News that caught our eye / The week ending July 7, 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.
China pumps out half of the world’s energy storage research as US share declines / June 30, 2023
Chinese university researchers have found that China produced half of the energy storage research in 2022 while the US contributed 10.5% of the papers on the subject, a decline of 2% over 2021. China will dominate in this field of research for the foreseeable future (SCMP).
CPC sees membership rise 1.4% to 98.04 million / June 30, 2023
CCP membership grew less than 2% last year. Women are underrepresented as are minorities. With less than 100 million members, fewer than 10% of Chinese citizens have joined the party. Many of those members have joined to further their careers or to keep their careers) rather than out of dedication to the CCP (China Daily).
Cars washed away as floods wreak havoc in southern China / July 2, 2023
Torrential rains brought flooding to China’s central Hunan Province, where nearly 280 mm of rain fell within 12 hours. About 1000 people had to be rescued, though no deaths were reported. Roads turned into muddy rivers and sustained heavy damage (WION). y
China's updated counterespionage law is 'direct attack' on US citizens, businesses / Jul 1, 2023
China’s new counterespionage law went into effect on Saturday, but the law’s ambiguity allows the Chinese government to arrest any foreigner in China for any reason it might suspect a threat to its national security. The change has some calling for a return of US manufacturing businesses from China to boost the American economy (Fox News).
China Is Buying Gas Like There’s Still an Energy Crisis / July 1, 2023
When the Covid pandemic threatened supply chains and Russia invaded Ukraine, China faced an energy supply crisis. In response, the country has been buying up natural gas as if the crisis is still a threat, securing contracts that last decades. The strategy is good, as China can sell “excess stock” to needy markets, and its reserves hedge against future energy shortages (Bloomberg).
China complains to France after Chinese tourists hurt in riots / July 1, 2023
China's Consulate General in Marseille complained to France after a tourist bus of Chinese citizens in Marseille was attacked and its windows broken, causing minor injuries. France experienced rioting after police shot and killed a 17-year old of North-African descent last Thursday. The Chinese tourists have since left France (Reuters).
China’s new problem: climate misinformation driven by nationalism / July 3, 2023
Some may think the climate change controversy is just a Western phenomenon, but the issue, filtered to benefit China’s image, has been a topic of conversation for more than a decade in China. Wherever you stand on the issue, China has its own versions of “misinformation” in online chats; “It is not always about the science but about the story” (Al Jazeera).
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to meet with officials in China this week / July 2, 2023
Janet Yellen will visit China this week from Thursday through Sunday. While she plans to discuss economic, communication, and global issues like climate change and debt distress, the administration doesn’t expect a great deal of change in the bilateral relationship (NBC News).
China’s Slow Economic Recovery Expected to Challenge Asia / July 2, 2023
China’s slowing economy is threatening to affect other Asian countries as manufacturing in China slows, causing a drop in imports of raw materials from neighboring countries. Global inflation has lowered demand for goods made in China, and within China, deflation, an excessively high youth unemployment rate, and a struggling real estate market are dragging down China’s estimated GDP (VOA).
China clamps down on Christians, fines couple for running underground church / July 3, 2023
Pastor Yang Xibo and his wife, Wang Xiaofei, and their church were banned and fined about 25,000 yuan in May of 2019, but that fine was more than doubled in June this year as they battle against government persecution. Church members have been harassed and forced to send their children to public schools (Fox News).
China curbs exports of key computer chip materials / July 4, 2023
China announced that it will require special licenses for companies hoping to export two important metals from China that are used in making semiconductors, communication, and military equipment. This is in response to the US’ call for global restrictions on semiconductor sales to China over concerns China will use them for military purposes (BBC News).
China cancels planned trip by Europe's top diplomat Borrell / July 5, 2023
China abruptly canceled a scheduled visit by European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, citing no explanation for the cancellation. A prior visit in April had been canceled when Borrell tested positive for Covid. A spokesman for China did leave the door open for a rescheduled visit (Reuters).
China dismisses criticism of top diplomat’s race-based alliance comments / July 5, 2023
Wang Yi, the head of the CCP’s foreign affairs commission, declared that Westerners can’t tell the difference between Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese people and that none of those three ethnicities could ever become a European or an American. Wang was emphasizing greater cooperation between the Asian nations as a defense against foreign aggression (AP News).