text: CHINA UPGRADING MULTIPLE AIRFIELDS FOR OPERATIONS AGAINST TAIWAN: China is ramping up major upgrades to several airfields along the coast of the Taiwan Strait. The construction and upgrades at Longtian and Haiyan air bases include runway expansion and hardened shelters for fighter aircraft and armed drones. Longtian air base recently received additional J-11 fighter aircraft and J-6 unmanned aerial vehicles. The airbases are approximately 105-110 miles from Taiwan, providing People’s Liberation Army aircraft a ready jump off point or refuel site that is less than 10 minutes flying time from Taiwan’s capital of Taipei. (AC: These airfield expansions and upgraded hardened facilities have been under intermittent construction since 2020, however the increased intensity of work at the airfields and the deployment of new fighter aircraft and drones could be an indication that they are nearing completion. The short flight time between the airfields and potential targets in Taiwan gives China a decreased cycle time and increased sortie rate, making more efficient use of available fighter aircraft and drones. -M.M.)INDIA TO OPEN UP LITHIUM MINING TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: The Indian government is set to drop restrictions on the mining of rare earth deposits in an effort to exploit vast reserves and take advantage of the green energy market. Eight minerals, including lithium, beryllium and zirconium, will be removed from the restricted list and leases put up for auction. In addition to generating more export revenue, Indian officials are seeking to limit their dependence on foreign suppliers like China which supplied 87% of its lithium demand last year. (AC: In addition to its export market, India has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2070 and needs rare earth metals to supply its domestic energy market. Although a member of the BRICS economic coalition, it is currently involved in a lengthy border dispute with China and for the last decade has been decoupling its economy from its troublesome neighbor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government wants to push through the amended regulations in the current session of parliament, as a sign that India is serious about resource independence. -M.M.)LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT INTSUMLos Angeles, CASize: TBDActivity: Riseup4Abortions attempts to coordinate a protest for abortion rights. Veterans are encouraged to participate in the protest. Location: Los Angeles County Museum, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036Time: 1200; Thursday, 28 JULWashington, D.C.Size: TBDActivity: Now or Never, a far left environmentalist organization, plans to protest the Congressional baseball game to demand action on climate change. Location: 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003Time: 1800; Thursday, 28 JULJacksonville, FLSize: TBDActivity: Far Left Activists plan a community conversation over racism and steps to take in the future against racism. Location: 577 King St, Jacksonville, FL, 32204Time: 1800; Friday, 29 JULAtlanta, GASize: TBDActivity: Defend the Forest Music Festival to raise awareness, funds, and occupy space in the Atlanta forest against the construction of a police training facility. Location: 3251 W Side Place, Atlanta, GA, 30030Time: 1600; Thursday-Sunday, 28-30 JULDecatur, GASize: TBDActivity: Atlanta Party for Socialism and Liberation coordinates a protest against mass convictions of the Columbia apartment tenants. Location: 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030Time: 1100; Thursday, 28 JULUpcoming Event Calendar25-29 JULY: Nationwide Pro Abortion Rally (Riseup4Abortion/RevCom (Nationwide)— END REPORT