As technological competition grows increasingly intense, technological security has become an important area of national security. Once sensitive scientific research data is leaked, it may not only affect the future prospects of researchers themselves, but also potentially endanger national security, read an article by the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Wednesday.

A casually disclosed update on research progress, or the upload of unauthorized materials — such "unintentional mistakes" may well lead to the leakage of scientific research information, therefore requiring serious attention and prevention, the article warned.

The article cited one case as an example. In order to increase the chances of acceptance when submitting papers to international journals and academic conferences, a researcher, without undergoing the required confidentiality review by his or her institution, included detailed information in the appendix and supplementary materials, such as the core structure of equipment, key technical parameters, and distinctive experimental sample data. This resulted in the leakage of important technical details, and the individual concerned as well as relevant responsible personnel were held accountable, according to the article.

Another case showed that a staff member from a domestic university, while conducting a visiting study overseas, stored sensitive data including unpublished raw experimental data and interim research parameters, on an overseas cloud drive and in a personal overseas email account for research convenience, without completing the required confidentiality approval procedures for the cross-border transfer of research data. 

A foreign partner institution obtained core scientific research information through backend extraction and published related academic findings ahead of others, resulting in the loss of value of domestic research achievements. The individual concerned and relevant responsible personnel were held accountable, the MSS article wrote.

The MSS article also warned of photo-sharing leaks. In one case it provided, some university students and researchers casually took photos of experimental scenes, instruments and equipment, and new devices while conducting experiments in laboratories, operating precision equipment, or testing experimental platforms, and then post them on online social media platforms. 

These seemingly ordinary daily-life posts may be captured by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies or relevant research institutions, which may analyze them to identify sensitive information such as equipment performance, technical shortcomings, experimental conditions, and research progress, creating risks of leaks and disclosure.

Another case showed that some researchers, when attending overseas academic forums or online seminars, lack sufficient vigilance against targeted technical questions, data inquiries, and probing into research topics raised by foreign participants, and casually disclose key details such as technical principles and process flows. Such remarks, made in passing, may become high-value intelligence for foreign espionage and intelligence agencies or relevant research institutions.

Strictly observing confidentiality requirements in scientific research and building a strong line of defense are essential, the MSS article underscored.

A small number of New Zealand lawmakers recently ignored China's serious concerns and firm opposition and insisted on visiting China's Taiwan region. Their actions violated the one-China principle and interfered in China's internal affairs. In accordance with the relevant laws of the People's Republic of China, China has decided to impose entry-ban measures on the individuals concerned, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday in response to a question about China's one-year entry ban on four New Zealand lawmakers who previously visited Taiwan. 

"I would like to emphasize that the one-China principle is a widely recognized norm of the international community and a basic principle governing international relations. It is also the political foundation of China-New Zealand relations," the spokesperson said. "We urge the individuals concerned to genuinely respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and strictly abide by the one-China principle. Anyone who crosses the line and violates China's core interests on the Taiwan question will inevitably pay the price," Mao noted. 

In response to another media inquiry that some German lawmakers visited Taiwan region in May and whether China would ban lawmakers from Germany and other countries who visit Taiwan region from entering China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Taiwan is a part of China, and that the one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community, a basic norm governing international relations, and the political foundation of China-Germany relations. 

Mao said it is hoped the German side will abide by the one-China principle and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs by using the Taiwan question, adding that "anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question will definitely pay a price."

China-US relations are expected to face even more challenging times, and China needs to focus on managing its own affairs, Yang Xiyu, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said at the Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," which is held in Beijing on Saturday. 

Yang spoke during the session on "Exploring the Ways of Interaction Among Major Powers: Differences and Consensus" of the conference. 

China-US relations encompass a wide range of areas, which can be categorized into three main domains on politics and security, economic/trade and technology, and ideology. Moving forward, the relationship is expected to face even more challenging times, with intense competition and potentially stormy and turbulent scenarios. China must be well-prepared for these developments, said Yang. 

Yang said that the increasingly tense China-US relations stem from two key factors. First, the shifts in the balance of power between the two countries, leading to rising US strategic anxiety toward China. Second, the international political security order centered on the United Nations is facing mounting challenges, while the US dollar-dominated international economic and financial system is becoming increasingly unsustainable and even dysfunctional. 

Currently, the core structural issue in the international system is the dysfunction of the old order and a new one is unable to establish, said Yang. 

In its relations with China, the US has pursued a strategy of competition aimed at outcompeting and beating China. In contrast, China needs to follow three guiding principles: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.

Given the significant differences between the two sides, what can be done? For China, there is only one path: to focus its efforts on managing its own affairs, said Yang. 

Delegates from China and Indian Ocean countries gathered in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province on Sunday for a government-business dialogue, aimed at connecting governments, financial institutions, and businesses to promote regional integration in the development of the blue economy.

The Sunday event hosted over 200 delegates from 20 countries and international organizations. 

Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, made three points for the dialogue in his address speech: advocating for consensus building so that governments, financial institutes and companies can work in the same direction; advocating for shared development through the combination of aid, investment and trade; and advocating for openness and inclusiveness with efforts promoting communication and sharing experience of Chinese modernization. 

The Sunday dialogue featured three topics - ocean-based infrastructure, digital empowerment for the blue economy, and cultural exchange for marine tourism. 

Phillianne Ernesta, delegate from Seychelles' ministry of fisheries and blue economy, discussed Seychelles' focus on cold chain development and processing facilities to support its rich fisheries resources, which can assist the related industry and expand market share. 

In the same session, Chu Yili from China Communications Construction Company Ltd. shared insights on the company's automated port projects and equipment that have been applied overseas. Chu also highlighted opportunities for joint development in marine new energy and deep-sea resource exploration. 

Rodrigo Salvado, director general of Asian Investment and Infrastructure Bank, said during the dialogue that the point of the dialogue is to build bridges between different parties with unique strength.     

The Global Times learned from the dialogue that Chinese companies have established automated warehouses and distribution centers that reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency for local communities. Pakistan's first smart distribution center, built by a Chinese firm, has reduced the error rate from 1 percent down to 3 out of 10,000 parcels and below. 

Daniel Tindipu, Papua New Guinea's Vice Minister for National Planning, said in the marine tourism session that as an island nation, PNG has rich marine cultures, including traditional navigation skills and festivals; and marine tourism allows the country to share its story to global visitors. 

Marine tourism creates jobs, improves people's livelihoods and helps protect local ecology and environment, Tindipu said, while proposing regional travel packages to offer diverse experiences. Such packages can connect Indian Ocean countries together and maximize resources and opportunities for regional countries. 

Tindipu told the Global Times that through direct dialogue, "we understand each other's pace in development, vulnerabilities and strengths, build trust and forge partnerships" that will contribute to better economies and better societies of the Global South.  

Tindipu spoke highly of China's vision of a maritime community of shared future. The vision is about cooperation and solidarity to address common challenges, and seeks to build resilience, promote equitable growth, and enhance global partnerships, Tindipu said. 

Mozambique Ambassador to China Maria Gustava told the Global Times that Chinese brands and projects are already well known in her country, including Huawei which provides 5G services in addition to smart devices. China is also helping with rice farming and built one of the largest suspension bridges in Africa in the country. 

What makes China different is that "we are cooperating for mutual benefit. There is no conditions or obligation. There is no interference," Gustava added.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a video on its official WeChat account on Saturday, titled "What Cannot Kill You Will Only Make You STRONGER." The video shows a series of achievements the People's Republic of China has made since 1949. 

The video has been posted by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on her X account on Wednesday. “With no fallback option, the only way ahead is to succeed," she posted with an emoji of Chinese national flag.

China and Nepal have agreed to strengthen the synergy of their development strategies, and pursue deeper and even more concrete high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, according to a joint statement between the two countries issued during Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to China which concluded on Thursday.

The joint statement said that both sides agreed to ensure timely and swift implementation of the agreements signed, consensus reached, and decisions made as well as completion of the programs, projects and activities carried out jointly by the two countries. 

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, China and Nepal also signed a framework agreement for advancing Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. 

According to the framework agreement, the two sides will adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, strengthen practical cooperation in key areas such as economy, finance, transportation, logistics, trade, industrial investment and customs. 

Both sides also expressed their commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two countries in such areas as ports, roads, railways, aviation, power grids and telecommunication, and to help Nepal transform from a land-locked country to a land-linked country, the joint statement reads. 

Oli wrote on Wednesday on his X account that "Nepal China economic cooperation will further strengthen under the Belt and Road Framework Cooperation." 

The BRI framework cooperation agreement between China and Nepal has drawn scrutiny from Indian media outlets, casting the cooperation in a negative light. 

The NDTV published a report on Wednesday titled "Nepal joins China's Belt and Road Initiative, raises concerns for New Delhi."

The NDTV report questioned how the agreement between China and Nepal will be carried out, claiming it "paves the way for China to fund these projects and how exactly each project would be financed by Beijing." 

Times of India also attempted to sow discord, claiming that "debt concerns have sparked debate within Nepal's coalition government. While the agreement may unlock new opportunities, the Nepali Congress Party, a key ally in Oli's coalition, opposes reliance on loans for these initiatives."

It's an old trick for Indian media to badmouth BRI cooperation of Nepal, smearing that the cooperation has not been yielding any practical results, but only dragging Nepal into a debt trap, Lin Minwang, a deputy director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

It shows India's hegemonic attitude, Lin said, adding that some Indian media don't see Nepal as an independent sovereign country.  

If India does not fundamentally change its mindset, it will be difficult for it to gain the respect of neighboring South Asian countries. New Delhi should not consider South Asia its "sphere of influence", Lin added. 

Lin said that South Asian countries need to develop, which should not be viewed through a geopolitical perspective. He also noted that India always hinders those South Asian countries' cooperative ties, but not able to offer alternatives. Other South Asian countries have developed sound relations with China as China advocates equal cooperation and mutual benefits, the expert said.

The joint statement also details various concrete cooperation projects that China will work on with Nepal.

The two sides agreed to jointly advance the fourth phase of the China-aided Araniko Highway maintenance project and the Hilsa-Simikot Road project, implement the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project, and welcome the signing of the Letters of Exchange for the Approval of the China-aid Project of Feasibility Study for the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel. 

Students and teachers from seven universities in Chinese mainland, invited by the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, will arrive in the island of Taiwan on Wednesday to begin a nine-day journey, mainland and Taiwan media reported. Olympic champions Ma Long and Yang Qian will also be part of the delegation, sparking excitement among the Taiwan public, according to media reports. 

The invited students from the mainland come from renowned universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University, according to Taiwan local media, citing the foundation. 

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the foundation, said the journey covers nine days, adding that the itinerary will include visits to attractions such as Sun Moon Lake and the Palace Museum in Taipei, as well as exchanges with six universities in Taiwan island. Additionally, baseball experience activities will be arranged to provide mainland students a deeper understanding of Taiwan island's history and culture, promoting the development of cross-Straits relations, Taiwan local media reported. 

Taiwan media outlets noted that the journey includes a special arrangement with a Taiwan high school, aiming to provide high school students in Taiwan the opportunity to interact with students from top universities in Chinese mainland. 

Hsiao noted that the future of both sides of the Taiwan Straits lies with the youth, hoping to provide more opportunities for young people across the Straits to interact, laying a solid foundation for the next generation. He emphasized the need for peace instead of war, and for cross-Straits exchanges instead of "Taiwan independence," and added this represents the true voice of the island of Taiwan, Taiwan media reported. 

During the visit, Ma Long is also expected to showcase his table tennis skills during campus visits, according to Taiwan media reports. 

Some netizens from Taiwan island expressed excitement about Ma's arrival, eager to seize the opportunity to see him showcase his skills. Others warmly welcomed Ma and planned to compile a list of Taiwan delicacies for him to try, China News Service reported. 

Hsiao said his phone has been flooded with calls from the public, all wanting to know the details of Ma's itinerary. Hsu Shu-hua, the magistrate of Nantou County in Taiwan, also added that many fans have been calling the county government to ask whether Ma will be visiting and expressing their desire to take photos with him. The magistrate said she is also a fan of Ma and is ready to help arrange related activities, Jimu News reported. 

Responding to the visit by the mainland teachers and students to Taiwan island at the end of November, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said at a press conference earlier this month that she was pleased to see young people across the Straits have regular interactions and close ties.  

 "We welcome more young people from Taiwan to explore the mainland, and bring youthful energy to the promotion of the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations," Zhu added.

The remains of 43 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea have been handed over to the Chinese side by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and will be returned to China on Thursday, according to China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

From 2014 to 2023, the two countries, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully handed over the remains of 938 CPV martyrs, along with related artifacts.

US President Joe Biden will visit Angola from December 2 to 4, as announced by the US Department of State. Analysts said the timing of the trip, as Biden will leave White House in January, raises questions about what the visit is intended to achieve. 

According to US media outlets, Biden postponed his planned visits to Africa twice, once in late 2023 and again in October. The first delay was due to the Israel-Palestine conflict, while the second was because of Hurricane Helene.

Biden's visit to Angola, scheduled to take place one month before his departure, aims to highlight his diplomatic legacy before leaving office. The US and Angola are currently cooperating closely on military security, Ma Hanzhi, assistant research fellow at Department for Developing Countries Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times.

Additionally, Biden may also seek to promote the development of the Lobito Corridor and advance the implementation of related funding commitments, said Ma.

Over the last two years, the US has mobilized $60 billion to support projects from South America to Southeast Asia to Africa. "The Lobito Corridor - connecting Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo - is one of our biggest projects," according to VOA in September, citing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The US attempts to present the Lobito Corridor as a key contribution to Africa's infrastructure development. However, its actual implementation remains highly uncertain. Song Wei, a professor from the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times that the Lobito Corridor project is a key US initiative with a focus on securing access to critical minerals in the region to stabilize the US global supply chains.

The timing of the trip raises questions about what the visit is intended to achieve and raises question about how the Trump Administration will approach Africa, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Also, the Lobito Corridor is the first strategic Global Infrastructure and Investment economic corridor that the US launched to improve its profile and influence in Africa to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Song noted.

Song said that in August 2022, the Biden administration put forward the "US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa" with its central focus highlighting China and Russia as the US' main competitors in Africa. Trump also released a strategy toward Africa in 2018 to counter China and Russia. This suggests that regardless of the political party in power, the US perspective on Africa remains relatively stable.

China doesn't engage in geopolitical games in Africa, but is glad to see concrete contribution from all countries to Africa's development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in August.

China will take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday, after the US Department of Defense on Friday announced that the Department of State has approved US$385 million worth of arms sales to Taiwan region.

The arms sales plans include spare parts and support for F-16 aircraft and active electronically scanned array radars and related equipment, as well as improved mobile subscriber equipment follow-on support and related equipment, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement that the US arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982 and China's sovereignty and security interests. The sales are a severe breach of the international law, send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and are detrimental to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. 

The decision to sell arms to Taiwan is simply inconsistent with US leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence." China deplores and firmly opposes it and has lodged serious protests to the US, according to the statement. 

The spokesperson called on the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop abetting and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in seeking "Taiwan independence" by building up its military.