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 testing us, Joe Biden caught telling Quad leaders on hot mic / September 22, 2024
President Biden was caught on a “hot mic” on Saturday, telling the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan that China is “testing us” across the Indo-Pacific region. The four-member Quad exists to promote free and fair trade in the area; China claims all of the South China Sea, challenging the Quad’s perspective (The Economic Times).
Japan destroyer inadvertently entered China waters, captain sacked / September 23, 2024
Back in July, a Japanese destroyer inadvertently sailed into Chinese waters for about 20 minutes. China objected to the ship’s entry into China’s territorial waters and submitted a complaint. The captain of the Japanese vessel, who had just been given command of the ship in May, was relieved of duty. The ship’s crew had planned to observe a Chinese military drill (Kyodo News).
China on 'high alert' after Japan warship sails through Taiwan Strait / September 26, 2024
China was on “high alert” and lodged a complaint with Japan on Thursday after Japan’s navy sailed a warship through the Taiwan Strait as a demonstration of the Strait’s “international waters” status on the world stage. Actually, Australia and New Zealand also sailed military vessels through the Strait on the same day, and last week China sailed an aircraft carrier between two Japanese islands near Taiwan (CNA).
China says test-launched ICBM with ‘dummy warhead’ into Pacific / September 25, 2024
China announced that it tested an Intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, although it did not elaborate on where the test specifically took place. China is working on modernizing and increasing its missile weaponry to catch up to, or surpass, the US’s arsenal (Al Jazeera).
What’s behind China’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile / September 25, 2024
China has not tested an ICBM launch in the Pacific Ocean since 1980, so its recent exercise this week suggests the unusual occurrence is a threatening message to the US and its allies in the region, as well as a message to its own citizens that the PLA’s Rocket Force is functioning well after many of its leaders were removed on charges of corruption earlier this year (AP News).
Despite global EV slowdown, China's car industry refuses to put on handbrake / September 21, 2024
While the global demand for EVs is cooling, Chinese EV automakers are forging ahead with production as Chinese consumers opt for Chinese-made vehicles. Price, patriotism and better-made vehicles are reasons for a shift in sales from Western to Chinese vehicles. And, Chinese automakers are attempting to bypass tariffs by building factories in the EU and other western countries (ABC News—Australia).
China Steel Mills Are Facing a Wave of Bankruptcies, BI Says / September 22, 2024
China’s housing crisis and continuously low consumer demand is now hurting the Chinese steel industry, potentially creating a wave of bankruptcies in this area of China’s economy. To keep afloat, Chinese steelmakers have exported their products often for prices below cost, but that has angered foreign steel makers who can’t compete with such drastically low prices. If bankruptcies occur, it may help China consolidate the industry (Yahoo Finance).
China unveils raft of measures to boost economy / September 25, 2024
China’s Central Bank announced on Tuesday that it will cut its required reserve by one half of a percentage point, unleashing $142 billion to be used for increased lending. The Bank will also lower interest rates on home loans and lower the minimum downpayment to 15%. The announcement gave Asian stock markets a healthy boost (BBC News).
China's monetary volleys miss key threat to economic growth / September 24, 2024
According to some analysts, the People’s Bank of China’s bold measures to boost the economy that were announced this week will miss the main issue affecting China’s sluggish economy: poor consumer demand. Rather, other fiscal policies could address that problem, and many are hopeful the Chinese government will follow through with these measures (Reuters).
A Chinese Christian Tortured in Jail Tells His Story / September 18, 2024
Zhu Chunlin, a Chinese Christian, was imprisoned for illegal fundraising and endured torture while he served out his sentence. “Education and labor reform” included lack of sleep, being targeted by other prisoners and prison personnel, and being forced to wear shackles and handcuffs for long periods of time. Chunlin states only his faith in God got him through the darkest period of his life (Bitter Winter).
China frees David Lin, American pastor detained for 18 years / September 16, 2024
China released an American pastor imprisoned for nearly 20 years on Sunday in a rare move that happened to occur at the beginning of the mid-Autumn festival. Lin was convicted of fraud after trying to establish a Christian training center in China. His daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer. There are still over 200 Americans being held in China (CBS News).
China is raising its retirement age, now among the lowest in major economies / September 13, 2024
The world's second-largest economy approved a plan Friday to raise its retirement ages over the next 15 years. China's retirement ages are among the world's lowest. The legislation comes amid China's falling birth rates and an aging workforce (AP News).
China’s startup scene is dead as investors pull out—’Today, we are like lepers’ / September 16, 2024
The number of China’s new companies has collapsed in 2024 as investors have stopped offering funds to support startups. The risks in a sluggish economy and strict government regulations have scared off investors in what has been an extremely vibrant economic atmosphere (Yahoo Finance).
China hits 9 US firms with property freeze over weapons sales to Taiwan / September 18, 2024
This Wednesday, China placed sanctions on nine US military-related firms for making weapons sales to Taiwan. The companies’ properties in China have been “frozen” as an attempt by China to get Washington to end its military support of Taiwan (Reuters).
Philippine Coast Guard ship in South China Sea standoff returns to port / September 15, 2024
The Philippine vessel, Teresa Magbanua, returned to its port in Manila after a months-long tour of duty in the Sabina Shoal, protecting the area from China’s attempts to claim more territory in the South China Sea. The ship is returning for repairs, some due to a Chinese Coast Guard vessel ramming the ship in August (Al Jazeera).
China rams Philippine ship while 60 Minutes on board / September 15, 2024
Tension in the South China Sea continues to grow as Chinese Coast Guard vessels have interrupted Philippine supply ship deliveries near the Sabina Shoal. In August, Chinese vessels surrounded the Cape Engaño, which was hosting a 60 Minutes filming crew. One ship rammed the Engaño, creating a 3-foot hole in the hull. China accused the Philippines of a propaganda campaign (CBS News).
US-China military leaders hold routine talks on South China Sea tensions / September 15, 2024
US military officials met with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing this weekend to continue talks between the two superpowers regarding major global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan and tensions in the South China Sea. The talks were last held in January (ABC News).
Vladimir Putin's Pivot to China is Backfiring / September 16, 2024
US sanctions hanging like a dark cloud over Chinese banks has forced them to increasingly reject transactions with Russian banks and companies, causing Moscow to raise fees on yuan transfers. An old idea to create a joint Chinese-Russian bank is back on the table to try and skirt the sanctions (Newsweek).
All flights grounded in Shanghai as China prepares for typhoon / September 15, 2024
Typhoon Bebinca was set to make landfall on China’s populous eastern seaboard and Shanghai on Sunday, bringing torrential rain and damaging winds. Airports, shipping, rail lines, and recreational parks all planned to shut down to ride out the storm. China’s weather office issued its second highest warning as the storm approached the mainland (CNA).
Strongest typhoon since 1949 hits Shanghai, knocks out power to homes / September 16, 2024
Typhoon Bebinca made landfall on Monday, bringing winds up to 94 mph and up to 12 inches of rain. One man was injured, but no other injuries or fatalities were reported. More than 400,000 people had been relocated ahead of the storm. It is unusual for typhoons to strike Shanghai (AP News).
Ten-year-old Japanese boy dies after stabbing in China / September 19, 2024
A ten-year-old boy who was stabbed by a Chinese citizen on Wednesday this week died from his injuries one day later. The boy, who has a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was attending a Japanese school when the incident occurred. No reason for the stabbing was given, although some suggested that rising Chinese nationalism may have motivated the assailant (BBC News).
Warm fronts to Y-fronts: Chinese city hit by underwear storm / September 9, 2024
After enduring high temperatures and a drought in the city of Chongking, authorities decided to fire 200 cloud-seeding rockets into the sky to cause it to rain. The plan succeeded, but residents claim the artificial rain-making scheme also caused a windstorm that produced wind gusts up to 76 mph, sending underwear and clothing from clotheslines into the sky (The Guardian).
China's exports up solidly but slowing imports dim trade outlook / September 10, 2024
China’s exports in August were a bright light on a gloomy economic stage as exports rose 8.7% year on year, possibly prompted by companies filling orders ahead of impending tariff increases in Europe, Canada, and even South-Asian countries. Even so, China expects exports to ride out the storm (Reuters).
European firms doubt China's appetite to fix economy, lobby group says / September 11, 2024
European firms are casting doubt on China’s economy and their ability to realize profits by investing in the country or doing business there. Domestic demand is still sluggish; government stimuli are unrealistic; competition with domestic companies is imbalanced due to government subsidies; national security laws threaten workers and a highly politicized business environment are not worth the marginal benefits (Reuters).
China to Cut Rates on $5 Trillion Mortgages as Soon as September / September 12, 2024
In an effort to stimulate domestic consumption, China is planning to offer homeowners reductions on mortgages of up to 80 points if people refinance their loans. Previous attempts by the government to revive the economy have not succeeded (Yahoo Finance).
China’s deflationary spiral is now entering a dangerous new stage / September 9, 2024
China’s economy is beginning to reflect Japan’s “lost decades” of the 1990s the economy appears to be spiraling into a deeper deflation hole. Employee wages have either stagnated or declined at a time when the government wants consumers to spend more. The taboo word “deflation” is showing up in social media more than economists want it to (Yahoo Finance).
EU to trim proposed tariffs on Tesla, other EVs from China / September 10, 2024
The EU will slightly lower the tariffs it has planned to place on Chinese EV imports after some automakers in China submitted materials to an investigative commission that looked for Chinese subsidies and their effect on the auto industry in Europe. The tariff on Tesla, already lower than other companies’ tariffs, was lowered from 9% to 7.8%. BYD’s tariff will remain at 17% (Reuters).
Ukraine's Zelenskiy dismisses 'destructive' China-Brazil peace initiative / September 12, 2024
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy rejected China’s latest peace proposal, co-sponsored by iBrazil. Zelenskiy criticized the proposal partly because Ukraine never had a part in developing it, nor did he appreciate Brazil’s pro-Russia perspective in the matter (Reuters).
Russia, China kick off joint military exercises, challenging US-led coalition / September 10, 2024
Russia and China are carrying out another joint military exercise, this time with more than 400 naval vessels, 120 aircraft, and around 90,000 troops. The exercises are meant to counteract the West’s presence in volatile regions and to stretch thin the West’s military strength with its presence in multiple locations (VOA).
China's Troops Advance Dozens of Miles Across Indian Border / September 10, 2024
Refuse and graffiti apparently left behind by Chinese troops in the Indian-controlled area of Arunachal Pradesh showed that the Chinese army had infiltrated 37 miles into the contested area. Since 2020’s deadly clash between China and India in the Galwan Valley, the two sides have attempted to be more diplomatic (Newsweek).
China Announced Two Breakthroughs in Semiconductor Chip Sector / September 11, 2024
“Recently, China has set two records in semiconductor chip sector: first, it mass-produced the world’s first 28nm embedded RRAM image quality adjustment chip; second, it developed the world’s first 16-bit quantum bit semiconductor microprocessor chip” (TrendForce).
No sharing secrets with India: China's EV giants told to keep tech at home / September 12, 2024
China’s Ministry of Commerce advised Chinese automakers in July to prevent sensitive Chinese EV technology from being shared outside of China by not doing any auto-related investments in India. The Ministry also encouraged the companies to skirt tariffs by using “knock-down” kits—packaging parts that can be assembled in other countries but would avoid the tariffs placed on complete vehicles as they are imported (Business Today).
Ex-CIA spy for China gets 10 years in prison — and a lifetime of polygraph tests / September 11, 2024
A former CIA officer who was arrested in 2020 was sentenced to 10 years in prison for providing sensitive information to the Chinese government. Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, worked with his brother to provide classified and sensitive information to the Shanghai State Security Bureau. In return, the brothers received $50,000 and numerous gifts. Two years later, he began a 6-year run of providing China with information (AP News).
China to train overseas law enforcement officers to create ‘more fair’ world order / September 11, 2024
China is offering to train thousands of foreign police officers to create what it calls a “more fair” world order. Human rights groups have said that the training of African officers included communist “authoritarian tactics” and was designed to protect Chinese investments in those countries. The matter has been an issue since 2022 but recently came up again as China made the offer again at a public security conference (The Guardian).
Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could damage the brain / September 10, 2024
Scientists have discovered a new tick-borne illness—dubbed the Wetland virus—in China that causes a variety of symptoms that mimic other diseases but could also lead to hemorrhagic fever in rare cases. All the patients infected with Wetland virus were given antiviral medication, antibiotics, and immunoglobulin therapy and recovered from their symptoms (Fox News).
What do Hong Kong teens think about official advice on controlling sexual impulses? / August 13, 2024
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau released a new set of instructional materials for secondary students on sex education, causing a strong backlash for its dismissive approach to sexual desires among teens, as well as its implied accusation that it is the girl’s fault for causing a boy’s excitement because of her attire (SCMP).
China's halt of foreign adoptions leaves questions about pending cases / September 5, 2024
China has stopped the adoption processes of “all cases” for intercountry adoptions of Chinese children, leaving expectant parents wondering if there is any hope for their adoption plans to come to fruition. Only blood-relative adoptions are allowed, according to Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry. China’s birthrate and its overall population have dropped for the last two years (ABC News).
‘Spamouflage’ network mimics Americans online to sway US political debate / September 3, 2024
As the US presidential election approaches, election interference by foreign adversaries is once again becoming a concern. “Spamouflage,” a suspected Chinese “disinformation group,” has been accused of creating fake online users and influencers, not necessarily to promote one candidate over another, but to create distrust in the election and the US as a country. Other countries, like Russia and Iran, are also suspected to be involved (AP News).
China-Africa Summit 2024: What’s in it for Beijing, Xi Jinping, and Africa? / September 4, 2024
The tri-annual China-Africa Summit called the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) met this week, with over 53 African heads of state and other officials attending the lavish conference. China has been investing in Africa for nearly 20 years and is the continent’s largest investor (Al Jazeera).
China’s Xi promises one million jobs for Africa / September 5, 2024
Speaking at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation this week, President Xi Jinping promised to bring at least one million jobs on the African continent through China’s numerous partnerships with African countries to build infrastructure, factories, hospitals, schools and more, all to modernize the continent and strengthen China’s ties with the Global South. Xi stated China will bring the equivalent of 51 billion dollars in aid and development to Africa (Al Jazeera).
Taiwan Turns Tables on China with Russian Territories Jibe / September 2, 2024
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, in response to China’s claim over Taiwan, suggested that China should also reclaim territory—large parts of Manchuria—given to Russia in the 1800s if it is so serious about reclaiming “lost” lands. China had a loose claim to Taiwan in the 1800s under the Qing dynasty. Lai claims China only wants Taiwan because China wants to exert its power and hegemony (Newsweek).
New York governor's ex-aide charged as Chinese agent / September 4, 2024
Linda Sun, and her husband, Christopher Hu, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with acting as agents of the Chinese government. Ms. Sun had worked for the State of New York for more than 10 years, first in the Cuomo Administration and more recently, in the Hochul administration, but only for about 15 months (BBC News).
'Chinese spy mayor' wanted by Philippines arrested / September 3, 2024
Alice Guo, the recent mayor of the small Philippine town of Bamban, was found in Indonesia and arrested for sheltering organized crime and human trafficking under online gambling casinos in Bamban. She is also suspected of serving as a Chinese spy or agent. Ms. Guo fled the country in July and denies the allegations (BBC News).
US Responds After Chinese Ship Rams US Ally in South China Sea / September 2, 2024
The United States condemned the Chinese Coast Guard and the Chinese government for the ship’s ramming into a Philippine Coast Guard vessel that was maneuvering near the Spratley Shoal in the South China Sea. This is the second time Chinese Coast Guard ships have threatened Philippine ships in this area since the two countries had a short reprieve from hostilities earlier this summer (Newsweek).
China Reacts After Russia Says It Intends to Change Nuclear War Policy / September 2, 2024
In response to Ukraine’s incursion into Russian territory in its war with Russia, President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia is rethinking its nuclear doctrine, suggesting that Russia may employ nuclear weapons either against Ukraine, or its allies that are supporting its war effort. China warned that a nuclear war cannot be fought nor won (Newsweek).
China hits Canada with anti-dumping probe on canola imports, Ottawa concerned / September 4, 2024
Following the direction of the US and the EU, Canada enacted 100% tariffs on Chinese EV imports, including Tesla. China condemned Canada’s actions and said it will start an anti-dumping investigation into Canada’s canola oil and some chemical exports to China. Almost all of China’s canola oil imports come from Canada (Reuters).
China warns Japan of retaliation over potential new chip curbs, Bloomberg reports / September 2, 2024
A trade war between China and Japan is escalating as China has warned Japan that it may cut off raw material exports to Japan if Japan places more sanctions on chipmaking equipment to China. Japan began restricting exports of certain semiconductor equipment in July, following the United States’ lead to limit China’s access to Western technology (Reuters).
China says ship passage through Japan territorial waters "legitimate" / September 2, 2024
Japan lodged a protest against China on Monday after a Chinese naval vessel sailed into Japanese waters near Kagoshima Prefecture over the weekend. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, explained that the ship was in an area of “international navigation.” This is the tenth occurrence of Chinese ships entering Japanese territorial waters since 2021. In August, a Chinese spy plane entered Japanese airspace, also (Kyodo News).
China's manufacturing output swung back to modest growth in August / September 1, 2024
A private survey indicates that factory activity improved modestly in August among smaller Chinese manufacturers as export orders increased while domestic demand continued to be weak (CNBC).