The Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it has added 8 entities from China's Taiwan region to the export control list. These companies have deliberately cooperated with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement.

The decision was made to maintain national sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, according to the statement. The export of dual-use items to these 8 companies will be prohibited, the spokesperson said, stressing that no exporter will be allowed to violate these control measures.

The Global Times noted that the listed enterprises are key military-industrial research and manufacturing institutions in the island of Taiwan, covering various fields such as aviation, missiles, ships, and submarines.

Experts reached by the Global Times on Wednesday said that this move sends a strong political signal that the Chinese mainland will take firm countermeasures against the Lai Ching-te administration's actions aimed at attempting to "seek independence through military buildup," and will also take actions against entities that assist or serve as accomplices in those efforts.

'Military projects involved'

According to the announcement, the eight listed enterprises include Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc., National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology, JC Technology Inc., CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, Lungteh Shipbuilding Co., Ltd and Gong Wei Co., Ltd. The Global Times found that all these entities are involved in military-industrial projects in the island and are considered "accomplices" in the Lai administration's efforts to "seek foreign support" and "seek independence through military buildup."

Among these, Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. is responsible for developing military aircraft models such as the island of Taiwan's Air Force Ching-Kuo Fighter jets and the Yung-ying (Brave Edge) advanced trainer aircraft. It also participates in the maintenance and upgrade of F-16 fighter jets purchased by the Taiwan military from the US.

With the increasing importance of drones in modern military conflicts, Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. also undertakes the development of the island of Taiwan's military drone projects. It is a key member of the so-called "Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance," which aims to promote the integration and upgrading of Taiwan's drone industry through resource integration, technological cooperation, and industry alliances, thereby enhancing Taiwan's strategic position in the global supply chain for drones.

GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc. primarily focuses on the development of drones. The company's leader, Luo Zhengfang, publicly stated that its goal is to "cut off" the dependency of Taiwan's drone manufacturers on Chinese mainland components and develop 100 percent Taiwan-made military drones to strengthen the island's "asymmetric warfare" capabilities. The company has already delivered naval reconnaissance drones and army micro-drones to the so-called "defense authority" on the island.

National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology is the main force behind Taiwan's military equipment development. The island of Taiwan's currently deployed Tien Kung air defense missile series, the Tien Chien missile series, Hsiung Feng anti-ship missile series, and Thunderbolt 2000 multiple rocket launcher system were all developed by the institute. The institute is also engaged in the development of Taiwan's anti-tank weapon systems and unmanned equipment.

JC Technology Inc. is another Taiwan company focused on the development of drones. The company has participated in a program by the so-called "defense authority" on the island, which aims to produce commercial-grade drones with defense applications, and has developed the Flyingfish suicide drone, which is touted as Taiwan's version of the Switchblade, which is a miniature loitering munition designed by US manufacturer AeroVironment.

CSBC Corporation, Taiwan is a major contractor for the Taiwan navy, involved in the development of Taiwan's amphibious transport dock Yu Shan and the Panshih-class fast combat support ship, as well as the Ching Chiang-class patrol corvette and Cheng Kung-class frigates. Currently, the company is also responsible for the development of Taiwan's self-made submarine, the Hai Kun.

Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co., Ltd is mainly responsible for the development of Taiwan's coast guard patrol vessels. The largest patrol ships in Taiwan's coast guard, Yilan and Kaohsiung, were developed by this company. It also develops light air defense and anti-submarine escort ships for Taiwan's so-called "defense authority."

Lungteh Shipbuilding Co., Ltd manufactures various types of missile vessels, including Taiwan's Tuo Chiang-class guided-missile corvettes. The company is also involved in the development of unmanned ships for Taiwan's military.

Gong Wei Co., Ltd focuses on the development of specialized military and police equipment, including bulletproof vests, shields, explosion-proof coatings, anti-slash clothing, anti-cutting pants, and tactical gloves. The company was previously exposed for importing bulletproof fiber fabric from East China's Jiangsu Province, printing its logo on it, and then passing it off as "Taiwan-made" to sell to the so-called "defense authority" on the island of Taiwan, making a profit of 67 million New Taiwan dollars ($2.298 million).

Chen Guiqing, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that this countermeasure sends a strong political signal: The Chinese mainland will conduct strong countermeasures against the Lai administration's efforts to "seek independence through military buildup" and will take action against entities involved in supporting those efforts. For the specific companies involved, these measures are designed to "strike" those entities within the island of Taiwan that support "seeking independence through military buildup."
'Mainland elements embedded'

The countermeasures are highly targeted, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday, adding that Chinese mainland elements are deeply embedded throughout the industrial chains of Taiwan's military manufacturers that have been exposed in recent years.

