This week on Bombshell Loren and Erin hold down the fort and ask the brilliant Elsa Kania to explain the new Chinese defense white paper. Britain has a new PM, Pakistan’s visited the US, and there are ongoing protests in Moscow and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, we might have a budget deal? And the president keeps trying to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia. Erin finally saw Capt. Marvel and we collectively wish cast a real Mara Jade adventure.

Links

China

• Mike Yeo, "China: US in Pursuit of Absolute Military Superiority," Defense New, July27, 2019
• Anthony H. Cordesman, "China's New 2019 Defense White Paper," CSIS, July 24, 2019
• Elsa B. Kania, "Innovation in the New Era of Chinese Military Power," CNAS, July 25, 2019
• Elsa B. Kania, "China's Army Can intervene in Hong Kong, Says Beijing," CNAS, July 24, 2019

Imran Khan

• Asad Hashim, "Q&A: Was Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Visit to the U.S. a Success?" Aljazeera, July 25, 2019
• Michael Kugelman, "Despite Khan's Visit, U.S.-Pakistan Ties Aren't Ready for a Reset," World Politics Review, July 26, 2019

Russia Protests

• "Russia Protests: Thousand Arrests at Moscow Rally," BBC, July 27, 2019

Hong Kong protests

• "Hong Kong: Thousands Mobilize for Anti-Triad Rally," DW, July 27, 2019

Budget Deal

• Burgess Everett and Melanie Zanona, "Trump Fumes Over Border Wall as Budget Deal Advances," Politico, July 28, 2019

Hyten Confirmation

• Helene Cooper, "I have a Moral Responsibility to Come Forward: Colonel Accuses Top Military Nominee of Assault," New York Times, July 26, 2019