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US charges Chinese national with sending guns and ammo to North Korea

December 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that authorities have arrested and charged an undocumented Chinese national with allegedly buying and sending guns and ammunition to North Korea. That’s according to unsealed court documents unveiled on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

According to the criminal complaint, Shenghua Wen told investigators that North Korean agents funneled $2 million to his partner for weapons purchases through a Chinese bank account.

Prosecutors also say that Wen tried to get U.S. military uniforms. They say it was so North Korean soldiers could disguise themselves and launch a “surprise attack” against South Korea.

The DOJ says Wen met with North Korean officials in China, who ordered him to obtain firearms, ammunition, and other technology for Pyongyang.

FBI agents say Wen admitted to shipping two containers of guns from California to Hong Kong. They were smuggled into North Korea in 2023.

Wen faces charges of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on North Korea. Those sanctions bar sending American goods or money to the country without special permission from the United States.

The FBI says that it recovered 50,000 rounds of ammunition from Wen’s car in September. Authorities also found devices used to detect chemicals and hidden surveillance technology.

Investigators note they found photos of guns and equipment Wen sent. He allegedly told investigators he coordinated smuggling operations through encrypted messaging apps.

Wen reportedly came to the United States in 2012 on a student visa that expired in December 2013. He spent more than a decade living in California illegally.

Prosecutors accuse him of relying on other people to buy guns and ammunition through so-called “straw purchases.”

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada called the accusations against Wen in the criminal complaint “chilling.”
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2,500 giant panda sculptures on display in Hong Kong

December 3, 2024
Hong Kong is embracing a panda craze as thousands of sculptures were on display Monday, Dec. 2. The “PANDA GO! FEST HK,” Hong Kong’s largest panda-themed exhibition, launched with 2,500 sculptures showcased at the airport before moving to popular landmarks like the Avenue of Stars.

The designs of six special editions were inspired by the half-dozen giant pandas currently living in Hong Kong, including two new Beijing-gifted pandas and twin cubs born in August at Ocean Park.

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The new pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by Beijing in September, are acclimating to their home at Ocean Park and will meet the public in December.

Ying Ying and Le Le, longtime residents of the park, welcomed twin cubs earlier this year, making Ying Ying the oldest first-time panda mom on record.

A variety of panda-themed activities, including carnivals, art installations, and public exhibitions, are planned to attract visitors and stimulate local businesses. Local officials are promoting the “panda economy” through campaigns showcasing the city’s food, culture, and world-class scenery.

The pandas also star in a new ad campaign with television spots and outdoor displays across the city.

Officials hope the pandas, a cultural symbol in China, will help position Hong Kong as a top tourist destination.
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Researchers hope PigeonBot flying robot can inspire next generation of flight

November 22, 2024
A marriage of technology and biology could be the key to advances in autonomous flight. Researchers revealed in findings published on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Science Robotics that they have developed the “PigeonBot II.”

The bird-like robot features an adaptive tail and wings capable of adjusting to wind conditions at a moment’s notice, just like its living counterpart.

Physicists believe that this technology could be the key to rudderless flight for unmanned aircraft, and fix stability issues long associated with planes by turbulence.

Tests conducted by the team of researchers reveal the bio-bot is capable of adjusting its tail and wings to any gust or powerful wind it encounters. The design of the aerial robot is exactly like it sounds, inspired by the pigeon, and it’s actually adorned with dozens of real pigeon feathers.

The skeleton of the machine is flexible, and its tail and wings can move like a bird. The robot runs with the help of a reflexive built in system, which uses nine motors with controls to mimic a pigeon in flight.

Researchers say the choice of a pigeon may seem like an odd choice when much faster bird designs are available, but they maintain pigeons are one of the more adaptable birds when it comes to flight maneuvers.

Researchers hope the PigeonBot II will lead to more reliable and stable flying robots.

The technology could even be adapted for military purposes, researchers say the bird-bots have a smaller radar signature than most aircraft and better performance.

Beijing is already reportedly on board with bird-like robots, revealing it’s testing the technology for spying with its military earlier this year. Other U.S. companies are also reportedly experimenting with the concept of bird robots.
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China grants visa-free access to more countries to boost tourism

November 22, 2024
China is opening up visa-free access to more countries in an effort to kickstart its struggling economy through tourism. Beijing announced on Friday, Nov. 22, that it will expand the visa-free program to nine additional countries including Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia and Latvia.

China also announced it will be extending the possible length of stay from 15 days to 30 days for travelers from visa-free countries.

The new travel rules will go into effect on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Only three countries had visa-free privileges previously and that access was rescinded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan was one of the three countries with visa-free access before the COVID-19 pandemic and had repeatedly asked for an early waiver to restart the program.

The countries have sparred over issues ranging from Taiwanese sovereignty to the release of treated yet still radioactive water into the sea from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Meanwhile, travel agencies are reportedly preparing for an influx of tourists as the end of the month approaches.

From July through September of this year, China reported more than 8 million foreigners entering the country, and of those, nearly 5 million were from visa-free countries.

With the latest expansion, 38 countries now have visa-free access since last year.
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UN diplomats offer broad support for peacekeeping mission in Haiti

November 21, 2024
The United Nations is currently considering establishing a peacekeeping operation in Haiti as the country becomes more unstable and gangs take more control of Port-au-Prince. Officials with the U.N. expressed support on Wednesday, Nov. 20, for transitioning a recently extended U.N.-backed multinational security support mission in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation despite continued opposition from China and Russia.

“Ongoing security council discussions about international engagement in Haiti’s security and stability to succeed the MSS highlight the need of the government of Haiti and the international community to have a long-term vision.” Miroslav Jenca, the U.N. assistant secretary general, said.

Haitian leaders have continually asked the partially deployed and under-resourced multinational security force to be transformed into a peacekeeping effort to enhance funding.

If approved, a lengthy process would begin. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would then be required to file a report of recommendations.

The United States and Ecuador presented a proposal for the transition in September. However, it failed after resistance from China and Russia. Both countries have veto powers within the U.N.

Moscow and Beijing are still refusing to get on board, despite most diplomats supporting the idea.

Russia and China argue a pause in violence is needed to rationalize sending a peacekeeping mission. They’ve also signaled a distrust of Haiti’s government.

Instead, Beijing and Moscow are proposing continued focus and fulfilling pledges from the multinational security mission.

Violence on the island nation rose dramatically this month as gangs opened fire on three commercial planes. The shootings caused the U.S. to pause flights into the country.

Just this past week, at least 150 people were reportedly killed in gang-related violence. After the violence, the charity Doctors without Borders suspended operations in Haiti.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety, basic needs and human rights of people residing in gang-controlled areas, in particular those of women and children,” Jenca said. “Predatory gangs systematically attack communities using extreme forms of violence including sexual violence as a weapon to subjugate them.”

A Haitian health official, whose son was reportedly kidnapped, warned if more isn’t done by the international community, “the alternative will be a massive genocide that has already started.” He said only the U.N. has the power to stop it.
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Chinese vessel detained and suspected of Baltic Sea cable destruction

November 20, 2024
While Russia is suspected of severing two communication cable lines between NATO allies in the Baltic Sea by the West, a Chinese vessel was also implicated in the incident on Wednesday, Nov. 20, as Danish authorities detained the vessel. The cuts in the Baltic Sea happened on Sunday, Nov. 17 and on Monday, Nov. 18.

The cuts happened along the C-Lion-3 cable that connects Finland and Germany and another 130-mile connecting communications between Sweden and Lithuania.

Investigators are reportedly looking into the movements of a Chinese bulk carrier that traveled to Egypt from a Russian port. According to tracking data, the ship passed close to both telecommunication cables around the time each was severed on Sunday and on Monday.

The Danish Navy reportedly shadowed the vessel, eventually detaining it. Danish officials said that they suspect the ship is responsible for the damage to the cables but provided no further comment.

Meanwhile, social media reports claimed the ship had a Russian captain, but the captain’s identity has not been independently verified.

A separate Chinese-registered ship reportedly cut the BaltiConnector Pipeline in October of 2023 and a telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia with its anchor. Officials familiar with the investigation say Russian sailors were aboard that vessel at the time of the incident.

In regard to the latest cuttings, German officials stopped short of blaming a particular country on Tuesday, Nov. 19, but said the latest cuttings appear to be no accident.

Lithuanian commented on the latest cuttings, noting that the country was “deeply concerned,” but also did not point blame at a particular country.

Other Western officials previously said that there were indications Moscow was behind the cuts though no specific details were released.

The Kremlin denied Russia’s involvement on Wednesday, calling the accusations “quite absurd.”
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Outnumbered: West struggles to combat expanding Chinese spy network

October 14, 2024
Western intelligence agencies are raising alarms about the scale of Chinese espionage, calling it larger than anything they’ve encountered before. From cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to physical espionage, China is increasingly seen as a growing threat to global security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the FBI recently reported a Chinese state-linked hack of 260,000 internet-connected devices across the U.S. and Europe, while a cxongressional probe highlighted Chinese cargo cranes with embedded technology capable of espionage.

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Experts estimate that China’s intelligence apparatus may involve up to 600,000 people, dwarfing the capabilities of other nations. The FBI estimates China’s hacking personnel currently outnumbers its cyber division staff 50 to 1.

In the U.K., Chinese hackers reportedly accessed voter registration records, exposing sensitive data of millions. Additionally, Western officials are investigating whether Chinese intelligence has infiltrated broadband providers used by U.S. law enforcement for wiretapping, raising serious concerns about national security.

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China denies these allegations, portraying itself as a frequent target of foreign intelligence. However, Western intelligence experts warn that Chinese espionage efforts will likely intensify, especially as China’s economy slows down and Xi Jinping’s government faces increasing pressure to maintain technological and military dominance.
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US charges 5 Chinese nationals for lying about visit to Michigan military base

October 3, 2024
Five Chinese nationals who claimed they visited a U.S. military site to watch a meteor shower in August of 2023 are now facing federal charges. The U.S. government said that on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the men covered up their true intentions.

The men are now charged with lying to investigators, “conspiracy and destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations.” U.S. authorities say the men, who were University of Michigan students at the time, secretly took photos of military vehicles at Camp Grayling in Michigan.

A U.S. sergeant major reportedly found the group of men in a heavily restricted area near the base during one the United States largest National Guard exercises known as Northern Strike. The drills included U.S. military from across the country and members of the Taiwanese military.

The five men were reportedly wearing “headlamps” and had cameras with them at the time of their encounter with the U.S. soldier, and claimed they were “media” there to see “shooting stars,” the sergeant major said in an affidavit. He then ordered them to leave and followed them to a hotel where they checked in.

Later that year, the men were interviewed by U.S. Border Protection and Customs officers and all but one of them mentioned the encounter with the U.S. soldier.

Investigators found one of the men in possession of two images of military vehicles on an external hard drive. The pictures were reportedly taken two hours before running into the U.S. sergeant major.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also discovered messages on WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, talking about whether to erase the photos or not. FBI agents believe the group talked about their encounter and tried to align their stories while deleting incriminating pictures.

U.S. authorities say the men are not yet in custody but if they enter the United States, they will be arrested.
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Secret drones from China could fuel Russia’s war in Ukraine: Report

September 26, 2024

New intelligence suggests that Russia is running a secret drone production program in China, developing long-range attack drones for use in the Ukraine war. The program is led by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the state-owned Russian arms company Almaz-Antey, according to European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters.

Kupol has developed a new drone model, the Garpiya-3 (G3), with the help of Chinese specialists, and conducted flight tests in China. The company informed Russia’s Defense Ministry that it can mass-produce the drones at a factory in China, making them ready for deployment in Ukraine. Reports indicate that seven military drones, including two G3 models, have already been delivered to Kupol’s headquarters in Russia. These drones, built in China, have a range of around 1,200 miles and can carry a payload of 110 pounds.

The United States has expressed serious concerns over these reports, viewing it as evidence of Chinese companies providing lethal aid to a U.S.-sanctioned Russian firm. While there is no direct evidence that the Chinese government was involved, Washington is urging Beijing to ensure its companies are not supporting Russia’s war effort.

China’s Foreign Ministry has denied knowledge of such a project and reiterated that it controls the export of drones. Beijing has repeatedly stated it remains neutral in the conflict, but concerns continue to grow about the role of Chinese components in Russian military equipment.

European intelligence sources described this as the first confirmed instance of complete Chinese-made drones being sent to Russia since the war began in Ukraine. Kupol plans to expand the project with the development of a new drone model, the REM 1, similar to the U.S. Reaper drone, capable of carrying an 880-pound payload.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that approximately 140,000 drones were delivered to Russian forces in 2023. He announced plans to ramp up drone production tenfold in 2024 to meet the growing demands of the war in Ukraine. Drones have become a critical tool on the battlefield, with both Russia and Ukraine rapidly increasing their drone capabilities.

The U.S. is prepared to take immediate action against Chinese companies involved in the production and sale of drones to Russia and is coordinating with European allies on possible sanctions.

Russia and China have not responded publicly to these latest reports.
China fires off rare ICBM test amid growing tensions in Indo-Pacific

September 25, 2024
China announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25, that it test-fired an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean. The country is reportedly bulking up its nuclear arsenal, and the rare public test is sparking international concerns.

The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLAARF) announced that the ICBM with a dummy warhead landed accurately in a “predetermined” area, but no specifics on the location were given.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry maintains the test is a routine part of the PLAARF’s annual training and “in line with international law and international practice.” However, nuclear experts noted it’s anything but a regular occurrence, saying that it is the first time China has launched an ICBM into international waters since the early 80s, and one expert said it was “odd” for China to describe the test as routine and annual.

A former Pentagon official, Drew Thompson, who is a senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, believes that it is a veiled threat. He wrote on X, “Timing is everything,” and added, “This launch is a powerful signal intended to intimidate everyone.”

China’s state-run media reported Beijing notified “relevant countries” ahead of the launch.

The entirety of the Indo-Pacific region is on high alert, bracing for potential conflict, while watching China ramp up its nuclear arsenal. China’s nuclear weapons inventory is reportedly expected to at least triple by 2035 from 500 nuclear warheads currently to 1,500 in just about a decade.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported it detected 23 Chinese military aircraft around the Island on Wednesday, and all but one crossed the island’s “air-defense identification zone.”

All of these events happened the same week that Russia and China each sent four warships through a strait separating Russian and Japanese territory, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry on Monday, Sept. 23.

It’s not just China and Russia causing concerns in the Asia-Pacific region, it’s also North Korea. The country fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea last week for the second time in September as Pyongyang has ramped up its weapons testing since 2022.

North Korea claims that its weapon tests are in response to growing joint military exercises between the United States, South Korea, Taiwan and others in what it calls a rehearsal for invasion.

The South China Sea is also vitally important route for shipping that China claims to be theirs. There have been several confrontations between Beijing and other countries with which it has territorial disputes with, particularly, the Philippines.

In response, the U.S. has deployed an advanced missile system to the Philippines earlier this year as it sees China as a threat to the island country.
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