Tuesday, Apr 01, 2025 // (IG): BB // GITHUB // SN R&D
Taiwan Counters China’s Satellite Ambitions with Indigenous LEO Network
NOTE:
As China rapidly scales its government-run satellite megaconstellation to expand global influence, Taiwan is quietly building its own small-scale, sovereign satellite network—not to compete globally but to stay connected and resilient in the face of growing threats. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) plans to launch four low-Earth orbit satellites by 2029 to support secure 6G communications, inspired by the success of Starlink in Ukraine. However, Taiwan refused a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, citing concerns over his growing ties to China and comments that echoed Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Unlike China’s Guowang constellation, which is poised to provide authoritarian regimes with Chinese-controlled internet access, Taiwan’s project focuses on independence, transparency, and open partnerships with domestic firms. China’s approach, by contrast, highlights why allowing Beijing to shape the future of space infrastructure is perilous. Its entire satellite network is a state-coordinated, censorship-enabled platform that could export digital surveillance, suppress dissent, and empower authoritarian governments worldwide. Replacing U.S.-led infrastructure with Chinese control would risk normalizing top-down internet governance, limit global freedom of expression, and entrench digital authoritarianism under the guise of connectivity. While Taiwan’s approach may be smaller in scope, it serves as a democratic counter-model in an increasingly divided space race—one where who controls the satellites may determine who controls the truth.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Taiwan plans to launch a domestic low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system by 2029 to secure its communications infrastructure and reduce its dependence on foreign providers, such as SpaceX. The move comes after failed negotiations with Starlink and growing concerns over Elon Musk’s business ties to China and his public stance on Taiwan.
Analyst Comments: Taiwan’s initiative is a strategic response to both the militarization of space and China’s rising technological influence. Beijing’s Guowang megaconstellation represents a push to dominate the next era of global connectivity through state-owned infrastructure, raising alarms about censorship, surveillance, and authoritarian internet governance. In contrast, Taiwan's smaller, public-private model reflects democratic values and data sovereignty. However, the global tilt toward state-controlled communications constellations underscores the risk of normalizing closed, pro-government internet architectures—especially if China’s model gains traction in the Global South.
FROM THE MEDIA: According to sources cited by the Taipei Times, Taiwan’s space agency (TASA) plans to launch four LEO satellites by 2029 with NT$2.5 billion (US$75 million) in funding. The project aims to create an independent satellite communication system leveraging 6G ground equipment and inter-satellite optical communication. Talks with SpaceX’s Starlink failed over a joint venture ownership dispute and concerns about Elon Musk’s pro-China stance. The system is designed for secure, uninterrupted data links during crises—particularly in scenarios where undersea cables are compromised. Foreign firms are barred from participation, underscoring the project’s national security focus.
READ THE STORY: TT
China Praises U.S.-Russia Thaw as Beijing Eyes Bigger Role in Ukraine Peace Talks
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed recent U.S.-Russia moves to normalize relations, calling it a positive step amid global instability. During a visit to Moscow, Wang emphasized China’s desire to assist in ending the Ukraine conflict and reiterated Beijing’s strategic partnership with Moscow. Despite limited success in peace efforts so far, China positions itself as a mediator aligned with the interests of the Global South.
Analyst Comments: Beijing aims to frame itself as a stabilizing power while maintaining close ties with Moscow. By advocating for talks and offering mediation, China seeks to distance itself from perceptions of complicity in the Ukraine war while strengthening its geopolitical narrative. This may also help China counter growing Western pressure and build diplomatic capital in regions disillusioned with U.S. leadership.
FROM THE MEDIA: Speaking during a strategic visit to Moscow, Wang said such moves help restore balance among major powers and open the door to peace efforts. He reiterated Beijing’s willingness to assist in resolving the Ukraine war alongside the international community, particularly with nations from the Global South. Wang noted that Russia and China, as permanent UN Security Council members and strategic allies, share responsibility for global peace. Despite Beijing’s ongoing calls for dialogue, its proposals have so far had limited international traction.
READ THE STORY: Reuters
Despite Bans, Bitcoin Demand Surges in China Through Underground OTC Markets
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Although China officially banned cryptocurrency trading in 2021, demand for Bitcoin and Tether has quietly surged through underground over-the-counter (OTC) networks. These gray-market channels enable Chinese residents to circumvent state restrictions, fueling a substantial and persistent crypto-economy beneath the surface.
