## Yes, China Will Invade Taiwan, but Not Without Capturing the South China Sea First — Geopolitics Conversations

Authored by geoconver.org

This analysis explores the strategic and geopolitical considerations that underpin China's ambitions towards Taiwan, emphasizing the crucial role of the South China Sea (West Philippines Sea, Biển Đông).

Before China can take Taiwan, it will need to secure the South China Sea, an area rich in natural resources.

The South China Sea is believed to contain vast reserves of oil and natural gas, which are essential for China's energy security.

This is particularly pertinent for Japan, which relies heavily on trade routes through the South China Sea.

By controlling the South China Sea, China could mitigate some of these impacts by ensuring access to vital resources and maintaining critical trade routes.

Additionally, Southeast Asian nations with claims in the South China Sea, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, could feel threatened.

Securing the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea, Biển Đông) is a crucial step in China's strategy, providing both economic resources and geopolitical leverage. »

### Trump Says He Is ‘Entitled To Personal Attacks’ Against Harris Despite Republican Calls To Cease Insults

Authored by forbes.com

A reporter asked whether Trump agreed with calls to stop the personal attacks, to which Trump suggested he has levied insults at Harris because he is angry at her “because of what she’s done to the country.”

Trump lobbed the same insult at Harris’ policies, calling them weird and propping up his own policies regarding the border and taxes.

Trump Pushes Back On 'Weird' Label From Kamala Harris And Tim Walz At Bozeman, Montana, Rally (Forbes). »

### Freedom of Russia Legion calls on Russian soldiers to surrender, switch sides amid Kursk incursion

Authored by kyivindependent.com

The Freedom of Russia Legion on Aug. 16 appealed to Russian troops to surrender or switch sides and join the fight "for the normal future of Russia.".

The statement came amid an ongoing Ukrainian incursion in Russia's Kursk Oblast, with the estimates of Russian captives ranging from several hundred to 2,000.

Ukraine declined to provide a full number of Russian captives taken during the Kursk incursion following the Kyiv Independent's request. »

### Man receives 143 years for threatening Burger King employee with a gun and multiple shootings in Aurora

Authored by cbsnews.com

A Colorado judge sentenced a man to 143 years for a crime spree that involved threatening a Burger King employee with a gun, discharging the firearm inside a convenience store, and multiple shootings throughout Aurora.

The Arapahoe County Court sentenced 40-year-old Eugene Robertson to 143 years in the Department of Corrections for the 2022 crime spree.

When the employee declined to accept, Robertson whipped out a gun and pointed it at the employee before taking off. »

### 12-year-old Texas girl dies after parents used smoothies to treat life-threatening injuries

Authored by nbcnews.com

A 12-year-old Texas girl died Monday after her mother and stepfather failed to seek medical attention for four days following life-threatening injuries, instead attempting to nurse her back to health with smoothies, authorities said.

An investigation led by the sheriff’s office revealed that Sipps had suffered from severe and life-threatening injuries the previous Thursday.

Soward said that Sipps’ parents attempted to treat her injuries by giving her smoothies with vitamins. »

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