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Satellite Images Show Chinese Military Built “Mock Presidential Office” and “Mock Judicial Yuan” for Taiwan Invasion Drills

Japan’s Sankei Shimbun reports that satellite imagery obtained by the National Institute for Fundamental Studies of National Problems (Kokki Ken) reveals that China’s military has recently constructed a “mock Judicial Yuan” (Supreme Court) at its Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia.

Zhurihe, China’s largest military training base, already contains replicas of several Taiwanese government buildings, including a “mock Presidential Office” and a “mock Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” China Central Television (CCTV) previously broadcast footage of the mock Presidential Office during a 2015 live-fire Army exercise.

The “mock Presidential Office” and “mock Judicial Yuan” are connected by a 280-meter underground tunnel, reportedly designed to simulate a “decapitation strike” scenario targeting Taiwan’s leadership. Analysts suggest that these structures serve as tools not only for military training but also for psychological warfare – intended to project Beijing’s readiness and intimidate Taiwan.

Source: Radio France International, October 2, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/中国/20251002-日智库曝-中共在内蒙古扩建模拟台湾总统府-司法院建筑以强化斩首作战演练

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Xinhua: Putin Responds to Trump’s “Paper Tiger” Remark, Says NATO Doesn’t Even Qualify as One

Chinese state run Xinhua News Agency reported the following on October 3:

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the 22nd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim that Russia is a “paper tiger.” Putin remarked that even if Russia were a “paper tiger,” it would be a tough one, adding pointedly that NATO “doesn’t even qualify as a paper tiger.” He said, “Well if we are fighting with the entire NATO bloc, we are moving, advancing, and we feel confident, and we are a ‘paper tiger’, then what is NATO itself?”

Trump made his “paper tiger” remark late September, suggesting that Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine made it appear weak. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov countered that Russia was not a “paper tiger,” but a “real bear.” Although Trump later walked back his comment, saying he would stop calling anyone a “paper tiger,” he repeated the phrase days later while addressing U.S. military officers.

At the same event, Putin dismissed Western accusations that Russia was behind recent sightings of unidentified drones over Danish airspace, calling them a NATO ploy to “stoke tensions and push for higher defense spending.” He criticized the alliance for “hysterically” warning of conflict while supplying Ukraine with intelligence, weapons, and training. “I just want to say: Cool down, sleep calmly, and take care of your own problems,” Putin said.

Source: Xinhua, October 3, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20251003/047831289d014fd6a9f9eed247bc7147/c.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

China Joins Andean Community as Observer, Marking a New Chapter in Regional Cooperation

On September 30, the 31st regular meeting of the Andean Community (CAN) Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Bogotá, Colombia. During the session, member states unanimously approved a resolution to officially admit China as an observer country to the organization. This marks a significant milestone in China’s engagement with Latin American regional institutions.

Russian media outlet Sputnik News reported that CAN member nations praised China’s “consistent role in global governance and international affairs,” emphasizing that its observer status “carries historical importance.” They expressed hope that this development would “foster deeper cooperation, support regional economic integration, and promote sustainable development, while safeguarding the shared interests of developing countries.”

Zhang Liping, the chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Colombia, attended the meeting as China’s representative. In his remarks, Zhang commended CAN’s decision and reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Latin American partners to implement the “Five Major Projects” of the China-Latin America community with a shared future. He highlighted the potential for new bilateral and multilateral collaborations that would benefit both sides.

During the meeting, Ecuador assumed the rotating presidency of the CAN from Colombia for a one-year term.

Established in May 1969, the Andean Community is a key regional economic integration organization in Latin America. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, it currently comprises four member states: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Chile and Venezuela withdrew from the organization in 1976 and 2006, respectively. The CAN aims to harness regional resources, promote balanced and coordinated development among its members, eliminate tariff barriers, and accelerate the formation of a common market to advance economic integration.

Source: Sputnik News, October 1, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20251001/1067684092.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Lianhe Zaobao: Taiwan Restricts Chip Exports to South Africa

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that the South African government has repeatedly ignored Taiwan’s calls and cooperated with China to pressure the Taiwan representative mission to rename, relocate, and downgrade, in addition to delaying visa issuance to Taiwanese official personnel, posing a threat to Taiwan’s national security and public security. Therefore, the Ministry announced the implementation of export controls on 47 products including chips exported to South Africa.

The announcement stipulates that exports of these 47 items to South Africa require prior approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and that “license issuance will be suspended until the aforementioned hazards disappear.” An unnamed Taiwanese official confirmed that a temporary, complete export ban will be implemented with a 60-day notice period, with implementation expected as early as the end of November. Exports will still be permitted during the notice period. The official stated that the export suspension is a strong warning, and the announcement includes semiconductors, chips, memory, solar cells, and modules.

Taiwan’s TSMC produces most of the world’s most advanced chips, which are crucial for cars, artificial intelligence and industrial production. Automotive-grade chips are critical to South Africa’s strategic automobile industry roadmap.

In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Taiwan authorities’ relevant measures will not have any substantial impact on related industries in South Africa, but will only backfire.

However, China’s localization rate of domestic automotive-grade chips is currently about 15 percent. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology requires that the proportion of Chinese domestic procurement of automotive-grade chips reach 20-25 percent by 2025.

Sources:
1. Lianhe Zaobao, September 24, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20250924-7563226
2. Lianhe Zaobao, September 24, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20250924-7560993

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology

Luban Workshop: The CCP’s New Global Expansion Tool After the Confucius Institute

Following the global rollout of Confucius Institutes, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched another initiative to expand its influence abroad: the Luban Workshop, named after the ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban. Branded as an international cooperation project, it is officially described as a platform to share China’s vocational education expertise with the world. The first Luban Workshop was established in Thailand in 2016 by Tianjin Bohai Vocational Technical College.

Since then, China has set up 36 Luban Workshops in 30 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, spanning regions such as Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and ASEAN. Tianjin alone is responsible for 25 workshops in 23 countries, including 10 in SCO states. Recent developments include:

  • August 30, 2025: Kazakhstan inaugurated its second and third Luban Workshops, following its first in 2023.
  • August 31 – September 1, 2025: During the SCO Summit, China organized visits for foreign representatives and media to a Luban Workshop in Tianjin.
  • Early September 2025: Nepal opened its first Luban Workshop in Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley, combining Chinese-language instruction with training in electric power technologies to cultivate local technical and managerial talent.

The workshops serve multiple purposes: they train local workers to staff Chinese-built infrastructure projects such as high-speed railways and smart logistics systems, while also functioning as a vehicle for cultural and people-to-people exchange. Ultimately, the CCP views the Luban Workshop as both a vocational training platform and a soft-power instrument, seeking to strengthen its branding and expand China’s global influence.

Sources:
1. People’s Daily, September 8, 2025
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/pc/content/202509/08/content_30103645.html
2. People’s Daily, September 5, 2025
http://edu.people.com.cn/BIG5/n1/2025/0905/c1006-40557449.html

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

Chinese Cars Accelerate Market Dominance Across Middle East

Chinese automotive exports to the Middle East have surged dramatically, with annual vehicle exports reaching over one million units in 2024, a sixfold increase from approximately 150,000 units in 2019. This remarkable growth reflects the rising popularity of Chinese car brands in a market traditionally dominated by Western and Japanese manufacturers.

In Gulf countries where SUVs and pickup trucks have long been favored, previously unknown Chinese brands are now attracting increasing numbers of drivers. Jaafar al-Hayki from Bahrain drives a Chinese Changan SUV, impressed by its technological features and build quality. He notes that Chinese manufacturers focus extensively on entertainment functions and safety features while offering radar systems and sensors not found in comparable Japanese or Korean vehicles at similar price points.

Nasser al-Marri from Saudi Arabia recently replaced his American GMC Yukon with a Chinese Jetour SUV, choosing it because it offers high-end features comparable to German cars but at much more affordable prices. Despite some quality concerns, positive word-of-mouth and online reviews are driving adoption.

Recent research by Dubai-based CARMA revealed that 79 percent of Saudi respondents hold positive views of Chinese automobiles, compared to only 42 percent of American respondents, who have less exposure due to trade barriers. AlixPartners predicts Chinese brands’ Middle East market share will exceed one-third by 2030, up from 10 percent in 2024.

However, challenges remain. The biggest complaint from Chinese car owners is the lack of spare parts and maintenance services rather than durability issues. Some owners waited months for replacement parts or abandoned future Chinese car purchases due to expensive, hard-to-find components.

Chinese companies are responding by establishing maintenance infrastructure and announcing factory plans throughout the region. Egypt is positioned to become a manufacturing hub, with six major Chinese automotive companies potentially establishing local factories. If these plans materialize with sophisticated production processes and local workforce training, Chinese automotive expansion could generate profound economic impacts across the Middle East.

Source: BBC Chinese, September 27, 2025
https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c1dqzdgeg12o/simp

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China Launches World’s First Arctic Container Route to Europe, Cutting Transit to 18 Days

On September 23, 2025, China officially launched the world’s first Arctic container express shipping route linking China and Europe, reducing transit time to just 18 days – nearly 10 days faster than existing options. The new route, which passes through the Arctic Northeast Passage, underscores Beijing’s push to enhance logistics autonomy and expand trade opportunities amid growing global uncertainty.

The inaugural vessel, Istanbul Bridge, departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port bound for Felixstowe in the United Kingdom. Compared to the roughly 40 days required via the Suez Canal and 26 days on the China-Europe Express route to Germany’s Wilhelmshaven (opened in late 2024), the Arctic corridor offers a dramatic efficiency gain. It also cuts single-voyage carbon emissions by about 50 percent, aligning with global green shipping goals.

Beyond logistics, the initiative advances China’s Belt and Road strategy by reducing dependence on traditional chokepoints like the Suez Canal, which has faced repeated disruptions due to conflict and geopolitical instability. The project also highlights deepened China-Russia cooperation, with Beijing signaling readiness to work with Moscow and other partners on Arctic infrastructure development.

For Chinese enterprises, the route offers a stable alternative amid economic headwinds and rising protectionism, ensuring faster, more reliable delivery for high-tech goods and perishables. Still, challenges remain: harsh Arctic conditions demand specialized vessels, advanced safety systems, and major investment. Despite these hurdles, the Arctic express marks a milestone in global logistics—signaling China’s intent to diversify trade routes, expand influence, and elevate the Arctic as a new hub of international commerce.

Source: Sputnik News, September 23, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250923/1067558704.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China’s C909 Jet Gains Ground in Southeast Asia and Beyond

On September 9, Cambodia Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to purchase 10 C909 regional jets, with an option for 10 more – marking another step in China’s aviation push in Southeast Asia.

Formerly known as the ARJ21 until its renaming in November 2024, the C909 is China’s first independently developed regional jet under international standards. Seating 78–97 passengers and designed for short-haul routes of 2,225–3,700 km, it is well-suited to Southeast Asia’s island geography. By comparison, COMAC’s larger C919 can carry up to 190 passengers on longer routes.

As of July 2025, COMAC has delivered 166 C909s, carrying over 24 million passengers on 700 routes. Airlines in Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam operate seven of them on 15 routes linking 18 cities. Flexible financing and leasing terms give COMAC an edge over Boeing and Airbus among budget-conscious regional carriers.

Beyond passenger use, COMAC delivered its first C909 medical aircraft on the same day to China Feilong General Aviation. With a 10-ton payload and 3,700 km range, it can be configured for rescue missions, patient transport, and disaster relief – part of a broader effort to build a national and international air-medical network.

While the C919 still awaits FAA/EASA certification, the C909 is already gaining international traction. Backed by domestic demand, government support, and overseas uptake, COMAC is poised to expand its role in global aviation.

Source: Net Ease, September 10, 2025
https://www.163.com/dy/article/K942TO980519ACLG.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend