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.
Chinese hospitals overwhelmed with spike in children’s respiratory illnesses / November 28,2023
A surge in respiratory illnesses, mostly in children, is sweeping through China. However, known pathogens appear to be causing the increase in sick children. After three years of masking and isolation, much of the population has fewer antibodies against these illnesses (CBS News).
China’s Latest Outbreak Is Giving Neighbors PTSD / November 27, 2023
Still highly sensitive to respiratory disease warnings emanating from China, southeast Asian nations are putting themselves on high alert as China announced a spike in respiratory illnesses, mostly in children in mid-November. Most countries are avoiding any panic, however, and China has been more transparent in reporting about the spike than it has in the past (Bloomberg News).
Next China: Trust Deficit / November 30, 2023
All eyes are on China this month as the global community wonders if China is being forthright in its reporting of the mycoplasma pneumonia outbreak in China that is triggering fears of another Covid-like pandemic. China appears, however, to have learned a lesson from its past mistakes (Bloomberg News).
China Wants to Strengthen Supply Chains Even as Foreign Investors Flee / November 28, 2023
China hosted a supply-chain conference which hosted more than 500 companies, with ¼ of them from foreign countries. Foreign investors are wary, however, and many have divested in China, moving their factories to other countries. Political tensions between China and the West, China’s crackdown on business executives and its sluggish economy are scaring investors away (VOA).
China sees an ETF boom as investors wait for stocks to trough / November 28, 2023
Chinese investors are pouring funds into ETF’s—Exchange-Traded Funds—as a safe haven for their money as they “bet on the bottom” and wait for stocks to “trough.” More than $55 billion has been moved into ETF’s potentially setting a record for the year. In contrast, active equity funds have dropped 12% (Reuters).
China leads Asia market declines as property stocks plunge / November 27, 2023
China’s struggling property sector fell over the weekend, sending waves of slight decline across the Asian markets on Monday. Monthly and quarterly reports across the region will be released later this week (CNBC).
Analysts: Vietnam's Island Expansion Aims to Counter China / November 28, 2023
As China and the Philippines vie for control for various areas of the South China Sea, Vietnam is also staking out its claims in the Spratley Islands, dredging to increase the size of the Barque Canada Reef. China, Vietnam and other countries conduct dredging even of coral reefs, harming the environment and altering the migrating patterns of wildlife (VOA).
China, US exchange accusations over US vessel in South China Sea / November 25, 2023
Both China and the US accused one another of violating international maritime law as a US destroyer patrolling near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea was confronted by Chinese naval and air forces. The Philippines and Australia also had begun their first joint military exercises in the region on Saturday, as well (Reuters).
China turns to households in fight to slash carbon emissions / November 26, 2023
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions in China, dozens of cities are doling out carbon reduction schemes to encourage households to reduce carbon emissions, offering “carbon coins” and other incentives to participants if they reduce their carbon emissions through renewable energy, or even plant a tree (Reuters).
Beijing frets over Taiwan opposition split as parties go on the attack / November 26, 2023
In mid-November, negotiations between Taiwan’s two opposition parties in the island’s upcoming presidential election broke down, giving a greater edge to the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and frustrating the CCP and Chinese citizens hoping for a pro-China candidate to win the January election (Reuters).
In China, Spirit of White Paper Protests Still Inspires / November 25, 2023
A year after many people in China protested the CCP’s handling of the Covid pandemic and the death of 10 citizens in an apartment complex fire, the “White Paper” movement still resonates throughout China. Halloween costumes were used to continue the protest. Many protestors from the initial 2022 protest continue to be incarcerated or face political oppression (VOA).
Keeping Pace in Our Digital Age / October 9, 2023
More than 5 billion people, which is more than half of the world’s population, has access to the internet in 2023. Most of them are in China and SE Asia. This article encourages the global church to take advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel digitally in as many ways as it can think of, even in the face of governmental opposition (ChinaSource).
Listening in the Quietness / November 13, 2023
A frequent traveler to China returns finally after four years but finds the country much quieter and perhaps a little less confident. He found the church was also quieter, perhaps in response to the CCP’s harsh restrictions against religion both physically and digitally. Or could the church be maturing internally for a time? (ChinaSource).
Journalist Dies in Hospital in China Hours After Police Raid / November 21, 2023
Freeland journalist Sun Lin apparently died after police raided his house in the eastern city of Nanjing last Friday. Sun had previously been incarcerated for four years due to his criticism of China’s censorship of the media. Friends and family of Sun had also been visited by police (VOA).
China’s property sector needs more government support as crisis deepens / November 20, 2023
Measures to support the struggling property sector in China since November of 2022 have not brought the intended results as home prices sank again in October and Country Garden defaulted on a US dollar bond. Both supply and demand in real estate are struggling (CNBC).
CCP’s regime set to collapse as Xi Jinping's woes 'underestimated' / November 21, 2023
Foreign policy expert Gordon Chang suggested that China’s internal problems are much worse than the Chinese media has revealed and that a collapse of Xi’s communist government is possible. Chang advised that other nations could weather such a collapse if they prepare for it and not panic (GBN)
FBI, CDC shredded for 'dropping the ball' on Chinese lab found in US / November 19, 2023
An illegal Chinese bio lab was discovered in California in October, sparking suspicions that more labs could exist elsewhere in the US. Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson claims the FBI and the CDC did not do enough to investigate the lab, its ties to the CCP, and the danger it could bring to US citizens (Fox News).
What is the mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China? / November 23, 2023
A type of respiratory virus has afflicted a larger number of children in China than usual this fall, especially in Beijing and the northeastern city of Liaoning. It may be an after-effect of the Covid lockdown as it suppressed the population’s immunity. The WHO has asked China to clarify the type of illness they are dealing with as it is sure to spread across China’s borders (Al Jazeera).
US Dismisses Chinese Diplomacy on Gaza / November 22, 2023
US Security Council Spokesman John Kirby dismissed China’s recent diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, stating that he was comfortable with the US’s involvement in its own efforts to negotiate the release of some of the hostages. China has an interest in a peaceful Middle East but has supported Gaza more than Israel (VOA).
Rising global tensions may have China rethinking Russia alliance / November 22, 2023
A former State Department official suggested that China may be re-assessing its “no limits’ partnership with Russia as Putin continues his battle against Ukraine with support from North Korea and appears to be acting as “an agent of chaos” in the Middle East as well (SCMP).
China looming large, India and Australia crank up defense partnership / November 21, 2023
Foreign Ministers from India and Australia met for the second time to discuss increasing the partnership between the two countries in the areas of trade, military support, security, and investment, especially in light of the increasing aggressiveness of China in the region. However, China is both countries’ largest trade partner (The Times of India).
Beijing rejects Australian claims China sonar injured navy divers / November 20, 2023
China rejected any blame for injuring two Australian divers earlier this month off of the coast of Japan and conversely blamed Australia for causing trouble and being irresponsible in its accusations against China for the incident. The divers suffered minor injuries from a Chinese warship’s sonar pulses, according to Australia’s Defense Minister, Richard Marles (The Guardian).
China says it stands ready to work with Argentina despite Milei criticism / November 21, 2023
Libertarian Javier Milei secured Argentina’s presidential win recently, running on a campaign highly critical of China and Brazil. In spite of that, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China would seek to retain its valued relationship with Argentina, and Argentina should do the same (CNBC).
China is expanding its crackdown on mosques outside Xinjiang / November 22, 2023
A Human Rights Watch report states that the Chinese government has closed, consolidated, or transformed mosques outside of Xinjiang province in an effort to control the growth and spread of Islam in China and to suppress any possible opposition against the CCP. Typically, China has focused its control of Islan on Xinjiang province (AP News).
China: Allow Commemorations of ‘White Paper’ Protests / November 19, 2023
It’s been a year since the November 2022 “White Paper” protests in China’s major cities that brought the abrupt end of the CCP’s strict “zero-Covid” policies, but even today some protesters are still being held in undisclosed locations, and anniversary commemorations are being suppressed (Human Rights Watch).
Dozens of Chinese ships chase Philippine vessels as US renews warning / November 11, 2023
Once again, a large fleet of Chinese ships harassed Filipino ships as they were bringing supplies to a small outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal on Friday. Both countries claimed that they were following international laws. The Chinese ships ultimately allowed the deliveries to be made but fired a water canon at one Filipino ship in the four-hour engagement (AP News).
China makes a ‘major strategic decision’ that will impact the world / November 13, 2023
China recently began operating a clean energy power plant in the Tengger Desert that will produce 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually. The Chinese government plans to produce 100 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2026 and hopes to operate net-zero emission power plants by 2060. A 2019 report revealed that China emitted 27% of the world’s toxic heat-trapping gases (Yahoo! finance).
Biden’s failed foreign policy with China is based on a disastrous idea / November 13, 2023
This opinion piece charges that the Biden Administration is guilty of appeasing China to the detriment of the American people in matters relating to energy production, human rights, and national security, among others. The article claims the Administration is ignorant of China’s global ambitions ( Fox News).
China weighs ending freeze on Boeing purchases with 737 Max deal / November 12, 2023
China may resume purchasing Boeing 737 Max aircraft after a long hiatus brought on by two plane crashes in 2017 and rising economic and political tensions between the US and China. Forecasts for China’s airline fleet suggest that the number of aircraft needed may double in the next 20 years (Reuters).
US and China agree to resume military communications after summit / November 15, 2023
President Biden met with President Xi of China at an estate outside of San Francisco and the APEC meetings on Wednesday, discussing serious topics between the rival nations. The most significant outcome is the creation of direct communication between each country’s militaries and between Biden and Xi themselves (BBC News).
China’s state media take a new tone toward the US ahead of APEC / November 15, 2023
After years of negative coverage of the US in China’s state media, outlets took a slightly more positive stance on the US as the meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi approached this week, anticipating warmer relations between the leaders and the countries they represent. Not all coverage was positive, though (AP News).
Biden again calls Xi Jinping a 'dictator' as China vows to retake Taiwan / November 15. 2023
Just hours after Biden’s cordial meeting with Xi Jinping, the gloves came off as a Chinese representative vowed that China would take over Taiwan, and President Biden referred to Xi as a dictator once again. A Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman warned the US to avoid support for an independent Taiwan (Fox News).
Pandas may return to California, China’s Xi tells U.S. business elites / November 16, 2023
President Xi was welcomed with a standing ovation at a dinner with top US business leaders, where he posited that Panda bears might return to the US, beginning in California. The dinner was held to encourage US businesses to invest in China, although many are skeptical of China’s politically influenced economic sector (NBC News).
Russia pours cold water on Xi-Biden talks / November 15, 2023
Russian media is downplaying the events occurring at the APEC conference in San Francisco this week, choosing rather to exploit pro-Palestinian protests in the US and a pre-conference meeting that was not fully attended by all participants as a sign of low interest in the conference (CNBC).
Xi Jinping arrives in the US as his Chinese Dream sputters / November 15, 2023
Five years ago, when President Xi was last on American soil, China was enjoying a strong economy. Now, as he visits the US again, the Chinese economy is enduring significant issues from massive youth unemployment to a realty sector time bomb. Thus, Xi’s approach to the APEC conference and the US appears to be more conciliatory and eager for healthier relationships (BBC).
Blizzards in China's northeast ground flights, force school closures / November 6, 2023
Bitter cold and blizzards unexpectedly hit northeastern China last Monday and Tuesday, closing schools, and halting air flights and rail lines in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces. Almost 10 inches of snow fell in Jilin province, closing about 90% of the expressways in the region (Reuters).
The US is quietly arming Taiwan to the teeth / November 6, 2023
Under a program called Foreign Military Finance, the Biden administration is supplying Taiwan with $80 million of US taxpayer dollars so it can purchase military equipment from the US. That amount may swell to $10 billion over the next 5 years as the US attempts to use this alternative means to help arm Taiwan against an attack by China (BBC).
Putin calls for closer Russia-China cooperation on military equipment / November 8, 2023
President Putin met with Gen. Zhang Youxia, China’s second-ranking military official, praising the two countries’ partnership and recommending greater cooperation in military space technology and hi-tech weapons. The meeting between Putin and Zhang was the latest demonstration of the “no-limits” partnership between the two countries (AP News).
In a worldwide war of words, Russia, China and Iran back Hamas / November 4, 2023
The Israeli-Hamas conflict has entered cyberspace, with posts from Russia, China, Iran, and other countries supporting Hamas against Israel, with up to 33% of posts containing false information about the conflict. The posts have circulated the globe, often causing more anti-Israeli rhetoric and fueling protests on city streets (The Japan Times).
China's 2023 growth target within reach -China Bank governor / November 7, 2023
The People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng stated Wednesday that China is expected to hit its annual gross domestic product growth target this year, despite at least two quarters of negative numbers. Pan described China’s economy in positive terms and said the banking sector and government would do all it could to assist indebted entities and control investment in areas of high risk (Reuters).
China’s economy falls back into deflation in blow to recovery / November 8, 2023
Falling meat prices pulled China’s economy back into deflation in October with the consumer price index falling .2 percent year on year. Producer prices fell 2.6 percent as well, marking the 13th consecutive month of decline in that area. Still, the IMF upgraded China’s GDP to 5.4% and speculated that it will achieve that target by year’s end (Financial Times).
The State of U.S.-China Relations: H2 2023 Report / November 2023
This report describes the current tenor of the relationship between China and the US in a number of areas, including a survey that indicates that the number of Chinese citizens who view the US as an enemy has declined by 9 percentage points since last April. The US view on China declined by 4 percentage points (Morning Consult Pro).
US viewed more positively as China sinks in approval, poll shows / November 7, 2023
A Pew Research survey reveals that people in 24 countries have a far more positive view (59% to 28%) of the US than they do of China, with President Biden having a more popular view than Donald Trump and President Xi of China. Three countries: Japan, South Korea, and Poland, favor the US over China 70% to 30%, and two countries, Kenya and Nigeria, favored China over the US (Al Jazeera).
Albanese in China: five things we learned from his talks with Xi Jinping / November 6, 2023
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited President Xi in China for the first time last week. They spoke about a detained Australian in China, the war in Ukraine, a regional trade pact that China wants to join, easing sanctions on Australian exports of wine and lobsters, and continuing talks between the two leaders (The Guardian).
‘The China Project’ media shuts, blaming ‘politically-motivated attacks’ / November 7, 2023
Citing excessive legal costs to defend itself against lawsuits from both China and the US, media outlet “The China Project” announced it is shutting down after 8 years of providing media coverage about China. The company has been accused by both countries of working for the others’ governments (Al Jazeera).
China’s ex-premier, Li Keqiang, sidelined by Xi Jinping, dies at 68 / October 27, 2023
Chinese state media reported the death of Li Keqiang just after midnight on Oct. 27th. Li was the former premier of China until last March when he was deposed by President Xi Jinping. Li had been known for his preference for a looser market economy, and his camaraderie with the poor and common people (Reuters).
How does China fix the Evergrande mess? / October 26, 2023
Property developer Evergrande is like a zombie, neither living nor dead, as it flails from one crisis to another. The CCP can’t afford to let it die, and its statist policies are the DNR papers Xi has signed. Some say Xi’s crackdown on the economy and “investment-led growth” was the sword that impaled the property sector to begin with (BBC News).
China sets tone on real estate, government debt at a high-level meeting / October 31, 2023
At the central financial work conference held this week, policymakers vowed to establish measures to satisfy the demands of property developers and to resolve local government debt. The two entities are intertwined, with the Covid epidemic exasperating the debt crisis. The conference is held every 5 years (CNBC).
China cremates 'people's' premier, lowers flag amidst outpouring of grief / November 2, 2023
A funeral was held for former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday, attended by President Xi, his wife and the six members of the CCP’s Politburo Standing Committee. Tens of thousands of comments flooded Weibo, which turned its “like” icon into a chrysanthemum flower, symbolizing “mourning” (Reuters).
Xi Jinping's advice to China's women on family: ‘Marriage, childbearing are…’ / Nov. 1, 2023
In an effort to kickstart a rebound in China’s birthrate, President Xi stated that Chinese women have a critical role to play in the implementation of a “new trend of family” cultural mindset for the nation. Not only should women seek personal development, but they should also create “a new culture of marriage, childbearing and family” (The Hindustan Times).
Chinese fighter jet nearly collides with B-52 bomber over S. China Sea / October 26, 2023
A Chinese J-11 jet flew within 10 feet of a B-52 bomber last Tuesday over the South China Sea, adding to the more than 180 similar events tabulated by the US Indo-Pacific Command of Chinese fighters exhibiting “unsafe, unprofessional” behavior when intercepting US aircraft over international waters (ABC News).
China sends dozens of military aircraft, ships near Taiwan / November 1, 2023
Forty-three Chinese aircraft and seven warships conducted military drills and exercises in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, with 37 of the aircraft entering Taiwan’s airspace. Taiwan responded by deploying its own aircraft, vessels, and ground missile systems (The Hill).