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 robots conference spotlights the changing face of humanoids / August 25, 2024
In 2022, China utilized over 6 times more robots than either Japan or the United States, which installed roughly 40,000 to 50,000 robots in various roles. President Xi’s mandate to create innovative uses for technology is behind the thrust into robotics innovation in China (Reuters).
China accuses Canada of protectionism over 100% tariffs on electric vehicles / August 27, 2024
Following the US’ lead and to protect its own auto industry, Canada set 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, causing China to vigorously condemn Trudeau’s government for violating WTO trade rules. Canada accuses China of creating an oversupply of government-subsidized EVs which could be sold at a lower price (AP News).
PDD’s $55 Billion Stock Crash Sends Warning on China Economy / August 27, 2024
Temu’s parent company, PDD Holdings Inc. announced that its second-quarter revenue missed estimates, causing a 29% drop in its stock value. Temu was the shining beacon of hope for the Chinese economy, but a continuously weak consumer demand and competition in the e-commerce sector have made it difficult for the company to keep its momentum going (Yahoo Finance).
Two more Chinese airlines to start flying China-made COMAC C919 jet / August 28, 2024
COMAC, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, delivered its new C919 passenger jet to two Chinese airlines this week, marking the second and third airline companies to receive the new jets. COMAC is just beginning to break into the aircraft economy but doesn’t have clearance yet to do business with EU or US airlines (Reuters).
Western airlines were excited about returning to China after Covid. But not anymore / August 25, 2024
Unexpected weaker consumer demand and geopolitical conflicts have put a damper on Western airline companies’ bottom line as they try to recover a once vibrant sector of airline travel. Westerners are not flying to China as much as they used to, and Western airlines must fly around Russian airspace due to sanctions and safety concerns. Chinese airlines, however, are not suffering as much as Western airlines are (CNN Business).
Hong Kong court convicts former Stand News editors of sedition / August 29, 2024
A Hong Kong court convicted two former journalists from the now defunct Stand News organization, which once was Hong Kong’s leading online media and a strong promoter of the freedom of the press. This is the first time any Hong Kong journalists have been convicted of sedition since China took over Hong Kong in 1997 (Reuters).
Sullivan's China visit expected to set stage for Biden-Xi final meeting / August 27, 2024
While President Biden is not seeking re-election this year and is in a “lame duck” period, President Xi is still interested in meeting with him one last time, possibly at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru or the G20 summit in Brazil later this fall (VOA).
Xi Jinping tells Jake Sullivan China is committed to stable US ties / August 29, 2024
Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, was in China this week for talks with President Xi and top government officials. While very little was resolved, President Xi expressed hope that the two global powers could maintain “stable and healthy ties,” respecting each other’s development (SCMP).
China calls for more support for its Ukraine peace plan created with Brazil / August 27, 2024
China called on its allies to express support for a peace plan created by China and Brazil for the Russia-Ukraine war, but the conflict has escalated with Ukraine’s incursion into Russia. While the US and Europe have supported Ukraine with weaponry, China has also been accused of supplying dual-use products Russia can use to make its own weapons (AP News).
China conducts military drills along Myanmar border amid fears of war spillover / August 27, 2024
A civil war in Myanmar is heating up along the border with China. Consequently, China has recently held live-fire military drills along the Chinese side of the border as a sign for the conflicting sides to de-escalate the fighting. China fears the war could spill over into its territory either with refugees or stray shell fire crossing the border (ABC News—Australia).
US charges former democracy activist with spying for China / August 22, 2024
US prosecutors have charged a 67-year-old Chinese man with spying for China while living in the US as a US citizen. Previously, Yuanjun Tang was a citizen of China and was involved in the protest that led up to the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. He served time in prison, fled to Taiwan and eventually moved to the US. Evidently, Yuanjun spied on dissident groups and individuals between 2018 and 2023 (Al Jazeera).
China says it is 'seriously concerned' about US nuclear strategic report / August 21, 2024
The Biden Administration issued a nuclear strategic plan in March designed to focus on China’s growing nuclear arsenal as well as the military cooperation between China, Russia and North Korea. Now, China is charging the US with fanning the flames of a Chinese nuclear threat without reason. China has around 500 nuclear missiles currently, and may have around 1000 missiles by 2030 (CNA).
Tensions rising in South China Sea between China, Philippines / August 21, 2024
After a brief respite between China and the Philippines, a new skirmish occurred near the Sabina Shoal when Chinese Coast Guard ships tried to block and ended up colliding with at least two Philippine transport ships. The Sabina Shoal is about 60 miles west of the Philippines and over 650 miles from China (CBS News).
China ‘dramatically’ alarmed by US missile deployment: Philippines / August 18, 2024
Last April the US deployed missile systems to the Philippines for combat drills, causing China to express “dramatic” concern over the military buildup. However, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo told China’s Foreign Secretary Wang Yi that he deployment was only temporary, and that the systems would likely be moved next month (Defense News).
Fury as suspected China spy flees the Philippines / August 20, 2024
The former mayor of the small Philippine town of Bamban, Alice Gao, has fled the country as allegations of allowing scam and human trafficking centers, and even spying for China have been raised against her. Philippine President Marcos has pledged to get to the bottom of the corruption that allowed her skip border inspections in order to escape (BBC News).
Chinese academic visits banned at Canberra's Australian Defense Force Academy / August 20, 2024
The Australian Defense Force Academy has banned academics from China at its Canberra campus at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The ADF trains most of its cadets at the Canberra campus and doesn’t want potential Chinese operatives mingling with future officers in the ADF, nor does it want sensitive military information to be freely taught to potential operatives (ABC News—Australia).
Future murky for Russia-China pipeline as Mongolia omits project from long-term plan / August 20, 2024
Mongolia’s new government has shelved the construction of a pipeline that would bring natural gas to China from Russia, supplying Russia with badly needed cash as it faces Western sanctions and continuing costs for its war with Ukraine. China doesn’t appear to be eager to complete the pipeline and Russia is short on cash, so Mongolia is sitting tight. All three countries would benefit from the pipeline, however (SCMP).
Azerbaijan applies to join Russia and China in the BRICS alliance / August 20, 2024
Azerbaijan is the latest country to join the BRICS alliance, joining this Tuesday, a day after Azerbaijan’s president met with Russian President Putin. For many years, the BRICS alliance included only Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Recently, however, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and now Azerbaijan doubles the size of the pact (AP News).
China and Vietnam sign 14 deals from rail to crocodiles after leaders meet / August 19, 2024
Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, visited China this week, signing fourteen deals with China to build three new railroads to link the two countries, coordinate with central banks, health and media, and to address trade issues. China is looking for ways to skirt Western sanctions through trade deals with neighboring countries (VOA).
Tim Walz made an impression in China, students and teachers say / August 20, 2024
Current Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz has a rich history in traveling to China as an educator just as China began opening its doors to cultural exchanges in the early ‘90s. Some say his cumulative experiences in China could serve well if the democratic team wins the election. Republicans, however, are concerned about his pro-China stance and would like to know more about any connections he has to the CCP (NPR).
Youth unemployment in China jumps to 17.1% in July / August 17, 2024
China’s youth unemployment increased to 17.1% in July, up from June’s 13.2%. The figure was still below the staggering 21.3% from June in 2023, before the government stopped reporting the unemployment figure for many months. Other economic figures reveal that China is still struggling with a poor economy (VOA).
China resubmitted plans for a super embassy in London / August 13, 2024
With the Labour Party running England’s government as of July, China has resubmitted its bid to build a new “super embassy” in London, which would be about 10 times larger than its current embassy. The new structure would be built on the Royal Mint Court, which also has historic value to England. The Labour Party is reviewing the government’s stance toward China, and this will be a test for the Party to apply its philosophy to a potentially detrimental matter (VOA).
Chinese commercial bank chairman killed, stabbed in office / August 16, 2024
Zheng Zhiying, the chairman of the state-owned bank of Handan in the northern province of Hebei, was stabbed to death in his downtown office on Thursday, with a recently laid-off subordinate taken into custody as a suspect of the killing. Chinese banks have been under pressure in China’s struggling economy and the government’s tightening regulation (SCMP).
China Factory Figures Comes in Weak, But It’s Not All Bad News / August 15, 2024
Retail sales in China beat forecasts in July, suggesting that Chinese consumers are “getting their mojo back” as China’s economy tries to recover. Other data showed targets were almost made in other sectors. This brief article suggests China is moving into a new economic era of services and consumer spending rather than manufacturing (Barron’s).
China pledges billions more in funds to aid disaster-stricken farm regions / August 13, 2024
China’s Central Bank pledged $14 billion (US dollars) to banks in those regions affected by Typhoon Gaemi that struck its eastern seaboard, as well as heat-stricken areas in northern China. The country has suffered its worst agricultural losses due to natural disasters since 2021(Reuters).
China Admits Its Ship Damaged Baltic Natural Gas Pipeline by Accident / August 12, 2024
Chinese authorities admit that a Hong Kong-flagged ship owned by a mainland Chinese company accidentally damaged a natural gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea last October. It is possible that a large anchor caused a leak in the pipeline during a strong storm. Finland and Estonia, who share the pipeline, will continue their investigation of the incident (OilPrice.com).
Philippines protests Chinese Air Force jets' firing of flares in the path of patrol plane / August 12, 2024
Chinese Air Force jets fired flares in front of a Philippine Air Force patrol plane over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, marking the first time China has claimed sovereignty in the air over a disputed area with the Philippines. The US, Canada, and Australia have all had similar encounters with China in the South China Sea (ABC News).
China firm claims world's fastest-charging EV battery / August 14, 2024
The Chinese automaker, Zeekr, declared that its EV batteries charge faster than even Tesla’s and BYD’s batteries, claiming that their batteries will charge from 10% to 80% in 10 and ½ minutes. Even in cold weather, they say it will charge the same amount, but in a half hour. Even if its claims are exaggerated, if it comes close to what the industry’s leaders can do, it is an achievement for Zeekr (BBC).
China's Wang Yi meets with Myanmar's military boss as civil war strains relations / August 14, 2024
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, as Myanmar’s resistant forces have recently won victories against the military government near the border with China. The military is increasingly becoming anti-Chinese, with some suspecting that China is aiding the militia groups. China is interested in keeping its investments safe in the country (ABC News).
Army sergeant pleads guilty to selling U.S. military secrets to China / August 14, 2024
Sgt. Korbein Schultz pled guilty to six indictments in a federal court on Tuesday; he is accused of giving sensitive information on US military strategies and weaponry to a conspirator allegedly from Hong Kong. Schultz received $42,000 for the information he released; he will be sentenced next January (CBS News).
Custody ruling in same-sex case hailed as LGBTQ+ milestone in China / August 14, 2024
A Chinese woman, nicknamed Didi, who lives in Shanghai has won the right to make monthly visits with her daughter after her same-sex relationship fell apart five years ago. The couple has two children, both the biological offspring of Didi’s wife, although Didi was the child’s surrogate mother through an IVF procedure. This is the first time the courts have recognized the rights of a same-sex parent. Polls show China’s society is very tolerant of the concept of same-sex couples and marriage (The Guardian).
The ins and outs of Chinese superstitions / August 16, 2024
August 18th is the beginning of “ghost month” in China, with the Hungry Ghost Festival kicking off the observance in the 7th month of the lunar calendar. Chinese society has many superstitions, and this period brings many of them to the fore as the gates of hell are said to open up, releasing the spirits to meander among humans (SCMP).
China, Government-Controlled Three-Self Church Celebrates 70th Anniversary / August 14, 2024
A symposium celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Three-Self Church was held in early August this year, but the conference appeared to advocate the CCP’s dictates from its third Plenary session held earlier this year rather than the teachings of Scripture. Pastors who gave speeches encouraged their fellow pastors to integrate socialist ideals into their sermons and Bible studies and advocate for the sinicization of Christianity (Bitter Winter).
Zheng Qinwen wins China’s first Olympic tennis singles gold / August 5, 2024
Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen won gold in Paris this week, supported by a crowd of fans shouting “Jia You” which is similar to the English phrase, “Hit the gas!” or “Punch it!” She is the first to win a gold medal for China in singles tennis, but her ultimate goal goes beyond the Olympics: to win a Grand Slam Singles Title (AP News).
China ends US Olympic reign over men's 4x100 medley relay / August 5, 2024
After a 64-year run for the United States’ men’s 4x100 medley relay, China’s men’s team captured gold just.55 seconds before the US team. Chinese teammate Pan Zhanle celebrated his 20th birthday with the gold win. France took the bronze medal (CNA).
Taiwan cheers Olympics badminton triumph over China in politically charged contest / August 4, 2024
Taiwan won its first gold medals against China in a tense badminton showdown on Sunday as Wang Chi-Lin and Lee Yang played against China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang. Wang and Lee had also one gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Taiwanese fans in Paris were not allowed to bear their Taiwanese flag, nor could they refer to their home as Taiwan due to “political messaging” (Reuters).
Taiwan is readying citizens for a Chinese invasion. It’s not going well / August 3, 2024
Taiwan is struggling to be ready to respond to an attack by China if President Xi makes good on his promise to reclaim the island nation by force. A lack of materials and dedicated instructors are hampering the military’s attempts at training soldiers for an invasion. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te also faces the propaganda of the China-friendly opposition party, the Kuomintang, and Taiwanese reservists are not showing up for mandated “refresher” courses to maintain military readiness (The Washington Times).
China stands by Maduro in Venezuela to safeguard its investments / August 3, 2024
While many Venezuelans and democratic countries have condemned the presidential election results in favor of Nicolas Maduro, China has fully endorsed Maduro, an important geo-political partner for China and its ambitions in South America. But China may also be concerned about its investments in Venezuela, including loans that make up almost half of China’s investments in the entire continent and the Caribbean (VOA).
Oil sits at eight-month low on weak US jobs, China data / August 3, 2024
Lower economic data from the US and China’s struggling economy brought oil prices down recently, while the troubled Middle East conflict between Israel and Lebanon supported oil prices, making for a volatile environment in the crude market. Demand for oil is down in China and India, and concerns about a recession in the US also lowered demand prospects (Mint).
China asks large state financial institutions to drop auditor PwC / August 5, 2024
For the past several months, Chinese regulators have been advising China’s largest financial institutions to drop PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as their auditor. PwC had been a market leader in accounting, contracting with 110 companies, including Evergrande. That unfortunate connection is the reason for the Ministry of Finance to urge the institutions to end their relationship with PwC (Reuters).
China’s stuttering economy darkens global corporate growth outlook / August 8, 2024
International companies are feeling the frosty chill of China’s cold economic recovery that has dragged on after the pandemic was declared over almost two years ago. China’s government has tried to stimulate consumer demand, but the response has been tepid, unfortunately. Forecasts suggest that it may take still longer before we see any improvement (Hellenic Shipping News).
US expected to propose barring Chinese software in autonomous vehicles / August 4, 2024
Citing concerns about national security risks, the Biden Administration plans to propose barring Chinese software used in autonomous and “connected” vehicles from the US. Manufacturers would have to verify that none of their vehicle software came from a "foreign entity of concern," such as China (VOA).
China will launch first satellites of constellation to rival Starlink / August 6, 2024
China’s state-owned company, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), plans to launch thousands of satellites into orbit around the globe by 2030 in an effort to rival SpaceX’s Starlink “constellation” of satellites already operating in space. China sees Starlink as a security threat and plans to launch three separate satellite “constellations” (Reuters).
Cambodia breaks ground on a China-funded canal: “it will be built ‘no matter the cost’” / August 5, 2024
China is partnering with Cambodia to build a 111 mile-long canal that will connect its capital, Phnom Penh, to the sea, but the new canal could divert precious water from the Mekong River, threatening Vietnam’s rice industry and millions of people dependent on that water. Others have raised other environmental concerns the canal could cause (AP News).
‘A pen for many office workers’: China warns citizens of security risks from AI writing tools / August 5, 2024
In its effort to protect state secrets and enhance national security, China’s anti-spy agency warned Chinese citizens to avoid using AI writing tools when dealing with sensitive information, since the AI companies could access sensitive information from the back end, and foreign adversaries could extract it from the cloud by planting viruses. Unfortunately, AI tools save time and effort, making them a tempting option (CNA).
China, ISI behind escalation of student-led protests in Bangladesh / August 6, 2024
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country after facing violent opposition from protests led by the student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS). Pakistan’s external intelligence agency and China are suspected to be supporting the protests to establish an anti-India, Taliban-like government in Bangladesh that would favor China and Pakistan. Previously, Hasina had been developing ties with India (Deccan Herald).
Chinese internet users praise Bangladesh protesters, military / August 6, 2024
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country after facing violent protests from student groups, causing China to lose a close ally. Bangladesh joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2016 and held joint military exercises for the first time in May. Chinese social media generally praised the protestors’ efforts against Hasina’s government (VOA).
Hasina’s exit sets back India-Bangladesh ties, China could gain / August 8, 2024
It appears that Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had built stronger relations with both India and China during her 15-year reign. Now, it remains to be seen which way a new government will lean. Both China and India will try to build ties with opposition parties within the country (VOA).
US, Australia, Canada, Philippines stage maneuvers in disputed South China Sea / August 7, 2024
The US, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines held air and naval exercises on Wednesday in the South China Sea to “promote the rule of law” in the contested region. China held its own military exercises near the Scarborough Shoal in response to the joint exercises. The Philippines military reported that three Chinese ships “tailed” some of the 4-nation maneuvers (AP News).