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China Reportedly Moving to Reassert Influence Over North Korea

Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported that China is seeking to reassert its influence over North Korea after several years during which Pyongyang deepened its ties with Russia. Beijing is reportedly expanding economic engagement and cross-border cooperation in an effort to draw North Korea more firmly back into its sphere of influence. Analysts cited in the report say China hopes that stronger economic ties will increase Pyongyang’s dependence on Beijing.

Recent diplomatic exchanges suggest a gradual warming of relations between the two countries. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Beijing with an economic delegation to attend a military parade hosted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang later traveled to Pyongyang, signaling renewed high-level political engagement. Economic cooperation has also increased, with cross-border trade recovering significantly after pandemic-era restrictions. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, and Chinese exports to North Korea reportedly reached about $2.3 billion last year, the highest level in several years. Business activity has also been picking up in the Chinese border city of Dandong, a key gateway for trade with North Korea. Local traders and logistics companies there have reported rising cross-border shipments and renewed commercial exchanges, suggesting that economic links between the two countries are gradually being restored.

Source: RFI, March 12, 2026
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/中国/20260312-中国正重新加强对朝鲜的控制，金正恩准备接受了吗

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing’s Links to Defense Industry and Iran Cooperation

A report by The Epoch Times suggests that Zhang Guoqing, China’s Vice Premier, may play a key role in China’s defense industry exports to Iran and the broader Middle East. According to sources familiar with China’s political system, Zhang is not a typical technocratic official but has deep ties to the country’s military-industrial sector. He previously held senior positions within China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), a major state-owned defense conglomerate responsible for exporting weapons and related technologies. Because of this background, some observers view him as an important representative of China’s defense industry within the country’s top leadership.

The report states that Zhang has played a role in maintaining China’s military-industrial cooperation with Middle Eastern partners, particularly Iran. Following rising tensions involving Iran, Zhang was reportedly tasked by Xi Jinping with coordinating relevant supply chains and maintaining technical and industrial links with regional partners. According to individuals familiar with the defense sector, Iran has requested Chinese components related to drones, unmanned vessels, and smart naval mines that could potentially be assembled domestically.

The report also suggests that cooperation between China and Iran extends beyond weapons-related components to include communications infrastructure and surveillance technologies. Technology firms from several Chinese provinces have reportedly participated in the development of Iran’s telecommunications networks and monitoring systems. This combination of military technology, infrastructure development, and security systems has strengthened strategic ties between China and Iran while expanding Beijing’s influence in the region.

Source: Epoch Times, March 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/26/3/12/n14717195.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese Scholar: Iran War Complicates Trump’s Planned China Visit, Giving Beijing More Leverage

Wang Yiwei, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said in an interview with Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing newspaper Ming Pao that the Iran War has complicated U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China. According to Wang, the situation may leave Trump in a more difficult diplomatic position while increasing Beijing’s bargaining leverage ahead of the visit.

Wang argued that the U.S. military campaign against Iran could become prolonged and may last until September. Without deploying ground forces, he said, Washington would likely find it difficult to completely eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities because many of the facilities have already been moved underground. Wang also defended China’s approach to the crisis, saying Beijing has taken a relatively cautious stance in criticizing the United States while avoiding the harder line adopted by Russia. He added that China remains uncertain about Iran’s political stability and its long-term attitude toward Beijing. At the same time, Iran’s retaliatory strikes on bases in several Arab countries highlight China’s regional interests, as Beijing has significant investments in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and is preparing to host a China–Arab States summit.

On Taiwan, Wang said Trump’s main concern is ensuring that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) does not fall under mainland Chinese control. Beijing, however, hopes the United States will publicly oppose Taiwan independence and delay the delivery of arms sales to Taiwan. Wang suggested that while Washington cannot openly reverse its policy, it could slow implementation through practical measures such as postponing deliveries or citing technical issues. He also said China would prefer that Trump restrain Japan’s leadership from supporting Taiwan independence.

Wang added that Trump had initially planned to visit China from a position of strength, but the prolonged Iran conflict has complicated that strategy and increased China’s leverage. He noted that Trump also faces domestic political pressure ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, which may make cooperation with China more important. In this context, Wang said Beijing could remain flexible while seeking concessions, as long as the United States is able to claim a political victory domestically.

Source: Ming Pao, March 14, 2026
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/中國/article/20260314/s00013/1773421783362/王義桅-伊朗戰火增華籌碼-「中美共治」是「毒誘」

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

China Passes Ethnic Unity Law, Raising Minority Rights Concerns

On March 12, China’s National People’s Congress passed the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. The legislation calls for greater integration among ethnic groups through policies related to education, housing, population mobility, community life, culture, tourism, and economic development. The law states that its goal is to strengthen national unity under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and foster a shared national identity among China’s 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities, as part of efforts to achieve the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Critics argue that the measure could further erode the identities of non-Han ethnic groups and potentially allow authorities to label those who question such “unity” as separatists subject to legal punishment.

The law stipulates that Mandarin will be the primary language used in schools as well as in government and official affairs. In public settings where Mandarin and minority languages are used together, the law requires that the national common language be given prominence in terms of placement and order. In practice, the legislation establishes at the national level that minority languages cannot serve as the primary language of instruction. In regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, authorities have already significantly reduced opportunities for students to receive education in their native languages, despite strong opposition and protests from students, teachers, and parents.

The law also prohibits interference with freedom of marriage on the grounds of ethnic identity, customs, or religious beliefs, with the stated aim of encouraging interethnic marriage. It further calls for the development of “inter-embedded community environments.” Some scholars warn that this policy could lead to the dispersal of ethnic minority communities, as it appears designed to encourage Han Chinese and other ethnic groups to move into each other’s neighborhoods.

The legislation also requires religious organizations, religious schools, and places of worship to “adhere to the direction of the Sinicization of religion.” Ethnic affairs are incorporated into China’s broader social governance framework, with provisions covering anti-separatism measures, border security, risk prevention, and social stability. The law also states that foreign organizations and individuals who engage in activities that undermine ethnic unity or incite ethnic division may face legal consequences.

Source: Deutsche Welle, March 12, 2026
https://www.dw.com/zh/中国人大通过民族团结进步促进法-引发少数民族人权担忧/a-76331516

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics Social Stability

Honduras Signals Possible Reconsideration of Diplomatic Ties with Taiwan

The government of Honduras has indicated it may gradually reconsider its diplomatic alignment with Taiwan following a change in national leadership. Vice President María Antonieta Mejía stated that the administration is reviewing agreements signed with China under the previous government to assess their economic and political impact. The findings are expected to inform decisions by President Nasry Asfura, who took office in January 2026 and had previously expressed openness to restoring ties with Taiwan.

Honduras severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2023 under former president Xiomara Castro and established formal ties with China. At the time, the shift was presented as a strategic move to secure greater trade, investment, and development opportunities. However, domestic critics argue that the anticipated economic benefits from cooperation with Beijing have not materialized as expected, prompting renewed debate within Honduras about the country’s diplomatic direction.

Officials have emphasized that any potential change in diplomatic relations would proceed gradually and only after a thorough policy review. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded cautiously, stating that it remains open to strengthening ties with Honduras on the basis of mutual benefit and pragmatic cooperation. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical competition between China and Taiwan for diplomatic recognition, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Source: Epoch Times, February 11, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/2/11/n14695888.htm

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Philippines Reports Alleged Chinese Espionage Case

Philippine authorities say they have uncovered an alleged espionage network that leaked sensitive military information related to resupply missions in the South China Sea. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three Philippine citizens suspected of passing along operational details, including troop rotation schedules and logistics plans. Officials warned that such information is highly sensitive because it could reveal the timing and movement of military personnel, potentially placing service members at risk during routine supply operations in disputed areas.

According to investigators, the suspected operation relied on unusual communication methods. One report described a mobile phone game that allegedly contained a hidden messaging function accessible through a special code. Authorities also suggested the recruitment process may have begun gradually. One suspect reportedly said he was initially approached to write paid opinion articles, but the requests later shifted toward providing information related to the South China Sea and Philippine defense cooperation with allied countries.

The case comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and military activity have intensified in recent years. Philippine officials say the incident highlights how foreign intelligence efforts may target operational logistics and military planning. China has denied the allegations, stating that the claims lack clear evidence.

Source: Epoch Times, March 6, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/3/5/n14712174.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Report Claims CCP Bot Network Exploits X Algorithm to Suppress Dissident Voices

On March 7, a Chinese blogger living in Canada described what he believes to be a coordinated online attack by Chinese Communist Party (CCP)–linked “internet trolls” targeting his account on the social media platform X. According to the blogger, the tactic does not involve directly banning accounts but instead exploits weaknesses in the platform’s recommendation algorithm to restrict the reach of targeted users.

The blogger, who posts under the account name “Finding心归何处,” began operating the account in January 2026 and gradually gained followers by sharing personal experiences after leaving China and commenting on political issues. His follower count grew from about 2,800 on February 14 to 7,800 by March 7, with some posts reaching as many as 870,000 views. However, he soon noticed suspicious activity and described the alleged attack as unfolding in three stages. First, large numbers of bot accounts with no profile photos, posts, or followers suddenly followed him. Second, these accounts remained in his follower list for a period of time, potentially causing the platform’s algorithm to associate his account with a low-quality social network profile. Third, when his politically sensitive posts began gaining traction, the same accounts simultaneously unfollowed and blocked him, often during Beijing working hours.

The blogger argues that this coordinated activity manipulates the platform’s recommendation system. When many followers abruptly leave while a post is trending, the algorithm may interpret the content as offensive or misleading, triggering automated mechanisms that limit further distribution to new users. In addition, large numbers of blocks within a short period can reduce an account’s credibility score and may even place it in a search blacklist, making it difficult for others to locate the account. Because unfollowing and blocking are normal user actions, the tactic is difficult for platforms to classify as malicious behavior. A well-known political commentator also said he has observed similar tactics for years and believes CCP has studied platform algorithms to suppress anti-CCP voices while simultaneously amplifying pro-government narratives.

Source: Epoch Times, February 28, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/2/27/n14707579.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics

Massive Lunar New Year Promotions Boost Chinese AI Apps—But Most Users Quickly Leave

Major Chinese technology companies spent heavily to promote their artificial intelligence (AI) chat applications during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday. Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance invested tens of billions of yuan (several billion US dollars) in marketing campaigns for their AI products—such as Tongyi Qianwen, Yuanbao, and Doubao. These promotions relied on incentives such as digital red-packet rewards and special holiday activities to attract users, temporarily driving large spikes in downloads and daily active users across multiple platforms.

However, user engagement declined sharply once the holiday promotions ended. Industry data suggests that more than 80 percent of users stopped using the apps after the incentives disappeared, leaving an estimated 30-day retention rate of only about 12–13 percent. Many users reportedly joined primarily to collect promotional rewards rather than to use the AI tools regularly, highlighting the difficulty of converting short-term promotional traffic into sustained engagement.

The trend suggests, as analysts argue, that the long-term success of AI products cannot rely on financial incentives alone. Instead, it depends on factors such as model capability, reliability, and integration within broader digital ecosystems.

Source: Epoch Times, February 28, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/2/27/n14707559.htm

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology