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Huanqiu Times: Korean Scholar on Keeping Good Relations with China Despite U.S. Pressure

CCP mouthpiece Huanqiu Times published an article by Kim Heung-kyu, Director of the U.S.-China Policy Institute at Ajou University, South Korea. He suggests that with the new South Korean government in place, many expect improvements in China-South Korea relations. South Korean does not need to join the “anti-China deterrence alliance.”

“A key issue is how South Korea can balance between China and the U.S. to protect its own interests. The U.S. wants to shift the alliance into an ‘anti-China deterrence alliance,’ pressuring South Korea to increase defense spending, redeploy U.S. forces, and make greater use of military bases. However, from South Korea’s perspective, the alliance mainly addresses the security of the Korean Peninsula. Expanding it against China would cost more than it benefits and could trigger strong domestic opposition.

“Since the U.S. launched a new tariff war in April, South Korea’s industries have been seriously affected. I believe South Korea and Japan will seek new regional cooperation, opening space for renewed China-Japan-Korea collaboration under frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“China remains South Korea’s largest trading partner and key investment destination. It is unrealistic for a trade-driven country like South Korea to cut ties with China. The region should pursue shared peace and prosperity beyond nationalism. In this, China’s role is crucial.

“I expect the Lee Jae-myung administration will adopt a cautious, forward-looking China policy, with a core focus on regional and strategic stability, resisting rapid shifts or coercive tactics by any major power (Editor’s comments: possibly referring to the U.S. here).”

Source: Huanqiu Times, June 19, 2025
https://m.huanqiu.com/article/4NAAEbUKUxv

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Huanqiu Editorial: In Dealing with China, the EU Should Show More Sincerity and Less Scheming

CCP mouthpiece Huanqiu Times recently published an editorial criticizing the European Union and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for embracing protectionist policies and damaging China-EU relations. Below are the key points from the editorial:

“On June 20, the EU’s European Commission announced that Chinese companies would be banned from participating in European government medical equipment procurements valued at over €5 million – a move widely seen as escalating trade tensions with China. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, while the EU often proclaims itself to be “the world’s most open market,” it is in fact steadily shifting toward protectionism. The Ministry emphasized that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, which should have been an opportunity to strengthen healthy and stable ties. Yet just as the relationship showed signs of positive adjustment, the EU has repeatedly sent negative signals. Trade restrictions on China have resurged, and senior EU officials have made critical remarks about China at international forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue and the G7 Summit. Earlier reports also suggested that the EU has no intention of resuming trade talks with China.

“What is particularly striking is that, even though the Trump administration once threatened Europe with heavy tariffs, some Europeans now appear to be following Washington’s lead in trade policy. This is both puzzling and short-sighted. Some mistakenly believe that, under U.S. trade war pressure, China “needs” Europe and will make unilateral concessions if sufficiently pressured. If they are self-congratulatory, thinking they have mastered the so-called “art of the deal,” they are gravely misjudging both China and themselves.

“Each time China-EU relations show signs of improvement, irrational disruptions seem to arise. For example, at the recent G7 Summit, President Von der Leyen claimed that the world is experiencing a new “China shock” and even held up a magnet to accuse China of “weaponizing” its rare earth dominance. In reality, this was akin to waving a white flag to U.S. tariff threats, attempting to shift pressure onto China in hopes of winning favor from Washington. Such tactics were disingenuous and, ironically, went largely ignored by the U.S. during the summit – Von der Leyen’s performance received little attention.

“Attempting to gain trade advantages or offset losses through protectionism or pressure tactics is both unrealistic and undignified. The EU cannot continue to press its own demands while disregarding China’s legitimate concerns.”

Source: Huanqiu Times, June 20, 2025
https://m.huanqiu.com/article/4NAsIkKBTnz

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics

Huanqiu Times: Chinese Experts Predict Iran’s Revenge and Regional Conflicts After U.S.’ Strikes on Iran

After the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 21, Huanqiu Times interviewed several Chinese experts about future developments in the Middle East. Their views uniformly warn that Iran is unlikely to back down; instead, it may escalate retaliatory actions, potentially plunging the region into deeper instability.

  • Zou Zhiqiang, researcher at the Middle East Studies Center, Fudan University, stated that the U.S. airstrikes are unlikely to force Iran into submission. The strikes crossed a critical red line of Iran, likely provoking Iran to intensify its actions and possibly compel sustained U.S. involvement.
  • Ding Long, professor at the Middle East Institute, Shanghai International Studies University, warned that if Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is seriously or completely destroyed, Tehran may retaliate by targeting U.S. interests or attempting to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
  • Li Zixin, assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, predicted a serious escalation in regional security risks in both the short and medium term. Iran could strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East, increasing danger to neighboring Arab states and further destabilizing the region.
  • Zhang Junshe, military expert, noted that Iran had previously warned it would target U.S. military assets if its nuclear facilities were attacked. The U.S. has already moved aircraft and naval forces away from potential Iranian strike zones, indicating that it anticipates retaliatory actions and acknowledges its inability to fully protect its bases.

{Editor’s Note: Chinese political and military experts express opinions aligned with the Communist Party’s propaganda policies. For instance, during the Second Gulf War, Chinese military experts predicted fierce Iraqi resistance. When U.S. forces entered Baghdad with little opposition, a Chinese military analyst famously asked live on TV, “Where did the Iraqi army go?”}

Source: Huanqiu Times, June 22, 2025
https://m.huanqiu.com/article/4NC9HaPOPkW

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Beijing Reversed Its Stance on Fentanyl – Wang Xiaohong Expressed Willingness to Cooperate with the U.S.

Since taking office, Trump identified China’s supply of materials used to produce fentanyl as a key issue and imposed a 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods. China consistently denied involvement and refused to address the problem, claiming it was solely a U.S. issue. Fentanyl has been responsible for over 70,000 American deaths annually.

However, China has recently shifted its stance significantly.

On June 19, China’s State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, met with U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue in Beijing and expressed China’s willingness to cooperate with the United States on anti-drug efforts.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, Wang stated during the meeting that Beijing is prepared to work with Washington to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, both sides will carry out practical cooperation in law enforcement areas such as drug control and the repatriation of illegal immigrants, striving to achieve outcomes that benefit the peoples of both countries.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, June 20, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20250620-6903140

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Chinese Consul General’s Anti-Israel Post Sparks Outrage from Israeli Ambassador in Japan

Sankei Shimbun reported that on June 14, Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, posted on the social media platform X, juxtaposing the Nazi German flag and the Israeli flag with the caption:
“The Nazis (1933–1945) massacred Jews; Israel (1948– ) is a Jewish massacre (of others).”

Xue further stated: “For Nazi Germany, the U.S. was an enemy; for Israel, the U.S. is an ATM.” He also criticized Israel for “regarding themselves as a particularly sacred people,” “devoting much of their national power to the military,” “disregarding international law,” and “continuously expanding settlements on occupied land.”

On June 19, Gilad Cohen, Israel’s Ambassador to Japan, reposted Xue’s comments and issued a strong condemnation:
“The Chinese Consul General in Osaka has crossed every line. His incitement, using Nazi symbols to attack Israel, is not only disgraceful but also blatantly antisemitic, dangerous, and a severe insult to the memory of the Holocaust.”

Cohen added:
“Israel is currently defending itself against a genocidal Iranian regime that openly calls for Israel’s annihilation with nuclear weapons and possesses a vast arsenal of ballistic missiles. I urge Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate and decisive action. Antisemitism and incitement to hatred must not be tolerated in Japan.”

Source: Radio France International, June 20, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/国际/20250620-中国驻大阪总领事批以色列如纳粹德国-以大使-是对大屠杀记忆的严重侮辱

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend

China Debuts Jiutian Stealth UAV with 6-Ton Payload and Swarm Strike Capabilities

China’s “Jiutian” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has completed its maiden flight. An article on China.com described its “superior capabilities”:

“This UAV goes beyond the traditional roles of reconnaissance or attack, emerging as a large-scale multi-role unmanned combat platform.

“With a wingspan of up to 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tons, and a payload capacity of 6 tons, the Jiutian drone boasts a range of 7,000 kilometers and endurance of over 12 hours. It features 8 heavy-duty weapon hardpoints under its wings and an internally integrated heterogeneous hive mission bay, capable of carrying hundreds of swarm drones or loitering munitions, enabling multi-target strikes and coordinated combat operations.

“The drone uses advanced stealth materials and a unique aerodynamic design to reduce its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect.

“With a maximum flight altitude of 15,000 meters, it operates above the range of most air defense systems, significantly enhancing its survivability.

“The Jiutian UAV’s payload capacity is up to 6 tons, comparable to China’s mainstay fighter jet J-10C, and even greater than the combined payload of the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones. It can be equipped with a wide variety of munitions, including 1,000 kg guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, and loitering munitions, achieving comprehensive strike capabilities against air, ground, and maritime targets.

“The Jiutian UAV is highly versatile, capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, precision strikes, fire support, information operations, and electronic warfare. With its modular payload system, it can switch mission types within two hours.”

Source: China.com, May 28, 2025
https://military.china.com/news/13004177/20250528/48392625.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Africa’s Port Boom Meets China’s Global Expansion Ambition

An article on Zhihu.com discussed China‘s aggressively building ports in Africa:

According to statistics, by 2025, Africa will have a total of 231 operational commercial ports. Among them, Chinese companies are involved in around 78 ports across 32 African countries, playing roles as builders, financiers, or operators.

  • China is involvement in 35 port development projects in West Africa, where China began its overseas port investments. In addition, there are 17 projects in East Africa, 15 in Southern Africa, and 11 in North Africa.
  • Chinese firms also provide financing for certain port development projects and the money usually goes to Chinese companies who are the contractor.
  • China’s involvement in African port is gradually shifting toward a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Currently, Chinese companies hold operating concessions at 10 African ports.

While these projects benefit local communities, they also bring substantial economic returns to China. According to estimates by Price Waterhouse Coopers, for every $1 China invests in African ports, it can generate up to $13 in trade revenue.

China’s port building efforts in Africa also yield other benefits:

  • They help secure resource trade. Africa remains an important source of natural resources for China. It has long been a core region for China’s “Going Global” strategy, but poor port infrastructure has been a major bottleneck for expanding China-Africa trade.
  • China has an urgent need to export its excess capacity abroad as China’s domestic infrastructure development has reached saturation,

Overall, infrastructure building is a symbol of hard power, showcasing China’s financial strength, advanced technology and equipment, and professional talent to the world. At the same time, Chinese companies working in Africa also demonstrate China’s soft power, shaping international perceptions and enhancing its image among African nations and the global community.

Source: Zhihu.com
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/1916100738100213585

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese Student: “Laos Is No Longer a Normal Country – It’s More Like the CCP’s Backyard”

Liu Ao enrolled in Laos National University in 2022, majoring in International Development Studies. He recently gave an interview with the Epoch Times. Liu’s university regularly organized field trips to study foreign aid projects. The aggressive infiltration of Chinese state-owned enterprises and Confucius Institutes, as well as their connection to telecom “fraud zones,” left a strong impression on Liu.

The Confucius Institute is one of the university’s most competitive departments, requiring high academic scores for admission. Nearly all its instructors are from China. Most of the Laotian students who became proficient in Chinese ended up in the so-called “Golden Triangle” area, engaging in telecom fraud practice against Chinese people. Liu adds bluntly, “There’s no way the Confucius Institute teachers don’t know where their students end up.”

The Golden Triangle region has become one of Asia’s most notorious hubs for transnational crime, involving human trafficking, online fraud, money laundering, drug smuggling, and wildlife trafficking.

Local wages in Laos are extremely low. This has been a driving force behind the Golden Triangle absorbing so many Laotian Chinese-language graduates. Those working as translators or clerks for Chinese companies may earn less than 1,000 Yuan (US$139) per month, while telecom scam operations can pay over 10,000 Yuan monthly. Liu remarks, “It’s deeply ironic – they learn Chinese, only to use it to scam Chinese people.”

Liu also observed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has burdened Laos with massive debt through infrastructure loans, gaining further control over the country’s natural resources. Laos is unable to resist China. In Vientiane, the capital, nearly all major construction projects – shopping malls, high-rises, railways, and development zones – are contracted to Chinese state-owned enterprises.

In the Chinese community in Vientiane, Laos’ capital city, some Chinese have “Guobao” status, referring to special privileges conferred on Chinese nationals allegedly connected to the CCP’s public security apparatus. These privileges can include the ability to carry, buy, or sell firearms.

Source: Epoch Times, June 10, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/6/10/n14528733.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend