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China Reader Daily Wire | 04 August 2025, Monday | Vol 2 No. 164

China to continue purchasing oil from Russia and Iran despite US warning, reports AP

China builds satellite receiving ground station in Namibia, reportsÂ SCMP

China Reader Daily Wire | 04 August 2025, Monday | Vol 2 No. 164
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
China to continue purchasing oil from Russia and Iran despite US warning, reports AP
On 04 August, Associated Press reported that China will continue to purchase oil from Iran and Russia, which comes after the Stockholm meeting to avert tariffs. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it will ensure that its energy supply will serve its national interest, and that coercion or pressure will not achieve anything. They stressed that they defend their sovereignty, security, and development interests. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after the talks, noted that China takes its sovereignty very seriously and that “We don’t want to impede on their sovereignty, so they would like to pay a 100% tariff.” He also called the Chinese tough negotiators, and he believes they have a deal in the making. (“China pushes back at US demands to stop buying Russian and Iranian oil,” AP, 04 August 2025)

CHINA & AFRICA
China builds satellite receiving ground station in Namibia, reports SCMP
On 02 August, SCMP reported on how China is building the Namibian space industry. China is building Namibia’s satellite data receiving ground station on the outskirts of Windhoek. China’s embassy in Namibia described this as “a shining example of their cooperation,” as they celebrated 35 years of diplomatic ties. The embassy informed that it aims to support Namibia in developing space infrastructure and training. The ground station will receive remote sensing satellite data for environmental monitoring, agricultural disaster, and resource assessment. China is also planning to provide technical training for engineers in Namibia. Similar but larger investments were made by China in Egypt by building the “Egypt Space City.” This project has enabled Egypt to domestically complete 60 per cent of its satellite manufacturing process, which has made it the first African country to have such capability. (“China-built satellite station a ‘shining’ example of support for Namibian space programme,” SCMP, 02 August 2025)

INTERNAL
Chinese state employees barred from traveling abroad, reports an editorial in Business Standard
On 03 August, an editorial in Business Standard reported on how Chinese employees are refraining from traveling abroad with the institution's permission. A rule was issued that teachers' overseas vacations were not permitted, aimed at strengthening their disciplinary awareness. It op-ed noted that similar warnings are being spread across China, where state employees which including kindergarten teachers, doctors, government contractors, and other officials from travelling abroad and are ordered to hand in their passports. The retired professional only gets their passports back for two years of their leave. Now, travelling overseas as public employees, even for personal reasons, requires approval. The piece also noted that people who have studied abroad are now being disqualified from public positions. The New York Times also reported on the same, as they interviewed an elementary school teacher and a literature professor who confirmed these restrictions. (“No passports, no study abroad: China limits public employees' travel,” Business Standard, 03 August 2025)

MARITIME
China’s Fujian aircraft carriers complete their catapult take-off drill, reports SCMP
On 04 August, SCMP reported that China’s third most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, successfully conducted its fighter jet capsulate take-off drill. This makes it the first aircraft carrier which is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult. It is also estimated that Fujian will be able to enter active service by the end of this year. Head of Naval aviation abroad, Senior Captain Tian Wei said: “The Fujian is now entering its final preparatory stage [after completing its eighth sea trial in May.” He said: “Our current challenge is to add to its [capacity for] seamless transition from ski-jump to catapult take-off, optimising and shortening this time to rapidly achieve combat capability upon commissioning.” Fujian has also been seen deploying J-15S, making the Chinese naval fleet a dual-seat, catapult-capable, heavy fighter. (“China’s Fujian aircraft carrier may have conducted first catapult take-off drill,” SCMP, 03 August 2025)

CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
Chinese Z-10ME helicopters in Pakistan, reports SCMP
On 02 August, SCMP reported on images being circulated on social media of Pakistan receiving shipments of China-made advanced attack helicopters. The Z-10ME, which is deployed by China on its border with India, is now in Pakistan. The video uploaded by a Pakistan army member showcased the helicopters conducting the field support mission. The video was captioned “First look at Pakistan’s Z-10ME attack helicopter armed with next-gen air-to-ground missiles.” Another photo was posted showing the Z-10ME undergoing ground maintenance in Pakistan. This comes after Pakistan and India engaged in crossfire during Operation Sindhoor, where it was then revealed that the Pakistan military operated Chinese aircraft. (“Will Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters now power Pakistan air force?,” SCMP, 02 August 2025)

CHINA & WEST ASIA
China firms investing in the Iraqi oil market, reports Reuters
On 04 August, Reuters reported that China’s independent oil companies are ramping up operations in Iraq. They are investing in OPEC producers after many global players have scaled back from the Iraq market. The Chinese producers will be doubling their output to 500,000 barrels per day by 2030. This has also been beneficial for Iraq, which has been under pressure to accelerate its projects. Iraq’s Ministry of Oil also pushed for rising Chinese investments. Firms like Geo-Jade Petroleum Corp, United Energy Group, Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group, and Anton Oilfield Services Group won more than half of Iraq's exploration licensing. As Baghdad becomes more stable, they are likely to attract more Chinese and even Western companies. Chinese firms now account for more than half of Iraq’s current production in the fields of Haifay, Rumaila, and West Qurna (“China's independent oil firms elbow into Iraq's majors-dominated market,” Reuters, 04 August 2025)

China Reader Daily Wire | 02 August 2025, Saturday | Vol 2 No. 163
CHINA & EAST ASIA
The Chinese military is ready for reunification with Taiwan, says China’s Defense Minister
On 31 July, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun announced that the Chinese military is ready to pursue its goal of Chinese reunification, and that they will thwart any separatist movement for “Taiwan’s independence.” The remarks were made at the larger reception for the 98^th anniversary of the inception of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This year also marked their 80^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Dong said: “Chinese military is willing to work with its counterparts in all countries around the world to achieve the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and the three major global initiatives, address risks and challenges, and build a world with lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusivity, and a clean and beautiful environment.” (“China's defense minister reiterates PLA's readiness for national reunification,” CGTN, 01 August 2025)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
China expresses concerns about Nvidia's chip location tracking tech, says CAC
On 31 July, the US-based firm Nvidia, a chip-making giant, announced that it has no backdoor to China, following concerns raised about the H20 intelligence chip. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) expressed that they were concerned about the US proposal on the advanced chips sold abroad to have a tracking positioning function. The CAC noted its concerns weeks after the US export ban on Chips was removed. The CAC regulator has informed that they have summoned Nvidia for a meeting to elaborate on whether the AI chips have any backdoor security risks. This could affect the Chinese use of data and privacy rights that could be affected. A Nvidia spokesperson said: “Cybersecurity is critically important to us. Nvidia does not have 'backdoors' in our chips that would give anyone a remote way to access or control them.” The location verification technology was proposed by both the White House and the US Congress, to include location verification so that this can prevent their chips from being diverted to countries where the US has issued an export ban. (“Nvidia says its chips have no 'backdoors' after China flags H20 security concerns,” Reuters, 31 July 2025)

INTERNAL
China’s torrential rains kill 60, mostly elderly, from nursing home facilities
On 31 July, Reuters reported that after the extreme rains that ravaged China across northern China, it is estimated that 60 people have been killed. Out of which more than half of them were at the care home facility for the elderly. The torrential rains began last week, and 31 people from the nursing home in Miyun's Taishitun died. Though the authorities were alerted to the elderly trapped in the facility but due to the rains and water, the rescue mission was hampered. Miyun’s top official, Yu Weiguo, said: “This showed that our contingency plan had flaws, and our understanding of extreme weather was inadequate.” There were 69 elderly people in the nursing home, of whom 55 had functional impairment. The river's peak flow was 2.3 times higher than they have seen in a century. It is reckoned that more than 300,000 people have been affected by the flooding and rains, 24,000 homes and 242 bridges have been damaged. (“Care home residents among at least 60 killed in north China flooding,” Reuters, 31 July 2025)

CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
China and Nepal affirm friendship on the 70^th anniversary of bilateral ties
On 01 August, China’s President Xi Jinping and Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel exchanged congratulatory messages on the 70^th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Xi noted that these countries have long historical ties and are connected by mountains. He also noted that their relations have been sound and stable in recent years, with growing political trust. Xi said: “e attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is ready to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries and contribute to regional peace and development.” Poudel also stated that China is a trustworthy neighbor of Nepal and that they are grateful for their long-standing support. (“Chinese, Nepali presidents exchange congratulations on 70th anniversary of ties,” CGTN, 01 August 2025)

CHINA & THE MIDDLE EAST
China and Kuwait complete their ammunition facility construction, reports SCMP
On 01 August, SCMP reported that China and Kuwait completed the construction of an ammunition factory in the Gulf State. Kuwait’s Deputy Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah, noted that this project is a milestone in their cooperation with China. He also noted the military training porgrammes between the two countries started in 2019 and will expand every year. China’s Embassy in Kuwait stated that this will promote China-Kuwaiti military relations to new heights, and the Chargé d’affaires Liu Xiang called on both countries to adhere to peaceful development. Kuwait is the first Gulf state to have signed a military cooperation agreement with China in 1995. China has supplied 155mm cannons, and the PLA Navy has visited Kuwait three times since 2011. Tactical Report found that China has reached out to Kuwait to aid their defense needs without any preconditions, and is offering to advance their military equipment. (“China and Kuwait pledge closer military ties as joint ammunition plant opening nears,” SCMP, 01 August 2025)

CHINA & EUROPE
China and Switzerland hold goodwill meeting
On 31 July, China and Switzerland culminated their official goodwill visit, where China's top legislator Zhao Leji called for advanced high-level cooperation and development. He noted that Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to have established diplomatic ties with the PRC. Chairman of the National People’s Congress, Zhao Legi said: “Over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have jointly cultivated a spirit of cooperation featuring "equality, innovation and win-win," setting a model for cooperation between countries with different social systems, at different stages of development and of varying sizes.” He noted that China is ready to work with Switzerland and to implement the consensus. President of the National Council of Switzerland Maja Riniker said: “The National Council of Switzerland stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the NPC of China to play an active role in pushing for an upgrade of the free trade deal between the two countries, as well as promoting sustainable development.” (“China's top legislator calls for high-level development of innovative strategic partnership with Switzerland,” CGTN, 01 August 2025)

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