News that caught our eye / The week ending March 17th
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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.
‘Changing global order’: China’s hand in the Iran-Saudi deal / March 11, 2023
China brokered a diplomatic relations deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia last week, bringing the two countries together after they broke ties in 2016. With no allegiance to either party, China could easily step in to mediate. China’s involvement here demonstrates its new role as a global mediator (Al Jazeera).
China’s Xi plans to speak with Zelensky for the first time since Ukraine war broke out / March 13, 2023
While on an upcoming European tour to Russia and other countries, President Xi plans to meet virtually with Ukraine’s President in an effort to serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. The Biden administration welcomes the endeavor so that China might get a different perspective on the war (WSJ).
Xi awarded 3rd term as China’s president, extending rule / March 10, 2023
President Xi was officially and unanimously voted into his 3rd presidential term at the National People’s Conference in Beijing last week Friday, along with other top officials. His consolidation of power and appointment of loyalists in nearly all branches of government may secure his rule for a lifetime (AP News).
China now seen as influencing politics more than ever, on a global scale / March 10, 2023
Evidence is becoming clearer that China has been influencing politics on a massive, global scale, from publishing disinformation on social media in election campaigns to influencing education at universities, and bribing corrupt candidates from presidential to even local elections, all in an effort to “weaken resistance to its encroachment on sovereignty” (CBC).
Support grows for reestablishing Trump-era China initiative / March 11, 2023
Representative Gooden (R) submitted his version of a Senate bill in the House last week, seeking to restore a tougher stance against the CCP’s efforts at espionage and influencing academia in the US. If reestablished, the law would allow prosecuting those caught in “trade, hacking and espionage” (Fox News).
China’s neighbors seek expanded partnerships with US to deter, defend / March 10, 2023
After the US and the Philippines agreed to expand a 2014 defense agreement in early February, a Chinese ship allegedly blocked a Philippine patrol vessel, threatening its passage. Such challenges from China are causing Pacific-rim countries to seek expanded US military partnerships: Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia among them (Defense News).
Tesla Price Cuts Trigger Desperate Fight For Survival In China's EV Market / March 14, 2023
In an effort to boost its presence in the Chinese electric vehicle market, Tesla cut prices by 6% on two of its EVs, triggering other EV companies to slash prices on their vehicles to hold their places in the market. Tesla is the only foreign EV company to have a significant in-road in the Chinese market (IBD).
‘A defeated person’: sidelined by Xi, China’s Li Keqiang bows out as premier / March 10, 2023
Li Keqiang, China’s premier for the last decade, was replaced by Xi loyalist Li Qiang on March 11th. According to an old friend, Li Keqiang was overshadowed, out-maneuvered, and handicapped by President Xi. Li included the cryptic commentary in his final report to his staff, “While the people work, Heaven watches” (The Guardian).
China names Li Qiang premier nominally in charge of economy / March 10, 2023
Li Qiang, an ally of Xi Jinping, became China’s second most powerful leader last Friday. Best known for his brutal zero-Covid lockdown in Shanghai last year, Li was also known for creating a government image of friendliness to businesses while Xi tightened regulations and political controls (AP News).
Chinese official to explicit park performers: ‘Dance, but don’t be dirty’ / March 13, 2023
Provocative dancing in a public park in China did not meet the approval of a local management official, who advised dancers to avoid sexually explicit movements, especially since they were being recorded by onlookers. Many commentators on social media praised the official while others stated he was “over the top” (SCMP).
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