A leaked FSB document reveals Russia’s deep concern over China’s potential annexation of parts of its Far East, including Vladivostok. Despite publicly warm relations, the document details a “tense and dynamically developing” intelligence battle, with Russia accusing China of historical claims, intelligence gathering, and recruitment of Russian spies. The FSB highlights China’s interest in the Arctic and Northern Sea Route, alongside concerns about espionage targeting sensitive military technology and information on the Ukraine war. This internal FSB assessment underscores a significant underlying distrust between the two nations, despite their outwardly friendly relationship.
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China’s growing influence in the Pacific, fueled by the U.S.’s withdrawal from climate commitments and reduced engagement under the Trump administration, has alarmed Australia and New Zealand. Beijing has significantly increased its diplomatic and economic ties with Pacific Island nations, exemplified by a new strategic partnership with the Cook Islands and unannounced military drills in the Tasman Sea. This assertive approach, including increased aid and embassy openings, contrasts sharply with the reduced U.S. presence and has left Australia and New Zealand struggling to counter China’s growing power without full U.S. support. The resulting power vacuum and China’s attractive offers of economic cooperation and prestige have left many Pacific Island nations open to Beijing’s influence.
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Cui Guanghai and John Miller, a Chinese and U.S. resident respectively, were indicted on charges of interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Their alleged actions targeted a Los Angeles artist who had criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping, involving surveillance, vandalism, and attempts to suppress the artist’s speech. The defendants also sought to illegally export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. If convicted, they face significant prison time.
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Iran’s recent purchase of missile fuel from China, sufficient for the production of approximately 800 ballistic missiles, has understandably raised significant international concern. This substantial order points towards a potential escalation in regional tensions and underscores Iran’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
The scale of the order itself is alarming. 800 ballistic missiles represent a considerable increase in Iran’s arsenal, potentially altering the regional power balance and significantly impacting its ability to project power. The implications extend beyond Iran’s own military might, given the possibility of these missiles being supplied to proxy groups.
The potential transfer of these missiles to Iranian proxies, such as the Houthis, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.… Continue reading
The 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre was marked by commemorations from the US and Taiwan, highlighting the bravery of the protesters and condemning China’s attempts to erase the event from history. While an official death toll remains unavailable, activists estimate hundreds or thousands were killed. China continues to censor any mention of the event domestically and engages in transnational repression against critics abroad, particularly around the anniversary. Despite this, groups like the “Tiananmen Mothers” continue their calls for accountability, and some former participants, now living abroad, are speaking out against the Chinese government’s actions.
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Following Ukraine’s audacious “Spiderweb” operation, which targeted Russian air bases and resulted in significant damage to strategic bombers and other aircraft, China urged all parties to de-escalate the conflict. This operation, described as having a “Pearl Harbor”-like impact, reportedly destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, causing an estimated $7 billion in damages. China’s call for de-escalation emphasizes avoiding conflict escalation, preventing battlefield expansion, and refraining from inflammatory actions. Beijing continues to engage with the international community to promote a peaceful resolution.
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A major UK strategic defense review designates Russia as an “immediate and pressing” threat, citing its invasion of Ukraine and continued aggression. The review also highlights China as a significant challenge due to its growing ties with Russia and provision of weapons components. Further, the report addresses the shrinking size of the British Army and acknowledges broader global threats from a “deadly quartet” of nations—Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—increasingly cooperating across various domains. The analysis underscores the need for increased military preparedness in response to these evolving geopolitical challenges.
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Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD, JinJiang Construction Brazil, and Tecmonta, alleging human trafficking and slavery-like conditions at BYD’s Camacari factory. The suit, seeking over £33m in damages, stems from an investigation that rescued 220 Chinese workers found to be enduring deplorable living and working conditions, including overcrowded housing and excessive work hours. BYD claims cooperation with prosecutors, while the prosecutors assert the lawsuit is well-founded and supported by substantial evidence. The investigation halted construction of BYD’s first major plant outside Asia, originally slated to open in March 2025.
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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, speaking at a NATO Parliamentary Assembly session, highlighted China’s crucial role in supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through the provision of dual-use goods and sanctions circumvention. He further emphasized the collaboration between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, citing North Korea’s acquisition of Russian technology and Iran’s use of Russian funds for regional destabilization. This interconnected aggression, Rutte stressed, demands a clear-eyed and unified response from NATO. The cooperation between these four nations presents a significant threat to global stability.
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GD Culture Group, a small Chinese-linked technology company, plans to purchase up to $300 million in Bitcoin and $TRUMP, President Trump’s memecoin, funding the purchase through a mysterious stock sale to an entity in the British Virgin Islands. This raises ethical concerns, as Trump stands to profit from policies impacting cryptocurrency while his family controls a significant portion of $TRUMP’s supply. The purchase comes amidst Trump’s efforts to influence TikTok’s U.S. operations, further highlighting potential conflicts of interest. The deal marks the first known instance of a China-linked firm investing in Trump’s memecoin.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood