island

Yonaguni’s Japanese island was known for its beauty and Bad Bunny. Now it is a military strength because of Taiwan

by

It is possible that until recently the vast majority of the population did not know what it was Yonaguni. In 2021, the picturesque Japanese island appeared in the “map” of millions of people when the artist Bad Bunny dedicated him A song (Singing it in Spanish and Japanese, in addition). However, the enclave, very much, will possibly be more famous over the months. Is found in the center of a war Between the United States and China, and has in front of Taiwan. Paradise in the conflict. Yonaguni, the westernmost island in Japan, is usually remembered as an idyllic corner of Crystalline waters and almost empty routes between cane fields. However, its strategic location only 110 km from the Taiwanese coast has placed it in the center of the growing tension between China and Taiwantransforming his image of tourist paradise into an expanding military enclave. The Japanese government has announced the Base extension From the self -defense forces (SDF), as well as works to extend the airport, build a port for large boats and create underground evacuation shelters. These developments have left their only 1,500 inhabitants trapped between the growing militarization and the latent threat of a regional conflict. A military bastion. As AP explained In a recent report, while some residents and local authorities such as Fumie Kano dreamed of promoting commercial links with Taiwan through direct sea routes, but the plan was set aside In favor of militarizationwhich offered government subsidies and security promises. Since 2016, the island houses a unit of 160 members coastal surveillanceequipped with radars, to which electronic war units and potential deployments of long -range missiles. Today, the military and their families already They represent 20% of the populationa constantly increased figure that begins to reconfigure the economy and social structure of the island. Division before the threat. The possibility of a Taiwan Yūjian emergency caused by a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan, worries residents, who fear that the island will become a military objective or refugee receiver. Not everyone, of course. The Guardian told A few weeks ago cases such as that of the Shoko Komine restaurant, where they do not believe that the conflict is imminent, although they are afraid of its immediate impact on tourism, the main economic engine of the island. The militarization, in the opinion of its owner, has displaced the efforts to promote Yonaguni As a tourist destination. Even those who voted in favor of the base in 2015, when it was approved by little margin, seem to express their concern today at the possible missile installation, which would make the island blank in case of hostilities. Yonaguni Geopolitics in the Pacific. The reorientation of the Japanese defense policy, which for decades focused on the Soviet threat in the north, has displaced its focus to the south and the growing pressure of China. We tell it A few weeks ago, Yonaguni is part of the Nansei Islands chain, whose strategic importance It has been redoubled In a context in which the United States It demands from Japan a more active role in your own defense. Under that framework, the American ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, recently visited the island in a symbolic sample of American support. In addition, other nearby islands, such as Miyako and Ishigaki, already house missile units (and comes A broader package), increasing the Pressure on Okinawa Prefecturewhich welcomes most American troops in Japan. Defense or provocation. The people are divided. For example, the mayor of Yonaguni, Kenichi Itakazu, support military expansionconsidering it essential to protect the island and access part of the record of 43 billion yen (276,000 million dollars) in defense expense planned for 2028. He argues that, given the experience with Hong Kong, Xi Jinping’s peaceful promises cannot be trusted. However, critical voices such as councilor Chiyoki Tasato warn that the deployment of troops and missiles does not deter, but that attracts danger. Tasato considers inevitable that Japan will be involved if a war in the Taiwan Strait due to the United States Security Treaty, which imposes bilateral military responsibilities. The 2015 law Approved under the mandate of Shinzō Abe authorizes Japan to exercise collective self -defense in case an ally is attacked, which reinforces that vision. An island in transformation. Yonaguni, like many remote regions of Japan, faces a complicated depopulation process. Of the 12,000 inhabitants he had in 1947, today There are hardly 1,500 civiliansmostly older people. A figure that contrasts with 160 SDF troops and its 90 relatives, whose presence begins to transform the social structure. According to calculations of the Tetsu Inomata residentby 2026 the military “base population” will exceed 40% of the total number of inhabitants. Although soldiers have tried to integrate, for example, participating in schools, shops and cultural activities, many islanders feel that a military enclave is being configured that could eventually displace the civilian population. Historical and strategic memory. Some inhabitants, such as local politician Mizuho Chidacome in the Evacuation drills that we have counted before an undercover preparation for an armed conflict. Others, like Tasato, advocate Strengthen the links economic and cultural with Taiwan, a country with which Yonaguni shared business relations at the time of the Ryukyu kingdom. Despite the geographical proximity, there are currently no direct routes between the two regions, although maritime crosses are foreseen soon. This vision contrasts with the perception that the island has been alibuated by external interests, particularly those of Washington, with Tokyo’s complicity. The weight of the story. The past also plays an important role in the perception of the premises. The memories of the Okinawa battlewhere about 200,000 people died during World War II, still resonate among residents. Many fear that, as then, the islands of southern Japan are sacrificed In the name of national security. Today Central Okinawa house more than half Of the 50,000 American soldiers deployed in Japan, and the new bases in Yonaguni and neighboring islands such as Miyako and Ishigaki expand that geostrategic burden on a historically marginalized region … Read more

An island in Japan has revolutionized its vehicles. They have turned cow droppings into hydrogen fuel

by

If we talk about hydrogen and mobility, we would possibly have to Add to Japan In the equation. Few companies have tried to make it a real alternative to the electric car like the Japanese Toyota, although it is true that in recent times the idea was Much more than in doubt. An island has shown that technology is still there. Of course, with the invaluable help of tons of cows excrement. The solution in Hokkaido. On the island of HokkaidoJapan, a key region for country production of the countryan innovative project seeks to convert the Hydrogen cow manurethat clean fuel with the potential of feed vehicles, homes and agricultural machinery. With More than one million cows Currently generating 20 million tons of manure per year, this source of waste represents an environmental problem due to its methane emissions and its impact on the Water quality. He Shikaoi Hydrogen Farmlaunched in 2015 by the Ministry of Environment of Japan, addresses this challenge by transforming waste into a sustainable energy resource. As? The manure and urine of cows are Farm collected local and sent to an anaerobic digester, where bacteria break down organic matter to produce biogas and liquid fertilizer. Then, biogas is purified in methane, which later becomes, hydrogen. Sustainable mobility. The plant has a production capacity of 70 cubic meters of hydrogenenough to supply up to 28 vehicles with hydrogen cells per day. In addition to cars, the fuel is currently used In tractors and forklift of the island, whose electrification with batteries is more complex. It is also stored in Canisters that are transported to provide energy to a sturgence fish and Obihiro Zoo. Challenges Several, of course. The main one is logistics, since it must be stored in high pressure tanks, which does so susceptible to leaks and degradation of materials, in addition to requiring specialized infrastructure for transport and distribution. Your acryogenic lmacement at -253 ° C is energetically expensive, which hinders its scalability. In spite of this, the project continues to advance, mainly with subsidies that equate the price of hydrogen with that of gasoline, to promote its adoption in cities such as Sapporo and Muroran. In fact and as we said at the beginning, Japan leads the hydrogen industryalthough the electric cars still They are more profitable than those driven by this gas. Hydrogen from waste. The truth is that the concept of producing hydrogen from waste is not limited to Japan. Other initiatives in the world explore alternative sources such as Pork manurepoultry and even Coconut peels. For example, in Thailand Toyota investigates hydrogen production From chicken excrement. In the United States the University of Illinois developed A METHOD TO MANUFACTURE HYDROGEN With manure, sugarcane residues and corn cobs, significantly reducing the energy consumption of the process. And in Fukuoka, Japan, a wastewater treatment plant produces hydrogen From human wastesupplying a fleet of garbage trucks without emission. All initiatives show that bioenergy from waste can play a key role in the global energy transition. However, the lack of infrastructure and high costs remain barriers for large -scale expansion. Uncertain future. He Project in Shikaoi It is an innovative example of circular economy, where waste becomes energy, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. However, the viability of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels will depend on technological advances that reduce their cost of production, storage and distribution. Although manure and cow droppings will hardly be the main source of hydrogen in the future, especially worldwide, initiatives such as these can lay the foundations for a new energy industry based on waste recycling, with potential applications in transport, agriculture and clean energy generation globally. Image | Japanexpeter, Nara In Xataka | Remote solar self -consumption: When you can’t install panels on your roof, you ask for remote In Xataka | Solar tiles: What are they, what is their price and what they offer in front of conventional solar panels

Artificial platforms to invade an island

by

It is not necessary to go very far to find clues about the challenges that China has with Taiwan. In December, the island found an army of 53 airplanes and 90 Chinese ships In an unpublished exhibition. Days before, filtered documents showed that the nation has a plan with up to six options To invade the island through the beach and its ports. All this does nothing but confirm with the latest images. If things twist, everything is almost ready. Images and video. In the last 24 hours it has leaked A video and several images through of the Navalnews medium that have revealed the presence and deployment of new Chinese lifting barges (called in English Jack-Up Barges), used to build temporary docks that can extend in the sea and facilitate amphibious operations. No doubt, development is seen as part of China’s preparations for a Possible Taiwan invasionas well as a strategy to expand the use of maritime assets of civil appearance in support of the Navy of the Popular Liberation Army (PLAN). In fact, The video It shows three of these barges deployed in tandem on an unidentified beach, confirming China’s intention to integrate them into their military infrastructure. What we see. As we said, satellite snapshots From Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) On Longxue Island they have confirmed the departure of three of these barges, previously under construction, while three other remain in development. Analyst Tom Shugart, from the American Security Center (CNAS), identified this movement And he pointed out in his X account that vessels did not use the Automatic identification system (AIS), which suggests that China seeks to avoid its tracking or that, in effect, they are active plan. As we will see below, this behavior is similar to that of other double -use ships that have participated in Chinese military exercises and other nations. Aerial view of one of the artificial ports called Mulberry, built by the allies against Arromanches, Normandía (September 1944) Mulberry ports. The most striking of the design of these barges is their ability to join to form a single structure extended in the sea. They counted in media Like The War Zone that initially it was thought that they would work independently, but the new evidence shows that they are designed to operate together, creating a kind of floating dock of approximately 850 meters longallowing the transfer of loads from larger vessels in deeper waters. The truth is that this floating infrastructure model It is not new in military historysince he remembers and much The Mulberry ports used For the allies in it Normandy landing During World War II. With a notable difference, yes: the Chinese version It incorporates hydraulic supports that raise barge on water, providing stability even in adverse climatic conditions, which could guarantee a constant flow of loading, vehicles and troops without depending on traditional ports. Comparison with other infrastructure. The idea of ​​using floating docks with military purposes It is not exclusive from China. Recently, the United States Army implemented a similar system To expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza (although a storm seriously damaged it), which demonstrated the vulnerability of this type of infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. In contrast, the design of Chinese barges, with their elevators, offers greater resistance to the inclement weather and could be key to establishing a continuous logistics supply in an operation. However, these structures also have disadvantages. Being large and stationary once deployed, they become easy and high strategic value objectives, which suggests that its main use would be possibly after the initial assault, facilitating the arrival of reinforcements and supplies once the area has been insured. The role of the civil naval industry. The use of civil infrastructure for military purposes is a key tactic in China’s strategy. It is known, in fact, because It has been documented in the annual Pentagon report on Chinese military development. Although the plan has not invested in the amount of landing vessels that analysts believe necessary for a large -scale invasion of Taiwan, yes has reinforced its abilities with civil ships turned into military assistants, such as The so-called Roll-on/Roll-Off (Ro/ro) and other logistics platforms. More than one purpose. This commercial asset militarization trend is not only designed for a possible invasion of Taiwan, but also could be applied in Other strategic scenarios inside the Indo-Pacific. Of course, these resources could also be used in disaster response operations and humanitarian assistance as the United States already did, which allows China to project power under a “benevolent” appearance. Perspectives and geopolitics. It is the last of the legs to be treated after knowing some images that leave so few doubts. The development of these lifting barges and their potential use in An invasion of Taiwan They have generated concern among military analysts in the United States and their allies. In fact, previous reports indicated that Beijing could be in a position to launch a military operation against Taiwan By 2027although other more recent estimates have softened such prediction. Be that as it may, the general consensus seems to be the same: China remains committed to the reunification of Taiwan of a U other way, and if things get in the worst stage, they already have lists Some of the capacities necessary for the logistics of a large -scale “amphibious” invasion. Image | 笑脸男人, Imperial War Museums. In Xataka | China has a plan with six options if things “twist” with Taiwan. World War II advocates all In Xataka | Taiwan lives an unprecedented situation in three decades: there is an army of 53 planes and 90 Chinese ships in front of the island

In 1759 pirates bought a US island. Since then they speak such an English version of English that nobody understands them

by

Languages ​​(and their dialects) are possibly one of The great wonders of our civilization. There are, for example, those Latinos in southern Florida who have been mixing English and Spanish for years creating a new language. Not far from there, but some centuries earlier, some pirates arrived to establish what was never seen in the United States: the Isabelino English. Centuries later they still do not understand them. Ocracoke’s language. The story told Recently the BBC. In the remote Ocracoke IslandNorth Carolina, survives a unique dialect in the United States: the Hoi Toidera mixture of Isabelino EnglishIrish and Scottish accents of the 18th century, and the slang of the pirates who invaded the island several centuries ago. This is the only variant of English in the United States that is not identified as American, a linguistic relic that has remained thanks to the geographical isolation of the island and its singular history. The pirates. Ocracoke, an island of 24.9 km square, was for centuries A pirate shelterEnglish and native sailors American Wocconwho interacted and created a community with their own cultural and linguistic collection. One of the most emblematic characters was William Howardex-pirata and old crew of the Barbanegra shipwho, after receiving a real pardon, bought the island in 1759 and helped establish a society that, in almost total isolation, preserved his own dialect. The isolation of the island not only influenced language, but also in the way of life. Until 1938, the enclave It had no electricityand the Ferry service did not begin until 1957. This allowed the community to remain largely oblivious to changes in the outside world, preserving its traditional way of life, its culture and its dialect. A language in danger. The story remembers In the case of Erromintxela In Spain. The Ocracoke dialect, the Hoi Toider, is easily recognizable for its characteristic phonetics. For example, the sound “I” is pronounced as “OI”, which transforms “High Tide” in “Hoi Toide”, origin of the name of the dialect. In addition, the vocabulary includes words and phrases inherited from the first British and Irish settlers, such as “Mommuck” (disturbing), “quamish” (dizzy) and “Pizer” (Porche). Plus: Many terms were brought from Europe, but others emerged inside the island, Like “Meehonkey”a hiding game inspired by the sound of the geese when flying. There is also “dingbatter”, a term that locals use to refer to strangers. The problem? That the arrival of television, internet and tourism accelerated that possible disappearance of the hoi toider. According to The linguist Dr. Walt Wolframless than half of the 676 current inhabitants of the island speak with the traditional accent, and within one or two generations could disappear completely. Live on your back to everything. Beyond the language, the Ocracoke community continues to keep a way of life Unique and self -sufficient. On the island there are no large supermarkets or commercial chains, so residents depend on small local stores, artisanal markets and fishing. Instead of cinemas, there are Outdoor theater groupsand many islanders still work as fishermen, carpenters and owners of small breweries. The scenario is so picturesque that one of the most emblematic culinary traditions It’s Fig Cakecreated in 1964 when an inhabitant replaced the dates of a cake with canned figs. Today, the cake is part of the local identity, and every August the Festival of the figwith pastry competitions, dances and traditional games such as Meehonkey. The Quid: Change or not. Of course, Ocracoke continues to attract new residents and touristswhich has generated a debate about the future of its cultural identity. Some fear that the arrival of outsiders dilute local customs, while others see growth as a natural evolution, similar to the diversity that the first settlers led to the island. Be that as it may, what seems clear is that the Ocracoke community remains an increasingly rare example of solidarity and tradition. Finally, people help each other and, although the dialect can disappear, the spirit of the island It remains intact. “Words can change, but the meaning behind them will remain the same”, The islanders assure. Meanwhile (and last), they will continue talking so English that the rest of the country does not understand them. Image | Nicolaas Baur, bobistraveling In Xataka | The Latinos of the south of Florida have been mixing English for years. And they have created a new dialect In Xataka | The most unknown language in Spain is in danger. The 500 gypsies who speak it just want them to leave them alone

A Venezuelan invented a city without law in the middle of an island. Now the millionaires who followed him do not know how to escape

by

In recent history there are several examples of projects of private for profit that sought to redifing the concept of governance and economic development combining libertarian, neoliberal and corporatist principles in the same cocktail shaker. ShenzhenIn China, it began as a special economic zone in 1980 and grew from being a fishing village to a metropolis with a GDP of 482 billion dollars. And there we have Neom in Saudi Arabiaalthough it is about to see that this future is confirmed. In any case, none as prosperous. A radical experiment. Located on the island of Roatán, Honduras, Prospera It was conceived as A libertarian citywith an independent fiscal and regulatory structure Designed to attract investorstechnological entrepreneurs and defenders of the free market. Created by the Venezuelan Erick Brime, a former manager of Investment Funds, the community operates under its own legal code, minimum tax rates and a digital judicial system administered by Arizona’s retired judges. With a 1% corporate tax rate And without capital gains taxes, the enclave was presented as an alternative to the Honduran system, seeking to demonstrate that the free market economy and the minimum government intervention can generate prosperity. Millionaires to the race. As we said, since its foundation in 2017, the city attracted the interest of Silicon Valley investors. There, people like Brian Armstrong (CEO of Coinbase) and Peter Thiel, who saw in prosperous space for technological and financial innovation. The community also became a meeting point for Biohackers and cryptocurrency, organizing conferences with the motto “Make Death Optional” and facilitating the installation of biotechnology and nuclear energy companies. However, the ambition of the project soon crashed with the political and social reality of Honduras, triggering a crisis that now threatens to dismantle its existence. Millionaires who look so happy do not know how to get out. The collapse of the legal framework. Prospera’s existence was possible thanks to the Employment and Economic Development Law (Zedes), approved during the mandate of former president Juan Orlando Hernández. What happened? That Hernández was arrested and convicted in the United States for drug trafficking, and her successor, President Xiomara Castro, went on to qualify the project as a creation of a “narco-regime.” In 2024, the Supreme Court of Honduras declared unconstitutional the law of the Zedesquestioning the legality of Prospera. Given this threat, Brime sue Honduras for 11,000 million of dollars before an international arbitration tribunal, claiming that the revocation of its special status constitutes an illegal expropriation. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent in Lobby in the United States Congress seeking to press the Government so that sanction Honduras if it does not protect investment Foreign in Prospera. The community is revealed. In addition, the problem for these “investors” was aggravated when the rejection of the central government of the “city” added local leaders and indigenous communities In Roatán. Moreover, the Crawfish Rock community, which borders Prospera, has denounced that the project represents A threat to its territory and way of life. Tensions about access to water and territorial expansion have resulted in clashes between prosperous employees and local residents. A regulatory paradise. If you wonder why so many millionaires came to Brime, the answer is in one of the most controversial prosperous aspects: Your self -regulation modelwhere companies can choose between regulations from 36 different countriesSo even create their own regulations, provided they hire civil liability insurance. Hence, it has become a refuge for high -tech and biomedicine sectors, including startups on extreme longevity and prohibited experimental therapies in the United States. Who is it? Bloomberg had A few days ago in a special about the city that among the companies that have established operations in Prospera Oklo stand outa startup backed by Sam Altman that develops small nuclear reactors, biotechnology companies, some dedicated to unregulated medical treatments, and a large amount of Investors in cryptocurrenciesattracted by the possibility of paying taxes with Bitcoin. In any case, and despite its success by attracting private capital, the lack of a clear tax framework has generated those Frictions with the local government. The mayor of Roatán, Ron McNab, has criticized that Prospera uses the island’s infrastructure Without paying municipal taxeswhich aggravates urban problems such as lack of roads, drainage and safety. Model expansion. As Prospera’s viability in Honduras has become more uncertain, Brime and businesswoman Magatte Wade have launched a new project: Africa prosperan attempt to replicate the model in African countries. Apparently, Sub -Saharan Africa is seen as a fertile land for this type of projects due to its rapid urban growth and high demand for private investment. Of course, Wade has emphasized that his intention is to avoid mistakes made in Honduras and work in collaboration with local governments. A libertarian utopia. Thus, which began as an experiment in self -government has evolved in A legal, political and social struggle With the Honduran government and the premises In “Weapons” against this invented city. While Brime and his allies press for the international recognition of Prospera, local resistance and government actions have turned their dream and that of investors into a nightmare with a figure to settle: 11,000 million dollars. The curious thing about this story is that, far from trying to put an end, Prospera’s fate could be replicated in other places and, if necessary, determine the future of other autonomous cities worldwide. If you manage to survive and give you the right, a precedent will sit for many other similar projects. If it fails, it will reinforce skepticism about The viability of these libertarian enclaves in countries with fragile political and economic contexts. What seems clear is that the confrontation between Prospera and Honduras is far from ending, exposing fundamental challenges of private cities: can a corporation replace a state? Or maybe the big question: how far does the right of a community come to self -govern? Image | Zaha Hadid In Xataka | How much money Elon Musk has: how the fortune of the man who plans … Read more

