News that caught our eye / The week ending March 3rd
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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 issues peace plan; Zelenskyy says he’ll await details / February 24, 2023
China revealed a 12-point peace plan on Friday’s one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While some points call for humanitarian aid and for wheat exports to be protected, most of the points favor Russia. No mention was made for Russia to remove its troops or cede claimed territory (AP News).
China Reveals New Heavily Armed Extra-Large Uncrewed Submarine / February 23, 2023
At a defense exposition in Abu Dhabi, China presented new information on its program developing XLUUV’s (Extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles), which also included a weapons feature, which is new to this type of craft. Other countries have similar programs, but China is the first to risk adding weaponry (Naval News).
Beijing official in Hong Kong warns US envoy after speech / February 24, 2023
When Consul General Gregory May expressed concern about Hong Kong’s loss of freedoms, a Chinese Foreign Affairs representative scolded May for threatening China’s international security, Hong Kong’s reputation as a “development prospect,” and for approaching “political infiltration” in Hong Kong affairs. Many democracies are concerned about Hong Kong’s eroding autonomy (ABC News).
China’s local governments are struggling to pay their bills / February 23, 2023
Covid lockdown expenses took a huge bite out of provincial financial coffers, so now public workers, like teachers, abruptly received a reduced salary. Some retirees also saw a reduction in their healthcare coverage. A downturn in land sales that reduced income for local governments is also to blame (The China Project).
China considers sending artillery, ammunition to Russia, U.S. officials say -/ February 25, 2023
Three US officials suggested that China is considering sending arms to Russa, although they gave no evidence for the claim, and such an announcement seems odd after China revealed its peace plan for the Ukraine conflict just on Friday. President Zelensky of Ukraine hopes to meet with President Xi (NBC News).
U.S. hits Russia with new sanctions one year after Ukraine invasion / February 24, 2023
As the world passes the one-year anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the US, in cooperation with other G7 countries, sanctioned more than 200 additional individuals and companies, both in Russia and third-party companies outside of the country. Simultaneously, the Biden Administration announced a third aid package to Ukraine (Axios).
China complains of ‘bullying’ as US sanctions hit Chinese companies / February 27, 2023
In an effort to undercut the operations of the Russian Wagner Group, the US placed sanctions on a Chinese company supplying satellite intel to the Russian company. China charged that the US itself is extending the war with its own lethal aid to Ukraine and that the sanctions are illegal (Fox News).
CIA chief: China has some doubt on ability to invade Taiwan / February 26, 2023
CIA Director William Burns speculated Sunday that President Xi may be doubting plans to invade Taiwan after observing the West’s involvement in Ukraine. He did not rule out a Chinese invasion of the island country, however, as Xi has already instructed the PLA to be ready to invade by 2027 (AP News).
China's President Xi Urges 'Intensive' State and Party Revamp / February 28, 2023
President Xi called for an intensive reorganization of the CCP and other Chinese state agencies as he forges ahead in his third term as China’s leader. Some of the anchors that slowed last year’s lackluster economy continue to hamper the expected return to fiscal health (US News).
A guide to China’s disappeared tycoons and financiers / March 1, 2023
When President Xi announced he would kickstart the economy after the Covid crisis, he insisted that “boosting confidence” in the economy was essential. However, the Party’s habit of detaining the heads of Chinese corporations for suspected corruption is causing many elite business men and women to resign from their positions (The China Project).
FBI chief Christopher Wray says China lab leak most likely / March 1, 2023
FBI chief Christopher Wray stated that the FBI has been aware that the Covid virus likely came from a Chinese lab for a long time. The US Dept. of Energy also concluded the same, but other agencies didn’t agree with that assessment. China denied any culpability, blaming the US for being manipulative (BBC).
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