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.
Five cars from the Beijing auto show that reflect China’s vision for the future / April 26, 2024
China’s Auto Show for 2024 is running through May 4th with over 110 new models in the spotlight. Telecom companies like Xaiomi and Huawei have entered the market, linking phones and the internet to cars. One model by the Zeekr company turns into a small room when parked (AP News).
Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks self-driving technology rollout / April 28, 2024
Elon Musk made an unannounced visit to China on Sunday and spoke with Premier Li Qiang about the rollout of Full Self Driving (FSD) software. Tesla had introduced FSD in China already in 2020 but has yet to make it available in China (Reuters).
China expert talks about the dark side of the Chinese auto industry / April 28, 2024
China expert Gordon Chang warned that the Chinese auto industry is flooding the global market with 10 million more vehicles than it can sell in China and that the vehicles can be used to collect personal data on its users. He also stated some of the parts of EV vehicles are made by forced or slave labor. Consequently, the US should focus on American auto production (Fox Business).
Why China axed the Strategic Support Force and reshuffled the military / April 26, 2024
In mid-April President Xi restructured a portion of the PLA, replacing the Strategic Support Force with a new entity called the Information Support Force. It is suspected that the change will streamline the military, give Xi more political control, and better oversight of the PLA (Defense News).
A tornado in southern China kills 5, damages factories in Guangzhou suburb / April 27, 2024
A tornado struck the Baiyun district of Guangzhou on Saturday afternoon, killing 5, injuring dozens and damaging more than 125 buildings. Guangzhou is close to Hong Kong. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently visited Guangzhou during her trip to China (AP News).
China's young, feeling the squeeze of cost of living, are “lying flat” / April 26, 2024
With high unemployment, a challenging job market, and stressful lifestyles in China’s big cities, many of China’s young adults are opting to move to smaller cities where the pace is slower and housing is significantly less expensive. “Lying flat” is opting out of the competitive “rat race” for a period of time until the economy improves (ABC News).
China seeks to ‘influence and interfere’ upcoming US presidential elections / April 27, 2024
Despite President Xi’s assurance that China is not and will not interfere in the upcoming US presidential election, Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of being involved in the very same thing, based on evidence that Blinken claimed he had. Blinken had completed his second visit to China, spending 3 days there (Mint).
Blinken warns China over support for Russia’s war efforts / April 26, 2024
Along with a myriad of other topics, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned President Xi the US would respond if China is found supporting Russia with “dual-use” products and financial support through its banking system. Blinken did not reveal exactly what the US would do if such evidence were found, but more sanctions would be likely (VOA).
Taiwan reports Chinese military activity after Blinken leaves Beijing / April 26, 2024
A dozen military aircraft crossed the unofficial demarcation line between China and Taiwan only a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Chinese officials and President Xi Jinping. Stability in the Taiwan Strait was one of Blinken’s talking points during his visit (Reuters).
Philippines alleges China damaged vessel in South China Sea disputed shoal / April 30, 2024
The Philippines says that Chinese coast guard ships shot water cannons at some Philippine ships on patrol in the Scarborough Shoal, damaging one of them. The event is the latest in the skirmishes between the two countries. China took control of the Shoal in 2012, but since then, an international tribunal declared China’s claim illegal (Al Jazeera).
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say / April 19, 2024
“Subsidence”— the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land—is occurring under 45% of China’s major cities according to a research study. Underground water depletion, geothermal well production, and the concentrated weight of urban centers are causing the land to sink between 3 and 16 millimeters a year, which will eventually put some cities under sea level (NBC News).
Chinese students in the US tell of ‘chilling’ interrogations and deportations / April 20, 2024
While the US State Department approves hundreds of thousands of student visas from China each year, dozens of Chinese students have been interrogated or denied entry into the US, even though they have valid student visas. The connection: many Chinese universities have partnerships with the Chinese military, so students from such universities may be refused entry into the US (The Guardian).
Germany and Britain detain suspected Chinese spies / April 23, 2024
German and British authorities have arrested three nationals in Germany and two in Britain for providing sensitive products or information to China. Suspicion is rising in the EU over China’s attempts to spy and influence politics in the EU. China blasted Germany and Britain, accusing them of defaming China (Al Jazeera).
Tesla Slashes EV, FSD Prices In Latest Strategy Shift / April 22, 2024
Prices for Tesla cars in the US, China, and Europe have been on a roller-coaster ride recently as the company tries to increase demand and still maintain profits. Over last weekend, the company cut prices again on some of its vehicles and its Self-Driving service. Tesla stock fell 14% last week and another 4% on Monday. Chinese EV manufacturers’ stock also fell (Investor’s Business Daily).
The bubble has burst: On the road to a lost Chinese economic decade / April 22, 2023
In spite of some recent good news on China’s economy, an economic strategist declares that China’s economic bubble has burst and is heading into a “lost economic decade,” such as Japan endured in the 1980s. President Xi’s use of Deng Xiaoping’s 1980s market reforms will not help (The Hill).
Massive floods threaten millions as intense rains batter southern China / April 22, 2024
Record-breaking torrential rains have caused massive flooding in Guangdong province in southern China, killing 4 and displacing more than 110,000 people. Numerous weather stations in the area have set new rainfall records. Guangdong province is heavily populated and is prone to flooding from April through September (CNN).
China is committed to resolving maritime disputes through talks / April 21, 2024
While condemning “gunboat muscles” and aggressive tactics in the South China Sea at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, a top Chinese military official declared that China is still willing to use diplomatic talks to resolve maritime issues. The Symposium was attended by US, Australian, French, English, Russian, and Indian representatives (Reuters).
China hosts talks between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah / April 26, 2024
While China is not confirming it, reports indicate that China is hosting talks in Beijing between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah to unite the parties and broker a two-state solution with Israel. China is seeking a greater role in the Middle East and has been encouraged by the US to be more involved (SCMP).
China warns US after Senate passes aid bill worth billions to Taiwan / April 24, 2023
After the US Senate approved a funding bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, China warned the US to stop arming Taiwan. $8 billion was earmarked for Taiwan in the bill. Taiwan has also signed contracts with the US for fighter jets, tanks, and rockets (The Guardian).
Xi Jinping meets Blinken, urges America to be a partner, not a rival / April 26, 2024
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Xi in Beijing this week as the two countries mark their 45th anniversary of holding diplomatic talks with one another. President Xi called for mutual respect between the nations and working as partners. Blinken brought up concerns about “overcapacity” in trade and China’s financial partnerships with Russia (SCMP).
China launches 3-member crew to its space station / April 25, 2024
China sent a 3-man crew to its space station on Thursday, one of four missions planned for this year to the space station. The new crew will replace the current crew on the station and will stay there for about 6 months. China plans to open its station to foreign astronauts in the future and has ambitions to send crews to the moon and probes to Mars by 2030 (AP News).
China ‘deeply concerned’ after Iran strikes, online posts oppose Israel / April 14, 2024
China’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East this week, urging all the parties to return to calm. Chinese companies have supplied materials to Iranian military production companies. Meanwhile, Chinese social media posts largely supported Iran, although some supported Israel’s fight against terrorism (VOA).
China’s big move to cut off Australian iron ore / April 14, 2024
By striking a deal with Algeria to invest in a challenging and remote iron ore mine, China is seeking to diversify its resources for iron ore and to “de-risk” from its dependence on Australian ore, where it currently gets most of this raw material. China makes the most steel in the world. Overall Chinese investment in Australia fell by over 33% in 2023 (news.com.au)
China reaffirms ties with North Korea in high-level meeting / April 13, 2024
Zhao Leji, the third highest-ranking member of the CCP, met with Kim Jong-un last Saturday, reaffirming ties between North Korea and China. It was the first meeting between the two countries since the pandemic began and North Korea closed its borders (The Guardian).
China had 'special place' in PM Modi's heart, now, it's a thorn in his side / April 13, 2024
More than a decade ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi viewed China as a country to emulate and learn from. Since then, China’s bullish, growing influence in South Asia and its military aggression along India’s disputed border with China have soured that perspective. Now, India has to play “catch-up” (The Economic Times).
China’s economy expands by a surprisingly strong pace in 1st quarter / April 16, 2024
China’s GDP grew by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, marking a positive start to the new year. Industrial production grew by 6.1% over the same period, boosted by high-tech manufacturing, specifically EV’s, solar panels, and batteries, which are already overflowing into the global market. Domestic spending, high unemployment, and the real estate market are still suffering, however (CNN Business).
US prepared to 'take further steps' as it warns China against enabling Russia / April 17, 2024
A US Secretary of State official declared that the US is prepared to take further actions—most likely in the form of sanctions—against China if it continues to support Russia through the sale of dual-use items that Russia can use in its war against Ukraine. The G-7 met this week in Italy to reaffirm the bloc’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight against Russia (VOA).
Biden wants to triple China tariffs on steel and aluminum imports / April 17, 2024
President Biden is threatening to triple the 7.5% tariff on aluminum and steel products from China in an effort to level the playing field after China subsidized many of the metals’ manufacturers and then plans to flood the market with those lower-cost items. China denies the concept that subsidies would cause the overcapacity of products (CNBC).
Europe wants 2 things from China. It may not get far on either of them / April 18, 2024
EU leaders are hoping to get China to put pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, and they are asking China to not flood the global market—especially the EU market—with its subsidized green-energy products like electric vehicles and solar panels. As much as different EU leaders have requested these important items, it is unlikely China will honor them (ABC News).
China, US defense chiefs hold first substantive talks in 18 months / April 17, 2024
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun via videoconference in an effort to establish a more stable relationship between the two nations and to open the lines of communication between the two military entities. Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan, and the South China Sea were among the topics they discussed (Al Jazeera).
China is funding the U.S. fentanyl crisis, House panel says in new report / April 15, 2024
A US House Panel reported that the Chinese government is using grants, tax rebates, and other incentives to Chinese manufacturers who produce the precursors to synthesize fentanyl and other drugs in the US. So far, neither China nor the US have done much to stop the production and flow of the fentanyl trade. The report offers strategies to attempt to stem the crisis (NBC News).
Chinese archaeologists reconstruct face of 6th century emperor using new technique / April 6, 2024
Using a new DNA technique, Chinese archeologists were able to reconstruct the face of the 6th century emperor Wu, after obtaining enough DNA criteria from his degraded bones. The process also sheds light on what may have killed the young emperor, who only lived to the age of 36. The new technique may assist researchers in helping the Chinese people retrace their ancestral lineage (SCMP).
As China’s economy falters, so does middle-class confidence / April 10, 2024
With 700 million people, China’s middle class is the largest in the world. But as China’s economy still struggles to rebound, that middle class is reluctant to jumpstart a “consumer-driven economy.” Instead, they are saving their money or choosing quality, off-brand products over name brands (NBC News).
China’s young people are giving up on saving for retirement / April 7, 2024
While China’s economy continues to sputter, another economic problem is arising: China’s pension system. In the next decade, 40% of China’s population will be over 60, but many younger workers today are not contributing to China’s pension system, creating another economic challenge. Like the US and other Western countries, China’s pension system is becoming unsustainable (The Business Times).
China's Shimao faces liquidation suit over failure to pay $202 million loan / April 8, 2024
Another Chinese developer, Shimao Group, has received a liquidation petition from China Construction Bank in Hong Kong. Shimao reported that it would fight the lawsuit and move forward with its restructuring plan. While still in trouble, China’s property sector is not as volatile this year as it has been in the past (Reuters).
China's Xi says nobody can stop 'family reunion' with Taiwan / April 10, 2024
President Xi Jinping met with former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou this Wednesday, vowing that nothing could stop the Chinese family on the island and on the mainland from being reunited. Ma is the first former Taiwan president to visit Beijing, and this is his second trip to the mainland (Reuters).
The U.S. and Japan announce historic upgrade in security ties to counter China / April 10, 2024
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with President Biden on Wednesday as the two nations announced a stronger alliance for the future. Increased military cooperation, the possible purchase of US Steel Co. by Japan’s Nippon Steel, and even space exploration on the moon were among the topics of conversation (NBC News).
Philippines, U.S., Australia, and Japan hold joint military drills in South China Sea / April 7. 2024
The US, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia conducted joint military exercises in the South China Sea on Sunday in an effort to coordinate their military strategies in the event of a threat to the status quo in the region. China responded by saying it conducted its own drills in the area. Tensions continue to rise, especially between China and the Philippines (The Japan Times).
Russia, China to talk about deeper security co-operation in Eurasia, Lavrov says / April 9, 2024
China and Russia are working to further deepen their strategic partnership in Eurasia as a hedge against what they see as the US’s efforts to impose its will in the region. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and the US imposed sanctions on Russia, Russia and China have benefitted from increased trade and military cooperation (Reuters).
China-Taiwan tension brings troops, missiles, and anxiety to Japan's paradise island / April 10, 2024
As Japan builds up its military defense against what it sees as China’s aggression in the region, it has established a military base on the pristine “paradise” island called Ishigaki, which lies only 150 miles from Taiwan. Local residents protested the military’s plans to build a base there, but rising political tensions in the area have taken precedence (CBS News)
From unfair trade to TikTok: US Treasury Secretary Yellen’s China trip / April 9, 2024
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to China earlier this week met with mixed success in achieving her goals. “Overcapacity,” or China’s flooding of the global market with subsidized products, money laundering and the fentanyl crisis, TikTok, and financial stability were all discussed, along with her restaurant choices (Al Jazeera).
Biden, China's Xi hold phone call on Taiwan, AI, trade / April 2, 2024
President Biden and President Xi held a phone call on Tuesday, allegedly discussing topics like Taiwan, narcotics, AI and China’s support for Russia during Russia’s war against Ukraine. A Chinese representative stated that the Taiwan issue is the most important matter between the two countries. While Biden has said the US would intervene if China were to invade the island, but has had to walk that commitment back (Fox News).
Biden tells China's Xi to stay out of US elections / April 2, 2024
Among the many topics on Presidents Biden and Xi’s phone call on Tuesday came a warning from President Biden to China to stay out of the upcoming presidential elections in November. Stability across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea tensions and China’s support for Russia were also on President Biden’s talk list with President Xi (VOA).
China sends warplanes, boats around Taiwan following Presidential phone call / April 3, 2024
China conducted another military exercise around the island of Taiwan with 30 aircraft and 9 warships, the largest exercise so far this year, and just on the heels of the phone call between Presidents Biden and Xi, where Pres. Biden called for stability in the Taiwan Strait. No mention was made if the military exercise had been previously planned and occurred coincidentally after the phone call (Fox News).
Media feel pressure to tell ‘positive’ China story as party tightens grip / April 4, 2024
Sixth Tone, and online Chinese magazine that began in 2016, used to present articles on the current issues of the people of China, even if those stories presented a negative aspect about China. But recently, censors and CCP regulations are pulling even more independent minded media outlets into conformity with Xi Jinping Thought (Al Jazeera).
Starved of Affection at Home, Young Chinese Seek Out ‘Digital Parents’ / March 25, 2024
“Digital Parenting” is a new phenomenon on China’s media sites as children of disciplinarian or disengaged parents are drawn to the caring and consoling messages of parenting influencers, even though the parenting posts are generic and may be posted by imposters. One digital parenting couple has over 1 million followers (Sixth Tone).
Ex-Taiwanese Pres. Ma visits China to help build social, cultural links / April 1, 2024Former Taiwanese Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou visited China this week in a cultural exchange that included a group of Taiwanese students. President Ma may meet with President Xi in Beijing. Ma represents the political wing of Taiwan that is more “pro-China” than the current President and the President elect Lai Ching-te (AP News).
Taiwan emerges remarkably unscathed after massive earthquake / April 4, 2024
Taiwan experienced a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning, and although 9 people had died as of Thursday, overall the island did not suffer as much damage or loss of life than it had in the past. After a 1999 earthquake that killed over 2000 people, authorities implemented building codes and retrofitted older buildings with support structures, and it appears to have paid off (NPR).
China should not repeat history with Taiwan’s quake / April 3, 2024
As the world responds to Taiwan’s latest devastating earthquake, one journalist recommends that China Tasimply stay out of the way, and let other nations supply aid to the island. In 1999, when an earthquake also struck Taiwan, China’s involvement in the aid process slowed that aid in getting to the island. Already China has described the earthquake’s epicenter occurring east of “China’s Taiwan” (Bloomberg News).
Taiwan rebukes China following global concern over earthquake: ‘Shameless’ / April 4, 2024
One of China’s UN representatives offered thanks to the global community for its aid to Taiwan following the earthquake, claiming that the aid was really given to China and not to Taiwan. Taiwan called the statement “shameless” (The Hindustan Times).
China's central bank says it will make efforts to expand demand, boost confidence / April 3, 2024
The People’s Bank of China reported a number of measures to boost the economy at its quarterly meeting this week in order to boost domestic demand and increase consumer confidence. While China’s economy reportedly has had a positive first quarter, it still faces significant challenges to a full recovery (Reuters).
India rejects China's renaming of 30 places in Himalayan border state / April 2, 2024
In an attempt to further its claim on disputed territory between China and India, China gave new names to 30 locations in the territory called Arunachal Pradesh by India on Tuesday. In response, India rejected the new names, with the Indian Foreign Minister declaring, “If I give your house a new name, does it become my house?” (Reuters).
China’s March factory activity expands for first time in six months / April 4, 2024
The official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 50.8in March from 49.1 in February, indicating a positive move in China’s economy that hasn’t been seen in six months. New export orders also rose into positive territory, suggesting that there are signs that the economy is getting a better footing (Hellenic Shipping News)