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European Parliament Adopts Resolution Condemning Transnational Repression, Cites China as Primary Concern

On June 16, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution titled “Countering Transnational Repression: A European Strategy for Sovereignty and Democratic Values.” The resolution identifies transnational repression by authoritarian governments as a growing threat to democratic societies, arguing that it undermines freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the resilience of democratic institutions across Europe.

The resolution expresses particular concern over the Chinese government’s alleged use of overseas organizations to systematically monitor, intimidate, and pressure dissidents and Chinese diaspora communities in Europe. It also accuses Beijing of abusing INTERPOL mechanisms to target political opponents abroad and of attempting to suppress academic research on issues including forced labor, supply chains, Tibet, and Taiwan. The resolution further cites efforts to pressure cultural institutions and artists to cancel events involving Taiwan.

The resolution calls on the European Union and its member states to strengthen coordination in countering transnational repression through enhanced legislation, stronger protections for victims, improved accountability mechanisms, and targeted sanctions.

Source: China Aid, June 22, 2026
https://www.chinaaid.net/2026/06/blog-post_52.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics

Hungary’s New Government Tightens Scrutiny of Chinese Firms Over Environmental and Labor Concerns

Hungary’s newly elected TISZA government has adopted a markedly tougher stance toward Chinese companies, ending the preferential treatment they enjoyed under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Since taking office after Orbán’s defeat in the April 2026 election, the new government has launched high-profile investigations into battery maker CATL and automaker BYD, signaling a broader shift toward stricter enforcement of environmental and labor regulations.

In June, Hungarian authorities initiated legal proceedings against CATL’s battery plant in Debrecen after it illegally discharged industrial wastewater into the municipal sewer system. Although the company completed remedial measures and issued a public apology, authorities revoked its wastewater pre-treatment permit, ordered a special investigation, and indicated that fines would follow. Local officials also raised concerns that hazardous chemicals, including the battery solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), may have been involved.

The government has also expanded environmental scrutiny to BYD’s new vehicle plant in Szeged. The move follows an April report by China Labor Watch alleging that thousands of Chinese migrant workers involved in the plant’s construction were subjected to excessive working hours, debt bondage, visa irregularities, and other exploitative labor practices. The allegations mirror similar concerns raised in Brazil, where authorities in 2024 rescued 220 Chinese workers from conditions officially classified as “slave-like.”

Source: Epoch Times, June 12, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/6/11/n14786802.htm

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

Ukraine: North Korean Ballistic Missiles Used by Russia Show Dramatic Improvement in Accuracy

Ukraine’s defense intelligence officials told Japan’s Kyodo News that North Korean-made short-range ballistic missiles employed by Russian forces have demonstrated a dramatic improvement in targeting accuracy. According to Ukrainian officials, the missiles’ circular error probable (CEP) has reportedly improved from more than one kilometer in 2024 to approximately 1–5 meters by April 2026.

Ukrainian officials assess that the enhanced accuracy is likely the result of Russia refining the missiles using operational data collected during combat. The improvement applies to the KN-23 short-range ballistic missile, which closely resembles Russia’s Iskander missile. Military experts attribute the increased precision primarily to upgrades to the missile’s inertial navigation system.

North Korea has continued to conduct ballistic missile tests over the Sea of Japan, and the estimated range of its short-range ballistic missiles places all of South Korea, parts of Japan, and U.S. military bases in Japan within reach. Continued battlefield collaboration with Russia could further accelerate North Korea’s missile development and increase security risks in East Asia.

Source: Guangming Daily, June 21, 2026
https://guangming.com.my/误差从1公里缩至5公尺-乌克兰揭朝鲜导弹惊人进化

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Kyodo News: Chinese Travel Agencies Quietly Resume Japan Group Tours

According to Japan’s Kyodo News, several Chinese travel agencies have quietly resumed recruiting customers for group tours to Japan, with packages being planned for the July–August summer holiday season. Industry sources said Japan remains one of the most popular outbound travel destinations for Chinese tourists, making it difficult for agencies to forgo the market despite political tensions.

Group tours to Japan had been largely suspended after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan during a parliamentary session in November 2025. Beijing subsequently discouraged travel to Japan and reportedly instructed major travel agencies to reduce visa applications and cut the number of Chinese visitors to roughly 60 percent of previous levels.

As of June 19, a subsidiary of China Tourism Group was accepting registrations for a seven-day, six-night Japan tour departing as early as August 1. However, after Japanese media reported that Chinese agencies were resuming Japan group tours, the company reportedly halted recruitment for the package, suggesting continued official sensitivity surrounding outbound travel to Japan.

Source: Kyodo News, June 19, 2026
https://china.kyodonews.net/articles/-/11918

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources Geo-Strategic Trend

Taiwan and Ukraine Deepen Drone Cooperation to Build “Non-Red” Supply Chain

Driven by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war and growing concerns over China’s military expansion, Taiwan and Ukraine are deepening cooperation on drone technology and supply chains. By combining Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors and microelectronics with Ukraine’s battlefield experience, the two sides aim to establish a “non-red” supply chain that reduces reliance on Chinese-made components.

During a June 19 visit to Ukraine, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Chairman James Huang met with the Lviv IT Cluster, Ukraine’s largest technology association representing more than 300 IT companies. The visit focused on drone manufacturing and defense technology cooperation. Huang said that while Ukraine’s drone industry initially relied heavily on Chinese components, manufacturers have increasingly shifted to Taiwanese suppliers for advanced flight-control electronics because of their performance, reliability, and security.

China’s tightening export controls on drone-related technologies, combined with allegations that Chinese firms have supplied military-related goods to Russia, have accelerated efforts by Ukraine and its Western partners to diversify supply chains. Taiwan has sought to position itself as a trusted alternative supplier. According to Taiwanese officials, drone exports to Europe increased more than fortyfold in 2025. During the first four months of 2026, exports reached approximately 180,000 units—nearly twenty times the level recorded during the same period a year earlier—with many shipments reportedly destined for Ukraine via third countries.

Taiwan is also expanding its domestic drone capabilities. In 2025, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology signed an agreement with U.S. defense technology company Auterion to integrate combat-tested drone software developed for Ukraine. Taiwan has also announced plans to procure at least 47,000 drones over the next three years and expand annual production capacity to 180,000 units by 2028, underscoring the growing role of unmanned systems in its defense strategy.

Source: Epoch Times, June 22, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/6/21/n14793754.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

U.S. Pressure Stalls China Mobile’s Chile–Asia Submarine Cable Project

China Mobile’s proposal to build the first submarine fiber-optic cable directly linking South America and Asia has reportedly stalled following U.S. intervention, highlighting the intensifying geopolitical competition over global digital infrastructure. The proposed 20,000-kilometer cable would connect Chile with China, reducing South America’s dependence on U.S.-controlled communications networks at a time when artificial intelligence is driving rapid growth in global data traffic.

According to reports, Chile’s Ministry of Telecommunications initially approved the project in January 2026. Shortly afterward, ministry officials were summoned to the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, and the approval was withdrawn two days later, officially citing “technical errors.” In February, then-Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz and two other Chilean officials reportedly had their U.S. diplomatic visas revoked after evaluating China Mobile’s proposal. The U.S. State Department reportedly argued that their actions could jeopardize critical telecommunications infrastructure and regional security.

Former Chilean President Gabriel Boric later said he ordered the project withdrawn after the United States threatened long-term consequences, adding that any decision on the cable should be subject to public debate. Following the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast in March, the U.S. ambassador to Chile declared the China Mobile project effectively “over.”

The case illustrates the growing U.S.-China rivalry over global telecommunications infrastructure. While U.S. technology companies dominate submarine cable networks linking South America to the rest of the world, Chinese firms—including China Telecom, Huawei, ZTE, and Alibaba Cloud—have steadily expanded their presence across Latin America through investments in 5G networks, data centers, cloud services, and other digital infrastructure.

Source: Epoch Times, June 19, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/6/18/n14791883.htm

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend Information/Technology

Russia Expands Road Freight Routes to Asia and Middle East to Offset European Trade Loss

Russia’s road freight sector is actively expanding cargo transport routes to China, Mongolia, Iran, and other countries, seeking to compensate for losses incurred after being forced to halt European trucking operations, according to the Russian Ministry of Transport.

The announcement came during a general assembly of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) held in Moscow. The ministry acknowledged that Russian transport companies have faced serious challenges in recent years following European Union sanctions. With IRU involvement, the Russian government responded to these restrictions by implementing a cargo transfer and transshipment system at border crossings for carriers from “unfriendly” countries, allowing Russian firms to continue participating in freight movement between Russia and European nations.

“This has enabled domestic companies to continue participating in international cargo transport between Russia and European countries,” the ministry said in a statement. “Today, transport operations to countries such as China, Mongolia, and Iran are actively developing. This helps offset the losses sustained by Russian road transport after being compelled to cease European routes.”

Deputy Transport Minister Alexei Shilo attended the assembly and expressed confidence that continued cooperation with the IRU would further advance freight development along major international transport corridors, including the North-South and East-West routes, as well as other promising directions.

The ministry’s remarks reflect Russia’s broader strategic pivot toward non-Western trade partners amid sustained Western sanctions, with overland freight corridors to Asia and the Middle East becoming increasingly central to the country’s logistics infrastructure.

Source: Sputnik News, June 19, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20260619/1071946329.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

UK Court Sentences Two Men for Assisting Chinese Intelligence Operations

A UK court on June 18 sentenced two men for assisting activities linked to Chinese intelligence operations in Britain. Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 40, a former UK police officer and Border Force official, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, received an eight-year sentence. Both were convicted under the UK’s National Security Act for assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Prosecutors said the pair participated in what police described as a “shadow policing operation” conducted on behalf of Hong Kong authorities and, ultimately, the Chinese state. The case has heightened concerns about foreign interference in the UK and the ability of hostile states to obtain personal information on individuals residing in the country. Counter Terrorism Policing London stated that such activities “will not be tolerated” in the United Kingdom.

Wai, who joined the UK Border Force at Heathrow Airport in 2020, used his access to government databases to collect information on Hong Kong activists and dissidents who had relocated to the UK following Beijing’s crackdown on the pro-democracy movement. Yuen, a former Hong Kong police officer who later served as an office manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, acted as an intermediary between Wai and Chinese authorities.

The investigation also involved former Royal Marine and Border Force officer Matthew Trickett, who allegedly participated in surveillance operations targeting prominent Hong Kong activist Nathan Law. Trickett was charged alongside Wai and Yuen but was later found dead in an apparent suicide. An inquest into his death is scheduled for November.

Source: BBC, June 18, 2026
https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c0lyn1zep14o/simp

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