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Latest China Brief Articles
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‘A New Type of War of Unification’: Liu Mingfu on the American Civil War’s Relevance to Taiwan
Executive Summary: A recent translation of a book by influential writer and retired PLA officer Liu Mingfu includes a previously censored chapter on a new approach to reunification with Taiwan, indicating that a wider range of approaches to the “Taiwan question” are in play than... MORE
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Georgia’s Anaklia Port and PRC Infrastructure Strategy
Executive Summary: The acquisition of a 49 percent stake in a Georgian port by a state-backed consortium advances the PRC’s global port strategy—the PRC currently owns stakes in over 90 ports). As Xi Jinping has stated, “to become rich, one must first build ports.” A... MORE
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Taiwan in Focus at the Shangri-La Dialogue
Executive Summary: PRC Defense Minister Dong Jun’s experience in international military exchanges allowed him to showcase a blend of assertiveness in his speeches and a congenial rapport with foreign journalists during his appearance at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The Dialogue saw a notable... MORE
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PRC Influence via the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
Executive Summary: The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC; 中国人民对外友好协会) is one united front organization among thousands that, along with its affiliate organizations, continues to work with numerous local government officials and organizations across the United States. CPAFFC supports people-to-people diplomacy, public... MORE
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Cognitive Domain Operations Against Vietnam Hint at Broader Ambitions
Executive Summary: Translation forms a crucial part of People’s Liberation Army (PLA)-directed research. This is done to support influence operations, enhance cooperation with the Russian military, and even understand US policy discussions on social media. Recent research from institutions such as the PLA Strategic Support... MORE
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New China Coast Guard Regulation Buttresses PRC Aggression in the South China Sea
Executive Summary: The new “Regulation of the China Coast Guard (CCG) Organization on Enforcing Law and Order” formalizes the increasingly assertive actions taken by Chinese forces in parts of the South China Sea (SCS), empowering the CCG to detain foreign vessels and persons for up to... MORE
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The Untold Psychological War in Hong Kong: Gray Media’s Influence Operation on the Legislation of Article 23
Executive Summary: Analysis of five gray media outlets in Hong Kong during the consultation period for Article 23 legislation passed earlier this year, show how they echo governmental talking points and coordinate to produce collaborative content across popular social media channels. These outlets often present... MORE
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Hong Kong’s Ambitious And Difficult Cryptocurrency Foray
Executive Summary: Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced that 11 cryptocurrency exchanges are close to being licensed to operate in the city, aiming to establish Hong Kong as a leading digital assets hub. However, 12 exchanges did not advance in the licensing process,... MORE
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PRC Pursuit of Geopolitical and Military Objectives in the South Pacific
Executive Summary: PRC investments and cooperation in the South Pacific enhance its military reach and ability to monitor strategic regions. This engagement serves not only economic interests but also significant geopolitical and security purposes, particularly in nations along key maritime and aerial routes. There is... MORE
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PRC Transfer of Military and Dual-Use Technology: the Case of the International Conference on Defence Technology
Executive Summary: The International Conference on Defence Technology (ICDT), held biannually since 2018, exemplifies an approach by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to leverage defense technology from Western researchers. The conference features participation from PRC defense entities and Western scientists, facilitating direct transfer of... MORE