Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/largest-chinese-military-buildup-since-1930s-extraordinary-measures-ahead/
Health
Dr. Leana Wen is advocating for the FDA to authorize the H5N1 bird flu vaccine, emphasizing the need for rapid tests and vaccines to be available, particularly for farm workers and vulnerable populations. The Biden administration has reportedly secured nearly 5 million doses, but FDA authorization remains pending. Dr. Wen has expressed concern that a change in administration could delay vaccine authorization, especially if anti-vaccine sentiments gain traction. The World Health Organization has noted a 52% mortality rate in past bird flu outbreaks, though recent cases have been milder. Dr. Wen highlights the importance of preventing the virus from spreading and mutating to protect public health. However, some commentators have questioned the urgency of the vaccine, citing the current strain’s mild impact, while public health advocates stress the need for proactive measures to prevent potential mutations.
In other health news, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential link between common cooking oils and increased cancer risks, particularly in the colon. Research suggests that oils like sunflower, soybean, and canola may release harmful compounds when heated, contributing to tumor growth. Experts recommend exploring alternative oils with higher heat stability, such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil, to mitigate health risks. The American Heart Association, however, cautions against dismissing the benefits of polyunsaturated fats found in these oils, advocating for a balanced approach to dietary oil consumption.
US Politics
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has stated that the U.S. will reach its debt ceiling by mid-January, necessitating “extraordinary measures” to prevent a government default. Yellen has urged Congress to act promptly to maintain economic credibility and stability. The national debt has surged to $36 trillion, with interest payments on public debt surpassing Medicare and defense spending. Analysts from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget have called for reforms to stabilize debt growth, highlighting the risks of rising debt, including slower economic growth and reduced fiscal flexibility. Some Democrats propose eliminating the debt ceiling to avoid political brinkmanship, while Republicans consider using it as leverage for spending cuts.
Energy
The American shale boom appears to be nearing its end, with crude production peaking in November 2023 and subsequent declines in both oil and gas output. Models predict a steeper decline ahead, signaling potential shifts in the energy market landscape. However, some industry experts argue that technological advancements and cost-cutting measures could sustain production levels longer than anticipated.
Geopolitics
Ukraine has received its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, marking a step in its strategy to reduce energy dependence on Russia. This delivery is part of Ukraine’s efforts to enhance energy security. A five-year agreement for Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe is set to expire, with Ukraine’s Prime Minister indicating openness to negotiating a new transit agreement. This shipment is part of a larger deal between Ukraine’s DTEK and U.S. energy firm Venture Global, aimed at strengthening European energy security. Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Ukraine’s decision, suggesting it could impact European gas supplies, while the European Union views it as a move towards energy diversification.
A Department of Defense report has highlighted China’s significant military expansion, described as the largest since Nazi Germany’s 1930s build-up. The report outlines China’s advancements, including a projected increase in nuclear warheads and a growing navy that now surpasses the U.S. Navy in ship numbers. China’s focus on naval expansion and psychological warfare, termed cognitive domain operations, presents a complex challenge for the U.S. The report emphasizes the need for the U.S. to modernize its nuclear arsenal and improve missile defenses to counter China’s growing influence. China, however, claims its military build-up is defensive, aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, while some analysts suggest the U.S. should focus on domestic priorities over military expansion.
Sources
Dr. Leana Wen Urges FDA to Greenlight Bird Flu Vaccine Amid Concerns Over H5N1 Preparedness
There actually is a vaccine developed already against H5N1. The Biden Administration has contracted with manufacturers to make almost 5 million doses of the vaccine. However, they have not asked the FDA to authorize the vaccine … They could get this authorized now and also get the vaccine out.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Cooking Oils Under Fire: New Studies Link Common Kitchen Staples to Cancer Risks
Cooking Oils Used By Millions Linked To Cancer In Second Study In A Week
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Yellen Warns of Mid-January Debt Ceiling Crunch, Urges Congressional Action to Avert Default
“I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States,” she wrote.
Ukraine Secures First U.S. LNG Shipment, Severing Russian Energy Ties
Ukraine has received its first-ever shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, marking a pivotal step in Ukraine’s efforts to cut energy supply ties with Russia amid dismal relations between the two warring neighbors.
China’s Military Surge: Echoes of 1930s Germany and the New Frontier of Psychological Warfare
China is engaging in an unprecedented military build-up that the world frankly hasn’t seen since Adolf Hitler in the 1930s,
American Shale Boom Nears Curtain Call as Production Declines
The American shale boom may be in its final act.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: TheChiefNerd on X, Dr. Leana Wen on X, Conservative Bloggers on X, WHO on X, American Heart Association on X, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, European Commission, Energy Bloggers, The Federalist, Global Times, The Diplomat, Defense News, and The Intercept.