News that caught our eye / The week ending December 8, 2023
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NOTE: The news reports below are not in chronological order. There is often a time lag in their reaching the US and in gaining our attention. These reports reflect the opinions of a variety of news sources.
China warns against ‘undermining’ Belt and Road plan after Italy exits / December 7, 2023
After Italy informed China on December 3rd that it would exit the Belt and Road Initiative, China issued a statement admonishing any country that undermined or “smeared” the BRI. Italy is the only Western nation that joined the BRI. Despite its departure, Italy assured China that it wants a strong relationship with China (Al Jazeera).
China sees Europe as a key trade partner / December 6, 2023
While European leaders in China for a summit with President Xi are very reserved in their approach to China, President Xi spoke positively of China’s relationship with the EU and encouraged a strengthening of their relationship. The EU leaders also expressed the same desire but also cautioned Xi regarding issues like Ukraine, Taiwan, and China’s EV state subsidies (SCMP).
China's ex-Foreign Minister Qin Gang dead due to suicide or torture / December 7, 2023
China’s former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from his position in July, reportedly died later that month in a Chinese hospital. He apparently had an extra-marital affair while serving as the Chinese ambassador to the US, possibly creating a security risk (India Today).
China’s Xi goes full Stalin with purge / December 6, 2023
President Xi’s attempts to purify his government have led to the suspicious removal of millions of officials and military leaders, sometimes including those Xi handpicked himself to serve in high-ranking positions in the government. Many have died while in custody. Qin Gang’s death in July is the latest example. Getting too close to the West makes one a suspect (Politico).
China's exports grow for first time in 6 months in relief for factories / December 7, 2023
Chinese exports grew slightly in November, buoyed by reduced prices and government support measures for Chinese companies. The positive news comes with a mixed bag of economic data as China continues to grapple with a sluggish economy (Reuters).
China’s colossal hidden debt problem is coming to a head / December 5, 2023
City and provincial governments in China are facing huge amounts of debt after years of borrowing money to build infrastructure. Now, with a sluggish economy lowering revenue, these same entities are struggling to make payments on their interest and principal. If a local government defaults, the problem could snowball into a crisis (WSJ).
China restarts COVID-19 testing in hospitals, airports / December 6, 2023
Chinese authorities have begun testing for Covid variants in high-traffic areas like large rail stations, airports, and institutions where people may be vulnerable to the disease, like nursing homes and hospitals. However, there is little mention of the name “Covid,” perhaps to avoid a public response (Radio Free Asia).
Ghost Marriages Under Scrutiny in East China After Teen’s Death / November 20, 2023
Ghost marriages—the practice of burying and symbolically marrying a deceased couple together to satisfy inheritance and lineage customs in China—is under scrutiny as a teenage girl died suspiciously and was married posthumously in eastern China, with the parents receiving nearly $10,000 for the marriage (Sixth Tone).
China says a US Navy ship 'illegally intruded' into the South China Sea / December 3, 2023
China accused the US of entering China’s territory in the South China Sea near the Second Thomas Shoal, an area hotly claimed by the Philippines and China. The US stated that the ship was in international waters and abided by international law (ABC News).