Latest news with #Shear
Asahi Shimbun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
INTERVIEW/ David Shear: China's buildup poses threat to U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific
China's dream to establish a Sinocentric order in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific poses a grave security threat to the United States and its allies, according to a former U.S. assistant secretary of defense and expert on Asian affairs. 'The Chinese want to diminish America's alliances with East Asian countries in the short to medium term and--I'm sure--eliminate them in the long term,' David Shear told The Asahi Shimbun in a recent interview. He said the Chinese military buildup gives China an increased ability to drive wedges, or attempt to drive divisions, between the United States and its allies. Shear said China has been deploying its naval forces throughout the region partly to ensure the security of sea lanes through the Indian Ocean. According to Shear, the Chinese believe in the philosophy espoused by Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914), an influential exponent of sea power. The U.S. naval officer and historian argued that naval strength is essential to protect commercial shipping fleets, which transport domestic products to overseas markets. 'The flag follows trade,' Shear said. 'The Chinese are Mahanians. They know that merchant marine and naval deployments go together.' The former U.S. diplomat also said the United States needs to beef up its shipbuilding industry with its allies to match China's quick pace of launching new, large warships. Excerpts from the interview follow: * * * Question: While China continues to be building large warships, the United States has failed to produce a sufficient number of ships. What can the United States do? Shear: We should be particularly concerned about U.S. naval shipbuilding capacity. President Donald Trump touched on this important issue in his State of the Union address. We're not producing ships fast enough. We don't have the facilities necessary to produce the number of ships we want over the next couple of years. My understanding is that we need to build 2.3 submarines per year to maintain the levels we need, particularly in the western Pacific. But we're building something like 1.5 submarines a year. We need the facilities and the skilled labor. At the end of April, John Phelan, secretary of the Navy, visited Japan to discuss defense industry cooperation, including bilateral efforts to maintain U.S. warships, with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. Carlos Del Toro, secretary of the Navy in the Biden administration, visited Japan at least three times and had a productive discussion with the Japanese side on shipbuilding. South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean agreed to invest in a Philadelphia shipyard last year, and the Hyundai group also decided to work with a U.S. shipbuilding company in April. The United States needs to get together with our allies, particularly Japan, Australia and hopefully Britain, to address these issues. Q: How do you assess China's military activities in recent years? A: The growth of Chinese military strength and Chinese naval strength provides a revisionist Chinese Communist regime with the increased options and extra tools it wants to assert its expansive and excessive territorial claims throughout the region, including over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as well as in the South China Sea. For the past couple of years, we've seen the Chinese leadership use military options vis-a-vis Taiwan, drastically increasing their operations and efforts to intimidate it. The Chinese military buildup gives China an increased ability to drive wedges, or attempt to drive wedges, between the United States and its allies. We've seen intensified Chinese military activity and Coast Guard activity in the vicinity of the Senkakus and Taiwan as well as in the South China Sea. I note that the Chinese have double the number of Coast Guard cutters over 1,000 tons that Japan has. Q: What is China's objective? A: Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that he wants the 'great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation' by 2049 (the centenary of the founding of China). He wants to establish a community of common destiny, which basically means a Sinocentric order in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific. To do that, the Chinese want to diminish America's alliances with East Asian countries in the short to medium term and--I'm sure--eliminate them in the long term. This represents a threat to the security of the United States as well as of our allies like Japan. Q: Does China intend to deploy its Navy globally? A: In the short to medium term, the Chinese intention is to increase deterrence with the first and second island chains and maximize their ability to prevent the United States from intervening in a Taiwan Strait crisis. But it's clear that the Chinese have much more expansive ambitions for their Navy over the longer term, and you can see this in their posture and deployments throughout the region. They are concerned about the security of sea lanes through the Indian Ocean, from the Strait of Malacca to the Persian Gulf. China has increased deployments of warships and submarines to the Indian Ocean and built dual-use port facilities throughout the region, such as in Djibouti in Africa and Ream, Cambodia. The Chinese appear to have interests in other port facilities in Pakistan, Myanmar and even Equatorial Guinea in Africa. The flag follows trade. The Chinese are Mahanians. They know that merchant marine and naval deployments go together. Q: Can China coexist with the United States in the Pacific? A: I think the Chinese want to come to us and say, 'You take your side of the Pacific, and we'll take ours, and all the world will be at peace.' I just don't think that that is an acceptable arrangement for the United States, and I hope it's not an acceptable arrangement for the Trump administration as well. Q: Trump is trying to link national security with tariff negotiations. What is your view? A: I agree with the Trump administration that our allies need to step up more strongly to provide for their defense and contribute to the alliance. That has always been my aim as an American diplomat working with the Japanese side. But linking economic and security issues as closely as the Trump administration has is detrimental. It would be very dangerous for us to suggest that our defense commitment would diminish with the extent of the trade deficit. The Trump administration is also trying to get close to our allies geopolitically while beating them up geoeconomically. I don't think that's a good idea. Q: Is it impossible for Japan to prevent China's high-handed behavior without increasing its defense spending? A: Both the United States and Japan need to increase their defense budgets and strengthen their military capabilities to continue deterring China. But deterrence isn't the only piece to a successful approach to China. Both of us need to be engaging China diplomatically at the same time. It just doesn't pay to stop communicating with our Chinese counterparts. We need a diplomatic as well as an economic component to our strategy. It's not just a matter of military confrontation to be able to communicate with the Chinese. I would welcome increased dialogue between Japan and China, just as I welcome increased Japanese defense spending. Q: Does it mean that a combination of dialogue and deterrence is necessary? A: It's important that our approach to China not deteriorate into a mere military confrontation. That is the road to war, and to avoid taking that road, we need to have healthy diplomatic exchanges with the Chinese. In fact, our actual strategy toward China has been a combination of engagement and hedging and deterrence for decades. The question is which component of that approach you place emphasis on. We're now in a hedging and deterrence phase, but we can't abandon the engagement side. It's the only way to maintain some kind of stable situation in the western Pacific. Q: Southeast Asian countries are concerned that Trump is not interested in this region. What can change his stance? A: The best way to get President Trump to participate in the East Asia Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is to get moving on trade talks as quickly as possible. (This article is based on an interview by Atsushi Okudera, a senior staff writer.) * * * David Shear was a U.S. diplomat in charge of Japan, China and other Asian countries. A former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, he also worked in Tokyo, Sapporo and Beijing. Shear served as assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs between 2014 and 2016 under the second Obama administration. He is currently a senior adviser at the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Asphalt Testing Equipment Supplies for Reliable Road Quality
Asphalt testing equipment supplies are a must for anyone working in road construction, lab testing, or pavement research. These tools help verify if asphalt mixtures meet required specifications before they're laid on roads and highways. When accuracy and repeatability matter, using the right equipment means fewer project delays and more consistent results. For professionals focused on performance and compliance, high-quality asphalt testing gear is the foundation of success. That's where Qualitest stands out, offering one of the most complete ranges of asphalt testing equipment available. Modern roads must withstand heavy loads, temperature swings, and long-term usage without early failure. To keep up with such demands, asphalt testing needs to deliver precise results that reflect real-world performance. From binder behavior to compaction and deformation resistance, every factor matters. Qualitest equipment is designed to cover all these testing needs. The company provides solutions like Marshall Stability Testers, Gyratory Compactors, Asphalt Ignition Ovens, and Dynamic Shear Rheometers. These tools support both field and laboratory testing, making them suitable for contractors and researchers alike. To remain competitive and compliant, asphalt testing must align with globally recognized standards. Each piece of Qualitest equipment is manufactured to meet or exceed specifications from: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) EN (European Norms) ISO (International Organization for Standardization) These standards guide critical tests such as: ASTM D6927 – Marshall Stability and Flow – Marshall Stability and Flow AASHTO T283 – Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures – Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures EN 12697-22 – Wheel Tracking – Wheel Tracking ISO 13473-1 – Texture Depth Measurement Using compliant equipment ensures that asphalt quality is documented and verifiable—no matter where the project is located. A Solution for Every Asphalt Testing Challenge Different projects demand different types of asphalt testing equipment. While a research lab might prioritize binder analysis and long-term aging, a construction site often focuses on compaction, density, and friction testing. Qualitest covers the full range of testing categories with specialized instruments. Their lineup includes everything from automatic penetrometers and asphalt mixers to advanced rheometers and skid resistance testers. Whether it's extracting bitumen, simulating pavement wear, or measuring viscosity, these tools deliver dependable performance across various applications. Each piece of equipment is user-friendly, durable, and designed for long-term use—even under intensive workloads. Asphalt testing tools are used across a range of industries. Each relies on precise data to make material and design decisions. Qualitest's equipment is trusted by: Road construction companies aiming to meet contract specs and avoid repairs Testing laboratories needing consistent, repeatable data Government agencies responsible for infrastructure safety Universities and research centers developing next-generation asphalt technologies Whatever the setting, reliable test results lead to better decisions and longer-lasting pavement. Comprehensive Range of Asphalt Testing Equipment Qualitest offers a wide portfolio of asphalt testing equipment, allowing users to measure key performance attributes such as strength, elasticity, binder content, friction, and mix consistency. This range helps users manage testing across all stages of the asphalt lifecycle. Marshall Stability Testers Evaluate asphalt's load-bearing capacity and structural stability. Gyratory Compactors Simulate the real-world compaction effects of vehicular traffic. Bitumen Penetration & Softening Point Testers Analyze binder hardness and response to temperature changes. Asphalt Content Testers Determine the exact amount of binder within asphalt mixtures. Automatic Ductility Testers Assess the stretchability and cohesion of asphalt binders. Dynamic Shear Rheometers (DSR) Characterize viscoelastic properties under stress and temperature variations. Wheel Tracking Testers Measure rutting resistance under simulated loading conditions. Core Drilling Machines Extract in-situ samples for density, strength, and binder analysis. Skid Resistance Testers Evaluate surface friction for improved road safety. Automatic Asphalt Mixers Prepare uniform samples that improve the accuracy of all tests. This full suite supports both basic quality control and advanced pavement research—making it easier to keep your project on track. Qualitest has earned its reputation through dependable products, expert service, and a wide selection of testing solutions. Whether you're building highways or studying sustainable materials, the equipment delivers clear, accurate, and repeatable data. What sets Qualitest apart is: Global compliance across their entire product range Strong technical support for setup, training, and troubleshooting Durable construction built for long-term performance Ease of use that helps teams get results quickly From start to finish, Qualitest equipment helps streamline the asphalt testing process so teams can work with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Accused Delaware County drug dealer facing felony charges
DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Colchester man appeared in Delaware County Court on Thursday and was indicted on several drug crimes. District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that a Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment against 45-year-old Brian Shear Jr. Count One accuses Shear of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. It is alleged that Shear, on or about April 13, knowingly and unlawfully sold a hallucinogenic substance to another individual. Count Two alleges Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. Shear is being accused of knowingly and unlawfully selling cocaine to another individual on or about April 13. Count Three accuses Shear of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. It is alleged that on or about April 13, Shear knowingly and unlawfully possessed fentanyl with the intent to sell it. Count Four alleges Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. Shear is being accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine or its preparations, compounds, salts, isomers, or salts of isomers with intent to sell it on April 13. The substances were of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. Count Five alleges Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony. Shear is being accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessed a hallucinogen, psilocybin, with the intent to sell it on April 13. The substance weighed twenty-five milligrams or more. Accused Delaware County drug dealer facing felony charges Mets top prospect to start rehab stint in Binghamton Binghamton psychic guilty of defrauding lovesick victim Canisteo police chief resigns, pleads guilty, after joint investigation into timekeeping fraud Meals on Wheels seeking volunteers Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘They have been our savior': Pet owner speaks out to save East Providence vet clinic
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Although a low-cost veterinary clinic in East Providence recently announced it would soon be shutting down, many are still holding out hope that someone will step in to keep it open. Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic has been open for nearly eight years and operated under the Potter League for Animals for the past four years, providing affordable care for family pets. But that service is coming to an end at the end of April due to reported 'financial constraints.' BACKGROUND: Affordable veterinary clinic to close in East Providence Tracey Moakler, who relies on the clinic to care for her 13-year-old long-haired Chihuahua, reached out to 12 Responds to raise awareness in hopes of helping to save it. 'They have been our savior,' Moakler said. As a single mother with various health complications, she said Pets In Need has been there for her dogs through thick and thin. 'It's scary for people like me, who have disabilities or are very low income,' she continued. 'I know it's not just me who is scared right now of what's going to happen.' Moakler expressed concern not only for herself, but for others who have come to rely on the clinic and is worried about how clients — and the staff — will be able to afford or continue providing care. 'What's going to happen to the people that really need something like this?' she asked. 