SOFREP Daily: Taiwan’s President Peaceful Cooperation, Jihadist Rebels Overrun Aleppo, Ukraine Pushes NATO Membership

Good morning, and welcome to your Sunday defense and global affairs update. As the week transitions into December, we’re spotlighting the key developments shaping military strategy and international diplomacy. Let’s dive in!

Taiwan’s President Visits Hawaii, Urges Peaceful Cooperation

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te kicked off a Pacific tour with a stop in Hawaii on Saturday, calling for unity to “fight together to prevent war” amid growing tensions with China.

Lai emphasized the importance of peace and democracy while strengthening Taiwan’s unofficial ties with the United States, its key partner and arms supplier.

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, sharply criticized Lai’s visit, issuing strong protests and vowing to defend its sovereignty.

During his Hawaii visit, Lai received a warm welcome, complete with red carpets, flower garlands, and visits to historic sites like the USS Arizona Memorial. He also met with US officials and praised the “rock solid” US-Taiwan partnership.

The visit coincides with the US approving a $385 million arms deal for Taiwan, further angering Beijing.

Lai’s trip will also take him to Pacific allies that recognize Taiwan’s statehood and include a final stop in Guam.

Jihadist Rebels Overrun Aleppo as Assad Vows Retaliation

Jihadist-led rebels, including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction, captured Aleppo’s airport and much of Syria’s second-largest city on Saturday, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s conflict.

Russia reportedly responded with airstrikes on Aleppo, its first since 2016, while Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed to defeat the “terrorists.”

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fighting has left over 300 people dead, including civilians, as the rebels made rapid advances and seized dozens of towns.

Russia and Iran, key allies of Assad, expressed concern over the losses, with Tehran planning diplomatic talks in Damascus. Meanwhile, the US attributed Assad’s dependence on Moscow and Tehran to the government’s vulnerabilities.

In Aleppo, rebel fighters celebrated their gains while imposing a curfew for civilians’ safety.

The situation remains volatile, with major international players weighing in on the rapidly evolving crisis.

Russia Bombs Syrian Rebels to Halt Aleppo Offensive

Russia’s military announced Saturday that its air force launched strikes in Syria to counter a major offensive by jihadist forces and their Turkish-backed allies on Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city.

The offensive marks some of the deadliest fighting in years, with Russia claiming to have eliminated 200 militants in the past 24 hours, though this figure remains unverified.

Ukraine Pushes NATO Membership as Path to Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently proposed that NATO membership for territories currently under Kyiv’s control could help end the “hot stage” of the war with Russia.

However, he emphasized that any invitation to join NATO must include all internationally recognized Ukrainian territories.

Zelenskyy sees NATO membership as key to his broader “victory plan,” aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Moscow.

The war continues to intensify, with Russian forces making gains near key logistics routes and deadly missile strikes hitting Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region.

Meanwhile, Ukraine faces pressure to secure more military aid and progress toward NATO membership ahead of a critical NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in December.

In the US, the foreign policy stance of President-elect Donald Trump remains uncertain, though his newly appointed special envoy for Ukraine, retired General Keith Kellogg, has pledged to prioritize peace talks.

Amid these challenges, Zelenskyy announced leadership changes in Ukraine’s military, aiming to bolster defenses along the front lines.

Israeli Strikes Hit Hezbollah Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Challenges

The Israeli military launched airstrikes in Lebanon on Saturday, targeting Hezbollah activities it claimed violated a newly established ceasefire.

Strikes also hit suspected Hezbollah weapon-smuggling routes along the Syria-Lebanon border.

These actions come as part of Israel’s promise to retain military flexibility despite agreeing to the truce.

The conflict has already caused thousands of deaths on both sides since October 2023, with over 3,900 killed in Lebanon and significant casualties in Gaza following related hostilities.

Meanwhile, Hamas released a video of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander urging leaders to negotiate for hostage releases.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions and humanitarian challenges, including the controversial death of a charity worker in Gaza following Israeli claims of his involvement in the October 7 massacre.

Sectarian Violence Claims 124 Lives in Pakistan’s Kurram District

Sectarian violence in Pakistan’s Kurram district has claimed hundreds of dozens of lives over the past 10 days as clashes between Sunni and Shiite communities continue despite multiple failed ceasefires, a local government official said on Saturday.

The fighting erupted after two Shiite convoys were ambushed, leading to escalating hostilities with heavy weapons.

#UPDATE: Deadly sectarian clashes continue in Pakistan’s northwestern Kurram district despite a ceasefire, local officials say, with the death toll now over 130 https://t.co/FRpDRjJ0F1 pic.twitter.com/OFDhpdtfsT

— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) December 1, 2024

Efforts by the provincial government to broker peace have faltered, leaving the region in chaos with roads blocked, mobile networks down, and residents unable to flee.

Decades-old tensions in this Sunni-majority country, often tied to land disputes, continue to fuel the unrest in this mountainous border area near Afghanistan.

Russia, North Korea Deepen Defense Partnership Against the West

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday to discuss strengthening military ties, according to North Korean state media.

The visit highlights growing cooperation between the two nations, both facing heavy Western sanctions.

Reports suggest North Korea has sent over 10,000 soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine, likely in exchange for advanced military technology and combat experience.

During the meeting, Kim criticized Western support for Ukraine and pledged unwavering support for Russia’s sovereignty.

Analysts believe this partnership could reshape North Korea’s foreign policy and bolster its access to resources like oil and gas through Russia.

Russia Increases Defense Spending by 25% for 2025-2027

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently approved a military-focused budget for 2025-2027, featuring a 25 percent increase in defense spending.

Notably, nearly a third of the budget will remain classified, making it the most secretive in Russia’s post-Soviet history.

The government emphasized that funding for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, military support, and social programs will take top priority.

⚡️Putin approves Russia’s budget with record spending on national defense.

Spending on war and law enforcement agencies exceeds expenditures on education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy combined.https://t.co/pcer4YnCgL

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) December 1, 2024

Despite the heavy focus on defense, officials touted the budget as “balanced,” with plans to reduce the deficit to 0.5 percent and keep state debt under 20 percent over the next three years.

Germany Builds Ammunition Plant in Lithuania to Counter Russia

German defense giant Rheinmetall is teaming up with Lithuania to build a $190-million ammunition plant, marking the largest defense investment in the Baltic country’s history.

The facility, set to produce tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells annually, highlights Europe’s effort to bolster defense against potential threats from Russia.

🇱🇹🇩🇪 By mid-2026, the Rheinmetall factory in Lithuania will be operational! Today, key agreements were signed: one for land lease & one for purchasing 155mm ammunition. This strategically vital project will boost Lithuania’s defence industry & ensure the military’s needs are met. pic.twitter.com/olsNiN7jq9

— Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 (@Lithuanian_MoD) November 29, 2024

Located near a NATO air base, the plant is expected to start operations in 2026.

Germany, a key ally, is also committing to stationing 5,000 troops in Lithuania by 2027.

Lithuania, a major supporter of Ukraine, is ramping up its defense spending amid fears of Russian aggression.

US Navy Transforms Zumwalt into Hypersonic Missile Platform

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), one of the US Navy’s most advanced (and controversial) warships, is getting a major upgrade as the first ship to host a hypersonic missile system.

Originally equipped with a canceled gun system deemed too costly, the $7.5 billion destroyer is being retrofitted to carry 12 hypersonic weapons capable of traveling over five times the speed of sound.

These missiles will give the Navy the ability to strike targets thousands of kilometers away, staying well out of range of enemy weapons.

While critics argue the weapons’ high costs outweigh their benefits, supporters say they’re crucial to maintaining US military dominance as Russia and China advance their own hypersonic programs.

Testing on the upgraded Zumwalt is expected to begin by 2027 or 2028, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the Navy’s arsenal for future conflicts.

Sources: AP News, AFP News, More