Issue 28
January 15, 2024
FLASH Iowa caucus tonight, Trump +30 in final poll
FLASH rebel group undeterred: US shoots down another Houthi missile in Red Sea region
1. Anti-China candidate wins Taiwan election
2. Pentagon releases first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy
3. Millions of gig workers could qualify as employees under new rule
4. China’s chip output expected to double in 5y despite US sanctions
5. Two Navy Seals missing off coast of Somalia
Sports
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1. Anti-China candidate wins Taiwan election
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party secured an unprecedented third consecutive presidential term on Saturday, with the party's candidate, current Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te, winning 40% of the ballot. He defeated Hou You-ih, a presidential candidate for the China-friendly opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) and a former police chief, as well as Ko Wen-je, the presidential candidate of Taiwan People's Party, who has tried to present his party as an alternative to the two main parties.
However, with no political party securing a majority in Taiwan's legislature, Yang worries that the DPP-led government won't be able to smoothly implement certain policies, such as policies aimed at strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities
VOA
https://www.voanews.com/a/ruling-party-candidate-wins-taiwan-s-presidential-election/7438570.html
2. Pentagon releases first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy
With a central focus on the growing threat from China’s emergence as a “global industrial powerhouse,” the Defense Department’s “first of its kind” National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) is focused on increasing the ability of domestic companies to more rapidly produce weapon systems in greater quantities to ensure the US military’s edge in any future conflict.
“America faces great threats to national security, our adversaries are building up their military power to levels not seen since World War II,” she said. “It’s important to note that America’s economic security and national security or mutually reinforcing and ultimately the nation’s military strength depends in part on our overall economic strength.”
Breaking Defense
The U.S. is supporting partners threatened abroad — including Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan — forcing careful management of American aid and readiness. “
Defense News
3. Millions of gig workers could qualify as employees under new rule
Millions of gig workers, janitors, home-care workers, construction workers and truckers could be considered employees rather than independent contractors under a final rule announced Tuesday by the Labor Department. The rule effectively expands the reach of federal labor laws that require employers to extend certain benefits and protections to workers classified as employees. Those include the right to the minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance and Social Security benefits — which employers are not required to provide to independent contractors.
Backed by labor advocates, the rule is expected to face an onslaught of legal challenges from companies. It has faced extensive criticism from businesses and industry groups, including those representing Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other ride-share and delivery platforms.
WaPo
4. China’s chip output expected to double in 5y despite US sanctions
China’s chipmaking capacity is expected to more than double in the next five to seven years, surpassing market expectations, according to research by Barclays analysts. The analysis of 48 chipmakers in mainland China indicates that most of the additional production capacity could be added within the next three years.
The additional capacity will largely be allocated to producing chips using older technology, potentially causing oversupply in the market by 2026 at the earliest, depending on quality and trade restrictions.
Cipher Brief
5. Two Navy Seals missing off coast of Somalia
Two members of the Navy SEALs remained missing on Saturday after a mishap two days ago while they were attempting to board a ship off the coast of Somalia, two current and two former Pentagon officials said. The incident comes as the United States is stepping up actions against Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen, intent on curbing their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. As part of those missions, the U.S. Navy and allies have been responding to distress calls.
NYT
Thanks for reading!
Sports
NFL Playoffs
Texans beat Browns 45-14
Chiefs beat Dolphins 26-7
Packers trounce Cowboys 48-32
Lions outlast Rams 24-23
Bills v Steelers, Eagles v Tampa Bay tonight
Chiefs v Dolphins on Peacock, irritating America
Sets streaming record
The Wild Card game, which aired on the streaming service Peacock, was the most streamed U.S. event ever, drawing 23 million viewers, according to Comcast NBCUniversal, Peacock’s owner. It also was the largest event ever for internet usage in the U.S., accounting for 30% of web traffic, making Saturday the single highest day of U.S. internet usage in history.
WSJ
Detroit Lions break 32y playoff losing streak
Bills v Steelers game delayed until today due to lake effect snow
