Darwin port becomes Explosive Flashpoint in US-China power struggle

Australia’s Port of Darwin, leased to China’s Landbridge Group for 99 years, has ignited a fierce geopolitical battle as the US pushes to curb Beijing’s influence. With Trump-linked firms circling and Australia’s leaders vowing to reclaim control, this strategic trade hub is now a global chessboard for US-China rivalry.

Here’s why Darwin is the new epicenter of tension:

Strategic hotspot: Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin Port is a vital gateway to Asia, handling 4.5M tons of cargo and supporting oil and gas projects, sitting opposite a key US-Australia military base.

Controversial lease: In 2015, the Northern Territory leased the port to Landbridge for $506M, a move slammed by then-US President Obama for security risks, given its proximity to US Marine deployments.

US power play: US firm Cerberus Capital, tied to Trump’s administration, is eyeing the lease, escalating tensions as Australia’s Labor and Coalition parties pledge to return the port to local control.

China’s pushback: Beijing’s ambassador Xiao Qian calls Australia’s plan “ethically questionable,” defending Landbridge’s investments and accusing Australia of politicizing a fair deal.

Geopolitical stakes: The port’s fate could strain warming Australia-China ties, while a US takeover aligns with Trump’s campaign to counter China’s global reach, echoing disputes like the Panama Canal ports.

Economic angle: Landbridge turned the once-unprofitable port into a thriving hub, raising questions about fairness if Australia forcibly reclaims it now.

As Australia navigates national security and trade, Darwin Port’s future could reshape US-China dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

WAR PREP in Europe’s north? NATO builds muscle on Russia’s doorstep

The US military is beefing up its presence on Europe’s northern front, citing (no surprise) concerns about the so-called “Russia threat,” The WSJ reports.

The Trump administration wants NATO to get “more lethal,” turning Northern Europe into their favorite testing ground near Russia’s border, it added.

Over three weeks, US and #UK forces teamed up with Nordic and Baltic troops to run war drills – live-fire exercises, drone-delivered blood supplies, and airborne jumps above the Arctic Circle in Norway.

The mission of #NATO's Swift Response 25 was clear: to lock NATO’s newest players, Finland and Sweden, deeper into the alliance’s grip.

The High North and the Baltics have been catapulted into the core of US war strategy – control over shipping routes, territory, and energy reserves set to dominate the West’s playbook, the outlet summed up.

NATO’s muscle-flexing isn’t subtle – testing grounds today, battleground tomorrow?

Red Sea Crisis Update as of May 21, 2025

Truman Carrier Strike Group is returning home. During the course of this deployment
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75),
USS Gettysburg (CG-64),
USS Stout (DDG-55)
USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109)
Intercepted a total of 160 Houthi Missiles and Drones. Unfortunately due to lack of reporting at this time I can only account for 12 of these interceptions 11 drones and 1 missile launched at the Truman CSG on March 16th 2025.

The increases the total US interceptions of Houthi Missiles and Drones from 527 to 675

Editors note: Due to the lack of transparency on the nature of the remaining 148 missiles and drones the below infographic is missing approximately 148 missiles and drones from the Total Launched and Total Houthi Missiles and Drones Fired/Destroyed and from the Total Interceptions and Losses tabs of the infographic.

Gigantic Mexican Navy ship crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, leaving 23 sailors injured.

The collision sheared off the ship’s 147-foot masts, sending sailors tumbling. 23 are injured, 4 in serious condition.

Senior EU officials call for Ursula’s RESIGNATION 

Diplomats view European Commission President von der #Leyen as “toxic,” asserting that her resignation could help “unblock many issues”, according to Switzerland’s Die Weltwoche weekly. The EU is currently embroiled in a crisis marked by internal divisions, a trade dispute with the United States, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and tensions in the Middle East.  

Von der Leyen’s resignation could foster greater diversity within the EU and promote openness toward the East and the West, the outlet maintains.

President Trump demands free passage through Panama, Suez Canals for US ships

President Donald Trump has called for free passage through the #Panama and #Suez Canals for American warships and merchant ships.

"American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals! Those Canals would not exist without the United States of America. I’ve asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately take care of, and memorialize, this situation!"

Today marks the 39th anniversary of a tragic event in Russia's history - the #Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the largest in the history of nuclear power.

