16 April 2025 - China Special Weapons News

Beijing, Manila at odds over Google Maps update on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 16 Apr 2025 -- A recent update to Google Maps now prominently displays the label "West Philippine Sea" over waters west of the Philippines, fueling discussion about a longstanding territorial dispute with China, which continues to refer to the area as the South China Sea.
Tolentino urges public vigilance vs. submersible drones Philippine News Agency 16 Apr 2025 -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious maritime activities, following the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) confirmation that recovered submersible drones pose a national security concern.
Submersible drones possibly launched by surface ships - Navy spox Philippine News Agency 16 Apr 2025 -- The submersible drones that have been found in the country's waters from 2022 to 2024 could have been dropped by surface ships, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.

62 military personnel hold Chinese 'residence permit': Minister CNA 16 Apr 2025 -- Sixty-two active-duty military officers and soldiers currently hold a residence permit issued by the Chinese government and cannot do jobs related to collecting intelligence and confidential data, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said Wednesday.
Taiwan rebuts China's criticism of deregistration rule CNA 16 Apr 2025 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday rejected Beijing's claim that requiring Chinese spouses to submit proof of renouncing their Chinese household registration was "escalating cross-strait tensions."
Taiwan to fight Chinese origin fraud aimed at tariff evasion: MOEA CNA 16 Apr 2025 -- The government is hoping to thwart Chinese circumvention of American tariffs by taking measures to prevent Chinese goods from using Taiwan for false origin claims, Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) said Wednesday.
MOFA protests labeling of Taiwan in China-Vietnam joint statement CNA 16 Apr 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Wednesday condemned a joint statement issued by China and Vietnam that asserted Taiwan is a part of China.
DPP Lai's 'global north' claim a fabricated concept serving anti-China and decoupling agenda, doomed to fail: spokesperson Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- Slamming Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te's recent claim that so-called "global north democratic countries" are eager to attract outstanding Taiwan businesses, and that investment of the island should "depart from the Chinese economy for the global north," as well as that Taiwan should take advantage of every geopolitical and economic change to promote the right direction for its development, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the so-called "global north" is a fabricated concept by the DPP authorities led by Lai Ching-te to justify its anti-China and decoupling agenda.
US hype of 'hellscape' exposes malicious intent of anti-China forces to destroy Taiwan island for own political gain: spokesperson Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to remarks made by Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command during a Congressional hearing claiming that the US should build a "hellscape" of autonomous systems in the Taiwan Straits to deter the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that some individuals in the US continue to hype up and exaggerate the so-called "hellscape," which starkly reveals the malicious intent of anti-China forces in the US to destroy Taiwan island for their own political gain.
Taiwan Affairs Office condemns Lai: 'turning the other cheek' as US slaps high tariffs on Taiwan Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to a question saying Lai Ching-te's offering of zero tariffs against the US and companies in the island will raise their US investments, rather than imposing reciprocal measures, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that in order to pursue "independence," the Lai Ching-te authorities have actively sold off Taiwan's core advantageous industries, only to be met with the US imposition of high tariffs on the island. This has shattered the illusion of the fabricated concept of "US-Taiwan relationship," turning Taiwan from a "pawn" into a "discarded piece."
Taiwan Affairs Office's reporting column receives over 3,000 tip-offs on 'Taiwan independence' accomplices: spokesperson Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- The launch of an online column on the official website of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council for reporting malicious acts of "Taiwan independence" henchmen and accomplices persecuting Taiwan compatriots is grounded in solid legal principles and sufficient legal justification, and the column has received over 3,000 tip-off emails to date with detailed content, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday, responding to claims by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that the mainland has "no jurisdiction" over the island of Taiwan.
It is only a matter of time before Taiwan's semiconductor industry is handed over by 'professional traitor of Taiwan' Lai Ching-te: spokesperson Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to media query on concerns on the Taiwan island over the US hollowing out its semiconductor industry are growing, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the concerns of Taiwan's industry are not groundless. TSMC has long become a political pledge of the DPP authorities' attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by leaning on the US. It is only a matter of time before Taiwan's semiconductor industry is handed over by Lai Ching-te, who is a "professional traitor of Taiwan."
Online platform receives over 3,000 reports of "Taiwan independence" activities People's Daily 16 Apr 2025 -- The online platform launched late last month for the public to report vile acts of "Taiwan independence" has received more than 3,000 relevant reports so far, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Defense spokesperson warns of "unbearable price" for interfering in China's internal affairs PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Wednesday warned that those who persist in playing the "Taiwan card" to interfere in China's internal affairs, or even engage in military provocations, will inevitably pay an "unbearable price."
Chinese mainland opposes any military ties between U.S. and Taiwan PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese mainland resolutely opposes any military ties between the United States and Taiwan, a spokesperson said on Wednesday, noting that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and allows no external interference.
DPP authorities slammed for bowing to US demands, harming livelihoods in Taiwan PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for bowing to US demands, warning that such actions undermine the island's future and harm the well-being of its people.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Apr 2025
DPP asks party officials, staff to report China trips amid espionage probes CNA 16 Apr 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and staff members will be required to report any planned travel to China in the future, amid reports of Chinese spies within his ruling party.

China, Egypt to hold first air force joint drill, eye cooperation boost Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese and Egyptian militaries will soon hold their first joint drill in a move to boost cooperation, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday. With the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force sending forces to Egypt, a Chinese expert said the exercise could pave the way for potential aviation equipment cooperation.

Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on April 16, 2025 PRC MND 16 Apr 2025
MND: wanton use of force will not make America great again Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- Question: It's reported that the US defense budget for fiscal year 2026 might reach $1 trillion for the first time and it would be used to enhance lethality and readiness. May I have your comments on this?
Wanton use of force will not make America great again: Defense Spokesperson PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- The sky-high defense budget exposed once again the bellicose nature of the US and its belief in "might makes right", said a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson on Wednesday.
Smearing China cannot help remove US's label as Empire of Hacking: Defense Spokesperson PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- "We require the US side to stop acting like a thief crying 'stop thief', refrain from launching cyber attacks against other countries including China, and restore a clean and secure cyberspace with responsible words and actions," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Private Investigator Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Stalking and Harassment of Chinese Nationals on Behalf of the People's Republic of China US Dept. of Justice 16 Apr 2025 -- Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, Michael McMahon, 57, of Mahwah, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay an $11,000 fine for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit the same, for his participation in a scheme to coerce repatriation of a U.S. resident to the PRC as part of its international repatriation effort known as "Operation Fox Hunt."

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on April 16, 2025 PRC MofA 16 Apr 2025

US weaponizes tariffs with utter irrationality: MOFCOM on White House's claim of 245% tariffs on Chinese products Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- When asked to comment on a fact sheet published on the White House website stating "China now faces tariffs of up to 245 percent on imports to the US as a result of its retaliatory actions" and whether this signifies another US tariff hike on Chinese goods, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday that China has noticed that some of its exports to the US are now subject to cumulative tariffs of up to 245 percent under various pretexts.
Chinese FM responds to White House claims that China faces up to 245% tariffs on imports to US and 'ball is in China's court' Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to an inquiry about the White House's statement claiming China now faces up to a 245 percent tariff on imports to the US as a result of its retaliatory actions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on Wednesday that "you can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures."
Chinese FM responds to US' 'ball in China's court' remarks, urging US to stop extreme pressure, threatening and blackmailing Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to a question regarding White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's remark that "The ball is in China's court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don't have to make a deal with them," which she claimed that US President Donald Trump had given her that statement directly to use, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that the US side initiated the tariff war, and China has taken the necessary countermeasures to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which are completely reasonable and lawful.
Chinese FM responds to reports of order to suspend acceptance of Boeing aircraft deliveries Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- In response to a question about reports that China has asked domestic airlines to suspend the acceptance of Boeing aircraft deliveries and halt the purchase of aircraft-related parts and equipment from American companies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that he was unaware of the situation and suggested directing the inquiry to the relevant Chinese authorities.
China says 'not afraid to fight' trade war with US Press TV 16 Apr 2025 -- China has warned that it is "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the United States, reiterating calls for dialogue after US President Donald Trump said Beijing must take the initiative to come to the negotiating table.
China Sets Terms for US Trade Talks: Respect, Consistency, and a Designated Representative Sputnik 16 Apr 2025 -- Beijing is willing to engage in trade talks with the United States, provided that US President Donald Trump and his cabinet members demonstrate greater respect for China and avoid making derogatory comments amid an ongoing trade war between the two biggest economies, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
US Playing Hardball: Restrict China's Access in Exchange for Fewer Tariffs on Allies Sputnik 16 Apr 2025 -- During negotiations with more than 70 countries, the US administration plans to secure commitments from trade partners to economically isolate China in exchange for lower tariffs imposed by the White House, The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported.

Xi Jinping Meets with King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim PRC MofA 16 Apr 2025 -- On the morning of April 16, 2025 local time, King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim met with President of China Xi Jinping at the National Palace of Malaysia.
China-Malaysia ties ushering in new golden era, Xi says Global Times 16 Apr 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Xi urges joint efforts to build high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future PRC MND 16 Apr 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim PRC MofA 16 Apr 2025 -- On the afternoon of April 16, President Xi Jinping held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana, the prime minister's residence, in Putrajaya.
China says stands with Malaysia, region in face of unilateralism Press TV 16 Apr 2025 -- President Xi Jinping has said China stands united with Malaysia and other Asian countries against geopolitical confrontation, protectionism, and unilateralism, which endanger the global order.

Joint Press Release on the Fifth Round of Maritime Cooperation Dialogue Between China and Pakistan PRC MofA 16 Apr 2025 -- On April 15, 2025, the fifth round of China-Pakistan Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation was held in Beijing.
Joint Press Release: Fifth Round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation Between Pakistan and China Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Apr 2025 -- On April 15, the Fifth Round of the Pakistan-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation was held in Beijing. The dialogue was co-chaired by Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Hong Liang.

Myanmar insurgent army to withdraw from northern territory amid Chinese pressure Radio Free Asia 16 Apr 2025 -- Amid mounting pressure from Beijing, a powerful rebel army in northern Myanmar is preparing to withdraw from the conflict-hit city of Lashio by April 22, residents in rebel-held territory told Radio Free Asia.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese buyers of Iranian oil Press TV 16 Apr 2025 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese importers of Iranian oil despite being involved in talks with the Islamic Republic to sort out differences over its nuclear program.
Sanctioning a China-Based "Teapot" Refinery to Pressure Iran Further US Dept. of State 16 Apr 2025 -- The United States is today sanctioning Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd, a China-based independent "teapot" refinery, for purchasing more than a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil.
Treasury Increases Pressure on Chinese Importers of Iranian Oil US Treasury 16 Apr 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a China-based independent "teapot" refinery Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd. for its role in purchasing more than a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil, including from a front company for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). OFAC is also imposing additional sanctions on several companies and vessels responsible for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran's "shadow fleet."

General Secretary and President Xi Jinping General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong Jointly Meet Representatives Attending Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting PRC MofA 16 Apr 2025 -- On the morning of April 15, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping, together with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) To Lam and President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong, met with representatives attending the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting at the Hanoi International Convention Center.

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16 April 2025 - China Special Weapons News