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Yonhap News Agency: Seoul Police Probe Right-Wing Group for Insulting China

The Seoul Namdaemun Police Station recently summoned members of the right-wing group “Free University,” which supports former President Yoon Suk-yeol, to appear for questioning on August 11. On the evening of July 22, around 8 p.m., the group held a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, condemning alleged election fraud. During the rally, they tore a banner printed with the Chinese national flag and portraits of President Xi Jinping and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming, insulting the embassy.

Article 108 of South Korea’s Criminal Act stipulates that insulting or defaming foreign envoys stationed in South Korea may result in imprisonment for up to three years or detention.

Source: Yonhap News Agency, August 10, 2025
https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20250810000200881

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics

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

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

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

Beijing and Moscow Fund African Influencers to Spread Anti–U.S. Messaging

Media experts and insiders report that Chinese and Russian actors are paying social media influencers across Africa—particularly on TikTok—to promote anti–U.S. narratives, often targeting the Trump administration. Influencers earn anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month by sharing misinformation and propaganda benefiting Beijing and Moscow.

Notably, according to a study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, nearly 200 such campaigns have been identified across African regions, with a concentration in Southern and West Africa. Some influencers receive content-ready narratives and are compensated based on engagement, with one stating they earn roughly $3 per liked post and do not have direct contact with those sponsoring the content.

These operations fill an “information void” in Africa created by reduced U.S. aid to media, making the continent particularly susceptible to disinformation campaigns.

Source: Epoch Times, August 4, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/8/2/n14565971.htm

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

To Counter Beijing’s Advancement, U.S. Starts Discussion with Cook Islands on Joint Seabed Mineral Exploration

The U.S. Department of State announced on August 5, that the United States and the Cook Islands issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the responsible exploration and study of seabed mineral resources, aligning scientific advancement with economic sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Cook Islands, located between New Zealand and Hawaii, consists of 15 islands and atolls. It is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Under its constitution, the two sides must consult on matters of security, defense, and foreign policy. Earlier this year, without consulting New Zealand, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown approved a cooperation agreement with China. New Zealand subsequently suspended aid to the Cook Islands, stating it would only resume once the latter took “concrete measures” to restore trust.

In recent years, Beijing has signed security, trade, and financial agreements with several Pacific island nations, raising growing concerns among Western countries – traditionally dominant in the Pacific – about China’s plans to expand its influence in the region.

Source: Radio France International, August 6, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/国际/20250806-美国开始与库克群岛进行海底矿产勘探和开发研究谈判

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend