TLDR;
This episode of China Uncensored covers several key issues, including Nathan Law's deportation from Singapore, Canada's military preparations in the Arctic, the controversy surrounding Chinese flag-raising ceremonies in US cities, the Pentagon's push to increase weapons production in anticipation of potential conflict with China, China's "constructive kill" manoeuvre against Royal Navy ships, concerns over China's preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan, and the US Space Force's warning about China's growing space capabilities.
- Nathan Law, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, was deported from Singapore, highlighting the political tensions and extradition risks faced by exiled dissidents.
- Canada is increasing its military presence in the Arctic through Operation Nanuk to counter China's growing interest in the region's resources.
- Chinese flag-raising ceremonies in US cities like Philadelphia and San Francisco have sparked controversy, with critics viewing them as endorsements of the CCP.
- The Pentagon is ramping up weapons production to prepare for potential conflict with China, addressing concerns about depleted stockpiles.
- China's "constructive kill" manoeuvre against Royal Navy ships in the South China Sea is seen as a form of psychological warfare.
- US intelligence is warning about China's preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan, including the use of modified commercial ferries.
- The US Space Force has identified China as the primary threat in space, citing the rapid advancement of the CCP's space capabilities.
Nathan Law's Deportation from Singapore [0:16]
Nathan Law, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, was denied entry to Singapore and subsequently deported back to San Francisco. Law, who fled Hong Kong in 2020 during the CCP takeover and is now on a Hong Kong wanted list, could have faced extradition due to Singapore's treaty with Hong Kong. However, Singaporean authorities chose to deport him instead, a decision Law believes was politically motivated. A Singaporean official stated that Law's presence in the country would not be in Singapore's national interests, confirming the political nature of the deportation.
Canada's Arctic Military Preparations [1:22]
Canada's military is preparing for potential confrontation with China in the Arctic, a region rich in minerals that China desires. China has been increasing its presence in the Arctic, sending ships for exploration and conducting joint drills with Russia. In response, Canada is undertaking Operation Nanuk, involving its Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, to maintain a presence and conduct surveillance in the Arctic. The operation aims to assert Canadian sovereignty and protect its interests in the face of growing Chinese activity.
Controversy Over Chinese Flag-Raising in US Cities [2:29]
Philadelphia and San Francisco have faced criticism for holding Chinese flag-raising ceremonies at city hall to mark the anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's founding. The city's office of immigrant affairs claims this is to promote cultural ties with its sister city, Tianjin. Critics, including Representative John Molinar and Uyghur activist Rashan Abbas, argue that these ceremonies are inappropriate given the CCP's human rights abuses and destruction of culture. Local officials defend the move as a celebration of the Chinese community and not necessarily an endorsement of the Chinese government, but this justification has been widely criticised.
Pentagon's Push for Increased Weapons Production [4:52]
The Pentagon is ordering weapons factories to increase production in preparation for potential war with China. This includes key items such as Patriot air defence systems, long-range anti-ship missiles, precision strike missiles, and the Standard Missile Six. The move is driven by China's rapid military buildup and regional aggression, as well as the depletion of US stockpiles due to aid to allies in Europe and the Middle East. Concerns exist about the cost and speed of this production increase, with challenges in balancing speed, cost, and quality.
China's "Constructive Kill" Manoeuvre Against Royal Navy [5:57]
China carried out a "constructive kill" manoeuvre on Royal Navy ships in the South China Sea. The HMS Richmond and HMS Prince of Wales were tracked and harassed by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) while sailing through a disputed area near the Spratly Islands. Chinese forces simulated attack paths, an action described by a British officer as an "infowar operation" intended to signal their targeting capabilities. Despite the aggressive nature of the manoeuvre, some British officers viewed it as mutually beneficial for training purposes.
US Intelligence Warns of China's Taiwan Invasion Preparations [6:47]
Classified US intelligence warns about China's preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan. The Pentagon is particularly concerned about China's buildup of a commercial ferry fleet modified to carry tanks, as well as the use of new landing docks and amphibious forces in military exercises. In 2022, approximately 30 Chinese commercial ferries were monitored by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance during military exercises involving PLA troops. It is expected that over 70 such large vessels will be in PLA service by the end of next year, potentially before 2027, a year some analysts believe China may invade Taiwan.
US Space Force Identifies China as Top Threat in Space [7:31]
A US Space Force general warns that China is the number one threat to the US in space. Lieutenant General Douglas Shis notes that the CCP's space capabilities are advancing rapidly, with new capabilities being introduced at least monthly. This poses a significant risk to US assets in space. The rapid development of China's space programme is a major concern for the US military.