Good morning, and welcome to the Global Situation Report for Tuesday, 30 January 2024.
- CHINA: BUILT-IN PROBLEMS LED TO TEXAS-WH BORDER BATTLE: Chinese state-backed media published their take on the ongoing Texas-White House border dispute.
- According to the Global Times, the Chinese do not believe a U.S. civil war is likely. “[P]olitical antagonism, social divisions and racial tensions in the US will intensify,” and could lead to a “national divorce” scenario. “Consequently, the US will become a source of chaos in the future.”
Why It Matters: This narrative is likely intended to sow doubt about American power and influence globally if the U.S. has such deep-seated problems at home. The Chinese routinely cast doubt about the viability of democratic governance in the 21st century in their attempt to export Chinese-style governance as the preferred model abroad. – M.S.
- U.S. GOV LETS ENEMY NATIONS CONTROL THE NARRATIVE FOR A DAY: Yesterday, we reported that the Houthi spokesman announced they had successfully attacked the USS Lewis B Puller. The Department of Defense left this unchallenged until 1800ET with a quiet, semi-anonymous rebuttal.
- Defense Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said she could not confirm an attack, while a U.S.-based media outlet reported that “a defense official” denied the attack.
- Chinese state media reported yesterday on the announcement and heavily insinuated that the Houthis sank the Puller.
Why It Matters: For almost an entire news cycle, the Department of Defense let Yemen and China control the narrative that a ship had been struck by a Houthi missile attack and possibly sunk. While an attack can’t be confirmed, the ship has no apparent missile detection capabilities, making it a likely target of future attacks. – J.V.
THAT’S A WRAP: This does it for today’s edition. Thank you for reading. If you know folks who would also like to receive this email, would you please forward it to them? We appreciate you spreading the word. – M.S.