News that caught our eye / The week ending December 22, 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.
Deadly earthquake hits China's Gansu province / December 19, 2023
A powerful 6.2 earthquake struck northwestern China’s Gansu province killed more than 120 people on Tuesday. Rescue workers and military soldiers began rescue operations and provided food, tents and blankets for those displaced by the quake and a landslide triggered by the quake (CBS News).
Tesla Stock At Early Buy Point On Strong China Registrations / December 19, 2023
Tesla EV sales numbers in China have been edging higher in the 4th quarter, signaling a positive end to the year for the company and perhaps a sign that China’s economy is also doing better. Globally, Tesla is doing well, although Wall Street predicted it will fall just slightly below its 4th quarter target (Investor’s Business Daily).
China, Russia pledge to defend core interests in light of new sanctions / December 21, 2023
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week, issuing a further strengthening of the ties between the two countries and pledging to defend one another’s interests in the face of any external threats. Just prior to their meeting, the EU issued more sanctions against Russia (SCMP).
War in Ukraine Has China Cashing In / December 21, 2023
Western sanctions cut off economic trade with Russia, so Russia and China have established lucrative trade deals that have benefitted both countries, especially China. Trade between the two countries topped $200 billion already this year, and China’s automakers now have 55% of the Russian auto market when in 2021 they only held 8% (The New York Times).
China's economic conditions to improve in 2024 / December 18, 2023
China’s Xinhua news agency forecasted a more favorable economic year in 2024, reflecting the results of China’s Central Economic Work Conference held on Dec. 11th and 12th. The news agency stated that policies are in place to boost the economy as the government shifts from post-COVID recovery to sustained consumption growth (Reuters).
China’s secret space plane emits strong signal over North America / December 21, 2023
China launched a secret space plane last Thursday, which subsequently also released two satellite-like objects of its own, and also left launch debris, like rocket fuselages, in its wake. Amateur satellite watchers have been tracking the plane’s movements and radio signals. This is the plane’s third launch since 2020 (SCMP).
The real danger of doing business in China / December 18, 2023
China is appropriating Western technology and innovation with the goal of improving it to become the global leader in vast areas of production and commerce, making western production of those items obsolete. Some business leaders apparently don’t see that happening, including Boeing CEO Stanley Deal (Fox News).
China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. Here's how / December 18, 2023
Since Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, China has ramped up its military exercises around the island to almost a daily basis, keeping Taiwan on almost constant alert and tiring its air and other military personnel (NPR).
Xi told Biden at summit that China plans to reunify with Taiwan / December 20, 2023
When President Biden met with President Xi in San Francisco in November to “thaw relations,” Xi evidently told Biden directly that China will inevitably unite Taiwan to the mainland, peacefully or otherwise. Biden administration representatives were not surprised by Xi’s direct statements (ABC News).
Hong Kong offers awards for arrests of activists abroad for breaching national security law / December 14, 2023
Hong Kong authorities accused 5 additional dissidents of violating a national security law, adding to the 8 that were initially threatened by the authorities last July. The accusations are against Chinese national, pro-democracy activists living in exile. Some of the activists wear the accusations as badges of honor (AP News).
China defends bounties offered for Hong Kong dissidents abroad / December 15, 2023
China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended Hong Kong’s $128,000 USD bounties for ex-patriot dissidents even though at least one of them is a US citizen. Mao claimed that Hong Kong was faithfully operating under international law and practice (AP News).