Recent imagery suggests China is flight-testing a new tailless stealth combat jet, potentially a crewed design or an advanced drone. The aircraft features a pointed nose, swept wings with triangular extensions, and a twin-engine configuration. This could be a competitor to the Shenyang J-XDS fighter, or possibly a collaborative combat air vehicle (CCA) or UCAV. Its development highlights the rapid progress in China’s military aerospace, with more details possibly emerging at an upcoming military parade. The image’s authenticity, however, is contested within the Chinese aerospace community.
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A recent report by the UK-China Transparency (UKCT) think tank indicates that Chinese students at UK universities are being pressured to spy on their classmates, potentially suppressing discussion on sensitive topics. The report highlights the reluctance of some universities to address Chinese interference due to financial reliance on Chinese student fees, despite the new legislation enforcing academic freedom and free speech. Furthermore, the report alleges that some Chinese academics have faced visa denials, family harassment, and intimidation, with topics such as Xinjiang, COVID, and Chinese tech companies being considered sensitive. The Office for Students (OfS) has the power to address threats to free speech, including those from foreign states, and expects universities to exercise scrutiny over any arrangements that may compromise free speech.
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While trade negotiations between the U.S. and China show promise of reaching a deal, a significant point of contention remains: the U.S. demand for China to cease purchasing oil from Iran and Russia. China has firmly stated it will prioritize its own national interests regarding energy supplies, signaling a refusal to comply with this demand. This stance highlights China’s confidence in its negotiating power, especially when trade intersects with energy and foreign policy, despite U.S. threats of imposing tariffs. The U.S. seeks to reduce funding for the militaries of Russia and Iran through these restrictions, but China’s continued oil purchases from both countries demonstrate its strategic solidarity and economic advantage.
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China welcomes 183 Brazil coffee sellers in wake of US tariffs.
It’s fascinating to think about how geopolitical moves can ripple through the global economy, isn’t it? The news that China is welcoming 183 Brazilian coffee sellers is a direct consequence of the US imposing tariffs. It feels like a shift in the world’s coffee trade, and a pretty significant one at that. This isn’t just about China suddenly deciding they *really* like Brazilian coffee, it’s about Brazil finding a way around the US tariffs that were put in place. Essentially, Brazil’s coffee exporters are now finding a lucrative market in China, which is a clever adaptation to the changing trade landscape.… Continue reading
Senator Richard Blumenthal urged an expedited vote on the sanctions bill, asserting that Vladimir Putin should not be given additional time. He highlighted the need for stronger sanctions, suggesting a 500% increase. Blumenthal expressed confidence in securing the necessary votes in the Senate to demonstrate unity and fulfill commitments to Ukraine. He believes the sanctions bill is crucial to ending the war, emphasizing the importance of immediate legislative action.
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The United States reportedly blocked Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te from making a stopover in New York while en route to Central America, according to The Financial Times. This decision comes amid sensitive trade talks with China, which strongly objects to any official U.S. engagement with Taiwanese leadership. Although Lai’s office stated no current overseas travel plans exist, sources indicate further arrangements for a U.S. visit may be made later this year. The situation is complicated by the Taiwan Relations Act and ongoing trade disagreements between the U.S. and China.
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The U.S. Coast Guard has responded to the presence of the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2 within the extended U.S. Continental Shelf (ECS) north of Alaska, dispatching a C-130J Hercules. The U.S. and Canadian forces are actively monitoring the vessel as it navigates near U.S. and Canadian waters. China’s Xue Long 2, along with two other research icebreakers and a fourth vessel, are en route to the Arctic, raising concerns about China’s activities in the region. While the U.S. Coast Guard’s Healy is conducting its annual Arctic deployment, studying sea ice, the service’s newest icebreaker, Storis, is slated for a commissioning ceremony in August, followed by its first Arctic patrol.
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Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces along their border escalated significantly, resulting in at least 14 deaths, primarily civilians. The fighting, which involved small arms, artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, occurred in multiple areas after a landmine incident led to diplomatic tensions. Both sides have blamed the other for initiating the conflict, with Thailand reporting civilian casualties and Cambodia accusing Thailand of aggression, while also calling for a UN meeting. The situation has prompted evacuations, border closures, and a diplomatic uproar, as long-standing border disputes resurface between the two Southeast Asian nations.
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EU officials, in recent remarks made during a meeting with Chinese leaders, acknowledged a critical inflection point in their relationship. The EU highlighted economic imbalances and emphasized the need for reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade relations with China. Furthermore, the EU called on China to use its influence to encourage Russia to end its war in Ukraine. These discussions occurred amidst recent EU sanctions against Russia that included two Chinese banks, prompting a response of strong opposition from Beijing.
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China has expressed concern over escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia following airstrikes launched by Thailand against Cambodian forces along their disputed border. Both countries, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, blame each other for initiating the clashes, which have resulted in casualties and prompted diplomatic responses. These recent hostilities, involving air power and heavy artillery, are likely to further exacerbate existing tensions rooted in long-standing border disputes. China, maintaining positive relations with both nations, has urged them to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood