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- Israeli Military, Border Residents Press Netanyahu to Eliminate Hezbollah Threat The Wall Street Journal
- Metula mayor charges: Israel has effectively formed a ‘security zone’ south of the border The Times of Israel
- Israeli Military, Border Residents Press Netanyahu to Eliminate Hezbollah Threat | Mint Mint
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Tag Archives: buildup
NATO Chief Says Military Buildup Shows Russian Offensive Has Already Begun – Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
- NATO Chief Says Military Buildup Shows Russian Offensive Has Already Begun Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
- NATO Claims New Russian Offensive Has Begun In Ukraine | Russia Vs Ukraine War Update | News18 LIVE CNN-News18
- Russia-Ukraine war live: Nato seeing start of new Russian offensive already, says Stoltenberg The Guardian
- Russia-Ukraine live: NATO says new Russian offensive has started Al Jazeera English
- ‘Little by little they are winning’: Tide turns in key Ukraine city. Live updates as Russian offensive begins. USA TODAY
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North Korea slams Japan’s military buildup, promises ‘action’ | Nuclear Weapons News
North Korea’s foreign ministry calls Japan’s new $320bn security strategy ‘wrong and dangerous’, promises a response.
North Korea has condemned Japan’s planned military build-up and pledged action against what it described as Tokyo’s “wrong and dangerous choice” to bolster its defence sector.
The statement on Tuesday from North Korea’s foreign ministry comes just days after Japan unveiled a new $320bn security strategy that outlined plans for Japan’s military to mount “counter-strike capabilities”, and to respond to the threats posed by China, Russia and North Korea.
Japan’s sweeping, five-year military strategy will see the country become the world’s third-largest military spender after the United States and China.
Japan’s new security strategy effectively formalises a “new aggression policy” and fundamentally changes East Asia’s security environment, a spokesperson for Pyongyang’s foreign ministry said in a report published by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
In response to Japan’s move to “realise unjust and excessive ambition”, North Korea “will continue to show how concerned and displeased we are with practical action,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson blasted the US for “exalting and instigating Japan’s rearmament and re-invasion plan,” adding that Washington had no right to raise issue with Pyongyang’s efforts to bolster its own defences.
North Korea’s efforts to upgrade military capabilities have included a record number of ballistic missile launches this year, including missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads and with varying ranges that could reach the US mainland and allies South Korea and Japan.
North Korea claimed advances on Monday in its efforts to acquire a spy satellite, saying that it had launched a test satellite and releasing low-resolution, black-and-white photos that showed a view from space of the South Korean capital, Seoul, and the nearby city of Incheon.
Some analysts in South Korea said the images were too crude to be satellite photos, according to the South Korean Yonhap news agency.
North Korea hit back at that criticism on Tuesday, with Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying it was “inappropriate and hasty” to assess her country’s satellite capabilities from those two photos alone.
Pyongyang’s efforts to develop a spy satellite were a “pressing priority directly linked to our security,” she said, adding that additional sanctions on her country would not stop such technological developments.
South Korea will seek international support and “try hard to impose additional sanctions on us”, she added.
“But, with our right to survival and development being threatened, why are we afraid of sanctions … and why would we stop?”
Pacifist Japan unveils biggest military build-up since World War Two
TOKYO, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Japan on Friday unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War Two with a $320 billion plan that will buy missiles capable of striking China and ready it for sustained conflict, as regional tensions and Russia’s Ukraine invasion stoke war fears.
The sweeping, five-year plan, once unthinkable in pacifist Japan, will make the country the world’s third-biggest military spender after the United States and China, based on current budgets.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who described Japan and its people as being at a “turning point in history”, said the ramp-up was “my answer to the various security challenges that we face”.
His government worries that Russia has set a precedent that will encourage China to attack Taiwan, threatening nearby Japanese islands, disrupting supplies of advanced semiconductors and putting a potential stranglehold on sea lanes that supply Middle East oil.
“This is setting a new heading for Japan. If appropriately executed, the Self-Defense Forces will be a real, world-class effective force,” said Yoji Koda, a former Maritime Self Defense Force admiral, who commanded the Japanese fleet in 2008.
The government said it would also stockpile spare parts and other munitions, expand transport capacity and develop cyber warfare capabilities. In its postwar, American-authored constitution, Japan gave up the right to wage war and means to do so.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a serious violation of laws that forbid the use of force and has shaken the foundations of the international order,” the strategy paper said.
“The strategic challenge posed by China is the biggest Japan has ever faced,” it added, also noting that Beijing had not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control.
A separate national security strategy document that pointed to China, Russia and North Korea, promised close cooperation with the United States and other like-minded nations to deter threats to the established international order.
“The Prime Minister is making a clear, unambiguous strategic statement about Japan’s role as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific,” U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “He has put a capital “D” next to Japan’s deterrence,” he added.
Meeting Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi in Taipei on Friday, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said she expected greater defence cooperation with Japan.
“We look forward to Taiwan and Japan continuing to create new cooperation achievements in various fields such as national defence and security, the economy, trade, and industrial transformation,” the presidential office cited Tsai as saying.
China accused Japan of making false claims about China’s military activities in the new security strategy, according to a statement from its embassy in Japan.
UKRAINE LESSON
“The Ukraine war has shown us the necessity of being able to sustain a fight, and that is something Japan has not so far been prepared for,” said Toshimichi Nagaiwa, a retired Air Self-Defense Force general. “Japan is making a late start, it is like we are 200 metres behind in a 400-metre sprint,” he added.
China defence spending overtook Japan’s at the turn of the century, and now has a military budget more than four times larger. Too few munitions and a lack of spare parts that ground planes and put other military equipment out of action are the most immediate problems for Japan to tackle, military sources have told Reuters.
Kishida’s plan will double defence outlays to about 2% of gross domestic product over five years, blowing past a self-imposed 1% spending limit that has been in place since 1976.
It will increase the defence ministry’s budget to around a tenth of all public spending at current levels, and will make Japan the world’s third-biggest military spender after the United States and China, based on current budgets.
That splurge will provide work to Japanese military equipment makers such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) (7011.T), which is expected to lead development of three of the longer-range missiles that will be part of Japan’s new missile force.
MHI will also build Japan’s next jet fighter alongside BAE Systems PLC (BAES.L) and Leonardo SPA (LDOF.MI) in a joint project between Japan, Britain and Italy announced last week.
Tokyo allocated $5.6 billion for that in the five-year defence programme.
Foreign companies will also benefit. Japan says it wants ship-launched U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles made by Raytheon Technologies (RTX.N) to be part of its new deterrent force.
Other items on Japan’s military shopping list over the next five years include interceptor missiles for ballistic missile defence, attack and reconnaissance drones, satellite communications equipment, Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters, helicopters, submarines, warships and heavy-lift transport jets.
To pay for that equipment, Kishida’s ruling bloc earlier on Friday said it would raise tobacco, corporate and disaster-reconstruction income taxes. But, with opposition to tax hikes within his ruling Liberal Democratic party still strong, the Japanese leader has yet to say when he will implement those higher rates.
Reporting by Tim Kelly, Sakura Murakami and Nobuhiro Kubo in TOKYO; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in TAIPEI and Eduardo Baptista in SHANGHAI; Editing by David Dolan, Gerry Doyle, Jon Boyle, William Maclean
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
England vs Senegal LIVE: World Cup 2022 team news, starting 11 and latest build-up – Saka set to start tonight
World Cup: England prepare to face Senegal on eve of last-16 tie
England face Senegal in a World Cup last-16 clash tonight in Qatar. After finishing top of Group B to qualify for the knockout stages, England’s bid to win the World Cup starts to get serious with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. England had to endure penalties as they beat Colombia at this stage in Russia four years ago, and Gareth Southgate will be hoping there is less tension tonight against Senegal.
In what has been a wildly unpredictable World Cup so far, England’s path to the last 16 was rather more serene than some of the other tournament contenders. Despite the boos that followed the goalless draw with the USA, England thrashed both Iran and Wales and finished the group stage as the tournament’s top scorers. Marcus Rashford’s double against Wales has given Southgate a selection headache, with Phil Foden also pushing for another start against Senegal.
This is England’s first meeting with Senegal, who remain a threat despite the absence of injured star Sadio Mane. Senegal are the champions of Africa and reached the last 16 by defeating Ecuador in a crunch clash in Group A. Aliou Cisse’s side are experienced and know how to deliver on the big stage, while the Lions of Teranga will be motivated by the chance to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time.
Follow all the build-up to England vs Senegal and latest World Cup news with our live blog below:
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
Kane also insisted his foot injury has completely healed as he prepares to lead England into the game at Al Bayt Stadium.
He was a minor doubt for England’s second game against the USA after coming off with a knock in the opening victory over Iran.
Kane underwent precautionary scans a day later but was cleared to line up in the last Group B game against Wales.
Despite advancing as group winners, there was some criticism – particularly following the USA match – but Kane said that is unfair.
“We scored the most goals in the tournament so far, in the group stage,” he added.
“We’ve got a really good defensive record, I feel like we are in a good place. The group stage is just about getting through, we had a good one and finished top.
“It is now almost a second competition of knockout football. We have to be prepared to face a really tough side tomorrow and be prepared for anything that comes our way.
“You very rarely get a three or four-goal win in the knockout stage.
“That is when being more clinical and ruthless and taking the one chance you get a game becomes more important.
“At the Euros it worked well for me and helped the team and I feel if I can do similar personally it will put the team in a good place to go as far as we can.”
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 09:15
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
England skipper Harry Kane is aiming to peak in time for the business end of the World Cup having failed to score during the group stage.
The Tottenham striker is just two goals away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time national record but has yet to hit the back of the net in Qatar as he and his team-mates prepare to face Senegal in the last 16.
Kane has produced three assists across the Group B wins over Iran and Wales, while a goalless stalemate against the United States saw England advance as group winners.
The 29-year-old won the Golden Boot four years ago as England reached the semi-finals in Russia but five of his six goals came during the group stage.
Conversely, Kane had no goals at the end of the group stage of Euro 2020 last summer but then went on to score against Germany, twice against Ukraine and again in the semi-final win over Denmark before England lost the final on penalties to Italy.
Having experienced both sides of tournament football, Kane is keen to hit his stride at the right time.
“It probably goes back to 2018,” he said when asked about finding his form at the right time.
“In the World Cup, I felt like, just from a physical and maybe mental side of things, we started the tournament great, I started the tournament with loads of goals, used a lot of energy and as the tournament went on, I felt like my performances dipped in the latter stages.
“I was conscious before the Euros of trying to make it the other way. Of course I still wanted to start well but I was trying to make sure that physically and mentally I was in the best place for the knockout stages.
“I carried it into this tournament. I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals now for sure but I think the group stage has gone well. Minutes-wise, it has not been too tough.
“I feel as match fit as I’m ever going to feel. Only time will tell. Hopefully I can do well tomorrow and come into the best form in these knockout games.
“Form-wise I feel like I have been playing well, goals are what I’m going to be judged on most but as always I’m a calm individual and always try to focus on the team and do my best for the team.
“I will continue to try and do that, if the goals come, great, it means it will give us a better chance of winning the game.”
(The FA via Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 09:02
World Cup 2022: Bukayo Saka set to start for England against Senegal
The latest murmurings appear to suggest that Bukayo Saka will get the nod to start tonight after missing out against Wales last time out.
Two goals against Iran make him second only to Marcus Rashford among the squad for goals at this World Cup and, as a left-footed player comfortable with playing off the right, he is arguably the only option that fits Southgate’s preferred profile in that position. That helped the Arsenal winger get the nod over Phil Foden for England’s two opening games.
His diligent work out of possession is another plus, especially given that Senegal’s attack will flow through left-winger Ismaila Sarr. If Southgate decides against risking Kyle Walker’s fitness up against Sarr and instead selects Kieran Trippier, Saka would offer added security over Foden or Rashford.
Saka’s only problem is that he is not Foden or Rashford, in that he would not be coming into the game off the back of a goalscoring performance.
Again, it depends on how much stock Southgate puts on that second-half performance against Wales. He has not been a manager swayed by his team’s most recent showing in the past.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 09:00
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
Some housekeeping as the build-up to England’s last-16 tie with Senegal continues.
In the UK, viewers will be able to watch the game on ITV1 on TV and ITVX online with coverage starting at 6pm.
For those in the US, the match will be broadcast on FS1 in English and in Spanish on Telemundo.
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:49
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse has been suffering with illness in he run-up to their World Cup last-16 clash against England.
The former Birmingham and Portsmouth man led Senegal to their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year before guiding them out of the group stage of a World Cup for the first time since 2002.
Twenty years ago Cisse was part of the squad which shocked holders France in the opening game before eventually losing to Turkey in the quarter-finals.
The 46 year-old was missing from his media duties on Saturday, the day before the fixture against England in Al Khor, having also been unable to take training on Friday.
“He has been sick for a couple of days now,” said assistant coach Regis Bogaert, who replaced Cisse at the press conference.
“He let us take charge of training yesterday, obviously with his instructions to the players.
“Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come and be on the bench with the players but we are sure at 10pm he will be there with the team.
“I can confirm he is sick and has a bit of a temperature, that is why we have to be careful with his situation.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:40
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
England and Southgate’s confidence is borne out of the success at last year’s Euros and the surprising run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago.
“I guess the biggest thing is the expectation levels and the satisfaction levels,” Southgate said of the difference to 2018. “In Russia, when we qualified from the group stage, we were probably more excited than we were this time.
“Although we enjoyed the win against Wales. You’ve got to enjoy your wins because, if you don’t enjoy those, then there’s not a lot of point being in this, frankly.
“And then, of course, everything was geared around first knockout win for 10 years, so that was almost our objective in Russia.
“We have to take a step at a time, the same thing. We talked about that from the beginning of the tournament. Our first objective was to qualify from the group. We knew we had three games to do that.
“There was an awful lot of noise after our second, but we stayed calm and on track, and we’ve qualified as well as anybody else has. But we’re now on to the more important part of the competition and we’ve got to get this bit right as well.”
(Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:20
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
Southgate has some selection conundrums to consider ahead of the big match against Senegal.
Marcus Rashford, who could win his 50th cap, scored a brilliant brace in Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Wales, when Phil Foden capped a fine performance with a goal.
Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka dropped to the bench, while Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson also played well having been brought into the England line-up.
“It’s a good position to be in,” Southgate said. “You want your players in confident mood and our forward players are.
“Of course you want to try to make the best possible decision, but in some respects I’m not sure there’s a right or a wrong. Whichever players we start with, we’re going to need the bench, we need the strength.
“They all offer different attributes and it’s just trying to get the balance of the team right and make the best possible decisions.
“But for us it’s great that we’ve got the whole squad fit and available, feeling good about themselves, but with that nice balance of knowing how difficult it was to get through this round in our last two tournaments.
“We know the quality of the opposition, but we’ve got belief in ourselves as well.”
(The FA via Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:06
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
Gareth Southgate is embracing the increased expectations, selection headaches and chance to put smiles on supporters’ faces at a challenging time as England face Senegal in the World Cup last-16.
All eyes will be on cavernous Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening as the Group B winners play their first knockout match on the world stage since the agonising extra-time semi-final loss to Croatia in 2018.
England built on that performance by winning bronze at the following year’s Nations League before going on a memorable run to last year’s European Championship final at Wembley.
The heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy provides added motivation for Southgate’s players, who have the chance to lift the nation at what is a challenging time for so many.
“Part of the reason for doing the job is to bring happiness to others, frankly,” the England boss said. “Of course, we’ve got our own pride and we want to achieve professionally.
“But we have taken the country on two incredible journeys and you can feel that there’s the potential for another one and we want that to happen.
“We recognise the situation at home for everybody and we want to bring smiles to people’s faces as they get towards the end of this weekend.”
(PA)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:05
World Cup 2022: England vs Senegal
England face Senegal in a World Cup last-16 clash tonight in Qatar.
After finishing top of Group B to qualify for the knockout stages, England’s bid to win the World Cup starts to get serious with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
England had to endure penalties as they beat Colombia at this stage in Russia four years ago, and Gareth Southgate will be hoping there is less tension tonight against Senegal.
In what has been a wildly unpredictable World Cup so far, England’s path to the last 16 was rather more serene than some of the other tournament contenders.
Despite the boos that followed the goalless draw with the USA, England thrashed both Iran and Wales and finished the group stage as the tournament’s top scorers. Marcus Rashford’s double against Wales has given Southgate a selection headache, with Phil Foden also pushing for another start against Senegal.
This is England’s first meeting with Senegal, who remain a threat despite the absence of injured star Sadio Mane. Senegal are the champions of Africa and reached the last 16 by defeating Ecuador in a crunch clash in Group A.
Aliou Cisse’s side are experienced and know how to deliver on the big stage, while the Lions of Teranga will be motivated by the chance to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time.
(Getty Images)
Ben Burrows4 December 2022 08:04
Nato concerned by China’s ‘rapid and opaque’ military buildup, says Blinken | China
Nato allies are concerned about China’s rapid and opaque military buildup and its cooperation with Russia, and discussed concrete ways to address the challenges posed by Beijing, US secretary of state Antony Blinken has said.
“The members of our alliance remain concerned by the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] coercive policies, by its use of disinformation, by its rapid, opaque military buildup, including its cooperation with Russia,” Blinken told a news conference on Wednesday after a two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the defence alliance.
“But we also remain committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with China wherever we can and we welcome opportunities to work together on common challenges.”
Blinken’s remarks came after Moscow said Russian and Chinese strategic warplanes, including Tupolev-95 long-range “Bear” bombers, conducted joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea and US ally South Korea said it had scrambled fighter jets as two Chinese and six Russian warplanes entered its air defence zone.
They also came after a Pentagon report said China would probably have a stockpile of 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 at its current nuclear buildup pace, underscoring mounting US concerns about Beijing’s intentions for its expanding arsenal.
China and Russia alarmed the United States and its allies by announcing a “no limits” strategic partnership with Russia in February, just days before Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
South Korea and its neighbour Japan have since developed closer ties to Nato, attending the June Nato summit as observers and South Korean firms shipped armaments to Russian neighbour and Nato member Poland this year.
Blinken said that while Nato continues to be focused on maintaining unified support for Ukraine, members also want to boost the alliance’s resilience by considering new challenges, including those posed by China.
“What we talked about today is, again, making sure that we are working to adapt in concrete ways to meet the challenge,” Blinken said without elaborating.
The United States and its allies understand that there is a competition to shape the world beyond the cold war divisions
“There’s a recognition that there’s also in many ways, what Europeans call a systemic rivalry between China and many of our countries,” Blinken said. “But there’s also a recognition that wherever possible, we have to find ways to cooperate on the really big issues.”
China Defense Minister Says Nuclear Buildup Is Justified
SINGAPORE—China’s defense minister said the country is developing its nuclear arsenal—a move he said was appropriate given the state of international security—and warned that Beijing would fight to block Taiwanese independence.
Gen.
Wei Fenghe’s
comments Sunday at a conference in Singapore hewed to China’s previously stated official lines. But the timing of the riposte was a direct pushback to Washington, which is seeking to bolster its own influence in Asia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday that China was taking a more aggressive approach to territorial claims and that its military was increasingly engaging in provocative behavior, including around Taiwan, where Chinese warplanes have been probing the island’s air defenses.
On Sunday, Gen. Wei responded, saying it was U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific region that was propelling the two sides toward confrontation. On Taiwan, he issued a defiant message often voiced by Beijing. “No one should ever underestimate the resolve and ability of the Chinese military to safeguard its territorial integrity,” he said.
Gen. Wei and Mr. Austin had their first face-to-face meeting last week ahead of the Shangri-la Dialogue, a gathering of high-level military officers and defense officials that has often provided an opportunity for contacts between the American and Chinese sides.
Chinese Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles on parade in 2019.
Photo:
Xu Yu/Zuma Press
This year’s discussions came amid elevated tensions over Taiwan and a war in Europe that have both highlighted military divisions between the U.S. and China. They followed remarks by President Biden during a visit to Tokyo in May saying the U.S. would respond militarily to any Chinese effort to take Taiwan by force.
In Gen. Wei’s speech Sunday, he said U.S. moves in the region—including its alliance with Australia, Japan and India, informally known as the Quad—could create conflicts by encouraging Asian countries to target China. He also addressed Beijing’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—another point of tension with the U.S.—by repeating previous assurances that China isn’t providing Russia with any weapons.
Gen. Wei also spoke about China’s nuclear arsenal, saying it was purely for defensive purposes and reiterating Beijing’s pledge never to strike first with such weapons.
“China is developing nuclear capabilities at a moderate and appropriate level,” Gen. Wei said. “That means being able to protect our nation’s security so that we can avoid the catastrophe of a war, especially the catastrophe of a nuclear war.”
While Gen. Wei didn’t characterize the size of expansion of the nuclear arsenal while responding to a question about the weapons after his formal speech, it was a rare public comment by a top Chinese military official about a program that the U.S. says is growing and should be subject to arms-control talks.
Gen. Wei, who previously commanded China’s missile force, said the country’s military modernization has included the deployment of all new weapons displayed in a 2019 military parade in Beijing. Among those featured in the parade were the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry multiple nuclear warheads and has the range to hit the continental U.S.
Gen. Wei stopped short of linking the issue of nuclear weapons and Beijing’s stand toward Taiwan, but he reiterated China’s long-held positions that it intends to control the self-governed island and will forcefully oppose efforts to promote its independence from mainland China.
Beijing’s nuclear-weapons program has trailed far behind those of the U.S. and Russia for decades. In recent years, China has begun to rapidly expand its nuclear arsenal, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. People familiar with the Chinese leadership’s thinking say the buildup is driven by an assessment that the U.S. may be more willing to challenge it militarily, including in a possible clash over Taiwan.
China has declined to provide any clarity on its nuclear program and has rejected U.S. moves to start arms-control talks. Japanese Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida
criticized Beijing’s nuclear secrecy at the conference on Friday and said it should engage in talks with Washington.
The Pentagon forecasts China may have around 1,000 nuclear warheads by the end of this decade, compared with a few hundred now. The U.S. and Russia each have around 4,000 nuclear warheads.
Beijing has also developed and deployed more missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. Satellite images suggest construction has accelerated this year on more than 100 suspected missile silos in China’s remote western region that could house Dongfeng-41 missiles.
At the Singapore conference, Gen. Wei didn’t answer a question about the suspected silos, but he reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that it wouldn’t initiate a nuclear conflict. Some U.S. officials and analysts doubt those reassurances.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing over the issue of Taiwan flared in May when Mr. Biden said that the American military would respond militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded, the third time he has made such a statement. U.S. administrations have long maintained a policy of not stating whether its military would help to defend Taiwan from attack, while selling the island weapons to defend itself. Mr. Biden later said the U.S. position was unchanged.
An increase in Chinese military flights near Taiwan this year has elevated concerns among Taiwanese and American government officials of Beijing’s intentions. China has also held military exercises simulating an amphibious assault that military experts say would likely be part of any invasion. China says the self-ruled island is part of its territory and hasn’t ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
In a meeting on Friday that was dominated by the issue of Taiwan, Mr. Austin told Gen. Wei that U.S. policy toward the island hadn’t changed, according to the U.S. side. The Chinese defense minister said Beijing’s military would fight to prevent any move for independence by the island, according to a spokesman, but both sides gave accounts of the meeting that suggested a cooling off of friction, and each side emphasized the need to keep open lines of communication to head off crises.
Write to Keith Zhai at keith.zhai@wsj.com and Alastair Gale at alastair.gale@wsj.com
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‘Stressed’ Cells Offer Clues to Eliminating Build-up of Toxic Proteins in Dementia
Summary: Study reveals a new mechanism that appears to reverse the build-up of protein aggregates by refolding them, rather than removing them.
Source: University of Cambridge
It’s often said that a little stress can be good for you. Now scientists have shown that the same may be true for cells, uncovering a newly-discovered mechanism that might help prevent the build-up of tangles of proteins commonly seen in dementia.
A characteristic of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s—collectively known as neurodegenerative diseases—is the build-up of misfolded proteins. These proteins, such as amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s disease, form ‘aggregates’ that can cause irreversible damage to nerve cells in the brain.
Protein folding is a normal process in the body, and in healthy individuals, cells carry out a form of quality control to ensure that proteins are correctly folded and that misfolded proteins are destroyed. But in neurodegenerative diseases, this system becomes impaired, with potentially devastating consequences.
As the global population ages, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with dementia, making the search for effective drugs ever more urgent. However, progress has been slow, with no medicines yet available that can prevent or remove the build-up of aggregates.
In a study published today in Nature Communications, a team led by scientists at the UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, has identified a new mechanism that appears to reverse the build-up of aggregates, not by eliminating them completely, but rather by ‘refolding’ them.
“Just like when we get stressed by a heavy workload, so, too, cells can get ‘stressed’ if they’re called upon to produce a large amount of proteins,” explained Dr. Edward Avezov from the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge.
“There are many reasons why this might be, for example when they are producing antibodies in response to an infection. We focused on stressing a component of cells known as the endoplasmic reticulum, which is responsible for producing around a third of our proteins—and assumed that this stress might cause misfolding.”
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a membrane structure found in mammalian cells. It carries out a number of important functions, including the synthesis, folding, modification and transport of proteins needed on the surface or outside the cell.
Dr. Avezov and colleagues hypothesized that stressing the ER might lead to protein misfolding and aggregation by diminishing its ability to function correctly, leading to increased aggregation.
They were surprised to discover the opposite was true.
“We were astonished to find that stressing the cell actually eliminated the aggregates—not by degrading them or clearing them out, but by unraveling the aggregates, potentially allowing them to refold correctly,” said Dr. Avezov.
“If we can find a way of awakening this mechanism without stressing the cells—which could cause more damage than good—then we might be able to find a way of treating some dementias.”
The main component of this mechanism appears to be one of a class of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs), more of which are made when cells are exposed to temperatures above their normal growth temperature, and in response to stress.
Dr. Avezov speculates that this might help explain one of the more unusual observations within the field of dementia research. “There have been some studies recently of people in Scandinavian countries who regularly use saunas, suggesting that they may be at lower risk of developing dementia. One possible explanation for this is that this mild stress triggers a higher activity of HSPs, helping correct tangled proteins.”
One of the factors that has previous hindered this field of research has been the inability to visualize these processes in live cells. Working with teams from Pennsylvania State University and the University of Algarve, the team has developed a technique that allows them to detect protein misfolding in live cells. It relies on measuring light patterns of a glowing chemical over a scale of nanoseconds—one billionth of a second.
“It’s fascinating how measuring our probe’s fluorescence lifetime on the nanoseconds scale under a laser-powered microscope makes the otherwise invisible aggregates inside the cell obvious,” said Professor Eduardo Melo, one of the leading authors, from the University of Algarve, Portugal.
About this neurology research news
Author: Press Office
Source: University of Cambridge
Contact: Press Office – University of Cambridge
Image: The image is in the public domain
Original Research: Open access.
“Stress-induced protein disaggregation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum catalysed by BiP” by Edward Avezov et al. Nature Communications
Abstract
See also
Stress-induced protein disaggregation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum catalysed by BiP
Protein synthesis is supported by cellular machineries that ensure polypeptides fold to their native conformation, whilst eliminating misfolded, aggregation prone species. Protein aggregation underlies pathologies including neurodegeneration.
Aggregates’ formation is antagonised by molecular chaperones, with cytoplasmic machinery resolving insoluble protein aggregates. However, it is unknown whether an analogous disaggregation system exists in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) where ~30% of the proteome is synthesised.
Here we show that the ER of a variety of mammalian cell types, including neurons, is endowed with the capability to resolve protein aggregates under stress.
Utilising a purpose-developed protein aggregation probing system with a sub-organellar resolution, we observe steady-state aggregate accumulation in the ER. Pharmacological induction of ER stress does not augment aggregates, but rather stimulate their clearance within hours.
We show that this dissagregation activity is catalysed by the stress-responsive ER molecular chaperone – BiP. This work reveals a hitherto unknow, non-redundant strand of the proteostasis-restorative ER stress response.
Mercedes drivers cautiously optimistic on Miami GP upgrades while Hamilton praises ‘Super Bowl’-like build-up
Mercedes have brought a raft of upgrades to the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, which George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are hoping will help improve their fortunes after a difficult start to the 2022 campaign.
The reigning world champions have failed to contend for race victories in any of the opening four races of the season, with the W13 suffering from porpoising more than most of its rivals – with Mercedes a disappointing third in the constructors’ championship.
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But after conducting significant work in the windtunnel and CFD, the team have brought a new low drag rear wing, revised front wing and new beam wing – a trio of parts that have been in the works for weeks – to Miami.
“For sure we’ve got a few things to try this weekend,” said Russell. “I don’t think it will be the silver bullet but it’s definitely going to give us a much better indication of the direction we need to take in future events.
“I think these past couple of weeks and months since day one really have been vital to understanding the problem and developing the tools to be able to find solutions. I think we’re finally getting to a point where we feel confident that in race to come, we might be able to solve it. But we’ll have to wait and see.”
Hamilton, who trails Russell by 21 points in the drivers’ standings, added: “You can expect that we’ll be giving it our all and trying our best. There’s been a huge amount of work going on in the background, everyone working as hard as they can.
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“You can see we’ve got a new rear wing for example so I’m just grateful for everyone continuing to keep their heads down and the amazing hard work that everyone’s putting in.”
Does Hamilton reckon the changes should bring the team closer to pace-setters Ferrari and Red Bull? “I don’t anticipate much change in that sense,” he said.
Hamilton was in New York ahead of travelling to Miami, where he played golf with NFL legend Tom Brady as part of a charity event. On seeing the impressive facility built around the Hard Rock Stadium, which includes a pretend marina and a temporary beach with views of the track, Hamilton likened it to NFL’s showpiece event: the Super Bowl.
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“It definitely is what I expected from Miami,” added Hamilton. “Already going through the city, just seeing events everywhere and the buzz. I was just in New York and I remember walking through the streets and I heard someone talking about [the race] and they didn’t know I was there.
“But there’s just talk on the streets. I’ve been to a couple of Super Bowls and this feels like a similar vibe. What a great place for us to have it – and around this incredible stadium.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing spectacle, and also really cool for people across in Europe and around the rest of the world to see just how great Miami is.”
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Ukraine Russia crisis: Russian build-up continues, but insufficient for full-scale invasion, Ukrainian military intelligence says
The total number of Russian troops at the border has increased in recent days to more than 148,000, including more than 126,000 ground troops, the report says, echoing US intelligence about the build-up. A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson affirmed the reporting in comments to CNN ahead of an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was sending some of its troops at the border back to base after completing exercises. On Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg rejected Putin’s claim and said the military buildup was continuing, describing it as “the most serious crisis in decades.”
A statement by NATO later on Wednesday said the buildup was “very large scale, unprovoked and unjustified.” NATO also said it was deploying additional land forces in the eastern part of the alliance, in addition to maritime and air assets. The measures, the statement said, remained “proportionate” and “non-escalatory,” in response to the “serious threat” of the Russian troop buildup.
“Unfortunately there’s a difference between what Russia says and what it does. And what we’re seeing is no meaningful pullback,” Blinken said on ABC’s Good Morning America.
“On the contrary, we continue to see forces, especially forces that would be in the vanguard of any renewed aggression against Ukraine, continuing to be at the border, to mass at the border,” he said.
According to the new Ukrainian intelligence report, 87 Russian Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs) are on constant alert around Ukraine, up from 53 which are usually based in the area. BTGs are formations that consist of 800 to 1,000 Russian troops.
The numbers are consistent with the latest US assessment of the Russian troop buildup, but deviates from Western statements by playing down the threat of a full-scale invasion.
“The Russian military contingent near the Ukrainian border is insufficient to carry out a successful large-scale armed aggression against Ukraine,” the report said.
Instead, Ukrainian intelligence believes that Russia has focused its efforts on “destabilizing Ukraine’s internal situation” using punitive economic and energy-related tactics, as well as cyberattacks.
Largest cyberattack of its kind
A high-volume cyberattack that temporarily blocked access to the websites of Ukrainian defense agencies and banks on Tuesday was “the largest (such attack) in the history of Ukraine,” according to a government minister.
Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who is also the minister of digital transformation, added that it is too early to tell who was responsible for the attack.
The so-called distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack — which bombarded Ukrainian websites with phony traffic — was coordinated and well planned, officials said.
DDoS attacks often disrupt access to IT systems, but their impact can be more psychological rather than having any direct effect on a country’s critical infrastructure.
‘Day of Unity’
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Ukraine marked a so-called “Day of Unity” — called for by Zelensky — as a show of defiance against Russia.
Hundreds of people observed flag-raising ceremonies in some of Ukraine’s city centers.
“This gathering is how we show our power to Putin,” Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyy told CNN.
Speaking from the port city of Mariupol, which is believed to be vulnerable to attack in the case of an invasion, Zelensky vowed to “not succumb” to Russian provocations.
“We are not intimidated by any predictions (of war), any people, enemies, or any dates, because we will defend ourselves, whether it’s February 16th, 17th, or 18th — in March or April or September or December,” he said.
“What’s important is this is the year 2022, not 2014. We’ve become much stronger,” Zelensky added, referring to Russia’s 2014 invasion of Crimea.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Ukraine blamed Russia for Tuesday’s cyberattack. Authorities have only raised the possibility that Moscow could have been behind the incident.