
Chinese firm MizarVision posted high‑resolution satellite images showing U.S. F‑22 fighters at an Israeli base, sparking speculation that the pictures came from Chinese satellites. Analysts from the South China Sea Probing Initiative, led by Hu Bo, used satellite ephemeris and resolution data to prove the images originated from U.S. and European commercial providers such as Maxar and Planet. Chinese officials and commentators framed the release as evidence of Beijing’s growing intelligence capabilities, while the firm’s spokesperson cited a mix of Western and Chinese sources without specifics. The episode highlights how commercial geospatial data can be repurposed for geopolitical narratives.

The episode examines Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s remarks on Japan’s growing regional role and the backlash they provoked in China, set against escalating China‑Japan tensions and a recent diplomatic spat at the Munich Security Conference. It highlights how surveys...