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 consulate in Myanmar hit with explosive device / October 19, 2024
China’s consulate in Myanmar’s Mandalay City was hit with an explosive device on Friday evening. No injuries, however, were reported. Myanmar is in the midst of a tumultuous period since the military took over the government in 2021 and ethnic groups are fighting against the junta. China maintains ties with both sides in the conflict (The Economic Times).
Xi Jinping Asks Troops To Prepare For War As Battle Drills Intensify Around Taiwan / October 19, 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the Chinese military to be ready for combat as he spoke to Rocket Force personnel on Thursday, just days after the Chinese military conducted large-scale exercises around the island of Taiwan (NDTV World).
China Turns Up the Heat on Taiwan with Live-Fire Drills / October 22, 2024
China carried out live-fire drills on Niushan Island, the closest Chinese controlled island to Taiwan, just a week after holding a major military exercise around Taiwan, and just after US and Canadian ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, exercising “freedom of navigation” in international waters. China called the drills “routine” (The New York Times).
India says it reached deal with China on army patrols along disputed border / October 21, 2024
China and India have come to an agreement on military patrols along the contested border between the two nations. However, the agreement is described as “resolving the low-hanging fruits” but the more complex issues still need to be addressed (Al Jazeera).
How India and China pulled back from a border war — and why now / October 22, 2024
India and China’s border agreement only restores the stance both countries had along their shared border before the 2020 clash that killed soldiers on both sides. But the agreement opens doors to business deals and for Prime Minister Modi and President Xi to meet, perhaps at the upcoming BRICS meeting in Russia this week (Al Jazeera).
GOP lawmakers seek investigation of consulting firm over its work in China / October 18, 2024
A group of Republican lawmakers demanded an investigation into consulting firm McKinsey, which manages contracts with the US Defense Department, but also deals with Chinese state-controlled companies and other Chinese businesses. The group charges McKinsey with misrepresenting tis relationship with the Chinese government (WTOP News).
China boosts export controls on dual use items, state media says / October 19, 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that new regulations on exports of “dual-use” items will take effect on December 1st in an effort to provide transparency and standardization. China has been accused of providing Russia with dual-use items to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Just last week, the US sanctioned two Chinese companies and a Russian affiliate of making and exporting attack drones (Reuters).
China, Russia, North Korea and Iran described as new ‘Axis of Evil’ by some / October 23, 2024
Russia’s recent cooperation with Iran on naval drills and North Korean soldiers now serving in Russia are examples of a probable “New Axis of Evil” forming among China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. China is the lynch-pin that empowers the bloc. Evidence in weapons used by Russia indicate that all three of the other countries are supporting Russia by supplying parts for its war against Ukraine (VOA).
Efforts by Russia, Iran and China to sway US voters may escalate, report says / October 23, 2024
Evidence suggest that Russia, Iran and China have been and will continue to attempt to influence the 2024 election in the US with false ads and reports. While it seems odd that Russia is attacking the Harris campaign and China is going after down-ballot Republican candidates, the effort seemingly appears to further divide the US citizenry against itself, not to push a candidate into office (AP News).
International airlines cut China flights over Russian airspace ban, economic concerns / October 20, 2024
Lower business travel and the added cost of flying around Russian airspace due to the Russian war in Ukraine has prompted many European airlines to cancel flights to China this month. China’s domestic airlines can access Russian airspace so they can offer cheaper flights. While airlines periodically adjust their flights to match seasonal demands, China’s weak economy seems to be having a negative effect on travel demand (SCMP).
China cuts benchmark lending rates by 25 basis points / October 20, 2024
In an effort to boost the lagging economy, the Central Bank of China announced new rate cuts for both the one-year and five-year loan prime rates to 3.1% and 3.6% respectively. Other rates were also cut, but some economists continue to say that such stimuli still won’t be enough to get the economy to a healthy state again (CNBC).
More than 60% of Chinese over 60 are empty nesters, survey finds / October 22, 2024
While it is common for the elderly to be empty nesters in most Western countries, the fact that 60% of senior adults polled in a survey live without their children at home is an exception to the traditional norm in China. Children typically care for their aging parents, but China’s one-child policy, and the current economy makes such care difficult. The elderly, especially in rural areas, can’t afford to go to a nursing home, either (SCMP).
Why US elections are losing shine for Chinese once drawn to democratic process / October 18, 2024
Many Chinese have enjoyed observing American politics, and for some, it was a psychological way they could vicariously participate in a civic process in a country where it doesn’t exist. But recently, tensions between China and the US, the volatile and absurd nature of recent presidential races, and the US government’s poor handling of the pandemic, have many Chinese viewing our election as disappointing entertainment (SCMP).
China and the Vatican agree to extend an agreement on appointing bishops / October 22, 2024
The Vatican and China have agreed to a 4-year extension of a 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops in the recognized state-sanctioned Catholic church in China. The initial agreement only verified that the Vatican agreed to accept seven bishops that had been appointed by the CCP. An underground Catholic church exists in China, including other bishops who have not been recognized by the CCP (AP News).
