Asia Communique

U.S. Lawmakers Resume Beijing Engagements After Six-Year Gap | China Launches Online Content Crackdown Amid Economic Strains | Fujian Carrier Completes Key Flight Tests With Stealth Jet Launch

Sep 23, 2025

Hello Readers,

U.S. Lawmakers Resume Beijing Engagements

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun with U.S. Representative Adam Smith

A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers met Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in Beijing on Monday, marking the first House of Representatives visit to China in six years. The group, led by Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the need to reopen direct lines of communication, particularly at the military-to-military level. This was the first trip by U.S. lawmakers to China since 2019.

Dong called the visit a “good” step in strengthening dialogue, urging Washington to adopt “constructive and pragmatic measures” to stabilize ties. He stressed that the PLA is prepared to build “stable and positive” military relations while safeguarding China’s sovereignty and development interests.

The timing of the trip follows Friday’s phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, in which both sides agreed to further talks at a South Korea forum in October and announced reciprocal visits early next year. In addition to military exchanges, the U.S. delegation raised concerns about tariffs, China’s curbs on rare earth minerals, fentanyl trafficking, and the future of TikTok.

The lawmakers also met Vice Premier He Lifeng, who urged candid communication to build sustainable economic ties, and Premier Li Qiang, who welcomed the delegation on Sunday. The visit reflects a tentative attempt to restore momentum in bilateral engagement after years of pandemic disruptions and escalating disputes over technology, trade, and Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Message in Washington

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng delivered a speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, with U.S. approval despite Beijing’s objections. U.S. officials reaffirmed their Taiwan policy while stressing the need to balance support for Taipei with stable ties to Beijing.

Taiwan’s delegation highlighted its commitment to Tsai Ing-wen’s “four commitments” and President William Lai’s “four pillars,” stressing the status quo and public support for self-determination. They warned that Xi Jinping has escalated pressure in his third term and urged Washington and other democracies to recognize the changing cross-strait dynamics.

Officials also raised concerns over Chinese attempts to sow “U.S. skepticism” through issues like tariffs and TSMC’s investments, calling for continued U.S. support to counter Beijing’s pressure.

Fujian Carrier Achieves Breakthrough Flight Tests

China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has successfully used its electromagnetic catapults to launch and recover all three fixed-wing aircraft developed for the vessel, including J-15T fighters, J-35 stealth jets, and KJ-600 early warning aircraft, state broadcaster CCTV reported Monday.

The J-35’s launch marks the first time China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter has taken off from a carrier, making it only the second carrier-based stealth jet in the world after the U.S. F-35. The milestone demonstrates that the Fujian has reached full electromagnetic catapult and recovery capability, a leap from the ski-jump decks used on China’s earlier carriers.

Launched in 2022, the Fujian is China’s first fully indigenous carrier and the world’s largest conventionally powered warship, displacing over 80,000 tonnes. It is also only the second carrier globally to feature electromagnetic launch systems, after America’s Gerald Ford-class. The vessel is now in its ninth and likely final sea trial, with commissioning expected soon, possibly at the PLA Navy’s base in Hainan.

The trials highlight a major advance in China’s carrier program, enhancing sortie rates, enabling heavier aircraft operations, and opening the door for drone deployments—signaling a new era in the PLA Navy’s power projection.

China Launches Online Content Crackdown

China’s cyberspace regulator has announced a two-month nationwide campaign to curb online content deemed hostile, violent, or excessively pessimistic. The move comes amid mounting concern over economic slowdown and persistent youth unemployment.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said it will scrutinize trending topics, recommendations, and comment sections across major platforms including Weibo, Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu. Targeted content includes fabricated economic rumors, conspiracy theories, doxxing tutorials, and posts that fuel “fan group clashes.” Even messages suggesting “hard work is useless” or pushing bleak outlooks on life could face removal.

The campaign underscores Beijing’s concern that online negativity might spill into public unrest. The announcement followed police action against three individuals accused of spreading false rumors about actor Yu Menglong’s death, which authorities said “seriously disrupted public order.”

China Launches Online Content Crackdown

Kim Vows Stronger Ties with China

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has pledged to “more vigorously promote” relations with China, according to a message reported by KCNA on Tuesday. The note, sent to President Xi Jinping on Sunday, followed Xi’s congratulatory message marking North Korea’s 77th founding anniversary.

Kim said it is the “steadfast stand” of the Workers’ Party and the DPRK government to strengthen the traditional friendship with Beijing “as required by the times.” He thanked Xi for his support and highlighted the “special friendly feelings” he experienced during his early September visit to China—the first in over six years.

On Sept. 3, Kim attended a military parade in Beijing and held talks with Xi, signaling a reset in Pyongyang-Beijing ties after strains caused by North Korea’s closer alignment with Russia. Both leaders have since emphasized deeper strategic communication and cooperation under their shared socialist cause.

Thank you readers!