'My whole reason [for speaking out] is to see if there's someone out there who can stop the closing, keep this great service running, and help the veterinarians keep their jobs.' Potter League CEO Brad Shear said the clinic serves around 4,000 clients each year, offering treatments at a fraction of the cost for pet owners who are receiving some sort of public assistance or are disabled veterans. 'The cost of veterinary care has been rising at about double the rate of inflation, so it's gotten very expensive,' Shear said, explaining that the decision to close wasn't easy. 'We've raised some funds, but there just wasn't enough money to keep it going the way it was.' While raising prices was considered, Shear said doing so would have defeated the purpose of the clinic by putting care out of reach for the very people it was designed to help. 'It's been incredibly important for people to feel like they can take care of their pets because they have access to veterinary care — and also so those pets stay healthy,' Shear said. 'Pets shouldn't become a luxury item, which it feels like they're starting to, because the cost of everything related to pets is going up so fast,' he added. Still, like Moakler and many others, Shear remains hopeful that someone may take over operations. He said they're in discussions with a couple of potential buyers, though nothing is guaranteed. In the meantime, Shear recommends that clients begin researching alternative clinics, while the Potter League continues exploring other ways to support pet owners in need. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Twitch CEO's words of warning to Gen Z interns: Prestigious jobs on paper are ‘mostly a trap' and money is a ‘constraint'
Interns should be wary: The world of tech is often too good to be true, says Emmett Shear, former Twitch CEO. 'Obviously you want money. But money is well-known for diminishing returns, after you have enough for rent and food and so on. So you don't want to optimize for cash, it's more of a constraint,' he says. When Emmett Shear was CEO of Twitch—the video game live-streaming service he helped cofound—he always took time to speak to the latest batch of interns. One of the most common questions asked was whether they should get a job or become entrepreneurs. 'If you love economy-sized pain and feel like you have no other option, consider starting something. But don't say I didn't warn you about the suck,' Shear wrote in an X thread over the weekend. His advice, while brutally honest, is grounded in his decade-long experience transforming an idea for a 24/7 live reality television show into a multibillion-dollar gaming platform. Shear adds that ultimately, weighing the importance of making a six-figure salary or climbing the ladder at a Fortune 500 company will help you truly 'know thyself' and make the right career move, like entering the workforce or starting a business. 'But in general it seems clear people should satisfice for cash, optimize for learning/growth, and ignore everything else. If you love knife-fight competition, get a tracked job,' he added. A high salary is a priority for many aspiring tech workers. According to Dice, the average tech salary is just over $112,500. However, Shear said focusing solely on money is a mistake since more isn't always better. 'Obviously you want money. But money is well-known for diminishing returns, after you have enough for rent and food and so on. So you don't want to optimize for cash, it's more of a constraint,' he wrote. Similarly, worrying about prestige is a waste of time, Shear said. It's no good getting a job at a company with immense name recognition if you're just grabbing coffee for bigwigs—rather than working for a smaller firm where you're actually gaining real skills. 'Prestige is mostly a trap, for the same reason designer clothing brands are bad deals: brand might make some less discerning people think better of you, but it won't actually make you better or better off,' he adds. Companies often try to trick employees with offers to wield power for good—or the chance to make an impact or a difference in the world. And while it's natural to desire power, in reality, the ability to actually create change is rare from the bottom ranks. 'If they're pitching you on power it's usually a trick of some kind," Shear warned. "They're trying to convince you to accept less compensation in other ways by offering a mirage. Don't be fooled!' Work itself can provide growth opportunities for your career and character, but he warns that job tracks can oftentimes be too good to be true. 'For a certain kind of person who likes competition with their peers more than anything else, who loves grinding to get ahead, I think [career tracks] can be great. For most people, I think tracks are also traps,' he adds. Emmett Shear first worked with friends he mostly made at Yale University, Justin Kan, Michael Seibel, and Kyle Vogt, to create startup focused on live-broadcasting Justin's life. However, after expanding to other categories, gaming grew rapidly, and Twitch was spun out in 2011. Just three years later, Amazon acquired Twitch for about $1 billion. Shear stayed on at the company until early 2023. 'For internet companies, growth is more important than profit. It's very rare for a company to achieve massive scale of use, and then die because they can't figure out the economics. The reverse is common,' Shear wrote in 2021 as part of Twitch's 10-year anniversary. While Shear's advice for interns and aspiring business leaders could be humbling for some, he recognizes that those who are the most motivated will come out successful on the other side. 'Don't start a company. You aren't cut out for it. And if I can persuade you not to start a company by saying it in this tweet, definitely don't start a company. You're buying the economy-sized amount of effort and pain,' Shear concluded. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