Zheng noted that the Taiwan regional authorities' claims of "defense self-sufficiency" are largely hollow, as there is hardly any fully self-produced military equipment. Even the companies in the list rely heavily on the Chinese mainland for components, raw materials, and key hardware and software.

The move will undoubtedly disrupt production at these firms, and could deliver a "crippling blow" to areas where the Chinese mainland controls critical materials, Zheng said.

Chen told the Global Times that companies like Gong Wei Co Ltd have long sourced large quantities of bulletproof fibers and related materials from the Chinese mainland, which holds a dominant position in the global bulletproof fiber market with an over 70 percent share.

Given this scale, the decision to place eight Taiwan-based entities on an export control list - banning the export of dual-use items and requiring an immediate halt to related trade - will inevitably have a significant impact on the island's production of bulletproof vests and other protective gear, Chen said.

The expert also noted that in the drone industry, the Chinese mainland has a well-developed and complete supply chain, and the island of Taiwan has long relied heavily on it for components and assembly.

Although Taiwan regional authorities have promoted a so-called "non-mainland supply chain" to reduce reliance on the Chinese mainland, replacing Chinese suppliers with foreign alternatives comes at a steep cost.

For example, if firms in Taiwan island switch to Australian gimbal systems for drones, the price would be significantly higher than those made in the Chinese mainland, Chen said.

The move will directly impact key technologies used in Taiwan island's domestically developed warships and other defense projects, Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean and professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Funding and supplies for military production will also be affected to some extent, as many of these systems rely on mainland-sourced components.

The move will also serve as a deterrent to Taiwan's ambitions to develop indigenous weapons, Zhang added.

'A ridiculous thing'

The Global Times has learned that the listed companies, while undertaking contracts from Taiwan's defense authorities, are also deeply involved in civilian sectors such as commercial aircraft, ships, public service vessels, and consumer-grade drones - highlighting their dual-use nature.

The Ministry of Commerce specifically stressed in its announcement that the export of dual-use items to these entities is now prohibited.

Zheng noted that as Taiwan regional authorities push for "defense self-sufficiency," more defense contracts are being extended to private firms.

"However, these companies are driven by profit and naturally turn to cost-effective suppliers - many of which are in the Chinese mainland," Zheng said, noting that this has led to deeply intertwined supply chains between Taiwan's defense industry and the Chinese mainland, making separation increasingly difficult.

Zheng also said that some Taiwan regional companies engage with the military under the guise of civilian operations, contributing to the Lai administration's push for "seeking independence through military buildup." These companies, he said, may face even harsher penalties in the future.

It is unacceptable for institutions to rely on mainland-made components to develop military systems while at the same time supporting Lai's provocations and separatist agenda, Zheng said, calling it fundamentally absurd.

Chen echoed that the recent moves by Taiwan regional authorities have severely strained cross-Straits relations, and the control list delivers a clear warning - if Taiwan authorities continue down the path of "seeking independence through military buildup," they will face even more serious consequences.

On one hand, Taiwan island will be completely cut off from access to key components from the Chinese mainland. On the other, should it escalate its provocations, further countermeasures from Beijing are likely to follow, Chen said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, where the two diplomats have exchanged views on the China-US relationship and issues of common concern, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, comprehensively outlined China's principled stance on developing bilateral ties, emphasizing that both sides should turn the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into concrete policies and actions. 

Wang expressed hope that the US should approach China with an objective, rational, and pragmatic attitude, shape its China policy with the aim of peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation, and engage with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity to jointly explore a proper path for China-US interaction in the new era, according to the statement.

Both sides agreed that the meeting was positive, pragmatic, and constructive. They agreed to enhance communication and dialogue through diplomatic channels and at various levels and fields, giving full play to the role of foreign affairs departments in advancing bilateral ties, managing differences, and identifying areas for expanded cooperation, the statement said.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is mulling sending special envoys to key nations this month, including China, the US, and Japan, announced the presidential office, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"It is true the government is seeking to dispatch special envoys to major nations," the presidential office said in a notice, without providing further details, citing ongoing consultations with counterparts, per Yonhap.

A presidential official said the government plans to appoint special envoys, who can appropriately explain the new government's governing philosophy and foreign policy agenda, Yonhap reported.

Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Park Byung-seok, former chairman of the National Assembly who served as chairman of the National Assembly in the first half of the 21st National Assembly, is known to be a strong candidate for China's special envoy. Park, a former journalist, is a heavyweight politician who served as a Hong Kong correspondent and served as a six-term lawmaker after entering politics.

According to Yonhap, the presidential office is reviewing a plan that includes sending envoys to 10 countries, including the European Union, Australia, Canada, France and India, as part of broader diplomatic outreach efforts. And the move is seen as an effort to lay the groundwork for summit diplomacy by sending special envoys who can brief on Lee's state affairs policy and deliver friendly messages to widen exchange.

The presidential office is also reportedly considering whether to send a special envoy to Russia amid Moscow's growing military ties with North Korea, per Yonhap.

According to Yonhap, former President Yoon Suk-yeol dispatched policy consultation delegations to the US and Japan after he was elected. 

Former President Moon Jae-in had sent special envoys to the US, China, Japan, Russia and the EU early in his presidency, while his predecessor Park Geun-hye dispatchedspecial envoys to the US and China following her election.

The Chinese side has already lodged representations to India regarding this matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Monday, in response to a Global Times question about Indian senior officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union ministers — extending greetings to the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.

The Chinese government's position on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long been engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion with the aim of breaking Xizang away from China, Mao said. 

The Indian side should fully recognize the highly sensitive nature of Xizang-related issues, recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama, adhere to its commitments on Xizang-related matters, be prudent in its words and deeds, and stop using Xizang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs, the spokesperson added.

In response to remarks on cross-Straits relations in Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's fourth speech in the so-called "10 lectures on unity," Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a statement on Wednesday that Lai's speech once again exposed his sinister intent to rely on foreign forces to seek "Taiwan independence" and use military means to pursue independence.

Lai's remarks go against the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan island, which desires peace and development, disregarding the safety and well-being of the Taiwan compatriots. He is deliberately inciting cross-Straits confrontation and undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, said the spokesperson. 

Chen said that Lai is stubborn on the path of selling Taiwan and destroying Taiwan, and he is a peace destroyer, a thorough war monger, and a notorious troublemaker.

Lai's advocacy of the so-called "fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Mazu" is, in fact, a fight for the interests of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) alone and for his obsession with "Taiwan independence." He is willing to sacrifice innocent civilians by tying them to the "Taiwan independence" chariot, sending young people to the battlefield to become the victims of his separatist scheme, said Chen. 

By hyping the so-called "military threat" from the mainland, Lai is covering up his provocative and militaristic separatist agenda. His so-called declaration of "standing with democratic countries" is actually a way to pay protection fees and offer "allegiance" in exchange for backing from external forces to push forward "Taiwan independence," said the spokesperson. 

"Taiwan independence" separatism is the greatest disaster to Taiwan. As long as "Taiwan independence" separatists exist, there will be no peace in the Taiwan Straits. The deeper Lai delves into "seeking independence," the more he harms Taiwan. Only by resolutely opposing and effectively curbing "Taiwan independence" separatism can peace in the Taiwan Straits be maintained and the people of Taiwan live in security, said Chen. 

Both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, and Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Mazu are sacred Chinese territories. The people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are all Chinese, said Chen, noting that as long as there is no "Taiwan independence" separatism, both sides can share peace and pursue development together.

At the same time, we will never tolerate or excuse any "Taiwan independence" separatist actions. We have the firm will, strong determination, and powerful capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to crush all separatist plots, said Chen.

We hope that the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots, from the perspective of national justice and their own well-being, will resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist actions and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, said the spokesperson. 

When asked to comment on US President Trump's remarks that "China can now continue to purchase oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China will take appropriate measures to ensure its energy security based on its own national interests.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday the world is now facing unprecedented protectionism and security uncertainties, pledging to turn such global crises into opportunities to maximize the national interest. He also affirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation with Japan and China, based on the South Korea-US alliance, according to Yonhap News Agency.

An analyst said Lee's remarks highlight that the core of the current South Korean government's foreign policy is "pragmatic diplomacy."

The president made the remarks in his congratulatory message, delivered by his press secretary Lee Kyu-youn, at the Korean Peninsula Symposium.

"The world has entered an unprecedented major turning point in the global economy and security environment," Lee said, citing geopolitical tensions, growing rivalry over technological hegemony, fractured global supply chains and widespread protectionism.

"Now is the time when a strategic approach is more necessary than ever to address global uncertainties and external risks," he noted.

Lee's remarks highlight that the core of the current South Korean government's foreign policy is "pragmatic diplomacy," which prioritizes the national interests of South Korea, with a focus on pursuing economic and security benefits, Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Regarding relations with China, the Lee Jae-myung administration has particularly emphasized the close economic and trade ties between South Korea and China, a stance clearly reflected in its campaign, inauguration, and subsequent statements. Unlike the previous government, the current administration places greater emphasis on improving relations with neighboring countries, including adjusting its policy toward Japan, to stabilize the regional environment through economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Xiang said.

While the president demonstrates a pragmatic and balanced approach—maintaining South Korea's alliance with the US while seeking to improve relations with neighbors like China and Japan—these adjustments are primarily driven by practical considerations, the expert noted.

Overall, the government aims to enhance public sentiment and foster a more favorable opinion climate for South Korean diplomacy by strengthening economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, including in areas like tourism, Xiang said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will travel to Europe from June 30 to July 6, to attend the new round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue as well as visit Germany and France for a series of dialogues. With unilateralism and protectionism on the rise, it is necessary for China and the EU to strengthen communication, safeguard multilateralism, and act firmly as anchors of stability and constructive forces in a volatile world, the ministry said. 

At the invitation of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU Kaja Kallas, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot, from June 30 to July 6, Wang Yi will visit the EU headquarters and hold the 13th round of China-EU High-level Strategic Dialogue, visit Germany and hold the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security, and visit France for talks with the French Foreign Minister and the meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges. 

While in Brussels, Wang Yi will meet and have talks with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot respectively, per the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Elaborating on the expectations for this trip, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at Friday's press briefing that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties. Bilateral relations face important opportunities of development. As unprecedented global changes unfold at a faster pace and unilateralism, protectionism and bullying practices are on the rise, it is necessary for China and the EU, two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, to strengthen strategic communication, conduct coordination and cooperation, jointly keep the world peaceful and stable, safeguard multilateralism, free trade, international rules, fairness and justice, and act firmly as anchors of stability and constructive forces in a volatile world. 

Amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the EU is facing mounting internal divisions over its China policy, with intense debates and some voices taking a relatively negative tone, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday.

By engaging with key EU member states such as Germany, France, and Belgium, this visit seeks to align positions with the partners whose stances will significantly shape the bloc's overall approach toward China, and lay solid groundwork for the upcoming China-EU leaders' interaction, Cui said.

Wang had a group meeting in Beijing with diplomatic envoys from the EU and its member states to China on Wednesday, where he put forward three suggestions for the future development of China-EU relations. 

The first is to uphold mutual respect, in particular, Wang expressed the hope that the EU will firmly uphold the one-China principle and oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence." Second, the two sides should stay committed to the positioning of their partnership and third, jointly uphold multilateralism. 

"The development of China-EU relations over the past 50 years has proved that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, still less enemies," Wang noted.

"Jilted, betrayed, dumped, or defiant. It's hard to describe the European Union after relentless attacks from its once-dependable ally, the United States," the AP reported on Thursday. The threat from Washington against Greenland, its sweeping tariff plans and courtship of Moscow have firmed up some European leaders' vows to reduce their reliance on America, the report titled "Reeling from Trump rebukes, Europe weighs deeper ties with China" said.

Recent shifts in US dynamics have introduced new variables into China-EU relations, Cui said. 
"With the US now bringing the most uncertainties to Europe, EU's desire to strengthen cooperation with China is growing - however, the situation remains complex. While some politicians insist Europe should prioritize ties with Washington, this stance doesn't reflect the continent's overall strategic needs. What may appear as hesitation could often be tactical positioning rather than policy shifts, Cui said. 

The EU-China economic ties are hefty: bilateral trade is estimated at 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) per day. China is the EU's second largest trading partner in goods, and both believe it is in their interest to keep their trade ties stable for the sake of the global economy, and they share certain climate goals, AP reported.

Chinese official media on Sunday released footage documenting J-15 fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier at an undisclosed location in Western Pacific to expel foreign aircraft believed to be attempting mock attacks on the Chinese carrier group. A Chinese expert said the foreign aircraft's move posed safety risks, while the Chinese response was legitimate and professionally carried out.

While the Liaoning aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy was sailing in the Western Pacific, four foreign fighter jets were spotted closing in. The command room on the Liaoning assessed that they might be simulating an attack on the Chinese formation, China Central Television (CCTV) News reported on Sunday, without providing details such as the date of the incident or the country of origin of the foreign aircraft.

Although the Chinese aircraft carrier formation was sailing in a region under heavy rain and strong convection at the time, as the foreign fighter jets kept approaching, J-15 fighter jets on board the Liaoning, armed with live missiles, conducted emergency sorties. They reached the designated area, performed a series of tactical maneuvers, before successfully expelling the foreign aircraft, CCTV News reported.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that the Chinese aircraft carrier has the right to take measures to protect itself, including intercepting close-in approaches by foreign military aircraft.

The footage showed the challenging weather conditions, which not only restricted visibility and added uncertainties to the performance of airborne equipment, but also significantly reduced the opportunity windows for landing.

Song said that aircraft carriers are built to be all-weather operable. The mission demonstrated that the PLA sailors and naval aviators on the Liaoning are well trained and have strong combat capabilities.

"For decades, they alone [foreign forces] operated over this region [Western Pacific]. Today, we can compete in the same field," said Ke Xuelong, a member of the PLA Navy's carrier-borne aviation force. Hou Haipeng, another member, added "No matter how strong the enemy is or how complex the situation is, we dare to draw our swords," according to the CCTV report.

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