John Pollock
@johnpollock.bsky.social
Communications for Chatham House (@chathamhouse.org) | Writer @theworldtoday.org | Think tanks and higher education | Posts on international affairs/security | China | Views my own.
Pinned
John Pollock
@johnpollock.bsky.social
· Nov 24
How Beijing is closing surveillance gaps in the South China Sea
The discovery of a new radar system on China’s Triton Island military base shows that Beijing is rapidly developing its intelligence capacities in contested waters, write John Pollock and Damien Symon...
www.chathamhouse.org
In 2023 the world thought China was building a 600-metre long airstrip on Triton Island. Maxar images 📸 reveal however the PLA has instead been upgrading its signals intelligence facilities.
I recently wrote for Chatham House (@theworldtoday.bsky.social) on 🇨🇳's activities in the South China Sea.
I recently wrote for Chatham House (@theworldtoday.bsky.social) on 🇨🇳's activities in the South China Sea.
Reposted by John Pollock
The sheer scale of the reshuffle at the top of the People's Liberation Army once again underscores Xi Jinping’s unchallenged authority at the height of China’s political hierarchy.
China’s leaders’ meeting confirms Xi’s authority and shows technological self-reliance is now the priority
At the Fourth Plenum of the Communist Party of China’s leadership, President Xi Jinping outlined a bold shift in China’s economic development model under its next Five-Year Plan.
www.chathamhouse.org
October 30, 2025 at 9:20 AM
The sheer scale of the reshuffle at the top of the People's Liberation Army once again underscores Xi Jinping’s unchallenged authority at the height of China’s political hierarchy.
My latest for @chathamhouse.org’s international affairs magazine.
Using previously unseen Maxar satellite images we document Israel’s air campaign against the Houthis. The TLDR is that Israel won’t tolerate Iran building up the Houthis into a Hezbollah-like force.
Using previously unseen Maxar satellite images we document Israel’s air campaign against the Houthis. The TLDR is that Israel won’t tolerate Iran building up the Houthis into a Hezbollah-like force.
@johnpollock.bsky.social & @detresfa.bsky.social's latest story reveals satellite images of the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen before the recent pause.
Despite the Gaza ceasefire, the Israel–Houthi conflict may resume.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Despite the Gaza ceasefire, the Israel–Houthi conflict may resume.
www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Despite the Gaza ceasefire, the Israel–Houthi conflict may resume
Satellite images reveal some of the damage of Israel’s recent airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen before the recent pause in hostilities. But analysis suggests that although the Iran-b...
www.chathamhouse.org
October 26, 2025 at 8:18 AM
My latest for @chathamhouse.org’s international affairs magazine.
Using previously unseen Maxar satellite images we document Israel’s air campaign against the Houthis. The TLDR is that Israel won’t tolerate Iran building up the Houthis into a Hezbollah-like force.
Using previously unseen Maxar satellite images we document Israel’s air campaign against the Houthis. The TLDR is that Israel won’t tolerate Iran building up the Houthis into a Hezbollah-like force.
Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel will not tolerate Iran sending weapons to Yemen and turning the Houthis into the next Hezbollah.
I and my co-author write for @theworldtoday.org documenting Israel's air campaign against the Houthis in the Red Sea with Maxar images📸 and what may come next.
I and my co-author write for @theworldtoday.org documenting Israel's air campaign against the Houthis in the Red Sea with Maxar images📸 and what may come next.
Despite the Gaza ceasefire, the Israel–Houthi conflict may resume
Satellite images reveal some of the damage of Israel’s recent airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen before the recent pause in hostilities. But analysis suggests that although the Iran-b...
www.chathamhouse.org
October 24, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel will not tolerate Iran sending weapons to Yemen and turning the Houthis into the next Hezbollah.
I and my co-author write for @theworldtoday.org documenting Israel's air campaign against the Houthis in the Red Sea with Maxar images📸 and what may come next.
I and my co-author write for @theworldtoday.org documenting Israel's air campaign against the Houthis in the Red Sea with Maxar images📸 and what may come next.
China purges nine top commanders in People’s Liberation Army
China purges nine top commanders in People’s Liberation Army
Xi Jinping’s targets in anti-corruption drive include PLA’s No 2 General He Weidong
www.ft.com
October 18, 2025 at 7:24 AM
China purges nine top commanders in People’s Liberation Army
Reposted by John Pollock
In the coming days Egypt will become a crucial player in Gaza. Cairo will be vital in facilitating the flow of aid into the territory and Egyptian troops could potentially deploy as peacekeepers.
Egypt is crucial to Trump’s Gaza plan – but fears a security vacuum after an Israeli withdrawal
Egypt wants to lock in a long-term commitment from other countries to ensure it is not left to secure Gaza alone.
www.chathamhouse.org
October 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In the coming days Egypt will become a crucial player in Gaza. Cairo will be vital in facilitating the flow of aid into the territory and Egyptian troops could potentially deploy as peacekeepers.
Reposted by John Pollock
"What some powerful members of the Trump administration want is regime change, and they want it as cheaply as possible."
Christopher Sabatini writes for the @nytimes.com on the Trump administration's mobilisation of the US military against Venezuela ⬇️
Christopher Sabatini writes for the @nytimes.com on the Trump administration's mobilisation of the US military against Venezuela ⬇️
Opinion | Trump Isn’t Busting Drug Cartels. He’s Settling Scores.
www.nytimes.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
"What some powerful members of the Trump administration want is regime change, and they want it as cheaply as possible."
Christopher Sabatini writes for the @nytimes.com on the Trump administration's mobilisation of the US military against Venezuela ⬇️
Christopher Sabatini writes for the @nytimes.com on the Trump administration's mobilisation of the US military against Venezuela ⬇️
At this point any US military aid or support for Europe and Ukraine should be viewed as a bonus under this president.
Trump doesn’t care about Europe and Europe should act and arm accordingly.
Trump doesn’t care about Europe and Europe should act and arm accordingly.
Donald Trump’s apparent shift in support towards Ukraine is more likely to have been washing his hands of the war. If so, Ukraine and its European allies will have to face Russia alone
Fixing the rot in Ukraine
Things are going wrong away from the front line. Europe needs to help
econ.st
September 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM
At this point any US military aid or support for Europe and Ukraine should be viewed as a bonus under this president.
Trump doesn’t care about Europe and Europe should act and arm accordingly.
Trump doesn’t care about Europe and Europe should act and arm accordingly.
Reposted by John Pollock
In the last six years, the Gulf Arab states have been attacked by both Israel and by Iran. In both instances, Washington did not protect them or respond militarily.
Israel’s attack on Qatar shows why it’s time for a Gulf defence union
Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf Arab states would be better served by integrating their defences than relying on other external partners.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
In the last six years, the Gulf Arab states have been attacked by both Israel and by Iran. In both instances, Washington did not protect them or respond militarily.
The consistency with which Donald Trump makes excuses for Vladimir Putin is truly beyond alarming at this point.
The Russians have very likely concluded that their next act of aggression towards Europe will receive no meaningful US response…. and they would be right.
The Russians have very likely concluded that their next act of aggression towards Europe will receive no meaningful US response…. and they would be right.
NATO leaders have announced a new initiative, Eastern Sentry, to defend the airspace of frontline states. But the U.S. response has been underwhelming—nonexistent, really. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the incursion of Russian drones into Poland may have been accidental. on.cfr.org/4mwpUbX
Jets Over Estonia Are Putin’s Latest Check of U.S. and NATO Resolve
NATO chased away the jets a week after shooting down Russian drones in Poland. These incidents add to a troubling trend.
on.cfr.org
September 20, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The consistency with which Donald Trump makes excuses for Vladimir Putin is truly beyond alarming at this point.
The Russians have very likely concluded that their next act of aggression towards Europe will receive no meaningful US response…. and they would be right.
The Russians have very likely concluded that their next act of aggression towards Europe will receive no meaningful US response…. and they would be right.
Enough is enough. After the drone incursion into Poland deterrence needs to be re-established with the Russians.
The next time a flight of Russian jets enter NATO airspace, fire control radars should be locked onto them.
The next time a flight of Russian jets enter NATO airspace, fire control radars should be locked onto them.
September 19, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Enough is enough. After the drone incursion into Poland deterrence needs to be re-established with the Russians.
The next time a flight of Russian jets enter NATO airspace, fire control radars should be locked onto them.
The next time a flight of Russian jets enter NATO airspace, fire control radars should be locked onto them.
Reposted by John Pollock
At an emergency summit in Doha, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi escalated his rhetoric on Israel - and may now seek to revive Cairo’s vision of an Arab military alliance.
Egypt now sees Israel as an imminent threat
At an emergency summit in Doha, President Sisi escalated his rhetoric on Israel - and may now seek to revive Cairo’s vision of an Arab military alliance.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
At an emergency summit in Doha, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi escalated his rhetoric on Israel - and may now seek to revive Cairo’s vision of an Arab military alliance.
You love to see it and a packed edition too as we head into the Autumn 🍂.
Give @lycidas.bsky.social and the mighty @theworldtoday.org team a follow👇
Give @lycidas.bsky.social and the mighty @theworldtoday.org team a follow👇
Hot off the press and into the hands of our editor @lycidas.bsky.social — the new issue of our international affairs magazine @theworldtoday.org has arrived at Chatham House.
Read more about the Autumn issue of the magazine via the link below⤵️
Read more about the Autumn issue of the magazine via the link below⤵️
September 15, 2025 at 1:26 PM
You love to see it and a packed edition too as we head into the Autumn 🍂.
Give @lycidas.bsky.social and the mighty @theworldtoday.org team a follow👇
Give @lycidas.bsky.social and the mighty @theworldtoday.org team a follow👇
Reposted by John Pollock
A Russian naval base, the growing Iranian presence in Port Sudan and the risk posed by terrorist groups seeking a haven are all reasons why Western governments should give a higher priority to Sudan.
Why ending the war in Sudan should be a higher priority for the West
As world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, now is the time to put the focus back on Sudan and build international support for ending the war.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:40 AM
A Russian naval base, the growing Iranian presence in Port Sudan and the risk posed by terrorist groups seeking a haven are all reasons why Western governments should give a higher priority to Sudan.
"Eight decades after the Second World War ended, China no longer views itself as a mere participant in history but as the architect of a new world order."
A fascinating read by my @chathamhouse.org colleague Yu Jie on the key signals China is sending via the SCO summit and 'Victory Day' parade.
A fascinating read by my @chathamhouse.org colleague Yu Jie on the key signals China is sending via the SCO summit and 'Victory Day' parade.
China is using the SCO summit and Victory Day parade to showcase its vision of a new world order
China is sending a clear message: it wants to reshape the world order. And it has the power to do it.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:38 PM
"Eight decades after the Second World War ended, China no longer views itself as a mere participant in history but as the architect of a new world order."
A fascinating read by my @chathamhouse.org colleague Yu Jie on the key signals China is sending via the SCO summit and 'Victory Day' parade.
A fascinating read by my @chathamhouse.org colleague Yu Jie on the key signals China is sending via the SCO summit and 'Victory Day' parade.
Reposted by John Pollock
China is sending a clear message: it wants to reshape the world order. And it has the power to do it.
China is using the SCO summit and Victory Day parade to showcase its vision of a new world order
China is sending a clear message: it wants to reshape the world order. And it has the power to do it.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM
China is sending a clear message: it wants to reshape the world order. And it has the power to do it.
Reposted by John Pollock
Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks a significant escalation but not a shift in Russia’s strategic outlook – one rooted in resisting EU and NATO influence in the Black Sea.
Understanding Russia’s Black Sea strategy
How to strengthen Europe and NATO’s approach to the region
www.chathamhouse.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks a significant escalation but not a shift in Russia’s strategic outlook – one rooted in resisting EU and NATO influence in the Black Sea.
Reposted by John Pollock
“Trump gave Putin more space to manipulate, mislead and buy time. Alaska has emboldened Putin, who is likely to prolong, not end, the war.”
Orysia Lutsevych on the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump for @chathamhouse.org⤵️
Orysia Lutsevych on the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump for @chathamhouse.org⤵️
Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska: Early analysis from Chatham House experts
Chatham House analysts give their initial reaction and insights after US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage on Friday.
www.chathamhouse.org
August 16, 2025 at 10:30 PM
“Trump gave Putin more space to manipulate, mislead and buy time. Alaska has emboldened Putin, who is likely to prolong, not end, the war.”
Orysia Lutsevych on the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump for @chathamhouse.org⤵️
Orysia Lutsevych on the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump for @chathamhouse.org⤵️
Reposted by John Pollock
“There are dangers still to watch for. Trump is now once again looking to Zelenskyy to take steps towards peace. Having failed to make any impression on Putin, Trump is turning to the softer target.”
@keirgiles.bsky.social offers his analysis on the Alaska summit⤵️
@keirgiles.bsky.social offers his analysis on the Alaska summit⤵️
Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska: Early analysis from Chatham House experts
Chatham House analysts give their initial reaction and insights after US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage on Friday.
www.chathamhouse.org
August 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“There are dangers still to watch for. Trump is now once again looking to Zelenskyy to take steps towards peace. Having failed to make any impression on Putin, Trump is turning to the softer target.”
@keirgiles.bsky.social offers his analysis on the Alaska summit⤵️
@keirgiles.bsky.social offers his analysis on the Alaska summit⤵️
Reposted by John Pollock
"Ukraine and Europe risk being once again frozen out of the conversation about their future. In the case of Europe, that’s a damning indictment."
Read @keirgiles.bsky.social latest on the upcoming summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, for @theipaper.com⤵️
Read @keirgiles.bsky.social latest on the upcoming summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, for @theipaper.com⤵️
Trump could hand Putin far more than Ukraine. Europe should be afraid
The Russian President may well be approaching this week's meeting with far broader plans than Donald Trump once again endorsing his current war aims in Ukraine
inews.co.uk
August 11, 2025 at 3:20 PM
"Ukraine and Europe risk being once again frozen out of the conversation about their future. In the case of Europe, that’s a damning indictment."
Read @keirgiles.bsky.social latest on the upcoming summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, for @theipaper.com⤵️
Read @keirgiles.bsky.social latest on the upcoming summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, for @theipaper.com⤵️
A fascinating read by @chathamhouse.org’s Middle East team on the dynamics at play in Lebanon following the war in September-October last year and what it means for Israel, Hezbollah, the US and Lebanon.
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Whilst Hezbollah has relinquished some of its weapons to the Lebanese army in areas south of the Litani River — it refuses to give up its arsenal in the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Lebanon’s moment of truth
The Lebanese government must stop shirking its responsibilities and push Hezbollah to disarm – taking advantage of the historic momentum in the region.
www.chathamhouse.org
August 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
A fascinating read by @chathamhouse.org’s Middle East team on the dynamics at play in Lebanon following the war in September-October last year and what it means for Israel, Hezbollah, the US and Lebanon.
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Reposted by John Pollock
With Hezbollah badly mauled following its war with Israel and much of its leadership destroyed, the United States sees an opportunity to end a long-standing threat to Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanon’s moment of truth
The Lebanese government must stop shirking its responsibilities and push Hezbollah to disarm – taking advantage of the historic momentum in the region.
www.chathamhouse.org
August 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM
With Hezbollah badly mauled following its war with Israel and much of its leadership destroyed, the United States sees an opportunity to end a long-standing threat to Israel and Lebanon.
"Although Israel and the United States did considerable damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran may be able to produce the fissile material required for about ten nuclear weapons within half a year."
Stark analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Stark analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Attacking Iran and Tempting Fate
Although Israel and the United States did considerable damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran may be able to produce the fissile material required for about ten nuclear weapons within half a year.
www.iiss.org
August 5, 2025 at 9:13 AM
"Although Israel and the United States did considerable damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran may be able to produce the fissile material required for about ten nuclear weapons within half a year."
Stark analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Stark analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
A fascinating new report by @galipdalay.bsky.social and Natalie Sabanadze for @chathamhouse.org.
It covers the ambitions of Russia in the Black Sea region, 🇷🇺🇹🇷 ties, the invasion of Ukraine and China's regional interests also.
A brilliant read on one of the world's most contested maritime domains⤵️
It covers the ambitions of Russia in the Black Sea region, 🇷🇺🇹🇷 ties, the invasion of Ukraine and China's regional interests also.
A brilliant read on one of the world's most contested maritime domains⤵️
Understanding Russia’s Black Sea strategy
How to strengthen Europe and NATO’s approach to the region
www.chathamhouse.org
July 31, 2025 at 7:49 PM
A fascinating new report by @galipdalay.bsky.social and Natalie Sabanadze for @chathamhouse.org.
It covers the ambitions of Russia in the Black Sea region, 🇷🇺🇹🇷 ties, the invasion of Ukraine and China's regional interests also.
A brilliant read on one of the world's most contested maritime domains⤵️
It covers the ambitions of Russia in the Black Sea region, 🇷🇺🇹🇷 ties, the invasion of Ukraine and China's regional interests also.
A brilliant read on one of the world's most contested maritime domains⤵️
Reposted by John Pollock
Today’s China–EU summit in Beijing is meant to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, but China and Europe remain deeply divided over trade and the war in Ukraine.
Read Yu Jie's (@chasiapacific.bsky.social) latest for @chathamhouse.org ⤵️
Read Yu Jie's (@chasiapacific.bsky.social) latest for @chathamhouse.org ⤵️
China–EU summit is unlikely to improve relations amid key differences on trade and Ukraine war
The Beijing summit shows that China–EU ties continue to be overshadowed by ongoing grievances.
www.chathamhouse.org
July 24, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Today’s China–EU summit in Beijing is meant to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, but China and Europe remain deeply divided over trade and the war in Ukraine.
Read Yu Jie's (@chasiapacific.bsky.social) latest for @chathamhouse.org ⤵️
Read Yu Jie's (@chasiapacific.bsky.social) latest for @chathamhouse.org ⤵️
An important read by my @chathamhouse.org colleagues on how the UK should approach the Indo-Pacific region.
Report | Why the Indo-Pacific should be a higher priority for the UK
The government must give strategic weight to the UK's relationships in the Indo-Pacific and deepen joint initiatives with 🇦🇺🇯🇵🇳🇿🇰🇷.
A full Indo-Pacific strategy is vital to our ability to manage relations with 🇨🇳. Read our latest ⤵️
The government must give strategic weight to the UK's relationships in the Indo-Pacific and deepen joint initiatives with 🇦🇺🇯🇵🇳🇿🇰🇷.
A full Indo-Pacific strategy is vital to our ability to manage relations with 🇨🇳. Read our latest ⤵️
Why the Indo-Pacific should be a higher priority for the UK
Using Britain’s alliances and networks for greater impact
www.chathamhouse.org
July 22, 2025 at 10:10 AM
An important read by my @chathamhouse.org colleagues on how the UK should approach the Indo-Pacific region.