From Panama to Japan, via Prague and Abidjan, US embassies are hosting specialists tasked with a particular mission: to keep an eye on Beijing's global activities and promote Washington's interpretation of Chinese policy at the local level.
Although Israel has not yet officially responded to symbolic Houthi rocket attacks following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, a series of blasts at rebel military sites suggest possible covert operations.
New probes into the People's Liberation Army, Rocket Force, United Front and security services have reignited persistent rumours surrounding Wang Xiaohong's near absence from public life.