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Asia-Pacific

China, France
EU slaps sanctions on hackers linked to Chinese intelligence services

The European Union has imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies involved in cyber-espionage. One of them, I-Soon, has been under scrutiny by the US and UK authorities for the past year.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity 20.03.2026

Spymaster | North Korea
Kim Yo-jong: Kim dynasty's spokesperson turned spymaster

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in Beijing, on 3 September 2025. © Jade Gao/AFP

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 20.03.2026

China, France, Taiwan
In Marseille, United Front promotes reunification with Taiwan amid local elections

The Association of Southern France for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China held its first major gathering in Marseille on 8 March during local elections. The city's Chinese consul attended, calling for Chinese reunification with Taiwan.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 20.03.2026

Japan, South Korea
Tokyo and Seoul put differences on hold to placate Washington

US President Donald Trump has finally got his way after pressing Japan and South Korea to project a more constructive image of East Asia.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 19.03.2026

China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, during its maiden sea trials, on 8 May 2024. © Pu Haiyang/VCG via Reuters Connect

China
Beijing's Fujian aircraft carrier and its catapult far from fully operational

Despite Beijing's promising announcements, images of China's third aircraft carrier have left military analysts sceptical. Several technical details suggest that the equipment designed to launch and recover the carrier's aircraft has not been tested extensively.

Subscribers only Defence 18.03.2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, on 12 March 2026. © Andres Martinez Casares/Pool/EPA/MaxPPP

China
Xi to deploy CCP 'consultants' to Chinese businesses abroad

Chinese President Xi Jinping has already created a system to mobilise academics directly in the service of the politburo. Deeming this a success, he now wants to extend the scheme to businesses, which will have to set up special research offices in their overseas subsidiaries.

Subscribers only Operations 17.03.2026

Spy Way of Life | China
The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores Yin Xi in Shanghai, a favourite tea room amongst Guoanbu officials in China.

Subscribers only Agencies, Back-door diplomacy 13.03.2026

The Yin Xi tea room in Shanghai Tower, a favourite establishment of Guoanbu officials in China.

China, Pakistan, United States
Beijing frets over Washington's return to Islamabad, a key military partner

Afghanistan, Pakistan: Beijing reshuffles the cards (2/2) – Over the past four months, US delegations have made a series of discreet visits to Islamabad. Beijing is watchful and apprehensive, as Pakistan remains an irreplaceable strategic military partner for China.

Subscribers only Defence 12.03.2026

China, France
World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris draws large Chinese delegation

Beijing sent a large delegation to the international nuclear conference held in Paris this week, reflecting China's global ambitions in the field.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 12.03.2026

Afghanistan, China
Beijing makes long-term withdrawal from Afghanistan

Afghanistan, Pakistan: Beijing reshuffles the cards (1/2) – The Ministry of State Security has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Chinese teams and interests from Afghanistan. Rather than a response to recent incidents in Tajikistan, the measure betrays Pakistan's inability to protect Beijing's interests.

Subscribers only Operations, Defence 11.03.2026

Thailand
Bangkok blows the starting whistle for its future frigate

Bangkok is advancing on the tender process for its future frigate by distributing specifications to interested manufacturers. Competition for this contract is expected to be intense and attract international interest.

Subscribers only Defence 10.03.2026

Thailand
Bangkok races to modernise artillery against Cambodia

Thailand is struggling to maintain its KNDS and Elbit Systems howitzers and to build up a sufficient stockpile of shells to wage its war against Cambodia.

Subscribers only Defence 09.03.2026

A Caesar gun deployed during a French army exercise. Thailand acquired several of these artillery systems in 2010.

Spotlight | China, Europe
Xi charmed by Merz's pragmatism, but irked by Macron

Reports commissioned by the Chinese president's research office during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Beijing delivered blunt assessments on the future of ties with Europe: relations are set to deteriorate but pragmatic cooperation remains possible with Germany, Italy and the UK.

Subscribers only Information wars, Back-door diplomacy 06.03.2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Merz's state visit to China, on 25 February 2026.

China, Iran
GEOINT: China leaves Tehran out in the cold

Although China has raised its voice diplomatically against the Israeli-US intervention in Iran, Beijing has not provided any significant intelligence support from space to assist Tehran.

Subscribers only Space 05.03.2026

Spotlight | China, Hong Kong
Our Hong Kong Foundation, reining in academics for the CCP

Rather than pressing Hong Kong researchers to write reports for the Party, Xi Jinping has decided to rely more heavily on Our Hong Kong Foundation to secure the loyalty of intellectuals willing to serve it.

Subscribers only Information wars, Back-door diplomacy 04.03.2026

Indonesia, Singapore
New lobbyist hired to defend Indonesian palm oil in Washington

In early February, Indonesia signed a contract to defend its palm oil producers in the United States. Yet this contract has already been rendered less useful by the newly signed bilateral trade deal.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 03.03.2026

Palm oil extraction plant in Meulaboh, on the west coast of Aceh province, Indonesia.

Vietnam
The secret list of companies involved in Hanoi's 2045 drone plan

Members of Hanoi's government-appointed panel of drone experts are in a key position to win favour with the Ministry of Public Security, not to mention with the Party's general secretary. As such, captains of industry, investment fund managers and telecoms group directors have striven to get on board.

Subscribers only Defence 02.03.2026

Military drones on display during the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2022 in Hanoi, on 8 December 2022.

Cambodia, United States
American diplomats mobilise as Phnom Penh prepares new cyber laws

Cambodia has recently proposed a slate of new legislation in the domains of cyber regulation and data protection. Western embassies are taking a particular interest, given the implications for their firms and the potential to further distance the country from Chinese influence.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity 27.02.2026

China, France
Chinese agents involved in anti-dissident op at Paris airport leave France

Three officials from the Chinese Embassy in Paris, who were involved in an attempt at the forced repatriation of a young dissident to Beijing in 2024, have left France in recent months.

Subscribers only Agencies, Operations 26.02.2026

Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, near Paris, where an operation targeting a Chinese dissident took place in 2024.

Vietnam
Airbus moves to sell helicopters to Vietnam, via third country if necessary

Major international groups have submitted bids to the airborne division of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. Although its position is sound, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus may be forced to take an administrative detour in order to complete a sale.

Subscribers only Defence, Contractors 25.02.2026

The weekly summary

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Asia-Pacific

China, France
EU slaps sanctions on hackers linked to Chinese intelligence services

Spymaster | North Korea
Kim Yo-jong: Kim dynasty's spokesperson turned spymaster

China, France, Taiwan
In Marseille, United Front promotes reunification with Taiwan amid local elections

Japan, South Korea
Tokyo and Seoul put differences on hold to placate Washington

China
Beijing's Fujian aircraft carrier and its catapult far from fully operational

China
Xi to deploy CCP 'consultants' to Chinese businesses abroad

Spy Way of Life | China
The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

China, Pakistan, United States
Beijing frets over Washington's return to Islamabad, a key military partner

China, France
World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris draws large Chinese delegation

Afghanistan, China
Beijing makes long-term withdrawal from Afghanistan

Thailand
Bangkok blows the starting whistle for its future frigate

Thailand
Bangkok races to modernise artillery against Cambodia

Spotlight | China, Europe
Xi charmed by Merz's pragmatism, but irked by Macron

China, Iran
GEOINT: China leaves Tehran out in the cold

Spotlight | China, Hong Kong
Our Hong Kong Foundation, reining in academics for the CCP

Indonesia, Singapore
New lobbyist hired to defend Indonesian palm oil in Washington

Vietnam
The secret list of companies involved in Hanoi's 2045 drone plan

Cambodia, United States
American diplomats mobilise as Phnom Penh prepares new cyber laws

China, France
Chinese agents involved in anti-dissident op at Paris airport leave France

Vietnam
Airbus moves to sell helicopters to Vietnam, via third country if necessary

The weekly summary

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

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Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud

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CIA

Asia-Pacific

China, France EU slaps sanctions on hackers linked to Chinese intelligence services

Spymaster | North Korea Kim Yo-jong: Kim dynasty's spokesperson turned spymaster

China, France, Taiwan In Marseille, United Front promotes reunification with Taiwan amid local elections

Japan, South Korea Tokyo and Seoul put differences on hold to placate Washington

China Beijing's Fujian aircraft carrier and its catapult far from fully operational

China Xi to deploy CCP 'consultants' to Chinese businesses abroad

Spy Way of Life | China The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

China, Pakistan, United States Beijing frets over Washington's return to Islamabad, a key military partner

China, France World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris draws large Chinese delegation

Afghanistan, China Beijing makes long-term withdrawal from Afghanistan

Thailand Bangkok blows the starting whistle for its future frigate

Thailand Bangkok races to modernise artillery against Cambodia

Spotlight | China, Europe Xi charmed by Merz's pragmatism, but irked by Macron

China, Iran GEOINT: China leaves Tehran out in the cold

Spotlight | China, Hong Kong Our Hong Kong Foundation, reining in academics for the CCP

Indonesia, Singapore New lobbyist hired to defend Indonesian palm oil in Washington

Vietnam The secret list of companies involved in Hanoi's 2045 drone plan

Cambodia, United States American diplomats mobilise as Phnom Penh prepares new cyber laws

China, France Chinese agents involved in anti-dissident op at Paris airport leave France

Vietnam Airbus moves to sell helicopters to Vietnam, via third country if necessary

The weekly summary

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

China, France
EU slaps sanctions on hackers linked to Chinese intelligence services

Spymaster | North Korea
Kim Yo-jong: Kim dynasty's spokesperson turned spymaster

China, France, Taiwan
In Marseille, United Front promotes reunification with Taiwan amid local elections

Japan, South Korea
Tokyo and Seoul put differences on hold to placate Washington

China
Beijing's Fujian aircraft carrier and its catapult far from fully operational

China
Xi to deploy CCP 'consultants' to Chinese businesses abroad

Spy Way of Life | China
The Yin Xi teahouse in Shanghai, where Guoanbu officials mix intimidation with pleasure

China, Pakistan, United States
Beijing frets over Washington's return to Islamabad, a key military partner

China, France
World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris draws large Chinese delegation

Afghanistan, China
Beijing makes long-term withdrawal from Afghanistan

Thailand
Bangkok blows the starting whistle for its future frigate

Thailand
Bangkok races to modernise artillery against Cambodia

Spotlight | China, Europe
Xi charmed by Merz's pragmatism, but irked by Macron

China, Iran
GEOINT: China leaves Tehran out in the cold

Spotlight | China, Hong Kong
Our Hong Kong Foundation, reining in academics for the CCP

Indonesia, Singapore
New lobbyist hired to defend Indonesian palm oil in Washington

Vietnam
The secret list of companies involved in Hanoi's 2045 drone plan

Cambodia, United States
American diplomats mobilise as Phnom Penh prepares new cyber laws

China, France
Chinese agents involved in anti-dissident op at Paris airport leave France

Vietnam
Airbus moves to sell helicopters to Vietnam, via third country if necessary