The Weekly Telescope

Tag: European Union

  • Storm Over the Shoal: The Philippines, China, and the Future of the West Philippine Sea

    Storm Over the Shoal: The Philippines, China, and the Future of the West Philippine Sea

    Tensions flared again in the West Philippine Sea when Philippine and Chinese vessels collided near Scarborough Shoal on September 16, 2025. According to Manila, Chinese coast guard ships used high-powered water cannons against a Philippine resupply vessel, shattering glass on the bridge, damaging critical equipment, and injuring at least one crew member. China, for its part, accused the Philippines of “illegally” entering its waters and even claimed Manila rammed one of its ships—an allegation firmly denied by Philippine officials.

    This confrontation followed China’s unilateral declaration of a “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal just days earlier. Filipino fishermen and government leaders saw this as an attempt to further tighten Beijing’s grip on a vital fishing ground that lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone under international law and the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling.

    How Nations Responded

    Philippines: Manila lodged a strong diplomatic protest and ramped up patrols in contested waters. At home, protests over corruption added to the sense of urgency in defending national interests.

    China: Beijing justified its moves as “environmental” but in practice deployed coast guard and maritime militia vessels to enforce its claims, warning the Philippines against “provocations.”

    Allies & Partners:

    • The United States reiterated its defense commitments, condemning China’s actions.
    • Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK voiced concern and pledged continued support for international law.
    • Germany and France are deepening defense ties with Manila. The UK is even exploring a Visiting Forces Agreement to allow closer military cooperation.

    What to Expect in the Next 3–5 Years

    The Philippines is investing heavily in its navy and coast guard, acquiring new frigates, offshore patrol vessels, and long-range missile systems like the BrahMos. It is also strengthening defense partnerships with allies from Asia, North America, and Europe. These steps will improve deterrence, but they cannot fully offset China’s overwhelming naval power.

    The likely trajectory is continued gray-zone conflict: water cannons, rammings, blockades, and the creation of more “facts on the ground” by China. At the same time, broader coalitions—Philippines with the U.S., Japan, Australia, the UK, and even select EU states—will increase naval patrols and exercises. Expect more incidents, more diplomatic protests, and a slow but steady militarization of the West Philippine Sea.

    The Long-Term Outlook: Prophecy and the Coming Clash

    While today the flashpoint is between the Philippines and China, the Bible shows that the stage is being set for something far greater. Prophecy in the book of Revelation describes a time when two great power blocs will dominate the world scene:

    • On one side, a resurrected Roman Empire, a powerful federation that will evolve out of today’s European Union.
    • On the other side, a vast eastern alliance led by powers like China and its allies.

    The South China Sea, a vital artery of global trade and security, could very well be one of the hot spots where these rival blocs collide. Scripture warns that this confrontation will erupt into a catastrophic war threatening the very survival of humanity (Matthew 24:21–22).

    But God has not left humanity without hope. Jesus Christ will intervene to stop world war from annihilating mankind. He will establish the Kingdom of God on earth, bringing true justice, security, and lasting peace—a peace no human power can achieve on its own.

    A Call to Repentance and Preparation

    In the meantime, God is calling individuals to repent, turn from sin, and live in obedience to His laws. The worsening conflicts, corruption, and rivalries we see today are signs of a world cut off from God. Yet for those who listen and respond, these events can serve as a wake-up call—a reminder to prepare for the soon-coming government of God, which will finally bring peace to all nations.

  • Europe’s Shift in Arms Procurement: A Subtle Sign of Change

    Europe’s Shift in Arms Procurement: A Subtle Sign of Change

    For decades, the defense relationship between the United States and Europe has been clear-cut: Europe bought American weapons, and Washington remained the uncontested leader of the Western alliance. That picture, however, is beginning to change.

    The recent decision by Denmark to bypass the American Patriot missile system in favor of the European-made SAMP/T (New Generation) air defense system is the most visible example of this shift. Denmark also intends to rely on European suppliers for its medium-range air defense, considering systems like Germany’s IRIS-T, Norway’s NASAMS, and France’s VL MICA. Officials in Copenhagen cited delivery speed, affordability, and industrial benefits as reasons—but the symbolism is clear: Europe is increasingly willing to equip itself without defaulting to U.S. systems.

    And Denmark is not alone.

    • Germany is leading the European Sky Shield Initiative, which is pooling resources to expand the IRIS-T system across Europe.
    • The Baltic States—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—are purchasing IRIS-T units in joint arrangements with Germany.
    • Slovenia has also joined the Sky Shield program, relying on European suppliers rather than U.S. ones.
    • Poland, while still buying U.S. Patriots, is investing heavily in the British-designed CAMM missile family, weaving European systems into its layered defense structure.
    • On the ground, Czechia and Slovakia have turned to Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, and EU funds are pushing production of European artillery ammunition.
    • Ukraine, while still dependent on U.S. armaments, is now producing a significant portion of the weapons it uses in its war against Russia. These include locally manufactured drones, artillery shells, and even missile systems. At the same time, Ukraine has received European-made weapons such as German Leopard tanks, French Caesar howitzers, and British Storm Shadow missiles, showing both its own production and Europe’s growing role in its defense.

    None of this means Europe has abandoned the U.S. As of now, the United States still supplies the majority of Europe’s imported arms—especially in critical areas like fighter jets (the F-35 dominates sales) and strategic enablers. Yet, alongside those U.S. weapons, European nations are increasingly equipping themselves with homegrown systems that are largely interoperable with American platforms. It is not a clean break, but a diversification—a subtle hedge.

    Why This Shift?

    Several factors explain the trend:

    1. Delivery and cost pressures: U.S. systems are often more expensive and slower to deliver than European alternatives.
    2. Strategic autonomy: Europe wants the ability to defend itself without total reliance on American decision-making.
    3. Industrial policy: Supporting European defense industries preserves jobs, technology, and sovereignty.
    4. Political uncertainty: U.S. policy swings—especially under different administrations—make allies wary of putting all their eggs in one basket.

    A Spiritual Dimension

    Behind the headlines, however, lies a deeper story. The Bible tells us that God raises up nations and brings them down (Daniel 2:21). America long stood as the leader of the free world, providing the shield under which much of Europe prospered. But that leadership is eroding.

    The quiet but real shift in Europe’s arms procurement is a symptom of this change. By relying more on each other, Europeans are learning to do without America. This is not merely economics or politics—it is part of God’s judgment on the United States. Scripture warns that when a nation turns away from Him, He will “break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19). America’s military dominance has been a key expression of that power. Now we see signs of it slipping away.

    A Marker of Something Larger

    The choice of Denmark may seem like a technical procurement matter, but it is a marker of something larger. Europe is slowly but steadily becoming more self-reliant in arms production. The United States still supplies much—but the monopoly is gone, and the trend is growing.

    In the months and years ahead, watch Europe’s defense market closely. What appears as procurement diversification is also a signal of shifting leadership in the Western world. As America declines, God is setting the stage for other powers to rise—just as the Bible foretells.

  • Europe’s Anxiety Over the East—and What Prophecy Says

    Europe’s Anxiety Over the East—and What Prophecy Says

    The European Union is sounding alarms over an alignment taking shape in the East. At recent summits—such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin and the Beijing summit hosted by President Xi—China, Russia, and India signaled a willingness to deepen cooperation—militarily, economically, and diplomatically. For Brussels, this looks like a rival pole to the West’s influence.

    Brussels Speaks Out

    Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned at a summit in Beijing that EU–China ties have reached an “inflection point” because of the growing cooperation between China, India, and Russia (Financial Times, July 2025). High Representative Kaja Kallas has accused Beijing of enabling Russia’s war machine (MERICS report, 2025). Reports highlight India’s purchases of Russian oil and abstentions on UN votes as proof that New Delhi is hedging its bets.

    In short, Europe sees a triangle of Moscow, Beijing, and Delhi chipping away at Western unity—especially as sanctions on Russia leak eastward.

    What the EU Is Doing

    Brussels isn’t sitting idle. It has:

    • De-risked supply chains—passing laws to reduce dependency on Chinese critical materials.
    • Launched trade defenses—raising tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, probing subsidies in wind turbines, and barring Chinese medical-device suppliers.
    • Strengthened sanctions enforcement—targeting shadow fleets and middlemen moving Russian energy.
    • Rearmed its defense base—through the €800-billion “ReArm Europe” program.
    • Courted India—via trade talks, tech councils, and alternative trade corridors.

    The strategy: blunt the impact of a tightening Moscow–Beijing–Delhi alignment while rebuilding Europe’s own economic and military muscle.

    Prophetic Perspective

    Students of Bible prophecy see in these moves echoes of an ancient forecast. Scripture foretells a revived Roman system in Europe—many see its early form in today’s EU—and an eastern coalition that will one day rise to confront it.

    Revelation 9:13-19 speaks of a war killing a third of humankind through an army “two hundred million” strong. While the Bible does not name today’s nations, the picture of eastern powers uniting and clashing with a European bloc foreshadows the very trends now unfolding.

    God will allow this to happen to call mankind to repentance, as He makes us realize that human governments apart from Him and His way of life cannot bring peace.  Shortly after this, after more severe events occur, Jesus Christ will return to establish God’s kingdom, ruling all nations under righteous rule. (Isaiah 2:1-4)

  • Forged in Fire: How Europe Is Building Its Own Military Might Through Ukraine

    Forged in Fire: How Europe Is Building Its Own Military Might Through Ukraine

    The war in Ukraine is reshaping global alliances, military capabilities, and geopolitical expectations—but perhaps nowhere more profoundly than in Europe. While the United States continues to play an important role in Ukraine’s defense, its support under the Trump administration has become more measured, transactional, and at times uncertain. Into this vacuum has stepped a more assertive, rapidly maturing European military framework—one that is not just reacting to Russia, but preparing to stand on its own.

    From Steadfast Ally to Strategic Partner: The U.S. Shifts Gear

    Since 2022, the United States has supplied Ukraine with a formidable array of weapons, intelligence, and training. Systems like the HIMARS rocket launchers—short for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, a highly mobile and precise long-range rocket artillery platform—Patriot missile defense batteries, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and real-time satellite surveillance have been game-changers on the battlefield. But since 2024, U.S. support has become increasingly conditional and strategically leveraged, with aid packages paused or tied to diplomatic objectives—such as ceasefire compliance or debt repayment proposals.

    This has caused anxiety in Kyiv and among NATO allies, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on a single, politically dynamic superpower. In response, Europe has not just filled the gap—it has transformed the challenge into an opportunity.

    Europe’s Arsenal Awakens: Compatible Yet Competitive

    European nations are rolling out a new generation of weapons systems—interoperable with NATO standards, but increasingly independent of U.S. designs.

    In the field of long-range precision artillery and rockets, Europe is deploying systems like the German PzH 2000, the French Caesar, the Swedish Archer, and a European variant of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). These alternatives offer firepower and accuracy that rival the U.S. HIMARS, with rapid deployment capabilities and growing battlefield efficiency.

    In air defense, the European SAMP/T (Mamba)—short for Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by France and Italy—Germany’s IRIS-T SLM—InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Surface Launched Medium-range, a cutting-edge ground-based air defense system—and the UK’s Sky Sabre are all emerging as powerful complements—and in some cases, future replacements—for the U.S. Patriot systems. These European systems are improving in range, reliability, and interoperability, proving effective in live combat scenarios.

    Anti-tank warfare is another area of parity. The British NLAW—short for Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, a shoulder-fired, disposable missile system designed for use by infantry against armored vehicles—and French Eryx are proving to be cost-effective, easily deployed, and tactically agile alternatives to the U.S. Javelin. Though Javelin still leads in range and target-lock capabilities, European systems are preferred in close-quarter operations.

    On the drone front, while the U.S. dominates with Switchblade and Phoenix Ghost drones, Europe—along with Türkiye—is catching up. The Bayraktar TB2—a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Türkiye for reconnaissance and precision strikes—supplemented by rapid innovation in FPV (first-person view) drones—small, manually piloted drones equipped with cameras and often used as loitering munitions—along with loitering drone tech from Poland and Ukraine, shows Europe’s ability to adapt and mass-produce effective UAV solutions.

    Europe is also developing its own surveillance and battlefield coordination systems. France’s CERES—short for Capacité de Renseignement Électromagnétique Spatiale, a constellation of French military satellites for electronic intelligence—and the EU Satellite Centre are improving regional intelligence capabilities, although still not at par with U.S. global intelligence networks. Meanwhile, European C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems are being refined for NATO compatibility and AI-assisted command structures.

    These tools are not just theoretical—they are being live-tested on Ukrainian soil, under the harshest real-world conditions. Field results are feeding directly into Europe’s growing defense research, industrial production, and doctrine refinement.

    Learning the Russian Way of War: A Crash Course in Deterrence

    Beyond hardware, European forces are gaining unprecedented insight into Russian military doctrine and operational behavior:

    • Strengths: Effective use of artillery saturation, trench warfare, and electronic warfare (EW); increasing drone adaptability.
    • Weaknesses: Rigid command structure, poor logistics, morale problems, and ineffective air-ground coordination.

    European observers and trainers embedded with Ukrainian units have seen these dynamics up close, allowing them to adapt faster than in any traditional training scenario. In effect, the war has become a real-time strategic classroom.

    And this learning is being added on top of decades of exposure to U.S. military technology, tactics, and interoperability standards. The result is a fusion: a uniquely European doctrine that integrates NATO compatibility with localized resilience, battlefield adaptability, and self-reliance.

    A New European Military Order Emerges

    Europe is no longer merely a supporting actor in NATO—it is becoming a strategic force in its own right. This is evident in:

    • The €800 billion “ReArm Europe” initiative, pooling defense investment across the continent.
    • The Coalition of the Willing, a group of 30+ nations ready to back Ukraine with military and peacekeeping forces, regardless of Washington’s direction.
    • The EU Strategic Compass and PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation, a framework for EU member states to collaborate more closely on defense projects and initiatives) provide the backbone for long-term continental defense planning., providing the backbone for long-term continental defense planning.

    More significantly, these steps represent a strategic pivot: from transatlantic dependence to continental autonomy, with the potential to stand alone—not just against Russia, but any global threat.

    Europe as a Global Power

    From a biblical and prophetic standpoint, this development is particularly striking. The Bible speaks of a final world power rising out of Europe, described in the book of Daniel and the Revelation as a “beast” system of immense influence—politically, economically, and militarily.

    In that light, the consolidation of Europe’s military might—sparked by Russia’s war, accelerated by U.S. disengagement, and refined by real-world learning—takes on profound significance. What we are witnessing may well be the emergence of the military dimension of that prophesied power.

    A military that was once fractured, slow, and dependent is now becoming agile, well-informed, technically sophisticated, and integrated—not only in doctrine and equipment but in strategic vision.

    The Furnace That Forges

    As U.S. assistance to Ukraine becomes more measured and transactional, Europe has not only risen to meet the challenge—it is turning the war in Ukraine into the forge of a new military identity. What began as a stopgap has become a transformation.

    Europe is no longer just learning from the U.S.—it is learning from the enemy, innovating from within, and evolving into a deterrent force that could, one day, rival any military on Earth.

    The fire of war is forging Europe’s future—and with it, the world’s direction.

  • Trump’s Tariff on the EU: A Trigger for Economic Realignment with Prophetic Implications

    Trump’s Tariff on the EU: A Trigger for Economic Realignment with Prophetic Implications

    In a bold move that is already rippling through the global economy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on certain products imported from European Union member nations, particularly targeting automobiles and auto parts. Framing the policy as a necessary act of economic defense, Trump cited several reasons: the protection of the U.S. auto industry, the need to correct trade imbalances, and to promote domestic manufacturing.

    The Reasons Behind the Tariffs

    According to the Trump administration, the United States has for too long tolerated unfair trade practices from the EU. European auto manufacturers, buoyed by state subsidies and benefiting from high U.S. market access, have allegedly disadvantaged American producers. Trump also pointed to the persistent trade deficit with Europe as proof that the playing field needs to be leveled. Lastly, in line with his “America First” agenda, Trump aims to bring jobs and factories back to the U.S. heartland.

     “For decades, we allowed foreign nations to take advantage of our workers, our industries, and our markets. Those days are over.” — President Donald Trump

    While these goals may sound patriotic, the method—tariffs—has proven to be a deeply flawed tool for addressing such systemic issues.

    The EU’s Strong but Strategic Response

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded swiftly and assertively. She called the tariffs unjustified and warned that the European Union would not submit passively.

     “Let me be clear: We did not start this. But we will respond with strength and unity. The European Union will always defend its people and its interests.” — Ursula von der Leyen

    Instead of backing down, the EU announced it would reinstate previously suspended retaliatory tariffs and introduce new duties targeting over €18 billion worth of American goods.

    But von der Leyen didn’t stop there. In a move with far-reaching implications, she declared that the EU would intensify efforts to remove internal trade barriers among member states, strengthening Europe’s economic unity and competitiveness. This is not just a tactical response—it is a strategic redirection that could reshape global economic power dynamics.

    The Problem with Tariffs: A Historical and Economic Perspective

    Historically, tariffs have not proven effective in resolving the very problems the Trump administration seeks to address. Here’s why:

    • Trade Deficits Persist: Tariffs do little to reduce overall trade deficits, which are more influenced by consumption patterns, currency values, and national savings rates than by trade policies alone.
    • Domestic Costs Rise: Tariffs often raise the price of goods for domestic consumers and businesses, resulting in job losses in downstream industries, as happened with steel tariffs in the early 2000s.

    “In an effort to help one industry, tariffs often hurt many others. For every job saved, others are lost in the supply chain.” — Peterson Institute for International Economics

    • Global Supply Chains Are Disrupted: Especially in industries like automobiles, where parts come from multiple countries, tariffs complicate logistics and increase production costs.
    • Retaliation Undermines Gains: Rather than bringing trade partners to heel, tariffs often provoke retaliation—escalating into trade wars that benefit no one.

    In short, the strategy of imposing tariffs often fails to achieve its intended outcomes. Worse, it can spark deeper divisions and strengthen the resolve of other nations to build alternative economic alliances.

    Unintended Consequences: Strengthening an Emerging Economic Giant

    By pushing the EU to become more internally unified and economically autonomous, these tariffs may ultimately accelerate the rise of a formidable economic force centered in Europe. A more integrated and efficient European single market—less dependent on the U.S.—could emerge as a dominant global player.

    In economic terms, this is more than just a response; it’s the birth of a new power structure. And in prophetic terms, it aligns with a picture the Bible has long painted.

    A Prophetic Fulfillment Unfolding

    The Book of Revelation warns of the rise of a powerful system called Babylon the Great, described as a dominant force influencing “all the nations” with its wealth, commerce, and political might:

    “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” — Revelation 18:3

    Many biblical scholars understand this as a future revival of the Roman Empire, centered in Europe—a union of nations wielding enormous economic and religious influence.

    This entity is prophesied to become the epicenter of global trade and power, even as the United States recedes into economic and geopolitical insignificance. The very actions that Trump hopes will “Make America Great Again” may instead be accelerating the transfer of influence to a new superpower arising out of Europe.

    Provoking Conflict

    The Bible gives practical wisdom on the folly of provocation:

     “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”

     — Proverbs 26:21

    Instead of resolving disputes, provoking a quarrel usually escalates the conflict, rarely resulting in the other party’s servile submission. This principle applies powerfully to international relations. Trump’s aggressive trade posture has not cowed the EU—it has galvanized it.

    An Economically Fortified Europe

    In the short term, the 25% tariff may appear to be a strong move to protect American jobs and industries. But in the long run, it may provoke the rise of a unified, economically fortified European power that is not just a rival but, prophetically, a system poised to dominate the world scene before the return of Jesus Christ.

    For those who understand the deeper forces at work—both geopolitical and spiritual—these developments are not random. They are part of a larger plan that is unfolding, exactly as foretold.