Tag: China

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles
DEFENCE

Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

Australia criticized China on Saturday for not providing adequate justification for what it deemed insufficient notice regarding a live-fire drill conducted in waters between Australia and New Zealand, which led to flight diversions by airlines. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the government has yet to receive a “satisfactory answer from China regarding the notice” of the drills, which he described as “disconcerting” for commercial … Continue reading Australia said China failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the short notice of its navy’s live-fire exercises

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YY-20A tanker, China
DEFENCE

YY-20A aircraft sighted—The enigma surrounding China’s 50-tanker PLAAF deepens.

On February 21, 2025, military aviation expert Andreas Rupprecht, recognized on X as @RupprechtDeino, shared an intriguing update that stirred interest within the defense analysis community. A previously unverified YY-20A tanker, identified by the serial number 20646, was captured in photographs. This discovery not only contributed to the documented inventory of China’s expanding fleet of aerial refueling aircraft but also reignited an ongoing inquiry: how … Continue reading YY-20A aircraft sighted—The enigma surrounding China’s 50-tanker PLAAF deepens.

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U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks at the White House, in Washington.
DISPUTES

US Treasury’s Bessent suggests Russia could gain sanctions relief in conflict negotiations

Russia may find some relief from U.S. sanctions if it demonstrates a genuine willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday. Bessent also mentioned that he plans to engage with his Chinese counterpart on Friday, encouraging China to shift its economic focus towards greater consumer spending. When asked about … Continue reading US Treasury’s Bessent suggests Russia could gain sanctions relief in conflict negotiations

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Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
DIPLOMACY

China’s mediation ambitions in the Ukraine conflict clash with its goals concerning Trump and trade relations

Over the past three years, China has consistently expressed its intention to serve as a mediator in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This has included various diplomatic efforts by Beijing’s envoy, who has engaged with nations ranging from South Africa to Indonesia. Additionally, China has proposed a peace initiative in collaboration with Brazil, formed a coalition of “friends for peace” among developing countries, and even … Continue reading China’s mediation ambitions in the Ukraine conflict clash with its goals concerning Trump and trade relations

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DIPLOMACY

China supports Trump’s Ukraine peace initiative at the G20, while U.S. allies back Zelenskiy

China expressed its support for U.S. President Donald Trump‘s initiative to negotiate a deal with Russia aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine during a G20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday. Meanwhile, U.S. allies rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In the early days of his presidency, Trump significantly altered U.S. policy regarding the war, abandoning a strategy to isolate Moscow following a phone … Continue reading China supports Trump’s Ukraine peace initiative at the G20, while U.S. allies back Zelenskiy

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a Group of 20 (G20) summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
DIPLOMACY

Russia and China’s foreign ministers discuss relations with the U.S. and the Ukraine situation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to address various issues, including U.S. relations and the situation in Ukraine, as reported by the Russian foreign ministry on Thursday. The meeting took place during the G20 ministerial gathering in South Africa. According to the ministry, both ministers acknowledged the positive development of political dialogue and practical cooperation between Russia and China, … Continue reading Russia and China’s foreign ministers discuss relations with the U.S. and the Ukraine situation

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The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamppost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
DIPLOMACY

U.S. plans to cut its diplomatic mission in China by up to 10%, reports the South China Morning Post

The United States is poised to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in China by as much as 10%, according to a report from the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Wednesday, which cited sources familiar with the matter. American diplomats stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong, along with local staff, may receive notifications as early as Friday regarding this unprecedented downsizing. The … Continue reading U.S. plans to cut its diplomatic mission in China by up to 10%, reports the South China Morning Post

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Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
DIPLOMACY

Trump expects a visit from Chinese President Xi but hasn’t given a timeline

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he anticipates a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States, although he did not provide a specific timeline for the trip. Trump made these comments to reporters aboard Air Force One, expressing that a new trade agreement between the U.S. and China is “possible.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue between himself and Xi … Continue reading Trump expects a visit from Chinese President Xi but hasn’t given a timeline

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China's J-36
DEFENCE

Unconfirmed reports have surfaced regarding a second flight of China’s J-36

Social media platforms, particularly X, are buzzing with reports suggesting that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force of China has conducted a second flight of the J-36, a fighter jet believed to be of the sixth generation. This excitement appears to have originated from a recently released photo that did not circulate on December 26, the date when the first flight was reportedly confirmed. As … Continue reading Unconfirmed reports have surfaced regarding a second flight of China’s J-36

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F-35 Lightning II
DEFENCE

U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Deal Sparks Controversy in India

India’s opposition parties have mounted a vigorous campaign against the proposal to acquire the advanced F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, denouncing the agreement as an extravagant error fraught with the ongoing issues of American engineering. They caution that these expensive aircraft, which have faced numerous operational challenges, may turn into a significant liability instead of a strategic advantage. The competition for air superiority in India … Continue reading U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Deal Sparks Controversy in India

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