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Xinhua: UN Adopts Resolution on Cooperation with SCO; Countries Praise China’s Global Governance Initiative

Xinhua reported that on September 5, the 79th UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a China-sponsored resolution on “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),” co-sponsored by nearly 40 countries, including all SCO members.

The resolution recognized the SCO’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, development, and cooperation, while encouraging deeper dialogue and collaboration between the UN system and the organization.

China’s UN envoy Geng Shuang noted that the SCO has grown into the world’s largest regional organization. He stated the centerpiece of the recent Tianjin Summit was Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, describing it as timely given the urgent need for more effective global governance concepts and system.

Representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, Venezuela, Serbia, and other countries commended the SCO’s work and China’s role as rotating chair, stressing that Xi’s initiative aligns with global priorities and could make a significant contribution to improving international governance.

Source: Xinhua, September 6, 2025
http://www.xinhuanet.com/20250906/1ac848e7f47e44d6925204fe45bee911/c.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics US-China Relations

Reports Surface on PLA Debate Over “Nationalizing the Military”

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long upheld the principle that “the Party commands the gun.” However, reports suggest that the idea of “military nationalization” is once again circulating within China’s political and military circles.

One of the most vocal advocates is Liu Yuan, son of former CCP leader Liu Shaoqi, who argues that China’s fundamental problems stem from the military remaining a “party army” loyal to individuals rather than serving as a national defense force.

According to an independent commentator, at an expanded Politburo meeting in May, Liu Yuan called for reforms: abolishing the Central Military Commission (CMC) and creating a National Defense Commission under the state president, eliminating Party committees within the armed forces, and requiring soldiers to swear allegiance to the Constitution rather than to the Party.

Observers note that as Xi Jinping’s control over the military appears to weaken, Party and military media have stopped explicitly rejecting the notion of military nationalization.

{Editor’s Note: In light of widespread reports of factional infighting within the CCP, the push for “military nationalization” may be less about democratization and more about ensuring that the military does not align with any particular faction, or as a counter to the system of “(CCP) CMC Chairman responsibility (军委主席负责制)” imposed under Xi Jinping.}

Source: Epoch Times, September 13, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/12/n14593398.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Government/Politics

China Establishes Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve in South China Sea; Philippines Protests

On September 10, China announced that the State Council had approved the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve in Sansha City, Hainan Province. The reserve, covering 3,523 hectares, is intended to protect coral reef ecosystems. The area lies in the disputed South China Sea region of Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines).

The Philippines condemned the move, claiming it is a pretext for China to assert control over Scarborough Shoal. On September 11, Manila issued a statement “strongly protesting” the reserve, reiterating its sovereignty over the area and exclusive rights to establish environmental protections there.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that Huangyan Island is China’s inherent territory and that the creation of the reserve falls within China’s sovereign rights. He dismissed Manila’s accusations and urged the Philippines to cease provocative actions.

Source: VOA, September 12, 2025
https://www.voachinese.com/a/philippines-strongly-protests-china-s-plan-to-establish-a-nature-reserve-in-disputed-waters-of-the-south-china-sea-20250911/8064969.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

CCP’s Export of Internet Controls Triggers Oli’s Downfall in Nepal

Mass protests in Nepal toppled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in just three days after his government imposed sweeping internet restrictions modeled on China’s Great Firewall.

On August 28, the government ordered all foreign social media platforms to register locally within a week and appoint compliance officers. The plan was developed with strong input from Beijing: Oli had visited China in December 2024 and again from August 30 to September 3 this year; a task force from the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) Cyberspace Administration flew to Kathmandu; Huawei and ZTE provided equipment; and Chinese think tanks drafted strategies for controlling online opinion. Nepal was ready to move the CCP’s “Digital Silk Road” final stage – asserting control over the internet.

When the ban took effect on September 4, 26 major platforms – including Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, Reddit, and LinkedIn – were abruptly blocked. The crackdown sparked immediate backlash, as Nepalis realized they had lost not only access to the internet but also their ability to express views and connect with the world.

University students, professionals, and young people led the demonstrations, chanting: “We are not Chinese! Nepal is not Beijing’s testing ground! Get out of our internet!” Within 48 hours, the anti-blockade protests had escalated into a nationwide uprising against Chinese-style internet control, forcing Oli’s resignation. Source: Secret China, September 12, 2025
https://www.secretchina.com/news/b5/2025/09/12/1087993.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology

Guanchazhe Article Called “The Death of Charlie Kirk Is Worthless”

Guanchazhe (观察者) is a privately owned website in China, with a focus on global affairs. Its owner Eric Xun Li is a Chinese venture capitalist and political commentator. He is an advocate of communism as a “more effective form of governance.”

Guanchazhe published a commentary by its columnist Gaotiangungun (高天滚滚) titled “The Death of Charlie Kirk: Lighter than a Feather.” The Chinese idiom “Lighter than a Feather” indicates that Kirk’s death was “worthless,” i.e. not of significance. The Chinese Communist Party- (CCP-) controlled Hong Kong media outlet Phoenix republished the piece with a disclaimer noting that posting was by its user Dafeng Hao and that Phoenix had only provided hosting for the article.

The phrase “lighter than a feather” echoes Mao Zedong’s famous line: “Though death comes to all, it may be weightier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a feather.” The author contrasted the February 2024 self-immolation of 25-year-old U.S. Air Force serviceman Aaron Bushnell outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. – deemed “weightier than Mount Tai” – with Kirk’s death, which he called “lighter than a feather.”

The following are some excerpts from the article:

Charlie Kirk once said in 2023: “I think it’s worth the cost of unfortunately some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the 2nd Amendment. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

Two years later, on September 10, 2025, Kirk repeated similar arguments while defending gun rights at Utah Valley University – only to be fatally shot during the event. From the perspective of a man devoted to God, the death of Kirk symbolized his sacrifice to the “rationality” and “honesty” he once stated in defense of firearms.

Kirk has fulfilled the maxim: “A defender of guns for all must not die peacefully of old age.” But his end was more than just “reaping what he sowed.” Given the many “biting the hand that feeds” stances he promoted, if there were some higher “Court of American Values,” its jury might long ago have sentenced him to death. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment was simply the bailiff that loaded the live round for his execution.

Kirk never graduated from community college, yet he managed to become a leading voice for America’s far-right youth. I will not belittle his talent on account of his education. Due to limited information, I cannot fully judge his personal morality. History shows that many villains had decent private virtues – polite in person, even seeming like ideal neighbors.

But simply because of his lies and slanders against China, I will never give him any sympathy.

Sources:
1. Guanchazhe, September 12, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/youziyi/2025_09_12_789900_s.shtml
2. Phoenix, September 12, 2025
https://news.ifeng.com/c/8mbj3V8qn4o

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics US-China Relations

SCO Statement Condemning Israeli Airstrikes on Qatar

Huanqiu Times reported that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) issued a statement condemning Israel’s airstrikes on Hamas members in Qatar:

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) expresses deep concern over Israel’s airstrikes on residential areas in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on September 9, 2025, and condemns this violation of Qatar’s national sovereignty.

Such actions constitute a grave breach of the UN Charter as well as the fundamental norms and principles of international law and are unacceptable.

The SCO has consistently opposed the use or threat of force in international relations and supports resolving tensions in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means.

Member states of the SCO, in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, believe all illegal acts are intolerable and remain firmly committed to safeguarding international peace and security.

Source: Huanqiu Times, September 13, 2025
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4OJHg4cwzuG

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics

Vietnam Surpasses India as China’s Fifth-Largest Rare Earth Buyer

Russian outlet Sputnik reported that Vietnam has overtaken India to become China’s fifth-largest importer of rare earths, based on July 2025 trade data. Vietnam’s imports more than doubled to about US$1.3 million, while India’s purchases fell by over one-third, dropping it to eighth place.

Japan remained the top buyer, nearly doubling imports to US$13.8 million. The Netherlands moved into second place, South Korea rose to third, and the United States slipped to fourth after a 20 percent decline in purchases.

The shift highlights Vietnam’s rising importance in the global rare earth supply chain and signals changing dynamics in China’s export market.

Source: Sputnik, August 27, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250827/1067074922.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese Investment Reshapes Athens Through Real Estate and Business

Huanqiu Times reported that Chinese investors are bringing both visible and subtle changes to Athens, primarily through property purchases under Greece’s “Golden Visa” program and a growing cultural and business presence.

  • By mid-2025, nearly 8,000 Chinese citizens had applied for a Golden Visa for the first time, with about 4,795 approvals – accounting for 47.8 percent of all new applicants. Among renewals, Chinese nationals represented an even larger share at about 61 percent.
  • Many buyers acquire apartments quickly – often without deep knowledge of the neighborhoods – simply to secure residency rights. Real estate agents say Chinese clients frequently arrive in groups, use translators, and make rapid purchase decisions.
  • Beyond property, Chinese influence is increasingly visible in the city center, where authentic restaurants such as hot pot spots and Cantonese cafés are opening. Chinese workers, including those from shipping giant COSCO, are also contributing to the city’s changing character.
  • Locals note both visible and subtle transformations. Renovations, refurbishments, and building upgrades are becoming more common, sometimes even in apartment blocks owned by Chinese nationals.
  • Some Greek commentators view the trend positively, saying it has revitalized neighborhoods, boosted the construction and renovation sectors, and spurred related industries.

Source: Huanqiu Times, August 17, 2025
https://oversea.huanqiu.com/article/4NxFTq4TmwV

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend