why the “Orders Project” is troubling

Lawfire · Charlie Dunlap · October 26, 2020

An important essay from one of our great military legal experts.

19. US airstrike in Syria wipes out 7 al Qaeda leaders

New York Post · Ben Feuerherd · October 27, 2020

20. U.S. State Department approves $2.4 billion more in potential arms sales to Taiwan: Pentagon

Reuters · Mike Stone · October 27, 2020

If a little is good. More is better!

21. FBI won’t release doc on white-supremacist terror until after election: report

New York Magazine · Matt Stieb · October 26, 2020

22. Trump had one last story to sell. The Wall Street Journal wouldn’t buy it.

New York Times · Ben Smith · October 25, 2020

I offer this not from any partisan perspective but for the provocative thoughts on the freedom of the press and the mainstream media.

A big part of the American experiment is freedom of the press, of course. This is a fascinating perspective from the New York Times on what it thinks the mainstream media's job is. It is really interesting how they assess the rise of the internet media as competition to the mainstream media and how they think this Biden scandal has returned the mainstream media to the fore. Don't get bogged down in the Biden scandal analysis. You have to read past that and get to the section on the gatekeepers’ return.

"Friends are like walls. Sometimes you lean on them, and sometimes it's good just knowing they are there."

- Author Unknown

"I believe with all my heart that our first priority must be world peace, and that use of force is always and only a last resort, when everything else has failed, and then only with regard to our national security."

- Ronald Reagan

“Even if you strive diligently on your chosen path day after day, if your heart is not in accord with it, then even if you think you are on a good path, from the point of view of the straight and true, this is not a genuine path. If you do not pursue a genuine path to its consummation, then a little bit of crookedness in the mind will later turn into a major warp. Reflect on this.”

― Musashi Miyomoto, A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Choe Son Hui recently underwent three months forced labor

2. Vice FM calls alliance with U.S. 'foundation' of S. Korea's diplomacy, security during election team meeting

3. Moon's special adviser urges N.K. to resume inter-Korean talks before new U.S. president takes office

4. China went up against a K-pop giant - and lost

5. N. Korea showing little sign of easing border control: unification ministry

6. Seoul’s defense minister hints at the possibility of reduction of USFK

7. North Korea's 'October surprise' highlights the importance of U.S. homeland missile defense

8. S. Korea's economy returns to growth in Q3 as pandemic-caused trade slump eases

9. Suga adopts Abe's hard line toward South Korea

10. Seoul may again distance itself from UN resolution condemning Pyongyang

11. North Korea punishes unauthorized mask makers hoping to profit from COVID-19 demand

12. Kim Jong Un's science policy improved industries, North Korea university says

13. USFK requires flu shots for all members, stresses vaccine safety

14. US flies surveillance aircraft near Korean Peninsula: aviation tracker

15. Samsung Ddsplay gets U.S. licenses to supply some panels to Huawei: source

16. N. Korea and China agree to resume train service in late November

17. Xi accused by Seoul of distorting history in his Korean War speech

18. Elections, nukes, and the future of the South Korea - U.S. alliance

19. [US elections and Korea] US presidential election to bring changes, challenges for Seoul

20. N.K. leader's increased public activities suggest he has better control over coronavirus: expert

21. EU backs Nigerian candidate over Korean for WTO leadership

1. Choe Son Hui recently underwent three months forced labor

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · October 27, 2020

No one is immune to punishment (except Kim Jong-Un himself).

Note the reasons for her punishment: disagreement over US policy.

To borrow the old line from Cool Hand Luke… I wonder if they "got her mind right."

2. Vice FM calls alliance with U.S. 'foundation' of S. Korea's diplomacy, security during election team meeting

Yonhap News Agency · sshluck@yna.co.kr · October 27, 2020

So now we know the new Vice Foreign Minister's mission. I hope he gets ROK/US alliance issues sorted out after the election! :-)

3. Moon's special adviser urges N.K. to resume inter-Korean talks before new U.S. president takes office

Yonhap News Agency · julesyi@yna.co.kr · October 27, 2020

I guess Moon Chung-In thinks he has picked the winner of the US election (though I suppose it is the headline editor's fault as Moon said "new administration" and not "new president" - obviously if President Trump is reelected his will still be a new administration).

We should not forget the June 30, 2017 Joint Statement from Presidents Trump and Moon in which they said they would focus on denuclearizing the North, they would use maximum pressure to bring the North to the negotiating table, and South Korea would take the lead for setting the conditions for peaceful unification. For all our criticism of North-South engagement and the push by South Korea on a number of issues from end of war declaration to cross border projects and engagement, an argument can be made they are in keeping with the agreement between the two Presidents three years ago.

4. China went up against a K-pop giant - and lost

Washington Post · Arthur Tam · October 26, 2020

I think everyone needs to calm about this conflict and stop touting the "winning," because it is likely to come back and haunt them. We know how badly China hates to be humiliated. On the other hand, there are lessons to be learned from this.

5. N. Korea showing little sign of easing border control: unification ministry

Yonhap News Agency · kokobj@yna.co.kr · October 26, 2020

The regime is exploiting COVID to further repress the Korean population and isolate itself. It is taking full advantage of COVID to implement and sustain its draconian population and resources control measures. I am sure Kim believes this strengthens the regime. But it only illustrates how his policy decisions continue to cause the suffering of the Korean people living in the North.

6. Seoul’s defense minister hints at the possibility of reduction of USFK

Dong-A Ilbo · Kyu-Jin Shin · October 27, 2020

This is unhelpful, Minister Suh. There does not need to be a reduction in US forces in Korea if the alliance can adopt an effective policy of strategic flexibility. Just as the OPCON transition is a necessary and positive evolution of the ROK/US Alliance, strategic flexibility is a necessary and positive step forward as well. It is time for the alliance to mature.

7. North Korea's 'October surprise' highlights the importance of U.S. homeland missile defense

Washington Times · Patty-Jane Geller · October 26, 2020

Yes, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we must improve homeland defense against these threats.

8. S. Korea's economy returns to growth in Q3 as pandemic-caused trade slump eases

Yonhap News Agency · Kim Deok-hyun · October 27, 2020

A lot we could have learned from our ally, South Korea. Execute the public health fundamentals, with everybody on board, without locking the economy.

9. Suga adopts Abe’s hard line toward South Korea

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Shim Kyu-Seok · October 26, 2020

So, no change. Japan places historical issues above national security and national prosperity. Not a good sign for Northeast Asia security.

10. Seoul may again distance itself from UN resolution condemning Pyongyang

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Shim Kyu-Seok · October 26, 2020

Please do not do this. Do not sacrifice your principles and the human rights of the Korean people living in the North - your brothers and sisters. "Distancing" from this resolution will do absolutely nothing for North-South relations. Kim Jong-Un just puts another notch in his belt, marking the continued success of his political warfare strategy. It is better to stand by your principles and the Korean people living in the North rather than try to coddle the regime by such "distancing."

11. North Korea punishes unauthorized mask makers hoping to profit from COVID-19 demand

Radio Free Asia · Hyemin Son, Leejin Jun, & Eugene Whong · October 26, 2020

But the Korean people in the North are demonstrating their resilience and creativity and the market principles that are becoming part of their "new DNA."

12. Kim Jong Un's science policy improved industries, North Korea university says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · October 26, 2020

A lot of academic freedom in North Korea. All universities and research institutions are free to heap praise on the regime and free to make all research projects result in the outcomes the regime wants.  Everyone is free to demonstrate personal loyalty to the regime at all times.

13. USFK requires flu shots for all members, stresses vaccine safety

Yonhap News Agency · graceoh@yna.co.kr · October 27, 2020

It is always required for all military personnel. It is not unique to COVID. You never want to be on the bad shot list in your unit.

14. US flies surveillance aircraft near Korean Peninsula: aviation tracker

Korea Herald · Yonhap · October 27, 2020

My RFI is have we seen the fielding of the new modernized military equipment displayed at the October 10th military parade? Is the NKPA being modernized or was that purely for show?

15. Samsung display gets U.S. licenses to supply some panels to Huawei: source

Reuters · Heekyong Yang & Kim Coghill · October 26, 2020

16. N. Korea and China agree to resume train service in late November

Daily NK · Mun Dong Hui · October 27, 2020

Tourism equals funds for the regime and its royal court economy. Or perhaps I should say "forced tourism" - you will vacation in North Korea, you will spend money there, and you will have a good time.

China remains complicit in sanctions evasion.

17. Xi accused by Seoul of distorting history in his Korean War speech

Straits Times · Bloomberg · October 27, 2020

I am glad to see this is getting some press. The South Korea government should be pressing this issue hard.

18. Elections, nukes, and the future of the South Korea - U.S. alliance

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace · Toby Dalton & Ain Han · October 26, 2020

I am very concerned about the future of the alliance. I fear we are approaching the proverbial "perfect storm" and the conditions feeding into that storm come from both sides of the Pacific.

The 11 page report can be found here.

19. [US elections and Korea] US presidential election to bring changes, challenges for Seoul

Korea Herald · Choi He-Suk · October 27, 2020

Regardless of who wins, there will be changes. Buckle up. It could be a rough ride.

20. N.K. leader's increased public activities suggest he has better control over coronavirus: expert

Yonhap News Agency · julesyi@yna.co.kr · October 27, 2020

Perhaps. But it may also be necessary for exerting and ensuring his power.

21. EU backs Nigerian candidate over Korean for WTO leadership

Korea Times · Reuters · October 27, 2020

"Friends are like walls. Sometimes you lean on them, and sometimes it's good just knowing they are there."

- Author Unknown

"I believe with all my heart that our first priority must be world peace, and that use of force is always and only a last resort, when everything else has failed, and then only with regard to our national security."

- Ronald Reagan

“Even if you strive diligently on your chosen path day after day, if your heart is not in accord with it, then even if you think you are on a good path, from the point of view of the straight and true, this is not a genuine path. If you do not pursue a genuine path to its consummation, then a little bit of crookedness in the mind will later turn into a major warp. Reflect on this.”

― Musashi Miyomoto, A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Afghan forces claim to kill al-Qaida propagandist wanted by FBI

2. US welcomes India's rise as a leading regional and global power

3.  US-India military alliance comes into view

4. China to impose sanctions on U.S. firms over Taiwan arms sales

5. The Marines Corps is rolling out a 'subversive' new strategy to take on China

6.  Options for the U.S. to counter China’s disruptive economic activities

7. Japan, world’s third largest economy, vows to become carbon-neutral by 2050

8. Mapping agency wants to ID locations by sound

9. Poll shows increase in American support for defending Taiwan

10. The belt and road strategy has backfired on Xi

11. More than 77 percent willing to fight in the event of an invasion by China: poll

12. US, Indonesia agree to enhance military, maritime security ties

13. Social media is the greatest threat to US service members

14. XVIII Airborne crowdsources innovation in new competition

15. He was convicted of war crimes and pardoned by Trump. Now he wants to reform military justice

16. Operating at home: how to make SOF troops' transition to civilian life easier

17. Erik Prince's private wars

1. Afghan forces claim to kill al-Qaida propagandist wanted by FBI

Military Times · Rahim Faiez · October 25, 2020

Will this stem or increase violence?

2. US welcomes India's rise as a leading regional and global power

Outlook · Lalit K Jha · October 26, 2020

This has the potential to alter the political, economic, and security landscape in Asia and around the world.

3. US-India military alliance comes into view

Asia Times · MK Bhadrakumar · October 26, 2020

I hope this does not jinx the US-India relationship of the Quad and the Quad Plus. India has long been proud of its non-aligned status and, I as understand it, has never desired to be part of any alliance structure. I hope that is changing.

This is a very interesting perspective.

4. China to impose sanctions on U.S. firms over Taiwan arms sales

Reuters · Yew Lun Tian et al. · October 26, 2020

Is this unexpected?

5. The Marines Corps is rolling out a 'subversive' new strategy to take on China

Business Insider · Mark Perry · October 25, 2020

I could not find this article on the Responsible Statecraft web site (note author attribution). 

6. Options for the U.S. to counter China’s disruptive economic activities

Divergent Options · Jonathan Falcone · October 26, 2020

7. Japan, world’s third largest economy, vows to become carbon-neutral by 2050

Washington Post · Simon Denyer & Akiko Kashiwagi  · October 26, 2020

8. Mapping agency wants to ID locations by sound

Defense One · Brandi Vincent · October 24, 2020

Fascinating contest and concept.

9. Poll shows increase in American support for defending Taiwan

Diplomat · Bonnie S. Glaser & Mathew P. Funaiole · October 23, 2020

Hmmm.. should be useful for messaging and deterrence.

10. The belt and road strategy has backfired on Xi

Palladium · Tanner Greer · October 24, 2020

I prefer OBOR.

11. More than 77 percent willing to fight in the event of an invasion by China: poll

Taipei Times · Wu Su-wei · October 25, 2020

Also very important for messaging and deterrence.

12. US, Indonesia agree to enhance military, maritime security ties

American Military News · Asia News Network · October 26, 2020

13. Social media is the greatest threat to US service members

Task & Purpose · Jeff Schogol · October 25, 2020

Interesting perspective and analysis.

14. XVIII Airborne crowdsources innovation in new competition

Army Times · Harm Venhuizen · October 25, 2020

This Lieutenant could be a hero if he improves the range scheduling and land use process to make it more efficient and effective for users!!

15. He was convicted of war crimes and pardoned by Trump. Now he wants to reform military justice

Military.com · Richard Sisk · October 25, 2020

Sigh... I guess he is depending on his "life experience" for expertise.

16. Operating at home: how to make SOF troops' transition to civilian life easier

Military Times · Harm Venhuizen · October 24, 2020

17. Erik Prince's Private Wars

Rolling Stone · Seth Hettena · October 25, 2020

I will be interested in reading commentary and analysis from Sean McFate on this. Oh wait. He is quoted in this article. No need to wait.

"I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something, although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do. In this trifling particular, then, I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know."

- Socrates

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

- Winston Churchill

"Unconventional Warfare is to Warfare as Acupuncture is to Medicine.”

-COL (RET) Jack Jensen, US Army SF, 3 May 2017

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. U.S. pushing for flexible adjustment of troop levels overseas: defense ministry

2. FM sees 'problem' with ambassador's remarks about alliance with U.S.

3. N.K. propaganda outlet slams S. Korea for resorting to U.S. for survival

4. Gov't backpedals to suck up to N.Korea

5. Defense ministry reviewing possible provision of intelligence on slain official to U.N.

6. North Korea, China and Iran: the axis of missiles?

7. China’s Xi rankles South Korea with war anniversary speech

8. 13 American USFK personnel test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in S. Korea

9.  South Korea pharma Celltrion's COVID-19 test gets US emergency use authorisation

10. Death of Lee Kun-hee fuels hope for reboot at Samsung

11. South Korean gov't doesn't know who will protect crypto exchanges from Kim Jong-Un’s hackers

12. Wrong history perception: Xi deserves criticism for distorting Korean War fact

13. How deep state scuttled Trump's North Korea negotiations?

14. Is the ROK-U.S. alliance still alive? Assessment of the 52th ROK-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting

1. U.S. pushing for flexible adjustment of troop levels overseas: defense ministry

Yonhap News Agency · Choi Soo-hyang · October 26, 2020

"Strategic flexibility" is a key concept. We have to get this right. South Korea should embrace this concept as a way to ensure US presence in Korea - it means US forces could deploy from Korea to support USINDOCPACOM training and operations in the region.  This needs to be developed in cooperation with the OPCON transitions, the development of future defense plans, and operations concepts.

The South Koreans are worried about the lack of a specific statement in the Joint Communique regarding US troop levels. They should remember two things: first, Congress has passed legislation to restrict funding for troops withdrawal unless the SECDEF certifies that any reduction will not harm US and allied national security; second, the US DOD will always be assessing force presence around the world. Adjustments are made routinely. But such adjustments balance war plans, treaty obligations, operational and strategic flexibility and deterrence and defense. I suggest the South Korean should have as a first priority meeting the conditions of OPCON transition and end the demand for a timeline based transition. These conditions are critical to the security of the ROK.

2. FM sees ‘problem’ with ambassador’s remarks about alliance with U.S.

Yonhap News Agency · Kim Seung-yeon · October 26, 2020

I am very surprised by the Foreign Minister's remarks. I hope she realizes that her comments are not going to "appease" the US. We are not North Korea. She should stand by the Ambassador and clarify and reinforce his comments by saying that our alliance is not a status quo alliance and the strength of the alliance is not based on its continuing as it has for the last 70 years, but instead it is based on a continued commitment based on present and future national interests. It is a deliberate decision to move the alliance forward. Basically, what the Ambassador was saying is that no one should take the alliance for granted, but that it is in the national interests of both counties to sustain it and build on the foundation of the last seventy years.

3. N.K. propaganda outlet slams S. Korea for resorting to U.S. for survival

Yonhap News Agency · kokobj@yna.co.kr · October 26, 2020

Yes, North Korean propaganda attacks the alliance and the South. No one should be swayed by this or "worry" about it. What the North's propaganda is illustrating is one of the key elements of the regime's political warfare strategy - to split the ROK/US alliance. It is part of its divide to conquer line of effort: divide the alliance to be able to conquer the ROK.

4. Gov't backpedals to suck up to N.Korea

Chosun Ilbo · Editorial · October 26, 2020

Brutal criticism of the ROK government and military actions in the tragic murder of the South Korean civil servant in this op-ed, especially the conclusion.

5. Defense ministry reviewing possible provision of intelligence on slain official to U.N.

Yonhap News Agency · Oh Seok-min · October 26, 2020

I think the key failed decision in this entire tragedy and brutal murder by the North Korean military was the South's failure to immediately attempt to alert the North there was a missing person at sea and to request their help in rescuing him.

We still need to understand all the facts and the timeline of events, but it would seem that this is one of the types of incidents that the Comprehensive Military Agreement is designed to cover.

6. North Korea, China and Iran: the axis of missiles?

National Interest · Bruce E. Bechtol · October 25, 2020

As I have written many times, there are few people who know North Korean weapons proliferation around the world, and especially to Iran, better than Dr. Bruce Bechtol. But a possible trilateral relationship is very troubling.

7. China’s Xi rankles South Korea with war anniversary speech

Bloomberg · Jeong-Ho Lee · October 26, 2020

As it should. And we (the ROK/US  alliance) should understand China's intent toward the Korean Peninsula. I am happy to read the Foreign Minister's statement. But I think President Moon should make one as well.

8. 13 American USFK personnel test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in S. Korea

Yonhap News Agency · graceoh@yna.co.kr · October 26, 2020

9. South Korea pharma Celltrion’s COVID-19 test gets US emergency use authorization

Channel News Asia · Reuters · October 26, 2020

This could be very helpful.

10. Death of Lee Kun-hee fuels hope for reboot at Samsung

Business Day · Joyce Lee & Hyunjoo Jin · October 26, 2020

As I understand it, the 65% inheritance tax is what could cause the breakup of SAMSUNG.

11. South Korean gov't doesn't know who will protect crypto exchanges from Kim Jong-Un’s hackers

Coin Telegraph · Felipe Erazo · October 23, 2020

12. Wrong history perception: Xi deserves criticism for distorting Korean War fact

Yes, he does. But South Korea should also realize China is not its friend.

13. How deep state scuttled Trump's North Korea negotiations?

Eurasia Review · Nauman Sadiq · October 26, 2020

This covers more than just North Korean negotiations (includes Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran).

As I have written before, I do not believe in the deep state. I do not think it exists and it is an insult to the great, professional civil servants and military personnel we have serving our nation. Frankly, those who resort to the excuse of the deep state are really describing failed leadership.

14. Is the ROK-U.S. alliance still alive? Assessment of the 52th ROK-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting

Sejong Institute · Lee Sang Hyun · October 19, 2020

A powerful critique of the 52d Security Consultative Meeting and the state of the ROK/US Alliance. But we (both the ROK and US) should pay attention to the two important recommendations.

"I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something, although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do. In this trifling particular, then, I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know."

- Socrates

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

- Winston Churchill

"Unconventional Warfare is to Warfare as Acupuncture is to Medicine.”

-COL (RET) Jack Jensen, US Army SF, 3 May 2017

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. How The Epoch Times Created a Giant Influence Machine

2. Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency

3. FDD | Yes, Virginia, the Trump Administration Does Have a China Strategy

4. How Big Tech factors into the US-China geopolitical competition

5. The China challenge: 'To get a sense of how bad relations might get, look back to Menzies'

6. Xi invokes Chinese military might with US in mind

7. Far-Right Groups Are Behind Most U.S. Terrorist Attacks, Report Finds

8. How China Threatens American Democracy

9. Are troops really leaving Germany? It's not totally clear.

10. Australia's other special forces war: killing Islamic State

11. From the bottom up, Army focusing on trust, relationships

12. Indonesia Deports 4 Uyghur Terrorism Convicts to China, Experts Say

13. Senate urged to defund anti-communist task force (Philippines)

14. The U.S. Just Set a New Daily Record for COVID-19 Cases

15. Who Really Owes $1.6 Trillion Of Student Loans?

16. Human Centered Design Is Revolutionizing How We Respond To Emergencies

17. JBLM has become an illegal dumping ground, endangering soldiers and the environment

18. Reflections on Becoming a (Amateur) Military Writer

19. The end of democracy? To many Americans, the future looks dark if the other side wins.

1. How The Epoch Times Created a Giant Influence Machine

The New York Times · by Kevin Roose · October 24, 2020

Worthy of study.  I agree with Steve Bannon, the growth of the Epoch Times and its influence operation is quite impressive.

2. Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency

washingtontimes.com · by Jeb Babbin – 24 October 2020

Interesting analysis.  Very strange subtitle: "U.S. allies must not be allowed to control U.S. foreign policy with hostile countries."

I do not mean to highlight this excerpt as a partisan position (though the author expresses his view in the article) but it illustrates the two competing world views we have in the US.  Do alliances enhance US national security or not.  The answer to that question is critical to the way ahead for US foreign policy and national security.  And the focus of the Administration on the Quad and Quad Plus would seem to be counter to Mr. Babbin's analysis.  I hope that whether Trump is re-elected or Biden is elected the US will continue to pursue an Asian security structure that is built on strong relationships with friends, partners, and allies.

3. FDD | Yes, Virginia, the Trump Administration Does Have a China Strategy

fdd.org · by Cleo Paskal · October 23, 2020

Conclusion: The administration, and its partners, want to institutionalize as many elements of Comprehensive Multinational Defense as possible so that it can weather any changes in government in any of the partners. This is because they know it is the only strategy that can counter the Chinese Communist Party's relentless, brutal, "scientific approach" to resurrecting and expanding the reach of the Middle Kingdom's Comprehensive National Power. The strategy is clear, and focused, and likely the only thing that will work. Beijing knows it, which is why it is doing all is can to drive wedges in core elements like the Quad. Indo-Pacific allies and partners know it as well, and many are doing what they can to join and lead. It is starting to work. The only question is, will it continue?

4. How Big Tech factors into the US-China geopolitical competition

The Hill · by Emily de La Bruyère and Nathan Picarsic, opinion contributors · October 22, 2020

Conclusion: "There is a great power contest under way to define international architecture, though the U.S. may not have recognized it. This contest will decide global ideology, economics and security. The contest will be decided by scale. We might not like Big Tech, but we need it. This is a contest for the whole pie."

5. The China challenge: 'To get a sense of how bad relations might get, look back to Menzies'

The Guardian · by Richard McGregor · October 24, 2020

I still recommend Richard MacGregeor's book, "The Party," even though it is a decade old.  I think it still provides important insights into the CCP.

This is an Australian view of Chinese relations.

6. Xi invokes Chinese military might with US in mind

asiatimes.com · by Jing Xuan Teng · October 24, 2020

We have been warned. 

Excerpts:

By commemorating the anniversary "China is declaring to the US that it was not afraid of the US in the past, and is still not afraid of the US now", said Shi Yinhong, professor of international politics at Renmin University.

"It's to prepare for a possible limited military conflict with the US", Shi said.

7. Far-Right Groups Are Behind Most U.S. Terrorist Attacks, Report Finds

The New York Times · by Jenny Gross · October 24, 2020

Just the facts please.

Referenced in this article with the facts:

CSIS, "The War Comes Home: The Evolution of Domestic Terrorism in the United States," https://www.csis.org/analysis/war-comes-home-evolution-domestic-terrorism-united-states

NY Times: "Delayed Homeland Security Report Warns of 'Lethal' White Supremacy," https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/06/us/politics/homeland-security-white-supremacists-russia.html

8. How China Threatens American Democracy

Foreign Affairs · by Robert C. O'Brien · October 23, 2020

No one should be able to argue with this conclusion (except the Chinese and their fellow authoritarian regimes): "Lasting peace comes through strength. The United States is the strongest country on earth, and it must speak out, fight back, and above all, stay true to its principles - especially freedom of speech - which stand in stark contrast to the Marxist-Leninist ideology embraced by the CCP."

9. Are troops really leaving Germany? It's not totally clear.

militarytimes.com · by Meghann Myers · October 23, 2020

10. Australia's other special forces war: killing Islamic State

The Age · by Ben Mckelvey · October 24, 2020

11. From the bottom up, Army focusing on trust, relationships

Stars and Stripes – by Rose L. Thayer – 23 October 2020

12. Indonesia Deports 4 Uyghur Terrorism Convicts to China, Experts Say

benarnews.org

To certain incarceration in a gulag.

13. Senate urged to defund anti-communist task force (Philippines)

philstar.com · by Xave Gregorio

This "defund" thing has gained too much traction.

14. The U.S. Just Set a New Daily Record for COVID-19 Cases

TIME · by Chris Wilson

Graphic at the link: https://time.com/5903673/record-daily-coronavirus-cases/

15. Who Really Owes $1.6 Trillion Of Student Loans?

Forbes · by Zack Friedman · October 25, 2020

Interesting fact.  Most student loan debt is for graduate school. I did not know that though I had often heard that master’s degree programs were the cash cows for universities. 

16. Human Centered Design Is Revolutionizing How We Respond To Emergencies

Forbes · by Western Bonime · October 25, 2020

Conclusion: "Design has always held a unique place in our history. It is clear from early records that aesthetics have always been important to us and now doctors are discovering that it can also improve our health. Will it one day also create solutions that become legacies the way Olmsted's design for Central Park has inspired and supported generations? Bio inspired design through material innovation is creating solutions for reversing Global Warming so that Earth can become a legacy to our ability to change, to revere beauty over profit and human well being over greed. TM's work is an example of how, design together with government, can create solutions that impact the lives of people around the world in an instant, an instant that may well ripple forward for years to come."

17. JBLM has become an illegal dumping ground, endangering soldiers and the environment

thenewstribune.com – by Abbie Shull

I am saddened to read this. Fort Lewis was always one of the most beautiful installations.  I guess now soldiers are going to have to defend their training areas from illegal dumpers.

18.  Reflections on Becoming a (Amateur) Military Writer

groundedcuriosity.com · by Christopher Wooding · October 20, 2020

Good advice.  I would add for young first-time writers, consider that you have an opportunity to publish at Small Wars Journal.

19. The end of democracy? To many Americans, the future looks dark if the other side wins.

The Washington Post · October 25, 2020

Regardless of what you think about the OpEd text or about the state of partisanship in the US I think the title alone succinctly describes the American divide.  The question for those on both sides is whether they want to continue the great American experiment and will they continue to embrace the ideals embodied in our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. If we can answer yes to those questions, then we should be able to bridge the divide and return some medium of civility to the discourse and respect for those who have different political views.  Both slides should commit to the great American experiment and our Constitution.  If we do that, we can overcome any partisan divide.  The result of this election does not have to be "the end of the world as we know it" to borrow from REM.

"Unconventional warfare needs to remain the heart and soul of U.S. Special Operations Command and component commands."

- Brandon Webb

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

- Bill Keane

"Sixty years ago, at dawn on June 25, the Korean War broke out when Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea. In response, 16 member countries of the United Nations, including the United States, joined with the Republic of Korea to defend freedom. Over the next three years of fighting, about 37,000 Americans lost their lives. They fought for the freedom of Koreans they did not even know, and thanks to their sacrifices, the peace and democracy of the republic were protected... On the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, I remain grateful to America for having participated in the war. At that time, the Republic of Korea was one of the most impoverished countries, with an annual per capita income of less than $40. In 2009, my country became a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Assistance Committee, the first aid recipient to become a donor and in only one generation." - Myung-bak Lee, "A Note of Thanks" in The Los Angeles Times (25 June 2010)

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1.  South Korea warns North Korea invasion triggering war is 'undeniable historical fact'

2. Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency

3. China honors 'human wave' heroes of Korean War

4. South Korea offers alternative to conscription

5. Korean netizens rage over Chinese K-Pop idols celebrating China's military involvement in the Korean War

6. Korea's BTS Defeats China's PC Warriors

7. Ethereum researcher Virgil Griffith files motion to dismiss North Korea conspiracy charge

8. Lee Kun-hee, who made South Korea's Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78

9. North Korea Hits Bottom- Decision Time for the Young Chairman

10. S. Korea finds no evidence of flu vaccine's role in reported deaths

11. Political community split over legacies of late Samsung chief

12. FDD | One Term of 'Maximum Pressure' on North Korea

13. U.N. rights official slams N. Korea over killing of S. Korean at sea

14. N. Korea-China to enrich friendship, advance 'socialist achievement': N.K. paper

15. North Korea says China dust could spread COVID-19, warns people to stay inside

16. Did Kim Il-sung imagine his 'martyred' Chinese best friend Zhang Weihua?

17. S. Korea's public sphere plagued by English and confusing wording

1. South Korea warns North Korea invasion triggering war is 'undeniable historical fact'

Express · by Steven Brown · October 24, 2020

I am glad to see the South Korean government counter the Chinese and north Korean propaganda. While the historical fact seems so obvious to many (and most) of us there are many (perhaps most) in China and north Korea who do believe this.  And then there are a number of sympathizers around the world who do believe this.  I wish there would be more reporting on this than in the UK Express. I have not seen strong reporting on this in the South Korean press.

Excerpts:

The Seoul government said: "Debates on the outbreak of the Korean War and related matters have already ended internationally, and such clear historical facts cannot change.

"Our government is paying keen attention to related developments and is having necessary communication with the Chinese side on matters of our interest.

"That the Korean War broke out due to North Korea's invasion is an undeniable historical fact."

2. Iran, China and North Korea have the most to gain from a Biden presidency

washingtontimes.com - by Jed Babbin – 24 October 2020

Interesting analysis.  Very strange subtitle: "U.S. allies must not be allowed to control U.S. foreign policy with hostile countries."

I do not mean to highlight this excerpt as a partisan position (though the author expresses his view in the article) but it illustrates the two competing world views we have in the US.  Do alliances enhance US national security or not.  The answer to that question is critical to the way ahead for US foreign policy and national security.  And the focus of the Administration on the Quad and Quad Plus would seem to be counter to Mr. Babbin's analysis.  I hope that whether Trump is re-elected or Biden is elected the US will continue to pursue an Asian security structure that is built on strong relationships with friends, partners, and allies.

3. China honors 'human wave' heroes of Korean War

asiatimes.com · by Andrew Salmon · October 24, 2020

When I think about this aspect of the war I find it incredible that soldiers would fight using these tactics (of course they had no choice because to turn around meant certain death as well - and we should think hard about a country and a mindset that would make these demands on its volunteers and be so willing to expend human lives in this way). BUt I also think about what it must have been like to face this kind of onslaught from the enemy.  

Photos and Chinese movies Trailer, "Sacrifice" at the link: https://asiatimes.com/2020/10/china-honors-human-wave-heroes-of-korean-war/

4. South Korea offers alternative to conscription

asiatimes.com · by Kang Jin-kyu · October 25, 2020

If the South Korean government does not develop a comprehensive and robust reserve military structure the declining demographics of the military age male in South Korea is going to have severe national security effects.  See the demographic analysis conducted by Dr. Bruce Bennett at RAND on what may very well be the future (negative) effects.

5. Korean netizens rage over Chinese K-Pop idols celebrating China's military involvement in the Korean War

allkpop.com

Interesting graphics comparing the "coalitions" supporting the South and the north.  It is good to see the UN Command represented on this youth website. The youth in Korea should know the UN and the world came to the defense of the South's freedom.

6. Korea's BTS Defeats China's PC Warriors

spectator.org · by Doug Bandow · October 24, 2020

Seemingly not the usual piece from Doug Bandow but he does use this controversy to reinforce his critical views of US foreign policy and national security, past and present.

7. Ethereum researcher Virgil Griffith files motion to dismiss North Korea conspiracy charge

cointelegraph.com · by Andrew Thurman

We need to prosecute all those who provide support to north Korea and who violate US law.

8. Lee Kun-hee, who made South Korea's Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78

Reuters · by Joyce Lee, Hyunjoo Jin, Cynthia Kim · October 25, 2020

This is a big deal in Korea and will be the subject of some controversy.

9. North Korea Hits Bottom- Decision Time for the Young Chairman

https://naeia.com/links/f/north-korea-hits-bottom--decision-time-for-the-young-chairman - by Bill Brown – 23 October 2020

There are very few people who know and understand (and can explain) the north Korean economy.  Bill Brown is one of the very best.  There is a lot to parse in this excellent analysis.

10. S. Korea finds no evidence of flu vaccine's role in reported deaths

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · October 25, 2020

But there is a lack of confidence in the flu vaccines and this can have long term consequences.

11. Political community split over legacies of late Samsung chief

en.yna.co.kr · by 장동우 · October 25, 2020

This is another indicator of the political divide that exists in South Korea.

12. FDD | One Term of 'Maximum Pressure' on North Korea

fdd.org · by Thomas Joscelyn · October 22, 2020

A key excerpt:

Too often, policy wonks and officials pretend that they have all the answers, and that their preferred policies are necessarily superior to alternatives. But the world is a messy, complex place. Sometimes there are no good or easy answers, and events have to dictate one's actions. With refreshing candor, McMaster recognizes that "maximum pressure" was a test-and hardly a sure thing.

"We were testing a thesis that the United States and other nations could force Kim Jong-un to envision a future in which he continued to rule in an increasingly prosperous North, and thus conclude that he and his regime were safer without nuclear weapons than they were with them," McMaster writes.

We do not claim to have all the answers but we do offer a proposed strategy here that applies to either a Trump or Biden administration:  https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2019/12/3/maximum-pressure-2/

13. U.N. rights official slams N. Korea over killing of S. Korean at sea

en.yna.co.kr · by 황장진 · October 24, 2020

There is no question this was a fundamental human rights violation.  COVID defense or not this is not the way you treat a human being.

14. N. Korea-China to enrich friendship, advance 'socialist achievement': N.K. paper

en.yna.co.kr · by 장동우 · October 25, 2020

Unfortunately, the only socialist achievement of the north (other than continuing to allow the Kim family regime to survive) has been the development of nuclear weapons and missiles.  The economic numbers, according to the analysis by Bill Brown are abysmal.

15. North Korea says China dust could spread COVID-19, warns people to stay inside

The Korea Times · October 25, 2020

Way to bite the hand that could feed you. Of course, the regime M.O. is to blame anything and anyone except the regime.

16. Did Kim Il-sung imagine his 'martyred' Chinese best friend Zhang Weihua?

scmp.com – by Maria Siow

Some interesting "history." The key phrase from the article is a subheading: "political expediency."

17. S. Korea's public sphere plagued by English and confusing wording

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/english_editorials/966170.html?fbclid=IwAR2Ybp3UgT_3-5utJ-HwdW4p4MrzKZcsA2iwNV3xr6hwsoGyee1WtHphaBk

Of course, language and cultures are inextricably linked.  But I question what the author and the Hankyoreh Ilbo thinks is true democratization. I do not think the hard-left progressives in South want "true" democratization as much as impose their hard course socialists views on the South.  But the blame on the elites and the use of foreign words to prevent "true" democracy is typical of lefts (and north Korean) propaganda.

"Unconventional warfare needs to remain the heart and soul of U.S. Special Operations Command and component commands."

- Brandon Webb

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

- Bill Keane

"Sixty years ago, at dawn on June 25, the Korean War broke out when Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea. In response, 16 member countries of the United Nations, including the United States, joined with the Republic of Korea to defend freedom. Over the next three years of fighting, about 37,000 Americans lost their lives. They fought for the freedom of Koreans they did not even know, and thanks to their sacrifices, the peace and democracy of the republic were protected... On the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, I remain grateful to America for having participated in the war. At that time, the Republic of Korea was one of the most impoverished countries, with an annual per capita income of less than $40. In 2009, my country became a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Assistance Committee, the first aid recipient to become a donor and in only one generation." - Myung-bak Lee, "A Note of Thanks" in The Los Angeles Times (25 June 2010)