News that caught our eye / The week ending April 7, 2023
Tap here for our archives.
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.
The Maoist legacy in Chinese private enterprise / March 30, 2023
A podcast explores the influence of Mao’s ideology on those who grew up during and after Mao’s leadership in China. About 25% of private entrepreneurs from that era reflect a strong nationalism, a disdain for foreign investment, a commitment to social responsibility, and a sense of frugality in their business philosophy (The China Project).
‘China’s Kerouac’ documented the country’s cool underclass / March 30, 2023
Chinese author Wang Shuo’s 1989 book “Playing for Thrills” provides a picture of a generation of Chinese citizens that grew up “culturally confused” between “the Tiananmen Square Massacre and Dèng Xiǎopíng’s reforms and materialistic opportunities.” Though 30 years distant, modern Chinese young adults may find a connection to his “hooligan literature” (The China Project).
General Warns of ‘Concerning’ Chinese Activities Along Border With India / March 31, 2023
The US Army is working with Canadian and Indian armies to train the Indian army to withstand and repel the encroaching Chinese army along the contested Himalayan border with India. Recent training exercises have angered Beijing. Like Taiwan, China appears eager to solidify its claim on the contested western area, too (US News).
China’s media realities clash over truth about war in Ukraine / April 1, 2023
Chinese citizens with access to Western media are finding themselves in two news-media “realities” as they hear very different information regarding the war in Ukraine. But sharing Western information in their posts could get them blocked or their accounts deleted by the government (Al Jazeera).
Chinese spy balloon gathered sensitive U.S. military sites’ intelligence / April 3, 2023
US officials are now saying the Chinese spy balloon gathered sensitive military intelligence as it flew over the US in February, sometimes doubling back over sites to get more information by observing electronic signals. The US government blocked that information by turning off or moving items that emitted electronic signals (NBC News).
EU lashes out at China for support of Russia in Ukraine war / April 4, 2023
The EU’s foreign policy chief harshly criticized China for its passive acceptance of Russia’s attack on Ukraine and lack of pressure against Russia to cease and desist. His words were spoken just before a delegation of EU officials, including French President Macron, traveled to China for negotiations (AP News).
Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen in China to ‘reset’ relations / April 5, 2023
French President Macron leads a 50-member EU delegation to China to discuss trade, business, climate, and relations between the EU and China. Macron hopes he can encourage China to seek a peace deal regarding Ukraine. The EU can’t “decouple” from China, but wants limits on China’s ability to obtain sensitive information (BBC News).
Tsai briefed as China sends aircraft carriers near island before US meeting / April 5, 2023
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was informed that China sent its Shandong carrier fleet to the waters southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday before Tsai’s planned meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The Taiwan government said it would not bend to external pressure from China (Fox News).
Defying China, McCarthy stands united with Taiwan’s president / April 5, 2023
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a party of bi-partisan US officials met with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan on Wednesday despite complaints by China that it violated its “one China” policy. The White House stated that such visits with Taiwan officials are standard procedure and should be seen as threatening (NBC News).
U.S. lawmakers arrive in Taiwan as China blasts McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai / April 6, 2023
A bipartisan US delegation has arrived in Taipei to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen after China expressed its outrage over Tsai’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday. China promised to protect its sovereignty and warned it would inspect ships in the Taiwan Strait (NBC News).
Foreign ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia meet in China / April 6, 2023
China welcomed diplomats from Iran and Saudi Arabia to continue its brokered peace deal that began in March between the two adversaries. Their agenda included discussions on re-opening their embassies and consulates (Al Jazeera).