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 Appoints Former Navy Commander as New Defense Minister / December 29, 2023
Dong Jun, a former commander in the Chinese Navy, was appointed as China’s new Defense Minister, replacing Li Shangfu, who was removed from office last August and is under investigation for corruption. It appears now that President Xi is appointing leaders based on loyalty to him over their expertise in that field of leadership (VOA).
China Ousts Nine Military Lawmakers as Defense Purge Widens / December 29, 2023
Last Friday, China’s parliament ousted nine of its own members without an explanation for their removal. President Xi began a campaign against corruption in the government in 2014. Those removed from their positions were from at least three different departments of the military (Bloomberg).
China's Xi hails 'resilient' economy in bullish New Year speech / December 31, 2023
In his New Year address, President Xi praised China’s economy for weathering the storm in 2023, declaring that the economy had become more resilient through its challenges. He encouraged the Chinese people to “enhance the positive trend of economic recovery” in the new year (France 24).
China cracks down on negativity over economy in bid to boost confidence / December 29, 2023
China’s Ministry of State Security is cracking down on negative “talk” on sites like “Weibo,” warning people to not post negative dialogue on economic issues, such as the high youth unemployment rate, the struggling property sector, deflation, and capital flight. Rather, people should support “sing the bright theory of China’s economy” (The Guardian).
China’s deflation: another ‘tell’ of serious economic trouble / December 29, 2023
Consumer prices in China have dropped slightly for two months as of November 2023 as the economy struggles with three “major ills:” too much of the wrong products, insufficient demand, and a strained financial environment. A decline in exports to Europe and the US as those regions “de-couple” or “de-risk” isn’t helping (Forbes).
A Year of Chinese Migrants and Tensions for Chinese in US / December 30, 2023
Chinese students attending university in the US and Chinese migrants to the US have increased over the last few years, seeing the US as a better option for a successful life, although some have faced harassment, and some states have established laws preventing the purchase of property by Chinese nationals (VOA).
China & Russia test ‘hack-proof’ quantum com. link for Brics countries / December 30, 2023
China and Russia have developed a communication link using quantum physics to encrypt messages and have been able to transport two messages over 2300 miles apart using a quantum satellite called Mozi to prevent the photons from disintegrating over the long distance. The effort may eventually allow Brics countries to use quantum communication in the future (SCMP).
Can I Still Get a Bible in China? / December 22, 2023
While China is a Communist country, it is still legal to own a Bible. Finding one, however, is not as easy as ordering one off of Amazon. Online ordering of a Bible—even digital ones--in China is non-existent. The only places where China’s one approved version of the Bible is available is in a Three-Self church or TSPM church bookstore. The TSPM organization sells between 3 and 3.5 million copies annually (ChinaSource).
Xi vows to prevent anyone 'splitting Taiwan from China' / December 26, 2023
President Xi Jinping vowed that nobody will separate Taiwan from China as he spoke at a symposium on Tuesday marking the 130th birthday of Mao Zedong. Zedong had led the Communist faction in a victory over the Republic of China government in 1949, with the republican government fleeing to Taiwan. Taiwan holds presidential elections on Jan. 13th (Reuters).
China decries Taiwan for 'hyping up' military threat, sends warplanes / December 28, 2023
China’s defense ministry accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan of exaggerating China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait in order to gain electoral votes as the island nation heads into a January election. However, shortly after the statement from defense minister Wu Qian, at least 12 Chinese aircraft once again crossed into or approached Taiwan’s airspace, and activity now happening several times a day (Reuters).
In bid to counter China, US ramps up effort to boost military ties in Asia / December 28, 2023
While it may be difficult to ascertain “who started it,” the US in recent years, and especially in 2023, has built up significant partnerships with southeast Asian countries in a bid to counteract China’s military and economic clout in the region as the two superpowers compete for dominance in the region and globally, as well (Al Jazeera).
China's military lashes out at US after breakthrough talks / December 28, 2023
A week after China and the US’ top military personnel met to resume communication to avoid misunderstanding, China’s defense ministry harshly accused the US of maintaining a provocative “Cold War” mindset and being selfish as the US seeks greater ties with other southeast Asian nations. China wants the US out of the region (Yahoo! News)
China warns ‘military fans’ could face prison for posting photos online / December 26, 2023
Chinese military enthusiasts are being warned not to take photos of China’s military sites, ships or aircraft since the photos can be accessed by foreign adversaries if they are posted on social media sites. Violators could be imprisoned. The US also has laws if the president designates a military site as “off-limits” to photographers, with up to a year in prison for violators (CNN).
Why China is keeping its distance as Russia and North Korea cozy up / December 26, 2023
China sees itself as a stabilizer in Asia, and with its current economic crisis and rising tensions with the West, it currently does not see an advantage in developing a bloc that could trigger a new cold war. China still has a close alliance with both Russia and North Korea (CNA).
Goldman rethinks emerging market strategy after China lesson / December 26, 2023
While Wall Street forecasters hoped for a 15% increase in China’s post-Covid emerging economy this year, the Chinese market actually fell 15%. The fear rose that emerging markets would also suffer, but because of steps taken early on, most emerging markets did well in 2023, despite China’s economic struggles (The Japan Times).
5 Predictions for China in 2024 / December 26, 2023
This Foreign Policy article makes 5 predictions for China in 2024 that include relations with Taiwan in its election year, keeping the real estate market from going over the cliff, high-level political leadership instability, youth unemployment and angst, and maintaining a cooperative relationship with the US (Foreign Policy).
Deadly earthquake hits China's Gansu province / December 19, 2023
A powerful 6.2 earthquake struck northwestern China’s Gansu province killed more than 120 people on Tuesday. Rescue workers and military soldiers began rescue operations and provided food, tents and blankets for those displaced by the quake and a landslide triggered by the quake (CBS News).
Tesla Stock At Early Buy Point On Strong China Registrations / December 19, 2023
Tesla EV sales numbers in China have been edging higher in the 4th quarter, signaling a positive end to the year for the company and perhaps a sign that China’s economy is also doing better. Globally, Tesla is doing well, although Wall Street predicted it will fall just slightly below its 4th quarter target (Investor’s Business Daily).
China, Russia pledge to defend core interests in light of new sanctions / December 21, 2023
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week, issuing a further strengthening of the ties between the two countries and pledging to defend one another’s interests in the face of any external threats. Just prior to their meeting, the EU issued more sanctions against Russia (SCMP).
War in Ukraine Has China Cashing In / December 21, 2023
Western sanctions cut off economic trade with Russia, so Russia and China have established lucrative trade deals that have benefitted both countries, especially China. Trade between the two countries topped $200 billion already this year, and China’s automakers now have 55% of the Russian auto market when in 2021 they only held 8% (The New York Times).
China's economic conditions to improve in 2024 / December 18, 2023
China’s Xinhua news agency forecasted a more favorable economic year in 2024, reflecting the results of China’s Central Economic Work Conference held on Dec. 11th and 12th. The news agency stated that policies are in place to boost the economy as the government shifts from post-COVID recovery to sustained consumption growth (Reuters).
China’s secret space plane emits strong signal over North America / December 21, 2023
China launched a secret space plane last Thursday, which subsequently also released two satellite-like objects of its own, and also left launch debris, like rocket fuselages, in its wake. Amateur satellite watchers have been tracking the plane’s movements and radio signals. This is the plane’s third launch since 2020 (SCMP).
The real danger of doing business in China / December 18, 2023
China is appropriating Western technology and innovation with the goal of improving it to become the global leader in vast areas of production and commerce, making western production of those items obsolete. Some business leaders apparently don’t see that happening, including Boeing CEO Stanley Deal (Fox News).
China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. Here's how / December 18, 2023
Since Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, China has ramped up its military exercises around the island to almost a daily basis, keeping Taiwan on almost constant alert and tiring its air and other military personnel (NPR).
Xi told Biden at summit that China plans to reunify with Taiwan / December 20, 2023
When President Biden met with President Xi in San Francisco in November to “thaw relations,” Xi evidently told Biden directly that China will inevitably unite Taiwan to the mainland, peacefully or otherwise. Biden administration representatives were not surprised by Xi’s direct statements (ABC News).
Hong Kong offers awards for arrests of activists abroad for breaching national security law / December 14, 2023
Hong Kong authorities accused 5 additional dissidents of violating a national security law, adding to the 8 that were initially threatened by the authorities last July. The accusations are against Chinese national, pro-democracy activists living in exile. Some of the activists wear the accusations as badges of honor (AP News).
China defends bounties offered for Hong Kong dissidents abroad / December 15, 2023
China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended Hong Kong’s $128,000 USD bounties for ex-patriot dissidents even though at least one of them is a US citizen. Mao claimed that Hong Kong was faithfully operating under international law and practice (AP News).
Next China: Ready for 2024? / December 14, 2023
While 2023 has been a difficult year for China, this Bloomberg article presents 5 areas of interest as China heads into 2024: US/China relations in a US presidential election, China’s economic outlook for the new year, Taiwan’s elections in January, China’s stock market, and tech advances in spite of US sanctions (Bloomberg).
China’s livestream shopping is booming, fueling new tech / December 10, 2023
Sales surged 19% higher this year in livestreaming commerce during November’s Singles’ Day shopping festival. Livestream commerce, using popular influencers, and now, avatars, to sell products in livestream commercials, is taking off in China, creating a niche market of its own as tech companies create avatars to sell products (CNBC).
China's banking system is in free fall, real estate losses could hit $4 trillion / December 12, 2023
The Hayman Capital Management CIO, Kyle Bass, stated that China’s banking system is in a free fall, mostly due to the bloated property sector. Developers built too many housing units—financed by loans—so the market now has enough units to house 3 billion people. But the demand is far short of that supply (Markets Insider).
China Says It Will Step Up Policy Adjustments to Spur Recovery in 2024
At the annual Central Economic Work Conference held this week in China, top leaders planned to adjust polices to improve the Chinese economy by spurring domestic demand, encouraging innovation, and stabilizing growth, employment and expectations. The government appears to be doing all it can to recover the economy (VOA).
China-made C919 lands in Hong Kong in maiden flight outside mainland / December 12, 2023
Two new Chinese-made airliners flew to Hong Kong, the first time Chinese-made civilian aircraft have flown outside the mainland. China’s advances in civilian aircraft production, seen in these flights, will likely become a competitor to Boeing, Airbus and other western aircraft companies (Fox Business).
India, China Break Ranks at COP28 on Target for Renewables / December 13, 2023
More than 120 countries at the COP28 signed a pledge to triple their resources for energy production by 2030, but China and India were not among them. Both countries have their reasons: China recently increased their renewables and India already has a lower per capita emissions rate than some other developed countries (VOA).
China Ramps Up Efforts to Interfere in Taiwan’s Coming Elections / December 12, 2023
As Taiwan edges closer to its January presidential election, reports say that China is increasing its efforts to influence voters, engaging four of its government departments to spearhead an influence campaign, including disinformation to sway voters to support the Kuomintang, the opposition, pro-China party (VOA).
US alarmed as China hacks critical systems: What you can do / December 11, 2023
For about a year now, hackers connected to China’s PLA have conducted what is called the Volt Typhoon cybercampaign, an effort to hack into and disrupt not only military and government websites, but critical domestic infrastructure in order to cause chaos and confusion. But there are ways to protect vital sites and personal data (Fox News).
Xi pushes more trust with Vietnam after Hanoi’s move closer to Washington / December 13, 2023
Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Tuesday and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the two communist countries. Historically, the countries have been rivals and currently spar over rights in the South China Sea. Just months ago, Hanoi also sought to strengthen ties with the US, as well (CNN).
How China is challenging the U.S. military’s dominance in space / December 12, 2023
If a war broke out between the US and China, it likely would start in space, where satellites provide tactical information to the military of both nations. Between 2019 and 2021, China doubled the number of its satellites in space and has developed hypersonic missiles that present a challenge to the US military (NBC News).
China hardening against dissent, rights groups say on Human Rights Day / December 11, 2023
Human rights activists marked the 75th anniversary of International Human Rights Day warning that China under Xi Jinping is increasing its harassment campaign against anyone critical of the regime, often detaining Chinese citizens on vague or unexplained charges. The harassment even stretches to other countries where dissidents have fled (Politico).
China warns against ‘undermining’ Belt and Road plan after Italy exits / December 7, 2023
After Italy informed China on December 3rd that it would exit the Belt and Road Initiative, China issued a statement admonishing any country that undermined or “smeared” the BRI. Italy is the only Western nation that joined the BRI. Despite its departure, Italy assured China that it wants a strong relationship with China (Al Jazeera).
China sees Europe as a key trade partner / December 6, 2023
While European leaders in China for a summit with President Xi are very reserved in their approach to China, President Xi spoke positively of China’s relationship with the EU and encouraged a strengthening of their relationship. The EU leaders also expressed the same desire but also cautioned Xi regarding issues like Ukraine, Taiwan, and China’s EV state subsidies (SCMP).
China's ex-Foreign Minister Qin Gang dead due to suicide or torture / December 7, 2023
China’s former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from his position in July, reportedly died later that month in a Chinese hospital. He apparently had an extra-marital affair while serving as the Chinese ambassador to the US, possibly creating a security risk (India Today).
China’s Xi goes full Stalin with purge / December 6, 2023
President Xi’s attempts to purify his government have led to the suspicious removal of millions of officials and military leaders, sometimes including those Xi handpicked himself to serve in high-ranking positions in the government. Many have died while in custody. Qin Gang’s death in July is the latest example. Getting too close to the West makes one a suspect (Politico).
China's exports grow for first time in 6 months in relief for factories / December 7, 2023
Chinese exports grew slightly in November, buoyed by reduced prices and government support measures for Chinese companies. The positive news comes with a mixed bag of economic data as China continues to grapple with a sluggish economy (Reuters).
China’s colossal hidden debt problem is coming to a head / December 5, 2023
City and provincial governments in China are facing huge amounts of debt after years of borrowing money to build infrastructure. Now, with a sluggish economy lowering revenue, these same entities are struggling to make payments on their interest and principal. If a local government defaults, the problem could snowball into a crisis (WSJ).
China restarts COVID-19 testing in hospitals, airports / December 6, 2023
Chinese authorities have begun testing for Covid variants in high-traffic areas like large rail stations, airports, and institutions where people may be vulnerable to the disease, like nursing homes and hospitals. However, there is little mention of the name “Covid,” perhaps to avoid a public response (Radio Free Asia).
Ghost Marriages Under Scrutiny in East China After Teen’s Death / November 20, 2023
Ghost marriages—the practice of burying and symbolically marrying a deceased couple together to satisfy inheritance and lineage customs in China—is under scrutiny as a teenage girl died suspiciously and was married posthumously in eastern China, with the parents receiving nearly $10,000 for the marriage (Sixth Tone).
China says a US Navy ship 'illegally intruded' into the South China Sea / December 3, 2023
China accused the US of entering China’s territory in the South China Sea near the Second Thomas Shoal, an area hotly claimed by the Philippines and China. The US stated that the ship was in international waters and abided by international law (ABC News).