RH 3.10.26 | China: Exports, Type 055, Liaowang-1 & Espionage

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  Welcome to RH 3.10.26 | China! In today's episode, we dive into China's booming exports, their military flex with the Type 055 destroyers, and the Liaowang-1 intelligence ship keeping an eye on the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, we've got the latest on espionage, from Australia to China's intelligence crackdown.  China's export game is hitting new heights in 2026, with a 21.8% surge in the first two months of the year. That's a huge win for Beijing as they continue to push through trade turbulence and tough relations with the US. Despite Trump's tariffs putting pressure on their exports to America, China is dominating in Southeast Asia and Europe. But with an economic growth target lowered to 4.5% to 5%, Beijing's reliance on exports remains a big talking point.  Next up, China's military presence continues to rise, especially in Taiwan-facing waters. The Type 055 destroyers just got a boost with the Dongguan and Anqing ships entering service, bringing the total to 10. These high-tech warships are a serious show of force with missile systems and radar capabilities that challenge the US Navy in the Pacific. Taiwan—you better watch out.  But China's not just playing with ships. In the Strait of Hormuz, the Liaowang-1 intelligence vessel is keeping tabs on all the action. Officially used for satellite tracking, it's a floating supercomputer capable of monitoring up to 1,200 targets. With all the turmoil in the Middle East, this ship is a key asset for China to stay ahead of the game. Add in the Type 055 escort ships, and you've got a serious surveillance operation underway.  And we can't forget about the espionage drama down under. Australia's Alexander Csergo is under fire for allegedly working with Chinese intelligence to produce reports on key issues like AUKUS and lithium supply chains. It's the kind of spy game you'd expect in a James Bond movie, but it's real life. Meanwhile, China's Ministry of State Security is cracking down on leaks and making it clear that national secrets are under serious protection.  China's influence is growing in all corners of the globe—from economic dominance to military power and intelligence operations. In this episode, we break down what all these shifts mean for global security, trade, and the future of US-China relations.  👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.