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Briefings - 18. page

Lianhe Zaobao: One-Third of Surveyed EU Companies Plan to Stop Procurement in China

A new survey released by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China shows that one-third of surveyed EU chamber of commerce member companies are considering shifting their sourcing out of China and are seeking new supply chain arrangements. The shift is primarily motivated by uncertainty around the U.S.-China trade war as well as tightening Chinese export controls.

The survey, conducted from November 6 to 24, involved 131 member companies of the EU chamber of commerce. The survey revealed that 32 percent of respondents planned to shift their procurement outside of China due to Beijing’s export controls; and 39 percent indicated that the Ministry of Commerce of China was processing export licenses slower than the promised 45 days.

The survey also showed that nearly 70 percent of respondents indicated their overseas production facilities rely on Chinese components affected by export controls; 50 percent indicated that the products of their suppliers or customers have already been or will soon be included in the scope of controls.

In October of this year, China announced stricter export controls on rare earths, shocking global markets and exacerbating European companies’ concerns about further disruptions to supply chains. Of the 131 companies surveyed, 75 indicated that they had been affected by the relevant controls. For now, the U.S. and China have not yet formally signed an agreement, and the EU is also trying to include itself in the relevant arrangements.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, December 1, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20251201-7899734

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Huanqiu Times: U.S. Deploys Marine Task Force to Philippines to Strengthen Allied Coordination

According to Stars and Stripes, citing the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the United States has deployed a military task force to the Philippines. The unit is led by Major General Thomas Savage, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. The task force is responsible for coordinating exercises and operations between U.S. forces stationed on the islands and the Philippine military. The task force does not include equipment, warships, aircraft, or vehicles, and for operational security reasons, officials declined to disclose its headquarters. While the number of U.S. personnel will rotate based on host-country needs, approximately 60 core members will serve as the main staff.

A Chinese analyst suggested that the key message the U.S. task force conveys is America’s support for its allies and commitment to security cooperation, providing reassurance to the Philippine military.

Another analyst noted that the U.S. Marine Corps has three divisions. Typically, a Philippine task force would be led by the 3rd Marine Division, based in the Ryukyu Islands and responsible for South China Sea operations. However, in this case, leadership comes from the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. “From this detail, a few observations can be made: First, this may indicate that the 3rd Marine Division is currently heavily tasked and unable to spare personnel. Second, the U.S. may be planning to deploy the operational capabilities of the 1st Marine Division to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the Western Pacific,” the analyst added.

Source: Huanqiu Times, November 30, 2025
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4PLr3tl98S0

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations

CCTV Reports Crackdown on Espionage Targeting China’s Crop Genetic Data

China Central Television (CCTV) reports that state security agencies have uncovered and disrupted foreign espionage operations aimed at obtaining the genetic data and seed resources of key crops including soybeans, corn, and rice. According to the report, foreign intelligence services sought to acquire hybrid parent seeds — which are banned from export — by recruiting domestic collaborators and using covert methods, such as concealing seeds in export consignments. One suspect, surnamed Zhu, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, while 17 others were given administrative penalties.

The report claims that foreign “research teams,” in some cases linked to diplomats, made repeated attempts to enter major grain-producing regions to gather data on production and reserves under the guise of field studies. These individuals allegedly employed counter-surveillance techniques, including changing vehicles, traveling on rural routes, and displaying cautious behavior in the field, before being intercepted by security officials.

CCTV described these activities as a significant threat to China’s food security and to the protection of its agricultural genetic resources. National security agencies stated that they are continuing to investigate and prevent such incidents, and called on the public to report suspicious activity through official channels.

Source: CCTV, November 3, 2025
https://news.cctv.com/2025/11/03/ARTIVnWtm4dzLDLv654LYruG251103.shtml

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Economy/Resources

Ding Xuexiang Sets Priorities for Advancing Chinese Language Education at 2025 Global Conference

On November 14, 2025, Ding Xuexiang, member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo Standing Committee and Vice Premier, attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing and delivered the keynote address. The event drew roughly 2,000 attendees, including government officials, scholars, university leaders, and representatives from international organizations.

Ding underscored Xi Jinping’s emphasis on advancing international Chinese-language education and called for building “bridges” of communication, trust, and cultural exchange to enhance global understanding.

He stated that China’s ongoing development will continue to drive demand for Chinese-language learning worldwide, and outlined four priorities going forward:

  • Advancing innovation through digital tools—such as smart classrooms and shared online resources—to make learning more efficient;
  • Integrating Chinese-language education with vocational and professional training to expand practical application;
  • Strengthening people-to-people exchange through school partnerships, “Chinese Bridge” competitions, and programs that facilitate study in China;
  • Promoting openness and mutual learning among civilizations, supporting sinology and bilateral language exchange.

Source: People’s Daily, November 15, 2025
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202511/15/content_30114984.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Record Competition in China’s 2026 Civil Service Exam — 74 Applicants Per Position

Amid a slowing economy, many Chinese citizens are turning to government positions in search of security and reliable income. Civil service jobs, long regarded as a stable and prestigious career path, are now more fiercely pursued than ever.

The public written exam for the 2026 national civil service recruitment, covering central government agencies and directly affiliated institutions, was held on November 30 in 250 cities across 31 provinces. A total of 2.831 million people sat for the exam, competing for just 38,100 openings — an average of 74 candidates for every position.

