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.
North Korea and China share ‘comradeship written with blood,’ Xi tells Kim / July 29, 2023
Chinese leaders met with Kim Jong Un last week to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War. China’s President Xi wrote Kim a letter, expressing their shared sacrifice in blood from that war. Russian diplomats also met with North Korean leaders to strengthen cooperation between the two countries (Fox News).
Italy minister: joining China's Belt and Road was 'atrocious' decision / July 30, 2023
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto lamented Italy’s entrance into China’s Belt and Road Initiative, stating that while Chinese imports have greatly increased in Italy, exports from Italy to China have lagged by comparison. Italy, the only EU nation in the BRI, is looking for ways to exit the deal peacefully (Reuters).
Why it's getting easier to be a single mum in China / July 31, 2023
While the Chinese government is encouraging married couples to have more children, many Chinese women are also choosing to become mothers without a husband to help raise the child, rubbing against traditional ethics in many areas of China that have criticized single mothers and ostracized the child (BBC).
Beijing's worst flooding in a decade kills at least 2 from typhoon Doksuri / July 31
China’s capital was inundated with at least 7 inches of rain from typhoon Doksuri, which lingered over the area for 3 days, killing at least 2. It was the worst flooding in the area since 2012. Unfortunately, another typhoon, Khanun, is headed on a similar path this week (CBS News).
Fareed's Take: China's 'third revolution' has sent ripple effects across the world / July 31, 2023
Xi Jinping’s aggressive posture, both domestically and internationally, and lately seen in the disappearance of his own Foreign Minister, Chin Gong, may not be paying off as he would have hoped. Many Asian nations are pushing back on China’s posture, allying themselves with the US and western allies (CNN).
Chinese anti-corruption investigators target top PLA Rocket Force generals / July 28, 2023
President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has claimed 3 more casualties, this time from the PLA Rocket Force’s leadership. While the reasons for their downfall remained undisclosed, the available information suggests the leaders became “immoral” after moving to Beijing (SCMP).
China to resume 15-day visa-free entry for Singaporeans after 3+ years / July 23, 2023
Residents of Singapore and Brunei will be able to take advantage of 15-day-free entry visas into China beginning July 26th for the first time in three years due to the Covid outbreak. Singapore’s embassy welcomed the news and expressed hope that the people-to-people exchange will strengthen the bonds between the two countries (CNA).
China draws geopolitical lessons as Ukraine war grinds on / July 23, 2023
Russia’s war with Ukraine is providing the world with valuable lessons on economic warfare, geopolitics, and the potential military strength of global allies, and China is learning as it weighs its longing to reunite Taiwan with the mainland against the West’s reaction to such a takeover (The Japan Times).
Inspired by Ukraine war, Taiwan launches drone blitz to counter China / July 22, 2023
A year ago, after observing Ukraine’s use of drones in its battle with Russia, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen learned that Taiwan’s military drone capacity was pitifully small compared to its rival, China. So she enlisted Taiwan’s drone companies to immediately increase research and development to produce a more robust arsenal of military drones (The Japan Times).
China secretly sends enough gear to Russia to equip an army / July 24, 2023
Evidence is quickly growing that China is indeed supplying Russia with “dual-use” products for its war in Ukraine. Customs data is easy to acquire and reveals significantly large orders for bullet-proof vests, helmets, ceramic (used in body armor), and thermal optic equipment from Chinese companies to “one-day” firms (Politico).
China has announced a slew of measures to bolster its economy / July 24, 2023
In an effort to boost its floundering economy, China’s government presented a multi-faceted plan to target support for private businesses and consumer spending, among other things. This presents a shift from harassing private businesses to now inviting them to participate in national projects. Private firms, however, are still cautious (CNBC).
Girls playing netball killed as school gym collapses in China / July 24, 2023
Heavy rains and water-absorbing building materials placed on a school roof are the suspected causes of a gymnasium roof collapsing on a group of girls and some adults in Longsha District in Qiqihar, located in China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province. At least 11 were killed in the Sunday incident (Al Jazeera).
'Missing' Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang removed from office / July 25, 2023
After being absent from his post for a month, Qin Gang—still absent--was officially removed from office on Tuesday and replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. At first, government statements declared he was sick, but no details were provided. Such lack of transparency is common in China (The Times of India).
China censors CNN in middle of report on missing foreign minister / July 25, 2023
Censors blocked a CNN reporter for about 30 seconds as he described the dismissal of China’s foreign minister Qin Gang and Xi Jinping’s control over those in his inner circle. Such censorship, though, is common in China, but the censors seem to selectively pick certain data to block, allowing some information to remain (CNN).
Qin Gang: Foreign minister's downfall leaves China red-faced / July 27, 2023
Qin Gang’s sudden disappearance and ouster suggest, to some, a measure of instability in Xi Jinping’s inner core, reminding everyone that fidelity to the Xi agenda is paramount to survival in China. Qin’s presence has been completely eradicated from the foreign ministry’s website, another troubling sign of the consequences of stepping out of line (BBC).
Mushroom diplomacy: Janet Yellen sets off culinary craze in China / July 15, 2023
While US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to China didn’t create major improvements between the two countries, her delegation’s visit to a restaurant has set off a craze for Yunnan provincial foods, including a mushroom dish that, if not cooked correctly, could trigger hallucinogenic reactions (CNN).
China’s Rebound Falters, Tripped Up by Debt and Weak Exports / July 16, 2023
June’s economic numbers in China confirmed a 2nd quarter slump, even though compared to 2022’s second quarter, the economy rebounded 6.3 percent. However, the second quarter in 2022 was crippled by the Covid pandemic. Youth unemployment hit a record high, but car sales were up and adult employment was at 4.1 percent (The New York Times).
China’s risk of deflation is ‘serious’ — one economist says it’s ‘time to act’ / July 18, 2023
Economists are concerned that China may fall into “deflation” if the government doesn’t step in with some wise and practical measures to stem the downward trend. For now, some are coining the term “disinflation” to explain the current slog in China’s economy. Forecasts for the remainder of the year have been downgraded (CNBC).
Burnt out or jobless - meet China's 'full-time children' / July 17, 2023
As China’s youth and young adult unemployment rate continues to edge higher over 21%, some are opting to simply remain--or move back--home to care for parents, reflect and search for better employment. The government describes the current situation as “slow-employment,” suggesting university graduates and twenty-somethings are taking their time getting back into the workforce (BBC News).
The Chinese Communist Party is rewriting the Bible / July 17, 2023
In its efforts to sinicize all religions in China, the CCP is planning to re-write the Bible and other religious texts to conform to CCP philosophy. Thus, rather than Jesus’ forgiveness for the adulterous woman in the Gospel of John, the account ends with Jesus stoning the woman himself, since her rebellion against the laws of the “state” merited her doom (Fox News).
Qin Gang: China's 'missing' foreign minister sparks guessing game / July 19, 2023
China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang has not been seen publicly since June 25th of this year, sparking debate on his whereabouts and condition. Along with China watchers, many Chinese citizens are also wondering where he is at, spiking a rise in Qin Gang searches online. Government representatives have offered no explanation (BBC News).
Where is China’s foreign minister Qin Gang? / July 20, 2023
Speculation continues both inside and outside of China regarding the whereabouts of Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The Chinese government continues to dismiss questions about Qin or denies knowing his location. Some suspect that Qin has fallen out of favor with Xi, who appointed him last December (Al Jazeera).
Taiwan presidential candidate plans US stop, drawing China’s ire / July 17, 2023
Taiwan’s current Vice President and leading 2024 presidential candidate, William Lai, plans a stop in the US on a trip to Paraguay, drawing the sharp anger of China and a formal diplomatic complaint from the Chinese government. Paraguay is Taiwan’s last formal diplomatic ally in South America (Al Jazeera).
Typhoon Talim lashes China as extreme weather grips Asia / July 18, 2023
Winds reaching 87 mph hit Guangdong Province in China this week as Typhoon Talim came ashore, but then weakened as it headed to Vietnam. Fishermen and coastal workers were evacuated. Other areas of China and eastern Asia battled extremely high temperatures in what appears to be a global heat wave (BBC News).
China leading global electric vehicle production / July 8, 2023
China’s EV market now dominates the global market, overtaking Japan and sparking stiff competition between China’s automakers. The US has not seen the Chinese presence in the market due to Trump administration tariffs. China is leading the market because it also controls the mining of battery materials (NBC News).
China’s Xi Jinping meets with Henry Kissinger in Beijing / July 20, 2023
Veteran US diplomat Henry Kissinger made a special trip to China this week, meeting with President Xi, who praised the 100-year-old for his celebrated age and the fact that Kissinger has visited China more than 100 times. Kissinger traveled to China this time of his own volition, not as an envoy for the U.S. (NBC News).
China’s Semiconductor Ambitions Fuel European Brain Drain / July 19, 2023
Over the last 20 years, over 30,000 Chinese nationals have worked in Europe’s technological industries, but have moved back to China, taking their technical knowledge, skills, and expertise with them to benefit industries in China. Some have started their own companies in China and now are competing with their former employers (Bloomberg).
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).
China pumps out half of 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. At 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 is 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 emphasized greater cooperation between the Asian nations as a defense against foreign aggression (AP News)