8 chapters across the catalog
A report published in BioRxiv details experiments conducted by Chinese military-trained scientists involving a lab-made version of a coronavirus found in pangolins. The study found that the virus was 100% lethal in mice, causing white eyes and severe brain infections within eight days. The findings have sparked international concern about the potential for such strains to spill over into the human population.
Chinese Spying, Visa Fraud and Consulate Closures
The FBI investigates several Chinese researchers in the U.S. for visa fraud and ties to the People's Liberation Army (PLA). One researcher allegedly hid in the Chinese consulate in San Francisco to avoid arrest, while another admitted to being instructed to copy the layout of a UCSF lab. The report coincides with the Trump administration's order to close the Chinese consulate in Houston.
Military Costs and Chinese High-Altitude Balloon Program
Rear Admiral John Kirby reported that the U.S. has identified a global high-altitude balloon program operated by China's People's Liberation Army. The military estimates the cost of the four recent shoot-downs at over $2.5 million, including a missed shot over Lake Huron. Kirby asserted that while the program existed during the previous administration, it was only recently detected and analyzed by current intelligence.
Bloomberg reported that Chinese authorities prepared to take down an unidentified object flying near the port city of Qingdao. The area serves as a major naval base for the People's Liberation Army. This development suggests a reciprocal pattern of aerial incursions and military responses between the U.S. and China.
Chinese Military Documents, Weaponizing SARS Coronaviruses
Sky News Australia reports on a 2015 document from Chinese military scientists discussing the weaponization of SARS coronaviruses. The document describes a "new era of genetic weapons" that could be artificially manipulated. While intelligence agencies investigate the Wuhan lab leak theory, the report clarifies there is no proof of intentional release.
The hosts discuss the scheduled reopening of Wuhan on April 8 and the exclusion of asymptomatic cases from China's official counts. They also revisit the January arrest of Harvard Professor Charles Lieber and two Chinese nationals for their undisclosed ties to the Chinese government and the People's Liberation Army.
Violence in Hong Kong escalated as police stormed a subway station in the Yuen Long neighborhood to arrest protesters. The unrest followed an earlier attack on protesters by a mob believed to be members of organized crime gangs. There is growing international concern that the People's Liberation Army may intervene if the chaos continues to intensify.
Xi Jinping Internal Pressures and Diplomatic Protocols
Analysts discuss the domestic threats facing Xi Jinping, including loyalty oaths in the People's Liberation Army and the handling of former security chief Zhou Yongkang. Xi's awkward handshake with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is cited as a symptom of internal political distress despite his outward appearance of confidence.