Over the past several years, civil service recruitment numbers had grown steadily, increasing from 14,500 positions in 2019 to 39,700 in 2025. This year, however, marks the first contraction in years, with openings reduced by about 1,600 positions. In contrast, the number of applicants reached a historic high, intensifying competition to an unprecedented level.

One of the most competitive postings was the “First-Level Police Chief and Below (XIII)” position at the Ruili Repatriation Center under the National Immigration Administration. With 6,470 applicants vying for a single slot, it stood out as one of the most sought-after posts in the exam.

Sources:
1. People’s Daily, November 30, 2025
http://society.people.com.cn/n1/2025/1130/c1008-40614425.html
2. Epoch Times, November 30, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/11/30/n14645884.htm

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics Social Stability

Dutch Chipmaker Nexperia Urges China Unit to Resume Operations Amid Disruptions

In a public letter issued on November 28, 2025, Dutch chipmaker Nexperia called on its Chinese subsidiary — controlled by Wingtech Technology — to restore normal supply-chain operations. The company warned that clients across multiple industries have reported that their production is “on the verge of shutdown,” highlighting the urgent need to stabilize chip deliveries.

Wingtech immediately pushed back, describing Nexperia’s allegations as “grossly misleading and false.” The Chinese parent company claims the disruption stems from what it calls an unlawful effort by Nexperia’s Dutch management to strip Wingtech of corporate control and shareholder rights. According to Wingtech, these moves — launched after the Dutch government intervened to seize supervisory control of Nexperia in September 2025 — triggered the breakdown in internal cooperation and subsequent supply-chain paralysis.

The dispute now extends far beyond corporate governance. Supplies for global automotive and electronics manufacturers have already been disrupted, as Nexperia primarily packages and tests its chips in China — especially at its major facility in Dongguan, Guangdong Province — before exporting them worldwide. Current inventory buffers may last only a few months, raising industrywide concerns over potential semiconductor shortages should the stalemate continue.

Background:
Nexperia, formerly a division of Philips, was acquired in 2018 by Chinese electronics group Wingtech. Over the following years, the parent Chinese company shifted a significant share of the company’s semiconductor output to China, with assembly and testing centered in Dongguan while wafer fabrication remained in Europe. In September 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs invoked the wartime-era Goods Availability Act to take supervisory control of Nexperia, citing fears that core technology and intellectual property could be transferred to China. Beijing responded by halting exports of Nexperia-produced chips from China — disrupting the supply of key components for automakers and other global manufacturers and setting the stage for the current standoff.

Source: Epoch Times, November 28, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/11/28/n14645200.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

First China-Egypt Investment Forum Held in Cairo

CCP media outlet People’s Daily recently reported that the inaugural China–Egypt Investment Forum recently convened in Cairo, “bringing together more than 200 Chinese and Egyptian companies.” The event aimed to “deepen bilateral economic cooperation, highlight new investment opportunities, and create a stronger platform for industrial and commercial partnerships. It marks a significant step by both countries to further elevate their economic relationship and promote long-term cooperation.”

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan Hatib, said the Egyptian government is committed to attracting additional Chinese investment, expanding joint manufacturing and export bases, and strengthening the country’s industrial capabilities. He emphasized that Egypt “welcomes more Chinese enterprises and seeks to enhance collaboration in high-value sectors.”

Representing China, Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji noted that China has been Egypt’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. He highlighted the achievements of the China–Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, which now hosts nearly 200 companies, and stressed that China will continue supporting the development of Egypt’s industrial parks and investment environment.

Source: People’s Daily, November 12, 2025
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202511/12/content_30114463.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

Over Seven Banks Have Removed 5-Year Fixed Deposits from Their Offerings

Jiemian News, an online outlet under Shanghai United Media Group, recently reported that Chinese banks are accelerating efforts to shorten the maturity of their liabilities at an unprecedented pace. This shift has led to a rare development in the financial market: five-year fixed deposits—long regarded as a cornerstone savings product—are quietly disappearing from the product lists of numerous banks, including China’s six major state-owned lenders. Even three-year fixed-deposit products have begun to vanish.

The withdrawal of five-year deposits began with small and medium-sized banks. Rather than isolated incidents, the trend has shown signs of multiple outbreaks and gradual spread across the sector. According to incomplete statistics, since October 2025, more than seven small and medium-sized banks in Inner Mongolia, Guangdong, Beijing, and other regions have removed their five-year fixed-deposit offerings.

Analysts say the primary driver behind this shift is the widespread expectation of further interest-rate declines. To better manage risk and reduce the cost of long-term liabilities, many banks are adjusting their deposit-gathering strategies. The underlying pressure comes from the shrinking net interest margin (NIM)—a key profitability indicator for banks.

The industry generally considers a 1.8 percent NIM to be the minimum safe level for stable operations. However, the average NIM of Chinese banks has already fallen below 1.5 percent. Large state-owned commercial banks are seeing NIMs as low as 1.31 percent, with some major lenders dropping to 1.21 percent.

Sources:
(1) Jiemian, November 24, 2025
https://www.jiemian.com/article/13674700.html
(2) STCN, November 28, 2025
https://www.stcn.com/article/detail/3517404.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources