Israel strikes southern Lebanon, Hezbollah Command…

China has strongly opposed a US decision to place several Chinese research institutions on a sanctions list. Beijing criticised the move on Wednesday. It accused Washington of using national security concerns to restrict scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions. The spokesperson also said China wanted to maintain a stable environment for normal scientific exchanges and cooperation with international partners. Beijing accused the United States of repeatedly expanding the definition of national security. It said Washington had created discriminatory barriers against Chinese institutions. China also criticised what it described as the politicisation and weaponisation of scientific research. According to Beijing, such policies could damage cooperation between researchers and universities in both countries. The Chinese government said the US measures were against the broader global trend of international cooperation in science and technological innovation. Beijing urged Washington to withdraw what it called unjustified accusations against Chinese research institutions. China also called on the United States to correct its policies as soon as possible. It demanded fair, just and non-discriminatory treatment for Chinese research organisations. The dispute comes amid wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and national security. The United States has increasingly tightened restrictions on Chinese access to advanced technologies. Semiconductor manufacturing has become a major area of competition between the two countries. China is also working to expand its domestic semiconductor industry. Beijing aims to reduce its dependence on advanced foreign chips affected by US export restrictions. Last week, the US Department of Defence updated a list of foreign institutions it considers involved in “problematic activities”. The updated list included Chinese defence-related academies and several universities. Shanghai-based Fudan University was also among the institutions added to the list. The latest move is likely to add another point of tension to already strained US-China relations. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US measures targeting Chinese companies, universities and research organisations. Washington, meanwhile, has maintained that its restrictions are linked to national security and technology concerns.

Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that a North Korean missile unit has started deploying to western Russia, marking what could become a major expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Ukrainian officials, the unit may eventually be equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in attacks against Ukraine. Andrii Cherniak, an official with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, said around 90 North Korean personnel are expected to be stationed in Russia’s Voronezh region as part of the Russian military’s 112th Missile Brigade. He added that discussions between senior Russian and North Korean officials next month are expected to determine the final deployment plan and missile numbers. Ukraine says North Korea has already delivered another batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with military personnel. These missiles reportedly have a longer range and larger payload than Russia’s Iskander missiles, although Ukrainian military sources believe they are less accurate and have caused significant civilian casualties during previous strikes. The reported deployment comes as Russia has resumed using North Korean-made ballistic missiles after nearly a year. Ukrainian authorities say two such missiles were launched last week, including one that struck the village of Radushne in central Ukraine, reportedly killing at least five members of the same family. Ukraine remains heavily dependent on advanced air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot batteries, to intercept ballistic missiles. Military analysts warn that an increase in North Korean missile supplies would place additional pressure on Ukraine’s already stretched air defence network, especially ahead of the winter months when Russia has previously targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. Cherniak said intelligence suggests Russia intends to integrate North Korean missile forces into its operations, although the exact role of North Korean personnel has not yet been confirmed. He also stated that about 9,500 North Korean troops remain in Russia’s Kursk region, though they are not currently taking part in direct combat operations against Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have strengthened military ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The two countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024, while Kyiv accuses Pyongyang of supplying millions of artillery shells, ballistic missiles and thousands of troops to support Russia’s war effort.

North Korea has issued a fresh warning to Japan, saying it could adopt new military measures in response to Tokyo’s growing defence capabilities. The statement came after Japan conducted a test of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile, a move Pyongyang described as a serious security threat. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Japan of abandoning its traditional defensive military posture and moving toward offensive capabilities. In a statement released through North Korea’s state media, she claimed Tokyo is developing the ability to carry out pre-emptive strikes and military operations beyond its borders. She pointed to Japan’s recent Tomahawk missile launch from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, along with other missile tests and its participation in joint military exercises led by the United States in the Philippines earlier this year. Kim warned that North Korea would take additional military steps if Japan continued strengthening its armed forces. Although she did not specify what actions Pyongyang might take, she said Japan would face greater security risks as a consequence of its military expansion. The North Korean official also blamed the United States for supporting Japan’s military modernisation. She accused Washington of supplying Tomahawk missiles, upgrading Japanese naval vessels to operate the weapons, and backing missile tests, arguing that the US is encouraging policies that increase tensions in the region. According to Kim, Japan’s acquisition of long-range strike capabilities places North Korea and other neighbouring countries within potential missile range, raising concerns over regional stability. The latest remarks are part of a broader campaign by Pyongyang against growing security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea. North Korean state media has repeatedly criticised joint military exercises and defence partnerships, describing them as provocative and a threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula. Regional analysts believe the statement is aimed at portraying Japan’s military modernisation as justification for North Korea’s continued weapons development. Experts also suggest the rhetoric could signal preparations for future military demonstrations, including missile launches or other strategic weapons tests, as Pyongyang seeks to reinforce its deterrence strategy amid rising regional tensions.