President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have announced the purchase of nuclear-powered attack submarines from the U.S. to modernize Australia's fleet in response to China's military buildup.
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U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced an extra $6 billion in defense spending over two years to replenish ammunition stocks, modernize the UK’s nuclear submarine program and fund the “next phase” of AUKUS, a security pact struck between the three nations in 2021. The details of the AUKUS program will be revealed Monday in San Diego during a joint news conference between Sunak, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The summit is expected to be a major step in strengthening the countries' defense partnership and countering China's growing military presence.
After decades of rivalry, Saudi Arabia and Iran have restored diplomatic ties with the help of China. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres praised China for its successful negotiations, while the White House expressed concern over its lack of involvement. The agreement comes at a time when negotiations between Iran and the United States to revive the 2016 nuclear deal are faltering, raising questions about the future of US influence in the region.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies after seven years of hostility, mediated by China and attended by representatives from both countries and China's top diplomat. It is hoped that the agreement will help to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen and bring peace to the region, as well as further cooperation between the two countries.
Xi Jinping has been reappointed as president of Communist China for a third five-year term, solidifying his control and making him the longest-serving head of state since 1949. His reappointment was largely seen as a formality, after he secured a norm-shattering third term as head of the Chinese Communist Party in October. His move to stay in power for life has been seen as a sign of increasing authoritarianism, but his leadership has been credited with bringing stability and economic growth to the country.
Avril Haines and William Burns, President Joe Biden's top intelligence advisers, testified before the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, highlighting the threats posed by China and Russia. Haines identified China as the biggest threat to U.S. national security, while Burns warned of Russia's increasing aggression in Ukraine. The U.S. must remain vigilant in order to protect its national security.
At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Avril Haines and Christopher Wray discussed the risks posed by China, including the potential for the Chinese government to use TikTok to control data and shape public opinion in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Haines noted that Beijing still believes it benefits from a more stable relationship with the U.S., despite recent tensions.
The US is planning to relax Covid-19 testing restrictions for travelers from China on Friday, following a surge in cases and lack of transparency from Chinese officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had previously announced a requirement for travelers to prove they had tested negative for the virus before flying to the US from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. This decision is part of an effort to protect US citizens from the spread of the virus, though it is unclear if the US will continue to require negative tests in the future.