US Soldier Travis King seeks Asylum in DPR Korea for Racial Discrimination

On July the 18th Juche 112 (2023) Travis King, 2nd class private of the US Army in south Korea illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK in the joint security area of Panmunjom.

Looking around the joint security area of Panmunjom together with tourists at around 3:30 pm on July the 18th, King intentionally intruded into our area between the DPRK and US military contact room and resting room of military police officers to be caught by the soldiers of the Korean People’s Army on duty.

According to an investigation of an organ concerned, Travis King admitted that he illegally intruded into the territory of the DPRK.

During the investigation he confessed that he decided to come over to the DPRK opposed to inhuman maltreatment and racial discrimination in the US army.

Saying he was disillusioned at the unequal American society he expressed his will to seek political asylum either in the DPRK or in third country.

The investigation continues.

Pyongyang, August 16th Juche 112 (2023)

US Soldier Travis King seeks Asylum in DPR Korea for Racial Discrimination (Odysee) via 푸옹 Phuong DPRK Daily

Related:

KCNA Report on Interim Findings of Investigation into American Solider

U.S. Soldier, Travis King, Who Crossed Into Our Territory Wants Refuge From Mistreatment, Racial Discrimination —North Korea

8/10/23 Ted Snider on the Polish-Belarussian Tension

Ted Snider joined Scott on Antiwar Radio this week to talk about some concerning developments in Eastern Europe. They start with the tensions on the Polish-Belarus border where forces have been building up since Wagner forces moved in after the Prigozhin ordeal. Snider goes over what’s happening and what it might mean. They then talk about the Neo-Nazi compound in Maine whose leader claims to be training forces to go fight in Ukraine. They finish with some of the disheartening language we’re hearing about the backchannel talks between U.S. and Russian officials.

8/10/23 Ted Snider on the Polish-Belarussian Tension via The Scott Horton Show

Related:

The Poland-Belarus border is becoming a tinderbox

American Neo-Nazi Training Forces in Maine to Fight for Ukraine

IRGC Spokesman Warns Iran will respond in kind to any US action as 3,000+ U.S. Sailors, Marines Reach Red Sea

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the United States against any act of mischief in the region, including seizure of ships.

IRGC spokesman: Iran will respond in kind to any US action, mischief in region

Related:

3,000+ U.S. Sailors, Marines Reach Red Sea as Biden’s Middle East Build-Up Continues

‘What is your business here?’: Iran equips navy with drones, missiles

US Announces $345 Million in Unprecedented Military Aid for Taiwan

The weapons are being provided through the presidential drawdown authority, the primary way the US has been arming Taiwan

US Announces $345 Million in Unprecedented Military Aid for Taiwan

Related:

China slams first US military aid to Taiwan island under Presidential Drawdown Authority

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities’ stubborn insistence on the secessionist position of “Taiwan independence,” attempting to seek “independence” by relying on the US and by using force, begging for US arms sales or military aid, and enhancing military collusion with the US are moves that are making Taiwan a powder keg and ammunition depot, and have increased the danger and risk of a conflict in the Taiwan Straits, Chen said.

If the DPP is allowed to follow this path to the end, the youth will only become cannon fodder, the spokesperson said.

But no matter how “Taiwan independence” forces collude with external interference forces, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is fully capable of crushing their attempts in seeking “independence” or resisting reunification by force, Wei said.

American soldier detained in North Korea used to live in Racine, brother tells TMJ4 News

MILWAUKEE — TMJ4 News has learned that Pvt. Travis King, the American soldier who sprinted across North Korea’s heavily fortified border, used to live in Racine, Wisconsin, and his family still lives there, according to his brother.

American soldier detained in North Korea used to live in Racine, brother tells TMJ4 News (archived)

Related:

U.S. soldier believed to be in North Korean custody after unauthorized border crossing, officials say

NATO to expand Asia-Pacific presence by opening office in Japan + What can China do about it?

Last week, news emerged that NATO intends to open a liaison office in Tokyo, Japan next year. The office would be NATO’s first in the Asia-Pacific region and represents the increasing role of the organisation in preparation for a US-led war against China. Both Tokyo and NATO have confirmed the plans.

NATO to expand Asia-Pacific presence by opening office in Japan

Related:

What can China do against NATO’s foray into Asia?

So what can China do to respond to this attempt at ‘alliance encirclement’ against it? First, it can strengthen its ties with Russia and aim to create a deeper balance of power in the Asia-Pacific. Secondly, it can revitalize old alliances and strengthen its ties with North Korea as a military partner. After all, the DPRK is still obligated by the 1961 treaty of mutual assistance to come to China’s aid in a war and can be used to contain Japan and South Korea. Thirdly, it can look to build new military partnerships with regional countries who feel similarly threatened by US expansionism; for example, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. While the rest of ASEAN are likely to stay neutral, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam (excluding the US-aligned Philippines), China should work to improve its relationships with these countries in order to prevent the US from trying to ‘force’ them to choose.

An Incomplete Report on US Military Activities in the South China Sea in 2022

An Incomplete Report on US Military Activities in the South China Sea in 2022

In 2022, alongside the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US military placed great emphasis on military deterrence against China in the South China Sea, maintaining high-intensity activities including close-in reconnaissance operations, Taiwan Strait transits, forward presence operations, strategic deterrence, freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), military exercises and drills, and battlefield preparation.

An Incomplete Report on US Military Activities in the South China Sea in 2022 via SCSPI