Tag: America First

China’s Strategic Oil Reserves: Quiet Cut Prevented Oil from Reaching $200

China quietly cut oil imports by five million barrels a day after the Strait of Hormuz closed. The move absorbed most of Asia’s shortfall and kept prices from reaching $200. China oil reserves, estimated at 1,300 to 1,400 million barrels, proved far larger and more flexible than Western stockpiles. The United States released over 100 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve while Beijing conserved its buffer.

Germany Rearmament Crisis: Young Germans Refuse to Serve

The Germany rearmament crisis deepened this week: 5,862 Germans applied for conscientious objector status in 2026, more than all of last year, while only 530 volunteered out of 300,000 registered. See the numbers and how Poland and the Baltics spend far more of their economies on defense, while Berlin still struggles to fill its ranks.

Trump Won’t Accept the Deficit: USMCA Review 2026

On July 1, 2026, the U.S. officially refused to renew USMCA. "The United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form," said USTR Jamieson Greer. The trade deficit is Trump's primary concern: 197,000 million dollars with Mexico plus 46,000 million with Canada in 2025, more than double what it was when USMCA took effect.

Fair Deal, No Loans: Peru’s US-Backed Naval Base

A deal to modernize Peru's naval base, backed by the United States, will upgrade Callao for $1,500 million, fully paid by Peru's own bonds, zero U.S. taxpayer dollars. Just 80 kilometers away, China's Cosco Shipping controls the Chancay megaport after a court ruling limited Peru's oversight. Keiko Fujimori, a likely incoming president, would push for closer defense ties with the United States and would scrutinize more closely China's role in Peru .

UK Social Media Ban: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

The UK social media ban for under-16s requires every adult to verify their age too, through digital ID, facial recognition, or a credit card. Elon Musk calls it a wolf in sheep's clothing. Starmer is the most unpopular PM in British polling history, just lost seven ministers, and Labour got crushed in May elections. Britain is stuck until 2029.