Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
Thursday, July 31, 2025
U.S.-China tussle over Palau
Direct translation
U.S.-China tussle over Palau: The Washington Post reveals Beijing's "playing the long game" to catch a bigger fish
Editor : Liu Mingxiang / "News Direct" Production Team / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2025/07/30/a104007638.html / Image : The picture shows the natural landscape of the Pacific island nation of Palau. (Mikhail Flores/AFP via Getty Images)
As the Chinese Communist Party continues to expand in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States is also accelerating the upgrading of its military facilities in the Pacific, and the strategic game between the United States and China is becoming increasingly fierce.
The Washington Post reported today (30 July 2025) that the United States is currently building a large early warning radar in Palau and will begin expanding and upgrading facilities at the local major port of Malakal Harbor next year to facilitate the deployment and resupply of U.S. warships. Furthermore, the United States plans to build a logistics hub at the port to enable the U.S. military to quickly mobilize forces in the event of a conflict.
However, a review of intelligence documents and interviews with nearly 20 U.S., Palauan, and Taiwanese officials by The Washington Post revealed that the Chinese Communist Party is gradually infiltrating Palau through commercial investment. Chinese companies have leased land and constructed buildings under the guise of tourism development near the port of Malakal, the airport, U.S. coast guard outposts, and a U.S, military over-the-horizon radar system. This has sparked concerns among local officials, who believe this could expose critical U.S. military facilities to security threats.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. stated that the Chinese Communist Party's tactics in the region are "very sophisticated" and clearly a "long-term strategy," urging Palau to remain vigilant.
Palau, located east of the Philippines and part of the Micronesian archipelago, holds a strategically important position. During World War II, fierce fighting broke out between the U.S. and Japan there.
Whipps revealed that shortly after his 2020 election, the Chinese Communist ambassador to Micronesia called him and offered to send one million tourists to Palau annually but demanded that Palau sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Palau is currently one of only three countries in the Pacific Ocean that recognize Taiwan.
Taiwanese Ambassador to Palau, Li Qianyi, emphasized that these developments not only affect Palau but also the security of Taiwan and the United States. If a cross-strait war breaks out, the Chinese Communist Party could cut Palau's external cables and interfere with U.S. military operations.
Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Abraham Denmark also warned that Beijing has conducted in-depth research on key regions like Palau and is "clearly seeking to disrupt US military operations."
Furthermore, The Washington Post revealed that the Chinese Communist Party has been frequently involved in violence, drugs, and corruption in Palau in recent years. Whipps believes this may be Beijing's attempt to sow chaos in the region and force Palau to shift its diplomatic focus. The U.S. Embassy in Palau has requested that Washington send law enforcement and drug enforcement personnel to the region to combat crime.
Xi Jinping retains the presidency, Cai Qi takes middle stage
Direct translation
A decisive battle for Zhongnanhai? Rumors suggest Zhang Youxia and others are dividing Xi's power. The hotly anticipated crown prince has bad news
— A division of labor emerges at the top level: Xi Jinping retains the presidency, while Cai Qi takes center stage.
Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor : Fang Xun / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0731/2255392.html
After the July 30th Politburo meeting, the top leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is about to enter a "Beidaihe moment." The internal struggles and compromises during this period will determine the crucial direction of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee in October 2025. Observers point out that since the CCP announced the establishment of the "Party Central Committee Decision-making and Coordination Body" at the end of June, the top leadership structure has undergone profound changes: a clear division of power has emerged between Xi Jinping, Zhang Youxia, Cai Qi, and Li Qiang, while Xi himself now plays almost solely a ceremonial role as "President."
The composition of this coordination body has not been made public, and it has been interpreted by the outside world as a tailor-made arrangement by the veterans for the "Xi power transition." Commentator Li Dayu believes that since its establishment, top-level operations have become significantly more structured, and the actual division of labor has become clear: Zhang Youxia will control military affairs, Cai Qi will be responsible for party affairs, and Li Qiang will be responsible for the State Council and the economy. Xi Jinping will retain only the title of President, attending ceremonial events such as foreign affairs and signing congratulatory letters. The other three have fully shared their original powers.
Cai Qi has frequently appeared in public, participating in matters that should have been handled by the General Secretary. On 7 July 2025, at the commemoration of the July 7 Incident, Cai Qi, in his capacity as Secretary of the Central Secretariat, attended and addressed the event, canceling Xi Jinping's planned attendance. At the National Spiritual Civilization Commendation Conference at the end of May, traditionally attended by the General Secretary, Cai Qi took over this year, taking the center stage. This change is seen as a sign that he has assumed some of the General Secretary's powers. Although Cai Qi's health and perceived personality issues have made him difficult to convince the public, Li Dayu believes he is more likely a "transitional role."
In contrast, Li Qiang's recent activity has been frequent, leading some to believe he has received signals of succession. On 28 July 2025, the People's Daily published a front-page article on disaster relief. The first paragraph quoted Xi Jinping's speech, but the end included Li Qiang's comments, a rare omission. Li Qiang's presence has often been omitted from similar articles. On 6 and 7 July 2025, Li Qiang attended the BRICS summit on Xi Jinping's behalf. On 19 July 2025, Li Qiang attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Yaxia Hydropower Station alone, with none of the other seven members of the Standing Committee present.
Former CCP official and Australian commentator Jiang Wangzheng revealed that Li Qiang is "Xi Jinping's most trusted person" and has received endorsements from the veterans, making him a likely candidate for the "power transfer" based on the party's consensus.
However, negative news has emerged regarding another "favoured successor," Ding Xuexiang. Jiang Wangzheng revealed that after Xu Shaodong, president of the Nantong Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu, was detained on 26 July 2025, Ding Xuexiang's father, brother, and brother-in-law were all restricted from leaving Nantong. Commentator Li Muyang noted that collusion between officials and businessmen is widespread within the CCP system, and the restrictions on Ding Xuexiang's family may signal that Ding is under investigation. Ding Xuexiang, a core confidant of Xi Jinping who holds significant power in propaganda and government affairs, is now facing a crisis, suggesting that Xi Jinping's position has declined significantly.
After the Politburo meeting on 30 July 2025, the CCP will enter the Beidaihe conclave. This annual "secret high-level meeting" is not only a venue for power struggles and the allocation of benefits between incumbents and veterans, but also often determines key personnel and future direction. If this high-level division of labour is established, it will represent a major turning point for China's future political landscape.
China will see five major trends from August
Direct translation
Everyone, please be prepared in advance. If everything goes well, starting in August, China will see five major trends
Editor: Ye Jinghan / Source: Zhang Ping, Pingshuo Finance Reprints / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0731/2255398.html
As we enter 2025, many people feel that life is more stressful than before. This is primarily reflected in three key areas: ① Income growth has slowed across the board, even declining. ② Jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to find, forcing many young people to work as food delivery drivers, couriers, or ride-hailing drivers. ③ Falling housing prices across the country have caused many middle-class families to rapidly lose their assets, while still struggling to meet the pressure of monthly mortgage payments. In short, life has been difficult for most people in the first half of this year.
Facing the current domestic economic and social situation, industry insiders have suggested that starting in August, five major trends will emerge in China, and everyone should be prepared. Let's take a look.
Trend 1: AI is coming to take over job
Starting this year, many jobs have been unnoticed by AI robots. For example, customer service representatives, restaurant waiters, bank lobby managers, taxi drivers, and so on. It is expected that by the second half of the year, more and more manufacturing companies will replace assembly line workers with industrial robots.
Furthermore, some bank tellers will be replaced by smart ATMs. Smart ATMs can handle various transactions 24 hours a day, significantly reducing the probability of errors. Judging from the current situation, AI is poised to take over this market.
Trend 2: A declining auto price trend is forming
Since 2025, dozens of domestic and foreign auto brands have been offering price cuts and promotions. Domestic mid-range cars typically see price reductions of 15,000 to 20,000 yuan, while imported luxury cars have seen price cuts of up to 90,000 yuan. The price war in the auto market is expected to continue in the second half of the year. Three factors are driving the price decline:
① Tech companies like Xiaomi and Huawei have entered the auto industry, intensifying competition. Major auto brands have been cutting prices and promoting sales. ② With middle-class income growth slowing, car purchasing demand is shrinking. ③ The influx of new energy vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles has led to a supply oversupply in the auto market, making price cuts and promotions inevitable.
Trend 3: A massive deposit shift becomes a trend
Starting in 2025, a large-scale shift in household deposits will occur. The latest data from the People's Bank of China shows that in the first five months of 2025, household deposits saw a massive outflow of 2.46 trillion yuan, equivalent to 16.3 billion yuan in cash disappearing from banks every day. In the same period last year, there was a net increase of nearly one trillion yuan. The main reason for this massive outflow of household deposits is the declining interest rates on bank deposits, which have reached record lows.
This has led many depositors, unable to accept such low interest rates, to withdraw their savings for investment and consumption. However, investments in the stock market, funds, and bank wealth management products currently carry significant risks, so caution is advised, as otherwise, significant investment losses are likely.
Trend 4: Marriage is no longer a standard for young people
In recent years, the number of marriages in my country has shown a rapid decline. According to data released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the number of marriage registrations nationwide in the first quarter of 2025 was 1.81 million, a decrease of 159,000 from the same period last year. The reasons for young people's reluctance to marry are: ① Many young people suffer from unstable incomes and precarious employment. They feel they can barely support themselves and therefore don't consider marriage.
② Many young people worry that after marriage, they'll have to pay mortgages, support a family, and raise children, significantly reducing their quality of life. They believe the freedom of single life is preferable. As more and more young people no longer view marriage as a lifelong destiny, a decline in the number of marriages is inevitable.
Trend 5: Housing prices will diverge across regions
China's housing prices will begin to decline in 2022, initially in second- and third-tier cities like Zhengzhou, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang. After 2023, first-tier cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen will also see a decline. The trend of housing price adjustments in the first half of 2025 suggests that the decline in second- and third-tier cities, which previously experienced significant housing price declines, will gradually slow.
It is precisely in Shanghai and Shenzhen, previously resilient cities, that prices will experience a rebound. The decline will likely begin in the suburbs, then spread to older, dilapidated, and smaller properties in the city center, and finally to new homes in the city center. Eventually, the myth of rising housing prices in first-tier cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen will come to an end.
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing takes place in October 2025
Direct translation
Chaos reigns within Zhongnanhai; the Fourth Plenum is set for October
Reporter : Li Enzhen /Editors: Li Quan, Zhongkang / Source : NTDTV / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0730/2255124.html / Image : Internal strife within the top leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is becoming increasingly intense. (Image: Schematic diagram). (Mark Schiefelbein-Pool/Getty Images)
Various phenomena are emerging within the CCP officialdom, and the internal divisions within the top leadership have become public. On 30 July 2025, the CCP officially announced that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing this October.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the official Chinese media outlet, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting on 30 July 2025, deciding to hold the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing in October. The main agenda included the Political Bureau's work report to the Central Committee and the discussion of proposals for the so-called "15th Five-Year Plan."
The report stated that the meeting analyzed the current economic situation and laid out economic work for the second half of the year. The meeting acknowledged that China's economic operations still face numerous risks and challenges. Other matters were also discussed.
Originally scheduled for the autumn of 2024, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, after being postponed for a full year, has finally been confirmed to be held this autumn, sparking public attention.
Political commentator Yue Shan told NTD that the CCP will finally hold its Fourth Plenary Session in October, effectively a year's delay due to internal and external crises. While this meeting is presented as an economic forum, it is essentially a political one, and information about internal purges, such as the Miao Hua and He Weidong cases, and even the handling of a number of senior officials, will undoubtedly be revealed around this time.
Yue Shan believes that the rumors of internal struggles within the CCP leadership can offer some clues as to whether they can be confirmed. Whether there will be a sudden change or a struggle without a break remains to be seen. With the CCP's top leaders collectively retreating to Beidaihe, the outcome of these struggles and compromises may be crucial.
During the 13 years of CCP leader Xi Jinping's rule, China's economy has continued to decline, with large amounts of foreign capital withdrawing, the real estate market facing a collapse, high unemployment, sluggish consumption, and a slump in all sectors. In particular, the three-year "dynamic zero-emission" policy, personally directed by Xi, has severely damaged the Chinese economy and fueled public resentment.
Furthermore, infighting within the CCP leadership has intensified. After the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a large number of high-ranking Party, government, and military officials resigned or disappeared. Most notably, Xi Jinping's close associates, Foreign Minister Qin Gang and General Miao Hua, Director of the Central Military Commission's Political Work Department, both stepped down. After this year's Two Sessions, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, He Weidong, has been missing ever since.
The bizarre shifts in the CCP's political landscape have also drawn public attention.
In June, independent commentator Du Zheng published an article in Taiwanese media, revealing that he had received information from a prominent anti-Xi politician in Beijing, who urged everyone to wait and see, saying that changes would occur in the fall, with signs becoming apparent by October. Another person, the son of a deceased retired senior military officer, said, "The Beijing officialdom has been very unusual recently," but declined to elaborate.
On 16 July 2025, the Hudson Institute, a prominent Washington, D.C., think tank, published a report titled "China After Communism: Preparing for the Post-CCP Era," authored by its director, Yu Maochun. The report emphasizes that the CCP's collapse is not a question of "if," but "when." Most frighteningly, it will not be a gradual collapse, but could happen suddenly, overnight. The report argues that while the Chinese Communist regime has weathered crises before, its sudden collapse is not impossible, and preparation is needed.
Retired U.S. Air Force General Blaine Holt previously warned in Newsweek that the CCP is on the verge of collapse, and Xi Jinping could become its final ruler.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Current situation at Shaolin Temple after the arrest of "political monk" Shi Yongxin
Translation by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
News on CCP, Communist Buddhism
News (1)
Current Situation at Shaolin Temple: Police guard the intersection, toll-charging monks disappear, Shi Yongxin's house is sealed off
Editor : Lin Qing / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2025/07/28/a104007123.html / Image : After Shi Yongxin's incident, many netizens were curious about the current situation at Shaolin Temple. They discovered that police were guarding the entrance, Shi Yongxin's house was sealed off, and the toll-charging monks had disappeared. (Image composite from the internet)
The scandal-ridden Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin has finally been investigated, sparking widespread attention. Following the incident, many netizens were curious about the current situation at Shaolin Temple. They discovered that police were guarding the entrance, Shi Yongxin's house was sealed off, and the toll-charging monks had disappeared.
According to a post by blogger "Muqiao Jianke" on Toutiao, after the incident involving Shi Yongxin, the area outside Shaolin Temple remained bustling with activity, much of it specifically because of the "Shi Yongxin incident."
The post stated that the blogger had visited Shaolin Temple before and was quite familiar with it. However, upon entering the temple this time, he noticed a significant difference; the atmosphere seemed much quieter.
In the past, upon entering the temple, monks holding QR codes and collecting fees from tourists under various pretexts were commonplace. Now, they are nowhere to be seen, and even the martial arts monks offering paid lessons have vanished.
The medicine vendors who used to sell medicine at the entrance, where the clamor was constant, have now been removed. Out of curiosity, the blogger made a special trip to the former abbot Shi Yongxin's residence to see what was going on there.
The blogger was genuinely surprised to see Shi Yongxin's residence surrounded by green iron sheets, a cordon and guarded by personnel, forbidding anyone from entering or observing.
From the outside, only the outline of the house could be vaguely discerned. The once-popular location was now heavily sealed off.
Not only was the atmosphere inside Shaolin Temple drastically different, but the atmosphere outside also seemed somewhat solemn. Anyone entering the Shaolin Temple area now had to undergo police inspection, and intersections were manned.
The blogger remarked that the Shaolin Temple now felt like "everyone was in danger." Not only had the temple changed its previous methods of operation, but it was also constantly trying to distance itself from Shi Yongxin, leaving the monks feeling apprehensive.
In response, most netizens felt that this was "long overdue." It turned out that the Shaolin Temple's "stench of money" had long been widespread.
The article stated that after Shi Yongxin became the abbot, the more money Shaolin Temple raked in, the worse its reputation became. As Shi Yongxin vigorously promoted the commercialization of "Shaolin Temple," the temple's reputation gradually declined.
A day earlier, a Shaolin Temple announcement confirmed the news that Shi Yongxin was under joint investigation for suspected criminal offenses and affairs with multiple women. The CCP-controlled Buddhist Association immediately issued a "political statement" and revoked his ordination certificate.
Shi Yongxin was a "political monk" trained by the CCP. He was promoted to Shaolin Temple abbot through the CCP-installed promotion of Zhao Puchu, the former president of the Buddhist Association.
Zhao Puchu, himself a CCP member, was the culprit planted by the CCP to undermine Buddhism. As early as 1990, he promoted monks at Buddhist academies across China to "love the country and the religion" and raise the blood-red flag, a practice now common in temples across CCP China.
News (2) to (5) / Editor: Zhongkang / Source: Epoch Times / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0729/2254514.html
News (2)
Become a revolutionary monk with a high salary: "You can get married, as long as you don't show off. I will help you find a place to live after marriage"
— Almost becoming a monk: New York-based writer Cai Kefeng exposes the CCP’s manipulation of religion
"You can get married, as long as you don't show it off. "Monks within the CCP system are state-appointed. Political needs are their job, not their faith."
Image : Cai Kefeng published "Opening the Southern Window" in December 2015, documenting the various waves of exodus from China to Hong Kong and Macau under Chinese Communist Party rule since 1949. In the chapter "Highly Salary Monk Recruitment," he recalls his experience being recruited by a neighborhood committee as a "fake monk." (Cai Rong/The Epoch Times)
Recently, various news reports surrounding Shi Yongxin, the abbot of China's Shaolin Temple, have been trending online, sparking outcry over his alleged involvement in criminal offenses, the embezzlement of vast sums of money, and even a long-standing sex scandal. Many find it hard to imagine that a controversial "political abbot" like Shi Yongxin could emerge from the pure land of Buddhism. However, if Shi Yongxin is placed within the context of China's system, these issues transcend individual issues and instead reveal institutional structures and arrangements.
Image : Shi Yongxin (seated) is widely recognized as a "political monk." (Cancan Chu/Getty Images)
In the chapter "Highly Paid Monks" in his book "Open, Southern Window," Cai Kefeng reveals that he was recruited by a neighborhood committee in the 1970s to act as a monk for a high salary. (Photo provided by Cai Kefeng)
In the chapter "Highly Paid Monks" in his book "Open, Southern Window," Cai Kefeng reveals that he was recruited by a neighborhood committee in the 1970s to act as a monk for a high salary. (Provided by Cai Kefeng)
Cai Kefeng, former president of the New York Overseas Chinese Writers Club, shared a personal experience from the 1970s in an interview with The Epoch Times yesterday (the 28th). His account reveals how Chinese Communist Party officials carefully select young people from university students to enter temples to serve as "monks" in name only, but in reality as part of the United Front—the origin of the so-called "political monks."
News (3)
A high-paid monk: "You can get married, just don't show it off."
Cai Kefeng recalls that in the autumn of 1973, while recuperating in Guangzhou, a female neighborhood committee official named Huang unexpectedly visited his home. His mother panicked, suspecting some "problem" at home, but the woman, with a warm smile, addressed him directly, "Is your son feeling better? I'm here to discuss a political assignment."
This assignment was unusual. According to the female cadre, due to the improvement in Sino-US relations, "since US President Nixon's visit to China, many foreign friends have been visiting China frequently. The central government needs people with cultural qualifications to receive foreign guests, and they are currently intensifying their training. Most urgently needed are young intellectuals with a high level of ideological awareness to work in temples, churches, and other religious venues."
She added, "You won't have to do any physical work, but will mainly be receiving foreign guests. It's not yet clear which temple you'll be assigned to, but it will be a religious profession."
Commissioner Huang then listed the requirements: the candidate must have a university degree, preferably one or two foreign languages, have no political record, be under 30, and come from an ordinary family background. "Performance" will be the key consideration. Cai Kefeng was deemed to meet these requirements, and his personal file had already been reviewed. They offered him a monthly salary of 80 yuan, far higher than the average salary for a university graduate at the time (approximately 51.5 yuan) and several times the income of an ordinary worker. In an era when most people earned only a few dozen or twenty yuan a month, this position was considered "highly paid and well-paid."
When Cai Kefeng pressed, "Comrade Huang, what exactly does the job entail?" Commissioner Huang smiled and said, "Becoming a monk!"
The mother and son were at a loss for words. The mother immediately objected, "I'm counting on my son to carry on the family line, how can he become a monk?" Commissioner Huang, smiling unwaveringly, patiently explained, "It's just a job, not a true monastic life. You have to shave your head, wear work clothes—that is, a cassock—and a monk's hat while working, and chant sutras and eat vegetarian food at the temple. But you can go home every week to reunite with your family, and you can enjoy meat dishes like chicken, duck, pork, and fish whenever you want. You're no different from ordinary people."
She even added, "Oh, and you can get married and have children, just don't advertise it. We'll help you arrange housing after your marriage. You can go home on your weekly day off, and work at the temple on your workday."
Cai Kefeng recalled that the other party saw the history book on his desk and praised him highly, saying, "It's best for a monk to study liberal arts. Since you're so interested in literature and history, you're perfect for it!"
However, the Cai family did not need the job urgently. His brother and sister had successfully smuggled themselves into Hong Kong and regularly sent money back to Guangzhou to support the family, ensuring their financial well-being. More importantly, Cai Kefeng didn't want to be ridiculed by his classmates as a "fake monk." He firmly declined, saying, "I just want a normal job." His mother also dissuaded him, saying, "During the Cultural Revolution, temples were destroyed and ancestral graves dug up. If it happens again, this kind of job would be considered a 'professional superstitious practitioner' and you'd be paraded through the streets with a dunce cap on your head. It's not worth it, not worth it!"
Commissioner Huang hastily assured him, "No, no, this is a revolutionary monk, accepting a revolutionary mission!" As she finished, she seemed to realize she'd said too much and changed the subject, "Think about it again. If you're interested, come to the neighborhood committee and see me. It doesn't matter if I'm not around. With a nod, we'll help you transfer your organizational status to the South China University of Technology Revolutionary Committee..."
Cai Kefeng ultimately declined the offer of a "high-paying professional monk."
Looking back years later, Cai Kefeng recalled that college students were already scarce in those days, and those who met the selection criteria were even rarer. However, he understood that once he was in, it would be difficult to escape, so he declined and instead embarked on three thrilling smuggling operations. He successfully arrived in Macau in 1975, then moved on to Hong Kong, ultimately settling in New York City.
News (4)
The "Abbot" in a dance hall: When monks become institutional roles
Cai Kefeng's experience resonates with a story recounted by online commentator and host of the "Sky High, Sea Wide" channel, Zhang Xiujie, on his July 28th program, "Why Did a Buddhist Monastery Emerge as Shi Yongxin?"
In his program, Zhang Xiujie pointed out that high-ranking figures in religious circles actually hold administrative ranks and are not true monks, but rather figures within the system. He recounted an incident from 1983: A college classmate's father, the editor-in-chief of a magazine, sent a reporter to interview the abbot of a temple in eastern China that was "more famous than Shaolin Temple," and the classmate accompanied the reporter.
After knocking on the temple door and explaining their purpose, the monks replied, "The abbot isn't here." The group was puzzled—according to tradition, the abbot should reside within the temple, so why was he out? The monks revealed that the abbot had been dancing at a nightclub in a certain city.
Surprised, the two headed straight for the nightclub. When they asked, "Is the abbot here?" the waiter replied, "Yes," and they seemed familiar with the abbot. A middle-aged man in a suit and neatly coiffed hair was summoned, claiming to be the abbot. When the reporter expressed his wish to interview him that evening, the abbot replied, "Wait a moment, let's change the venue." He then removed his wig, donned his robes, and began the interview.
Zhang Xiujie concluded, "So, why would a figure like Shi Yongxin emerge from the pure land of Buddhism? Don't overthink it. The reason is simple: when politics enters any field, especially religion, religion mutates."
News (5)
Pawn or monk? Shi Yongxin is not an isolated case
Cai Kefeng said that he was watching Zhang Xiujie's program that reminded him of his past and shared it, hoping to help the outside world understand that the so-called "political monk" is actually part of the national United Front project.
From this perspective, he believes that Shi Yongxin's rise and controversy are no longer simply a matter of personal morality. He is more like a carefully orchestrated pawn, a representative figure selected within the system. His age, historical background, and past National People's Congress representatives all fit the criteria for selecting "political monks" back then.
According to public information, Shi Yongxin was born in 1965 and ordained at Shaolin Temple at the age of 16 (1981). He then traveled to various temples to study. Upon returning to Shaolin Temple at the age of 19, he was elected to the temple management. At the age of 22, he became the director of the Shaolin Temple Management Committee, a position of leadership for decades. He also served as a deputy to the National People's Congress for several terms, and his activities spanned religion, politics, and business.
Shi Yongxin's rapid rise in age and seniority is clearly no accident. Cai Kefeng bluntly stated, "If he only became a monk after reaching an agreement with the central government, then this is all state-directed, and he's merely an executor."
Cai Kefeng stated that even though Shi Yongxin is currently embroiled in scandal, it shouldn't be viewed simply as a personal fall. "In the eyes of the CCP, personal morality is merely a minor issue; it's the result of years of institutional cover-up and permissiveness. People laugh at him for having affairs, but how many of those in the central government, while appearing serious, have mistresses? These are only exposed when something goes wrong. These aren't just ordinary scandals, but political manipulation."
In the Chinese system, Cai Kefeng believes that "monks" have long become a form of administrative role. They are not practicing as monks but rather working and carrying out united front work. They are monks, officials, business managers and ultimately, tools of the system.
Cai Kefeng concluded, "The question we should ask isn't whether he's worthy of being a monk, but rather, who allowed him to become one?"
News (6)
Inside story: Did Zhang Youxia overthrow Shi Yongxin?
—Who was the driving force behind Shi Yongxin's downfall? Insider information on the "collusion" revealed
Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor : Fang Xun / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0731/2255319.html
On 27 July 2025, Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin was reportedly suspected of criminal offenses and is under a multi-agency joint investigation. On July 29, Shi Yinle, abbot of Luoyang White Horse Temple, took over, breaking the Shaolin Temple tradition of having a monk from the temple take over.
Shi Yongxin has been in charge of temple affairs for 38 years since 1987, serving under three Communist Party leaders: Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping. During his tenure at Shaolin Temple, he established a martial arts monk corps and aggressively expanded his business empire. After Xi Jinping came to power, Shaolin Temple became a tool for the CCP's overseas united front work and the Belt and Road Initiative.
In 2015, Shi Yongxin was reported for alleged misconduct and accepting bribes, but the 2017 investigation concluded that there was "insufficient evidence." He remained unaccounted for for a long time, believed to be protected by Jiang Zemin's faction and Xi Jinping.
Now, on the eve of the Beidaihe meeting, Shi Yongxin's sudden fall from power has attracted widespread attention. Commentator Li Yanming analyzed that Xi Jinping is facing a health and power crisis, and veterans like Zhang Youxia and Wen Jiabao have become key to the political situation. Shi Yongxin has close ties to the Chinese Communist Party's military, particularly with special forces and veteran Henan military leaders. Jia Ting'an, Cao Gangchuan, and others have frequent interactions with him.
In recent years, military purges have intensified, with Henan-born generals such as Rocket Force Commander Li Yuchao and Army Deputy Commander You Haitao successively dismissed. The former Nanjing Military Region has become a key target of the purge, with several generals from the 31st Group Army under investigation. Students from the Shaolin Martial Arts School are spread across theater commands, the armed police, garrisons, and the Central Security Bureau. Zhang Youxia spearheaded the military purge, and Shi Yongxin's downfall may be related to this.
Li Yanming observed that Wu Yi visited the Shaolin Temple twice, in 2003 and 2004, condemning the architecture for undermining the ancient style and ordering renovations. She also promoted renovations to the Shaolin Temple during Wen Jiabao's tenure. The new abbot, Shi Yinle, previously hosted Wu Yi and presided over White Horse Temple for 20 years. He maintains a low profile, avoids commercialization, and opposes trademarking the temple name.
In 2005, Wen Jiabao's visit to India facilitated the construction of an Indian-style Buddhist temple at White Horse Temple, which was implemented by Shi Yinle. Funded by India, this temple was India's first official Buddhist cultural project overseas. Shi Yinle led the monks in personally cultivating the land and operating machinery, emphasizing the pure traditions of Buddhism. His previous stance was diametrically opposed to that of Shi Yongxin.
Shi Yongxin was deeply intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party's military, united front, religious, and ideological systems. His fall from power sends a strong signal of political change. Shi Yinle's sudden appointment sets the stage for subsequent rectification. Will the Shi Yongxin case escalate, and which senior officials will be implicated? The answers are becoming clearer as the situation evolves.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Impact of the Thai-Cambodian conflict on Vietnam and the U.S.
Translation " Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
News on Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, U.S., UK, Taiwan
News (1)
The Thai-Cambodian conflict has caused tension among neighboring countries! Vietnam has deployed a large number of armored vehicles to the border, and the U.S. aircraft carrier has also turned around and headed to Southeast Asia
Editor: Zhongkang / Source: Xin Touke / https://www.aboluowang.com/2025/0728/2254056.html / Image : Photo reproduced from Tencent)
The Thai-Cambodian conflict has persisted for several days, with military attacks from both sides escalating. Yesterday, news broke that Vietnam deployed a large number of armored vehicles to the border area with Cambodia on the 26th, and that the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, after completing exercises, temporarily turned back to Thailand to provide support.
While agreeing to a ceasefire, Cambodia continued to deploy large numbers of Chinese rocket launchers to the border. Thailand, not to be outdone, also deployed a large number of artillery and tanks to the front lines. Twitter user @Israelwaronhama posted that rumors were circulating that Chinese missiles deployed in Cambodia had successfully shot down a Thai F-16 fighter jet in Cambodia. Videos showed Cambodians excitedly recording the scene near the border, claiming that the Cambodian military had shot down a Thai F-16, but this information has not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has been continuously deploying T-55 tanks along the border, preparing for a full-scale war with Thailand. Another Twitter user, @Lawrenc09874431, speculated that there may be forces behind the conflict, intent on creating another tragic outcome, but this speculation remains unsubstantiated. According to reports, Thailand, a key US ally in Southeast Asia, has secured Washington's tacit approval to use F-16s to conduct strikes against Cambodian forces.
However, Twitter user @lammichaeltw reported that on the 26th, Vietnam appeared to have begun rapidly deploying large numbers of armored vehicles to the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Historically, Vietnam occupied Cambodia and supported Hun Sen as its leader. However, Hun Sen subsequently repeatedly contradicted Vietnam, leading Vietnam to support Thailand's anti-fraud efforts. Speculation is rife as to whether Vietnam is stepping in to rescue Cambodia or abandoning its wing to protect itself.
The Thai-Cambodian conflict continues to escalate, extending beyond bilateral military friction to encompass the broader security of Southeast Asia. The USS Nimitz's temporary reversal of course, approaching Thai waters, has been interpreted as a sign of significant concern and may also indicate U.S. strategic support for Thailand.
