U.S. RESTRICTS VISAS FOR CENTRAL AMERICANS WITH PRC TIES
China has accused the U.S. of violating the UN principles of sovereignty and non-interference after Washington announced a visa policy targeting Central American citizens who work with Beijing. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the policy will restrict visas for Central American nationals, as well as their immediate family members, who "intentionally act on behalf of the CCP." The PRC Embassy in Washington said, "Central America is no one's backyard," and called for "respect and partnership, not pressure." It is unknown how many visas Washington has denied under the policy, which was launched in September. (U.S. News, November 26, 2025)
HUAWEI, ZTE SEAL 5G DEALS WITH VIETNAM AMID U.S. TARIFFS
Huawei and ZTE have secured several 5G contracts in Vietnam, signaling warming bilateral ties amid strains with Washington. Ericsson, Nokia, and Qualcomm still supply Vietnam's 5G core infrastructure, but Chinese firms have begun winning smaller state tenders. A Huawei-led consortium won a $23 million 5G equipment contract in April, shortly after the White House announced tariffs on Vietnamese goods. ZTE has since been awarded more than $20 million in antenna contracts, including one last week. Huawei and ZTE are banned from U.S. and several European networks. The contracts could undermine trust in Vietnam's digital infrastructure and jeopardize access to advanced U.S. technology. For years, Vietnam was reluctant to use Chinese technology in sensitive infrastructure, but in recent months it has embraced Chinese tech companies as ties with Washington have soured over tariffs. (Reuters, November 28, 2025)
TAIPEI ANNOUNCES $40 BILLION BUDGET FOR "TAIWAN DOME"
Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, has announced a $40 billion supplementary defense budget to purchase arms and build a new air defense system: "the Taiwan Dome." The funds, which will be spent between 2026 and 2033, would be in addition to Taipei's existing commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. Lai said China's growing threats – including military pressure, gray-zone maritime activity, and disinformation campaigns around the region – require stronger defenses. Top priorities include acquiring precision-strike missiles, advanced detection and interception systems, and joint arms development programs with the U.S. military. Washington said the plan, which still must pass Taiwan's legislature, is "commensurate with the threat" the island faces. (CBS News, November 26, 2025)
PBOC EXPANDS CRACKDOWN ON CYBER CURRENCIES
China's central bank has reaffirmed its crackdown on cyber currencies, warning of renewed speculation and pledging to crack down on "illegal financial activities" linked to money laundering, fraud, and unauthorized cross-border transfers. Citing inadequate customer identification and anti-money-laundering controls, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) warned that "virtual currencies do not hold the same legal status as fiat currency and cannot be used as legal tender in the market." Last month, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng vowed to enhance enforcement and continue targeting domestic crypto activity while monitoring overseas activity. China banned crypto currency trading in 2021. Since then, Bitcoin mining has reemerged in energy-rich provinces. (MSN, November 29, 2025)
CHINA IS CLOSING THE MILITARY POWER GAP
A new report from Australia's Lowy Institute, the 2025 Asia Power Index, finds China is rapidly closing the military power gap with the U.S. Due to China's investments in its air force and navy, including long-range missile systems and area-denial capabilities, the U.S. military advantage is now two-thirds of what it was in 2017. Intent on creating a "world-class" military by 2049, China's area denial capabilities are designed to raise the cost of U.S. intervention in a Taiwan contingency. China's Defense Ministry claims it "opposes hegemonism that harms the Asia-Pacific." According to the report, the top five overall powers were the United States (80.4), China (73.7), India (40), Japan (38.8), and Russia (32.1). (Newsweek, November 26, 2025)
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