In these changing times, where every nation is trying to recalibrate its position according to its interests and the shifting power balances President Xi Jinping’s visit to France, Hungary, and Serbia has garnered observers of international politics their inquisitive seats of analysis. This comes when multiple conflictual clashes are building around the globe. The more than two-year war in Ukraine, the result of which seems to be elusive to the site, the Israeli siege of Gaza and its spillover effects in the region and the covert build-up of tensions between Israel and Iran distorting the current power status quo.
Category: China Watch
China Launches Shenzhou-18 Mission Aiming for Lunar Exploration
China’s space program is making great strides with the Shenzhou-18 mission. This time, three astronauts are sent to the country’s first domestically built space station. Led by former fighter pilots Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, the crew embarks on a six-month mission, which includes conducting experiments and preparing for lunar exploration. In the midst of all this are zebrafish, part of more than 90 scientific experiments. Among them are creating a closed aquatic ecosystem for studying the interactions between fish and algae in space, information that can maybe inform future designs of habitats.
Chinese Cities Sink as Urbanisation Surges
The problem is not limited to China. Some of the major cities worldwide including Houston, Mexico City, and Delhi are facing similar challenges due to excessive water extractions and geological factors. Subsidence is one issue that affects areas with extensive mining activities, like the coal regions of Pingdingshan in northern China. Combating subsidence requires effective strategies. Tokyo successfully tackled the sinking by providing alternative water sources and banning well water use. In China, controlling groundwater extraction and implementing laws to prevent further subsidence are crucial steps.
US Reports Reveal that China is Aiding Russia’s Military Expansion
According to an assessment by US officials, it is revealed that China is playing a significant role in the military expansion of Russia, particularly in its efforts in the war against Ukraine. China has been increasing its sales of various technology and equipment to Russia, which Moscow will use to build up its military arsenal. China has been the major supplier of microelectronics, machine tools, and other crucial technology to Russia. In 2023, around 90% of Russia’s microelectronics came from China, which is essential in the production of tanks, missiles, and aircraft. Additionally, over 70% of Russia’s machine tool imports came from China last year.
Chinese Cyber Agents likely to disrupt upcoming Election in India
The report also sheds light on the Chinese cyber actors, who are actively involved in spying and other cyber operations around the world. They have been using AI-generated content to intensify tensions, particularly in the disputed Asia-Pacific region and in the US. One notable group that is known for carrying out such activities is Storm-1376. They have been identified for intensifying their use of AI-generated news reports and memes. These tactics were used during Taiwan’s presidential elections, where they targeted political candidates, including spreading misinformation about William Lai, a candidate belonging to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, a party that nurtures anti-Chinese sentiments.
China Renames 30 more Places in India’s Arunachal Pradesh
In this issue of China Watch newsletter, the author provides in-depth analysis on; 1) China renaming 30 places in India’s state of Arunachal Pradesh, 2) China set to become World’s largest Airforce, 3) Takeover of Tibet and more.
China aims for Technological Self-reliance amidst Tensions with the US
China Watch is our flagship newsletter and research programme offering critical insights, business intelligence and in-depth reporting on China and Taiwan. This issue’s cover story is “China aims for Technological Self-reliance amidst Tensions with the US.”
Rare Occasion of Cooperation between China and Taiwan
China Watch is our flagship newsletter and research programme offering critical insights, business intelligence and news on China and Taiwan. In this issue, the writer discuss about the rare occasion of cooperation between China and Taiwan followed by new milestone in India-China ties, China warning NATO, Evergande Fraud, and US-Philippines ties against China.
Taiwan Builds an Alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink
In this issue of China Watch newsletter, the writer discusses about the possibility of Taiwan building its own network of satellites that could serve as an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Other leads include ‘China’s Economic Crisis,’ ‘China’s Plan to Eradicate Corruption from Sports Industry,’ ‘Police Harassment Condemned at Site of Blast,’ and ‘Taiwan’s Military Tensions with China.’
US Bans Chinese-Owned TikTok Over Election Influence Concerns
In this issue of our flagship newsletter ‘China Watch,’ our team member analyses the US ban on Chinese media giant TikTok over alleged spying concerns that can influence its 2024 Presidential Election. Also a roundup of this week’s news and analysis on China and Taiwan is presented.