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Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported in its Chinese-language edition that, between October 4 and the morning of October 5, Russian forces launched 53 missiles and about 500 drones – primarily targeting Ukraine’s western Lviv Oblast.

According to Ukrainian military media, at least three Chinese reconnaissance satellites passed over the region nine times during the attacks. A Ukrainian intelligence official told state media that evidence suggests close coordination between Russia and China in satellite reconnaissance to identify targets within Ukraine. Some experts believe that data from Chinese satellites may have been used to guide Russian strikes.

Beijing maintains that these satellites are intended for scientific research, but many observers suspect they also serve military purposes.

Source: NHK Chinese, October 7, 2025
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/zh/news/20251007_07/

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that China is using shipping routes between Russia and the Arctic to transport goods, making inroads into the Arctic shipping route. Global shipping giants have reiterated their commitment to stay away from the Arctic shipping route, pointing out that although the route is shorter, it is unsafe and environmentally unfriendly.

Most China-Europe container ships choose to head south, entering the Mediterranean via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. With tensions in the Red Sea escalating due to Houthi rebels, cargo ships are often diverted around South Africa. However, the Istanbul Bridge ship leaving on September 27 from China’s Ningbo Zhoushan Port chose to head north, entering Europe via the Northeast Passage of the Arctic. The Arctic route, which runs close to Russian territorial waters, can cut the Asia-Europe journey in half, compared to the 40-day trip via South Africa.

China is implementing policies to integrate the Northeast Passage into Europe’s and even the world’s transportation system. Unlike other routes such as the one through the Strait of Malacca, 90 percent of the Arctic route’s Northeast Passage passes through Russia. With Sino-Russian relations continuing to develop at a high level, the route faces fewer geopolitical risks.

Yet this route has been opposed by several global shipping giants. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) stated that increased Arctic shipping could impact the region’s fragile ecosystems and ice caps, adding that “the Northern Sea Route remains underdeveloped for commercial shipping because safe navigation and passage are not yet guaranteed.” Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd also stated they would not consider using the route. In 2019, they pledged to avoid the route, which stretches over 3,000 nautical miles along Russia’s Arctic coast. Of the top five global shipping companies, only China’s COSCO Shipping did not make this commitment.

Russia has been promoting the use of the route to transport oil and gas to Asian markets, but ships must obtain Moscow’s approval to pass through. The route is covered with ice in winter and may also contain floating ice in warmer seasons. It can only be navigated by specialized vessels, which increases the risk of accidents.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, October 3, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20251003-7612141

South Korea’s largest newspaper Chosun recently reported in its Chinese Edition that, of the sixteen liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers ordered globally this year, fourteen were taken by South Korean shipyards, while Chinese shipyards failed to secure any orders. The remaining two ships were won by the United States, and these orders will be manufactured by the Philadelphia Shipyard acquired by South Korean Hanwha last year.

Following the relatively easy-to-build container ships and bulk carriers, China has begun to undertake a large number of orders for LNG carriers, which require higher technical standards. Previously, the LNG carrier newbuilding market was dominated by South Korea and China. In 2022, South Korea held a 67.5 percent share of the LNG carrier newbuilding market (115 ships), while China held a 32.5 percent share (56 ships). Last year, this gap narrowed, with South Korea holding 57.2 percent (48 ships) and China 42.8 percent (28 ships). China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding received orders for 24 LNG carriers last year, making it the world’s largest shipyard by orders for LNG carriers.

However, with the USTR’s (United States Trade Representative) port restrictions and Qatar’s order book cooling, China’s LNG carrier orders have been halted. Starting from the 14th of next month, Chinese shipping companies or shipping companies operating Chinese ships will be charged a fee of US$50 per ton based on net tonnage (the volume actually used to transport goods or passengers) when entering the United States. Also, frequent breakdowns of Chinese ships have had an impact on China’s reputation.

Source: Chosun Chinese, September 29, 2025
https://cnnews.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?nNewsNumb=20250963604&cate=&mcate=

Shanghai-based online news outlet Guancha reported that Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy said in a recent interview that the country is actively advancing economic transformation and working to reduce its reliance on oil. China has now replaced Russia as Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner.

As Kazakhstan pushes forward with plans to build new railways and establish a transportation corridor linking its eastern and western regions, cargo traffic from China is expected to grow sharply. Freight volume along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”), which bypasses Russia, is projected to rise from the current 4.5 million tons to between 7 million and 10 million tons in the coming years.

The Middle Corridor, which integrates rail, road, and sea transport, connects China, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan before reaching Europe via the Black Sea. It is considered the shortest multimodal trade route between China and Europe, significantly reducing transport times. In July, China and Kazakhstan signed a strategic agreement to jointly develop this route.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Economy projects GDP growth of 6 percent this year. Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund forecasts show Kazakhstan’s per capita GDP will climb to US$14,770 in 2025, surpassing Russia’s US$14,260 and ranking first among former Soviet republics.

Source: Guancha, September 24, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2025_09_24_791200_2.shtml