Beijing intervenes again in response to Moscow's nuclear threat

• ISRAEL/IRAN - Mossad satisfied by latest operation against Iran

• FRANCE - National Assembly studies defence group financing

• FRANCE - Intelligence veteran Rondot gets a biography

• RUSSIA - Mobilisation and conscription continue to split the elites

• JAPAN/VATICAN - Nippon Foundation president meets Pope Francis

• RUSSIA - Nikolai Patrushev's inner circle remodelled

• MOLDOVA - Presidential cabinet musical chairs.

• RUSSIA - Roskomnadzor strengthens border controls.

• CHINA/RUSSIA - Beijing gets involved in peace efforts in Europe.

• TURKEY/IRAQ - Ankara searches for equipment to fight PKK in northern Iraq.

Russian counter-intelligence preps for risk of revolt against draft 

The Russian domestic intelligence service, the FSB, has set up a special unit to monitor anti-war sentiment in the country. An influence operation has already been deployed to Dagestan.

Xi screens for loyalty ahead of party congress 

The Chinese Communist Party has approved a new regulation to assess the political loyalty of civil servants, military command and directors of state companies in the space of a few weeks. The aim is to weed out any underperformers or potential disloyalty as soon as possible.

Is Belarus about to go to war with Ukraine? 

Since the announcement of a partial mobilisation in Russia and the possible transformation of the "special military operation" in Ukraine into an official war, all parties are evaluating the risk of direct involvement of Belarusian troops in the hostilities.

Xi Jinping eyes conscription to forge new army 

The Chinese president intends to completely upend the structure of the People's Liberation Army during his next term, with plans for mandatory workshops on China's strategy goals, training sessions with the army and promises of a secure career with strong prospects.

Moscow to back North Korea's upcoming missile tests at the UN 

Based on their own observations and diplomatic contacts with Pyongyang, the Russian intelligence services expect North Korea to test an inter-continental ballistic missile before 20 September and possibly carry out a nuclear test subsequently in response to a recent South Korean-US military exercise.

War in Ukraine: trouble at the top amongst Russian General Staff 

Two officers are coordinating Russia's military offensive in Ukraine directly with Putin, further damaging the image of Minister Shoigu and General Gerasimov. As the Northern Hemisphere's winter approaches, the so-called "special military operation" has had its strategy revised once again.