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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Reviving World War II Airfield in America's Backyard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A groundbreaking ceremony held on a remote Pacific island marked the start of a project—spearheaded by a Chinese state-owned company—to revive a World War II-era airfield. The project, launched on the atoll of Woleai in the Federated States of Micronesia, is approximately 400 miles south of Guam, a U.S. territory and military hub considered key to Washington's ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific. Why It Matters Micronesia is one of the South Pacific's Freely Associated States—along with Palau and the Marshall Islands—whose defense and broader stability is guaranteed by Washington. But with the U.S. prioritizing funding elsewhere, China has made inroads in this region through infrastructure projects. The islands lie along the so-called Second Island Chain, a string of islands Washington has long viewed as strategically important to containing a rising China in the event of a wartime scenario. Western analysts have raised concerns that this activity could eke away at the U.S. military's position in the Pacific, given Beijing's policy of military-civil fusion that enables the People's Liberation Army to co-opt these dual-use facilities. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Chinese Embassy in Micronesia with written requests for comment. Satellite imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on January 26, 2025, shows Micronesia's Woleai atoll and its disused airfield in the northeast. Satellite imagery captured by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellites on January 26, 2025, shows Micronesia's Woleai atoll and its disused airfield in the northeast. Copernicus What To Know The Woleai runway was built by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II, but has long fallen into disrepair due to lack of funding. The project was launched with fanfare Monday in a joint effort by China's Shandong Hengyue Municipal Engineering and Micronesia's Department of Transportation. Micronesian President Wesley Simina traveled in person to attend the ceremony. The airfield will be a major boon to locals, who currently rely on dayslong boat trips to reach the nearest airstrip. It's also expected to support health care, business development, and education in the region. Satellite imagery captured by a commercial airplane on July 9, 2023, and provided by Google Earth shows Micronesia's disused Woleai airfield, which was built by Imperial Japanese forces in World War II and bombed by... Satellite imagery captured by a commercial airplane on July 9, 2023, and provided by Google Earth shows Micronesia's disused Woleai airfield, which was built by Imperial Japanese forces in World War II and bombed by U.S. forces. More Airbus/Google Earth Cleo Paskal, a non-resident senior fellow at the neoconservative think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that while $2 billion has been invested in Micronesia's Yap State, outer islands like Woleai have been neglected. "Getting to the groundbreaking of the Woleai runway reconstruction was only possible by traveling for four days on a transport ship from Yap—a ship provided by China aid. The president arrived on a patrol boat provided by Australia. The U.S. was nowhere to be seen," Paskal wrote in a social media post. "Tomorrow is Woleai's high school graduation. Don't expect to see any U.S. government representatives there either," she wrote. "The Chinese will be there though. Showing up is (more than) half the battle." Groundbreaking ceremony today on Woleai, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia for (re)construction of Japanese World War II-era runway by Chinese company. FSM President Simina in attendance. Without a runway locals must travel days by infrequent boat to reach another runway. — Cleo Paskal (@CleoPaskal) May 26, 2025 What People Are Saying Domingo I-Kwei Yang, assistant research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, wrote in a recent report: "China aims to establish a Southern Link, connecting Asia and South America via Pacific strategic infrastructure hubs. Control over Pacific ports, airstrips, and ICT systems could serve dual-use purposes, enabling transit, logistics, and expanded influence in the U.S. backyard." The Pentagon said in its 2024 report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China [PRC]: "Since 2015, the PRC has probably viewed engagement and deliberate corruption in the Pacific Island countries as an opportunity to expand its regional influence, press countries to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, increase influence with regional security forces, and advance the PRC's responsible great power narrative." What's Next Elsewhere in the Pacific, the U.S. military is reclaiming another World War II-era airfield on the island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands, part of efforts to bolster the Second Island Chain as its Chinese rival closes the power gap.
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
LI cops probing whether corpse found in backyard pool is that of fugitive murder suspect who fatally stabbed father months earlier
A Long Island homeowner's summer kick-off took a horrifying turn Sunday evening after lifting the pool cover in their East Shoreham backyard — discovering a body that police are reportedly investigating as possibly being fugitive murder suspect Matthew Zoll. Sources said Suffolk County police are now looking to confirm the body as the suspected 23-year-old killer and investigate the cause of death, according to Newsday. Officials wouldn't confirm whether this is their leading theory, but said the Homicide Squad is actively investigating and that the Medical Examiner's office is performing an autopsy to determine the cause of death and confirm the victim's identity. Advertisement 5 Zoll allegedly stabbed his father Joseph Zoll (left) to death in November. Facebook/Joe Zoll 5 The body was found by a homeowner in the backyard of their East Shoreham house. Google Maps 'We can't speculate any specific identity,' Suffolk cops told The Post. Advertisement Zoll, who is reportedly schizophrenic, is the main suspect of a November murder where he allegedly stabbed his 61-year-old dad, postal worker Joseph Zoll, to death inside their home in Rocky Point. 5 Police are investigating whether a body found in a Long Island pool belongs to fugitive murder suspect Matthew Zoll. Suffolk County Police Department He then frantically fled the home, crashing his car on the William Floyd Parkway about 10 minutes after the alleged killing — leaving the totaled car and escaping on foot. US Marshals spent several days scouring the wooded areas off the parkway, including the 1,600-acre Brookhaven State Park, in an intense search for Zoll following the deadly crash — but ultimately came up short. Advertisement 5 Police suspect Zoll might've tried to hide underneath the winter pool cover before potentially drowning or dying of hypothermia. Google Earth 5 Zoll, who is reportedly schizophrenic, fled his home after the alleged murder. Suffolk County Police Department The backyard where the body was found borders a wooded lot that runs behind four homes and leads straight to William Floyd Parkway. Sources claim cops now believe Zoll may have traveled about a half-a-mile to the backyard, where he could've tried hiding underneath the winter pool cover before dying of various causes including drowning, hypothermia, suffocation, and more, Newsday said.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
If freezing works close, rural towns die. We need a plan to save them
In total, 95,000ha of Kiwi land was bought by foreigners and converted – or is in the process of being converted – between 2015 and 2025, according to Overseas Investment Office records. Pine trees, which are brilliant at sequestering carbon, are not completely taking over. If you look at a timeline of Google Earth satellite images from 30 years back until today, Hawke's Bay's map shows a pop-up of dark green mould-like spots, rather than a dark green wave as some would have you believe. Farmland is still in the vast majority, even if, in Tararua communities like Pongaroa, those still left feel like they're surrounded on all sides. The forestry industry adds value to our economy. China likes our timber. But the industry's ability to generate positive income while the trees actually grow means its benefits pale in comparison to the glory days of our sheep, beef and wool industries. What made those economic days so powerful and so romanticised in the Kiwi imagination is the equity the industries provided to our society. Needed a good-paying job? Go to your small town's local meatworks. Didn't like the meatworks? Join a shearing gang. No qualifications were needed and not a lot of transport – just the ability to get up, day in and day out. When meatworks began to close from the 1980s onwards, the job losses in the regions left gaping holes. Instead of shearing gangs, actual gangs began to thrive, fed a steady diet of poor and alienated youths who had no easy-money job to walk into to better themselves. Today, the remaining abattoirs are still a celebrated part of the communities they sit in, but they're also a source of constant apprehension. In Takapau or Wairoa, for example – both on the precipice of a changing landscape of pines instead of sheep – the main hope is that they'll survive another decade. Ask anyone in Wairoa what would happen if Affco were to pack up and leave. If the town is struggling now, its hope of pulling residents out of that hole would be completely hobbled without its main employer. Perhaps it's time for the Government to think about this in a different way, before it's too late for the likes of Wairoa. We need some bold thinking to find a new industry regional New Zealand can latch upon, one that can give those without qualifications a steady income, on a scale that matches that of the meatworks. One thing is for certain, forestry alone cannot. Sign up to the Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scroll.in
7 days ago
- Science
- Scroll.in
In Kashmir, the cost of living with predators
In the forests and valleys of Kashmir, a quiet struggle plays out daily between local communities and two of the region's most elusive predators – the Asiatic black bear and the leopard. In recent years, incidences of these carnivores attacking livestock for prey has become a growing concern. This poses a dual threat: it undermines rural livelihoods and jeopardises the long-term survival of these wild animals. A new study examined livestock predation in three protected areas of southern Kashmir, to assess the economic toll of these losses and map the spatial patterns of such attacks. 'Much of the focus so far has been on human injuries and fatalities,' says co-author Bilal A. Bhat, senior assistant professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir. 'However, for a more comprehensive understanding of human-wildlife interactions, it's essential to also gather data on livestock predation and crop damage. This broader approach is critical for developing effective management strategies that balance human needs with wildlife conservation.' Carnivore hotspots The study by University of Kashmir researchers focused on Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Achabal Conservation Reserve, and Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary. These sites were selected for their varied human-wildlife interactions, land-use patterns, and socio-economic dynamics. All three protected areas are surrounded by villages where farming and livestock rearing are a main source of livelihood. Overa-Aru, the largest, spans 425 square kilometres and is bordered by eight villages. Achabal has nine villages in its buffer zone, while Rajparian is more isolated, adjacent to just one village. From January 2021 to December 2022, researchers surveyed 50 households across these three protected areas – 29 in Overa-Aru, 19 in Achabal, and two in Rajparian. Each had experienced at least one case of livestock loss during that time. Data was collected using a snowball sampling method, starting with reports from village heads and then verified through other residents. Where possible, researchers visited the sites to confirm attacks. Monthly check-ins with village heads were carried out over the two-year period to track new incidents. Affected livestock owners were interviewed to gather information about the attack, including details of the animals, timing, location, and predator species. GPS coordinates were recorded on-site using a handheld device or, where needed, estimated using Google Earth. In total, 92 animals were lost – 59 in Overa-Aru, 30 in Achabal, and three in Rajparian. Most of those killed were sheep, followed by cattle, horses, and goats. Leopards were responsible for a majority of the kills. 'Sheep are often targeted due to their ideal size, lack of defensive behaviour, ease of capture, and wide availability,' explains Bhat. 'We also observed surplus killing – where several animals are killed in a single attack – mainly by leopards, a pattern noted in other studies as well.' On the prowl The researchers also found that the two predators exhibited distinct hunting patterns. While bears also targeted cattle, leopards preferred horses. Most attacks occurred during the summer months, especially in June and July. Both predators struck mostly during daytime, aligning with livestock grazing routines. This goes against conventional wisdom, which suggests leopards usually hunt at night. The attack locations also varied. Bears typically stayed within forested areas, avoiding human settlements. Leopards, however, were bolder – some attacks took place inside livestock pens or near homes. As for the livestock themselves, no specific age group was consistently targeted. However, animals between four and six years old were slightly more vulnerable – possibly due to increased mobility or tendency to stray from the herd. Counting the cost The financial burden of these losses was substantial. In Overa-Aru, loss because of livestock predation amounted to nearly Rs 13 lakh over two years – more than Rs 22,000 per affected household annually. In Achabal, losses reached Rs 8.78 lakh, with households averaging just over Rs 23,000. Rajparian had fewer total losses, but the per-household cost was higher (around Rs 40,000) due to the small number of respondents. These amounts are significant for families who depend on agriculture and livestock. In most cases, no compensation was provided, fuelling frustration and increasing the risk of retaliatory killings. Despite the hardships, many respondents expressed a generally positive attitude toward wildlife, acknowledging its ecological value. 'Negative sentiment arises from the severe economic toll – especially among lower socioeconomic groups who rely on livestock for sustenance,' says Bhat. 'This frustration increases the likelihood of retaliatory killings, posing a significant challenge to conservation.' Addressing the critical role that the sample size plays in a perception study, Aniruddha Majumder, scientist and divisional in-charge, animal ecology division, State Forest Research Institute – Jabalpur, shares, 'In this case, the very small sample size requires a clear and detailed justification, such as constraints like limited accessibility or logistical challenges. Additionally, perception studies involving human-carnivore interactions need to represent different age, sex, and other demographic groups to assess costs more accurately.' Majumder is not associated with this study. The way forward The study also reveals a deeper truth: protecting wildlife isn't only about conserving forests, it's also about supporting the people who live alongside them. Understanding where and when attacks happen can help authorities design smarter, more targeted responses. The authors note that restoring habitats and prey populations within protected areas are crucial to easing conflict. Involving local communities in habitat restoration, alongside clear demarcation of grazing zones, can help rebuild natural prey bases. Additionally, a timely and efficient compensation scheme could ease economic stress while supporting conservation goals. Likewise, funding for stronger corrals and improved livestock guarding, especially during high-risk summer months when herds move to higher altitudes, can reduce predation. 'Without timely intervention, both rural livelihoods and the future of large carnivores hang in the balance. Authorities, in collaboration with local communities, academic institutions, and NGOs, must adopt a comprehensive conflict management strategy, one that safeguards people and wildlife alike,' says Bhat.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Satellite Images Show Tornado's Trail of Destruction in Kentucky
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite images reveal the devastation in London, Kentucky, after a tornado pummeled the area last week. Why It Matters The storms were part of a multi-day severe weather outbreak that hit multiple states, including Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Kansas and Missouri, over the course of several days. At least 19 people died in Kentucky, with hundreds of homes destroyed, leaving many homeless, the Associated Press reported. More than two dozen people died throughout several states in four days as a result of the severe weather. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 20, 2025, shows damaged houses in London, Kentucky, after a tornado swept through the area on May 16. A photograph captured by Chinese commercial satellite company MizarVision on May 20, 2025, shows damaged houses in London, Kentucky, after a tornado swept through the area on May 16. MizarVision/AirSpace What To Know Satellite images taken on May 20 by Chinese company MizarVision as part of its mapping service AirSpace showed a line of devastated homes after a tornado barreled through London, the county seat of Laurel County, Kentucky, on May 16. Homes were leveled as the tornado swept westward through the town, which has an estimated population of 7,500 as of 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A photograph captured by Airbus on April 9, 2025, and provided by Google Earth shows homes in London, Kentucky, a month before a tornado swept through the area on May 16. A photograph captured by Airbus on April 9, 2025, and provided by Google Earth shows homes in London, Kentucky, a month before a tornado swept through the area on May 16. Airbus/Google Earth Entire rows of homes appear completely flattened in a stark contrast to satellite imagery from April, captured in an Airbus photo provided by Google Earth, which shows the same neighborhood intact before the tornado struck. In an update on Tuesday, the office of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the 19 confirmed fatalities in the state included 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. Elsewhere, Reuters reported damage to thousands of homes in neighboring Missouri following the outbreak, which also triggered widespread power outages. In Kansas, footage emerged online of what storm chasers described as a wedge tornado as a violent storm system moved across the Sunflower State. Meteorologists at AccuWeather told Newsweek following the impact that the town of Plevna appeared the hardest hit. According to one online account, the tornado was "as wide as the town itself." What People Are Saying Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, in an update on Tuesday: "I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they've done over the past few days. "This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it's another reminder that life is short and it's our duty to be kind and do good. As always—we will get through this together." What Happens Next According to analysts at AccuWeather, the total damage and economic loss from the outbreak could total between $9 billion and $11 billion.
