Defense/Military - 8. page

Xinhua News Agency reported that as China’s first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian ship, is currently undergoing intensive sea trials. “Compared with conventional carriers, those using catapult-assisted takeoff offer clear advantages,” Xinhua wrote.

“First, fighter jets can take off with a full load of fuel and munitions, directly enhancing their combat capabilities. Additionally, the carrier can support fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft, significantly boosting its early warning, surveillance, and command-and-control capabilities. Moreover, electromagnetic catapults provide precise control over launch force, making it possible to launch a wide variety of aircraft types – from large transport and early warning aircraft to smaller drones – thereby enabling greater operational flexibility.”

Xinhua cited military expert Cao Weidong: “With the use of electromagnetic catapults, the number of aircraft takeoffs and landings on the Fujian ship can increase significantly each day, greatly strengthening its ability to gain air and maritime superiority. Stealth fighters like the J-35 are also being tested for carrier operations, which further enhances Fujian’s combat capability. Fujian, once officially commissioned, will greatly improve the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s capacity for both near-seas defense and far-seas escort missions.”

Source: Xinhua, May 24, 2025
http://www.news.cn/politics/20250524/385adc8a6dda46548c1922f05ada7156/c.html

Xinhua News Agency republished an article posted by the Ministry of State Security calling for the general public to be vigilant about foreign spies.

The article said that foreign spies may be hiding among us. It listed “multiple faces” of the spies.

• The “Detective” Who Doesn’t Investigate:
  Operatives from foreign intelligence agencies often disguise themselves as staff of detective or consulting firms. Under the pretense of verifying information or offering paid consultation, they lure domestic individuals into observing and collecting data on China’s military-sensitive sites or probing into high-tech sensitive information.
• The “Scholar” Who Doesn’t Do Research:
  These agents may pose as academics promoting scholarly exchange or scientific cooperation. They frequently visit universities and research institutions, using promises of financial benefits or academic/lifestyle conveniences to lure individuals into betraying sensitive information and core technologies.
• The “Businessman” Who Doesn’t Run a Business:
  Disguised as wealthy investors or businesspeople, these spies use the guise of investment and partnership to befriend key personnel in sensitive enterprises or government offices. They employ tactics such as financial incentives and emotional manipulation to gain intelligence in critical fields.
• The “Tourist” Who Isn’t Sightseeing:
  Claiming to visit China for tourism or to see friends and family, these operatives express interest in the country’s natural landscapes and geography. They may conduct illegal mapping or reconnaissance themselves or coerce locals into doing so.
• The “Lover” Who Isn’t Sincere:
  Foreign agents may pose as like-minded romantic interests to approach Chinese students studying abroad or initiate online connections. Once a romantic relationship is established, they engage in recruitment and subversion activities.

In addition to these roles, foreign spies may also pose as “journalists,” “visa officers,” or “Non-Government Organization (NGO) workers” – using various identities and means to collect state secrets and undermine China’s national security.

Source: Xinhua, May 25, 2025
http://www.news.cn/politics/20250525/c66dcdf735dc4d75ac940af641d38fc0/c.html

China has officially released new regulations for protecting important military facilities, which took effect on September 15. The “Important Military Facility Protection Regulations” impose strict penalties for unauthorized activities in protected zones, including photography and surveying, with violations potentially resulting in administrative penalties, criminal charges, or punishment by national security agencies for espionage.

According to CCP media outlet Xinhua News Agency, “the State Council and Central Military Commission jointly issued these comprehensive regulations containing 7 chapters and 51 articles. The legislation aims to ensure the safety of critical military facilities, maintain their operational effectiveness, and safeguard normal military research and production activities to strengthen national defense modernization.”

“The regulations clearly define the scope of important military facilities, assign responsibilities to various parties, establish procedures for designating protected zones, and outline protective measures and management obligations. County-level and higher governments must now consider military facility protection requirements when formulating economic and social development plans, while strengthening supervision and comprehensive management.

“Specifically prohibited activities include illegal photography, recording, sketching, surveying, measuring, positioning, or unauthorized use of such materials within protected zones. Violations may result in public security administrative penalties, national security agency punishment for espionage activities, or criminal prosecution depending on severity.

“Chinese authorities have repeatedly warned against photography in militarily sensitive areas. The Ministry of State Security recently cautioned about foreign intelligence personnel entering China under the guise of tourism or visiting relatives, particularly those carrying high-precision surveying equipment near military zones.

“In April, Chinese state media reported the arrest of three Filipino nationals suspected of espionage activities, who allegedly photographed and stored large amounts of military-related classified imagery for Philippine intelligence services.

“However, Chinese nationals have also faced arrests abroad for similar activities, including incidents in the Philippines and South Korea involving suspected military facility photography.”

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), May 27, 2025https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202505270058.aspx

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced on May 28 via social media platform X that China is interfering in Czech society through manipulation, propaganda, and cyberattacks, Russian state media outlet Sputnik News reported. He specifically cited recent attacks targeting the Czech Foreign Ministry and revealed that he had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express that such hostile actions would have serious consequences for bilateral relations.

The Czech government has officially attributed responsibility for malicious cyberattacks against a non-classified network of the Czech Foreign Ministry to China. These attacks have been ongoing since 2022 and were allegedly carried out by APT31, a cyber espionage group publicly linked to China’s Ministry of State Security.

The accusations have drawn strong international support for the Czech Republic. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas issued a statement “strongly condemning the malicious cyber activities” and urging China to “immediately cease such behavior.” The EU warned it was “prepared to take further measures in response” while reaffirming “firm support” for the Czech Republic.

NATO expressed growing concern about what it called a “rapidly expanding pattern of destructive behavior” apparently aimed at “undermining alliance stability.” The U.S. Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy described the incident as “another example of harmful cyber activity originating from APT31” and urged China to act responsibly in cyberspace.

China has strongly rejected these allegations. The Chinese Embassy in Prague spokesperson expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to what they termed “false accusations.” China argued that cyber attribution should be based on solid evidence and that the Czech Republic was making unfounded claims without proof. Chinese officials have previously conducted technical investigations regarding APT31 and maintain that the evidence is insufficient and lacks professionalism.

China’s Mission to the EU similarly dismissed the statements from EU and NATO as “full of speculation and groundless accusations,” reiterating China’s position that cybersecurity issues should be addressed through bilateral dialogue and judicial cooperation rather than being exploited for geopolitical purposes.

Source: Sputnik News, May 29, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20250529/1065733252.html