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Category: East Asia
Chinese envoy discusses election with Myanmar junta chief
A Chinese envoy has met Myanmar’s junta chief to discuss help for an election that the military aims to hold by January, days after the Myanmar leader secured a promise of support for the vote from its other main foreign backer, Russia.
Thailand’s power and fuel cuts hurting ordinary Myanmar residents
Thailand’s move to cut off electricity, fuel and internet service to an area across the border in Myanmar rife with scam centers is hurting ordinary people more than the crime syndicates it was trying target, residents told Radio Free Asia. The shutoff of the grid since Feb. 4 has resulted in many turning to electric generators, and that’s doubled the price of gas in Myawaddy in just five weeks. Described by some as it’s “most decisive action ever,” Bangkok said the move was aimed at closing down the scamming operations, where hundreds of trafficked workers have been trapped and often tortured. Thailand also banned the export of 12 items, including mobile phones and electrical appliances, to Myanmar. But the criminal organizations are finding their way around the blockade, including often illegal ways to acquire the fuel needed to power their generators and continue their operations, residents told RFA Burmese. Instead of its intended targets, the shutdown is taking a much larger toll on residents in the area, which is controlled by the Karen Border Guard Force and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. “Ordinary people are suffering the most from the Thai government’s fuel cuts,” said a Myawaddy resident who used the pseudonym Thura for fear of reprisals. “Meanwhile, scam call center gangs continue to receive fuel supplies with the help” of region rebel groups. Fuel is hard to buy because demand is high and supply is low. Gas has nearly doubled to 7,000 kyats per liter ($12.64 per gallon), Thura said. In Myawaddy, across from the Thai town of Mae Sot, gas stations are all closed, and residents instead have to buy fuel from residents on the Thai side of the border. The criminal gangs, by relying on their connections with these local armed groups, can get what they need without much difficulty. “In contrast, ordinary people are struggling due to fuel shortages caused by illegal traders.” Attempts by RFA to contact the Karen Border Guard Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Nai Maung Zaw and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army DKBA chief of staff General Saw San Aung, on March 10, for comment on these situations went unanswered. Illegal trade routes Kyaw Naing, a Myawaddy merchant who used a pseudonym for security reasons, told RFA that despite the Thai government’s bans on 12 types of products — which also include batteries, inverters and generators — are still being smuggled in. “Fuel is filled in cars from Mae Sot to be sold in Myawaddy,” Kyaw Naing said. “Buying fuel can be somewhat challenging, but it is still possible since the border routes are not completely closed all the time.” The banned Thai items can also be imported instead from China, to the point that the ban is almost ineffective, he said, adding that the Thai government should reopen the fuel market considering it is a basic need for the people. RFA attempted to contact Thin Thin Myat, chairman of the Myawaddy Border Trade Chamber of Commerce for comment, but she did not respond. With people buying fuel in Thailand to sell in Myanmar, sellers in Mae Sai, far to the north of the Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing are now requiring that buyers fill up only the gas tanks of their vehicles, not portable containers. Workers repatriated Meanwhile, the Karen Border Guard Force on Tuesday handed nearly 250 Indian and Malaysian workers who had been trafficked and held in Chinese gambling dens and scam centers in Myawaddy to authorities from their respective countries via the Mae Sot-Myawaddy Friendship Bridge. Among those freed were 226 Indian nationals and 24 Malaysians. “Plans are in place to repatriate more foreign nationals in the coming days,” a spokesperson for the Border Guard Force told RFA. Between Monday and Tuesday, 509 Indian nationals had been sent over the bridge to Indian authorities working alongside their Thai counterparts. The Karen Border Guard Force claims to have been conducting anti-scam and anti-human trafficking operations for nearly a month. According to a source at their Investigation Office, around 3,000 scam workers from China, Indonesia, India and Malaysia have been repatriated via Thailand. Translated by Aung Naing and Thane Aung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
Chinese defense company builds industrial estate in Cambodia
A Chinese defense company and its Cambodian partner have begun developing an industrial park on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, strengthening China’s foothold in the kingdom’s defense sector. Cambodia’s defense minister Tea Seiha, who is also a deputy prime minister, presided over a groundbreaking ceremony for the C-01 industrial park, on Monday in Kandal province outside the capital, according to for their involvement in the development and production of drones for Russian military use in the Ukraine war. China is the largest foreign investor in Cambodia and has provided loans to many major infrastructure projects via the Belt and Road Initiative. As of October 2024, Cambodia had more than 2,300 industrial factories, half of which received investment from China of US$9 billion in total, according to the Kingdom’s industry ministry. Edited by Mike Firn We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
North Korea publicly executes 3 men for trying to escape by boat to South Korea
Read a version of this story in Korean North Korea publicly executed three men — shooting each one with 90 rounds from a machine gun — for attempting to flee to democratic South Korea, a witness and a resident who heard about the execution told Radio Free Asia. Authorities then burned their corpses in front of horrified residents of the town, who were forced to watch, the sources said. The three men, all in their 30s, had been caught in January when trying to escape to the South by boat. Lost in fog on the sea, they thought they had crossed the border when they saw what they assumed was a South Korean fishing vessel. They called out for help, but it turned out to be a North Korean patrol boat that caught them in the act, and they were promptly arrested, the two sources told RFA Korean. A North Korean navy ship, top right, patrols near fishing boats at South Korea-controlled Yeonpyeong island, May 31, 2009.(Byun Yeong Wook/AFP) By publicly executing the men — and telling villagers they would face a similar fate — authorities sought to scare anyone who might be thinking about fleeing themselves, the sources said. The incident reflects harsher punishment for escapees. In past years they would have been sent to reeducation camp for a maximum of 15 years. But now they will be killed by firing squad, with residents in the area forced to watch, the sources said. Public executions are a common occurrence in North Korea, for crimes like murder or human trafficking, or even distribution South Korean videos. Tied to stakes The three men — two brothers surnamed Kim and their friend surnamed Ri — were from South Hwanghae province, which borders South Korea on the peninsula’s west coast. A resident from the northwestern province of North Pyongan, who witnessed the execution while on a trip to South Hwanghae, described it in detail to RFA Korean, saying that it occurred in the the village of Songjong-ri in February, and the three men were tied to stakes. “We witnessed the young men being dragged out with black cloths over their eyes and gagged, being shot dozens of times and their bodies being torn to pieces,” he said. “Usually those who are to be executed are tied to the stake in three places: the neck, the torso, and the legs,” he said. “But this time, they were so weakened by severe torture that they had to be bound in six sections because they could not support their own bodies.” He said authorities yelled, “Traitors to the nation must be punished!” as the executioners emptied the entirety of their 90 round-magazines into each man. The execution was corroborated by another North Pyongan resident who heard about it from his friend from South Hwanghae –a witness himself — who had visited the northern province on business. He was told village authorities ordered everyone in nearby factories, farms and schools to attend. “It was an attempt to instill fear in the residents that this is what happens when you try to escape,” the second source said. “Most of the residents gathered without knowing what was happening, and they were made to witness such a horrific sight.” The first source said the authorities made of point of treating the dead men’s bodies with disrespect. “They said, ‘There is no place to bury the bodies of defectors in in this land!’ and they burned their scattered remains,” the resident said. Many children and young students in attendance were screaming in terror, and some residents collapsed and fainted, he said. Botched escape Since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, more than 34,000 people have escaped North Korea and resettled in the South. The most common route involves escaping first to China then avoiding captured and forcibly repatriated by Chinese authorities as they try to reach Southeast Asia. Once there, they can arrange with the help of a South Korean embassy to arrange a flight to Seoul. Crossing directly into the South is rare. But the Kim brothers and their friend Ri had hoped to defy the odds. According to the residents, prior to the execution the authorities announced that the trio had been planning their escape for months. They pooled their money to buy a small boat and set sail on the night of Jan. 6, hoping to cross the maritime border in waters west of the peninsula. “Unfortunately they found themselves in a difficult situation where they could not see an inch in front of them because of the fog in the middle of the sea,” the second source said. “However, they blindly headed south, navigating with a compass. As they continued southward, another vessel appeared within sight. “They thought it was a South Korean fishing boat and shouted, ‘We are people who have escaped to South Korea! Please spare us!’” But it was a North Korean patrol boat, and the three men were immediately arrested, he said. “Now if anyone’s caught trying to go to South Korea, they will be executed in public without exception.” Translated by Eugene Whong and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
A North Korean base has mockups of South Korean cities, POW in Ukraine says
Read a version of this story in Korean North Korean troops train at a base designed to emulate the layout of Seoul and other major South Korean cities, a South Korean lawmaker said, citing testimony from North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine. If the testimony is true, it is an indication that North Korea has not given up on the possibility of invading the South, a South Korean ministry official said. The POW’s testimony was revealed during an interview — broadcast on South Korean radio and simultaneously livestreamed on YouTube — with National Assemblyman Yu Yong-weon about his recent visit to Ukraine, where he met with two North Korean POWs. North Korea has sent an estimated 12,000 soldiers to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine, although neither Moscow or Pyongyang has publicly confirmed this. During the interview, Yu said that one POW identified as Ri told him that the base was located in Koksan county, North Hwanghae province, just over 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the DMZ that divides North from South. Urban warfare training center(Paul Nelson/RFA) Based on the satellite images, The entire base is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) wide, with the model buildings spread over approximately 40 hectares (100 acres) “The base complex is split up into 4 sections of MOUT across the area,” Bogle said, using the abbreviation for “military operations on urbanized terrain.” “Most are simple, there may be around 5 structures that are two floors, but the vast majority are single-story structures, but some are as long as 36 meters (40 yards),” he said. Korean People’s Army special operations force train at a five-story building at a base, Sept. 11, 2014.(KCNA) The Koksan Training Base is also believed to have been visited by the country’s leader Kim Jong Un in Sept. 2024, when state media reported that he gave onsite guidance to soldiers at a training ground. NK news, a U.S. media outlet specializing in North Korea, analyzed a documentary video broadcast on the state-run Korean Central Television in January about the visit, and reported it likely took place in Koksan. On Friday, during a press briefing by the South Korean Ministry of Unification, a reporter asked spokesperson Goo Byung-sam about Ri’s testimony and the satellite imagery in the Korean version of this report, which was published on Thursday. The spokesperson said it was a military matter and that it would be inappropriate for the Ministry of Unification to comment. “That said, if this report is true, it would be yet another piece of evidence that North Korea has not abandoned its ambitions of invading the South,” Goo said. Translated by Claire S. Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
China warns US against containment as Trump’s second term reshapes relations
TAIPEI, Taiwan – No country should expect to suppress China and maintain good relations with it, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday, as he warned of a reaction if the United States tried to contain his country. But in response to questions about U.S. relations as President Donald Trump begins his second term, Wang also held out the prospect of a successful partnership between the world’s two biggest economies. “No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time,” Wang told a news conference on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary meeting in Beijing. “Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust.” The United States has imposed tariffs of 20% on Chinese goods since Trump took office – 10% last month and a further 10% coming into effect on Tuesday. Trump imposed the tariffs in retaliation for what he says is China’s refusal to stop the outflow of precursors for the synthetic opioid fentanyl. U.S. officials blame fentanyl for tens of thousands of deaths each year. China moved swiftly to retaliate with tariffs of its own on American agricultural and food products while accusing the United States of “bullying.” Wang said the U.S. should reassess its policies, particularly on tariffs. He also dismissed U.S. criticism over fentanyl, describing it as a domestic issue that the U.S. must confront internally. The U.S. “should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason,” he said, adding that China had provided the United States with “various assistance” to tackle the flow of fentanyl precursor drugs into the U.S. “If one side blindly exerts pressure, China will resolutely counter that,” Wang said. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (podium, 2nd L) speaks at a press conference during the ongoing National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 7, 2025.(Jade Gao/AFP) Wang warned of the “law of the jungle” in international relations if powerful countries bullied smaller ones. “Small and weak countries will get burned first, and the international order and rules will be under severe shock,” he said. “Major countries should undertake their international obligations … and not seek to profit from and bully the weak.” He said China welcomed more countries into a “community of a shared future.” “History proves that the only way to be a real winner is to care for everyone,” he added. ‘Playing with fire’ On broader U.S.-China relations, Wang denounced “unjustified external suppression” of China’s technology sector and reiterated Beijing’s opposition to Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Wang called on the U.S. to foster “positive and pragmatic cooperation and dialogue,” while emphasizing that mutual respect remained the foundation of U.S.-China ties, and their economic and trade ties were interdependent. “The two countries can be partners that contribute to each other’s success,” he said. Wang held out the prospect of good ties with the European Union as well, noting that annual China-EU trade has grown to US$780 billion. “We also believe that Europe can be a reliable partner. Both sides have the ability and wisdom to properly handle existing issues through friendly consultations,” he said. RELATED STORIES US charges 12 Chinese hackers and officials, offers $10M in rewards Trump hails retaliatory tariffs in defense of America’s jobs and its soul China announces 7.2% defense budget hike, reaffirms opposition to Taiwan independence Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s position on self-ruled Taiwan and accused outside powers of fueling instability, adding that anyone supporting Taiwan’s independence would get burned. “Taiwan has never been a country; it was not in the past, and it will never be in the future,” he said, warning that “allowing Taiwan independence undermines stability in the Taiwan Strait.” Wang further criticized “external support” for the island’s independence. “Supporting Taiwan independence is playing with fire,” he said. On the war in Ukraine, Wang repeated China’s stance of support for political negotiations to end a conflict that he said “could have been avoided.” “China has been advocating for peace talks since the first day of the crisis,” he said. “All parties should learn something from the crisis,” he said. “Among many other things, security should be mutual and equal, and no country should build its security on the insecurity of another,” he said. Edited by Mike Firn We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
China said we’re ready to fight till the end, If war is what the U.S. wants!!
China accuses US of using fentanyl as a pretext for tariffs, escalating tensions. They have said they will fight till the end against USA.
China’s Black Market for Nvidia AI Chips: A Growing Threat to Global Security
Despite strict U.S. export controls, China is exploiting underground trade networks to obtain Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips. Traders are circumventing restrictions by routing shipments through third-party resellers in Southeast Asia, allowing Beijing to access cutting-edge technology that powers artificial intelligence development, military applications, and mass surveillance. This black-market operation poses a direct challenge to U.S. national security and global stability. China’s Shadow Network: How AI Chips Are Smuggled In Since the U.S. imposed export bans in 2022 to limit China’s access to high-performance AI processors, an underground network of brokers has emerged. These middlemen purchase Nvidia’s latest Blackwell and restricted Hopper chips from authorized suppliers in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan before reselling them to Chinese buyers at inflated prices. One striking case involves a vendor in Shenzhen who received an order for more than a dozen Blackwell servers—each containing eight AI processors—for a Shanghai-based customer. The buyer deposited $3 million into an escrow account, with the shipment planned for mid-March. This transaction highlights the efficiency and scale of China’s illicit semiconductor trade. Chinese resellers also use deceptive tactics to evade scrutiny, including: Some traders have become so confident in their ability to bypass restrictions that they openly advertise available AI servers on social media. A recently circulated video showed unopened Nvidia H200 servers stacked in a Chinese warehouse, ready for distribution. Why China is Desperate for Nvidia’s AI Chips China’s aggressive push to acquire AI processors is not just about technological advancement—it’s about securing dominance in artificial intelligence, which has critical implications for national security, military strategy, and surveillance. The demand for Nvidia’s Blackwell and Hopper-series chips stems from their unmatched capabilities in training advanced AI models, which play a vital role in: With each passing month, China’s reliance on smuggled AI chips grows, fueling its technological ambitions despite U.S. attempts to slow them down. U.S. Efforts to Crack Down—And China’s Evasive Tactics In response to these illegal trade networks, Nvidia and other U.S. tech firms have strengthened their “Know Your Customer” policies, conducting stricter background checks on buyers. Meanwhile, authorities in Taiwan and Singapore have ramped up scrutiny of high-tech exports, making it harder for smugglers to move large shipments. However, China’s black market is evolving. Resellers now go to extreme lengths to evade detection: Despite increased enforcement, the sheer demand for AI chips means the illegal trade continues at a rapid pace. The Global Risk: What Happens Next? The unchecked flow of AI chips into China is more than just a trade violation—it’s a direct security threat to the U.S. and its allies. If Beijing gains unrestricted access to cutting-edge AI technology, it will accelerate its development of military AI, strengthen its authoritarian surveillance state, and challenge the global balance of power. The Biden administration, along with allies in Asia and Europe, must act swiftly to close loopholes in semiconductor exports. Without a coordinated international response, China will continue to exploit the underground tech trade—fueling an AI arms race that threatens global stability.
Philippines accuses Chinese state outlet of ‘deceptive messaging’ on disputed shoal
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine authorities accused a Chinese government-owned broadcaster of deceptive messaging and propaganda after it reported that a Philippine ship had deliberately engaged in acts to pollute South China Sea waters. China Global Television Network, or CGTN, released a video Saturday showing smoke emanating from the BRP Sierra Madre at the contested Second Thomas Shoal. The report said the smoke was caused by trash being burned by Filipino marines stationed aboard the rusting Philippine Navy ship. “Heavy smoke was seen from an apparent burning activity on a grounded Philippine military vessel on Friday,” CGTN said on Facebook. “The footage highlights a series of environmentally damaging activities onboard, which could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem at Ren’ai Jiao,” the report said, using the Chinese name for the shoal. To Filipinos, Second Thomas Shoal is known as Ayungin Shoal. “A report released in July last year suggests that the vessel has gravely damaged the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the coral reef ecosystem in the area,” it added. Philippine authorities on Tuesday refuted the Chinese state media report that the Filipino crew was allegedly causing pollution, and dismissed the claim as propaganda. “It’s part of the deceptive messaging of the Chinese Communist Party,” Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, told reporters. Manila refers to South China Sea waters within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea. RELATED STORIES Chinese, Philippine social media users at odds over claim on Palawan South China Sea: 5 things to watch in 2025 Second Thomas Shoal: Deal or no deal? The Sierra Madre is a World War II-era ship that Manila ran aground on the shoal in 1999 to mark out the Philippines’ territorial claim and serve as its military outpost in the disputed waters. The shoal is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, or EEZ. Manila runs regular rotation-and-resupply missions to the ship manned by Philippine marines. Trinidad said Filipino troops had burned “combustible materials” on the BRP Sierra Madre on Feb. 28 as part of a fire drill. However, strong winds caused the fire to spread. “But they were able to put everything in control,” Trinidad said, referring to the troops aboard the ship. “There was no damage to the environment, all the men aboard the ship are safe. The exercise was conducted successfully,” Trinidad said. He said fire drills such as this are conducted aboard navy ships at least once every month. “There was no problem. The men of the ship are always prepared to respond to any eventuality to keep everything under control,” said Trinidad. A post on Chinese social media depicting Palawan island as part of China.(Douyin) Palawan, the posts claimed, was once named Zheng He Island, in honor of a Chinese explorer. However, although Zheng He’s existence and travels to Southeast Asia are well documented, there has never been a historical account that he visited the Philippine province. “Such statements about Palawan are baseless. They are bereft of legal references,” Trinidad said. “They are beyond common sense. In short, totally absurd.” Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año agreed. “These assertions are outright fabrications intended to distort history, deceive the public and challenge the Philippines’ sovereignty over its lawful and internationally recognized territory,” Año said in a statement. Año urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against disinformation campaigns and “rely on verified historical and legal sources rather than propaganda designed to advance geopolitical agenda at the expense of truth.” He said Philippine authorities were tracing who started the post. Año also said that there had never been a “historical record or legal precedent” to support the claim. “Palawan has always been and will always remain an integral part of the Republic of the Philippines,” Año said in a statement issued Tuesday. Año said that even if Zheng did in fact visit Palawan, this “does not equate to ownership, just as the voyages of other explorers do not alter the sovereignty of nations today.” While the “false narratives” did not come from official government sites, Año said they appeared to be part of a “broader effort to undermine Philippine sovereignty and manipulate public perception both in the Philippines and China.” BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. We are : Investigative Journalism Reportika Investigative Reports Daily Reports Interviews Surveys Reportika
BREAKING Trump Unveils U.S. Crypto Reserve – A Game-Changer for Digital Assets!
In a groundbreaking move, President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a U.S. Crypto Reserve, incorporating Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cardano (ADA). The initiative marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to digital assets, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to blockchain technology and decentralized finance. Trump’s Bold Move to Dominate the Crypto Era During his announcement, Trump directed the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets to integrate these five leading cryptocurrencies into the reserve. The inclusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum as the “heart of the reserve” underscores their dominance in the digital asset market. This initiative aligns with Trump’s previous pledge at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where he vowed to build a “strategic national Bitcoin stockpile.” He also reaffirmed that his administration would retain all Bitcoin currently held or acquired by the U.S. government, solidifying Bitcoin’s role in national strategy. Trump’s Crypto Policy Shakes Up Regulations Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has evolved significantly. His January 23 executive order tasked the Working Group on Digital Assets with assessing the feasibility of a national crypto reserve while establishing clear regulatory guidelines for stablecoins. The same order explicitly prohibited research and development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the U.S., citing concerns over financial privacy and government overreach. White House Crypto Summit Set to Make Waves As discussions over the crypto reserve gain momentum, Trump is set to host the White House Crypto Summit on March 7. This event will bring together top industry leaders and policymakers to deliberate on digital asset regulation, the role of stablecoins, and the long-term implications of the crypto strategic reserve. The summit aims to provide clarity on the future of cryptocurrency policy under Trump’s administration. How Trump’s Crypto Plan Could Reshape Global Finance Trump’s endorsement of a national crypto reserve could significantly influence market dynamics. The inclusion of Solana, XRP, and Cardano alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum highlights the administration’s recognition of blockchain innovation beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies. This move could drive increased institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and mainstream acceptance of digital assets in the United States. As the U.S. takes a proactive stance on digital currency, the establishment of a Crypto Reserve could set a precedent for other nations to follow, shaping the global financial landscape in the years to come.
