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.

Hong Kong’s National Security Law and its Potential Impact on Foreign Entities

The new national security law a legislation under Article 23 has been passed in Hong Kong Parliament. This is the second in a row of national security laws since 2020. The legal personnel has feared that the new law shall broaden the scope of defining sedition and state secrets, with tougher penalties for anyone under conviction. The new law encompasses treason, espionage and external interference is being closely watched by foreign businesses. Notably, the most serious offences are sometimes punishable with life imprisonment, convicted of involvement with ‘external forces’.

India’s Arunachal Pradesh or China’s Zangnan?

For a substantial period of time, the border conflicts between India and China have centred around the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by China and administered by India. Reflecting the severity of the conflict, following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, both nations have been constantly in conflict with one another. Since then, Beijing has primarily concentrated on using covert warfare techniques to sabotage India’s sovereignty, renaming Indian land, intensifying military buildups in border regions and defying signed pacts, norms & procedures, while the dragon has never faltered in its will to put mounting pressure on New Delhi.

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.

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.’