Day: December 5, 2025

Notably, the Tsar’s ban on vodka sales during World War 1 to save food output is commonly cited as a driving factor in the Russian Revolution.

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) Dec 5, 2025

2/ Read more in the December 5, 2025, China & Taiwan Update w/  @AEIfdp:  isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanUpdate120…

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) Dec 5, 2025

NEW: Taiwanese President Lai announced the introduction of the largest special defense budget in Taiwanese history. The proposed budget would markedly improve Taiwanese capabilities and efforts to implement an asymmetric defense to deter a PRC invasion.

Other Key Takeaways:
The KMT and TPP are organizing opposition to the special defense budget, which could jeopardize Taiwanese national defense and international perceptions of Taiwanese resilience. The KMT has echoed CCP talking points framing the spending as provocative.

The indigenously produced Taiwanese Hai Kun submarine faces continued political opposition despite conducting successful sea acceptance trials. Continued opposition may undermine the ability of the Taiwanese Navy to respond to a PRC invasion or blockade.

Honduras may switch official recognition back to Taiwan after just two years of relations with the PRC, possibly revealing a weakness in PRC economic influence efforts.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ new  PRC-friendly government is a likely next target for the PRC’s campaign to poach Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. Saint Vincent is one of twelve remaining countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than the PRC.

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) Dec 5, 2025