One of the prevailing theories surrounding one of the real reasons behind the Iran War. Was it was to put a check on the Chinese and trip up their technology development without a direct Military Confrontation. As China got almost a quarter of their oil from Iran at a massive discount.

Blocking that flow. And then reenabling it not at Sweetheart prices sets back both their tech sector and broader economy. The AI arms race is ultimately real. The first people to develop the AI terminators get a major advantage Militarily. We’ve both been taking shots at each others tech sector and seeking to undermine each other without directly contending confrontation.

While the news has largely been focused on Iran. It went largely unnoticed we signed a new Defense Agreement with Indonesia. Aside from all the normal stuff such as training, modernization, and basing rights. We also got unrestricted access to Indonesian Airspace.

The Strait of Malacca also passes through Indonesian territory. Which carries a lot of trade both to and from China. Meaning they have yet another major artery under threat.

Japan has also steadily been rearming and loosening Constitutional restrictions on its Military and Defense Industry. Likely at the explicit behest of the United States. They’re also standing up a new Intelligence Service. Whose purpose is almost explicitly to counter Chinese influence.

There’s likely going to be a lot of things discussed at this meeting.