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All articles - China

US President Donald Trump, 22 November 2025, Washington DC. © Graeme Sloan/UPI/MaxPPP

Trump shows signs of appeasement to Beijing on Taiwan issue

China can only rejoice at Washington's symbolic concessions on Taiwan, which confirm the White House's wish to take Chinese-US relations in a purely transactional direction.

Subscribers only Defence, Back-door diplomacy 05.01.2026

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, 16 July 2025. © Yves Herman/Reuters

Spotlight
Ukrainian intelligence-linked think tank urges Brussels to broaden China sanctions

A report by a think tank that works within the orbit of Ukrainian intelligence has detailed China's supply chains for Russia's new Geran-3 drones. Grist to the mill as the European Union looks to toughen its sanctions against China.

Subscribers only Operations, Defence 23.12.2025

British academic publisher Taylor & Francis was forced to publish a retraction following legal proceedings initiated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). © André Pain/AFP

In Europe, Beijing turns to 'lawfare' to intimidate opponents

While China is using strong-arm tactics to sever ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan, its strategy in Europe is undergoing a profound change. Beijing has realised that the best way to silence criticism there is not through physical threats, but through legal action.

Subscribers only Operations 23.12.2025

The Peruvian Embassy of France, on Avenue Kléber, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, where the international tea competition was held. © Martin Bertrand/Hans Lucas via AFP

In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

Although considered more polite than his predecessor, China's ambassador to France, Deng Li, is pursuing the embassy's activism against Taiwanese influence, as a recent incident during a tea competition in Paris illustrates.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 22.12.2025

The European Union's ambassador to China Jorge Toledo. © Jade Gao/AFP

EU-China relations reach new low as Beijing opts for bypass strategy

The exclusion of Ursula von der Leyen from Emmanuel Macron's recent trip to China raised hackles in Europe, but it is only the first visible sign of a much graver problem. Relations between Brussels and Beijing have deteriorated significantly, mirroring the current situation between China and Japan.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 19.12.2025

Hong Kong academics were discouraged from attending an event organised on 4 and 5 December 2025 at the Institute of Sociology of Academia Sinica in Taipei. © Jui-Chi Chan/Alamy banque d'images

Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Obsessed with the risk of ‘subversive connections', the Guoanbu is behind recent intimidation tactics aimed at severing ties between academic institutions in Hong Kong and Taiwan. In early December, Hong Kong academics were strongly dissuaded from travelling to Taipei.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 18.12.2025

Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

The capture of the strategic town of Heglig by Sudanese Rapid Support Forces rebels on 8 December puts them in control of the CNPC pipeline valve, which exports South Sudanese crude oil to Port Sudan.

Subscribers only Defence, Space 18.12.2025

Bauhinia College, Xi Jinping's laboratory for dousing Hong Kong's political ardour

Despite the landslide victory of its candidates in the recent legislative elections in Hong Kong, Beijing fears street protests. To counter this, the central government is transforming its think-tank in Shenzhen, Bauhinia College, into a strategic observation post.

Subscribers only 17.12.2025

The Wang Fuk Court towers, ravaged by a fire that killed more than 160 people in late November in Hong Kong.

How Beijing turned down EU's von de Leyen on French president's recent China trip

Paris had hoped the EU commission chief would accompany the French president to China earlier this month. Beijing turned down its request a few days before, and has been criticising the EU behind closed doors ever since, breaking with China's relatively pro-European stance of the last few decades.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 16.12.2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Logistics giant Anda closely monitored by Europol

The EU police body is keeping a close watch on the Chinese logistics and transport firm Anda, which is suspected of having links to the Chinese mafia. The company was targeted by several attacks in 2025 in Italy, France and Spain.

Subscribers only Operations 16.12.2025

Western researchers facing intimidation by state security spies

A new crackdown on foreign ideas is underway. Along with Xi Jinping's radical plans for safeguarding China's internet from Western values, foreign academics are also being targeted through increased surveillance and some unannounced visits by Guoanbu spies to their hotel rooms.

Subscribers only Agencies, Back-door diplomacy 09.12.2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping talks with students in the library of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) in southern China, on 19 December 2024.

The Agencies' Gazette
DGSE and DGSI's workforces, OSINT at the Pentagon, Chinese house arrest rules, SIRASCO seeks deputy

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

FranceDGSE chief reacts to DGSI's growing workforce

United StatesPentagon looks to streamline OSINT contractors

ChinaSupervised house arrest… except in cases of ‘national security'

FranceSIRASCO seeks a number two

Subscribers only 08.12.2025

Spotlight
Chinese drone maker emerges as covert supplier to Russia, Libya and Sahel juntas

Presented at the Dubai Airshow as a manufacturer of civilian drones, Hangzhou Qifei and its flagship product, the X15, are establishing themselves as a discreet player in the drone warfare market. The Chinese company supplies Russia, the eastern strongman in Libya and the Sahel juntas under the guise of dual use.

Subscribers only Defence 05.12.2025

X15 drones deployed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

Spymaster
Xu Youming, the military intelligence chief who survives purges

As purges decimate China's military leadership, the head of military intelligence Xu Youming is weathering the storm. The quintessential shadow technocrat, who is unfailingly loyal, is Xi Jinping's indispensable eye on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

Subscribers only Defence 05.12.2025

While Macron is in China, Beijing sends Xinjiang delegation to Paris

As the French president landed in Beijing, a Chinese delegation arrived in Paris to promote the official line of a "return to normal" in the Uyghur region, just as a political crackdown is decimating the upper echelons of power in Urumqi.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 03.12.2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at Beijing International Airport on 3 December 2025.

Chinese spies and military moving into Myanmar's Rakhine State

Despite Myanmar's ongoing civil war, Rohingya refugees are starting to return to Rakhine State from crowded camps in Bangladesh. China's Ministry of State Security and the People's Liberation Army appear to be orchestrating the final stage of a plan to secure the CCP's vital Indian Ocean interests.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 02.12.2025

Rohingya refugees gather between the Bangladeshi and Burmese borders on 24 August 2018.

The Agencies' Gazette
DIA and narcotrafficking, French prison intel, Beijing frets about VPN use, French intel academy prize

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

United StatesDIA loses drug trafficking expert

FranceInsufficient resources for prison intelligence

ChinaStricter checks for foreign websites and rumours about Russia, Taiwan and Trump

FranceFour theses in the running for French Intelligence Academy Grand Prize

Subscribers only 01.12.2025

Spotlight
President Lai Ching-te frets over China's use of triads to spy on Taiwan

The trials of spies who targeted the Taiwanese president and his adviser Joseph Wu exposed glaring security flaws at the heart of Taiwanese power, including mafia infiltration and lax background checks on key personnel.

Subscribers only Agencies 28.11.2025

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (C) visits a military base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on 16 May 2025.

Spy Way of Life
Phuket's Tropical Resort, where Chinese spies handle French sources under the coconut trees

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the four-star Tropical Resort in Phuket, where, over several years, a double agent from France's DGSE was 'handled' by China's secret services.

Subscribers only Operations 28.11.2025

The charming swimming pool at Tropical Resort, Phuket.

CCP ramps up anti-corruption drive abroad

Pursuing its efforts to clamp down on corruption, Beijing has signed a flurry of extradition and judicial cooperation agreements in Hungary, Serbia, Zambia, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru. The CPP's goal is to prosecute its elites on the run and dissidents in exile.

Subscribers only Operations, Back-door diplomacy 28.11.2025

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka, Zambia, 20 November 2025.

French court upholds expulsion order for Chinese national accused of spying on diaspora

A French court has dismissed a Chinese national's challenge to an expulsion order signed in September by then-interior minister Bruno Retailleau. French domestic intelligence accuses the man, who has lived in France since 1986, of playing a key role in the surveillance of the Chinese diaspora.

Subscribers only Operations 27.11.2025

French former interior minister Bruno Retailleau signed the expulsion order for a Chinese national described as playing a key role in the surveillance of the Chinese diaspora.

Intelligence services keep watch as Rome and Madrid revive scientific ties with Beijing

While the European Union is getting tougher on tackling security issues related to foreign interference in academia, Spain and Italy have chosen to boost their ties with China's universities, including its most sensitive institutions.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 27.11.2025

China's Harbin Institute of Technology has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Politecnico di Torino in Italy.

Spotlight
Beijing's invisible hand stifles Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China

The annual IPAC meeting in Brussels earlier this month was marked by the discreet appearance of Taiwan's vice-president. Despite this high-profile surprise, the gathering mainly confirmed China's ability to stifle pro-Taipei and pro-Hong Kong discussions in Africa, but also in Paris.

Subscribers only Information wars, Back-door diplomacy 26.11.2025

Taiwan Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim in Keelung, Taiwan, on 8 September 2025.

The Agencies' Gazette
SGDSN audited, UK Foreign Office cuts, Italy inspired by Viginum, Myanmar mercenaries, Solomon Islands compromises

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

FranceSGDSN audit launched

United KingdomForeign Office plans drastic cuts

ItalyRome looks to France to fight foreign interference

EstoniaBook published on ex-legionnaires' adventures in Myanmar

China/AustraliaThe Solomon Islands reach middle ground in Pacific standoff

Subscribers only 24.11.2025

French ex-PM Laurent Fabius star guest at Chinese influence forum

After an exhibition of his paintings in Shanghai, the French former prime minister was the guest of honour at a major parallel diplomacy gathering on the shores of Lake Taihu, where foreign dignitaries rubbed shoulders with members of the United Front and Chinese security services.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 21.11.2025

French ex-prime minister Laurent Fabius (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron (C) ahead of an official state dinner at the presidential Elysée palace in Paris, France, on 6 May 2024.

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All articles - China

Trump shows signs of appeasement to Beijing on Taiwan issue

Spotlight Ukrainian intelligence-linked think tank urges Brussels to broaden China sanctions

In Europe, Beijing turns to 'lawfare' to intimidate opponents

In Paris, Chinese embassy maintains pressure on Taiwanese diplomats

EU-China relations reach new low as Beijing opts for bypass strategy

Beijing strives to sunder academic ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Space-based surveillance: no change from Beijing as rebels advance in Sudan

Bauhinia College, Xi Jinping's laboratory for dousing Hong Kong's political ardour

How Beijing turned down EU's von de Leyen on French president's recent China trip

Logistics giant Anda closely monitored by Europol

Western researchers facing intimidation by state security spies

The Agencies' Gazette DGSE and DGSI's workforces, OSINT at the Pentagon, Chinese house arrest rules, SIRASCO seeks deputy

FranceDGSE chief reacts to DGSI's growing workforce

United StatesPentagon looks to streamline OSINT contractors

ChinaSupervised house arrest… except in cases of ‘national security'

FranceSIRASCO seeks a number two

Spotlight Chinese drone maker emerges as covert supplier to Russia, Libya and Sahel juntas

Spymaster Xu Youming, the military intelligence chief who survives purges

While Macron is in China, Beijing sends Xinjiang delegation to Paris

Chinese spies and military moving into Myanmar's Rakhine State

The Agencies' Gazette DIA and narcotrafficking, French prison intel, Beijing frets about VPN use, French intel academy prize

United StatesDIA loses drug trafficking expert

FranceInsufficient resources for prison intelligence

ChinaStricter checks for foreign websites and rumours about Russia, Taiwan and Trump

FranceFour theses in the running for French Intelligence Academy Grand Prize

Spotlight President Lai Ching-te frets over China's use of triads to spy on Taiwan

Spy Way of Life Phuket's Tropical Resort, where Chinese spies handle French sources under the coconut trees

CCP ramps up anti-corruption drive abroad

French court upholds expulsion order for Chinese national accused of spying on diaspora

Intelligence services keep watch as Rome and Madrid revive scientific ties with Beijing

Spotlight Beijing's invisible hand stifles Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China

The Agencies' Gazette SGDSN audited, UK Foreign Office cuts, Italy inspired by Viginum, Myanmar mercenaries, Solomon Islands compromises

FranceSGDSN audit launched

United KingdomForeign Office plans drastic cuts

ItalyRome looks to France to fight foreign interference

EstoniaBook published on ex-legionnaires' adventures in Myanmar

China/AustraliaThe Solomon Islands reach middle ground in Pacific standoff

French ex-PM Laurent Fabius star guest at Chinese influence forum

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Spotlight
Ukrainian intelligence-linked think tank urges Brussels to broaden China sanctions

The Agencies' Gazette
DGSE and DGSI's workforces, OSINT at the Pentagon, Chinese house arrest rules, SIRASCO seeks deputy

Spotlight
Chinese drone maker emerges as covert supplier to Russia, Libya and Sahel juntas

Spymaster
Xu Youming, the military intelligence chief who survives purges

The Agencies' Gazette
DIA and narcotrafficking, French prison intel, Beijing frets about VPN use, French intel academy prize

Spotlight
President Lai Ching-te frets over China's use of triads to spy on Taiwan

Spy Way of Life
Phuket's Tropical Resort, where Chinese spies handle French sources under the coconut trees

Spotlight
Beijing's invisible hand stifles Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China

The Agencies' Gazette
SGDSN audited, UK Foreign Office cuts, Italy inspired by Viginum, Myanmar mercenaries, Solomon Islands compromises