Latest news with #SunTzu
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Systems collapse could knock out Taiwan without a fight, military magazine says
Beijing could crush Taiwan by knocking out the island's key infrastructure nodes – amplifying its vulnerability exponentially like a 'butterfly effect', according to an article in the May issue of Chinese military magazine Naval and Merchant Ships. Advertisement The article detailed 30 to 40 'super critical' targets that could lead to a chain collapse of fundamental infrastructure systems if attacked with 'best timing', including liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities that were the focus of a recent People's Liberation Army drill. 'A system collapse would quickly destroy the Taiwanese independence forces' will to resist and create favourable conditions for a 'win without fighting',' it said. 'It could provide a low-cost, high-efficiency military option for resolving the Taiwan issue.' The article estimated that electricity and water supplies could be cut for days, bringing traffic to a standstill, disrupting communications and internet access, delaying medical services and causing food shortages. The tactic of 'urban collapse warfare' could achieve the maximum effect with the minimum military cost – the ideal state of 'defeating the enemy without fighting', the article said, quoting Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Advertisement Taiwan, an island highly dependent on imported energy and commodities, and regularly threatened by natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, is a perfect target for this kind of tactic, the article pointed out.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Saturn is in Aries — time for these zodiac signs to buckle up for the ride
Saturn — our planet of structure, hard knocks, karmic lessons and the long game — is entering Aries on May 24th. This transit is not just the planet changing signs — but the initiation of a brand spanking new, baptized by fire, Saturn cycle. When is Saturn in Aries / Saturn in Aries dates 8 Saturn hasn't been in the home hellfires of Aries since 1996. Ashraf – Advertisement Saturn will burn in Aries from May 24th until September 1, 2025, when the planet will retrograde back into Pisces for a few months before returning to the cardinal fires of the ram from February 14, 2026, through April 13, 2028. Last time Saturn was in Aries Saturn is named for the Roman god of time, agriculture and renewal — oft depicted with an errant party tit out of his toga and a sickle in his hand. This tool is apt when we consider the function of the planet in our lives and the perennial message that we reap what we sow and are only as strong as our ability to serve, sever and sacrifice. Once thought to be the last planet in the solar system — Saturn is known as a malefic and is associated with endings, limits, tough love and hard lessons. Advertisement It takes between 27 and 30 years for Saturn to travel through the zodiac. Saturn hasn't been in the home hellfires of Aries since 1996. The planet is said to be in its fall in this cardinal fire sign — meaning its power is slightly compromised. Saturn is uncomfortable in the sign of Aries as the hot-blooded ID of the zodiac wants 'now, fast and more' — and Saturn is about the long game, not the quick hit. Saturn in Aries meaning Advertisement 8 While we'll all be under the influence of Saturn in Aries, some folks will feel the effects more acutely. The Origin 33 – Aries is impulse and Saturn is restraint, meaning that recklessness will come with a heavier tax during this transit. It's about purposeful action, strategy over reaction. As a Mars-ruled sign — Aries is about conflict and Saturn represents the systematic. In this way, this transit is the art (Saturn) of war (Aries). Advertisement As Sun Tzu reminds us, 'The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.' Saturn in Aries 2025 While we'll all be under the influence of Saturn in Aries, some folks will feel the effects more acutely. The brilliant astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim of Inner Worlds Astrology shares that because this transit transpires in a cardinal sign, those with significant placements in the early degrees of the cardinal signs will be hit the hardest and given the greatest opportunities to step up and grow up. Read on to see if you are among the signs most affected. To determine if you have any of the following placements — use a free birth chart calculator like this one. Sun in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn 8 Those with a sun sign that falls in one of these four cardinal signs will be up to bat for leveling up. lukszczepanski – As the sun is synonymous with leadership and our essential selfhood, Grim explains that those with a sun sign that falls in one of these four cardinal signs will be up to bat for leveling up. 'If you have your sun in Cancer, Libra, Aries or Capricorn, greater expectations will be placed upon you by the outside world — and this will necessitate that you solidify your goals and ambitions. You will ideally learn to express yourself in a way that attracts the responsibilities that help you manifest your dream life,' said Grim. Moon in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn 8 Those with Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn moons may have their energy redirected to roots and stakes muratart – Advertisement As the moon represents caretaking, the ties that bind and the homes that hold — Grim imparts that those with Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn moons may have their energy redirected to roots and stakes. 