NEWS / the week of August 30 - September 6
NOTE: The news reports below are not in chronological order. There is often a time lag in their reaching the US and in gaining our attention. These reports reflect the opinions of a variety of news sources.
⚙️ Geopolitical and Military Developments
Military Parade and Alliances / September 3, 2025
China held a large military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event showcased new military hardware, including hypersonic missiles, drone submarines, and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying multiple warheads. The parade was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a meeting that has been widely interpreted as a show of defiance towards the United States and a signal of a new geopolitical bloc.
Hacking and Espionage / September 3, 2025
U.S. officials reported a massive cyber operation, codenamed "Salt Typhoon," attributed to China. The hacking campaign allegedly stole data from millions of Americans, including high-profile political figures, by infiltrating telecommunication networks. This is seen as part of a two-pronged strategy by Beijing, which also includes "Volt Typhoon," a separate effort to compromise critical U.S. infrastructure like power and water systems.
Chinese Laser Weapon Fails Test in Desert / September 5, 2025
Saudi Arabia's high-tech gamble on Chinese laser weapons is faltering. In a bid to shield vital oil facilities and billion-dollar Patriot batteries from drone swarms, Riyadh turned to China's SkyShield, one of the world's first integrated laser-based air defense systems.
US Doubles Down on Missile Power Near China / September 5, 2025
The United States is continuing to boost its military presence near China, with a new anti-ship missile system being the latest weapon to be deployed on a Japanese outlying island on the front lines of the Western Pacific.
Has Xi Lost Control of the Military? / September 5, 2025
The September 3rd Military Parade Again Proves Xi Has Lost Control of the Military — Zhang Youxia Appears on Tiananmen Rostrum
🏛️ Politics & Diplomacy
Xi’s Vision of Destiny and Global Power / September 4, 2025
Xi is portrayed as a modern emperor with ambitions to reshape global order. The article discusses China's assertiveness and its implications for Western democracies.
Xi Declares China ‘Unstoppable’ at Parade / September 3, 2025
Xi emphasized peace vs. war in a speech, while showcasing advanced military tech. The parade featured hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and symbolic gestures like releasing 80,000 “peace birds”.
Donald Trump Laments Loss of India, Russia to 'Deepest, Darkest China' / September 5, 2025
🧬 Culture & Leadership
Hot Mic Moment: Leaders Talk Longevity / September 4, 2025
Xi, Putin, and Kim discussed organ transplants and living to 150 years. Raises questions about succession plans and long-term leadership in authoritarian regimes.
🌍 Global Influence
Why Ecuador Turned to China for Help / September 5, 2025
Ecuador’s president visited China for economic support amid U.S. pressure. Highlights China’s growing role in Latin America and its strategic investments.
China moves to boost electronics self-sufficiency / September 5, 2025
US tightens chip curbs. Beijing’s new action plan focuses on creating resilient, self-sufficient supply chains for vital telecommunications and electronic equipment.
China’s vision of new multipolar order depends on yuan-based system / September 4, 2025
Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire and Putin associate says Beijing’s caution on ending the dominance of the US dollar has frustrated Moscow.
⛪ Religious Landscape & Policy Update
How Should Churches Address Consumerist Faith Fueled by Digital Resources? / August 20, 2025
Pastor X observed that the challenges of ministry today are more complex than in the past. One of the most notable is the strong consumerist mindset with which believers approach biblical teaching.
Kenneth Mtata: From Charity to Justice in Ecumenical Diakonia / September 4, 2025
To commemorate the centenary of the 1925 Life and Work Conference in Stockholm, the Church Councils of Sweden hosted an Ecumenical Week in Stockholm from August 18-25.
Zhejiang Bans 19 Illegal Social Organizations, Including Religious Groups / August 28, 2025
The Zhejiang Civil Affairs Bureau has released its second batch of illegal social organizations for 2025, aiming to enhance public awareness and prevent fraud.