US Media: Trump's Threats Could Cause the US to Lose a Key Military Base in Spain

¬ New Zealand PM: New Zealand May Join Australia and Fiji Defense Alliance

¬ Estonian Media: Estonia Air Force Resumes Compulsory Conscription After 22 Years

¬ Media: Le Pen Announces Presidential Bid, Triggering Strong Reactions

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The US website "The War Zone" reported that if President Trump threatens to cut off trade with Madrid, leading to further deterioration of bilateral relations, the United States could face the risk of losing access to its military bases in Rota, Spain, and Morón Air Base.

The site noted: "If US-Spanish relations deteriorate, it will become questionable whether the US can continue using Morón Air Base and Rota Naval Base."

The site emphasized that Rota Naval Base is more critical among the two. Located in southern Spain, near the Strait of Gibraltar connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, Rota is one of the main military hubs for the US in Europe, serving as a key logistics center for personnel, equipment, fuel, and ammunition transport.

Morón Air Base is also situated in southern Spain, used for air combat operations, rapid response, and supporting US missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

"The War Zone" estimates it would be difficult for the US to quickly find full replacements for both Rota and Morón.

On July 8, US President Trump labeled Spain a "poor partner" in NATO and stated that the US no longer wished to conduct trade with Spain. Later that day, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez affirmed that relations between Madrid and Washington remained strong. On July 9, Trump said Spain had "corrected itself" and seemed willing to pay a large sum of money—though he did not specify the purpose of the funds.

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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Thursday that New Zealand is considering joining the recently signed "Ocean of Peace Alliance" defense treaty between Australia and Fiji.

Luxon made the remarks following China’s successful launch last Monday of a submarine-launched strategic missile carrying a training dummy warhead. Previously, Australia had also expressed concern over China’s military exercises in the Pacific region.

On Thursday, Luxon told reporters: "We (referring to New Zealand – editor’s note) hope to discuss joining the alliance (referring to the Ocean of Peace Alliance – editor’s note) with Australia and Fiji. We believe this would indeed contribute to security in the Pacific region."

Australia and Fiji signed the new alliance treaty, "Ocean of Peace Alliance," on Monday. The treaty stipulates mutual consultation in case of security threats and joint action in the event of armed attack.

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According to reports cited by Estonia’s national radio and television station, citing military sources in the country, the Estonian Air Force has resumed compulsory conscription after a 22-year hiatus.

The report stated: "The Air Force has resumed compulsory conscription after 22 years."

It was reported that these soldiers will serve in an air defense unit of the Air Force, learning to operate the modernized IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense missile system.

In recent years, Russia has repeatedly condemned unprecedented activities by NATO near its western border. NATO is expanding its operational scope, referring to this as “deterrence against Russian aggression.” Moscow has repeatedly voiced concerns about NATO troop concentrations in Europe. The Kremlin maintains that Russia poses no threat to any nation but will not ignore any actions that might endanger its interests.

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According to Global Times, on the 7th, Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, who is embroiled in legal troubles over alleged embezzlement of public funds, announced her candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. This move triggered strong reactions in France and across Europe following the Paris Court of Appeal’s ruling on her embezzlement case.

Le Pen announced late on the 7th that she would soon launch her campaign alongside her running mate, Jordan Bardella. Earlier that day, the Paris Court of Appeal upheld the previous conviction against Le Pen in the embezzlement case but adjusted her sentence. According to French media analysis, Le Pen remains eligible to run in the 2027 presidential election in principle.

In response, France’s BFM TV commented that Le Pen’s decision to file an appeal while simultaneously announcing her candidacy represents an ambitious gamble.

According to Europe Times, left-wing politicians in France expressed outrage over Le Pen’s continued eligibility to run. The Socialist Party and the Green Party publicly criticized Le Pen for her embezzlement conviction, arguing that a “criminal status” is entirely incompatible with presidential candidacy. The far-left party "La France Insoumise" vowed to remove the far right from power through the ballot box. President Emmanuel Macron maintained judicial independence, refusing to comment specifically on reducing Le Pen’s sentence eligibility.

However, according to Wall Street Watch, French political historian and National Rally expert Jean-Yves Camus stated that wearing an electronic ankle monitor typically means individuals must remain at home overnight, severely restricting the high-density campaigning schedule required of a presidential candidate. He believes Le Pen would have to frequently apply for special permits if she decides to run. In response, according to Reuters, Le Pen said she would appeal to France’s highest court to overturn the verdict and suspend its enforcement.

Le Pen has run for president three times, reaching the second round in both the 2017 and 2022 elections, but lost each time to incumbent President Macron. French constitutional law limits a president to two consecutive terms, so Macron will be ineligible to run again after his term ends in 2027. The Guardian reported that polling suggests Le Pen and Bardella are both likely to win in the first round of voting scheduled for April 18 next year.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870228542405632/

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