Vast cyber espionage campaign linked to China: report

Google subsidiary Mandiant revealed that cyber attackers with ties to China are conducting a large-scale espionage campaign targeting government agencies worldwide. The campaign involves the compromise of computer defenses and the theft of sensitive information.

Bill Gates to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where he will announce a US$50 million donation to support Chinese efforts against malaria and tuberculosis. Gates is among several Western business leaders visiting China since its Covid controls were relaxed.

Executive director in China state-owned enterprise sacked amid allegations of involvement in controversial affair

An executive director in a prominent China state-owned enterprise has been terminated from his position following allegations of his involvement in a controversial extramarital affair. The incident came to light after a viral video showing him holding hands with a woman surfaced online. The woman, Dong Sijin, previously praised for her dedication, has also been suspended pending investigation.

IMF, World Bank are key counterweights to China: Yellen

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that international financial institutions reflect American values and counter unsustainable lending from countries like China. She sought congressional support to increase US lending to these organizations for the benefit of developing countries.

Saudi announces investment deals at Arab-China summit

Saudi Arabia and China have signed billions of dollars in investment deals at the China-Arab business conference in Riyadh. The agreements cover various sectors including technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. The conference reflects the growing commercial and diplomatic ties between China and Middle Eastern countries, including recent efforts to improve relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

China expands nuclear arsenal as global tensions grow: study

Geopolitical tensions have led to an increase in nuclear arsenals, particularly in China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The total number of nuclear warheads among the nine nuclear powers slightly decreased to 12,512 at the beginning of 2023. However, the stockpiles available for potential use rose, with China showing the largest increase. Diplomatic efforts on nuclear arms control and disarmament have suffered setbacks due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China’s growing military investments reflect its rising influence as a world power.

Selfless rescue on Everest summit marred by controversy over rescuee’s refusal to pay US$10,000 to Sherpa guide as rescue fee

In a courageous act, Fan Jiangtao and Xie Ruxiang, from the Hunan Mountaineering Team, halted their Everest summit attempt 400 meters from the peak to rescue a fellow Chinese climber in perilous conditions. Later, controversy arose when the woman, Ms Liu, allegedly offered only US$4,000 instead of the promised US$10,000 rescue fee to the Sherpa guide. Both Fan and Xie eventually covered the fee, while appealing to the public to cease their harassment of Ms Liu.

Havana denies report of plans for Chinese spy base in Cuba

The Cuban government has denied reports of a secret deal with China to establish a spying base in Cuba. The reports, published by The Wall Street Journal and CNN, claimed that China and Cuba had reached an agreement for an electronic eavesdropping facility that could monitor communications in the southeastern United States. Cuban officials called the reports “mendacious and unfounded,” while the White House dismissed them as inaccurate. However, Senators Mark Warner and Marco Rubio expressed concern over the potential establishment of a Chinese intelligence facility near the US.

Hong Kong’s top court to hear appeal on banned Tiananmen vigil

Hong Kong’s top court will hear an appeal against activist Chow Hang-tung, who was previously acquitted for her involvement in a banned Tiananmen Square vigil. The government is challenging the High Court’s ruling that police did not properly follow procedure when banning the vigil. Chow, who also faces charges under the national security law, has been a leading figure in organizing commemorations of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, now driven underground since the 2020 ban.

Australia’s security pacts with Pacific Nations face sovereignty concerns amid China’s growing influence

Australia’s bid for security pacts with Pacific neighbors faces obstacles as leaders in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu express concerns over sovereignty. The agreements, aimed at countering China’s influence, are being questioned due to perceived imbalances of power and encroachments on sovereign rights. Australia seeks to strengthen ties amidst competition in the region.