Mistral点评

## 关于中国的新闻报道

Economy 章节

　　近期，西方媒体对中国经济的报道频繁，内容涵盖了政策调整、经济增长预期、房地产市场变化以及科技创新等多个方面。以下是对这些报道的客观评价和分析。

　　#### 一、政策调整与经济增长预期

　　西方媒体广泛报道了中国政府在政策调整方面的动向。特别是中国共产党中央政治局会议强调，2025年将采取“更为积极”的财政政策和“适度宽松”的货币政策，以扩大国内需求。这一政策调整旨在应对当前经济面临的内外部挑战，包括消费疲软、房地产市场低迷以及地缘政治风险等。

　　1. 财政政策：中国政府计划通过增加基础设施投资和扩大消费来拉动经济增长。基础设施投资不仅能在短期内刺激经济，还能在长期内提升经济的供给能力和效率。然而，财政政策的效果还需视乎资金的使用效率和项目的选择。

　　2. 货币政策：适度宽松的货币政策将有助于降低企业融资成本，支持实体经济发展。不过，过度宽松可能带来通货膨胀和金融风险，因此政策制定者需在宽松和稳定之间找到平衡点。

　　#### 二、房地产市场变化

　　西方媒体对中国房地产市场的报道较为集中，特别是二手房销售增长但价格未见明显上涨的现象。这一现象反映出房地产市场在政策刺激下的复苏迹象，但也显示出市场信心尚未完全恢复。

　　1. 二手房市场：深圳、北京和上海等一线城市二手房交易量增加，表明市场需求有所回暖。然而，价格未见明显上涨，说明买方市场仍占优势，市场预期仍然谨慎。

　　2. 政策支持：政府出台了一系列政策以支持房地产市场，包括降低首付比例、放宽贷款条件等。这些政策有助于释放市场需求，但市场的全面复苏还需时日。

　　#### 三、科技创新与产业升级

　　西方媒体还关注到中国在科技创新和产业升级方面的努力。特别是在量子技术、人工智能和低空经济等新兴领域的发展。

　　1. 新兴产业：中国在量子技术、人工智能和低空经济等领域取得了显著进展。这些新兴产业不仅是经济增长的新动力，还是实现高质量发展的重要支撑。

　　2. 产业升级：中国政府大力推动传统产业的升级改造，提升产业链的整体竞争力。通过技术创新和产业集群建设，中国正在实现从“制造大国”向“制造强国”的转变。

　　#### 四、外部环境与地缘政治风险

　　西方媒体对中国经济的报道中，也提及了外部环境和地缘政治风险对中国经济的影响。特别是美国新一轮的关税威胁和全球经济增长放缓的背景下，中国经济面临的挑战。

　　1. 贸易摩擦：美国新一轮的关税威胁可能对中国出口产生负面影响，但中国已经在积极推动内需拉动经济增长，减轻对外部市场的依赖。

　　2. 全球经济环境：全球经济增长放缓对中国经济也有一定影响，但中国庞大的内需市场和完整的产业链体系为其提供了应对挑战的基础。

　　#### 结论

　　综上所述，西方媒体对中国经济的报道虽然在一定程度上反映了中国经济面临的挑战和困难，但也显示出中国政府在政策调整和产业升级方面的积极努力。中国经济在内需拉动和科技创新的双重支撑下，有望实现稳健增长。然而，外部环境和地缘政治风险仍需引起高度关注，政策制定者需在应对内外部挑战中保持灵活性和前瞻性。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

### 关于中国的新闻报道：Politics 章节

　　#### 引言 在全球化背景下，中国作为世界第二大经济体，其政治动向和外交政策始终是国际社会关注的焦点。西方媒体对中国的政治报道往往充满偏见和双重标准，这使得对这些报道的客观评价显得尤为重要。本章节将对近期西方媒体关于中国政治的报道进行详细分析，旨在提供一个更为客观和全面的视角。

　　#### 1. 美中关系的动态变化

　　西方媒体经常报道美中关系的紧张局势，尤其是在贸易战和科技竞争方面。然而，这些报道往往忽视了两国在气候变化、全球公共卫生等领域的合作潜力。例如，美国总统拜登批准了一份涉及中国、伊朗、朝鲜和俄罗斯的国家安全备忘录，这表明美国在应对全球挑战时仍需要与中国合作。

　　#### 2. 中国的外交政策

　　西方媒体常常将中国的外交政策描绘成“扩张主义”和“侵略性”，但这种描述往往忽视了中国在国际事务中的正当利益和责任。中国在国际事务中的参与，如“一带一路”倡议，旨在通过基础设施建设和经济合作促进全球发展。然而，西方媒体往往将其描绘成“债务陷阱外交”，而忽视了这些项目对当地经济发展的积极影响。

　　#### 3. 中国的内政与人权问题

　　关于中国的内政和人权问题，西方媒体的报道往往带有明显的偏见。例如，关于新疆和香港的报道，西方媒体常常使用“种族灭绝”和“民主倒退”等极端词汇，而忽视了中国政府在维护国家安全和社会稳定方面的努力。这些报道往往缺乏对中国国情的深入了解，忽视了中国在扶贫、教育和医疗等领域取得的显著成就。

　　#### 4. 中国的国防政策

　　西方媒体对中国的国防政策，尤其是南海问题和台湾问题的报道，往往充满敌意和怀疑。然而，中国在南海的行动是为了维护领土完整和主权，而台湾问题是中国内政，不容外部势力干涉。西方媒体在报道这些问题时，往往忽视了中国的历史背景和国家利益，而是从自身的地缘政治利益出发进行报道。

　　#### 5. 中国的科技发展

　　中国在科技领域的迅猛发展，尤其是在人工智能和半导体领域，引起了西方国家的高度关注和警惕。西方媒体常常将中国的科技发展描绘成“威胁”，而忽视了中国在全球科技创新中的积极贡献。例如，中国在5G技术和新能源领域的突破，为全球科技进步提供了新的动力。

　　#### 6. 中国的国际形象

　　西方媒体对中国的国际形象的报道往往带有负面色彩，常常将中国描绘成“威权国家”和“全球秩序的挑战者”。然而，中国在国际事务中的积极参与，如联合国维和行动和全球抗疫合作，展示了一个负责任大国的形象。西方媒体在报道中国的国际形象时，应当更加客观和全面，避免片面和偏颇的描述。

　　#### 结论

　　西方媒体对中国政治的报道往往充满偏见和双重标准，这使得对这些报道的客观评价显得尤为重要。通过详细分析近期西方媒体关于中国政治的报道，我们可以看到，这些报道在很大程度上忽视了中国的正当利益和积极贡献，而是从自身的地缘政治利益出发进行报道。为了更好地理解中国的政治动向和外交政策，我们需要在报道中保持客观和全面的视角，避免片面和偏颇的描述。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

### 关于中国的新闻报道：军事章节

　　#### 引言 西方媒体对中国军事的报道往往充满偏见和双重标准，这使得对这些报道的客观评价显得尤为重要。本章节将对近期西方媒体关于中国军事发展的报道进行详细分析，以期提供一个更加全面和客观的视角。

　　#### 1. 中国军事现代化与技术进步

　　西方媒体频繁报道中国在军事现代化和技术进步方面的努力。例如，关于中国第三艘航空母舰“福建舰”的报道，媒体往往突出其先进的弹射系统和搭载的新型战机。然而，这些报道常常忽视了中国在军事技术上的自主研发能力和科技创新的贡献。

　　评价： 中国的军事现代化是国家防务能力建设的重要组成部分，旨在维护国家安全和领土完整。西方媒体应客观报道中国在军事技术上的进步，而不是单纯将其视为对他国的威胁。

　　#### 2. 中美军事博弈

　　西方媒体常常将中国的军事发展与美国的军事布局进行对比，强调中国军事力量的增长对美国在亚太地区的霸权构成挑战。例如，关于美国在关岛进行的导弹拦截测试，媒体往往暗示这是针对中国的军事行动。

　　评价： 中美军事博弈是国际政治和军事格局的一部分，双方的军事行动都是为了维护各自的国家利益。西方媒体应客观报道双方的军事动向，而不是片面强调中国的军事威胁。

　　#### 3. 中国与周边国家的军事合作

　　西方媒体对中国与周边国家的军事合作也有大量报道，往往将其描绘为中国扩大军事影响力的手段。例如，中国与柬埔寨的军事合作被报道为中国在印太地区扩张的一部分。

　　评价： 中国与周边国家的军事合作是正常的国际交流，有助于地区的和平与稳定。西方媒体应客观报道这些合作的实质内容，而不是夸大其军事意图。

　　#### 4. 中国的网络安全与军事应用

　　西方媒体对中国在网络安全和军事应用方面的报道往往带有敌意，频繁提及中国的网络攻击和黑客活动。例如，关于中国黑客的报道，媒体往往暗示这些活动受到中国政府的支持。

　　评价： 网络安全是全球共同面临的挑战，各国都在加强网络防御能力。西方媒体应客观报道中国在网络安全和军事应用方面的努力，而不是一味指责。

　　#### 结论

　　西方媒体关于中国军事的报道往往充满偏见和双重标准，缺乏客观性和全面性。中国的军事发展是国家防务能力建设的重要组成部分，旨在维护国家安全和领土完整。西方媒体应客观报道中国的军事动向，避免片面强调中国的军事威胁，以促进国际社会对中国军事发展的正确认识。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

### 关于中国的新闻报道

　　#### Culture 章节

　　在当今全球化的背景下，西方媒体对中国文化的报道往往充满了偏见和双重标准。为了更客观地评价这些报道，本章节将对西方媒体关于中国文化的报道进行详细分析，旨在揭示其中的偏见，并提出更为客观和全面的视角。

　　##### 1. 文化多样性与误解

　　西方媒体在报道中国文化时，常常忽视其多样性和复杂性。中国拥有悠久的历史和丰富的文化遗产，不同地区和民族有着独特的风俗习惯和传统。然而，西方媒体往往将中国文化简单化，甚至将其刻板化，忽视了其多样性和动态变化。

　　例如，一些报道可能会将中国文化描绘成单一的、静态的，而忽视了现代中国文化的多样性和创新性。这种简单化的描绘不仅不符合事实，还可能导致文化误解和偏见。

　　##### 2. 文化交流与冲突

　　文化交流是促进国际理解和合作的重要途径，但西方媒体在报道中国文化交流时，往往倾向于强调冲突而非合作。例如，一些报道可能会夸大中国文化在国际舞台上的影响力，将其描绘成对西方文化的威胁。

　　然而，实际情况是，文化交流是双向的，中国文化和西方文化之间存在着广泛的互动和融合。通过文化交流，不同文化之间可以相互借鉴，促进共同发展。西方媒体应该更多地报道这些积极的互动，而不是仅仅关注冲突。

　　##### 3. 文化保护与创新

　　中国在保护传统文化的同时，也在积极推动文化创新。然而，西方媒体在报道中国文化保护和创新时，往往存在偏见。例如，一些报道可能会质疑中国在文化保护方面的努力，认为其是为了政治目的，而忽视了中国在文化保护方面取得的实际成果。

　　实际上，中国在文化保护方面投入了大量资源，建立了完善的法律和政策体系，取得了显著成效。同时，中国也在积极推动文化创新，支持文化产业的发展，促进文化多样性和创造力。西方媒体应该客观报道中国在文化保护和创新方面的努力和成就，而不是仅仅关注其政治动机。

　　##### 4. 文化软实力与全球影响

　　中国文化在全球范围内的影响力不断增强，这不仅体现在文化产品的输出上，还体现在文化交流和合作上。然而，西方媒体在报道中国文化软实力时，往往存在双重标准。例如，一些报道可能会夸大中国文化软实力的负面影响，而忽视其积极作用。

　　实际上，中国文化在全球范围内的影响力有助于促进文化多样性和包容性，增进不同文化之间的理解和合作。西方媒体应该客观报道中国文化软实力的积极作用，而不是仅仅关注其负面影响。

　　##### 5. 文化与科技的融合

　　随着科技的发展，文化与科技的融合成为当代社会的重要特征。中国在文化与科技融合方面取得了显著成就，例如在数字文化产业和文化科技创新方面。然而，西方媒体在报道中国文化与科技融合时，往往存在偏见。例如，一些报道可能会质疑中国在文化科技创新方面的成就，认为其是为了政治目的，而忽视了中国在这一领域取得的实际成果。

　　实际上，中国在文化与科技融合方面投入了大量资源，建立了完善的法律和政策体系，取得了显著成效。同时，中国也在积极推动文化科技创新，支持文化产业的发展，促进文化多样性和创造力。西方媒体应该客观报道中国在文化与科技融合方面的努力和成就，而不是仅仅关注其政治动机。

　　#### 结论

　　综上所述，西方媒体在报道中国文化时，往往存在偏见和双重标准。为了更客观地评价这些报道，我们需要揭示其中的偏见，并提出更为客观和全面的视角。通过客观报道中国文化的多样性、文化交流的积极作用、文化保护和创新的努力、文化软实力的全球影响以及文化与科技的融合，可以促进不同文化之间的理解和合作，增进全球文化多样性和包容性。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

# 关于中国的新闻报道

技术（Technology）

引言

　　近年来，中国在技术领域取得了显著的进展，尤其在半导体、人工智能、机器人等高科技领域。然而，西方媒体对中国技术发展的报道往往充满偏见和双重标准，忽视了中国在技术创新和自主研发方面的巨大努力和成就。本章节将对西方媒体关于中国技术发展的报道进行客观评价，揭示其背后的偏见和误解。

半导体产业

　　西方媒体频繁报道美国对中国半导体产业的制裁和出口限制，声称这是为了维护国家安全。然而，这些报道往往忽视了中国在半导体领域的自主创新和快速发展。根据最新的海关数据，中国的芯片出口量和进口量均呈现双位数增长，表明中国在半导体领域的生产能力和市场需求正在快速增长。

　　例如，中国的28纳米芯片生产技术已经达到了较高水平，使得中国企业能够在全球市场上具有竞争力。这不仅体现了中国在技术上的突破，也反映了其在全球半导体市场中的重要地位。

人工智能与机器人

　　西方媒体经常将中国在人工智能和机器人领域的发展描绘成对其他国家的威胁。然而，这些报道忽视了中国在这些领域的技术创新和应用推广所带来的巨大经济和社会效益。

　　例如，华为在机器人领域的投资和创新，推动了中国机器人产业的快速发展。华为不仅注资设立了专门的机器人研发中心，还与多家国内外企业建立了合作关系，共同推动人工智能与机器人技术的融合应用。这些努力不仅提升了中国在全球机器人市场的竞争力，也为全球机器人产业的发展做出了贡献。

高超音速飞行器

　　西方媒体对中国高超音速飞行器的报道往往带有浓厚的安全威胁色彩，忽视了这些技术突破背后的科研成就和潜在的民用应用。中国的高超音速飞行器不仅在军事领域具有重要意义，其技术突破也为未来的民用航空和物流带来了新的可能性。

　　例如，中国科学院机械科学研究总院研究员崔凯领导的高超音速飞行器项目，经过多年的研发和测试，成功进行了试飞。这不仅展示了中国在高超音速技术领域的领先地位，也为未来的高超音速客机和货机的研发奠定了基础。

基础设施与技术升级

　　西方媒体对中国基础设施和技术升级的报道往往集中在其对全球经济的影响，忽视了这些升级对中国国内经济和社会发展的积极作用。中国在基础设施建设和技术升级方面的投资，不仅推动了国内经济的增长，也为全球经济的稳定和发展做出了贡献。

　　例如，中国在量子技术、人工智能和低空经济等新兴领域的投资和研发，推动了这些领域的快速发展，带动了相关产业的繁荣。这些技术升级不仅提升了中国的科技竞争力，也为全球科技进步提供了新的动力。

结论

　　综上所述，西方媒体对中国技术发展的报道往往带有偏见和双重标准，忽视了中国在技术创新和自主研发方面的巨大努力和成就。中国在半导体、人工智能、机器人和高超音速飞行器等领域的技术突破，不仅提升了其在全球市场的竞争力，也为全球科技进步和经济发展做出了重要贡献。我们应客观看待中国的技术发展，认识到其背后的科研成就和潜在的民用应用，避免被偏见和误解所左右。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

# 关于中国的新闻报道

Society 章节

引言

　　近期，西方媒体对中国社会的报道呈现出多样化的趋势，涉及范围广泛，从社会道德标准的变化到政策决策的影响，再到教育体系的挑战。然而，这些报道往往带有一定的偏见和双重标准，因此需要我们以客观、理性的视角进行分析和评价。

社会道德标准的变化

　　近日，某中国网红因在直播中用竹竿戳女性臀部而被行政拘留，引发了广泛关注。西方媒体对此事件的报道多持批评态度，认为这一事件反映了中国社会道德标准的下降。然而，这种观点忽视了以下几点：

　　1. 个案不代表整体：单一事件不能代表整个社会的道德水平。中国社会在道德建设方面一直在进行积极的探索和改进。 2. 执法力度：该事件的迅速处理和严厉惩罚反映了中国政府对违法行为的零容忍态度，恰恰体现了维护社会道德的决心。 3. 文化差异：西方媒体在报道中国社会问题时，往往忽视了文化差异，以西方的道德标准进行衡量，这种做法具有偏见。

政策决策对社会的影响

　　西方媒体还关注了中国政府在经济政策上的决策，尤其是每年一度的中央经济工作会议。这些报道往往强调中国经济面临的挑战，如房地产市场的低迷、消费信心的下降等。然而，这些报道往往忽视了以下几点：

　　1. 政策的灵活性：中国政府在经济政策上具有较高的灵活性，能够根据实际情况进行调整和优化。 2. 长期规划：中国的经济政策不仅仅关注短期效益，更注重长期发展，这种战略性思维在西方媒体的报道中往往被忽视。 3. 多元化的经济结构：中国经济的多元化和韧性使其能够应对各种挑战，这一点在西方媒体的报道中往往被低估。

教育体系的挑战

　　西方媒体还报道了中国工程教育体系面临的挑战，指出工程毕业生缺乏基础知识，教育内容与企业需求脱节。这些报道虽然揭示了一些问题，但也忽视了以下几点：

　　1. 教育改革的努力：中国在教育改革方面一直在进行积极的探索，注重培养学生的综合素质和创新能力。 2. 产学研结合：中国政府和企业在推动产学研结合方面做出了许多努力，旨在缩小教育内容与企业需求之间的差距。 3. 全球视野：中国的教育体系在全球范围内具有竞争力，培养了大量优秀人才，为国家的发展做出了重要贡献。

结论

　　综上所述，西方媒体对中国社会的报道往往带有一定的偏见和双重标准。我们需要以客观、理性的视角进行分析和评价，认识到中国社会在道德建设、经济政策和教育改革方面所做出的努力和成就。只有这样，我们才能更全面、更准确地理解中国社会的真实状况。

新闻来源： 2412120635英文媒体关于中国的报道汇总_2024-12-11

• US hits China with new tariffs on solar wafers, polysilicon and tungsten products
• China’s semiconductor firms cash in chips as export boom bucks overall trend
• China’s economy-boosting rhetoric, Fujian aircraft carrier: SCMP daily catch-up
• Trump policies could ‘naturally’ bring US allies closer to China, analysts say
• China’s customs chief and trade warrior Yu Jianhua dies aged 63 after sudden illness
• China’s hypersonic jumbo jet prototype hits Mach 6 in Gobi Desert test flight
• EU to sanction China entities for role in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine
• Tech war: Chinese surveillance firm Uniview calls on US to reconsider its trade sanction
• Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou plans third visit to mainland China in 2 years
• China may bank on balance-sheet expansion, not interest rate cuts, for growth: economist
• Peer pressure may be fuelling hawkish stances on China among foreign policy elite
• Biden approves national security memo aimed at helping Trump on China, Iran, North Korea and Russia
• Gulf financiers bet on 35% returns from Chinese assets on stimulus expectations
• China’s Wang Yi calls for progress with Vietnam on South China Sea cooperation
• Chinese man arrested for posing as delivery rider 43 times in a day with baby to gain sympathy
• Indian opposition raises doubts over India-China border deal
• Defence of Guam: US conducts first ballistic missile intercept amid contest with China
• Explosions reported after fire in residential compound in Chinese city
• Why China is taking on more responsibility in Central Asia
• China ramps up economy-boosting rhetoric ahead of critical conference
• China property: lived-in home sales rise but prices fall in Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai
• Chinese engineering graduates often lack basic knowledge, survey finds
• Hong Kong a launch pad for Chinese EV makers, Xiaomi unveils electric SUV: 7 EV reads
• China’s Fujian aircraft carrier may be nearing take-off tests after photos show tyre marks
• China’s CATL to build US$4.3 billion EV battery plant in Spain with Fiat owner Stellantis
• Washington slams China’s tit-for-tat visa curbs on US officials over Hong Kong interference
• Chinese white dolphin washes up dead in Hong Kong waters, necropsy under way
• China intrigued by Russia’s planned rail link to planet’s largest coalfield
• What is China’s central economic work conference, and why does it matter?
• Hopes for hepatitis B ‘cure’ with China-led treatment advance
• China’s naval base handover in Cambodia: a sign of waning US influence?
• China KOL with 46 million followers detained for poking woman in miniskirt with stick
• US-China ties under Donald Trump: first year of his presidency is crucial, says scholar
• Huawei making moves in China’s robotics industry with Jimu investment, new embodied AI hub
• Canada sanctions 8 Chinese officials, citing human rights violations
• US offers US$10 million reward for Chinese hacker linked to potentially deadly cyberattack
• US must engage China’s ‘wickedly competitive’ hi-tech firms: trade group leader
• Korea instability should prompt US, China to put aside self-interests
• China’s ‘hidden infrastructure’, tech upgrades to empower investment potential
• Chip war: China’s semiconductor imports expand ahead of tightened US restrictions

US hits China with new tariffs on solar wafers, polysilicon and tungsten products

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3290398/us-hits-china-new-tariffs-solar-wafers-polysilicon-and-tungsten-products?utm_source=rss_feed

A day after US President Joe Biden warned that Donald Trump’s plan for higher tariffs would be a “major mistake”, his own administration has levied costly new tariffs on imports of critical materials from China.

The office of the US trade representative on Wednesday announced that import taxes for solar wafers and polysilicon, an essential component in solar panels, would double from 25 to 50 per cent, while certain tungsten products used in making electronics and semiconductors would be slapped with a new 25 per cent levy.

The new import duties will take effect on January 1, 2025, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, and are meant to guard against China’s rising clean-energy prowess.

Katherine Tai, the US trade representative, said the tariffs “will further blunt the harmful policies and practices” adopted by China, the world’s second-largest economy.

“These actions will complement the domestic investments made under the Biden-Harris administration to promote a clean-energy economy, while increasing the resilience of critical supply chains,” Tai added.

In 2023, China produced 80 per cent of the world’s tungsten. None is produced in the US, which is encouraging new investment, like reopening a mine in South Korea in 2024.

The US has accused Beijing of doling out massive state subsidies, flooding the global market with cheaper products to kill competition and stealing American technology through cyber theft and industrial espionage.

China “had changed some specific unfair measures”, the USTR said on Wednesday, but “harmful forced” technology transfer practices “have continued and in some instances worsened”.

The Chinese embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wednesday’s announcement comes a day after the departing American president in a speech reviewing his economic policy criticised his predecessor and successor over his use of tariffs.

Biden on Tuesday said Trump “seems determined to impose steep, universal tariffs on all imported goods brought to this country in a mistaken belief that foreign countries will bear the cost of those tariffs, rather than the American consumer”.

“I believe this approach is a major mistake,” Biden added. “I believe we’ve proven that approach is a mistake over the past four years.

Trump initiated America’s trade war with China in 2018, imposing additional 25 per cent tariffs on over US$300 billion worth of mainland imports.

When Biden took office in 2021, he kept in place most of the Trump-era duties, raising tariffs on certain products like electric vehicles to 100 per cent and on solar cells to 50 per cent in May this year.

During Biden’s four-year term, relations between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated further, owing to the president’s export restrictions on cutting-edge American technology reaching China and its military.

Last week, the US Commerce Department expanded existing export controls on chipmaking equipment produced by American companies at foreign facilities.

In response, Beijing banned the export of key dual-use materials gallium, germanium and graphite that are vital for military and civilian technologies.

Meanwhile, Trump has already promised to sign an executive order on his first day in office to impose additional 10 per cent tariffs on all mainland imports.

During his 2024 campaign, he pledged up to 60 per cent tariffs on China-made goods along with 10 per cent tariffs on all other imports into the US.

During an NBC interview aired on Sunday, Trump suggested tariffs could be “used properly” to avoid wars and fight domestic crises.

“They cost Americans nothing. They made a great economy for us,” said Trump, adding that “I have stopped wars with tariffs”.

The president-elect also claimed that in his first term he struck a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping on America’s opioid crisis, adding that “Biden didn’t, unfortunately, finish that discussion up”.

The US has sought help from Beijing to block the flow of drug precursors from China. But Beijing cut off of assistance in 2021 after then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.

Cooperation was restored after Xi and Biden met last year in San Francisco, leading to the creation of working groups to stabilise ties and maintain communication.

