Diplomacy

Afghanistan, China
Wang Duanyong, the academic testing the waters for China in Afghanistan

The consultant turned researcher who heads China's Overseas Interests Studies Centre at the prestigious Shanghai International Studies University, assists Chinese companies with their investment plans in Kabul.

Saudi Arabia, United States
Robert Stryk steps in between MBS and his nemesis Saad Al Jabri

The former Saudi intelligence officer Saad Al Jabri is doing everything he can to have his two children released by the Saudi authorities. He has hired a company experienced in dealing with Saudi cases to urge the US to call for their repatriation.

The Agencies' Gazette
Kovalchuk clan in Kremlin, INIS fights corruption, Washington in Riyadh, Beijing and its reservists, China's model ambassador in Paris

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community from Moscow to Baghdad, via Washington, Riyadh and Beijing.

RussiaKovalchuk clan adds another link to Kremlin spymasters

IraqINIS helps with Sudani's crackdown on corruption

United States/Saudi ArabiaWashington calls for greater intelligence sharing with Gulf Cooperation Council

ChinaBeijing relies on reserves to expand PLA

ChinaLu Shaye, ambassador in Paris, in Beijing's good graces

Australia, Japan, United States
Australia strengthens academic-security links with Indo-Pacific allies

The Australian defence ministry has asked a trilateral group of experts to look into harmonising AI capacities and norms between Australia, Japan and the US as part of a strategy to bolster security ties in the Indo-Pacific.

Belarus, Ukraine
Kyiv and Minsk keep diplomatic and trade ties despite sanctions

Despite the sanctions it has itself imposed on Belarus, Ukraine is continuing to import vital supplies from the country. Contact is being discreetly maintained between the two countries via business networks and even through the presidential office in Kyiv.

Belarus, Russia
Lukashenko takes care to keep Russophile strongman Karpenkov onside

The regime's creation of a commission supposedly to facilitate the return of political exiles to Belarus is intended to send a message both to Washington and to Belarus's siloviki. The measure is largely symbolic, since powerful deputy internal affairs minister Nikolay Karpenkov is opposed to any attempt to appease the country's dissidents.

Spotlight | Russia, United States
Geneva think-tank uses private diplomacy to try to reconcile Moscow and Washington over the Arctic

Far North security experts have begun multilateral talks under the auspices of a Swiss think-tank. Participants from the United States, Russia and Norway are supposed to keep in touch with their respective security agencies, given that all official communication channels have been cut.

Indonesia, United Kingdom
Cyber Capacity Unit champions British cyber diplomacy in Indonesia

Then UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has turned to the consultancy firm Cyber Capacity Unit to present its cyber tools in Asia.

Spotlight | China, France, Japan, Singapore, United States
All eyes on DGSE's move into Indo-Pacific

The former head of French external intelligence agency, the DGSE, is opening an office in Singapore to help it expand its presence in the region. China is keeping a close watch, as are France's European and US allies.

The Agencies' Gazette
Mossad attack on Iran, War economy discussed at French National Assembly, Rondot gets a biography, Russian mobilisation, Nippon Foundation head meets the Pope, Russian security council reshuffled

Appointments, reforms and key issues: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, we visit Tehran, Paris, Rome and Moscow.

Israel/IranMossad satisfied by latest operation against Iran

FranceNational Assembly studies defence group financing

FranceIntelligence veteran Rondot gets a biography

RussiaMobilisation and conscription continue to split the elites

Japan/VaticanNippon Foundation president meets Pope Francis

RussiaNikolai Patrushev's inner circle remodelled

France, United Kingdom, United States
Ergo, Vantage, G3, Silverbridge, Audere, Amarante, GEOS, Baubigeat Zeller

Appointments, financial results, new contracts: each week, we report on events both big and small that matter in the global corporate intelligence community. This week, we go to Washington, London and Paris.