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MUNICH (AP) — Top diplomats from the U.S. and China on Friday held a “candid and constructive” discussion on issues vexing their strained relations over Taiwan, the situation in the South China Sea, Russia’s war against Ukraine and synthetic opioids, the State Department said. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken had emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait as well as expanding on nascent counternarcotics efforts. Blinken also raised concerns about China's support for Russia’s defense industrial base that Washington sees as helping Moscow’s military operations against Ukraine. “The two sides had a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship,” Miller said. Photos You Should See View All 33 Images“Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the United States and (China) across a range of strategic issues, including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months,” he said.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Wang Yi, Joe Biden, Matthew Miller, Blinken, ” Miller, Blinken “, ” Organizations: —, State Department, Foreign, Munich, California . State Department, Washington, Ukraine, North Locations: MUNICH, U.S, China, Taiwan, South China, Ukraine, California ., Taiwan Strait, United States, North Korea

☆ Explainer-What Are the Security Deals Ukraine Is Discussing With Allies?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

We need NATO membership," said Ihor Zhovkva, the Ukrainian president's foreign affairs adviser. In these supplements, we define the concrete scope, concrete things, concrete spheres. France and Germany look on course to agree security commitments with Ukraine soon. President Emmanuel Macron was expected to finalise a bilateral security commitment deal in Ukraine this month, but he postponed the trip for security reasons. Zhovkva said there was no need for Ukraine to rush to agree deals.

Persons: Tom Balmforth, Ihor Zhovkva, Zhovkva, Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine's Zhovkva, Olena Harmash, John Irish, Ros Russell Organizations: Tom Balmforth KYIV, NATO, Seven, Kyiv, WHO, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Vilnius, Ukrainian, London, Britain, Russian, Russia, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Denmark, France, Germany, Paris, Budapest, United States, Kyiv

☆ US, EU Discuss Russia Sanctions Ahead of Ukraine War's Second Anniversary
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

"Many of us are prepared to roll out quite robust anniversary packages," the official told Reuters, but declined to provide details. The new sanctions would come as the U.S. and its allies look to maintain pressure on Russia with U.S. military aid to Ukraine increasingly in doubt. "All delegations expressed their support to the proposed package, except one who requested a bit more time to analyze the content of the proposals," said an EU official, pointing to Hungary. The official said, however, the new EU sanctions would blacklist almost 200 people and entities. "The Russia sanctions program is both an extraordinary success and an extraordinary failure, depending upon one's point of view," said Smith.

Persons: Daphne Psaledakis, Gabriela Baczynska WASHINGTON, Joe Biden's, John Smith, Smith, Gabriela Baczynska, Don Durfee Organizations: Reuters, Kyiv, Republican, Representatives, Washington, EU, Wednesday, Russia, U.S . Treasury Department’s, Foreign Assets Control Locations: BRUSSELS, U.S, Russia, Brussels, Ukraine, Washington, EU, Hungary, Moscow, Lincoln

☆ US raises concerns about cozying relations between Russia and North Korea
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Katie Bo Lillis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

In January, high-ranking North Korean and Russian diplomats met in Moscow in advance of what North Korean state media says is a forthcoming visit to Pyongyang by Russian President Vladimir Putin himself — his first in more than 20 years. Trade with Russia could also further weaken the sanctions regime the US has placed on North Korea, also accelerating its economy and potentially bolstering its arms development program. As always with North Korea, deciphering how the hermit kingdom may respond is like reading chicken bones. For weeks, a blog post on an influential North Korea watchers website written by two former analysts circulated within the US government. If anything, some analysts believe, North Korea’s public statements signal that North Korea is abandoning its reunification policy in pursuit of peace on the peninsula.

Persons: Kim Jong, Vladimir Putin, —, Biden, Jake Sullivan, Kim, ”, “, ” Jeffrey Lewis, Lewis, ” Lewis, Sydney Seiler, Seiler, ” Kim doesn’t, “ That’s, “ Kim, it’s, We’re, ” Seiler, we’ll Organizations: CNN, North, Russia, Intelligence, White House, DPRK, Democratic People’s, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, North Korean, National Intelligence Council, US Locations: North Korea, Washington, South Korea, Russia, Moscow, Pyongyang, Russian, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic, Soviet Union, United States, North, China, Beijing, Japan, Korean

☆ Japan's 'Big Whale' submarines add another weapon to bottle up China's navy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Ben Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Named, JS Raigei (“Thunder Whale” in Japanese), the diesel-electric attack sub is the fourth boat of the Taigei-class , which translates to “big whale.”Its launch comes almost exactly one year after the launch of the third Taigei-class sub, JS Jingei (or “Swift Whale”). With a building time of about two years each, Japan has launched a new Taigei-class sub every year since 2020. China’s current sub fleet, numbering some 59 boats, includes approximately 10 improved Kilo-class , 12 Type 039-class , and 21 Type 039A-class diesel-electric attack subs. Japan is building a larger submarine fleet but it is still only about a third the size of China's. AdvertisementJapan has so far launched four Taigei-class submarines since 2018; JS Taigei, JS Hakugei, JS Jingei, and JS Raigei.

Persons: —, JS, Japan’s, ”, Li Organizations: Service, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, JS Raigei, Jingei, Self, Defense Force, AIP, JS Ōryū, JS Tōryū, JS Taigei, US Navy, Center for Strategic, International Studies, JS Hakugei, JS Jingei Locations: Japan, Kobe, Soviet Union, Russia, China, Beijing, Taiwan, East, South China, Miyako Strait, Philippines, Australia, South

☆ Can Germany’s sputtering economy be revived in 2024?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Europe’s biggest economy shrank last year for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. And the outlook isn’t much brighter: the International Monetary Fund predicts that Germany will be the slowest-growing major economy in 2024, eking out an increase of just 0.5%. “Germany needs a fundamental economic transformation,” Marcel Fratzcher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin, told CNN. Carsten Koall/Getty ImagesHomegrown troublesAlongside an external environment that has become more hostile to Germany’s outward-facing economy, the country’s internal political climate has worsened. Businesses such as these, which can find new markets and applications for their know-how, may hold the key to reviving Germany’s moribund economy.

Persons: What’s, ” Marcel Fratzcher, ”, Carsten Brzeski, Jens Schlueter, Constanze Stelzenmuller, Christian Lindner, Olaf Scholz, Robert Habeck, Carsten Koall, Michael Probst, Karl Haeusgen, ” Sebastian Shukla, Chris Stern Organizations: London CNN — Trains, Lufthansa, International Monetary Fund, European Union, European Commission, German Institute for Economic Research, CNN, ING, Brookings Institution, Volkswagen, Biden, Free Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party and, Green Party, Deutsche, LinkedIn, Investors, SAP, chipmaker Infineon, Intel, MAN Energy Solutions, Germany’s Machinery, Equipment Manufacturers Association Locations: Europe’s, Germany, Ukraine, Berlin, Europe, China, Zwickau, United States, Russia, “, Japan, masse, Frankfurt, ”, Hamburg, Jungheinrich, Augsburg, Munich, Esbjerg, Denmark

Senators conducted a late-night vote Friday, advancing to next steps as they spin through objections from a core group of Republicans. More closely aligned with Donald Trump, the GOP's presidential front-runner, the Republican senators aren't putting a priority on stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion. Attendance slipped Friday night as senators advanced the bill, 64-19, with 14 Republicans joining Democrats to move it forward. "The failure of the United States Congress, if it occurs, not to support Ukraine, is close to criminal neglect,” Biden said. In a key vote Thursday, 17 Republican senators agreed to start debate on the bill — but 31 voted against it.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Donald Trump, aren't, Vladimir Putin's, Chuck Schumer, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden, ” Biden, Olaf Scholz, Trump, ” Sen, Mike Lee, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, ” McConnell, Sen, Dan Sullivan, ” Sullivan, Senators groused, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Bernie Sanders, Sanders, Netanyahu, “, ”, Chris Van Hollen, Mike Johnson Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S, Senate, Republican, New York Democrat, Republicans, Democrats, Ukraine, White, United States Congress, GOP, Capitol, Senators, European Union Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, Israel, U.S, Europe, Taiwan, China, Gaza, Central, United States, Utah, Alaska, Rafah, “, Vermont, Maryland, Washington

Scholz arrived in Washington ready to amplify an argument Biden himself has been making for months now: A Russian win in Ukraine would imperil the West and its allies. He's also looking to highlight that Germany continues to provide robust funding for Ukraine despite budget constraints. Scholz is emphasizing the stakes of the debate for Europe and beyond as House Republicans have blocked new U.S. funding. Heather Conley, president of the German Marshall Fund in Washington, said that Scholz will be looking to hear from Biden on his “Plan B” if Congress remains at loggerheads over funding for Ukraine. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden would make clear to Scholz that despite the “dysfunction” in the House over Ukraine funding, there's broad bipartisan support to continue to back Kyiv.

Persons: Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, Scholz, Biden, He's, “, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Heather Conley, ” Conley, John Kirby, ”, ” Kirby, ” Scholz, Tracy Brown, Moulson Organizations: WASHINGTON, Ukraine, Republicans, Israel, Union, German Marshall Fund, . National Security, Washington, NATO, AP Locations: Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Washington, Germany, United States, Kyiv, Russian, Israel, U.S, underscoring, House, Kyiv . U.S, Berlin

Lawmakers have conveyed as much directly to the White House, a US official told CNN. Biden met with House and Senate lawmakers at the White House on Wednesday to outline what is at stake for Ukraine. House Speaker Mike Johnson makes a statement alongside Reps. Mike Turner, Mike Rogers and Mike McCaul on January 17, outside the White House. Privately, some US and Western officials say there could be as many as five more years of fighting. In the near term, Ukraine may be able to hang on, albeit in a stalemate, without US support, a Western intelligence source said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Jake Sullivan, National Intelligence Avril Haines, Mike Johnson, I’ve, ‘, ’ ” Johnson, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, ”, ” Biden, Mike Turner, Mike Rogers, Mike McCaul, Samuel Corum, Donald Trump, Trump, Mike Quigley, CNN Max, “ He’s, Putin, outlast, “, Sen, Lindsey Graham, Michael McCaul, ” Said, Kostiantyn, don’t, Volodymyr Zelensky, Gitanas Nauseda, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ints Kalnins, ” Zelenskyy, ” Trump, Alexi J . Rosenfeld, frontloading Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, White, Pentagon, Defense, National Intelligence, White House, NATO, Republicans, Getty, Kyiv, ” Democratic, Administration, Trump, Republican, Biden, Ukrainian National Guard, Army Tactical Missile Systems, Reuters, Russian Central Bank Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Kyiv, Europe, Ukrainian, Kreminna, Donetsk Oblast, Moscow, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Sevastopol, Melitopol, Vilnius, Lithuania, New York City, West

☆ Russia has shifted beyond its 'stupid' missile attack strategy, and it is bad news for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementRussia has changed its longstanding missile strategy to one that could have worse effects for Ukraine's effort on the battlefield, experts say. During its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has used its guided missiles to knock out the heating and electrical systems Ukrainians need to get through the winter. A local resident takes a photo of a missile crater and debris of a private house ruined in the Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, in December 2023. Related storiesThat involves targeting Ukraine's equipment, either at the manufacturing plants or while it is en route the front line. But Russia is increasing its missile production, and Ukraine says it desperately needs more air defense systems, as Russia tries to wear them down.

Persons: —, I'm, Fabian Hoffmann, Hoffmann, it's, Ukraine Vitalii, Timothy Wright, Russia's Organizations: Service, AP, University of Oslo, Ukrainian Armed Forces, Getty, International Institute for Strategic Studies Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Russian, Kyiv, Norway, Poland

☆ The 'crown jewel' of the Chinese military appears to have a serious corruption problem, but the US can't afford to bet on its missiles all being defective
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Recent reports point to corruption and readiness problems in the Chinese military, the rocket force in particular. In the aftermath of the report, an ex-PLA official told Radio Free Asia problems like this have long been rampant in the Chinese military. The rocket force shakeups suggest that there are questions over who can be trusted. Xinhua/Cha Chunming via Getty ImagesConcerns about corruption and readiness stand in contrast with the modernization and strengthening of the Chinese military. Is the PLA, particularly the rocket force, the increasingly formidable force the Pentagon described in a military power report last October?

Persons: It's, —, Tom Shugart, Xi Jinping, that's, hotpot, hadn't, bigwig, Xi, Liu Dawei, Shugart, weren't, Lintao Zhang, Li Shangfu, Li Gang, ISW, there's, Andy Wong Organizations: Service, People's Liberation Army, US, Center, New, New American Security, Liberation Army, Getty Images, Bloomberg, PLA, Rocket Force, Radio Free, 14th China International Aviation, Aerospace Exhibition, Getty, Liberation Army Rocket, Business, United, Naval, Army, Air Force, Communist, of, Defense, Chinese Communist Party, Liberation Army's Army Infantry College, Li, Pentagon, U.S . Nimitz, US Army Locations: New American, Taiwan, Hefei, Anhui province, Radio Free Asia, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, Xinhua, United States, Beijing, China, PLA, Gutian, Jiangxi Province, U.S, Tiananmen, Pamir, Kashgar, China's Xinjiang, Pacific

☆ New US rules on Chinese batteries could push up price of electric cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hong Kong CNN —The US government has announced new regulations that aim to keep Chinese batteries out of cars sold in the United States, a move that could push up the price of electric vehicles for American drivers. China is the world’s leader in EV battery production, dominating almost “every stage of the EV battery supply chain,” according to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Tesla is a longtime customer of China’s CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker. Doubling downThe new measures add to existing efforts by Washington to redirect auto manufacturing to the United States. “Financial incentives play an important role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” researchers at George Washington University found in a 2022 study.

Persons: Biden, ” John Podesta, “, John Bozzella, ”, Tesla, China’s CATL, CATL, Jeff Kowalsky Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, EV, International Energy Agency, US Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy, Treasury, Officials, IEA, “, Alliance, Automotive Innovation, Ford, Getty, George Washington University, ” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Locations: Hong Kong, United States, China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, America, Michigan, Washington, North America, Dearborn , Michigan, AFP, Europe, Beijing

It’s still not clear which vehicles would be eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit under the new rules because the government has yet to publish any lists. But they are still years away from being able to produce an electric vehicle without materials and components from China. Sam Abuelsamid, a mobility analyst for Guidehouse Insights, expects many EVs now eligible for the full $7,500 U.S. tax credit will see that cut in half next year when the new regulations take effect. Getting the tax credit upfront — rather than waiting until filing tax returns next year — “will actually reduce your monthly payment, which is a major stumbling block for consumers,” he said. Adeyemo and other officials declined to say whether batteries from the Ford plant would qualify for tax credits.

Persons: —, Biden, Joe Biden's, It’s, Wally Adeyemo, David Turk, Adeyemo, Turk, John Bozzella, Sam Abuelsamid, EVs, Abuelsamid, — “, ”, Joe Manchin, Manchin, Janet Yellen, Ford, Tom Krisher Organizations: WASHINGTON, Treasury, Energy, EV, Administration, “, Motors, Hyundai, Ford, GM, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Guidehouse, Democratic, Natural Resources Committee, Ford Motor Co, Amperex Technology, Associated Press Locations: U.S, China, United States, North Korea, Russia, Iran, North America, Michigan, Detroit

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (AP) — From underwater drones to electronic warfare, the U.S. is expanding its high-tech military cooperation with Australia and the United Kingdom as part of a broader effort to counter China’s rapidly growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with defense chiefs from Australia and the United Kingdom at the U.S. military’s defense technology hub in Silicon Valley on Friday to forge a new agreement to increase technology cooperation and information sharing. The three nations have laid out plans for the so-called AUKUS partnership to help equip Australia with a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. AUKUS is an acronym for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. He added that as an island nation, Australia has a need for improved maritime drones and precision strike capabilities.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Richard Marles, Grant Shapps, Austin, Marles, Shapps, we’ve, aren’t, Adam Bry, Alex Horn, Horn Organizations: Pacific . Defense, Australian Defense, Defense Innovation Unit, Britain, U.S, Australian Navy, Solomon Islands, warfighters, Air Force, Morris Air National Guard Base Locations: California, U.S, Australia, United Kingdom, Silicon Valley, United States, Virginia, Adelaide, China, Pacific, South China, Beijing, Solomon, Taiwan, DIU, Arizona

☆ An expired remnant of the Iran nuclear deal may help Russia rearm for another winter of missile attacks on Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Paul Iddon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A UN Security Council resolution passed in the days after the 2015 Iran nuclear deal has expired. That could lead Russia to seek ballistic missiles from Iran as it steps up its attacks on Ukraine. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was passed in July 2015, days after the US and Iran agreed on the Iran nuclear deal. Russia continues to produce its own missiles and drones, but its constant attacks on Ukraine have strained its supplies. Iran's Zolfaghar Basir, top, and Dezful short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in Tehran in January 2022.

Persons: —, Morteza, Iran's Zolfaghar, Anton Mardasov, Mardasov, Rosoboronexport, Farzin, Moscow hasn't, Nadimi, Paul Iddon Organizations: UN Security, Service, UN, EU, Missile Technology Control, Iran's, Washington, UN Security Council, Moscow, Iranian, Business, Mardasov, Iranian Army, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images, Washington Institute for Near East Locations: Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Moscow, France, Germany, China, Tehran, Shahed, Russian, East, Syria, Israel, Arab, Iranian, Getty Images Russia

☆ Watching Ukraine burn through ammo fighting Russia has the US Army rethinking how much it really needs for when war breaks out
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Both sides of the war in Ukraine have burned through insane amounts of ammo, straining stockpiles globally. AdvertisementWith both sides of the war in Ukraine burning through ammo at astonishing rates, the US Army says it's rethinking what it needs for a potential large-scale future fight. Ukrainian artillery fires towards the frontline during heavy fighting amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near Bakhmut, Ukraine, April 13, 2023. Even in the face of heavy Western sanctions and a pariah status that have severely limited its ammo production, it's still been able to bolster its stockpiles. But in that roundtable earlier this month, Bush denied any shells intended for Ukraine had been given to Israel instead.

Persons: —, Douglas R, Bush, Kai Pfaffenbach, it's, Vladimir Putin, Kim Kong Un, It's, Pierre Crom, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Israel Organizations: US Army, Business, Army, Service, Acquisition, Logistics, Technology, REUTERS, - Mobility, NATO, North, Ukraine's Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Bakhmut, North Korea, Toretsk, Kyiv

☆ Australia plans to boost AUKUS tech-sharing, restrict 'foreign' access
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The law is meant to replicate U.S. export controls to defence technology, seen as a key step to beginning the AUKUS plan to build a new class of nuclear-powered submarine in Australia and Britain. The proposed law creates three criminal offences, further restricts sharing of defence technology to foreign persons inside and outside Australia, while allowing licence-free sharing among the AUKUS partners. "This is pivotal legislation which is critical for establishing a seamless industrial base with our AUKUS partners," Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Tuesday. Australia needs to reform its defence industry to remove "burdensome red tape" with Britain and the U.S., he added. Australia's science academy said on Tuesday it was concerned at the impact on scientific collaboration with other nations, including China.

Persons: Richard Marles, Leon Neal, Chennupati Jagadish, Jagadish, Kirsty Needham, Gerry Doyle Organizations: UK Artificial Intelligence, Rights, U.S . State Department of, U.S . Congress, Australian Academy of Science, Thomson Locations: Bletchley, Britain, United States, Australia, Virginia, U.S, China, Canberra

☆ Australia Plans to Boost AUKUS Tech-Sharing, Restrict 'Foreign' Access
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

Persons: Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Richard Marles, Chennupati Jagadish, Jagadish, Kirsty Needham, Gerry Doyle Organizations: U.S . State Department of, U.S . Congress, Australian Academy of Science Locations: United States, Australia, Britain, Virginia, U.S, China, Canberra

☆ India, US begin talks to boost partnership amid 'global challenges'
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Defence remains one of the most important pillars of our bilateral relationship," Singh said in opening remarks at the meeting. "In spite of various emerging geopolitical challenges, we need to keep our focus on important and long-term issues." Austin said it was more important than ever that the world's two largest democracies exchange views, find common goals, and deliver for our people, "in the face of urgent global challenges". "Together we have been taking very concrete steps to deliver on the vision that our two leaders put forward," Blinken said. Jaishankar said the dialogue would help build "a forward-looking partnership while we construct a shared global agenda".

Persons: Antony Blinken, Lloyd Austin, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rajnath Singh, Friday's, Singh, Austin, Narendra Modi's, Joe Biden's, Blinken, Jaishankar, Biden's, Xi Jinping, YP Rajesh, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: India's, Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swaraj Bhavan, Indian, Defence, Economic Cooperation, YP, Thomson Locations: DELHI, India, United States, Washington, Gaza, Ukraine, South Asia, New Delhi, Japan, Australia, China, Asia, San Francisco . India, Delhi, Russia

REUTERS/Sergio Perez Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - European Union (EU) energy ministers last month struck a deal to reform the bloc's power market. German power market forwards for 2024 and 2025LIGHT-TOUCH REFORMEuropean power prices have fallen a long way from their 2022 peaks, when the region was still reeling from the reduction in Russian gas supplies. EU member states were deeply split on proposals for more fundamental reform of Europe's power market to allow for a complete break of the gas-power price linkage. The hard-won compromise keeps the existing market mechanism, which its supporters claim is more efficient than other models in a liberalised electricity market. The bloc's power prices have historically been twice those of the U.S., but are now three or four times higher.

Persons: Sergio Perez, Teresa Ribera, Bernard Respaut, Mats Gustavsson, Boliden, Gustavsson, Respaut, Jan Harvey Organizations: REUTERS, Union, Spain's Energy, Producers, European Copper Institute, EU, Alcoa, PPA, European Commission, Metals, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain, Ukraine, San, EU, U.S, Ireland, Europe

☆ Australian PM tells US House speaker he hopes AUKUS legislation passes this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( David Brunnstrom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met the new speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and said he hoped the U.S. Congress would pass legislation related to the AUKUS submarine project this year. "We, of course, have important legislation required for AUKUS," Albanese told Johnson at the start of their meeting. "We are certainly hoping that the Congress can pass that legislation this year." Budget wrangling and the lack of a speaker for several weeks until Johnson's appointment interrupted the U.S. legislative process in Congress, and Australian officials have expressed concern about delays in approving legislation needed to move the AUKUS project forward. Officials and experts and say this is important for the success of AUKUS given the need to share U.S. technology both in the submarine project and a second AUKUS pillar involving three-way cooperation on high-tech weaponry.

Persons: Joe Biden, Anthony Albanese, Rishi Sunak, Leah Millis, Albanese, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Biden, Mara Karlin, Biden's, Joe Courtney, Courtney, David Brunnstrom, Rod Nickel Organizations: Australian, British, U.S, Naval Base Point, San Diego , California U.S, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . House, Capitol, Republicans, Pentagon, Democratic, Australia Caucus, National Defense, Republican, U.S . Navy, Thomson Locations: Australia, United Kingdom, Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego , California, Washington, U.S, United States, Britain, Australia Virginia

☆ Biden and Albanese Say the U.S. and Australia Stand Together With Israel
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Katie Rogers | More About Katie Rogers | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

President Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia expressed their shared condemnation of the Hamas attack this month on Israeli civilians and soldiers, saying during a state visit on Wednesday that they would stand with Israel. In recent months, the Australians have accelerated efforts to supply missiles for the United States and expand joint military cooperation and training between the two countries. At one point, Mr. Albanese invoked the words of Mr. Biden’s late son, Beau, to emphasize the strength of their partnership: “When there’s an Australian with you, they’ll always have your back.” Mr. Biden bowed his head. The Biden administration is relying on Congress to pass legislation that would allow for the shipment of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, as part of an agreement called AUKUS among the United States, Britain and Australia. U.S. officials said before the visit that Mr. Biden would tell the prime minister that the United States would fulfill that promise.

Persons: Biden, Anthony Albanese, Mr, Albanese, ”, “, Richard Marles, . Albanese, Biden’s, Beau, there’s, they’ll, ” Mr, Israel “, Mira Rapp, Hooper, Charles Edel, Edel Organizations: White, China, Biden administration’s, East, Biden, Center for Strategic, International Studies Locations: Israel, United States, Australia, Ukraine, Britain, East Asia, Oceania, China, Papua New Guinea

Gas accounted for around 51% of Italy's total electricity generation in 2022, making the country the most gas-reliant among Europe's largest economies, data from Ember shows. INDUSTRIAL BASEKey to natural gas' staying power in Italy's generation mix is the country's high level of industrial energy demand. However, Italy's power costs have climbed sharply since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 cut natural gas supplies to Western Europe and sent regional power costs soaring. This week's ENI deal offers additional protection for consumers by further reducing Italy's reliance on Russia for natural gas supplies, even as it cements Qatar's position as Italy's top LNG supplier. Higher gas supplies may also help reduce overall power costs, and in turn should help boost the competitiveness of Italy-based businesses relative to regional rivals.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Gavin Maguire, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: REUTERS, Italy's ENI SpA, Gas, Energy Institute, United States, Department of Commerce, LSEG, ENI, Reuters, Thomson Locations: LITTLETON , Colorado, QatarEnergy, Southern, Italy, Europe Italy, Europe, United, Ukraine, Western Europe, Germany, Russia, United States, Algeria, Qatar

☆ China's massive navy is only getting bigger, and the US is looking overseas for help keeping its warships in action
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Christopher Woody | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

For years, the US Navy has struggled to complete repairs of its ships on time. To reduce workload at domestic shipyards and keep ships at sea, the US is looking for help overseas. That number has improved, but delays persist amid other challenges at Navy shipyards. Salvor was the first ship repaired in India following the signing of a Master Ship Repair Agreement with L&T Shipyard. "It's all hands on deck within the free world right now, and I think something like that would simultaneously enhance our ability to repair ships more quickly and also be a deterrent in the Pacific."

Persons: —, MCS3 Brandon Roberson, Biden, USNS Charles Drew, USNS Matthew Perry, Salvor, Fitzgerald, Leonard Adams, Carlos Del Toro, Charles Drew, Del Toro, Joel Garcia Japan, Rahm Emanuel, Emanuel, Harry Harris Jr, Harris, Paul, Wendy Hallmark, Rob Wittman, Wittman, Mike Gallagher, Gallagher Organizations: US Navy, Service, Pentagon, Navy, MCS3 Brandon Roberson Public, Maritime Sealift Command, USNS, Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, USNS Salvor, T Shipyard, Military Sealift Command, Mazgaon, Goa Shipyard, Getty, US, White, National Press, Nikkei Asia, US Military Sealift Command, Pacific Command, USS, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Republican, House Armed Services Committee, Capitol, Strategic Competition Locations: Western, Washington, China, Norfolk, India, Chennai, Shipbuilders, Mumbai, Goa, Japan, Asia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, extremis, USS Minneapolis, St, United States

☆ China's fighter jet fleet is growing in size and appears to have made a big jump in capability, new Pentagon report shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

US Department of Defense released its annual China Military Power Report to Congress last week. The Chinese fighter jet fleet appears to have not only grown in size but, more importantly, also in overall capability. AdvertisementAdvertisementA new report from the Pentagon details China's expanding military power, including the growth of its fighter jet fleet, which appears to have also experienced a jump in capability. The Pentagon's report notes that China's fighter jet fleet has both expanded and apparently improved. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesExamples of China's fourth-generation fighter aircraft include the Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-16, and Shenyang J-15.

Persons: —, Xi, Liu Dawei, they've, Matthew P, Funaiole Organizations: of Defense, China, Service, US Department of Defense, People's Liberation Army, PLA, PLA Air Force, PLA Navy, PLAN, PLAN Aviation, DoD, The Air Force, Air, Air Force Aviation University, CFOTO, Publishing, Getty, Shenyang J, 14th China International Aviation, Aerospace Exhibition, Pentagon, China Power Project, Center for Strategic, International Studies Locations: People's Republic of China, China, United States, Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Chengdu, Shenyang, Chinese, Liaoning, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, Xinhua, Russian

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