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Investigation Reveals Secret Uranium Exports from DR Congo to China Over Two Decades

Investigation Reveals Secret Uranium Exports from DR Congo to China Over Two Decades

An investigative report co-published by Lighthouse and the Financial Times has uncovered that uranium from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has allegedly been secretly exported to China for over 20 years. This uranium, sourced from the Katanga region, is reportedly being exported as a by-product of cobalt mining. The Shinkolobwe mine, which supplied uranium for U.S. nuclear weapons during World War II, is located in this region. Despite a ban on commercial uranium exports from the DRC, the report suggests that significant amounts of uranium have been shipped to China, contributing to the rapid expansion of China's nuclear arsenal. The Chinese mining company CMOC, which owns a major mine in the DRC, denies any violations or excessive uranium content in its exports.

China's Changing Dynamics with North Korea Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts

China's Changing Dynamics with North Korea Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea in June 2026 marked a significant shift in China-North Korea relations. Historically, China has been North Korea's primary supporter, providing essential resources and diplomatic backing. However, North Korea's recent closer ties with Russia, driven by the Ukraine war, have altered this dynamic. Russia has offered North Korea resources and political support, providing Pyongyang with an alternative to Chinese influence. This development allows North Korea to leverage its relationships with both China and Russia, extracting benefits while maintaining independence.

Exclusive-Under Patel, FBI forges unprecedented law enforcement ties with China, Russia

Exclusive-Under Patel, FBI forges unprecedented law enforcement ties with China, Russia

By Jana Winter Aug 5 (Reuters) - FBI Director Kash Patel says he has forged new law enforcement partnerships with China and Russia, two longtime U.S. rivals, over the past year in hopes of gaining allies in combating transnational crime including fentanyl, cyber fraud and child sexual exploitation.

Russia's Global Influence Declines Amid Ukraine Conflict, Says Expert

Russia's Global Influence Declines Amid Ukraine Conflict, Says Expert

Hanna Notte, a Russia expert, discusses her new book 'We Shall Outlast Them' in an interview, highlighting how President Vladimir Putin's focus on Ukraine has impacted Russia's global strategy. According to Notte, Russia's influence has waned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has strained its relations with Europe and the United States. The book argues that Russia's narrative of the Ukraine conflict as an anti-neocolonial war resonates globally, particularly in regions with histories of Western oppression. Despite this, Russia's position in the Middle East and its relationship with China have become more asymmetrical due to increased dependency on China following Western sanctions.

Exclusive-White House set to extend Jones Act waiver as Trump hunts for cheaper gasoline

Exclusive-White House set to extend Jones Act waiver as Trump hunts for cheaper gasoline

By Jarrett Renshaw and Arathy Somasekhar WASHINGTON/HOUSTON, Aug 4 (Reuters) - The White House is expected to extend a waiver of the century-old Jones Act in the coming days, sources say, reaching for one of the few tools it has to try and hold down gasoline prices as President Donald Trump

US Military Posture Review May Alter American Forces in Europe

US Military Posture Review May Alter American Forces in Europe

The Pentagon has initiated a six-month review of the United States' military presence in Europe, which could lead to significant changes in American force deployment on the continent. The review aims to address the strategic challenge of maintaining deterrence against Russia while reallocating resources to counter China's military influence in the Indo-Pacific. The preferred outcome, described as NATO 3.0, envisions European allies taking on more responsibility for conventional defense, allowing the U.S. to focus on strategic enablers and deterrence. This shift reflects an assessment that European allies already have a substantial conventional advantage over Russia.

Haiti's Gang Suppression Force Faces Challenges in Stabilization Efforts

Haiti's Gang Suppression Force Faces Challenges in Stabilization Efforts

The Gang Suppression Force, authorized under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2793, is a multinational security mission in Haiti tasked with neutralizing gangs, protecting civilians, and enabling humanitarian access. Operating outside the U.N. chain of command, the mission is funded through voluntary contributions and bilateral assistance. It emerged from a political compromise after China and Russia resisted a traditional U.N. peacekeeping operation. The mission replaced the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission, which had limited success. Despite its mandate, the Gang Suppression Force faces challenges in achieving strategic outcomes, as it operates in a fragmented environment with limited resources. The mission's effectiveness is hindered by the lack of a comprehensive enforcement chain linking intelligence, operations, and justice. Haiti's crisis is exacerbated by political protection, economic complicity, and impunity, which the current mission structure does not adequately address.

Sanctions on Russia Fuel Growth of Parallel Shipping Economy

Sanctions on Russia Fuel Growth of Parallel Shipping Economy

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to significant changes in global oil trade, with sanctions imposed by a coalition of over 40 countries, including the G7, reshaping the maritime shipping industry. The sanctions have created a 'shadow' shipping market, where unregulated vessels transport Russian oil to countries like China and India, bypassing Western sanctions. This parallel economy has grown rapidly, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 tankers now operating outside Western regulatory reach. The U.S. Senate is advancing a bill to impose tariffs on nations importing Russian oil, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Denmark targets August 21 for second Security Council UN chief poll

Denmark targets August 21 for second Security Council UN chief poll

Aug 3 (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold another informal poll this month as it selects the next U.N. secretary-general, the council president for August said on Monday, while indicating that a decision is still some way off.

U.S. Navy Expands Production of Anti-Submarine Mines Amid Rising Threats

U.S. Navy Expands Production of Anti-Submarine Mines Amid Rising Threats

The U.S. Navy plans to increase production of the Hammerhead anti-submarine mine system through a contract modification with General Dynamics Mission Systems. The Hammerhead system is designed to detect, classify, and engage submarines and could be deployed by unmanned underwater vehicles to counter increasingly capable Russian and Chinese submarine fleets. The Navy confirmed plans to modify an existing contract to increase the number of Hammerhead production units available under the program. Officials stated that the additional systems are required to meet operational fleet requirements beginning in fiscal year 2027.

California's Diesel Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict, Impacting U.S. Economy

California's Diesel Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict, Impacting U.S. Economy

California, known for having the highest fuel prices in the United States, is experiencing a significant increase in diesel prices due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. As the war enters its sixth month, the elevated petroleum-product prices are affecting consumers nationwide. The San Pedro Bay port complex, the busiest containership port in the U.S., handles nearly one-third of the country's imports and exports. Goods transported through this port are subject to California's high fuel prices, impacting the cost of everyday products across the nation. The global diesel market is particularly tight, with a shortfall of about 8% in global diesel demand due to the conflict in Iran and Ukraine's attacks on Russian refining infrastructure. California's unique position, with its shrinking fossil fuel industry, lack of major fuel pipelines, and strict environmental regulations, exacerbates the situation, leading to higher prices at the pump.

NATO and U.S. Enhance Arctic Security Cooperation with Norway Amid Rising Tensions

NATO and U.S. Enhance Arctic Security Cooperation with Norway Amid Rising Tensions

Military and coast guard activities in the Arctic have intensified as Norway, the United States, and NATO strengthen their cooperation in the region. Recent exercises, such as Operation Arctic Cohesion 2026, involved the U.S. and Norwegian Coast Guards conducting interoperability exercises off New England and in Newport, Rhode Island. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance security in the Arctic, a region of increasing strategic importance due to its geopolitical significance and the effects of climate change.