* China’s Ministry of Defense announced it will stage joint naval drills with Russia in the East China Sea at the end of the month. This, right after China’s foreign ministry criticized sanctions as a source of tensions. So much for American pundits claiming that China was “splitting ways with Russia.” Their two presidents are scheduled to meet on May 20 right before these exercices to discuss energy deals.
* WaPo: the security risks of China’s abnormal demographics. China has unique demographics, not just because of its sheer size or its one-child policy, but also because the population has 6 males for every 5 females.
* US defense acquisition undersecretary Frank Kendall told a Senate panel that there is no “great solution” available to replace Russian engines in Atlas V rockets used by the Pentagon.
* Turkey’s purchase of a Chinese missile defense system is still on hold.
Syria’s WMDs
* Daily Beast: Western Intelligence Suspects Assad Has a Secret Chemical Stockpile.
State of Afghanistan
* The Pentagon released its latest progress report [PDF] on Afghanistan:
“Although the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) continues to develop capabilities, ANSF requires more time and effort to close four key high-end capability gaps that will remain after the ISAF mission ends on December 31, 2014: air support; intelligence enterprise; special operations; and Afghan security ministry capacity. International funding and coalition force assistance will be critical to sustaining the force after 2014.”
* BBC: Afghans repel big militant attack on border army base.
* Voice of America: Forces Removing Equipment From Afghanistan Keep Eye on Russian Route. See also the video below:
