New Central Military Commission brings expertise on Taiwan

Russian and Chinese coast guards draw closer in North Pacific 

Moscow and Beijing are coordinating their North Pacific border security efforts, and in doing so are stoking the flames of Russia and Japan's unresolved dispute over the four Kuril Islands.

Are French pilots about to train on Chinese jets? 

Last year we reported that French pilots were training their counterparts in the People's Liberation Army. We have since learned that Chinese aircraft could be used to train French military aviators.

Chinese Politburo divided over economic policy 

The Politburo chose not to publish the conclusions of its January meeting, indicating tension within the powerful CCP governing body over macroeconomic policy.

'Shaanxi Gang' on the rise during Xi's third term 

From anti-corruption campaigns to the Central Military Commission, more and more strategic Chinese Communist Party positions are being filled by members who hail from or forged their political career in the president's home province of Shaanxi.

A new faction forms around Xi Jingping: the Tsinghua clique 

The group of senior officials gradually emerging as the new clique around Xi Jingping have one thing in common, they all attended the president's alma mater, Tsinghua, in Beijing.

Xi Jinping to bring PLA political commissars to heel 

In his third term, China's president wants to consolidate his hold over his country's military apparatus. To regain control over the politics of the People's Liberation Army, Xi has chosen to drastically rein in political commissars, who have now been relegated to merely executing the party's will.

Taiwan's spies talk up China threat to European counterparts 

Agents working out of diplomatic missions have stepped up a campaign to spread the word about Beijing's purported growing hostility.

• FRANCE/SYRIA - French company Smart Pegasus remains under sanctions for participating in Syrian chemical weapons program.
  

• UNITED KINGDOM - Opposition MP's push parliamentary Economic Crime Committee project.

• SWEDEN/LATVIA - Swedish anti-fake news agency shines at NATO's StratCom. 

• PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN - ISI investigates attempted assassination of Pakistani ambassador in Kabul. 

• NORTH MACEDONIA - Skopje intelligence chief learns the rope at NATO. 

• CHINA - People's Liberation Army tests modern urban warfare techniques to hone Taiwan strategy. 

Military intelligence research firm BluePath Labs unwraps China's strategic ambitions 

The Washington-based consultancy is the US China Economic and Security Commission's contractor of choice to carry out deep investigations into the working of the People's Liberation Army.

Beyond Taiwan headlines, China lays ground for more regional conflicts 

The security-focused conclusions of the Chinese Communist Party Congress went beyond the international headline issue of Taiwan. Beijing is already considering diplomatic and intelligence manoeuvres to aid its expansion into other territories.

Taiwan's war of influence against China notches symbolic diplomatic victory in Czech Republic 

By taking part in Taiwan's National Day and then inviting Taipei's diplomats to a reception to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the Czech Republic, Prague is joining the United States in its desire to abandon the 'One China' policy.

Much to Taipei's dismay, Xi about to become president for life 

Taipei is refining its analysis of the upcoming PCC Congress. Intelligence services believe Xi Jinping will become president for life.

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.

Chinese military commission convinces Xi Jinping to be conciliatory with Japan 

The top army body and the president have been confronting their views over the diplomatic and military approach to be taken towards Japan.

Beijing puts out feelers to gauge potential foreign reaction to Taiwan attack 

China's Ministry of State Security is re-launching an overseas intelligence gathering campaign to better define its strategy towards Taiwan.