In #Russia this date is commemorated as the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Radiation Accidents and Catastrophes. Approximately 600,000 people were involved in the cleanup efforts following the catastrophe. Among them were firefighters who arrived at the station almost immediately after the explosion, helicopter crews that poured a special mixture onto the 4th reactor of the Chernobyl NPP, and builders of various protective structures.

🖍Military and civilian specialists were in the radiation exposure zone - many received doses exceeding the permissible limits. However, through their selfless and professional actions, these people saved the world from an even more terrible outcome.

Unfortunately, the accident on April 26, 1986 is not the only one of its kind in Russian history: there was also an explosion at the "Mayak" plant in 1957, incidents on submarines, and accidents during testing. Today is dedicated to those who perished while working with nuclear energy facilities since the country entered the nuclear era.

Trump: 'Never again means now'

President Donald #Trump highlights surge in #antisemitism on American college campuses after October 7th invasion in his Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation, vowing to combat anti-Jewish discrimination in American universities.

President Donald Trump highlighted antisemitism on American college campuses in a statement issued marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, vowing to combat far-left harassment and discrimination against Jews in U.S. universities.

On Wednesday evening, Trump issued a proclamation for Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorializing the six million Jews and millions of other victims murdered during the Holocaust. “The price to humanity of the lives lost during the Shoah can never be fully grasped or understood,” Trump declared. “Yet, even in the wake of the Holocaust, a self-determined Jewish homeland rose from the ashes as the modern State of Israel.”

The president touched on the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7th, 2023, emphasizing the surge in antisemitism in the U.S. following the attacks, in particular on college campuses. “Sadly, our Nation has borne witness to the worst outbreak of anti-Semitism on American soil in generations. Nearly every day following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Jewish Americans were threatened on our streets and in our public square — a reminder that the poison of anti-Semitism tragically still exists.” - “Never again means now,” Trump continued, touting his administration’s efforts to combat campus antisemitism, including withholding federal funds from universities which refuse to carry out sweeping reforms. “We are also steadfastly committed to investigating and swiftly punishing all anti-Semitic discrimination in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities.” - “During these Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, we reflect upon the dark affront to human dignity posed by Nazis.”

“We cherish the eternal memories of all those whose lives were lost to the deadly scourge of anti-Semitism. Above all, we vow to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. We declare that never again means now.”

Apr. 7, 2025: President Trump Statements

Nota: US Crude Oil Futures Drop Below $60 per Barrel to Lowest Level in 4 Years

"Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34%, on top of their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the U.S. by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set. Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

"Countries from all over the World are talking to us. Tough but fair parameters are being set. Spoke to the Japanese Prime Minister this morning. He is sending a top team to negotiate! They have treated the U.S. very poorly on Trade. They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs. Likewise Agriculture, and many other “things.” It all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!"

"The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!"

"Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is NO INFLATION, and the long time abused USA is bringing in Billions of Dollars a week from the abusing countries on Tariffs that are already in place. This is despite the fact that the biggest abuser of them all, China, whose markets are crashing, just raised its Tariffs by 34%, on top of its long term ridiculously high Tariffs (Plus!), not acknowledging my warning for abusing countries not to retaliate. They’ve made enough, for decades, taking advantage of the Good OL’ USA! Our past “leaders” are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

New draft of Kiev’s deal with Washington covers all Ukrainian natural resources, says lawmaker

The latest draft agreement between #Ukraine and the United States submitted by #Washington on March 23 encompasses all natural resources, including oil and gas, across Kiev-controlled areas, Verkhovna Rada member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said, citing the document.

"It covers all natural resources, including oil and gas. New as well as existing [mineral resources] projects. Across Ukraine," the Ukrainian lawmaker wrote on his Telegram channel. Under the US proposal, Ukraine will have to allocate revenues from its resources, while the aid Washington has provided to Kiev since 2022 will be considered a US contribution to the fund. "They (the Americans) will be able to capitalize on their decision, and they will be first to get royalties from the fund, with Ukraine being the next in line," he explained. Also, Zheleznyak shared, a board of five, including three US members "with a full veto right," will control the proposed investment fund.

Earlier, Ukraine’s #Zelensky confirmed that the United States had proposed a new draft of its #minerals deal to Ukraine that outlines establishing an investment fund.