Overview This week, we discuss fines against PwC in HongKong and China's SE Asian diplomatic tour. Diplomacy “Solidarity More Than Ever”: Foreign Minister Concludes SE Asian Tour By Newsletter Director Jason Holman From April 22nd to April 26th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited and concluded diplomatic visits with officials in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) shaking hands with Myanmar’s newest President Min Aung Hlaing (right)

Overview This week, we discuss the development of Chinese AI Industries and a recent report by Human Rights Watch on religion in China. Science and Technology China Opens Zhengzhou AI Computing Node to Expand Domestic Capacity By Contributor Mitran Kumar April 14th China launches new AI computing hub in Zhengzhou. China’s largest scientific AI computing cluster officially entered operation at the national supercomputing network’s core node in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Tu

Overview This week, we discuss a potential arms sale from China to Iran, and new US export restrictions on China. Diplomacy U.S. Intelligence Reports Claim Beijing Plans to Sell Arms to Iran By Newsletter Director Jason Holman US Intelligence Reports indicate plans from Beijing to sell air defense systems to Iran in coming weeks. Satellite Images by Chinese AI Firm MizarVision of US troop deployment in the Middle East. (via. ABC) Air Defense Systems: On April 10, CNN rele

Overview This week, we discuss Taiwanese Kuomintang party leaders visiting Nanjing, Chinese investments in Cook Islands, and the continued purge of top Chinese officials. Diplomacy Cross Straight Dialogues: Kuomintang Leaders to Visit Mainland By Contributor Praful Chennupati On April 7th Kuomintang Chair Woman Cheng Li-wun plans to visit mainland China. Kuomintang Chair Woman Cheng Li-wun speaking at a Foreign Correspondents Club in March. (via. The Standard) Visit to Nan

Overview This week, we discuss a break-in at the Chinese Embassy in Japan and ammendments to Hong Kong's National Security Law. Diplomacy Break-in at Chinese Embassy in Tokyo Sparks Further Tensions in Pacific By Contributor Mitran Kumar On March 24th, Tokyo Police arrested a member of the Japanese military after an alleged break in at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. The incident has since sparked tensions between China and Japan Photograph of security standing in front of t

Overview This week, we discuss China's zero-tariff policy, fuel export restrictions, and a delay of President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping. Trade China to Eliminate Tariffs on African Imports Starting May 1st By Contributor Allie Maury China’s zero-tariff policy will allow African countries to more easily send goods to the Chinese market. Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and Chinese President Xi Jinping (via Reuters) China’s New Policy: On May 1st, C

Overview This week, we discuss the opening of a rail link between Beijing and Pyongyang, and the resumption of Chinese military aircraft operating around Taiwan. Diplomacy Train to Pyongyang: K27 Train Service Reopens After 6 Years By Newsletter Director Jason Holman On March 12th a passenger train departed from Beijing to Pyongyang, the first trip since 2020. Passengers board the K27 train at the Beijing Railway Station on March 12, the train is bound for Pyongyang, Nort

Overview This week, we discuss an upcoming law regarding China's ethnic minorities, a status update on the economy, and Beijing's response to the war in Iran. Domestic Beijing Expands Assimilation of Ethnic Minorities By Newsletter Director Lindsey Spain A new law is set for approval at China’s annual parliamentary session later this week which would further hegemonize ethnic minorities under the dominant Han culture. Pictured Above: Uyghur woman in China’s Xinjiang Provi

Overview This week, we discuss tensions over Japanese missiles, EV relationships between the EU & China, and the state visit of Germany's chancellor to Beijing. Defense China, Taiwan, and a More Aggressive Japan By Contributor Allie Maury Last week, Japan announced that missile deployments to a small island 70 miles from Taiwan will be complete by March 2031. This handout photo taken on June 24, 2025 and received from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on June 25, 2025 sho

Overview This week, we discuss tensions over the expiration of the New START treaty and the easing of tensions between the Philippines and China. Defense United States Alleges Secret Nuclear Weapon Test in China By Contributor Allie Maury The U.S. accuses China of conducting a secret nuclear weapon test following the expiration of the New START treaty in early February. Pictured Above: Chinese Missiles. Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images, sourced from Politico Allegations: Earlier

Overview This week, we discuss the appointment of China's new ambassador to Libya and Xi Jinping's meetings with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump Domestic China Appoints Libyan Ambassador Following Embassy Reopening By Newsletter Director Lindsey Spain China has appointed a new Libyan ambassador following the reopening of their Tripoli embassy after more than a decade. Pictured Above: China’s Ambassador to Libya Ma Xueliang meeting with Libyan charge d’affaires Khaled al-S

Overview This week, we discuss criminal activity in Myanmar, a court ruling on two Panama Canal ports, and the conviction of a former Google engineer. Domestic Criminal Crackdown in Myanmar By Editor Heewon Park The Ming family, a Chinese criminal organization based in Myanmar’s Kokang region and involved in large-scale telecommunications fraud and violent crimes, has been dismantled through a joint crackdown led by Chinese authorities in cooperation with regional partners

Overview This week, we discuss significant developments in China-Canada relations and analyze recent investigations into top Chinese generals. Trade Equal Footing: China and Canada Reach New Trade Agreement By Newsletter Director Jason Holman On Jan. 16 after a visit by Canadian PM Mark Carney to Beijing reached a new preliminary agreement to lower tariffs Canadian PM Mark Carney meeting Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on Jan. 16 . (via. The Guardian)

Overview This week, we discuss significant developments in U.S.-Taiwan ties and analyze French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to China. Diplomacy Setting Things Strait: New Law Strengthens US-Taiwan Relations By Contributor Jason Holman On Dec. 2, US President Donald Trump signed into law the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act which would strengthen US-Taiwanese relations. The Taiwanese and US flags in Taipei. (via. CNA) Assurance Act: On Dec. 2, US President Don

Overview This week, we discuss trade talks between Germany and China, and recent remarks by Japan's Prime Minister. Trade German Leaders to Meet with China on Trade Concerns By Contributor Deep Basu Finance Minister & Vice Chancellor of Germany Lars Klingbeil to head trade talks with China on Monday after prolonged delay. China and Germany National flags together while a person walks behind at the the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China, November 5

Overview This week, we discuss significant changes in China's economic strategy, the unveiling of a new Chinese aircraft carrier, and the intensifying conflict in the South China Sea. Economics China’s Q3 Economy Signals Further Changes In Strategy By Contributor Aben Bhattachan China’s 15th Five-Year-Plan responds accordingly to new concerns seen in China’s economy, especially in domestic and foreign demand. China's latest five-year plan will shape global industrial pathwa

Overview This week, we discuss China's stance on U.S. nuclear testing, a new free-trade deal, and a ceasefire in Myanmar. Diplomacy China Criticizes U.S. Plans to Resume Nuclear Testing By Contributor Andrew Graves On October 30, Donald Trump called on the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992. That move drew an immediate response from Beijing and other supporters of a ban on nuclear explosions. Display of China's nuclear arsenal (via The

Overview This week, we discuss corruption probes targeting Chinese military officials and a confrontation between a Chinese jet and an Australian aircraft. Defense China-Australian Military Clash Underscores AUKUS Deal By Contributor Jason Holman On Oct. 19, there was a confrontation between a Chinese fighter jet and RAAF maritime aircraft over the South China Sea. Map of the South China Sea where the incident occurred between Chinese and Australian aircraft. (via China Gl

Overview This week, we discuss the detention of Chinese church members, and contested adjustments to semiconductor operation. Religion Chinese Authorities Detain Leaders of Unofficial Protestant Church By Contributor Roane Smith Chinese authorities detain dozens of church members, including nearly 30 pastors and congregants of Zion Church. Jin Mingri in the lobby of the unofficial Protestant church in Beijing, China (via Reuters) Detainment of Zion Church Pastors: Last wee

Overview This week, we discuss China's response to Taiwanese missile defense and government restrictions on the export of Chinese rare earth metals. Trade Rare Earth Metals Back on the Table as Trade War Heats Up By Contributor Jason Holman The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the heaviest restrictions on the export of Chinese rare earth metals to date in the latest escalation of the US-China trade war. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce headquarters in Beijing. (via