China ready for undersea cable attacks, congressional report warns

US officials are reportedly delaying the implementation of long-promised semiconductor tariffs by President Donald Trump to avoid escalating tensions with China. This cautious approach has been communicated to stakeholders in both government and private sectors over recent days, indicating a shift in strategy regarding the tariffs.

President Donald Trump has agreed to sell the F-35 fighter jet, the most advanced in the U.S. arsenal, to Saudi Arabia. This decision comes amid concerns that China could potentially access the advanced technology embedded in the aircraft. The sale is part of a broader strategy to strengthen military ties with Saudi Arabia.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the prices of nearly all grocery store products are decreasing. This announcement comes during a discussion on American soybean purchases by China and the effects of President Trump's tariffs on the agricultural market. Rollins expressed optimism about the future of grocery prices, suggesting that consumers may soon experience relief from high costs.

Britain's MI5 intelligence agency has issued a warning regarding espionage activities, indicating that Chinese spies are utilizing LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms to target and recruit U.K. lawmakers and government officials. This alert highlights the ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the U.K. political landscape, particularly from China's Ministry of State Security, which is believed to be orchestrating these recruitment efforts.

The U.S. has announced a new Arctic defense pact with Canada and Finland aimed at countering the growing threat posed by China. This partnership will focus on the development of Arctic icebreakers, which are crucial for maintaining a strategic presence in the contested region. The initiative reflects a commitment to collective defense among the three nations as they navigate increasing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic.

Texas Republicans John Cornyn and August Pfluger have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at revoking security clearances and imposing lifetime bans on defense officials from lobbying for China and Russia. This initiative reflects growing concerns over national security and the influence of foreign adversaries on U.S. policy. The proposed bills seek to ensure that former officials do not leverage their experience in defense for the benefit of nations viewed as threats to American interests.

Alaska's GraphiteOne project near Nome has uncovered significant reserves of rare earth minerals, which could challenge China's current dominance in the market. China currently holds a 90% share of the global supply of these critical materials, which are essential for various high-tech applications. This discovery may lead to a shift in the supply chain dynamics and enhance the United States' position in the rare earth minerals sector.

Violence in the occupied West Bank has surged as Palestinian farmers attempt to harvest olive trees amid harassment from armed Israeli settlers. The UN reported over 260 attacks in October, marking the highest monthly total since monitoring began in 2006. This increase in violence follows a ceasefire in Gaza, raising concerns about the safety of Palestinian communities and the implications for peace in the region.