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Investigation Reveals CCP Establishes Covert Party Branches on U.S. University Campuses

A Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) investigation has found that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members studying at U.S. universities have established overseas CCP party branches on campus, supported by their home institutions in China. These branches exist without official registration at the universities and have been identified at Oklahoma State University (OSU), University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), and University of Colorado–Denver (UCD). They are linked to Chinese universities such as Northwest A&F University (NWAFU) and China Agricultural University (CAU). Over twenty CCP members are confirmed to be involved, with some continuing graduate studies at other U.S. universities, raising concerns about foreign influence and national security.

These overseas branches operate under CCP policy, which requires a branch wherever three or more party members are present. NWAFU’s “3+1” program at UNL, for example, sends Chinese students to study in the U.S. and has been used as a platform to establish a CCP branch that promotes ideological education. Activities include political seminars before departure, online ideological discussions abroad, and fostering a mission of “serving the Party and the country.” Branch members explicitly promote CCP narratives and ideology as part of their mission, integrating political education into academic exchange programs.

Branches also engage in coordinated propaganda work. CAU’s International College, in partnership with UCD and OSU, directs its overseas branches to “tell the China (CCP) story” and requires political training for participating students. Activities have included organized campus events to view CCP political meetings. While U.S. universities state they do not track students’ political affiliations, the investigation exposes a lack of transparency and oversight, raising serious concerns about covert CCP influence in American higher education and the need for closer scrutiny of foreign academic programs.

Source: Epoch Times, September 24, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/23/n14601186.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics US-China Relations

Liberty Times Network: China Sanctions U.S. Defense Firms Over Arms Sales to Taiwan

Taiwan’s Liberty Times Network (LTN) reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on September 25 that, citing national security concerns and obligations such as non-proliferation, it has placed three U.S. companies – Huntington Ingalls Industries, Planate Management Group, and Global Dimensions LLC – on its export control list, prohibiting the export of dual-use (civilian and military) items to them.

The Ministry also added Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm, and Oceaneering International to its “unreliable entities” list, barring them from import and export activities with China and from making new investments in the country.

According to the announcement, these firms “ignored China’s strong opposition,” and engaged in arms sales and military technology cooperation with Taiwan, “seriously undermining China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

Huntington Ingalls Industries is the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. Saronic Technologies develops maritime drones for defense use, while Global Dimensions, which has a branch in Taiwan, has reportedly been in discussions with Taipei about a military training program.

Source: LTN, September 25, 2025
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/5191030

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

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

What Did Trump and Xi Jinping Discuss During Their September 19 Phone Call?

Trump and Xi Jinping spoke by phone for about two hours on September 19. On Trump’s posting and Xinhua’s report, both sides highlighted discussions on the TikTok deal and bilateral trade.

However, there were notable differences between the information put forth by each side. Trump mentioned issues such as fentanyl and ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which were absent from Xinhua’s account – suggesting that it might be Trump raised them but China didn’t agree with the U.S. position. Xinhua reported that Xi pressed the U.S. to provide a fair business environment for Chinese companies investing in the U.S., but Trump did not reference in his post.

Trump’s post on Truth Social:

“We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal. … The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!”

Xinhua’s report:

“Xi Jinping stressed that the U.S. should avoid taking unilateral trade-restrictive measures that could undermine the outcomes achieved through multiple rounds of talks. On the TikTok issue, Xi said China’s position is clear: the Chinese government respects corporate autonomy, welcomes companies to conduct business negotiations on the basis of market rules, and supports reaching a solution that complies with Chinese laws and regulations while balancing interests. He expressed hope that the U.S. would provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the U.S.”

“Trump stated that the U.S. seeks to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, will support the consultations between the two sides, and will properly resolve the TikTok issue. He added that the U.S. is willing to work with China to safeguard world peace.”

Sources:
1. Truth Social, Trump
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115231649861246548
2. Xinhua, September 19, 2025
http://www.news.cn/world/20250919/3bb67004417649309270b8a7f6c3295d/c.html

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Lianhe Zaobao: China Asked Tech Companies to Stop Purchasing Nvidia Chips

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that China’s Cyberspace Administration instructed several large domestic technology companies, including ByteDance and Alibaba, to stop purchasing Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chips and cancel existing orders.

The RTX Pro 6000D is a new AI chip Nvidia customized for the Chinese market to circumvent U.S. export controls. It’s primarily designed for AI inference tasks. Nvidia previously projected that it would ship 1 million to 2 million of these chips this year. Several Chinese companies have indicated that they will order tens of thousands of RTX Pro 6000Ds and have begun testing and verification work with Nvidia’s server suppliers, but after receiving official instructions, these companies have asked suppliers to stop testing. Chinese officials said that Nvidia had violated China’s anti-monopoly law and would continue to investigate the matter.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang responded, saying that he was disappointed with the current situation, but understood that there were larger issues between China and the United States that needed to be resolved, and Nvidia would remain patient.

Some market analysts expressed the belief that China is simply trying to put additional pressure on the U.S. to get more favorable terms in trade talks. When asked about this at a regular press conference, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman did not confirm whether China asked companies to stop purchasing. He only said that China has always opposed discriminatory practices against specific countries on economic, trade and technological issues, and is willing to maintain dialogue and cooperation with all parties.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, September 18, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/finance/china/story20250918-7534280?ref=global-finance

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

Lianhe Zaobao: Fewer U.S. Companies Optimistic about China’s Prospects

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that, according to an annual survey released by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the proportion of American companies optimistic about the outlook was lowest in the manufacturing sector (36 percent) and highest in the retail sector (51 percent). The survey, which involved 254 of its members, was conducted shortly after the United States announced the reciprocal tariffs.

The number of American companies optimistic about China’s business prospects in the next five years has hit a new low for four consecutive years, with only 41 percent of respondents expressing optimism, a decrease of six percentage points from last year. Only 45 percent surveyed expect revenue to grow this year, which would be the lowest level ever. Around 12 percent of respondents listed China as their preferred destination for headquarters investment, the lowest level since the chamber began publishing this annual survey in 1999.

“We welcome the 90-day truce, but the problem has not gone away, it still exists,” said Zheng Yi, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, September 10, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/finance/china/story20250910-7490805

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Xinhua: UN Adopts Resolution on Cooperation with SCO; Countries Praise China’s Global Governance Initiative

Xinhua reported that on September 5, the 79th UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a China-sponsored resolution on “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),” co-sponsored by nearly 40 countries, including all SCO members.

The resolution recognized the SCO’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, development, and cooperation, while encouraging deeper dialogue and collaboration between the UN system and the organization.

China’s UN envoy Geng Shuang noted that the SCO has grown into the world’s largest regional organization. He stated the centerpiece of the recent Tianjin Summit was Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, describing it as timely given the urgent need for more effective global governance concepts and system.

Representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, Venezuela, Serbia, and other countries commended the SCO’s work and China’s role as rotating chair, stressing that Xi’s initiative aligns with global priorities and could make a significant contribution to improving international governance.

Source: Xinhua, September 6, 2025
http://www.xinhuanet.com/20250906/1ac848e7f47e44d6925204fe45bee911/c.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend Government/Politics US-China Relations

Guanchazhe Article Called “The Death of Charlie Kirk Is Worthless”

Guanchazhe (观察者) is a privately owned website in China, with a focus on global affairs. Its owner Eric Xun Li is a Chinese venture capitalist and political commentator. He is an advocate of communism as a “more effective form of governance.”

Guanchazhe published a commentary by its columnist Gaotiangungun (高天滚滚) titled “The Death of Charlie Kirk: Lighter than a Feather.” The Chinese idiom “Lighter than a Feather” indicates that Kirk’s death was “worthless,” i.e. not of significance. The Chinese Communist Party- (CCP-) controlled Hong Kong media outlet Phoenix republished the piece with a disclaimer noting that posting was by its user Dafeng Hao and that Phoenix had only provided hosting for the article.

The phrase “lighter than a feather” echoes Mao Zedong’s famous line: “Though death comes to all, it may be weightier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a feather.” The author contrasted the February 2024 self-immolation of 25-year-old U.S. Air Force serviceman Aaron Bushnell outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. – deemed “weightier than Mount Tai” – with Kirk’s death, which he called “lighter than a feather.”

The following are some excerpts from the article:

Charlie Kirk once said in 2023: “I think it’s worth the cost of unfortunately some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the 2nd Amendment. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

Two years later, on September 10, 2025, Kirk repeated similar arguments while defending gun rights at Utah Valley University – only to be fatally shot during the event. From the perspective of a man devoted to God, the death of Kirk symbolized his sacrifice to the “rationality” and “honesty” he once stated in defense of firearms.

Kirk has fulfilled the maxim: “A defender of guns for all must not die peacefully of old age.” But his end was more than just “reaping what he sowed.” Given the many “biting the hand that feeds” stances he promoted, if there were some higher “Court of American Values,” its jury might long ago have sentenced him to death. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment was simply the bailiff that loaded the live round for his execution.

Kirk never graduated from community college, yet he managed to become a leading voice for America’s far-right youth. I will not belittle his talent on account of his education. Due to limited information, I cannot fully judge his personal morality. History shows that many villains had decent private virtues – polite in person, even seeming like ideal neighbors.

But simply because of his lies and slanders against China, I will never give him any sympathy.

Sources:
1. Guanchazhe, September 12, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/youziyi/2025_09_12_789900_s.shtml
2. Phoenix, September 12, 2025
https://news.ifeng.com/c/8mbj3V8qn4o

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics US-China Relations