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New sanctions on India and China as Trump administration tightens pressure on Iran

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The United States has imposed new sanctions on India, China, and Hong Kong, two months after the Trump administration returned to power. The United States accuses them of financing Iranian militant groups that seek to harm the United States and its allies. Moreover, this is also the fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promise, according to which Washington would apply maximum pressure on Iran’s oil industry.

The sanctions imposed by the US Treasury and State Departments target 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of selling and transporting Iranian petroleum products. Among those sanctioned is Hong Kong-based oil broker Petronix Energy Trading Ltd. According to a statement from the Treasury Department, Petronix purchased hundreds of thousands of tons of Iranian oil from the sanctioned Naftiran Intertrade Co.

Earlier this month, on February 4, Trump signed an executive order “to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.” The order also states that Iran must never be allowed to acquire or develop nuclear weapons.

As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on February 24, “Iran continues to sell oil and fix destabilization the region through a shadowy network of ships, shippers, and brokers. The United States will use all available tools to seek out and target all aspects of Iran’s oil supply chain and impose appropriate sanctions.”

According to Iran’s Customs Administration, the country receives nearly $2 billion a month from oil sales to China, which accounts for about 5 percent of Iran’s economic output. China has been buying about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports at deep discounts in recent years.

Earlier this month, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on more than a dozen individuals and firms from mainland China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of facilitating the shipment of millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China.

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Three Years Into Ukraine War, Putin, and Xi Deepen Ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his “no limits” partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Chinese state media. The discussions between the two leaders came as U.S. President Donald Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict. His push for a peace deal raises the possibility that Washington may seek to drive a wedge between Beijing and Moscow while shifting its strategic focus toward competing with China, the world’s second-largest economy.

The call appeared to be a deliberate move to reinforce the strength of their partnership, with both leaders highlighting its durability and long-term nature, independent of external pressures.  Xi underscored the stability of their alliance, emphasizing, “The development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are designed for the long term.”

Xi Jinping’s decision not to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago has allowed China to position itself as a crucial ally for Moscow, consuming Russian oil and supplying essential goods. This choice has strained Beijing’s relations with Europe and galvanized American allies in Asia to strengthen their ties with NATO.

Recently, Chinese officials have voiced support for the “agreement” between the US and Russia to initiate peace talks. At a United Nations Security Council meeting, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, declared, “China supports all efforts conducive to peace talks,” coinciding with discussions between US and Russian officials aimed at laying the groundwork for negotiations.

However, comments from American officials suggest underlying US objectives that may concern Beijing. US Senator Marco Rubio highlighted the prospect of future “geopolitical and economic cooperation” between Washington and Moscow as a critical point of discussion. Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy for Russia-Ukraine relations, stated that the US aims to compel Putin into actions he finds “uncomfortable,” potentially disrupting Russia’s alliances with Iran, North Korea, and notably, China.

Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has unsettled Washington’s European allies, particularly after excluding them and Ukraine from recent talks with Russia while placing blame on Kyiv for Moscow’s 2022 invasion.

As the war enters its third year, the evolving dynamics between China and Russia, along with the US’s strategic maneuvers, underscore a complex geopolitical landscape. The deepening ties between Xi and Putin reflect not only their shared interests but also a growing challenge for the West, as both countries navigate their partnerships while facing external pressures. The future of their alliance could significantly shape global politics, making it crucial for the international community to closely monitor developments and engage in dialogues that promote stability and peace in the continent.

Author: Liza Barbakadze

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China Faces Pushback for Using Police Diplomacy to Assist Developing Nations

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On Thursday, 200 Chinese nationals who had been rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar were repatriated to China, with more expected to return in the coming days, according to China’s Ministry of Public Security.

This repatriation follows multiple visits by Liu Zhongyi, China’s assistant minister for public security, to Myanmar and Thailand. Liu has been working closely with officials in these countries to combat cyber fraud networks, which have been linked to financial crimes and human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in the southwestern Pacific, a team of Chinese liaison officers recently concluded a police training program in the Solomon Islands. This type of police cooperation could bolster China’s image as a security partner in developing nations.

On February 11, the Chinese embassy in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, shared on social media that 30 local officers had participated in the recent training. The program covered areas such as DNA evidence analysis, telecom fraud investigations, and crime prevention related to sexual assault and drug offenses. The goal was to enhance officers’ tactical skills, reinforce safety awareness, and improve operational effectiveness.

Li Zhiyong, a professor of international relations at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, noted that as China’s global economic footprint expands, so does its need to protect its citizens and business interests abroad.

Policing diplomacy, traditionally a specialized aspect of foreign policy, enables law enforcement personnel to take on diplomatic functions such as intelligence sharing, conflict resolution, and security cooperation, Li explained.

China has largely engaged in international policing cooperation through mechanisms like Interpol and regional security initiatives such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations.

Chinese police officers have also been stationed at embassies in at least 48 countries, where they collaborate with local authorities to address crimes involving or targeting Chinese nationals. According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, this effort aims to enhance the protection of Chinese citizens and businesses abroad.

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions with the United States, China is positioning itself as a security partner, with policing diplomacy playing an increasingly prominent role.

In 2022, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Security Initiative, which promotes the concept of “indivisible security,” differing from the US-led “collective security” approach. This initiative calls for increased international cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, biosecurity, emerging technologies, and law enforcement.

During the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum held in eastern China last September, the Minister of Public Security announced that China had trained 2,700 foreign law enforcement officers in 2023, with plans to increase that number to 3,000 by 2025. He also noted that China would deploy security consultants to countries requiring assistance.

A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) suggested that by providing police training and equipment, China could enhance its security and diplomatic influence without committing itself as a security guarantor. The report, published in October, highlighted China’s focus on strengthening security ties in strategically significant regions, such as Africa and Latin America, where Chinese businesses have a major presence.

China has also prioritized police training in neighboring countries. In 2023, a delegation from Kyrgyzstan’s interior ministry visited China’s Xinjiang region to discuss expanding cooperation on border security training. Additionally, Chinese law enforcement has participated in joint patrols with counterparts in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Despite these efforts, China’s policing diplomacy has faced growing international scrutiny.

In December 2022, Italy ended joint police patrols with China following accusations from rights activists that Beijing was using its overseas “service stations” to pressure Chinese expatriates to return to China to face prosecution.

Similarly, in January 2023, Papua New Guinea halted discussions on China’s offer to assist its police force after opposition from Australia. Two months later, Fiji amended a 2011 policing agreement to remove Chinese officers embedded in its law enforcement agencies.

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Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister met with American business groups

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On February 18th, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, while meeting the American business groups, remarked that Washington and Beijing should find a way to stabilise ties. According to him, the countries should direct their attention to significant, practical, and beneficial matters for the two countries and the world.

The minister’s visit to New York is related to the UN Security Council Presidency role that China currently fulfills. Apart from Wang Yi, the meetings were attended by the Chinese Ambassador to the US. They met with the representatives of the US-China Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Committee on US-China Relations, the Asia Society, and the Council on Foreign Relations.

The American Business representatives underlined matters such as long-standing economic barriers for American companies, farmers, and workers and called on both sides to cooperate.

In addition to the above-mentioned, Wang Yi spoke in the UN headquarters about the global events and highlighted the importance of peace talks in Ukraine, as well as the Middle East. He added that Gaza and the West Bank should not be „bargaining chips for political trade-offs“. The Chinese representative also stressed the importance of consensus-based politics and stated: „We must not allow the strong to rule the weak, still less revert to the law of the jungle.”

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China Vows ‘Reliable’ Partnership with Latin America as Trump Issues Demands

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China has reaffirmed its commitment to being a “trustworthy” friend and partner to Latin America, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Bolivian counterpart during a meeting at the United Nations on Tuesday. According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang emphasized that Latin America belongs to its people and should not be considered any country’s “backyard.” Beijing continues to strengthen its presence in the region, which has traditionally been within the U.S. sphere of influence.

Wang expressed China’s desire to further enhance its strategic partnership with Bolivia, a country that established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1985. Over the years, Bolivia has developed strong economic ties with China, particularly through debt and investment. The resource-rich nation currently owes China more than $1.7 billion, according to World Bank data. Meanwhile, Chinese companies have invested an additional $6 billion, mainly in Bolivia’s metals, energy, and transportation sectors, as reported by the American Enterprise Institute think tank.

By contrast, U.S. foreign direct investment in Bolivia stands at around $430 million, with most of it concentrated in the oil, gas, and manufacturing industries, according to data from the U.S. State Department. As Chinese investments in Latin America, particularly in infrastructure and energy, continue to grow, competition between the U.S. and China in the region is expected to intensify during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term. In the past, Trump was quick to pressure Panama over its ties with China, sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio to warn the country about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal.

Following this, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino announced that his country would not renew its membership in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, a move that displeased Beijing.

In the lead-up to Rubio’s visit, Trump even refused to rule out military action to regain control over the canal. Meanwhile, Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Latin American nations in safeguarding their sovereignty, independence, and national dignity. He also congratulated Bolivia on joining BRICS, a bloc originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China as an alternative to the Western-led global order. The group has since expanded to include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump has repeatedly cautioned BRICS against challenging the dominance of the U.S. dollar, warning members that they could face a 100% tariff if they attempted to do so. However, Brazil, which currently holds the BRICS presidency, recently abandoned plans to push for a common currency, likely to avoid a potential backlash from Trump. Despite China being Brazil’s largest export market—purchasing nearly $70 billion more from the country than the U.S.—Brazil still values its $37 billion in exports to the American market and appears unwilling to jeopardize those trade relations.

As China works to deepen its economic and strategic influence in Latin America, Trump has not hesitated to use trade pressure to maintain U.S. dominance. He has threatened punitive trade measures against Mexico and Colombia unless they take stronger action to curb illegal immigration into the U.S. In response, Mexico deployed 10,000 National Guard members to its northern border to stem the flow of migrants and drugs. Similarly, Colombian President Gustavo Petro reversed a decision to block U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants, preventing a trade conflict with the country’s largest export market.

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Trump’s decision to close USAID – a new opportunity for China?

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Donald Trump called for the immediate closure of USAID in February 2025, with most of its staff expected to be furloughed with pay. The Trump administration has accused the agency of widespread corruption and fraud. It says the agency is “run by radical lunatics.”

According to a statement on USAID’s website, directly hired staff will be placed on administrative leave globally, except those responsible for critical missions, senior leadership, and specially designated programs.

Under Trump’s plan, USAID, which has operated independently for 60 years, would be merged with the State Department, its workforce reduced, and its spending rebalanced according to priorities. However, critics say Trump’s decision would only harm one priority: working against China.

As Professor Huang Yanzhong, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, notes, the United States is effectively handing China a golden opportunity to strengthen and expand its influence at a time when China’s economy is struggling.

The Chinese alternative to USAID, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, or China Aid for short, was established by the Chinese government in 2018 to reduce state spending, including on international investment programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative. While Beijing keeps the agency’s foreign aid budget secret, a study by William & Mary’s Global Research Institute found that China provided $1.34 trillion to developing countries between 2000 and 2021, largely through the BRI.

Although China Aid operates differently from USAID, focusing more on loans and visible infrastructure projects than on partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, the agency has an aim of expanding the soft power and influence of their respective governments. China Aid focuses primarily on the Pacific, where the United States, Australia, and other allies are trying to counter China’s efforts to sign security assurance agreements with small but strategically important countries.

On February 5, the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) said it had received a pledge of $4.4 million from Beijing, exceeding the $2 million the United States donated last year. Ratana said China understands that such support helps “build human networks” and generate economic benefits.

According to Joshua Kurlanczyk, an analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, the overall shift will be in China’s favor, and the United States will be removed from these processes. In his opinion, Beijing’s increased aid and Washington’s refusal to fund civilian programs “are undermining the democratic potential of virtually every country in the region.”

In Nepal, Chinese officials have reportedly signaled to the Nepalese government that Beijing is ready to replace USAID with its own funds, Annapurna Express reports. Officials in the Cook Islands, a strategically important island chain in the Indo-Pacific, have said they expect USAID to withdraw from the region, which would open the way for China. A delegation from the Cook Islands, led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, will visit China this week to sign an agreement to deepen trade and economic cooperation, including increasing Chinese investment in the country’s infrastructure.

In Colombia, which has received about $385 million in funding through 2024, NGOs that have received USAID funding say the Chinese government is interested in providing them with some funds to fill the gap.

In an interview with Phoenix TV, Hu Zhangliang, vice chairman of CIDCA, did not mention the United States directly but said in passing: “We will not act like some countries that make aid recipients who are unprepared for these situations feel helpless.” Hu also said that China will increase investment in international development and update its approach to foreign aid.

Trump’s decision to close USAID – a new opportunity for China? Read More »

China at Munich Security Conference

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The Munich Security conference took place from February 14th to February 16th, during which representatives from various countries discussed the dangers and challenges facing the world. One of the speakers at the forum was Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who shared the PRC’s perspective. In addition to his speech, Deutsche Welle obtained insights about the country’s viewpoint from Chinese military expert Zhou Bo.

One of the main topics of Wang Yi’s speech was the relations between the US and China – according to the Minister, despite Beijing not wanting a conflict with Washington, it would “play along to the end” and respond to the “unilateral bulling” if the country continues to suppress China. Zhou Bo stated that China, like the other countries, was expecting the American Vice President, JD Vance, to discuss the US- Chinese issue, but this was not the case.

Chinese Foreign Minister also underlined the topic of the Russia- Ukraine war and mentioned that all stakeholders should be included in the negotiations. According to him, China assesses every effort that is aimed at resolving the conflict peacefully and positively, including any consensus that the US and Russia reach. Bo said that China’s role in the resolution of this conflict is also evident in Donald Trump’s action to ask the country to join the process. In his opinion, China should be involved in creating a security guarantee for Ukraine and Russia. He also remarked that when it comes to reaching the ceasefire, “China and countries like China, [for example], India” will have an important role to play since Russia could see the peacemakers sent from other countries as aggression. One more way in which China can join the efforts is the reconstruction of Ukraine – “China can do this more quickly and at a low cost”.

Apart from the above-mentioned, the Minister talked about the EU and stated that China is ready to increase strategic communications with the bloc. Yi paid special attention to the cooperation with Germany during the meeting with Olaf Scholz and expressed hope that Germany would “continue playing a constructive role in resolving trade frictions and other issues between China and the EU as soon as possible”. This subject was discussed by Bo, too, who said that having bad relations with Europe is not in the interest of China.

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China Dispatches Trade Delegation to Central Asia Amid Escalating US Tariff Dispute

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Just hours after China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. energy imports took effect on Monday, a delegation of Chinese oil and gas executives traveled to Kazakhstan to seek new trade opportunities, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV.

The executives were part of a broader business group led by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a semi-official trade organization. The delegation, which included representatives from more than 30 companies across industries such as energy, petrochemicals, and industrial machinery, aimed to strengthen commercial ties, as reported by Yuyuan Tantian, a social media platform affiliated with CCTV.

CCPIT has announced plans to organize additional trade missions to facilitate Chinese businesses in exploring opportunities across the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, Africa, and other regions, with a focus on sectors like oil and gas, automotive, and agricultural machinery.

On Monday, Beijing implemented a 15% tariff increase on eight U.S. products, including coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while also raising tariffs by 10% on an additional 72 products, such as crude oil and agricultural machinery.

These actions form part of China’s broader countermeasures against Washington’s decision to impose a 10% tariff hike on all Chinese imports.

Amid escalating tensions with Western nations, China has been expanding its partnerships with emerging markets across Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond to diversify its export markets. As the world’s largest energy consumer, it is also securing alternative sources of energy imports to bolster its energy security.

Kazakhstan remains a key supplier of natural gas to China, with bilateral trade between the two nations reaching $43.8 billion in 2024—marking a 6.8% year-on-year increase, according to data from China Customs.

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China Proposes a Putin-Trump Summit to Negotiate an End to the Ukraine War

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China has put forward a proposal for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump as part of efforts to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the matter.

In recent weeks, Chinese officials have approached Trump’s team through intermediaries, suggesting that Beijing could help facilitate a meeting between the two leaders and assist in peacekeeping efforts following a potential truce, the newspaper reported, citing sources in both Washington and Beijing.

When asked about the report at a routine press briefing on Thursday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said he had “no information to offer.”

Trump revealed that he had spoken separately with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, and that they had expressed a desire for peace. Following these conversations, Trump instructed top U.S. officials to “begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine.”

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin and Trump had agreed to meet, with the Russian president inviting Trump to visit Moscow. Trump later stated that their first meeting would “probably” take place in Saudi Arabia.

China, in response to these developments, welcomed greater dialogue between Washington and Moscow. “China is happy to see Russia and the United States strengthen communication on a series of international issues,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, adding that “Russia and the United States are both influential major countries.”

Since the early months of the war—now nearing its third anniversary—there have been no direct peace negotiations. Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, had no direct contact with Putin after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

China reiterated its position that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the conflict. “China has always believed that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the crisis and has always insisted on promoting peace and dialogue,” Guo said. “China supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, and will continue to maintain communication with relevant parties and continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis.”

Western countries have repeatedly urged China to use its close ties with Russia to help bring an end to the war. While Beijing maintains that it is not directly involved in the conflict, it has consistently pushed for peace talks under its own terms.

However, a report released by Estonia’s foreign intelligence agency on February 13 presents a different side of China’s involvement. The agency states that China is significantly aiding Russia’s military drone production by acting as a hub for smuggling critical Western components to Moscow’s armed forces. According to its annual national security report published on Wednesday, around 80% of these components reaching Russia now come from China. Meanwhile, previous Ukrainian reports suggest that approximately 60% of foreign parts found in Russian weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine have been sourced through China.

Last year, China and Brazil jointly proposed an international peace conference to be held “at a proper time,” calling for “equal participation by both Ukraine and Russia.”

Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine and has insisted that Kyiv must cede additional territory and adopt permanent neutrality as part of any peace agreement. Ukraine, on the other hand, demands a full Russian withdrawal and seeks NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to prevent future attacks by Moscow.

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Amid Shifting Washington Influence, China Strengthens Space Partnerships with African Countries

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Beijing has entered into space cooperation agreements with 23 African nations, committing substantial resources to finance the development of satellites and ground stations. President Xi Jinping has pledged a $50 billion investment package, prioritizing initiatives in satellite development, lunar exploration, and deep space projects. Through these efforts, China is enhancing its influence across the continent by investing heavily in satellite technology and space infrastructure, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding its surveillance and communication capabilities.

Currently, approximately 90 countries operate their own space programs, with many smaller states aligning their national policies with the frameworks established by either Washington or Beijing. As a result, the emergence of space industries in these developing nations is poised to strengthen China’s alliances.

It is noteworthy that U.S. allies have suspended their space partnerships with China. For instance, in 2020, Sweden opted not to renew a contract that allowed Beijing to use satellite ground stations in both Sweden and Australia. This decision was primarily driven by geopolitical factors, particularly the escalating tensions between China and Western nations.

As Stephen Whiting, commander of the Pentagon’s U.S. Space Command, remarked in an interview with Reuters, Beijing is working diligently to match the United States in areas such as satellite innovation, lunar landings, and the development of anti-satellite weapons.

In recent years, China has accelerated its efforts to launch low-Earth orbit communications satellites, positioning itself as a competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Operated by Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink not only provides commercial internet services but also develops a network of hundreds of surveillance satellites for the National Intelligence Agency.

China’s advancements in the space race pose a significant challenge to Donald Trump. During his first term, Trump established the U.S. Space Force, a new military branch that emphasized the strategic importance of space in future conflicts. It is likely that Trump will collaborate with Elon Musk to further advance U.S. initiatives in this arena.

NASA’s Artemis program, which supports rocket launches by private companies, aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2028. Furthermore, NASA, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency, plans to construct a space station in lunar orbit.

Thus, as nations increasingly acknowledge the vital role of space technology and exploration, the United States must not only enhance collaboration with its allies but also innovate its own space initiatives to effectively navigate this new era of rivalry. The results of this effort will significantly impact the balance of power and largely determine the future of space leadership.

Author: Liza Barbakadze

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