Meanwhile, Cambodia's transport of Chinese rocket launchers and deployment of aging T-55 tanks to the border appear intended to project a tough stance, even at the risk of all-out war. This also demonstrates the profound impact of Chinese military technology on the regional landscape. Vietnam's military actions add further uncertainty. If it chooses to intervene in future conflicts, it will inevitably reshape the regional balance of power and trigger the possibility of further external intervention. Whether the Thai-Cambodian border conflict will escalate into a regional war remains to be seen. The next steps of Vietnam and the United States remain to be seen.
News (2)
Thailand and Cambodia reach ceasefire, scam park bombed
As Thailand and Cambodia reached a ceasefire, Trump posted on social media: "Just spoke with the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Cambodia. I am pleased to announce that, thanks to the intervention of President Trump, Thailand and Cambodia have reached a ceasefire and peace agreement. Congratulations! By ending this war, we have saved thousands of lives. I have instructed my trade team to restart trade negotiations. Now, in just six months, I have ended multiple wars—I am honored to be the President of Peace!"
The origins of the current Thai-Cambodian war include years of disputes over temple land and the resulting casualties from border clashes. The underlying reasons for this conflict are widely debated. Some say it is due to Cambodia's discovery of rare earth minerals worth over $600 billion near the Thai border, while others suggest a hidden reason behind Thailand's attacks is its sensitivity towards Chinese people: Cambodian scam parks.
Many of Cambodia's telecom scam farms feature Chinese nationals in key roles, including investors, managers and technicians. Numerous Chinese nationals have also been lured to these farms and coerced into participating in the fraud under threat of terror. Many people may not know that numerous scam rings are located along the Cambodia-Thailand border. One such ring is located at the Saidatuk checkpoint on the Cambodia-Thailand border. A video shows Thai troops shelling the Cambodian scam ring, with shells hitting the main building and plumes of smoke billowing.
Casinos and scam rings have become a vital pillar of Cambodia's economy, generating billions of dollars in annual revenue and becoming a government-sanctioned gray market. Therefore, this shelling is not only a military action but also a direct attack on Cambodia's economic lifeline. It has been revealed that another casino and scam ring, operating at the Chang Sangkan checkpoint on the Thai-Cambodian border, is run by a Cambodian senator who also serves as a personal advisor to Hun Sen. The ring, which employs thousands of foreign slave workers, has been targeted by Thailand following complaints of long-term fraud against Thai citizens.
News (3)
The U.S. publicly warned Taiwan that time is running out
Taiwan's recall attempt had just failed, and simultaneously, the U.S. issued its latest warning. This was the third public warning from the U.S., and the tone was unprecedentedly serious, implicitly emphasizing that time was running out for Taiwan.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, recently pointed out that the PLA's exercises have increased dramatically in recent years, essentially rehearsing for a full-scale invasion. According to sources familiar with the matter, this strong statement may suggest that the US military has grasped the CCP's specific timetable for military mobilization, even including a "combat readiness completion deadline" by 2027. Data obtained by US intelligence agencies shows that the scale of PLA exercises has skyrocketed from one brigade in 2021 to 42 brigades in 2024. This has forced the US military to reassess the strategic situation in the Taiwan Strait and issue an "upgraded war alert."
Interestingly, sources familiar with the matter revealed that the U.S. has already issued at least two clear warnings of war in the Taiwan Strait. This time, the US's public warnings are not primarily intended to alert Taiwan's government decision-makers, but rather to awaken the Taiwanese people to a sense of crisis. Concern is that many Taiwanese people will interpret this warning as someone crying "wolf," and even become preoccupied with Taiwan's so-called internal partisan disputes, ignoring the fact that the "wolf" may very well be coming soon!
On 27 July 2025, British media reported that British Defense Secretary John Healey, while participating in the "Guardian Sabre 2025" joint military exercise in Australia, stated that Britain is ready to fight in the Indo-Pacific region if necessary. While aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, Healey further hinted that if the Chinese Communist Party attacks Taiwan, Britain and Australia will jointly participate. This statement is considered the most explicit and public statement by a British defense secretary on a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
After concluding the military exercise, the British aircraft carrier strike group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is expected to depart for Japan and may operate in the waters around Taiwan.
Coincidentally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated over the weekend that Poles "must be combat-ready" for the next two years. He specifically mentioned that General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, recently warned that NATO must be prepared for the possibility that Russia and China could launch wars in Europe and the Pacific simultaneously, with 2027 likely to be a flashpoint.
StayGate Pictures : Inaugural travel to Bekok Hakka Cultural Museum
Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA 
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Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA Photo copyright by : Khov Meng Heng According to Cambodian and Chinese media, Cambodia's n... -
Direct translation Reporter : Li Enzhen / Editor: Zhu Xinrui / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2025/02/05/a103955953.html / Image : A hospital ...