Telecinco crossed a deep audience crisis. Until the key on ‘The island of temptations’

by

The hearings of ‘The island of temptations’ since The Montoya phenomenon He made his irruption on social networks have only grows, and have reached a climax in both narrative and spectators with this week’s galas. Although it will still be in the coming weeks with some gala of ‘What was …’ and the like, the last regrets in Montoya, Anita and Manuel, the tempting who generated a schism inside the couple has been the icing for this edition. “You have left me like a scolding.” It was alone One more of the many glorious phrases that the Infinite Andalusian Ingenio de Montoya. All immersed in a narrative that is hard to believe that he was not previously scripted due to his devastating sense of rhythm and his iconic Rancio melodrama characters (the hero who finds dignity, the liar who remains alone, The villain that punishes twice). Result: 16.7% quota and 2,103,000 spectators, the best Wednesday of this edition. The figures. They are not precisely nimios data: it exceeds 2.5 points and more than 300,000 viewers for the best audience that the program had had until now, three weeks ago. But above all, the most important thing: it exceeds the two daily titans and exceeds both global data and in strict coincidence of ‘El Hormiguero’ and ‘La Revuelta’. The motorcycle program had 13.7% of Share and 1,865,000 spectators, and well below, Broncano scored 11.1% and 1,519,000 spectators. Football again damages the latter again, since the Champions League in Movistar Plus+ made 8.6% and 1,139,000 spectators. The Telecinco respite. These figures suppose an oxygen ball for Telecinco, which remains the third option behind Antena 3 and 1. The triumph of ‘The island of temptations’ adds to other variables such as the final of ‘Big Brother’ and the Return from ‘Ana Rosa’ in the morningwhich makes Telecinco the option that goes up to January, with nine tenths. Of course, it came from playing background: its historical minimum in regular season (8.7%) and despite the rise, this February has been the worst in its history, with 9.6% on average. That is, certain notes of improvement are perceived, but the audiences remain abysmal. Ana Rosa as spearhead. Yesterday ‘Ana Rosa’ program, which returned in the morning after a dull evening stage in ‘afternoon’ (which curiously is working very decently in the afternoon without its alma mater) signed his best data since he returned to his original schedule: 15.2% of Share. In his strip, he led without possible competition, with almost two points of advantage, but could not stand up to Arús in his first two hours, which remains untouchable from 9 to 11 in the morning with 16.1% of Share. Even so, they are also good news for a Telecinco willing to grab any favorable data. Big Brother confirms the domain of the realities. For many headlines that monopolize its discussed final (which has made ‘tongo‘Be Trending topic in networks), ‘Big Brother Duo 3’ has both a confirmation that the formula is exhausted and that the realities They are almost the only resource of Telecinco to scratch respectable audiences (Share record -17.6% – with their end). With the failure of ‘Whoever falls falls‘, one of his great bets of this season, and the bass ratings of talents as ‘Next Level Chef’ (which You have to take over the strip of Late Night To give decent data per comparison), it is clear in which gender will continue to trust the channel. The future of the island. Now, Telecinco meets a reality that he had relegated to a secondary role obtaining his best audiences from the first auditions, so he undoubtedly has a very specific objective for the next edition: finding his next Montoya. Meanwhile, the new edition of ‘Survivors! The usual feedback of Telecinco programs, now at the service of responding to low chain audiences. Header | Mediaset In Xataka | ‘La Revuelta’ has made the issuance of lotteries at last something interesting. In return, a millionaire fine has been taken

Convert an abandoned island into a world weapons shipping base

by

At the end of February, satellite images revealed something that had not been made public. Washington was Restoring the Base of the Pacific that launched atomic bombing over Japan, an action nothing trivial with which the United States prepared a “possible” scenario. Now, new images at another Pacific point reinforce the theory of American “rearmament.” An atoll turned into a kind of “Amazon” for the sending of artillery throughout the planet. Rocket position. The United States Space Force has given green light To the plans to reactivate Johnston Atolla remote island in the Pacific with a dark history of nuclear tests and storage of chemical weapons. The idea? Convert it instead of cargo transport tests by rocket under the program Rocket Cargo Vaguard. The project seeks to develop the ability to transport military supplies to any point on the planet in a matter of hours, using large -capacity rockets. In fact, the notification of intention (NOI) Published by the Department of the Air Force A few hours ago confirming the construction of two landing platforms on the island and planning up to 10 landing tests per year for four years. The tests are expected to begin as soon as this year, depending on the results of the ongoing environmental evaluation. Why this island. The analysis of the Air Force Department identified Johnston Atoll as The only adequate location For this type of tests. Other sites evaluatedlike Kwajalein Atoll, Midway Island and Wake Island, were discarded for various operational reasons. Johnston Atoll, on the other hand, was chosen by be a remote territoryunder the control of the United States government with maritime and aerial access, and for its ability to receive and store equipment transported by rocket. Plus: The island’s location makes it less vulnerable to extreme climatic events, a key concern after Kwajalein It would suffer severe damage Due to storms last year. The island from the image of NASA A dark past. We said it at the beginning. Johnston Atoll has a highly controversial military history. The enclave was used as Naval Reporting Baselanding floor and center of Nuclear, biological and chemical tests. Among the most notorious events are nuclear tests in the atmosphere between 1958 and 1975, including The Starfish Prime test In 1962, the largest nuclear explosion made in space. Also for the use of the island as Chemical and Biological Weapons Warehouseand as the center of its destruction until 2003, when it was finally abandoned by the United States Army after completing pollutant cleaning. Despite its current status as a National Wildlife Refuge and part of the National Marine Monument of the Pacific Islands, the satellite image reveals that the island continues to host abandoned military infrastructuresuch as a 2.7 km landing floor and other facilities that will be reused. A revolution for military logistics. It is the great proposal. The Rocket Cargo Vaguard program, led by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFR), seeks to prove the viability of using commercial rockets for Global military supplies transport. From at least 2020the Pentagon has explored this technology with the idea of ​​reducing the delivery times of days or weeks just a few hours. The concept implies the use of reusable rockets to transport up to 100 tons of load Or even personnel to strategic locations in the world, using orbital or suborbital trajectories. Spacex and the potential use of Starship. And here a code name arises. One of the main candidates for the program is the Spacex starship, the rocket bigger and powerful ever built. In 2022, Spacex received A 102 million contract of dollars to provide flight data and technologies tests for the transport of load and humanitarian aid. However, to date, Starship tests They have been mixedwith multiple explosions during launch attempts. Despite this, the Pentagon has shown great interest in acquiring Spacex launching systems for sensitive and high -risk missions. General Philip Garrant, commander of the Space Systems Command, declared in November that the use of Starship for the Rocket Cargo program is One of the most logical optionsmainly due to its large load capacity and reusable design. Future perspectives and expansion. The approval of the environmental assessment next month could open the door in par, not only to evidence of Rocket Cargo Vaguardbut also to the total reactivation of Johnston Atoll as an landing center for other reusable space vehicles. In fact, we would say that it is almost insured if we take into account that there are practically no locations in the United States that can house rocket landing operations of this scale. No doubt, if the island ends up being approved, it could become A key strategic asset for the United States space force in the development of reusable spatial infrastructure. One, in addition, nothing trivial: a worldwide logistics and ultra -grape center to replenish artillery in records in the appearance of any modern conflict. Image | POT In Xataka | Satellite images leave no doubt: the US has restored the base of the Pacific that launched atomic bombardment over Japan In Xataka | The United States fears that China’s long -range missiles will reach Guam. So he just launched one himself

First it was a cut underwater cable. 24 hours later Taiwan has found a China Army in front of the island

by

24 hours after the Taiwan authorities have stopped a ship manned by Chinese citizens under the suspicion of having cut a new cable Communications submarine, the island has encountered a surprising scene in front of its coasts: China has deployed an army and initiated real fire exercises. The tension intensifies. As explained by the island’s government, China carried out “shooting training” exercises In the waters near the southwest coast of Taiwan, in a maneuver that Taipei has described as “provocative and dangerous.” The exercises seem to be framed in a series of Chinese military maneuvers that, at least in the last three years, have included large -scale war drills. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that, shortly before 9 am, detected 32 Chinese military planes performing a joint exercise of preparation for combat along with 14 warships in the Taiwan Strait. The operation was carried out without prior notice and in an area Only 74 kilometers from the coastwhich represents a violation of international standards and a danger to navigation security and commercial flights in the region. Taiwan’s response. The Taiwanese government He condemned the maneuvers and displayed his own strength to monitor the situation. The cities of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, located in southwest Taiwan, host important naval and aerial bases, in addition to the largest port on the island, a key node in international maritime trade. According to Taipei, the recent Chinese military activity, including the one carried out in front of the coast of Australiashow that China is the biggest threat for the stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs avoided making direct comments on Taiwan’s complaints and just affirmed that the maneuvers were part of a scheduled shooting training. China reinforces its reunification speech. While the Chinese armed forces carried out these exercises, Wang Huning, the fourth leader in the hierarchy of the Communist Party, reiterated the official Beijing position on The “reunification” with Taiwan. During a meeting on issues related to the island, Wang stressed The need for China “Maintain the initiative and control over relations through the Taiwan Strait” and “advance without hesitation in the cause of the reunification of the homeland.” What did the neighbor say? Taiwan’s government responded by rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty statements and reaffirmed that only the Taiwanese people You can decide your future. To all this we must remember that President Lai Ching-Te, whom China considers a “separatist”, has reiterated his commitment to the defense of Taiwanese democracy. A day after cable cut. It We count yesterday. Frictions between Taiwan and China have not limited themselves to the military field. 24 hours before Chinese “simulation”, both parties exchanged accusations in relation to the Damage to an underwater cable of communications off the southwest coast of Taiwan. The Taiwanese authorities arrested a freighter with Chinese crew, the Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo, on suspicion of being involved in the incident. China, meanwhile, accused Taiwan of Manipulate the situation and launch accusations without conclusive evidence. Not just that. Taiwan has revealed in the last hours that the Hong Tai 58 was already part of A list of 52 boats Linked to China that the island’s security agencies consider a potential threat to telecommunications infrastructure. Looking back, it is the fifth case around failures/cuts/Sabotage of submarine cables registered in the region so far this year. So much so, that the Taiwan government has established a parallel with similar incidents occurred in the Baltic Sea After the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What seems clear is that the situation in the area, far from appeasing, has climbed the confrontation in a few days. China continues reinforcing its military presence In the region, while Taiwan and its allies, particularly the United States, observe with concern the increase in these maneuvers and the hardening of the forced reunification discourse. The combination of military pressure, sabotage of critical infrastructure and that growing belligerent rhetoric by Beijing points to an intimidation and wear strategy, one that raises the risk of an open conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Image | Naval Surface In Xataka | Taiwan lives an unprecedented situation in three decades: there is an army of 53 planes and 90 Chinese ships in front of the island In Xataka | Taiwan has just stopped a ship after cutting an underwater cable. The problem is that there are only Chinese citizens inside

For 15 years a strange circle under an island in Japan was an enigma. The author’s identity was a surprise

by

If we go to the dictionary to be exact with the term, the verb “courtej” accompanies the following definition: try to get the love or favors of someone flattering him and looking for his company. Therefore, the finding that took place several decades ago was so surprising. Normally, when we talk about courting WE THINK HUMAN KEY. However, in the animal kingdom they exceed everything seen in our species when it comes to claim the attention of the other. The enigma of the circles. In 1995, a group of divers who were exploring the waters near Amami ōshima, Japan, Japan, They discovered strange circular formations In the seabed. It was surprising, since those structures were symmetric, with radial spikes and valleys, and with such a prominent geometric perfection that it aroused all kinds of speculation about their origin: were they facing a human creation, or was it due to some kind of unknown natural phenomenon , or maybe an unusual organism? The years passed, and it was not until 2011 that A team of scientists managed to solve the mystery. Not just that. They managed to “catch” the suspect repeating the lavish scene. To the surprise of the researchers, the protagonist was A tiny torquigener albomaculosusa small kind of balloon fish that, with a size of just 12 centimeters, seemed to be able to sculpt structures 16 times larger than their own body with a very specific purpose: seduce a couple for reproduction. The art of courtship under the sea. The year of the finding, the scientists recorded the process of creating these circles in the seabed, observing up to 10 reproductive events in two study areas. Each structure took between seven and nine days to complete and required extreme precision. The male balloon fish used its pectoral, anal and flows fins to dig and model the sand in a perfect radial pattern, alternating between rapid and strategic pauses movements To give texture to the formations. In addition, he decorated the peaks of his work with decorative elements such as shells and coral fragments, while the center of the circle was completely clear as we see in the images. Only when these final details were ready, The females began to approach to evaluate the design of the “artist”. The mating ritual. At this point, when a female was interested in the structure, The male stirred the fine sand of the center to attract his attention. If she decided to enter the circle, the male withdrew momentarily before swimming quickly towards her in a repetitive courtship dance. If the female was impressed, she put her eggs in the center of the circlemaking it a temporary nest. If that was already fascinating, shortly after it was revealed that the impressive structures were never reused, they were of only one use. After reproduction, males leave their creation and begin a new one from scratch, since the process of sculpting the circle consumes most of the finest and most adequate sand for reproduction. This apotheosic nest construction ritual, documented years later In the Big Pacific series of BBC Earth/PBS and narrated by Sir David AttenboroughHe has amazed biologists and spectators since then. Ephemeral art. No doubt, the complex work of the balloon fish is One of the most fascinating exhibitions of the animal kingdomcomparable to the elaborate dances of mating of birds or the constructions of some mammals. However, what makes these structures unique is that these are true underwater works of art, carefully designed and molded with geometric precision. In addition, its discovery also offered a new perspective on the evolution of courtship in vertebrates. Although humans tend to think about art and architecture as exclusively ours capacities, these seabl , all that, and surely something else, in the extraordinary work of a tiny creature. Image | H KAWASE et al (2017) FISHES, CC by 4.0 In Xataka | What science tells us about when a romantic relationship will be a success or complete failure In Xataka | We have lost track of one of the few mammals that put eggs. Now we have rediscovered it

A single island houses 70% of the US military bases in Japan. There is a weight reason for not to come out: China

by

At the end of January, in the Japan islands closest to Taiwan, Many places began to evacuate the area. The action was part of a series of drills that have been intensified in the last two years preparing for “the worst”, understanding this as An armed conflict between China and Taiwan. In fact, the most important island of Okinawa prefecture has a fact that attests to tension in the area: there is no other place in Japan with such a number of soldiers in the United States, and they have been there since World War II. Okinawa: trapped between two powers. For more than a century, Okinawa has been a territory in disputemarked by the conflict between Japan, the United States and China. Its history, which goes from being an independent kingdom to become a battlefield and military baseit reflects the weight of geopolitical decisions about the lives of its inhabitants. The island was originally The kingdom of Ryukyuan independent state that maintained tax relations with both Imperial China and with the Japanese domain of Satsuma. However, in the 1870s, Japan attached the archipelagoestablishing its control over the island. During World War II, Okinawa was the stage of One of the bloodiest battlesused as a shield to prevent US troops from reaching the main islands of Japan. After the war, instead of being returned to Japanese sovereignty, Okinawa was under control of the United Statesbecoming a military strategic point. Already in 1972, after 27 years of American occupation, The island was finally returned to Japan. However, the US military presence never disappeared. In fact, Okinawa houses 70 % of US military bases in Japandespite representing only 0.6 % of the national territory. It is estimated that there are 80,000 Americans on the island, of which 30,000 are uniformed military. The “slow” withdrawn. This week had the New York Times that the departure of those thousands of American marines has already begun, more or less, although With a delay of more than 20 years Regarding the original calendar. Before Christmas, a 105 Marines contingent that would normally have been sent to the island He was redirected to the new Camp Blaz base in Guam. This small movement marked the first trimming of military personnel in Okinawa within the agreement between Washington and Tokyo to reduce that US military presence on the island that goes back to World War II. According to the pact, 9,000 marines (almost half of the troops on the island) should be relocated at some point. However, due to the construction of replacement bases, its exit could take more than a decade to complete. United States maneuvers on the island A discontent agreement. Negotiation for the reduction of military presence It began in 1995when the case of three American soldiers who raped an okinawense girl caused massive protests on the island. This led to the United States and Japan They will agree to relieve the military load on Okinawa. As? In essence, by closing The Fuutema Air Base and the construction of a new installation in the north of the island. The first plan, signed in 1996, established a period of five to seven years for relocation, but almost three decades of that agreement, the original base remains operational and the new landing track is still 12 years after being completed. Geopolitics: the brake on the reduction. In any case, the delay in the withdrawal of US troops is due, in large part, to the growing military presence of China in the region. Recently and As we countthe Japan Ministry of Defense reported that Four Chinese warships sailed between Okinawa and a nearby islandincreasing concern in Tokyo and Washington about security in the Western Pacific. The rise of China, together with the threat of North Korea and tensions in Taiwan, has changed strategic dynamics. In fact, the times told that many in Tokyo and Washington wonder If they should really reduce the presence of marines in Okinawaespecially when the island is within the range of Chinese missiles and would be a key point in any conflict in the region. China’s hat. Although historically Okinawa maintained commercial relations with China, Beijing’s current influence on the region is seen with concern for many Japanese. The tensions between China and Japan by the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands They have fueled the fear that Okinawa can become a conflict point Between both countries. An uncertain future. For all this, and despite international pressure, the transfer of the Marines progress to slow pacealmost testimonial. Japan, meanwhile, has chosen to keep the status quoinvesting in the modernization of existing bases instead of accelerating relocation. In this regard, Camp Schwab, in the north of the island, will be the new home of the Marines relocated from Fuhenma. The construction includes an area of ​​land five times greater than the pentagon to house landing clues and hangars. It does not seem, therefore, that you think too much about an exit. For its part, Camp Fosterin the southern part of Okinawa, it is being remodeled with new barracks, schools and homes, consolidating the military presence in that area. Japan spends According to the New York Times1.5 billion dollars a year in the construction of new facilities, in addition to the 2.8 billion dollars already allocated to Camp Blaz base in Guamwhich, as we said, will house a part of the displaced marines of Okinawa. Yet, Pentagon still does not provide a clear calendar For relocation. And here we return to the exit box: in case of conflict in Asia, LTo Guam’s remoteness could represent a strategic problemsince the Marines would have to return to Japan crossing a combat zone. Thus, what is clear is that the island remains a key piece on the Indo-Pacific board, trapped between the strategic needs of the United States and Japan, and the own aspirations of autonomy of its population. Image | US Indo-Pacifi In Xataka | The Japan islands closest to Taiwan have begun to evacuate the area. They have been preparing … Read more

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.