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Illustration of the AIRCAT Bengal MC, the world’s most advanced autonomous naval vessel.
Introduction
The recent unveiling of the AIRCAT Bengal MC marks one of the most significant leaps in naval technology in recent years. Developed by Eureka Naval Craft in collaboration with Greenroom Robotics and ESNA Naval Architects, this 36-meter Surface Effect Ship (SES) blends cutting-edge speed, payload capacity, modularity, and autonomous operation. Capable of operating both crewed and uncrewed, the Bengal MC is designed to execute a wide range of missions—from launching Tomahawk cruise missiles to serving as a drone mothership—at a fraction of the cost of traditional warships. For a Navy seeking to maximize agility and lethality while controlling costs, the Bengal MC may represent a new model for maritime dominance.
Advanced Design and Capabilities
At the heart of the Bengal MC’s innovation is its SES hull, a hybrid between a hovercraft and a catamaran, which reduces drag and allows speeds exceeding 50 knots. It can carry up to 44 tons—enough for two 40-foot ISO modules—while maintaining a 1,000 nautical-mile operational range. This enables deployment to distant theaters without frequent refueling.
Mission versatility is a hallmark of the Bengal MC. Configurable for troop transport, landing support, electronic warfare, mine-laying or counter-mine operations, reconnaissance, and high-speed logistics, its modular construction allows the ship to be tailored for the task at hand. It’s equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and Naval Strike Missiles, providing a level of firepower that traditionally required much larger, more expensive ships.
Autonomy and Operational Flexibility
Powered by Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy Software (GAMA), the Bengal MC is fully capable of autonomous operation, while still offering human-in-the-loop oversight. This system was validated through the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial, ensuring reliability in complex maritime environments. Its ability to operate autonomously means it can be deployed into high-risk zones without putting sailors directly in harm’s way, while crewed missions remain an option for complex operations.
Efficiency and Strategic Value
The Bengal MC is also designed for fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs, making it an attractive option for navies needing maximum capability per dollar spent. Its ability to replace or augment larger surface combatants with smaller, faster, more adaptable ships could reshape the way the U.S. Navy and allied forces plan their fleets. This is particularly critical in the Indo-Pacific, where speed, reach, and survivability are vital.
Why Americans Should The Bengal MC
represents a shift toward a leaner, faster, more lethal Navy—one that can respond quickly to threats without waiting for a carrier strike group to arrive. In an era where peer adversaries like China are rapidly expanding and modernizing their fleets, the U.S. must adopt innovative solutions to maintain maritime dominance. This is about more than ships; it’s about safeguarding trade routes, deterring aggression, and ensuring that America retains freedom of movement on the seas.
Implications for the Navy
For the U.S. Navy, the Bengal MC offers an opportunity to expand distributed maritime operations with high-speed, missile-capable platforms that are less expensive to build and operate. The autonomy package reduces crew demands, freeing personnel for other critical missions. In contested environments, these vessels can serve as fast-moving strike platforms, reconnaissance nodes, or logistic links—roles that support and extend the reach of larger fleet assets.
Implications for Our Allies
For U.S. allies in AUKUS, NATO, and key Indo-Pacific partnerships, the Bengal MC offers an interoperable, high-performance platform that can be rapidly integrated into joint operations. Nations like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines—facing their own maritime security challenges—could use this vessel to augment their fleets without the heavy investment required for traditional destroyers or frigates. Greater allied adoption would strengthen collective maritime defense and create a shared technological advantage over adversaries.
Conclusion
The AIRCAT Bengal MC is more than a new ship—it’s a potential blueprint for the future of naval warfare. Fast, flexible, and autonomous, it demonstrates how advanced engineering and smart design can produce a strategic asset that meets the demands of modern maritime security. If the U.S. and its allies choose to embrace this model, it could mark a turning point in the race for naval superiority in the 21st century.
Learn More and Get Involved
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe in highlighting technologies and strategies that strengthen our maritime advantage. Our mission is to educate, engage, and rally support for a Navy that can meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on. Sign up for the FREE newsletter and join our educational series.
Russian and Chinese naval forces completed a coordinated patrol through the strategically vital Soya Strait near Japan on August 8, following their Joint Sea 2025 exercise. The three-ship flotilla—including China’s destroyer CNS Shaoxing, supply ship CNS Qiandaohu, and Russia’s destroyer Admiral Tributs—sailed eastbound from the Sea of Japan into the Sea of Okhotsk, demonstrating growing operational coordination between America’s two primary maritime rivals.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The data reveals an unmistakable pattern of escalating military cooperation:
113 joint military exercises conducted by China and Russia since 2003. The Joint Sea exercise series, launched in 2012, has now been conducted 10 times and has become what China calls “a key platform for China-Russia military cooperation.” This latest exercise (August 1-5) included sophisticated joint air defense, counter-sea, and anti-submarine operations.
While China’s Defense Ministry insists this cooperation is “not aimed at any third party” and dismisses criticism as “groundless speculation,” the operational reality speaks louder than diplomatic assurances.
Why This Matters for American Naval Power
Public statements aside, these are not ceremonial sail-bys. China and Russia are systematically deepening their operational coordination in waters that form part of America’s strategic defense perimeter in the western Pacific.
The Soya Strait—positioned between Russian Sakhalin Island and Japan’s Hokkaido—represents more than a shipping lane. It’s a critical chokepoint in the maritime geography that has historically allowed the U.S. Navy and its allies to maintain sea control in the region.
Geographic reality check: Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines aren’t just treaty allies—they’re the geographic anchors of America’s first island chain strategy. When hostile naval forces operate in coordinated fashion near these positions, it directly challenges the maritime supremacy that has underpinned regional stability since 1945.
Strategic Implications: What the U.S. Navy Must Consider
For Naval Planning: The U.S. Navy must now prepare for scenarios where China and Russia function as an integrated maritime threat in the western Pacific. This means developing tactics for simultaneous multi-axis threats, ensuring our Pacific Fleet can maintain sea control against coordinated opposition, and investing in platforms and weapons systems designed for high-intensity naval combat.
For Alliance Management: Japan’s latest defense white paper already warns of China’s “swift” military expansion and “intensifying activities” around disputed territories. This patrol reinforces Tokyo’s concerns and validates Japan’s own naval modernization efforts.
For other regional allies, the message is clear: strategic cooperation with Washington must evolve as rapidly as the threat. Beijing and Moscow are not standing still—neither can we.
The Broader Context: Russia’s Pacific Return
Russia’s renewed naval activism in the Pacific, combined with China’s expanding blue-water capabilities, represents a fundamental shift in the regional balance of power. The Russian Pacific Fleet’s stated objectives—”maintaining peace and stability” while protecting “economic assets”—mirror the language China uses to justify its South China Sea expansion.
Bottom line: When two authoritarian powers with global ambitions coordinate naval operations near democratic allies, American naval strength becomes the decisive variable in maintaining regional stability.
What This Means Going Forward
The August 8 transit may have occurred beyond Japan’s territorial waters, but the strategic message was unmistakable. As these exercises become more frequent and sophisticated, the U.S. Navy faces a new operational reality: preparing not just for individual threats from China or Russia, but for their coordinated maritime power projection.
The choice is stark—maintain naval superiority through continued investment in platforms, training, and alliance coordination, or watch strategic competitors reshape the maritime order in the world’s most economically vital region.
For Americans who understand that naval power remains the foundation of global stability, the time for half-measures has passed.
Americans for a Stronger Navy advocates for the naval capabilities required to maintain American maritime superiority and protect our allies worldwide.
24 Months of Evidence Supporting Admiral Studeman’s Warning
How Americans for a Stronger Navy’s research reveals the CCP has escalated from silent infiltration to brazen assault
A Courageous Voice Speaking Essential Truth
When Rear Admiral Mike Studeman tweets about the Chinese Communist Party’s “silent invasion” of the United States, he demonstrates the courage and expertise that made him one of America’s most respected intelligence leaders. As the former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and director for intelligence (J2) of the Indo-Pacific Command, his assessment carries the weight of unparalleled access to classified intelligence and strategic analysis.
Admiral Studeman’s characterization of a “silent invasion” accurately captures the sophisticated nature of CCP operations and Beijing’s remarkable success in suppressing American awareness of these threats. We deeply respect his expertise and his willingness to speak plainly about dangers that many prefer to ignore.
However, our 24 months of intensive research at StrongerNavy.org suggests the CCP has escalated beyond “silent” operations into something far more brazen and destructive. What we’re witnessing isn’t just sophisticated infiltration—it’s an increasingly overt wrecking ball campaign against American sovereignty, institutions, and security.
From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented
From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented
Since early 2023, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been tracking what appears to be a deliberate escalation in CCP operations. While these campaigns retain sophisticated elements that justify Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework, our evidence reveals increasingly brazen and openly destructive tactics.
The CCP seems to have calculated that they can operate more aggressively without meaningful American response—and unfortunately, they appear to be correct.
The Brazen Infrastructure Assault
Our documentation reveals systematic, increasingly bold attacks on America’s most critical systems. These aren’t subtle probes—they’re aggressive penetrations designed to establish persistent access and demonstrate vulnerability.
The infiltration of presidential communications represents just the most visible example of operations that have grown remarkably brazen. Our research indicates comprehensive targeting of government communications at all levels, conducted with a boldness that suggests confidence in American inaction.
Recent attacks on energy grids, transportation networks, and telecommunications systems show a pattern of escalating aggression. These operations extend far beyond intelligence gathering into active preparation for disruption and destruction.
Open Information Warfare
Perhaps most brazenly, we’ve tracked sophisticated information warfare campaigns that no longer attempt to hide their foreign origins. These operations openly work to disrupt American elections, amplify social divisions, and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
The CCP’s information warfare apparatus has grown increasingly confident in conducting operations that would have been considered unthinkably brazen just years ago. They’re betting that Americans won’t respond effectively even to overt manipulation—and so far, they’re winning that bet.
Economic Wrecking Ball Tactics
Our monitoring reveals systematic efforts to damage American economic competitiveness through increasingly overt means. This goes beyond traditional espionage into active economic warfare designed to weaken American industrial capacity and technological leadership.
The brazenness of these operations reflects Beijing’s assessment that America lacks the will to respond proportionally to economic aggression, even when it’s conducted openly.
Congressional Validation: The Scope of Brazen Operations
Recent congressional investigations validate our assessment that CCP operations have grown increasingly bold and destructive:
More than 60 CCP-related espionage cases documented from February 2021 to December 2024 across 20 states
The FBI reports that roughly 80 percent of economic espionage prosecutions involve conduct that would benefit China
Despite congressional warnings 25 years ago, federal agencies continue to treat these operations as manageable rather than the existential threat they represent
These statistics represent only discovered and prosecuted cases. The true scope of brazen CCP operations likely extends far beyond public acknowledgment, precisely because their boldness makes them harder for American institutions to process and respond to effectively.
The Wrecking Ball Strategy: Why Brazen Works
Intelligence analysts have identified the six broad domains of Chinese political warfare that Admiral Studeman’s assessment encompasses:
Intelligence operations – Now conducted with unprecedented boldness
Cyber operations – Increasingly destructive rather than just penetrative
Information and disinformation operations – Openly aggressive narrative warfare
United Front work – Brazen influence operations in academic and political institutions
Irregular military actions – Escalating gray zone operations testing American resolve
Economic coercion – Open use of economic relationships as weapons
Our research shows escalating aggression across all domains. The CCP appears to have concluded that brazen operations work better than subtle ones because they overwhelm American decision-making processes and exploit our institutional reluctance to acknowledge the scale of the threat.
The Suppression Paradox: Hiding in Plain Sight
Here’s where Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework remains critically important: Beijing has achieved the remarkable feat of conducting increasingly brazen operations while maintaining effective suppression of American awareness.
This represents a sophisticated understanding of American psychology and institutional dynamics. By operating brazenly while simultaneously suppressing discussion, the CCP creates a psychological disconnect that paralyzes American response.
The suppression operates through:
Institutional capture – Leveraging relationships to discourage acknowledgment of the threat’s scope
Information overwhelm – Creating so much noise that clear signals get lost
Psychological warfare – Making the threat seem too large and complex to address effectively
Economic leverage – Using business relationships to discourage honest assessment
The result is that brazen operations continue while most Americans remain unaware they’re living through an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty.
Admiral Studeman’s Essential Service
Admiral Studeman’s willingness to speak publicly about this threat performs essential national service. His credibility as a former intelligence chief makes it harder to dismiss these concerns as partisan hysteria or threat inflation.
His “silent invasion” framework captures the sophisticated suppression campaign that keeps most Americans unaware of what’s happening. Our research builds on his foundation by documenting how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory.
Together, these perspectives reveal the full scope of the challenge: sophisticated suppression campaigns enabling increasingly brazen destructive operations.
The Wrecking Ball Reality: Beyond Traditional Competition
What we’re documenting isn’t traditional great power competition or even sophisticated espionage. It’s a comprehensive wrecking ball campaign designed to weaken American society, institutions, and capabilities from within.
The “wrecking ball” metaphor captures several essential elements:
Destructive intent – These operations aim to damage, not just gather intelligence
Brazen execution – Increasingly overt operations that test American resolve
Systematic targeting – Coordinated assault on multiple critical systems simultaneously
Escalating aggression – Growing boldness as American responses prove inadequate
This represents something qualitatively different from the Cold War competition or traditional espionage. It’s political warfare designed to achieve strategic objectives through systematic destruction of American capabilities and confidence.
Our Continuing Documentation Mission
For 24 months, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting this escalating campaign because we understand that naval readiness cannot be separated from broader threats to American sovereignty. A stronger Navy requires a society capable of recognizing and responding to unprecedented challenges.
Admiral Studeman’s courage in speaking publicly about the “silent invasion” creates an opportunity to educate Americans about both the sophisticated suppression campaigns and the increasingly brazen operations they enable.
Our research at StrongerNavy.org will continue documenting these operations, providing Americans with evidence-based analysis of threats that combine sophisticated concealment with brazen execution. This isn’t about creating panic—it’s about enabling the informed, strategic response that this unprecedented challenge demands.
Breaking Through: From Silent to Seen
Admiral Studeman’s public warnings represent a crucial first step in breaking through Beijing’s suppression campaign. His “silent invasion” framework helps Americans understand how sophisticated operations can remain hidden in plain sight.
Our “wrecking ball” analysis builds on his foundation by revealing how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory. Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive understanding of threats that are simultaneously sophisticated and destructive, subtle and brazen.
The silent invasion is real—and it has evolved into something even more dangerous. The wrecking ball campaign is underway. Thanks to leaders like Admiral Studeman, Americans are finally beginning to see what’s been happening on their home soil.
The first step in defending American sovereignty is recognizing that we’re facing something unprecedented: a campaign that combines sophisticated suppression with brazen destruction. Admiral Studeman has provided the framework for understanding the suppression. Our research documents the escalating brazenness.
Together, we can help Americans see the full scope of the challenge—and the urgent need for a response equal to the threat.
Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting evidence of escalating foreign political warfare operations at StrongerNavy.org since early 2023. Our mission is to educate Americans about the maritime and national security challenges facing our nation while advocating for the naval capabilities needed to address them.
That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.
Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.
Follow our research at StrongerNavy.org and join the conversation on social media @StrongerNavy
The South China Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, has become the epicenter of a remarkable military transformation. Recent satellite imagery reveals the stunning scale of China’s military build-up across disputed islands and reefs, fundamentally altering the regional balance of power in ways that would have been unimaginable just two decades ago.
The Scale of Transformation
New satellite images from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) paint a picture of unprecedented military expansion. China now operates a sprawling 3,200-hectare network of military bases across the South China Sea, transforming once-submerged reefs into fortress-like installations capable of hosting advanced military aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers.
The transformation of Mischief Reef exemplifies this dramatic change. Satellite comparisons show that what was merely underwater reef in 2004 has become a massive military complex featuring:
Sprawling runways capable of handling large military aircraft
More than 72 fighter jet hangars across major island bases
Surface-to-air missile installations
Anti-ship cruise missile emplacements
Extensive radar and communications infrastructure
Large harbors for naval vessels
As Gregory Poling, director of AMTI, describes it, these bases represent “the result of the quickest example of mass dredging and landfill in human history.”
Strategic Military Assets
China’s military presence in the region has grown to encompass 27 outposts total: 20 in the Paracel Islands and 7 in the Spratly Islands. Of these, four have been transformed into fully operational naval and air bases. The sophistication of these installations became particularly evident in May 2025, when satellite imagery captured two Chinese H-6K bombers—aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons—stationed on Woody Island in the Paracels.
This deployment marked the first confirmed presence of China’s most advanced bombers in the region since 2020, signaling Beijing’s growing confidence in projecting power far from its mainland bases. The H-6 bombers represent a significant strategic capability, with the range to threaten U.S. military installations throughout the region and the versatility to support various military scenarios.
Regional Tensions and International Law
China’s expansion occurs against a backdrop of competing territorial claims. Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea through its “nine-dash line” claim, which overlaps with territories claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Crucially, a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s sweeping claims have no basis under international law—a decision Beijing categorically rejected.
The militarization of these features directly contradicts China’s earlier assurances. Chinese officials had previously promised that the island-building activities would not result in militarization, making the current reality particularly concerning for regional stability.
Broader Strategic Implications
These developments represent more than territorial disputes—they signal a fundamental shift in regional power dynamics. The South China Sea carries approximately one-third of global maritime trade, making control over these waters economically as well as strategically significant. China’s ability to project military power throughout the region from these fortified positions gives Beijing substantial leverage in any future crisis or negotiation.
The speed and scale of this transformation have caught many observers off guard. What began as seemingly modest construction projects has evolved into a comprehensive military network that extends China’s defensive perimeter hundreds of miles from its mainland coast. This “fait accompli” strategy has proven remarkably effective, creating new realities on the ground—or rather, on the water—that are difficult for other nations to reverse without risking major conflict.
The Challenge Ahead
For the United States and its regional allies, China’s South China Sea expansion presents a complex strategic challenge. The installations are now permanent features of the maritime landscape, defended by increasingly sophisticated military capabilities. Any attempt to challenge China’s presence directly would likely trigger a major regional crisis.
Instead, the focus has shifted to maintaining freedom of navigation, supporting allied nations’ territorial claims through diplomatic means, and developing military capabilities that can operate effectively in this new environment. The recent deployment of advanced bombers to these bases suggests that China views its South China Sea positions not as defensive installations, but as platforms for power projection throughout the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Looking Forward
The militarization of the South China Sea represents one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the 21st century. In less than two decades, China has fundamentally altered the strategic map of one of the world’s most important waterways. The satellite images that document this transformation tell a story not just of engineering prowess, but of strategic ambition that will shape regional dynamics for generations to come.
As tensions continue to simmer and new military capabilities are deployed, the South China Sea remains a critical barometer of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific. The question is no longer whether China can build and maintain these installations, but how the international community will adapt to this new strategic reality.
The implications extend far beyond the immediate region, serving as a case study in how technological capability, strategic patience, and determined action can reshape international boundaries and power balances in the modern era. For observers of international relations, the South China Sea serves as a real-time laboratory for understanding how the global order is being challenged and potentially transformed in the 21st century.
Sources: Analysis based on satellite imagery from Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), reports from The Independent, Defense Mirror, and other verified news sources.
That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.
Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.
The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean may seem distant to many Americans, but the security and prosperity of our nation are inextricably linked to the intricate geopolitical currents thousands of miles away. As part of our “Charting the Course” series, this post explores why the Indo-Pacific—particularly the islands in and around the Philippines and the South China Sea—is a linchpin for American interests and why a strong U.S. Navy is essential.
A Brief History of the Region – Pre-Colonial Era:
The South China Sea was historically traversed by traders from China, India, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. Ancient maritime kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit relied on its waters for commerce and influence. – Colonial Period: Spain colonized the Philippines in the 16th century, later replaced by the United States after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Western colonial powers mapped and administered many islands, including disputed features. – World War II: Japan used the region as a springboard for its Pacific conquests. The Philippines was a central battlefield and strategic objective. – Post-War and Cold War: The U.S. maintained bases in the Philippines (Subic Bay and Clark Air Base) to counter Soviet influence and guarantee maritime stability. – Modern Tensions: In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China’s vast claims over the South China Sea—yet China has continued militarizing the area.
The Indo-Pacific: A Region of Vital ImportanceTrade Route Overlay – Maritime shipping lanes through the South China Sea)
The map above highlights Southeast Asia, the Philippines, the Sulu Sea, and the contested Spratly Islands. Far from being remote specks on a globe, these are the crossroads of global commerce, strategic power, and vital resources.
Why This Region Matters – Global Economic Lifeline: Over half the world’s commercial shipping—including oil, gas, and manufactured goods—flows through Indo-Pacific sea lanes. Disruption means global economic instability. – Resource Richness: The South China Sea holds untapped oil, gas, and some of the richest fishing grounds on Earth. Control equals economic leverage. – Geostrategic Chokepoints: Straits like Malacca are arteries of global trade. Blockages would have ripple effects worldwide. – Territorial Disputes: China’s sweeping claims under its “nine-dash line” ignore international law and threaten stability.
Why Every American Should CareU.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group – Indo-Pacific deployment) – Your Wallet:
Disrupted shipping means rising prices—on everything from electronics to gasoline. – Your Security: The U.S. alliance with the Philippines is decades old. Honoring it deters aggression and upholds American credibility. – Our Values: Freedom of navigation and rule of law are at stake. China’s defiance of the 2016 arbitration ruling threatens global norms. – Countering Global Threats: U.S. naval presence helps deter piracy, illegal fishing, and extremism.
Understanding China’s Interests: Chinese Artificial Islands – Aerial military outposts on Fiery Cross Reef or Subi Reef) –
Sovereignty Claims: China insists on “indisputable sovereignty” over nearly all the South China Sea. – Economic Control: Energy reserves and fishing grounds are key to China’s survival and growth. – Strategic Depth: Artificial islands serve as military outposts, helping China create an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) zone. – Regional Dominance: China aims to push out U.S. influence and replace it with its own.
The Indispensable Role of the U.S. Navy: Humanitarian Aid – U.S. Navy delivering disaster relief in the Philippines) – Guardians of Global Trade: Ensuring freedom of navigation is a core Navy mission. – Projecting Power and Deterrence: A visible, capable Navy deters conflict. – Supporting Allies: Exercises and operations with partners like the Philippines extend U.S. influence. – Responding to Crises: From disaster relief to piracy, the Navy leads with humanitarian action. – Upholding International Law: FONOPS challenge China’s excessive claims. – Logistics and Access: Bases in allied nations ensure global reach and readiness.
Regional Flashpoints & Hot Zones(Image Placeholder: Annotated Philippines Map – Highlighting Palawan, Sulu Sea, Spratlys, and Scarborough Shoal) – Scarborough Shoal: Site of repeated standoffs between Chinese and Philippine vessels. – Second Thomas Shoal:
Philippine Navy outpost continually harassed by China. – Spratly Islands: Militarized by China; claimed by Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others. – Palawan: Launch point for Philippine patrols and likely U.S. logistics hub. – Sulu-Celebes Seas: Transit corridors threatened by piracy and terror networks.
Recent DevelopmentsPhilippine Navy with U.S. Navy – Joint patrol or port visit in Palawan – China’s Harassment:
Philippine vessels have been targeted with water cannons. – Philippine Pushback: Manila is strengthening its Navy and deepening alliances. – U.S. Support: Building Navy facilities, co-hosting exercises, and providing missile systems.
Regional & Global Context: First Island Chain Map – Taiwan, Philippines, Japan highlighted) – First Island Chain: The Philippines is part of the geographic arc vital for deterring Chinese expansion. – Gray Zone Tactics: China uses militias and coast guards to pressure neighbors without direct war. – Environmental Damage: Artificial islands harm coral reefs and biodiversity. – U.S. Navy’s Shipbuilding Challenges: While China expands its fleet, America must overcome delays and cost overruns.
Conclusion: Why This Matters Now The Indo-Pacific is not a distant concern—it’s a frontline in the battle for economic freedom, rule of law, and strategic stability. The U.S. Navy is not just a military force; it’s a pillar of national and global resilience. Investing in its strength is not optional—it’s essential for charting America’s future course.
This region—stretching from the Spratly Islands to the Sulu Sea, from Palawan to Palau—is where alliances are tested, supply chains are secured, and adversaries are deterred. The Philippines and surrounding waters are more than a map—they’re a mission.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we don’t advocate fear—we advocate responsibility. We believe war is preventable, but only if America wakes up and acts.
That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.
This week, we saw confirmation of what we’ve feared—and been warning about—for over 18 months: America’s digital defenses have been compromised, and it’s our Navy that’s left exposed.
According to Politico, a sweeping cyberattack has been launched by at least three Chinese state-linked hacking groups: Violet Typhoon, Linen Typhoon, and Storm-2603.
Their target? Microsoft’s SharePoint servers—used widely across the federal government, including DoD and Navy-linked systems.
Microsoft, in a Tuesday blog post, acknowledged the severity of the breach. Independent security experts at Mandiant and Censys corroborated the finding: more than 100 organizations globally are believed to be affected—including multiple U.S. federal agencies, some tied to national defense.
The flaw? An unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft’s on-premise SharePoint product. The result? Remote access into sensitive systems. The fallout? Still spreading.
And it’s not the first time. In 2023, Chinese actors breached the emails of the U.S. Ambassador to China and the Commerce Secretary, also by exploiting Microsoft misconfigurations. It’s a pattern—and one we can no longer afford to ignore.
Why Americans Should Care
Here’s the hard truth: this breach is a symptom of a larger failure—one that involves the defense-industrial complex, Big Tech, and complacency at the highest levels of oversight.
Pentagon systems supported by China-based engineers
Software flaws ignored or inadequately patched
Critical U.S. infrastructure reliant on foreign nationals in adversarial countries
And now? The U.S. Navy, tasked with protecting global stability, must operate with compromised tools—while companies like Microsoft continue to make billions from government contracts.
It’s not just bad policy. It’s a national security liability.
Implications for the Navy
SharePoint vulnerabilities can compromise logistics, intel coordination, and real-time decision-making.
At least two Navy-related systems are believed to be among the dozens affected.
The breach arrives as the Navy pushes toward a critical readiness benchmark.
Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby put it plainly:
“We must exercise strategic discipline, increase surge readiness, and protect scheduled maintenance. Our goal is to achieve an 80% combat-surge ready posture by 2027. We are currently at 60% readiness—and that gap is unacceptable.”
The Navy wants to prevent war, not provoke it. But readiness is the only deterrent adversaries understand. And right now, we are dangerously behind.
My Message: Fix, Educate, Mobilize
I’m not writing this to indict. I’m writing to fix and educate.
This crisis has serious implications. The threats are real. And the probability of conflict is rising.
I don’t believe in fear-mongering—but I do believe in calling things by their name. What we are seeing—again—is a system-wide breakdown in how we protect the digital backbone of our military.
This is what I’ve been shouting about for 18 months. Not because I enjoy sounding the alarm—but because someone must.
The taxpayers are left holding the bill.
The sons and daughters of those I served with are left to face the danger.
And the Navy is left to grovel for support to do what only they can—protect this nation at sea and abroad.
What We’re Doing About It
That’s why I launched Americans for a Stronger Navy—to demand accountability, readiness, and real reform.
If you’ve been following us over the past couple of years, you already know—we’ve been sounding the alarm.
Bill Cullifer, Founder
Introduction
This week’s news confirms it: Microsoft allowed China-based engineers to support U.S. military cloud systems, including infrastructure tied to the Navy. It took a journalistic exposé, a senator’s inquiry, and finally a directive from the Secretary of Defense to shut it down.
Let’s be clear—this is systemic.
This wasn’t one company’s mistake. It reflects a broader failure—where critical defense infrastructure is entangled with adversarial regimes, our tech workforce has been hollowed out, and profit has been prioritized over patriotism.
This Is My Journey—and My Shout: From Destroyer Sailor to Digital Sentinel
My early days as a U.S. Navy destroyer sailor in the 1970s gave me a global perspective that’s stayed with me ever since. I saw firsthand how the world’s most critical maritime trade routes—from the Malacca Strait to the South China Sea—could quickly become flashpoints when adversaries or their proxies seized control. I came to understand just how vital the U.S. Navy’s role in freedom of navigation is—not only in defending democracy abroad, but in protecting our economic and strategic interests here at home.
After a career in telecommunications, I turned my focus to education. In 1997, I founded a national association committed to building America’s digital workforce. We trained web developers, server administrators, and IT professionals—because I believed then, as I still do, that digital strength is national strength.
Even back then, the writing was on the wall: rising dependence on China, fragile supply chains, and a dangerous complacency about safeguarding America’s digital and strategic backbone.
What I Saw Coming
I could see where this was headed. The decisions being made in boardrooms and bureaucracies—about outsourcing, offshoring, and chasing short-term profits—were creating long-term risks. And I knew exactly who would be left to deal with the fallout: our Navy and the sons and daughters of those I served with.
They’d be the ones sent to navigate hostile waters, defend contested choke points, and hold the line during crises that began far from the sea.
Why I Launched Americans for a Stronger Navy
I couldn’t sit back and hope it would all work itself out. I’ve seen too much. And frankly, it pains me to see the Navy have to grovel for support in an era where threats are multiplying—not receding.
That’s why I founded Americans for a Stronger Navy—to push for the readiness, resources, and respect our Navy needs. Because I know what’s at stake—not just for this country’s future, but for the safety of our allies and the stability of the global order.
This is just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be breaking down what went wrong—and how we fight back.
More Than Microsoft: A National Security Crisis
The Navy—and the rest of our armed forces—now depends on cloud systems for everything from warfighting logistics to operational readiness. But when those systems are built or maintained by foreign nationals under weak supervision, our adversaries don’t need to hack their way in. They’re already inside.
This Microsoft scandal is just the latest proof point. Behind it lies:
* A depleted domestic technical base
* A defense industry over-leveraged to foreign subcontractors
* Big Tech firms chasing margins—not national security
And at the center of it all? A Navy that’s being asked to do more with less—and too often, without the tools it needs.
What Comes Next: Charting the Course
That’s why we’re launching Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a comprehensive 24-session educational series designed to peel back the layers of how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next.
Each session will tackle a specific facet of the crisis—from the outsourcing of digital infrastructure and the hollowing out of our industrial base, to the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inside the Navy’s digital backbone. We’ll examine the influence of adversarial regimes, the failure of public-private accountability, and the high-stakes strategic chokepoints where our forces may soon be tested.
But this isn’t just about understanding the problem. It’s about charting a path forward.
We’ll offer concrete proposals to revitalize American shipbuilding, retrain our tech workforce, and rebalance the defense-industrial ecosystem to serve national—not corporate—interests. And yes—we’ll ask the tough question: how do we pay for it?
Because the days of bloated, inefficient spending are over. We need what Navy leadership is already calling for: a leaner, more lethal, and more disciplined force. As Acting CNO Admiral James Kilby put it, the Navy must:
“Exercise strategic discipline… while increasing surge readiness… without sacrificing scheduled maintenance,” with a goal of achieving “an 80% combat‑surge ready posture by 2027.”
We’ll explore potential solutions ranging from public-private innovation partnerships and industrial reinvestment incentives, to reallocating wasteful spending and rethinking procurement models that reward results—not red tape.
These sessions are designed to educate the public, inform policymakers, and mobilize everyday Americans—because this is not just a military issue.
Introduction As Director of Americans for a Stronger Navy and a former U.S. Navy destroyer sailor, I’ve seen firsthand what makes our Navy exceptional. I’ve also seen how easy it can be to feel discouraged. Budget constraints, shipbuilding delays, political noise—it all adds up. And in the background, China continues its rapid naval expansion, flexing not only hardware but strategy.
But let me say this clearly: while China may build more ships, what it can’t copy—or steal—is the heart of our Navy. What it can’t replicate is what truly gives our sea power its edge.
The U.S. Navy’s Real Strength The strength of the U.S. Navy isn’t just in ships. It’s in people. People who are free to think, free to speak up, and free to challenge decisions in pursuit of doing what’s right.
It’s in trust—earned over decades with allies who sail beside us, not because they’re forced to, but because they believe in the mission. It’s in adaptability—the kind that comes from decentralized thinking, empowered leaders, and a culture where initiative is encouraged.
Why Authoritarian Systems Can’t Keep Up Xi Jinping has purged officers, scripted wargames, and centralized power in ways that might look like control from the outside. But inside? It creates brittleness. Fear stifles creativity. Commanders hesitate. Subordinates follow orders instead of leading.
You can’t purge your way to innovation. You can’t centralize your way to resilience. And you certainly can’t program moral courage.
Our Navy’s Moral Advantage What the U.S. Navy brings to the world stage is more than might—it’s purpose. We don’t sail to conquer. We sail to deter. To protect global trade. To keep the sea lanes open. To reassure allies. To render aid when disaster strikes. And yes—to show up when it matters most.
That’s why our Navy is trusted. That’s why it matters. And that’s why no regime—no matter how disciplined, industrialized, or well-funded—can ever truly match us.
Why Americans Should Care In a world where authoritarian states are rewriting the rules, America needs a Navy that’s not just large—but good. Not just present—but trusted. And that trust doesn’t come from numbers. It comes from what we stand for.
Final Thought So yes—China may field more ships. But they’re missing the one thing you can’t mass-produce: freedom. And when the moment of crisis comes, that’s what will make the difference.
By Bill Cullifer Founder, Americans for a Stronger Navy Former U.S. Navy Destroyer Sailor (1970s)
There’s been a lively debate online between economic giants Larry Summers and David Sacks about tariffs, trade policy, and the consequences of decades of globalization. But while they spar over markets and presidential strategies, a bigger question goes largely unspoken:
Who picks up the pieces when economic policy becomes a national vulnerability?
As someone who served in the U.S. Navy in the 1970s and now leads Americans for a Stronger Navy, I’ve watched closely as the Navy quietly shoulders the consequences of decisions made far from the sea. While economists argue over the stock market’s reaction to tariffs, the Navy secures global trade routes, deters adversaries, and absorbs the burden of an offshored industrial base.
But the Navy isn’t alone. Entire sectors of American life—logistics, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, finance, and technology—depend on the smooth flow of global trade. From major ports and retailers to family farms and Fortune 500 companies, virtually every modern American business benefits from the stability the Navy helps provide.
The American economy is global because the U.S. Navy keeps it that way.
Yet in the recent debate, while Summers described trillions lost in market volatility and economic fallout, no one mentioned the ripple effects on military readiness, deterrence, or strategic capability. That absence reflects a dangerous blind spot.
When Wall Street stumbles, the Navy sails. When diplomacy falters or trade routes are threatened, the Navy deploys. But today it’s doing so with fewer ships, aging platforms, and underinvested shipyards—while our adversaries build, modernize, and maneuver.
This isn’t just a Navy issue. It’s a business issue. A national issue.
If your industry touches global trade—if you depend on international logistics, rare earth minerals, undersea cables, satellite access, shipping lanes, or simply consumer confidence—then you depend on a ready and capable Navy.
This is a message to American industry: You benefit. You must engage. You must contribute.
We need your voice—and your leadership—in support of:
Rebuilding our shipbuilding and repair base
Investing in drones, AI, and technologies that give our fleet an edge
Modernizing infrastructure and dry docks that sustain readiness
Funding advocacy and education to spark public awareness
The economic world order your industry thrives in exists because American sea power has kept the global commons safe for decades. That foundation is eroding—and silence is no longer an option.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we’re connecting the dots between civic awareness, economic strategy, and maritime strength. We’ve launched a 24-part educational initiative to help Americans understand what’s at stake and how to act.
Explore the series: Charting the Course – For Country. For Unity. For a Stronger Navy.
Whether you’re a CEO, policymaker, investor, teacher, or neighbor—this affects you. Now is the time to link economic resilience with strategic defense. To give the Navy the tools—not just praise—before the next storm arrives.
This is your moment to lead. Not from the sidelines—but from the front.
Use your platform. Leverage your influence. Show the next generation that prosperity is earned—and defended.
Because a secure economy doesn’t start with policy. It starts with power. And power starts at sea.
Learn more at StrongerNavy.org and join the movement to educate, equip, and engage.
A stronger Navy requires a stronger America behind it. Let’s get to work.
For the first time in history, Taiwan has charged a Chinese ship captain with intentionally damaging undersea communication cables, signaling an alarming escalation in maritime tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo but manned by a Chinese crew, was detained in February 2025 after allegedly anchoring over a key undersea cable near southern Taiwan.
The Incident
According to Taiwanese prosecutors, the captain—identified only by his surname Wang—damaged a vital communication cable while operating near the island’s southwestern coast. Despite claiming innocence, Wang reportedly refused to identify the vessel’s owner and displayed “a bad attitude,” according to prosecutors. Seven other Chinese nationals were detained but not charged and will be repatriated to China.
This is the first prosecution of its kind in Taiwan’s history, setting a precedent amid increasing concerns over gray zone warfare tactics used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Why Americans Should Care
Submarine cables carry 95% of global internet traffic. Sabotaging these links disrupts everything from communications and commerce to national security systems.
Taiwan is a strategic democratic partner and a flashpoint in U.S.–China tensions. Attacks on Taiwan’s infrastructure test the international community’s resolve.
The incident mirrors Russian sabotage tactics in the Baltic Sea—raising concerns that China may adopt similar covert disruption strategies.
This signals the increasing militarization of civilian maritime assets, blurring the line between merchant shipping and state-directed activities.
Implications for the U.S. Navy
This event reinforces the need for enhanced undersea surveillance, cooperation with Pacific allies, and investment in resilient infrastructure.
It highlights vulnerabilities in gray zone warfare, where actions fall below the threshold of military conflict but still pose national security risks.
The Navy’s role in protecting undersea infrastructure may need to evolve to include closer coordination with civilian entities and new mission sets.
Implications for Our Allies
Allied nations must reassess how they monitor and secure commercial vessels operating near sensitive areas.
There’s an urgent need for multinational maritime domain awareness and coordinated responses to cable disruptions.
Taiwan’s move to press charges sets a precedent others can follow, applying legal pressure alongside naval deterrence.
Conclusion
This case is a shot across the bow in the information age. As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, Americans must pay closer attention to the vulnerabilities beneath the waves. A resilient Navy—and public awareness—will be essential to deter further acts of sabotage.
