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Monthly Archives: August 2025 - 4. page

Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula Discussed Uniting Against U.S. on Tariffs and Protectionism

The U.S. has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, prompting Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to hold a phone call on August 12, according to Xinhua News Agency. Xi stressed that all countries should unite and firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Lula briefed Xi on Brazil’s recent relations with the U.S. and reiterated Brazil’s firm stance on defending national sovereignty. He praised China for upholding multilateralism, safeguarding free trade rules, and playing a responsible role in international affairs. Lula added that Brazil is willing to strengthen coordination with China within BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, jointly opposing unilateral bullying and defending common interests.

Xi emphasized that China-Brazil ties are at their best period in history. He affirmed China’s support for Brazil’s defense of sovereignty and legitimate rights. He called on all countries to unite and take a clear stand against unilateralism and protectionism. Xi further underlined that the BRICS mechanism is a key platform for building Global South consensus, and that developing countries should unite to safeguard fairness, justice, international norms, and their rightful interests.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), August 12, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202508120118.aspx

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Timeline of Events: Philippines-China Naval Collision near Scarborough Shoal (Since August 11) (Updated)

August 11 – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) escorted a supply vessel delivering provisions to local fishermen near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 pursued the PCG vessel BRP Suluan at high speed, ultimately colliding with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) frigate Guilin. The PCG released video footage of the incident, stating that the collision severely damaged CCG 3104’s bow, leaving it unseaworthy.

August 12 – A Chinese J-15 fighter jet intercepted a PCG light aircraft conducting a maritime patrol over Scarborough Shoal. The jet reportedly approached within 200 feet (about 61 meters) and executed dangerous maneuvers above the Philippine aircraft.

August 13 – The United States deployed two warships to the contested waters in what it called a “freedom of navigation” operation. This marked the first U.S. warship entry in at least six years. Beijing claimed that the Chinese military monitored and “drove away” the USS Higgins, a U.S. destroyer near the shoal.

August 14 – Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez stated that Manila and Washington are discussing the possible deployment of Naval Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) missile launchers. He noted these anti-ship systems could be stationed along Philippine coastlines and outlying islands facing the South China Sea to deter hostile actions.

August 15 – At a press conference, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin blamed the Philippines for the collision, accusing PCG vessels of “repeatedly engaging in dangerous maneuvers, including high-speed charges and sharp turns across the bows of Chinese ships.”
On the same day, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro rejected Beijing’s claims, stating, “The Philippines bears no responsibility for the collision between the PLAN vessel and the CCG vessel in Bajo de Masinloc. It was an unfortunate outcome, but not one caused by our actions.”

August 15 – Australia and the Philippines launched their largest-ever joint military exercise, codenamed Exercise ALON. More than 3,600 personnel took part, including members of the Royal Canadian Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Darwin Rotational Force.

August 19 – The Philippine, Australian, and Canadian navies conducted a joint sail in the South China Sea. The Philippine frigate BRP Rizal, the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Quebec City participated in the operation.

Sources:
1. Radio France International, August 15, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/国际/20250815-菲外长-菲律宾不对中国舰船相撞事件负责，再次要求中方就去年6月登船事件赔偿
2. Deutsche Well, August 13, 2025
https://www.dw.com/zh/中国军方称驱离进入黄岩岛海域的美军驱逐舰/a-73624543
3. Australia Broadcasting Corporation, August 14, 2025
https://www.abc.net.au/chinese/2025-08-15/us-and-philippines-discuss-more-missile-system-deployments-/105657476
4. Radio France International, August 19, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn国际/20250819-菲澳-阿隆-演习期间-菲澳加三国在南海联合航行

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

China Advances Brain-Computer Interface Industry Development with New Policy Framework

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with six other government departments, has jointly issued an implementation plan to accelerate the innovative development of the brain-computer interface (BCI) industry. The comprehensive policy outlines ambitious targets for the emerging technology sector through 2030.

By 2027, China aims to achieve breakthrough progress in key BCI technologies while establishing advanced technical, industrial, and standardization systems. The plan specifically targets international-level performance in electrodes, chips, and integrated products. Applications are expected to expand rapidly across industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer sectors, with the creation of 2-3 specialized industrial clusters and the development of new scenarios, models, and business formats.

Brain-computer interfaces create information channels between the brain and machines, enabling collaborative interaction between biological and artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge technology represents the convergence of life sciences and information sciences. The sector continues generating innovative breakthroughs and experiencing accelerated industrial growth, positioning itself as a critical area where technological and industrial innovation deeply integrate.

The implementation plan outlines five major tasks: strengthening basic software and hardware research, developing high-performance products, promoting technology application, expanding innovation entities, and enhancing industrial support capabilities. These are supported by three key projects focusing on core software/hardware development, premium integrated systems, and application expansion, detailed through 17 specific measures.

By 2030, China envisions significantly enhanced BCI industry innovation capabilities, establishing a secure and reliable industrial ecosystem. The plan targets cultivating 2-3 globally influential leading enterprises alongside numerous specialized small and medium enterprises, ultimately building an internationally competitive industry landscape.

Source: People’s Daily, August 15, 2025
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202508/15/content_30096117.html

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology

U.S. Ambassador to Panama Urged Li Ka-shing to Give Up Port Operating Rights

Major Taiwanese news network Liberty Times Network (LTN) recently reported that, in March, Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings Group announced that it would sell its Panama Canal and 43 other port businesses to an investment team consisting of U.S. firm BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The exclusive negotiation period between the two parties expired at the end of July.

CK Hutchison Holdings immediately issued a statement saying it would continue negotiations with the investment team and consider inviting major strategic investors from China to join. So far, COSCO is the only Chinese company allowed by Beijing to participate in the negotiations. U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera pointed out that CK Hutchison Holdings is a “communist company” and any operator with ties to China must withdraw from operations at the main ports of the Panama Canal.

COSCO is seeking to acquire a stake of 20 to 30 percent in this deal. One proposal would see COSCO acquire stakes in 41 ports, excluding two Panama Canal ports. U.S. Ambassador Cabrera stressed that Washington supports replacing CK Hutchison Holdings.

In the meantime, the Panamanian government has also taken action. It has filed a lawsuit against the operator of the two key Panama Canal ports, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino emphasized that if the court rules that the renewal contract for the ports’ operating rights is invalid, Panama will reclaim the rights.

Source: LTN, August 9, 2025
https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5137917

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations

HKET: DeepSeek Delayed New AI Model Due to Technical Issues with Huawei AI Chips

Hong Kong Economic Times (HKET), the leading financial daily in Hong Kong, recently reported that Chinese AI vendor DeepSeek delayed its new AI model release originally planned for this May. DeepSeek failed its model training plan due to the use of Huawei Ascend AI chips.

After DeepSeek released its R1 model this January, which caused a major setback in the U.S. stock market, the company was encouraged by the Chinese authorities to use Huawei’s Ascend AI processors instead of NVidia chips to train its AI models.

However, DeepSeek encountered persistent technical problems while training R2 on Huawei Ascend chips. Huawei sent a dedicated team of engineers to DeepSeek’s office to help develop the R2 model using its AI chip. However, even with the team present, DeepSeek was unable to successfully train on the Ascend chip. DeepSeek has now abandoned Huawei AI chips and switched to Nvidia for AI model training. In the meantime, DeepSeek is still working with Huawei to make the R2 model compatible with Ascend chips for inference tasks only.

DeepSeek’s latest woes show that Chinese AI chips still lag behind their American competitors in key tasks, highlighting the challenges China faces in achieving technological self-sufficiency.

Source: HKET, August 14, 2025
https://inews.hket.com/article/3993355

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

China Introduces New K-Visa to Attract Foreign Tech Talent

China announced significant immigration reforms today, introducing a new “K-visa” category specifically designed to attract young foreign science and technology professionals. The changes, set to take effect October 1st, represent a major shift in the country’s approach to international talent acquisition.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed the State Council decree modifying the “Regulations on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners in the People’s Republic of China.” The new K-visa will be issued to young foreign tech talent from renowned universities or research institutions worldwide, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The K-visa offers substantial advantages over China’s existing 12 regular visa categories. Holders will enjoy greater flexibility in terms of entry frequency, validity period, and duration of stay. Once in China, visa holders can engage in educational, technological, and cultural exchanges, as well as entrepreneurship and business activities.

Notably, the K-visa eliminates the traditional requirement for domestic employment or invitation from a Chinese organization. The application process has been streamlined, with specific requirements limited to age restrictions and educational background or work experience in relevant fields. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in STEM fields from recognized institutions or have professional experience in education or research at such organizations.

The Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, and National Immigration Administration collaborated on these reforms. Specific eligibility criteria and requirements will be published on Chinese consular websites.

Officials emphasized that “China’s development requires global talent participation, and China’s development provides opportunities for global talent.” This initiative aligns with China’s “Strategy to Empower the Country with Talent for the New Era,” aimed at facilitating international cooperation and exchange among young technology professionals while strengthening the nation’s technological capabilities through foreign expertise.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), August 14, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202508140374.aspx

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China to Donate to UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Xinhua News Agency reported that China continued financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). On August 13, China’s Office to Palestine signed a donation agreement with UNRWA in Amman, the capital of Jordan.

At the signing ceremony, Zeng Jixin, head of China’s office in Palestine, said that “UNRWA is currently facing severe difficulties and challenges, which China views with deep concern.” He stressed that “China has always firmly supported UNRWA in fulfilling its mandate, and will continue to take concrete actions to back its work, helping to ease the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

Since Israel’s law banning UNRWA operations took effect at the end of January this year, the agency’s public services for Palestinian refugees have been curtailed.

(Editor’s Note: The Israeli government and some Western governments have questioned the UNRWA’s operations being biased against Israel and even supporting anti-Israel activities.)

Source: Xinhua, August 13, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20250813/386634e8a5c6467cab56d0abd9cff95e/c.html

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

Former HK Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying Intimidates Falun Gong Practitioners in Helsinki Park

Leung Chun-ying was the Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2017 and is now Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

On the afternoon of August 13, around 2:15 p.m., Leung was walking with his wife in Helsinki’s Sibelius Park when they noticed a group of Falun Gong practitioners. He approached them and pressured the practitioners to reveal personal details including their names, places of birth, and organizational affiliation, and suggested they were paid to practice publicly and collect petitions. He also denied the reality of human rights abuses faced by Falun Gong practitioners in China, calling it all “lies.” His remarks carried an overt tone of political intimidation. Two others accompanied him.

The Falun Dafa Information Center has obtained an on-site recording of Leung threatening the practitioners. According to the Center, his remarks resembled an interrogation rather than a dialogue and repeated the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) narrative.

“You don’t dare say your full name, your surname,” Leung said. “You don’t dare say how much money, you don’t dare say where the money comes from.” He added, “Once we have your names, when we go back we can immediately check (the CCP’s surveillance database), one by one.” In the video, Leung openly admitted he had monitored and scrutinized Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong. He said, “(For those Falun Gong people) in Hong Kong, after many years, we’ve investigated everything thoroughly.”

The Falun Gong practitioners remained calm and contacted Finnish police. Police arrived shortly after Leung and his entourage left, took statements from the practitioners, and confirmed that their activities at the site were legal and protected under Finnish law.

Source: Epoch Times, August 17, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/8/16/n14574978.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics