“The Philippines in 1999 deliberately ran aground a World War II-era landing ship on a half-submerged shoal, establishing the vessel as an outpost of the Philippine navy. The BRP Sierra Madre, which has remained on Second Thomas Shoal ever since, has now become the epicenter of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China — and a singular trip wire that could draw the United States into an armed conflict in the Pacific, say officials and security analysts.” WaPo (Gift Article): Asia’s next war could be triggered by a rusting warship on a disputed reef.

+ “Beijing cannot achieve better relations with Europe while supporting the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.” Blinken meets with Xi, as U.S. objects to China’s support of Russia.