Skip to content

Briefings - 3. page

Guangxi Accelerates AI Integration as New Technologies Target ASEAN Markets

On December 26, the “A-Super Night” event of the AI Empowerment Super League was held at Guangxi University, highlighting the growing integration of artificial intelligence across multiple industries under the model of “R&D in Beijing or Shanghai, integration in Guangxi, and application in ASEAN.” Four companies unveiled a range of new AI products aimed at industrial upgrading and deeper regional cooperation.

Among the highlights was “Rundao XingSuan,” Guangxi’s first token-priced intelligent computing platform. Designed to turn computing power into a shared public resource, the platform aggregates dispersed computing capacity and provides affordable, on-demand access. Organizers described it as a “computing utility,” offering inclusive AI infrastructure for Guangxi while extending computing services to ASEAN markets.

Other innovations included an AI-enabled robotic microbiology testing laboratory that enhances efficiency and safety, the “Smart Cube” immersive service robot for tourism and commercial venues, and three ASEAN-oriented AI products focused on smart agriculture, AI-driven Chinese language education, and intelligent ERP systems for small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, these releases underscore Guangxi’s emerging role as a key hub connecting China’s AI research capabilities with real-world applications across Southeast Asia.

Source: People’s Daily, December 27, 2025
http://gx.people.com.cn/n2/2025/1227/c179464-41455803.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology

Chinese Official Calls for Politically Reliable Buddhist Leadership

Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with senior members of the Buddhist Association of China on December 28–29, urging the organization to cultivate a politically reliable pool of Buddhist leaders and talent. He emphasized that Buddhist leaders and believers should adhere to the guidance and direction of the Communist Party of China.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 11th National Congress of the Buddhist Association of China, which took place in Beijing. According to the People’s Daily, Wang stressed that the association must strengthen its ideological and political leadership, guiding Buddhist figures and followers to practice socialist core values and to establish what he described as “correct” views on the nation, history, ethnicity, culture, and religion.

Wang also called for continued efforts to advance the sinicization of Buddhism, stating that Buddhist doctrines, management systems, rituals, customs, and behavioral norms should reflect Chinese characteristics and align with contemporary social requirements. He underscored the importance of implementing comprehensive and strict religious governance, enhancing legal education, and ensuring that clergy comply with laws and regulations while maintaining appropriate religious practices.

Additionally, Wang highlighted the need to cultivate Buddhist personnel who are politically reliable, religiously knowledgeable, morally respected, and capable of assuming responsibilities when required. He specifically emphasized developing “dual-competency” individuals who are well versed in Buddhist teachings and deeply knowledgeable about traditional Chinese culture.

During the congress, the Buddhist Association of China reviewed the work report of its 10th Council, adopted revised association regulations and religious rules, and elected a new leadership team. The meeting marks another step in the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of religious organizations and ensure their alignment with Communist Party priorities.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), December 30, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202512300169.aspx

Briefings | | |   Social Stability

China’s Export Data Inflated by Government-Backed Fraud Scheme

A comprehensive investigation by Chinese financial media outlet Yicai has exposed widespread fraud in China’s export statistics, revealing that local governments have not only permitted but actively orchestrated schemes to artificially inflate trade figures. This comes as Beijing announced that its trade surplus for the first eleven months exceeded $1 trillion, reaching a historic high.

The report details a systematic fraud involving “bought export data,” where shell companies purchase export statistics from customs brokers to claim government subsidies. Unlike traditional tax fraud schemes, these operations rely on local government rewards for export performance. Companies establish numerous shell entities with foreign trade qualifications, purchase export data that never actually occurred in their registered locations, and receive financial incentives based on these fabricated figures.

In one case from an inland province, defendants allegedly established shell companies across multiple locations and purchased export data from other provinces, defrauding the government of over 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in export incentives. A similar case in southwestern China involved more than 100 shell companies and fraudulent claims exceeding 200 million yuan ($27.6 million).

Evidence suggests local governments not only knew about these practices but actively participated. Family members of defendants stated the schemes were designed to “cooperate with the government in achieving performance targets.” Some officials provided explicit or implicit support, with one former commerce bureau chief receiving millions in kickbacks through profit-sharing arrangements.

Legal expert Shi Zhengwen from China University of Political Science and Law criticized the export incentive policies, arguing they distort market competition and violate international trade rules. He noted that such data manipulation contradicts Beijing’s stated goals of high-quality development and creating a world-class business environment, suggesting local governments prioritize short-term targets over genuine economic progress.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), December 29, 2025 https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202512290314.aspx

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

China Requires Social Media Screening for Civil Service Recruitment

Multiple regions across China are now examining candidates’ online behavior and social media activity as part of civil service recruitment, according to recent reports from the China Organization and Personnel News, a publication under China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

In Shandong province, authorities have implemented comprehensive background checks that scrutinize applicants’ political ideology, career motivations, and value orientations. Investigators visit workplaces, communities, residential compounds, and candidates’ homes to assess their conduct both during and outside working hours. For those who frequently changed jobs, investigators extend inquiries to previous employers to evaluate work performance and public perception. Collaborating with internet and public security departments, authorities review online statements of key personnel to understand their true character both in person and online, firmly screening out those deemed politically unqualified.

Hubei province conducts similar assessments covering candidates’ work circles, social circles, and personal development. Investigators physically visit educational institutions, workplaces, and residences while monitoring daily online behavior. They randomly examine posts in alumni groups and other public platforms, reviewing social media accounts for content shared, followed accounts, likes, and comments to gauge political stance, values, and personal interests.

In Xinjiang’s Altay region, civil service recruitment now includes screening for risky online behaviors such as posting inappropriate content, spreading false information, engaging in online gambling, or illegal lending on social media platforms.

A professor from the Central Party School noted that while political, value-based, and moral requirements have always been central to civil service examinations, the scrutiny of candidates’ online and offline conduct has become increasingly detailed. Following these announcements, training institutions in Hubei have advised candidates to self-examine their online behavior and maintain appropriate conduct both online and offline.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), December 27, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202512270058.aspx

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

People’s Daily: Nearly 495,000 Overseas Students Returned to China in 2024, Up 19.1 Percent Year on Year

China’s Ministry of Education said that 495,000 Chinese students who studied overseas returned to China in 2024, a 19.1 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting a growing trend of overseas talent returning home. The announcement was made at the 30th anniversary of the “Chunhui Plan” and the 2025 Chunhui Innovation and Entrepreneurship Exchange held in Shanghai.

Since 1978, 8.88 million Chinese students have studied abroad, with 6.44 million eventually returning to China. Of these, 5.63 million have returned since the 18th Chinese Communist Party’s National Congress (when Xi Jinping came into power in 2012), accounting for about 87 percent of all returnees, providing strong support for China’s economic and technological development.

Source: People’s Daily, December 12, 2025
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2025/1212/c1002-40622757.html

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology

LTN: Russia Suspected of Developing A Space Weapon Aiming Starlink Satellites

Major Taiwanese news network Liberty Times Network (LTN) recently reported that, as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fourth year, the threat level in the space arena has risen again. Intelligence agencies in two NATO member states suspect that Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon primarily targeting Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation. This weapon is not intended for a single target, but rather to cripple Western space superiority over a wide area by releasing a devastating cloud of shrapnel.

Intelligence documents revealed that this weapon, dubbed “zone-effect,” is planned to release hundreds of thousands of high-density microparticles in orbit. These particles may be released by a constellation of small, yet-to-be-launched satellites, and once deployed, they would simultaneously disrupt multiple Starlink satellites, severing the communication and guidance links that the Ukrainian army relies on for survival on the battlefield. These deadly particles are only a few millimeters in diameter and are virtually undetectable by existing ground-based and space-based radar systems, making tracing accountability extremely difficult. This is different from the anti-satellite missiles previously tested by Russia. However, the newly developed “zone-effect” weapon has a wider kill radius and is more difficult to defend against.

Analysts have questioned the practicality of this weapon. Such indiscriminate attacks could trigger an out-of-control chain reaction, potentially destroying not only Starlink but also Russia’s own satellites and those of its allies, like China. Starlink orbits at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers. Over time, debris will fall into the Earth, threatening China’s Tiangong space station and the International Space Station (ISS) – both operate in lower orbits.

Source: LTN, December 22, 2025
https://def.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5286318

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

CNA: Porsche Sales in China Plummeted

Primary Taiwanese news agency Central News Agency (CNA) recently reported that, in the first three quarters of this year, Porsche sold only 32,000 vehicles in China, a sharp drop of 26 percent compared to the same period last year, and a nearly two-thirds drop from the peak sales of 95,000 vehicles in 2021.

German luxury car brand Porsche entered the Chinese market in 2001, and its sales have continued to climb ever since. In 2015, China became Porsche’s largest single market globally. During peak sales periods, Chinese consumers even had to pay extra to buy a Porsche. However, since the significant growth of new energy vehicles in China in 2023, Porsche’s sales in the Chinese market have been under pressure, with the decline becoming increasingly larger in the past two years. Its electric vehicles are expensive, but their smart features are not as advanced as those of Chinese electric vehicles.

Very recently, Porsche China confirmed to the media that the company’s self-built charging network will gradually cease operation starting March 1st, 2026, closing a total of about 200 charging stations. In the meantime, Porsche centers in large cities of Zhengzhou and Guiyang lately closed down without warning – showrooms were emptied overnight, prompting car owners who were unwilling to accept their losses to call the police.

Source: CNA, December 26, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202512260226.aspx

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

U.S. Bans Imports of New Drone Models from DJI

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added all foreign-made drones and components, including those from China’s DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, and China’s Autel Robotics, to its “Controlled List,” prohibiting the approval of new drone models for import or sale in the United States. The FCC determined that these foreign companies pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement expressing its firm opposition, stating that the United States has repeatedly generalized the concept of national security and used state power to suppress companies from other countries, which is a typical practice of market distortion and unilateral bullying. Meanwhile Chinese Foreign Ministry also stated that it firmly opposes the U.S.’s overgeneralization of the concept of national security, its creation of discriminatory lists, and its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies, and urged the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices – or China will resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, December 23, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20251223-8007543

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations