Rapid Fire 2010-08-17: Late Canadian Frigates

• South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak lays out a 3-step process for reunification of the peninsula. It is not a return to his predecessor’s anti-American “sunshine policy,” and includes a reunification tax to begin preparing for the massive costs of either peaceful reunification, or regime collapse.

• China set to test DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. USA finishes first test of the supersonic GQM-163 Coyote High Diver, which may help simulate those attacks for defensive systems.

• Exit, Stage Left: US Defense Secretary Gates plans to retire next year before the presidential election season heats up, after serving in the position since 2006.