Insecurity from security agreement.

"US consumer prices declined in June for the first time in six years," and "US retail sales rose modestly in June," as "Cheaper gas offered households some breathing room for discretionary purchases last month." "US consumer confidence rose in early June to a five-month high." "China's economy slowed more than expected in the second quarter," as "Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 4.3% from a year ago." ET. In the US, "The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 3.5% on a year-on-year basis, down from a 4.2% increase in May, said the Labor Department. ET. China's "Official GDP figures showed the world's second largest economy grew in the second quarter by 4.3%, below Beijing's annual target, and after a 5% rise in the first quarter." Exports jumped 27% year-on-year in June and new home prices contracted by 0.1%, BBC. After peaking in 2021, "China's share of global GDP has fallen in nominal terms from 18% to 16.5%, while the US share has risen to 26%." "In real terms, independent estimates now put China's growth closer to zero than to the official target of 4.5-5%," wrote Ruchir Sharma. China's total debt has risen to 350% of GDP, but is still pushing new debt into manufacturing industries, replacing the property bubble with a new one. "Net foreign direct investment is negative. Last year, a record $425 billion in capital flowed out of Chinese financial markets." And, "The number of Western expats living in China has fallen markedly." Beijing is dumping its manufactured goods on the rest of the world, so the backlash is growing. Perhaps to divert people's attention from a deteriorating economy, Beijing is resorting to threatening Taiwan. "Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Monday (today) detected two sorties by PLA aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around its territory." "Meanwhile yesterday, the MND said that it detected 10 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan." TOI. Apparently, Taiwan is preparing a "hellscape" strategy to stop  a Chinese invasion that seems to  concentrate on an attack by the Chinese Navy and occupation forces but how will it deal with an overwhelming aerial assault? mwi.westpoint.edu. "Taiwan must work together to protect its democracy and not become a part of China, President Lai Ching-Te said yesterday, calling on members of his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to oppose the 'red terror' coming from Beijing." Reuters. Bound to infuriate the Chinese barbarians. Meanwhile, China's "sweeter than honey" Iron Brother Pakistan (CIIS) is realizing that the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SDMA) with Saudi Arabia, signed on 17 September 2025 (wikipedia) may actually incur some action. "Attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis this week have frustrated Pakistan and threaten to draw Islamabad into the conflict, complicating any future role it may have as a mediator between the United States and Iran." "Pakistan's frustration appears rooted in growing concerns that Houthi involvement may be more likely to draw Pakistan into the conflict," as "Pakistani soldiers are deployed near the Saudi border with Yemen, two Pakistani officials said, increasing their direct exposure." Reuters. Couple of days back, "Saudi Arabia has renewed its condemnation of Iranian attacks targeting civilian and vital infrastructure, including a power generation facility and water desalination plant in Kuwait." Gulf News. What if Arab states decide enough is enough and declare an all out war against Iran? Pakistan has a 909 km (565 miles) border with Iran. wikipedia. Will it be forced to fight across its own border? Security agreement could lead to insecurity. Perhaps, the 'Iron Brothers' will rust away. Good for us.