Analyst Comments: The continued rise in Chinese OTC crypto trading reveals the limitations of authoritarian financial control in the digital age. With the demand for Bitcoin quadrupling since the ban, China’s effort to suppress decentralized finance appears porous, not absolute. This hidden demand presents a paradox: while China moves toward centralized control with the e-CNY, its citizens continue to fuel decentralized alternatives. The geopolitical implications are broad—every Chinese USDT purchase indirectly supports U.S. Treasury holdings, even as Beijing seeks financial decoupling.
FROM THE MEDIA: Although direct exchange-based trading is prohibited, crypto transactions continue through over-the-counter (OTC) services, informal peer-to-peer desks, and platforms that utilize stablecoins like Tether. These services often involve wiring funds to rural banks and using Hong Kong addresses or foreign intermediaries to skirt restrictions. Blockchain analytics firms, such as Chainalysis, confirm that OTC trading volume in China has roughly quadrupled since the crackdown. Despite arrests and legal risks, demand remains strong, supported by China-based exchange infrastructure and second-tier platforms. Some observers speculate the Chinese state may still hold Bitcoin from past seizure operations, while Hong Kong’s more open stance on crypto may provide a legal bridge for mainland users. Meanwhile, the slow rollout of China’s e-CNY and lingering preference for private payment apps like Alipay show limited traction for the official digital currency.
READ THE STORY: Forbes
Moscow Subway App Disrupted in Suspected Retaliation for Ukrainian Railway Hack
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): The Moscow metro system's website and app suffered outages on March 31, potentially from a cyberattack linked to Ukrainian actors. A message referencing Ukraine’s railway operator appeared briefly during the disruption, mirroring an earlier hack against Ukraine’s rail system. Russian officials deny a cyberattack, attributing the incident to technical maintenance.
Analyst Comments: The apparent retaliation highlights the growing vulnerability of public services to geopolitical conflicts, particularly in cyberwarfare between state-aligned actors. These attacks serve not only to disrupt critical infrastructure but also to send psychological and political messages. If confirmed, this hack adds to the growing list of digital skirmishes marking the ongoing Russia–Ukraine cyber conflict.
FROM THE MEDIA: During the outage, a message referencing Ukrzaliznytsia—the Ukrainian state rail operator recently hit by a major cyberattack—briefly appeared on the site. The Russian transport department claimed the issue stemmed from routine maintenance, but Russia’s internet watchdog Roskomnadzor acknowledged the disruptions. Similar attacks have occurred before: in 2024, Ukraine’s IT Army claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on Moscow and Kazan transit systems, disrupting fare payments and parking services.
READ THE STORY: The Record
China Accelerates Human Trials for Beinao Brain Chip, Surpassing Global Rivals
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China’s NeuCyber NeuroTech and the Chinese Institute for Brain Research have implanted their Beinao No.1 brain chip into three patients, with plans to reach 13 by year’s end and 50 in clinical trials by 2026. The semi-invasive chip marks China’s fastest progress in human trials of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, surpassing Elon Musk’s Neuralink and closing the gap with U.S.-based Synchron.
Analyst Comments: This rapid advancement signals China's growing ambition to lead in neurotechnology, an area previously dominated by U.S. firms. Beinao’s fast-tracked trials highlight Beijing's prioritization of strategic tech development and patient data accumulation. Although the chip is not directly linked to military use, the government-backed project raises long-term concerns about bioethics, privacy, and potential surveillance applications. As China aims to integrate AI and BCI for healthcare, the race for neural innovation could also heighten geopolitical tech competition, especially with U.S. firms now forming AI-chip alliances.
FROM THE MEDIA: The chip allows users to perform tasks such as operating robotic arms or transmitting thoughts to computers, primarily aiding individuals with paralysis. Beinao differs from Neuralink in that it places the chip on the brain’s surface rather than deep inside, thereby reducing surgical risks. The team is also developing Beinao No. 2, an invasive, Neuralink-like model, which is expected to enter human trials within 18 months. A state-owned parent firm supports China’s Beinao project and is open to partnerships but insists on a long-term vision over short-term profits.
READ THE STORY: Reuters
GCHQ Intern Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Top Secret Data from UK Intelligence Agency
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): A former intern at the UK’s GCHQ intelligence agency has pleaded guilty to removing top secret files from a secure facility, risking national security. Hassan Arshad, 25, transferred classified data onto a personal smartphone and later uploaded it to a home hard drive before being arrested in September 2022.
Analyst Comments: Even with rigorous vetting procedures, temporary personnel, such as interns, may still pose significant risks, particularly if digital oversight mechanisms fail to detect illicit activity in real time. It also raises concerns about compartmentalization and physical access controls, particularly regarding removable devices. As Western intelligence agencies face increasing geopolitical and cyber pressure, incidents like this could lead to stricter policies on intern access and digital device handling.
FROM THE MEDIA: The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, and led to his arrest roughly a month later. Much of the legal case remains closed to the public due to the sensitivity of the information involved. In addition to espionage-related charges, Arshad previously admitted to unrelated charges of possessing indecent images of children. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13. The British government defines “top secret” data as information that, if compromised, could directly endanger lives or national security.
READ THE STORY: The Record
Vietnam’s Island-Building in the South China Sea Complicates Legal Strategy Against China
NOTE:
Vietnam’s island-building in the Spratlys—over 2,200 acres added since 2021—has strengthened its defenses but sparked a quiet political fallout. While intended to deter Chinese aggression, the use of environmentally destructive dredging mirrors Beijing’s tactics, undermining the Philippines’ planned legal case against China and weakening its moral high ground. Other claimants, such as Malaysia and the Philippines, have remained silent, wary of provoking tensions, but may feel pressured to expand their outposts in response. Meanwhile, China has avoided confrontation with Hanoi to prevent pushing it closer to the U.S. or ASEAN solidarity. Overall, Vietnam’s actions complicate regional unity, legal strategies, and the credibility of environmental claims in the South China Sea.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Vietnam has created over 2,200 acres of new land across 10 features in the South China Sea since 2021, making it the second-largest dredger in the region after China. This expansion, while defensive, could undermine the Philippines' ability to maintain moral authority in future legal actions against China’s environmental destruction in the Spratlys.
Analyst Comments: While intended to counter Chinese aggression, it mirrors many of Beijing’s tactics, weakening Manila’s potential environmental case at international tribunals. The optics of selective legal enforcement may cost the Philippines regional support, even as it holds the legal upper hand. Long-term, Vietnam’s actions could drive other ASEAN claimants—like the Philippines and Malaysia—to follow suit, raising the risk of a new regional reclamation race.
FROM THE MEDIA: Since 2021, Vietnam has expanded several Spratly Island outposts, constructing over 2,200 acres of land, eight harbors, and one airstrip, according to analysis by CSIS’s Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. These efforts are primarily to strengthen Vietnam’s defensive posture and sustain longer maritime deployments in the face of Chinese harassment. While Vietnam lacks China’s naval scale, it may rely on its maritime militia to compensate. Despite the military upgrade, Vietnam is unlikely to repel a full-scale Chinese assault but could raise the cost of conflict. Other claimants—such as the Philippines and Malaysia—have remained quiet, even as Vietnam adopts environmentally destructive dredging practices similar to China’s. This development could undercut the Philippines’ planned legal action against China over ecological damage, as it opens the country to accusations of double standards. Beijing has so far refrained from interfering with Vietnam’s build-up, likely to avoid pushing Hanoi closer to Washington or ASEAN unity.
READ THE STORY: CSIS
Russian Hackers Exploit CVE-2025-26633 to Deploy SilentPrism and DarkWisp Backdoors
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): A Russian threat group known as Water Gamayun has been actively exploiting CVE-2025-26633—dubbed “MSC EvilTwin”—to deliver sophisticated malware, including two PowerShell backdoors, SilentPrism and DarkWisp. The group uses deceptive installers and Microsoft Console (MSC) files to bypass detection and establish persistence on compromised Windows systems.
Analyst Comments: Water Gamayun’s exploitation of a newly patched MMC vulnerability showcases its advanced capabilities and adaptive malware deployment tactics. Their use of signed MSI installers, LOLBins, and PowerShell payloads allows for stealthy intrusion and long-term control. The emergence of SilentPrism and DarkWisp, paired with tools like Rhadamanthys and EncryptHub Stealer, indicates a strategic pivot toward deep system reconnaissance, data theft, and anti-forensics. Organizations relying on Microsoft systems must prioritize patching CVE-2025-26633 and monitoring for abuse of MSI files and PowerShell execution via runnerw.exe.
FROM THE MEDIA: These payloads are delivered using provisioning packages and MSI installers disguised as messaging apps, such as DingTalk and QQTalk. The group’s malware arsenal includes SilentPrism, a PowerShell backdoor for command execution and persistence, and DarkWisp, which facilitates data exfiltration and system surveillance. The attacks also involve modified versions of Kematian Stealer, tailored to extract browser data, cryptocurrency wallet keys, and system credentials. Water Gamayun’s C2 infrastructure utilizes TCP port 8080 and deploys additional tools, such as AnyDesk, for remote control. These operations highlight the group's ability to evade detection, maintain persistence, and deliver multi-stage payloads across diverse attack vectors.
READ THE STORY: THN
Despite Bans, Bitcoin Demand Surges in China Through Underground OTC Markets
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Although China officially banned cryptocurrency trading in 2021, demand for Bitcoin and Tether has quietly surged through underground over-the-counter (OTC) networks. These gray-market channels enable Chinese residents to circumvent state restrictions, fueling a substantial and persistent crypto-economy beneath the surface.
Analyst Comments: The continued rise in Chinese OTC crypto trading reveals the limitations of authoritarian financial control in the digital age. With the demand for Bitcoin quadrupling since the ban, China’s effort to suppress decentralized finance appears porous, not absolute. This hidden demand presents a paradox: while China moves toward centralized control with the e-CNY, its citizens continue to fuel decentralized alternatives. The geopolitical implications are broad—every Chinese USDT purchase indirectly supports U.S. Treasury holdings, even as Beijing seeks financial decoupling.
FROM THE MEDIA: Although direct exchange-based trading is prohibited, crypto transactions continue through over-the-counter (OTC) services, informal peer-to-peer desks, and platforms that utilize stablecoins like Tether. These services often involve wiring funds to rural banks and using Hong Kong addresses or foreign intermediaries to skirt restrictions. Blockchain analytics firms, such as Chainalysis, confirm that OTC trading volume in China has roughly quadrupled since the crackdown. Despite arrests and legal risks, demand remains strong, supported by China-based exchange infrastructure and second-tier platforms. Some observers speculate the Chinese state may still hold Bitcoin from past seizure operations, while Hong Kong’s more open stance on crypto may provide a legal bridge for mainland users. Meanwhile, the slow rollout of China’s e-CNY and lingering preference for private payment apps like Alipay show limited traction for the official digital currency.
READ THE STORY: Forbes
Iranian Missile-Linked Cargo Ship Arrives from China, Raising U.S. Tensions
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): An Iranian cargo vessel, the Jairan, under U.S. sanctions for ties to Iran’s missile program, has docked in Bandar Abbas after departing China. The ship is suspected of transporting sodium perchlorate, a key compound in solid rocket fuel, intensifying concerns over China’s indirect support of Iran’s missile capabilities and prompting renewed scrutiny from the U.S. and its allies.
Analyst Comments: If Beijing is knowingly enabling Iranian missile development, this could severely strain already tense U.S.-China relations and prompt secondary sanctions or naval interdiction measures. The Strait of Hormuz’s proximity to this activity adds another layer of geopolitical risk, especially as Washington considers options to curb Iran’s expanding weapons infrastructure. With both Jairan and its sister ship Golbon under U.S. sanctions, their continued operations reveal enforcement gaps that adversaries are exploiting.
FROM THE MEDIA: The vessel, already sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), may have carried sodium perchlorate, a chemical used in solid-fuel missile production. Intelligence sources earlier indicated Iran sought to import 1,000 metric tons of the chemical—enough to produce hundreds of missiles. Despite the sanctions, both Jairan and the Golbon continue to make similar voyages. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing further sanctions or military measures to disrupt such transfers as Iran deepens cooperation with China and Russia amid rising pressure from the West.
READ THE STORY: Newsweek
China Halts $23B Panama Canal Port Sale to BlackRock-Led Consortium Amid Strategic Tensions
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China has blocked a $23 billion deal for the sale of 43 international port assets—including two key ports along the Panama Canal—to a U.S.-backed consortium led by BlackRock. Beijing cited an anti-monopoly investigation, but analysts say the move was politically motivated following concerns from President Trump about China's influence over critical global shipping lanes.
Analyst Comments: This intervention reflects Beijing’s deep sensitivity to U.S. strategic maneuvering in the Western Hemisphere and its reluctance to lose economic footholds that double as geopolitical levers. China's last-minute regulatory move also exposes how intertwined state power is with ostensibly private companies like CK Hutchison. The sale's delay further escalates U.S.-China competition over infrastructure influence and marks the Panama Canal as a renewed flashpoint in this global rivalry. Expect heightened scrutiny over Chinese holdings in key logistics sectors going forward.
FROM THE MEDIA: Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison announced it would sell its global port assets—including facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal—to a group led by BlackRock for nearly $23 billion. Just weeks later, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation opened an unexpected anti-monopoly probe, effectively stalling the transaction. According to reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping was angered by the lack of consultation ahead of the announcement. The delay coincides with President Trump’s renewed rhetoric about reasserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal. A White House official indicated that Panama is likely to require the sale regardless of Chinese objections, while Chinese state media labeled the move a “betrayal.” The episode has ignited fresh concern over China’s blurred lines between state and private sector interests and raised questions about Hong Kong’s autonomy under Beijing’s grip.
READ THE STORY: NYPOST
Canadian Hacker Arrested for Breach Targeting Texas Republican Party
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Aubrey Cottle, a Canadian national and prominent member of the Anonymous collective, has been arrested and charged in the U.S. for allegedly hacking into web systems tied to the Texas Republican Party and anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life. The Justice Department accuses him of stealing personal data and publishing it online after compromising third-party provider Epik.
Analyst Comments: Cottle’s arrest reflects the increasing legal coordination between U.S. and Canadian authorities on politically motivated cybercrime. This case highlights how hacktivism continues to blur the lines between political protest and criminal activity. It also highlights the vulnerability of third-party service providers like Epik, whose breach led to exposure for politically sensitive organizations. If convicted, Cottle’s case could set a new precedent for prosecuting ideological cyber offenders under identity theft and data misuse statutes.
FROM THE MEDIA: Cottle, also known online as “Kirtaner,” allegedly accessed Epik’s systems in 2021, downloading a backup of the Texas GOP's web server containing personally identifiable information (PII). Prosecutors say he publicly claimed credit on social media platforms, including TikTok and Discord. A raid on his Ontario home revealed 20 terabytes of stolen data. Cottle, who has a history of targeting conservative platforms, faces up to five years in U.S. prison if convicted. His arrest stems from a 2024 complaint filed in Texas and is part of a broader investigation into cyber activities linked to Anonymous.
READ THE STORY: The Record
Items of interest
The Case for a U.S.-China Cold War: Ideological Conflict and Strategic Miscalculations
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Commentator Miles Yu argues that the U.S. is not engaged in a true cold war with China—and that failure could have catastrophic consequences. Unlike the U.S.-Soviet standoff, China rejects mutual deterrence and is preparing for a possible hot war, particularly over Taiwan and regional dominance. America’s continued economic entanglement with Beijing, combined with weakened ideological confrontation, leaves the U.S. vulnerable to a regime that exploits global markets while threatening liberal democracy.
Analyst Comments: Yu’s warning reflects growing concern that U.S. deterrence strategies are outdated in the face of China’s aggressive military and political posture. The CCP’s disregard for human costs, strategic decoupling, and ideological influence operations point to a fundamentally different threat than the Cold War-era USSR. Without a more coherent ideological, economic, and diplomatic counter-strategy, the U.S. risks allowing China to reshape the global order in its authoritarian image. A coordinated cold war approach—economic decoupling, ideological confrontation, and internal counter-subversion—may be necessary to avoid open conflict.
FROM THE MEDIA: Miles Yu contends that the notion of a "U.S.-China cold war" is a dangerous myth. He notes that the CCP is not content with a rules-based competition but is preparing militarily for a potential hot war. He highlights China’s historical contempt for deterrence doctrines, citing Mao’s disdain for Soviet restraint. Yu criticizes the U.S. for allowing economic entanglement with China and abandoning the ideological clarity that helped win the Cold War. He calls for a renewed cold war strategy—including moral support for Chinese dissidents, strategic decoupling, and more vigorous ideological opposition—warning that without it, the world could face a far more destructive conflict.
READ THE STORY: The Washington Times
The Secrets Of China's Cold War Strategy | Mao's Cold War (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: The Cold War. In the decades following World War II, a new era of frosty relationship was ushered between the greatest superpowers of the time. We know much of the history of US/Russian tensions during this time. But what of the enigmatic third party?
China vs. United States | Cold War (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: China vs. United States - From award winning journalist John Pilger, reveals what the news doesn't - that the world's greatest military power, the United States, and the world's second economic power, China, both nuclear-armed, may well be on the road to war.
The selected stories cover a broad array of cyber threats and are intended to aid readers in framing key publicly discussed threats and overall situational awareness. InfoDom Securities does not endorse any third-party claims made in its original material or related links on its sites; the opinions expressed by third parties are theirs alone. For further questions, please contact InfoDom Securities at dominanceinformation@gmail.com.