Trump vs. Harris: Who does China want? / October 13, 2024
Reporters discuss the economy and politics between the US and China, acknowledging that both the Biden and Trump administrations recognized the threat of Chinese imports, especially electric vehicles, and imposed sanctions to prevent China from “dumping” products into the US economy. One reporter stated China views both US parties as “two bowls of poison” (BBC World Service).
Pandas from China arrive in Washington, D.C. / October 15, 2024
Two pandas from China arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, ending an 11-month absence of pandas from the National Zoo. The two giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will have a month to settle into their new surroundings before going on display (CBS News).
China’s Deflation Problem Worsens on Weak Consumer Prices / October 12, 2024
Aside from a spike in prices for fresh vegetables in September, the month’s economic data in China showed continued weak consumer demand. The consumer price index rose only by 0.1%. Producer inflation fell 2.8% year over year. The Chinese government cut interest rates and provided support for the property sector with the hope of the economy gradually recovering (Yahoo Finance).
Nobel Prize-winning research pushes Chinese economists to call for institutional reforms / October 16, 2024
After American economists won the Nobel prize this year for their research advocating that “inclusive” governments support better economic success of a nation rather than “extractive” ones, Chinese economists also agreed that China’s government should be more “inclusive.” Two of the American economists wrote in 2012 that China’s combination of economic growth and political control cannot be sustainable (SCMP).
China’s plan to boost flagging growth is the very definition of economic insanity / October 13, 2024
China’s recent “bazooka” economic stimulus is the fourth attempt in the last 16 years to revitalize its struggling economy even though the same strategy has not worked in the past. According to Charles Magnus, China’s recovery demands political changes that are anathema to its Leninist government (The Guardian).
A Japanese boy was killed in China. Was cyber-nationalism to blame? / October 13, 2024
The tragic death of a Japanese school student in China has sparked a debate over a rising cyber-nationalism occurring in China that is spilling over into reality. Online nationalists are called “Little Pinks” as they harp on online comments that are deemed critical of communist ideology. The phenomenon is called a “Cultural Revolution 2.0,” connecting the current nationalist patriotism to the violent purges in the 1960s and 70s (BBC).
China launches war games around Taiwan, drawing sharp criticism from Taipei / October 13, 2024
On Monday, China began a new round of military exercises around Taiwan with a record 153 military aircraft as part of the drills. The drills apparently came in response to Taiwan President Lai’s speech on the October 10th national holiday, although some state that such drills take longer than a few days to plan (ABC News-Australia).
China won't renounce use of force over Taiwan; Xi visits frontline island / October 16, 2024
A spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office declared that China will never renounce using force to take control of Taiwan as China carried out more military drills around the island and President Xi visited a Chinese-controlled island close to Taiwan and where the Taiwan military lost a battle against the CCP in 1953 (Reuters).
China’s premier inaugurates a Beijing-funded airport at the start of a Pakistan trip / October 14, 2024
On Monday, China’s Premier Li Qiang gave his blessing to a new Chinese-funded airport in the turbulent Pakistani province of Balochistan, just a week after two Chinese nationals were killed by a terrorist bombing. The airport, along with a 2000-mile highway from China to the Arabian Sea in Pakistan, are developments intended to connect China to the area’s resources. Balochistan separatists claim China is exploiting the region (AP News).
Joe Biden ‘sent Xi congratulatory message’ to mark China’s 75th National Day / October 5, 2024
President Biden sent a congratulatory message to President Xi as China celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding as the People’s Republic of China with a week-long celebration that began on October 1st. China’s foreign ministry made the announcement on Saturday, Oct. 5th but did not say when the missive had been sent. Typically, the US sends such greetings at the end of September (SCMP).
US says Taiwan speech no justification for China military pressure / October 9, 2024
Just after China celebrates the anniversary of the CCP’s rule over mainland China in the first week of October, the Republic of China in Taiwan observes its anniversary on October 10th. Taiwanese President Lai will commemorate the event with a speech, and US officials are saying there is no need for China to express its displeasure through military exercises around the island (Reuters).
Taiwan's president vows to resist 'annexation' / October 10, 2024
President Lai’s speech marking the 113th anniversary of the rule of the Republic of China on the island drew criticism from China as Lai defended his goal to uphold the island’s self-governing status. Lai’s speech was actually “softer” than previous speeches where he took a more aggressive tone against Chinese aggression toward Taiwan (BBC).
Chinese hackers breached US court wiretap systems / October 6, 2024
US telecom companies’ networks may have been breached by Chinese hackers according to a Wall Street Times report, exposing sensitive information. China’s foreign ministry denied knowledge of the incident and claimed that the report was another “false narrative” created by the US to disrupt international dialogue (Reuters).
Frustrated with US, Argentina's Milei seeks rapprochement with China / October 5, 2024
Argentina’s President Javier Milei was once critical of China and its aggressive stance on the global stage, but now he appears to be interested in what China has to offer his country economically. The change in perspective may be due to a deal brokered with China regarding currency swap contracts and China’s insistence that Milei attend the next China-CELAC Forum (Yahoo Finance).
China Stock Skepticism Gets Louder as World-Beating Run Extends / October 7, 2024
While China’s stock markets have enjoyed a hefty rebound in the last few weeks, fueled by new stimuli from the CCP, global fund managers are skeptical that the rebound is solid because many stocks may now be over-inflated, these stimuli are not enough to correct all the problems in the economy, and the economy is still fragile and could revert again if something goes wrong (Yahoo Finance).
China stock rally fizzles as stimulus news disappoints / October 8, 2024
Investors were disappointed in the government’s announcement on Tuesday regarding its next plans to boost the economy, causing the recent rally in Chinese stocks to cool. The government plans to pour more money into the economy but it isn’t enough according to some investors (BBC).
China’s ultra-wealthy are fleeing and taking $1 trillion with them / October 8, 2024
China has seen an exodus of the ultra-rich, not just over the last few years, but almost for the last decade. President Xi and the CCP’s “common prosperity” program of wealth redistribution and the government’s crackdown on “corruption” are among the reasons for the flight as the wealthy even resort to illegal means to get their money out of the country (news.com.au).
Why civil engineering students are disappearing from China’s top universities / October 7, 2024
China’s housing crisis started with too much debt and an overabundance of housing units. Then construction halted and there were too many construction workers, resulting in layoffs. Now, university civil engineering programs are downsizing or even closing as students choose different careers or transfer out of engineering to other disciplines (SCMP).
China says two citizens killed, one injured in Pakistan ‘terrorist attack’ / October 7, 2024
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan reported that two Chinese citizens were killed and a third was wounded last Sunday night by an IED set off by a group called the BLA, the Balochistan Liberation Army. The BLA has been banned in Pakistan, yet still has committed other acts of violence in its fight for autonomy in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province (Al Jazeera).
Chinese scientists reverse type 1 diabetes with cell transplant / September 30, 2024
Chinese scientists have found a way to use stem cell derived islet cells to bring insulin and sugar levels to a balanced state in a 25-year-old patient. A minimally invasive half-hour surgery placed the cells in the patient’s abdomen. Seventy five days later, she no longer needed insulin injections (Business Standard).
China stocks surge in biggest single-day rally since 2008 on stimulus cheer / September 30, 2024
China’s stock market rebounded euphorically on Monday as investors responded positively to the government’s recent stimulus package, setting new increases in various indexes that haven’t been seen for more than 15 years. Monday’s resurgence followed increases that began last week Tuesday (Reuters).
China AI Chip Leader Soars 20% Limit as Beijing Warns on Nvidia / September 29, 2024
Beijing has been urging China’s domestic technology companies to cease purchasing AI chip materials from foreign companies like Invidia in favor of domestic chip makers, both to support China’s economy and to encourage self-sufficiency by supporting the development of domestic research and production. Chinese chip makers' stocks soared on Monday, while Invidia’s fell 2% (Yahoo Finance).
Xi Jinping is worried about the economy - what do Chinese people think? / October 1, 2024
Surveys conducted since the early 2000’s reveal a recent, growing dismay among Chinese people over the economy and their quality of life. The government’s response to the pandemic and its massive lockdowns have severely affected the psyche of many Chinese people. An increase in protests—online and on the street—also demonstrate some people’s pessimism (BBC News).
Xi Jinping forecasts ‘rough seas’ on 75th anniversary of People’s Republic of China / October 1, 2024
President Xi celebrated the 75th anniversary of China’s Communist Party rule in the country this week, but both his speech and the smaller schedule of celebratory events reflect the tenuous nature of the Chinese economy, global politics, and the national sentiment of its people (The Guardian).
”No Chinese company may disobey an order” by the CCP / September 29, 2024
Lawyer, author and commentator Gordon Chang warned that Chinese electric vehicles may collect information about the driver that the CCP could also access if it wanted to. Chinese law, according to Chang, mandates complete compliance of any Chinese company. EV Direct CEO David Smitherman defended China’s EV automakers, saying any data collected in Australian bought cars was stored locally (news.com.au).
China says US missile deployment in Philippines undermines peace / September 28, 2024
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the US deployment of an intermediate missiles system in the Philippines—the first in the region—was an attempt to undermine peace and stability in the South Pacific. He also advised the US against creating “war or chaos” on the Korean peninsula (Reuters).
China warns against 'expansion' of Ukraine war / September 28, 2024
China 's Foreign Minister Wang Yi also warned of any escalation in the war in Ukraine and called for a cease-fire in Israel’s conflict with Lebanon. Wang reiterated that China stands ready to negotiate between Ukraine and Russia, and that China sees the two-state solution as the only option for peace between Israel and the Palestinian state (VOA).
Switzerland praises China-Brazil peace plan for Ukraine / September 28, 2024
In response to the latest efforts by China and Brazil to broker a peace deal for the war between Russia and Ukraine, a Swiss foreign ministry representative stated that Switzerland is interested in the proposed deal. Ukraine expressed dismay over Switzerland’s support for the Sino-Brazilian plan (Reuters).