News that caught our eye / The week ending October 25, 2024
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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.
Curated by James Getka.
China consulate in Myanmar hit with explosive device / October 19, 2024
China’s consulate in Myanmar’s Mandalay City was hit with an explosive device on Friday evening. No injuries, however, were reported. Myanmar is in the midst of a tumultuous period since the military took over the government in 2021 and ethnic groups are fighting against the junta. China maintains ties with both sides in the conflict (The Economic Times).
Xi Jinping Asks Troops To Prepare For War As Battle Drills Intensify Around Taiwan / October 19, 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the Chinese military to be ready for combat as he spoke to Rocket Force personnel on Thursday, just days after the Chinese military conducted large-scale exercises around the island of Taiwan (NDTV World).
China Turns Up the Heat on Taiwan with Live-Fire Drills / October 22, 2024
China carried out live-fire drills on Niushan Island, the closest Chinese controlled island to Taiwan, just a week after holding a major military exercise around Taiwan, and just after US and Canadian ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, exercising “freedom of navigation” in international waters. China called the drills “routine” (The New York Times).
India says it reached deal with China on army patrols along disputed border / October 21, 2024
China and India have come to an agreement on military patrols along the contested border between the two nations. However, the agreement is described as “resolving the low-hanging fruits” but the more complex issues still need to be addressed (Al Jazeera).
How India and China pulled back from a border war — and why now / October 22, 2024
India and China’s border agreement only restores the stance both countries had along their shared border before the 2020 clash that killed soldiers on both sides. But the agreement opens doors to business deals and for Prime Minister Modi and President Xi to meet, perhaps at the upcoming BRICS meeting in Russia this week (Al Jazeera).
GOP lawmakers seek investigation of consulting firm over its work in China / October 18, 2024
A group of Republican lawmakers demanded an investigation into consulting firm McKinsey, which manages contracts with the US Defense Department, but also deals with Chinese state-controlled companies and other Chinese businesses. The group charges McKinsey with misrepresenting tis relationship with the Chinese government (WTOP News).
China boosts export controls on dual use items, state media says / October 19, 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that new regulations on exports of “dual-use” items will take effect on December 1st in an effort to provide transparency and standardization. China has been accused of providing Russia with dual-use items to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Just last week, the US sanctioned two Chinese companies and a Russian affiliate of making and exporting attack drones (Reuters).
China, Russia, North Korea and Iran described as new ‘Axis of Evil’ by some / October 23, 2024
Russia’s recent cooperation with Iran on naval drills and North Korean soldiers now serving in Russia are examples of a probable “New Axis of Evil” forming among China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. China is the lynch-pin that empowers the bloc. Evidence in weapons used by Russia indicate that all three of the other countries are supporting Russia by supplying parts for its war against Ukraine (VOA).
Efforts by Russia, Iran and China to sway US voters may escalate, report says / October 23, 2024
Evidence suggest that Russia, Iran and China have been and will continue to attempt to influence the 2024 election in the US with false ads and reports. While it seems odd that Russia is attacking the Harris campaign and China is going after down-ballot Republican candidates, the effort seemingly appears to further divide the US citizenry against itself, not to push a candidate into office (AP News).
International airlines cut China flights over Russian airspace ban, economic concerns / October 20, 2024
Lower business travel and the added cost of flying around Russian airspace due to the Russian war in Ukraine has prompted many European airlines to cancel flights to China this month. China’s domestic airlines can access Russian airspace so they can offer cheaper flights. While airlines periodically adjust their flights to match seasonal demands, China’s weak economy seems to be having a negative effect on travel demand (SCMP).
China cuts benchmark lending rates by 25 basis points / October 20, 2024
In an effort to boost the lagging economy, the Central Bank of China announced new rate cuts for both the one-year and five-year loan prime rates to 3.1% and 3.6% respectively. Other rates were also cut, but some economists continue to say that such stimuli still won’t be enough to get the economy to a healthy state again (CNBC).
More than 60% of Chinese over 60 are empty nesters, survey finds / October 22, 2024
While it is common for the elderly to be empty nesters in most Western countries, the fact that 60% of senior adults polled in a survey live without their children at home is an exception to the traditional norm in China. Children typically care for their aging parents, but China’s one-child policy, and the current economy makes such care difficult. The elderly, especially in rural areas, can’t afford to go to a nursing home, either (SCMP).
Why US elections are losing shine for Chinese once drawn to democratic process / October 18, 2024
Many Chinese have enjoyed observing American politics, and for some, it was a psychological way they could vicariously participate in a civic process in a country where it doesn’t exist. But recently, tensions between China and the US, the volatile and absurd nature of recent presidential races, and the US government’s poor handling of the pandemic, have many Chinese viewing our election as disappointing entertainment (SCMP).
China and the Vatican agree to extend an agreement on appointing bishops / October 22, 2024
The Vatican and China have agreed to a 4-year extension of a 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops in the recognized state-sanctioned Catholic church in China. The initial agreement only verified that the Vatican agreed to accept seven bishops that had been appointed by the CCP. An underground Catholic church exists in China, including other bishops who have not been recognized by the CCP (AP News).