James Tobyne
@jamestobyne.bsky.social
Thoughts on global politics, Asia, cross strait relations (Taiwan), tech, the economy, & international trade. Occasional brittle bon mot.
Georgetown MSFS, Ex-Alibaba, Ex-Flickr. On the hunt for data.
Georgetown MSFS, Ex-Alibaba, Ex-Flickr. On the hunt for data.
Reposted by James Tobyne
KMT strategy is to say Lai is a dictator. The irony is painful.
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
KMT chief calls Lai 'dictator' as more chapters raided in recall cases - Focus Taiwan
The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party on Monday accused President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of being a "dictator" for "directing prosecutors" in ongoing probes looking into allegations of forgery in r...
focustaiwan.tw
April 29, 2025 at 2:00 AM
KMT strategy is to say Lai is a dictator. The irony is painful.
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
focustaiwan.tw/politics/202...
Reposted by James Tobyne
60 Minutes said it as it is
April 28, 2025 at 3:44 AM
60 Minutes said it as it is
Reposted by James Tobyne
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s personal phone number was easily accessible on WhatsApp, Facebook and a fantasy sports site as recently as March, potentially exposing national security secrets to foreign adversaries.
Hegseth’s Personal Phone Use Created Vulnerabilities, Analysts Say
The phone number used in the Signal chat could also be found in a variety of places, including on social media and a fantasy sports site.
www.nytimes.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s personal phone number was easily accessible on WhatsApp, Facebook and a fantasy sports site as recently as March, potentially exposing national security secrets to foreign adversaries.
Reposted by James Tobyne
Seriously? Because we were told they were going to deport violent criminals.
April 10, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Seriously? Because we were told they were going to deport violent criminals.
Reposted by James Tobyne
Some businesses now showing the “Trump Tariff Fee” on their bills to customers.
April 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Some businesses now showing the “Trump Tariff Fee” on their bills to customers.
Reposted by James Tobyne
Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates
#news #worldnews
#news #worldnews
Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates
Western intelligence agencies warned on Tuesday of an increasing threat from Beijing's security services to use malicious mobile phone applications to surveil Taiwanese independence activists, Tibetan rights advocates and others opposed by the Chinese government.
www.reuters.com
April 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates
#news #worldnews
#news #worldnews
Reposted by James Tobyne
Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, seeks a new trade and security partnership w/US: "Our shared economic and security interests will not only overcome turbulence in the international trade environment - they will define the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific." www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties
At a time of global uncertainty and growing Chinese assertiveness, closer relations are a critical pillar of regional security.
www.bloomberg.com
April 9, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, seeks a new trade and security partnership w/US: "Our shared economic and security interests will not only overcome turbulence in the international trade environment - they will define the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific." www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by James Tobyne
NEW: Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)& Trump's former NatSec Advisor Matt Pottinger make the case that funding for scientific R&D isn't a gift to academia. It's vital to U.S. national security, as China, the United States' primary strategic adversary, is already investing heavily in R&D.
shorturl.at/PgUK0
shorturl.at/PgUK0
Opinion | Funding for R&D isn’t a gift to academia
Investing in scientific research and development is vital to U.S. security.
shorturl.at
March 30, 2025 at 11:27 PM
NEW: Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)& Trump's former NatSec Advisor Matt Pottinger make the case that funding for scientific R&D isn't a gift to academia. It's vital to U.S. national security, as China, the United States' primary strategic adversary, is already investing heavily in R&D.
shorturl.at/PgUK0
shorturl.at/PgUK0
Reposted by James Tobyne
Elon Musk’s DOGE recruited an assistant to billionaire Ken Griffin to help cut costs across the US national security establishment
Musk’s DOGE Hires Ken Griffin Staffer for National Security Work
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency recruited an assistant to billionaire Ken Griffin to help cut costs across the US national security establishment.
www.bloomberg.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Elon Musk’s DOGE recruited an assistant to billionaire Ken Griffin to help cut costs across the US national security establishment
Reposted by James Tobyne
This is a weird but telling story, particularly at a time that Taiwan seeks to disentangle its supply chains--including for the military--from China
apnews.com/article/taiw...
apnews.com/article/taiw...
Taiwan marathon organizers apologize after giving out prizes in the shape of a Chinese machine gun
The organizers of a marathon in southern Taiwan have apologized after giving out prizes in the shape of a golden Chinese machine gun.
apnews.com
March 16, 2025 at 4:56 PM
This is a weird but telling story, particularly at a time that Taiwan seeks to disentangle its supply chains--including for the military--from China
apnews.com/article/taiw...
apnews.com/article/taiw...
Reposted by James Tobyne
Meanwhile, China's gearing up to invade Taiwan.
Chinese media published footage of a giant floating structure - partly standing on the seabed and partly a drifting platform.
"These barges are designed solely for the rapid transfer of heavy equipment. It is difficult to explain them by civilian needs." - French magazine Naval News
"These barges are designed solely for the rapid transfer of heavy equipment. It is difficult to explain them by civilian needs." - French magazine Naval News
March 16, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Meanwhile, China's gearing up to invade Taiwan.
Reposted by James Tobyne
It’s extremely alarming that Trump openly defying a court order is being covered as “Trump decides to not follow it” and not “Trump illegally defies court.” Or in the Washington Post’s case, not even mentioned at all
March 16, 2025 at 10:30 PM
It’s extremely alarming that Trump openly defying a court order is being covered as “Trump decides to not follow it” and not “Trump illegally defies court.” Or in the Washington Post’s case, not even mentioned at all
Reposted by James Tobyne
Still have no idea why Bhutan is on the list
Three of the countries which have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan are on the list too. Haiti is orange, St.Kitts&Nevis and St.Lucia yellow
Three of the countries which have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan are on the list too. Haiti is orange, St.Kitts&Nevis and St.Lucia yellow
Travel ban is coming. These are the proposed countries as per the New York Times.
March 16, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Still have no idea why Bhutan is on the list
Three of the countries which have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan are on the list too. Haiti is orange, St.Kitts&Nevis and St.Lucia yellow
Three of the countries which have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan are on the list too. Haiti is orange, St.Kitts&Nevis and St.Lucia yellow
Reposted by James Tobyne
A majority of French favor increased defense spending even if it means increasing France’s public deficit, according to an Ipsos poll that reflects the Trump administration’s policy shifts toward Europe and Ukraine.
French Majority Backs Bigger Deficit to Boost Defense Spending
A majority of French favor increased defense spending even if it means increasing France’s public deficit, according to an Ipsos poll that reflects the Trump administration’s policy shifts toward Euro...
www.bloomberg.com
March 9, 2025 at 3:15 AM
A majority of French favor increased defense spending even if it means increasing France’s public deficit, according to an Ipsos poll that reflects the Trump administration’s policy shifts toward Europe and Ukraine.
Reposted by James Tobyne
More ballons again…
2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 PRC balloons was detected during this timeframe.
2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 PRC balloons was detected during this timeframe.
March 8, 2025 at 2:27 AM
More ballons again…
2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 PRC balloons was detected during this timeframe.
2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 PRC balloons was detected during this timeframe.
Reposted by James Tobyne
I’ve heard from a solid source that medical supplies from US to frontline medics in Ukraine are being withheld through USAID and military logistics. If true this is absolutely unacceptable.
March 7, 2025 at 4:40 PM
I’ve heard from a solid source that medical supplies from US to frontline medics in Ukraine are being withheld through USAID and military logistics. If true this is absolutely unacceptable.
Poland to train ‘every adult male for war’ www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Poland to train ‘every adult male for war’
Prime minister Donald Tusk wants ‘large-scale military training’ to combat threat from Russia
www.telegraph.co.uk
March 8, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Poland to train ‘every adult male for war’ www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees Overseas www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees Overseas
American officials, including in the C.I.A., are concerned about mass closures hampering national security work. And China has overtaken the United States in global diplomatic footprint.
www.nytimes.com
March 6, 2025 at 9:05 PM
State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees Overseas www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/u...
Which US states could be hit hardest by Trump’s Canada and Mexico tariffs? www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...
Which US states could be hit hardest by Trump’s Canada and Mexico tariffs?
Montana imports 93 percent of its goods from Canada and Mexico, the most of any state.
www.aljazeera.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Which US states could be hit hardest by Trump’s Canada and Mexico tariffs? www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/...
China pledges to advance Taiwan unification at annual meeting www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6051926
China pledges to advance Taiwan unification at annual meeting | Taiwan News | Mar. 5, 2025 11:29
Beijing wants to work with 'fellow Chinese' in Taiwan to advance goals | Mar. 5, 2025 11:29
www.taiwannews.com.tw
March 6, 2025 at 6:04 AM
China pledges to advance Taiwan unification at annual meeting www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6051926
Mike Johnson’s Top Aide Arrested on D.U.I. Charge After Trump Address, Police Say
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
Mike Johnson’s Top Aide Arrested on D.U.I. Charge After Trump Address, Police Say
The Capitol Police said the chief of staff to Speaker Mike Johnson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after he backed his car into a police vehicle on Tuesday.
www.nytimes.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Mike Johnson’s Top Aide Arrested on D.U.I. Charge After Trump Address, Police Say
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/u...
Reposted by James Tobyne
The United States appears to be in violation of the Budapest Memorandum which disarmed Ukraine of nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees.
The agreement signed by the US in 1994 specifically prohibits economic coercion against Ukraine.
The agreement signed by the US in 1994 specifically prohibits economic coercion against Ukraine.
February 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The United States appears to be in violation of the Budapest Memorandum which disarmed Ukraine of nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees.
The agreement signed by the US in 1994 specifically prohibits economic coercion against Ukraine.
The agreement signed by the US in 1994 specifically prohibits economic coercion against Ukraine.
Reposted by James Tobyne
Freeland: "If these tariffs are put in place, it is going to hurt Americans ... your grocery prices are gonna go up, bc you know what you need to grow food in the US? You need fertilizer. 80% of it comes from Canada and you're gonna be a 25% tax on it? ... the WSJ is right. This is dumb."
March 4, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Freeland: "If these tariffs are put in place, it is going to hurt Americans ... your grocery prices are gonna go up, bc you know what you need to grow food in the US? You need fertilizer. 80% of it comes from Canada and you're gonna be a 25% tax on it? ... the WSJ is right. This is dumb."
So today in Trump’s foriegn policy, the US has stopped offensively targeting Russia, and stopped foreign aid to Ukraine. In hopes of softening up our ally, and our foe. This is someone’s brilliant strategy. Putin hasn’t even blinked. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/03...
Trump Live Updates: U.S. Suspends All Military Aid to Ukraine, Official Says
www.nytimes.com
March 4, 2025 at 3:08 AM
So today in Trump’s foriegn policy, the US has stopped offensively targeting Russia, and stopped foreign aid to Ukraine. In hopes of softening up our ally, and our foe. This is someone’s brilliant strategy. Putin hasn’t even blinked. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/03...
Reposted by James Tobyne
President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
An immediate summit needs to be held between the United States, European states and allies in order to speak frankly about how we intend to address today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,..
An immediate summit needs to be held between the United States, European states and allies in order to speak frankly about how we intend to address today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,..
February 28, 2025 at 10:22 PM
President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni:
An immediate summit needs to be held between the United States, European states and allies in order to speak frankly about how we intend to address today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,..
An immediate summit needs to be held between the United States, European states and allies in order to speak frankly about how we intend to address today’s major challenges, starting with Ukraine,..