News that caught our eye / The week ending July 14, 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.
US-China talks a 'step forward' in relations, says Janet Yellen / July 9, 2023
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that her 4-day visit to China was "direct, substantive and productive" but that one visit would not resolve the differences between the two superpowers. At best, she hopes that the talks will allow continuing “transparent” dialogue with China in the future (BBC).
As China threat grows, Japan to open NATO liaison office to counter Beijing / July 9, 2023
While it does not plan to join NATO, Japan is working to establish a NATO liaison office to coordinate with other nations in its defense against China, North Korea and Russia. Japan is also working with South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, viewing multilateral cooperation as a better strategy to deal with its neighbors (Fox News).
China promises ‘resolute response’ to any NATO expansion in Asia / July 12, 2023
Upon news of Japan opening a NATO liaison office, China angrily spat back threats to the Atlantic organization. Four Pacific nations attended the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania this week, but none of them have plans to join NATO. China stated that most Asian countries do not want a NATO presence in the region (Al Jazeera).
Six killed in stabbing at kindergarten in China, suspect arrested / July 10, 2023
Six people, including three kindergarten children, were killed by a knife-wielding man in Lianjiang in Guangdong province on Monday. China has seen an increasing trend in similar attacks in schools over the last 4 years, most involving knives. A 25-year-old man was arrested soon after the incident took place (Al Jazeera).
China kindergarten stabbing: What's behind spate of attacks? / July 10, 2023
Like the US, China has seen a growing trend of school killings, but with knives or chemicals. China’s drastic social changes in the last 2 decades may play a part in shaping the warped worldview of a string of murderers—mostly men. A highly competitive economic market has passed many men by, socially isolating them (BBC News).
China’s producer prices sink again in June in latest sign of stalled recovery / July 9, 2023
Annual producer prices sank 5.4% in June, slightly more than analysts predicted, marking another sign of China’s sluggish economy which is edging into a deflationary zone. Economic data will be released next week as China’s economic leaders review the last 6 months and strategize to boost consumer spending (CNBC).
China tamps down on gatherings providing harmful information, Xinhua reports / July 9, 2023
China’s new policy to crack down on threats against national security and society has caused the removal of 100,000 online accounts that were “spreading fake news” and hurting “businesses.” Communist authorities issued this crackdown on entities that "disrupt market order, affect social security and stability, and infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of the people" (Reuters).
China, Solomon Islands elevate ‘strategic’ ties / July 10, 2023
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met with Chinese officials early this week and solidified agreements on police, economic and technical cooperation. Sogavare however, stated that he does not intend for China to establish a military presence on the islands. Still, this is a “big win” for China (Al Jazeera).
China launches world’s first methane-fueled space rocket / July 12, 2023
A private, Beijing-based aeronautics company, Landspace, successfully launched a methane liquid-oxygen space rocket into orbit this week, successfully completing its mission, and surpassing US rivals SpaceX and Blue Origin in this type of launch. China also announced it would send two rockets to the moon by 2030 (Al Jazeera).
China-based hackers breach email accounts at State Department / July 12, 2023
For about a month, between mid-May and mid-June, Chinese hackers breached email accounts in at least two government agencies: the State Dept. and the Commerce Dept., all while heads of both departments were meeting with Chinese officials. Other agencies were also infiltrated, but according to reports, only certain individuals’ accounts were targeted (NBC).
China sends warplanes, navy ships towards Taiwan in forceful display / July 11, 2023
Just days before Taiwan practices annual combat readiness military and civilian preparedness exercises, China sent a barrage of jets and naval vessels around the island nation, allowing between 20 and 30 aircraft to cross the generally recognized boundary in the Taiwan Strait two separate times on Wednesday (ABC News).
U.S. conducting massive military exercise as tensions with China heighten / July 12, 2023
US General Mike Minihan earlier this year warned US officials that a conflict with China could occur within the next two years, and now says that we are ready for any conflict. He conducted military exercises in the South Pacific with military service people from seven other countries recently (NBC News).