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China to Send 600 Troops to Russia for Training on How to Counter Western Weapons

The Kyiv Post reported on June 24, citing sources from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), that Russia plans to arrange training for about 600 Chinese military personnel at Russian military facilities and bases this year. These Chinese personnel will receive training on how to counter Western weapons, covering areas such as tank operations, artillery, engineering, air defense, and drone warfare. The report did not specify whether the trainees would later join Russian combat units or if the training is purely for exchange purposes.

GUR sources said the Kremlin’s intention is to allow Chinese military personnel to learn from Russia’s combat experience in the Russia-Ukraine war, reflecting Russia’s desire to align with China in jointly confronting the West.

There have been reports and China provides substantial support to Russia on the Ukraine War. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated in May that although China had suspended the supply of drones to Kyiv and other European countries, it continued to provide related equipment to Russia. In mid-April, Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian intelligence showed that China was producing gunpowder, artillery shells, and other materials within Russian territory.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 27, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202506270053.aspx

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Global Times: China to Hold Large-Scale Military Parade on September 3

Chinese state media announced a military parade that would be held at Tiananmen Square on September 3.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told Huanqiu Times that the parade will clearly showcase the new structural layout of China’s military services and arms. This structure includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, as well as the newly organized Space Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Support Force, all under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Zhang noted that this means the Information Support Force, Space Force, and Cyberspace Force will make their first public appearance in a military parade.

The parade will also present the modernized image of China’s “three-pronged” armed forces, which consist of the PLA, the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, and the militia.

Another highlight of the parade will be the equipment formations showcasing the PLA’s latest advancements. These will include new combat forces featuring unmanned intelligent systems, underwater warfare equipment, cyber warfare tools, and hypersonic weapons.

Source: Huanqiu Times, June 24, 2025
https://hqtime.huanqiu.com/article/4NDyhz4kpCA

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

China’s Plan to Invest $400 Billion in Iran Uncertain Following Recent Iranian Military Conflict with Israel and the US

Taiwanese media outlet Liberty Times reported that China’s plan to invest $400 billion in Iran may be in jeopardy following recent developments in the Iran-Israel conflict as well as the recent U.S. Air Force strikes against sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

In 2021, China and Iran signed a 25-year strategic agreement, with China pledging major investments in exchange for stable, low-cost oil. However, geopolitical tensions and financial strains have already slowed progress, and recent developments in Iran mean the future of China’s infrastructure projects in the region is now uncertain.

Key Chinese investments at risk include:

  • Oil fields: Over $30 billion invested in North Azadegan, Yadavaran (49 percent Sinopec stake), and Rainbow (40 percent CNOOC stake).
  • China-Iran International Railway: Launched in May 2025, from China’s Xi’an city to Iran’s Apolin Dry Port via Central Asia.
  • Major rail projects: Tehran-Hamadan-Sanandaj, Shiraz-Bushehr, and Kermanshah-Khosravi, totaling over 13 billion RMB (US$1.8 billion).
  • Tehran North Freeway: $257 million investment, opened in 2020.
  • Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport expansion: $2.7 billion project, now stalled after Israel’s June 2025 airstrike.
  • Ports: Chinese-supported upgrades at Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.

Source: Liberty Times (Taiwan), June 23, 2025
https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5083054

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

Czech Intelligence: China Was Responsible for Near Miss Car Accident Involving Taiwan’s Vice President in Prague

Czech public radio iROZHLAS reported on June 25 that Czech intelligence concluded the near-collision involving Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s motorcade during her 2024 visit to Prague was a deliberate operation orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) embassy, not an accident.

In March 2024, Hsiao visited Prague as Taiwan’s Vice President-elect, sparking Beijing’s displeasure. A Chinese embassy military attaché reportedly tailed her convoy, ran a red light, and nearly caused a crash. Czech Military Intelligence Director Petr Bartovský confirmed Beijing’s intent was to intimidate Hsiao and that China had indeed prepared for such provocative action; they didn’t execute it since Czech security forces were nearby.

The operation was planned by the Chinese embassy’s military section – three of its diplomats started planning before Hsiao’s arrival.

On June 27, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied any wrongdoing during a press conference. He called Hsiao a “Taiwan independence” separatist and said “China urges the relevant parties not to be manipulated by ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, not to stir up trouble or maliciously hype this incident to damage bilateral relations.”

Sources:
1. Epoch Times, June 27, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/26/n14539561.htm
2. China’s Embassy at the U.S. website, June 27, 2025
http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/lcbt/wjbfyrbt/202506/t20250627_11660512.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese State Media’s Commentaries on NATO Summit

The NATO summit was held on June 24–25 in The Hague. Chinese Communist Party controlled state media Xinhua News Agency and Huanqiu Times published commentaries.

Xinhua: The New NATO Plan Is Hard for Europe to Digest

The summit appeared largely as a performance of unity designed to appease the U.S. A key outcome was the commitment by NATO members to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. However, this superficial consensus masks deep internal divisions.

The U.S. aims to maximize its global dominance at minimal cost, while Europe prioritizes security and strategic autonomy. Trump’s double standard – refusing to meet the 5 percent target for the U.S. while demanding other countries do – has caused resentment among European countries, many of whom are hesitant to speak out.

Moreover, the sharp increase in defense spending is expected to primarily benefit the U.S. military-industrial complex. Analysts argue this is more a massive wealth transfer to the U.S. than genuine progress toward European defense independence.

Huanqiu Times: Asia-Pacific Countries Distance Themselves from NATO

Notably, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese all skipped the summit. NATO’s attempt to extend its influence by labeling China a “challenge” conflicts with its own treaty, which limits its scope to the North Atlantic region and forbids interference in Asia-Pacific affairs. China has repeatedly warned against NATO’s overreach, describing its Asia-Pacific ambitions as blatant geopolitical expansion.

The absence of these Asia-Pacific leaders sends a clear message: they refuse to become pawns in great-power rivalry or endorse an expanding NATO. This may also signal a growing political awakening in the region.

Sources:
1. Xinhua, June 26, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20250626/2ec6f042517740d38f80e1232b8259ca/c.html
2. Huanqiu Times, June 26, 2025
https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/4NFxMsLy2sc

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Economy/Resources US-China Relations

CCP’s Influence Allegedly Behind LA Protests and LA Mayor’s Donor Network

On June 6, 2025, protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids on undocumented immigrants erupted in Los Angeles, escalating into riots and spreading to multiple cities. On June 14, the “No Kings Day” protest movement broke out. Reports suggest the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence and United Front operations may have been involved behind the scenes.

The Daily Caller News Foundation reported that the organization United Chinese Americans (UCA) and its partner, the Asian American Progressive Alliance (AAPA), helped promote the nationwide protests. Several UCA leaders were found to have ties to CCP agencies, including the United Front Work Department and the Ministry of State Security. Elaine Peng, AAPA president and UCA training director, is linked to CCP intelligence networks.

A June 13 U.S. House Committee letter revealed that Neville Singham, an American billionaire now living in Shanghai, has long funded the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), which is allegedly connected to the LA protests. Lawmakers noted Singham’s close ties to the CCP and a secretive funding network with unclear financial flows.

The Daily Caller News Foundation also reported that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass received campaign support from Derek Ma, a Chinese-American donor. Derek Ma has long been involved in CCP United Front activities, having served as an overseas committee member of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC) and a council member of the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA). He was photographed with Xi Jinping in 2015 and delivered a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2018. Records show that Derek Ma held fundraising events for Bass, raising over $40,000 for her campaign.

Derek’s son, Adam Ma, later joined the mayor’s office in 2022 as an Asian and LGBTQIA+ community liaison. Adam Ma reportedly continued to participate in events involving the CCP’s Los Angeles consulate while representing Mayor Bass.

Source: Epoch Times, June 22, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/18/n14534246.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics US-China Relations

New Zealand Suspends Aid to Cook Islands Over Cook Islands’ Closer Ties with China

Shanghai-based news outlet Guancha.cn reported that, on June 18, New Zealand announced the suspension of NZ$18.2 million in funding to the Cook Islands, nation in the South Pacific with political links to New Zealand. The New Zealand government cited a breach of trust in their bilateral relationship. The decision came after the Cook Islands deepened ties with China without sufficient consultation with New Zealand, which is required under their security and diplomatic agreements. The Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, relies on New Zealand for defense and security, and its citizens hold New Zealand citizenship.

The Cook Islands’ Foreign Ministry acknowledged a “difference in understanding” regarding consultation obligations and stated that both sides are working to resolve the issue. They have established formal dialogue mechanisms and an assessment of the risks posed by the agreements between the Cook Islands and China are underway.

In February of 2025, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown visited China and signed several cooperation agreements covering areas such as deep-sea mining and education, not involving matters of security. The government of New Zealand later argued that proper consultation should have occurred before the deals were finalized.

This incident reflects broader concerns in New Zealand and Australia about China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, which they increasingly perceive as a potential security threat. Earlier in 2025, New Zealand also cut off development aid to Kiribati over similar issues related to China’s presence in the region.

Source: Guancha.cn, June 19, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2025_06_19_780041.shtml

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Unusual Appearance of Hu Jintao’s Son at Financial Event Sparks Political Speculation

Political analysts pointed out the appearance of Hu Haifeng, the son of former Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Hu Jintao, at a recent high-profile event. Analysts view this as another indication that Xi Jinping has lost power. They argued: If Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao do not have power currently, why would Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining invite Hu Haifeng to appear so publicly at an important event? Thus, they take Hu Haifeng’s appearance as evidence that Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao do hold power behind the scenes.

The event, held on June 18, 2025, was an unveiling ceremony for the China Capital Market Society at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Lujiazui Forum, put on by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Shanghai Municipal Government. A plaque was jointly unveiled by Chen Jining, Shanghai Party Secretary; Wang Jiang, Executive Deputy Director of the Chinese Central Financial Office; Wu Qing, Chairman of the CSRC; Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai; and Hu Haifeng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The website of the CSRC posted a photo of the event.

Sources:
1. CSRS website, June 18, 2025
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/csrc/c100028/c7565142/content.shtml
2. Epoch Times, June 21, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/21/n14535800.htm

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics