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Monthly Archives: September 2025 - 2. page

Huanqiu Times: Russian Foreign Minister Says Russia and U.S. Agree on Preventing Escalation Despite Divergent Interests

On September 27, following his address to the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a press conference.

Responding to a question from a CCTV reporter on U.S.–Russia relations, Lavrov stated: “In most cases, the interests of Russia and the United States do not coincide. What matters most in such situations is to prevent developments from escalating into conflict or confrontation, and certainly to avoid further deterioration. On this point, Russia and the U.S. are fully aligned.”

When asked about India’s purchase of Russian oil, Lavrov said: “We fully respect India’s national interests, as well as Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy in defending them. Our top leadership is in regular contact… A state visit by President Putin to New Delhi is currently being prepared for December.” He added that the Russia–India agenda spans trade, finance, cultural exchanges, healthcare, and high technology, while the two countries continue to maintain close coordination on the international stage.

Sources:
1. Huanqiu Tims, September 27, 2025
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4OVLeI1yfct
2. Huanqiu Tims, September 28, 2025
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4OVc3Hh2MJf

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China’s Declining Birth Rate Sparks Nationwide Kindergarten Closures

China is facing a mounting crisis in early childhood education as declining marriage and birth rates lead to a sharp drop in newborns. According to a 2024 statistical report from the Ministry of Education, the number of kindergartens nationwide fell from 274,400 to 253,300, with 21,100 closures in a single year. Private kindergartens accounted for the bulk of the decline, with over 18,000 shutting down. The sector is further strained by a dramatic reduction in preschool teachers, with 241,800 losing their jobs in 2024 alone – an average of more than 600 per day. Experts predict that by 2025, roughly 26,000 kindergartens could close, and by 2030, only about 163,700 are expected to remain, averaging 15,000 closures annually.

Commentators warn that this wave of kindergarten closures reflects a broader demographic challenge: China’s birth rate has been declining sharply since 2016. Soaring living costs, skyrocketing housing prices, and childcare expenses consuming more than 50 percent of family income have left many young couples struggling, particularly working women who must balance careers and childbearing. Analysts note that young people are not unwilling to have children – they simply cannot afford to raise them.

If the trend continues, the consequences could ripple across the education system, affecting elementary and secondary schools as well as universities. In addition, the shrinking population could impact workforce supply and pension sustainability.

Source: Epoch Times, September 20, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/20/n14598656.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Social Stability

Xi Jinping Urges Zhi Gong Party to Rally Overseas Chinese in Support of CCP Leadership

The China Zhi Gong Party, one of the eight officially recognized minor “democratic parties” in China, is primarily composed of returned overseas Chinese, their relatives, and other prominent individuals with international ties.

At an event marking its 100th anniversary, Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter praising the party’s long-standing cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

In his message, Xi called on the Zhi Gong Party to uphold CCP leadership, strengthen internal development, and unite overseas Chinese communities to contribute to China’s modernization and national revival.

Source: People’s Daily, September 20, 2025
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202509/20/content_30106036.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Taiwan Warns That Beijing’s Tightening Control Over Religion Poses Risks to Taiwanese Believers

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has voiced concern over Beijing’s growing control of religious activities, noting that several Taiwanese Yiguandao followers remain stranded in China. The council urged Beijing to respect religious freedom rather than continue its suppression.

The MAC highlighted that China’s new “Regulations on Online Conduct for Religious Clergy” infringe upon freedom of belief and are administered by the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, which has sought to impose party ideology on religion.

The council emphasized that Beijing has no jurisdiction over Taiwan and condemned China’s attempt to extend extraterritorial control to Taiwanese religious figures. It further warned that although Beijing claims to support cross-strait religious exchanges, it routinely imposes restrictions when activities do not align with political or propaganda objectives.

The MAC advised Taiwanese religious organizations and individuals traveling to China to remain highly vigilant and pay close attention to potential risks to their personal safety.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), September 18, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202509180334.aspx

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Sputnik: Russia and China Working on Joint Depository System to Bypass Western Financial Infrastructure

Russian state outlet Sputnik reported that Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told Izvestia in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are jointly developing their own depository system as an alternative to Euroclear and Clearstream.

“If the West closes its financial infrastructure to us, we must create an alternative,” Siluanov said. “We are discussing this complex but very important issue with our colleagues from the People’s Republic of China.”

Siluanov explained: “Our goal is to enable investors to freely purchase securities from one country in another without restrictions or obstacles, and to allow them to invest in our two countries’ securities with confidence. We have already raised this topic in our financial dialogue with China’s Ministry of Finance.”

Source: Sputnik, September 19, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250919/1067520001.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

CCP Wolf Warrior in Denmark Rebuked After Demanding Expulsion of Taiwan Representative from Japanese Diplomatic Reception

In February this year, Wang Xuefeng, China’s ambassador to Denmark appointed in 2024, openly demanded at a reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Copenhagen that the Taiwanese representative leave immediately, threatening to lodge a formal protest otherwise. Both Japan and Denmark ignored Wang’s demand and stood firm. Under the tense atmosphere, Wang resorted to pointing at the Taiwanese representative with a menacing expression before hastily leaving the venue in embarrassment.

Analysts noted that Wang’s behavior flagrantly violated diplomatic protocol, offending not only the host nation, Japan, but also Denmark as the host country. The incident highlighted Beijing’s disregard for international norms and diplomatic etiquette, offering Denmark’s diplomatic community a clearer view of the Chinese Communist Party’s abrasive and heavy-handed conduct.

Source: Epoch Times, September 16, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/16/n14595561.htm

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

Beijing Detains Chinese International Student During Trip to Visit Family in China, Charged with Supporting Tibetan Independence

The Chinese Youth Support Tibet Association reported on September 20 that Zhang Yadi, a Chinese student who had been studying in France, returned to China in July to visit her family and then went missing for several days. On July 31, she was taken into criminal detention by the National Security Bureau in Changsha, Hunan Province, on suspicion of “inciting national separatism.” Lawyers appointed by her family were denied access to meet her, with authorities citing “state secrets” as the reason.

While studying in Paris, Zhang, fluent in Chinese, Tibetan, English, and French, actively engaged in academic and social issues. She supported the Blank Paper Movement – a protest against China’s zero-COVID and lockdown policies – and contributed to the editorial work of the Chinese Youth Support Tibet Association. The platform, which emerged after the movement, seeks to rally Chinese youth in support of Tibet, promote Tibetan culture, ease ethnic tensions, and advance transitional justice and reconciliation.

Analysts say Zhang’s detention reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s transnational crackdown. The CCP is closely monitoring Chinese students’ human rights activities abroad, fostering a climate of fear that extends even to those overseas.

Source: Central News Agency, September 20, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202509200189.aspx

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics

Commentary on China’s Xiangshan Forum

The Xiangshan Forum, organized by China, is designed as a counterpart to the Western-led Shangri-La Dialogue, promoting an “Eastern security order” under Beijing’s leadership and consolidating its network of preferred allies. The 2025 forum was held from September 17 to 19.

China’s Message
In his keynote speech, Defense Minister Dong Jun made the following points:

  1. Emphasized China’s commitment to upholding international order while firmly opposing any “Taiwan independence” efforts, stating that China is prepared to counter external military interventions.
  2. Criticized certain foreign nations for invoking “freedom of navigation” in the South China Sea and citing international arbitration in ways that challenge fundamental principles of international relations.
  3. Highlighted the importance of maintaining a “UN-centered international system” as the framework for global peace and stability.

Reduced Prestige and Media Coverage
Analysts noted that this year’s forum appeared less prestigious than expected. Traditionally, a high-profile Xiangshan Forum requires three elements: a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, a keynote speech by the defense minister, and front-page coverage by central media such as Xinhua and People’s Daily. This year, Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter was absent, signaling a downgrade in the forum’s status. Although Dong Jun delivered a keynote again, Xinhua’s coverage omitted photos of him speaking, in contrast to last year’s reports, which featured large images highlighting his presence. The official Xinhua release this year contained only 382 words, whereas minor events, such as a dinner hosted by Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, received nearly 600 words of coverage.

Lower Level of U.S. Representation
Foreign participation also declined. The Pentagon reported that the U.S. sent a defense attaché from its embassy in China, rather than a higher-ranking deputy assistant secretary of defense as in previous years. U.S. officials stated that the attaché’s attendance represented an appropriate level of participation.

Sources:
1. Radio France International, September 18, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/专栏检索/要闻解说/20250918-北京香山论坛-中国防长讲话更显强硬
2. Secret China, September 19, 2025
https://www.secretchina.com/news/gb/2025/09/19/1088319.html

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