Beijing began large-scale joint military exercises near Taiwan, calling it a “stern warning” to separatists.

Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command released an animated video titled “The Shell” for the drills.

The video mocks Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, portraying him as a parasite who lies and brings disaster.

It ends with Lai being “grilled like a shrimp” and forced to surrender.

Presidents Macron and Tebboune agreed to restore security and migration cooperation.

The joint historian commission on colonial history will resume, with findings due by summer 2025.

France’s justice and foreign ministers are set to visit Algiers to advance judicial and economic cooperation.

The two sides also discussed revising Algeria’s EU partnership, seen as unbalanced by Algiers.

If a Turkish air base is established in Syria, it would undermine Israel’s freedom of operation. This is a potential threat that we oppose.

We targeted the military T4 base recently to send a message that we will not allow harm to our air freedom of operation.

Israel has no interest in a confrontation with the Turks. We operate freely in the airspace (of Syria).

The understanding in Israel is that Türkiye is working to reduce Israel’s open skies in Syria.

It is evident that Türkiye is consistently trying to entrench its presence and limit Israel’s strategic reach in the region.

Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, has arrived in Moscow despite an international arrest warrant issued for violating Bosnia’s constitutional order.

Known for his pro-Russian stance, Dodik announced his visit via social media and is expected to attend Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations at President Putin’s invitation.

The arrest warrant, issued by Interpol Sarajevo, appears unenforceable as Russia supports Dodik.

Serbia has also refused to detain him, with President Vučić criticizing the legal action.

“No one who values democracy can celebrate a verdict that targets the leader of a major party and silences the voice of so many voters.”

• A Hisar-type air defense system (likely Hisar-O or Hisar-U) will be deployed to protect the base and establish airspace dominance.

• Ankara plans a layered air defense network, potentially including Hisar-O+, Hisar-RF, and the long-range Siper system, all developed by Aselsan and Roketsan.

• Türkiye is also considering the temporary deployment of S-400s, pending Russian approval—marking what could be the system’s first overseas use.

• Drones with ISR and strike capabilities will support surveillance and defense roles.

Strategically, Türkiye aims to:
• Deter Israeli airstrikes, especially post-Assad;
• Counter ISIS remnants in the region;
• Expand its regional military footprint amid declining Iranian and Russian presence.