'You won't be able to evade major responsibilities within your family, and some of you might have to take care of an aging family member. You'll also adopt a more serious demeanor, and some might move to a longer-term home.' Mercury in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn 8 Mercury rules both mental processing and verbal expression. janez volmajer – Mercury is our messenger planet of cognition and expression — and Grim predicts that those with cardinal Mercury signs will experience a deepening of focus and a kiss-off approach to frivolity. Advertisement 'You might not feel like conversing with people as often. Instead, you'll probably focus on your studies, professional matters, or a notable writing project. You're looking to sharpen your skills and to more clearly define your ideas.' Venus in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn 8 Named for the goddess of love, Venus colors attraction and attachment, assets and aesthetics. wowinside – Venus is our planet of love and unification. When Saturn sets up shop in Aries, Grim assures those with Venus in the cardinal signs will suffer no fools and be keen to get serious or seriously independent. Advertisement 'You will seek long-term stability in your relationships and you won't be interested in anything casual. Some of you, instead, could become extremely cautious about starting relationships,' he said. 'Ultimately, though, this is what I would consider the engagement, marriage or divorce transit — depending on the situation you find yourself in.' Mars in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn 8 War monger Mars is the ruling planet of Aries. Getty Images/iStockphoto In astrology, Mars is our luminary of conflict and clashes, action, and initiation. Grim encourages those with Mars in any of the cardinal signs to cool their proverbial t–ts while Saturn is in Aries. Advertisement 'You will be practicing patience because any fits of rage or angry outbursts will be met with judgment and heavy scrutiny. You're being called to discipline yourself to be less unhinged and to wait a bit longer for those moments of release.' Saturn return in Aries 8 The Saturn return exists to humble you and to teach you the value of everything in your life — everything you have built thus far. Shutterstock If you were born with Saturn in Aries in your birth chart, you're on the cusp of your Saturn return — meaning when the great malefic returns to the same sign and degree it was when you were born, heralding a time of trial and triumph. A Saturn return is an initiation that takes us deeper into adulthood, marking the lifelong process of growing up and growing closer to our essential selves. We experience a Saturn return between the ages of 27 to 31, 56 to 60 and 84 to 90. As Grim shared, 'This is a once-in-29-year event where you will be asked to make firm commitments in a range of life areas, including relationships, career, family, home, health, etc. The stakes are extremely high because whatever path you set for yourself will define your next 29 years.' If you were born between 1996 and 1998, you will experience your first Saturn return during this transit. Gird your loins and look to the light, my babies. Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
NDTV Ground Report: China's Unconventional War Against India On Northeast Border
The problem of Nagaland and the northeastern states stems from an aggressive China that has, over the years, waged a non-conventional war against India directly and indirectly, using Myanmar. On the surface, life appears normal in Dimapur, Nagaland. But scratch a little, and decades of decay and turmoil are evident. The problem of Nagaland and the northeastern states stems from an aggressive China that has, over the years, waged a non-conventional war against India directly and indirectly, using Myanmar. Smuggling is rife here - narcotic drugs, sophisticated weapons, wildlife parts, live wildlife, betelnut - they are all fueled by China's money and the strategy of 'Three Warfares'. Advertisement - Scroll to continue The ravaged northeastern society is struggling to find a voice to deal with generations of their sons and daughters lost to drug addiction and armed violence. To understand the non-conventional war and its ramifications, it is important first to understand what China's 'Three Warfares' strategy is and how it is being executed. Three Warfares The days of Sun Tzu's Art of War are long gone. The Chinese Army and the government have now adopted a new strategy - this ensures Chinese blood is not spilt in conventional war; rather, proxies engage in violence against the intended target. The 'Three Warfares' comprise the following: 1. Psychological warfare 2. Public opinion warfare 3. Legal warfare Highly placed sources told NDTV that China's fingerprints were all over the Pahalgam attack. Using Pakistan and its terror networks as a proxy to attack India has China written all over it, said the sources. The rationale behind this becomes clear when we look at what China has done since 2010. China has wooed India's neighbours with gifts of infrastructure projects and loans. Pakistan is a prime example of how a Chinese puppet functions, as is Myanmar and now Bangladesh. At least 80 percent of Pakistan's arsenal is Chinese. 25 percent of Pakistan's debt is by China, its largest creditor. China has even rolled over a $2 billion loan as the struggling Pakistanis attempt to get funding from the International Monetary Fund. Two-thirds of the entire debt of $42.9 billion given to various countries in South Asia by China, as of 2022, was to Pakistan. This is as per World Bank data. We have also witnessed how, since Pahalgam, China has unabashedly and openly backed Pakistan at international forums. The same is true of Myanmar and Bangladesh. Coups, overturning democratically elected governments, funding for the ruling military junta or SAC (State Administration Council) government in Myanmar as well as the utility value of Bangladesh's interim Prime Minister Mohammed Younus in espousing China's ambitions over the 7 Sisters of the North East, all point to a need for China to keep a growing India in check. China has not only nurtured governments of neighbouring countries. Highly placed sources say China has also funded and armed several violent groups that serve its purposes. For instance, it is no secret that China funds and arms the Myanmarese Arakan Army and the Wa State Army, groups that are extremist and violent. Top official sources told NDTV that China has and continues to fund and arm violent insurgent groups in India's North East - primarily the NSCN-IM and the ZRA. Who Are The NSCN I-M And The ZRA? The NSCN-IM stands for the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah, a breakaway group from the NNC (Nagaland National Council), which advocates a separate Nagaland country that includes parts of Myanmar where Nagas live. The ZRA stands for the Zomi Revolutionary Army, which is made up predominantly of the Paite community, active in Manipur and Myanmar. The NSCN was originally formed in 1980 in opposition to the signing of the Shillong Accord, which was supposed to end hostilities between the Nagas and the Indian government. The agreement gave the Nagas statehood in return for putting down their weapons. In 1988, the NSCN broke up into more factions. NSCN-IM was the most prominent one, led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. In the late 1980s, this group travelled to South China to train as fighters and embraced the Mao ideology. They were given funding and arms by China. Subsequently, they returned to Nagaland to wreak havoc. "The NSCN-IM was trained in South China," said SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland and a key member of the Naga National Council, which negotiated and got statehood for the Nagas. "They have changed the whole objective of the Naga National Council. NSCN-IM got trained and came from China and used the Mao ideology - power at the barrel of a gun. They eliminated many of the leaders of the Naga National Council. When the group fell into the hands of Muivah, I opposed them loudly and naturally, I became a target. They have attempted to kill me four times," he told NDTV. SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland. Credit: Sandhya Ravishankar. The Zomi Revolutionary Army, on the other hand, operates in South Manipur and in the Chin State of Myanmar. They came together as an armed group in 1997 when ethnic clashes broke out between the Kukis and the Paite communities in Manipur. "Both these groups are armed and funded by China," said a top official source to NDTV, on condition of anonymity. "Both of them smuggle narcotics and betelnut from Myanmar into India. They also facilitate smuggling of wildlife - ivory, tiger skin, tiger claws, live pangolins - all these are done by the NSCN-IM and the ZRA mainly. Earlier, we had to deal with only these two groups, but now there are 26 such armed insurgent groups in the Northeast. And the Chinese are arming and funding them and fueling conflict in India," said the official. The ZRA is, in fact, fighting alongside the military junta against rebel groups in Myanmar. NDTV reached out to a pro-democracy rebel group called the Chin National Army in Myanmar. "More than 85% of Chin state is controlled by Anti-SAC," a spokesperson for the Chin National Army replied to NDTV's questionnaire. The SAC or the State Administration Council is the ruling military junta in Myanmar. "There are three places where the SAC has camps, namely Haka, Thantlang and Tedim. ZRA works and collaborates with SAC. The ZRA stayed together with SAC in Tedim and Tonzang townships. Last year, we captured SAC camps in Tonzang and Cikha. ZRA attempted to retake Tonzang township from us." (sic) The ZRA also engages in poppy cultivation and encourages and protects farmers who cultivate poppy in Myanmar. Rebel groups like the Chin National Army have burnt down many poppy fields protected by the ZRA. "Yes, it is true that there has been extensive poppy cultivation in these areas for a long time. Myanmar army, ZRA and some IIGS (Indian insurgent groups) from Manipur collected taxes from the farmers," the CNA spokesperson said. While the NSCN-IM claims that it does not deal in drugs of any sort, official sources told NDTV that they do indeed collect protection fees from farmers who cultivate poppy. Vehicles carrying drugs passing through the Myanmar border into India pay these groups what is locally called sovereignty tax. To sum up, this is how the 'Three Warfares' strategy is playing out in India. 1. Pump drugs into India, turn the youth into addicts and create social decay and despondency. 2. Arm and fund violent insurgent groups that can be triggered to go to war against India at any time. 3. Violent groups rule by the gun, indulging in extreme extortion of their people. In the next part of the series, we will look at how drugs have ruined generations in Nagaland and how armed groups funded by China extort the residents of the North Eastern states. Sign up to read this article FREE! Exclusive Stories: Dive into content reserved just for members. Fewer Ads: A cleaner, more enjoyable reading experience. Enhanced Interface: Tailored just for you. Join Now – It's Free!
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
The BrahMos link that fired up this defence stock 45% in one month
'In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity' -The Art of War by Sun Tzu April 22: Terrorists kill 26 tourists in Pahalgam. April 24-May 6: Situation along the LoC in J&K remains tense with incidents of shelling and cross-border firing. May 7: Indian armed forces, under Operation Sindoor, carry out precision strikes at terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Possibility of a long-drawn, full-fledged conflict
Economic Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
The BrahMos link that fired up this defence stock 45% in one month
'In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity' -The Art of War by Sun Tzu April 22: Terrorists kill 26 tourists in Pahalgam. April 24-May 6: Situation along the LoC in J&K remains tense with incidents of shelling and cross-border firing. May 7: Indian armed forces, under Operation Sindoor, carry out precision strikes at terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Possibility of a long-drawn, full-fledged conflict