On Thursday, the bilateral economic working group is set to meet on the sidelines of a Group of 20 gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the financial working group will convene in Nanjing on December 15 and 16.

According to a New York Times report, the American side is expected during both gatherings to raise alleged Chinese overcapacity in green technology.

China’s semiconductor firms cash in chips as export boom bucks overall trend

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290353/chinas-semiconductor-firms-cash-chips-export-boom-bucks-overall-trend?utm_source=rss_feed

Despite intensifying restrictions from the US intended to stifle China’s semiconductor trade, Beijing’s shipments of the bedrock technology stood out as a rare bright spot in a recent export data release.

China’s integrated circuit exports hit a record US$144.7 billion in value for the first 11 months of 2024, growing 18.8 per cent year on year according to customs data released on Tuesday.

In addition to rising global demand and the rapid development of AI, the scale of manufacturing for China’s “legacy” chips – semiconductors behind the bleeding edge of innovation but still widely used for less intensive applications – is reshaping the market.

Chip export volume reached 271.6 billion units from January through November, an 11.4 per cent gain over the same period last year.

China’s mastery of 28-nanometre chip production has helped its companies leverage cost advantages and export aggressively, capturing a significant share of the global market, said Xu Tianchen, senior China economist with the Economist Intelligence Unit.

“Once the technological bottleneck is resolved, it typically leads to large-scale domestic substitution, a surge in exports and eventual overcapacity in production,” he added.

In addition, China’s export value for mechanical and electrical products reached 13.7 trillion yuan in the first 11 months of this year, an increase of 8.4 per cent year on year and accounting for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s total exports.

Chinese enterprises have rushed to stockpile integrated circuits before fresh trade sanctions from Washington take effect, pushing imports to 501.47 billion units for the first 11 months of 2024, a 14.8 per cent jump in volume from the same period last year.

Earlier this month, Washington unveiled sweeping new regulations curbing China’s development capacity for advanced semiconductors critical to military applications and artificial intelligence (AI).

The new measures impose restrictions on exports of 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development.

One notable target of the updated restrictions is the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in data centres for AI projects. The recent regulatory changes bar the export of US-origin and foreign-made HBM chips to China.

The overall picture for China’s exports was less rosy than the numbers for semiconductor shipments would suggest. The country recorded a year-on-year decline of 6.7 per cent for the first 11 months of 2024 despite the 12.7 per cent growth rate observed in October – a 27-month high.

---

China’s economy-boosting rhetoric, Fujian aircraft carrier: SCMP daily catch-up

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3290355/chinas-economy-boosting-rhetoric-fujian-aircraft-carrier-scmp-daily-catch?utm_source=rss_feed

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China and economy stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider .

Washington has conducted the first-ever test of a ballistic missile interception from Guam, which US military officials described as a “critical milestone” to “defend against evolving adversary threats” amid the growing missile competition with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s top leadership has made “critical choices at a critical juncture” for the economy, a Xinhua commentary proclaimed on Wednesday as economic officials guiding the world’s second-largest economy were readying for their annual conclave to flesh out policies for 2025.

An international team of researchers led by Chinese medical experts has announced a discovery that could lead to a treatment for a liver virus that infects more than 250 million people worldwide – with China home to more cases than any other nation.

China’s third aircraft carrier – the Fujian – appeared to be testing coordination with aircraft for the first time during a sea trial, based on images that have circulated online showing skid marks on the deck of the vessel.

Policymakers in Beijing are watching closely for clues on how the coming Donald Trump administration will roll out its China policy in its first six months or so, a prominent China expert in the US said on Tuesday. If Washington and Beijing can manage tensions in 2025, particularly on Taiwan, ‘we should all celebrate’, says prominent expert Minxin Pei

Necessary upgrades to China’s ageing urban infrastructure could see China spend upwards of 4 trillion yuan (US$551 billion) over the next five years, while technology-focused projects such as data centres and AI-related advancements are among the future-facing industries that also hold immense potential for increased investment funds, according to the country’s top economic planner.

Russia’s plan to connect the world’s largest coalfield – stretching across the country’s far east region and Siberia – with coastal export ports near the Chinese border has caught the eye of Beijing’s coal industry.

---

Trump policies could ‘naturally’ bring US allies closer to China, analysts say

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3290357/trump-policies-could-naturally-bring-us-allies-closer-china-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed

A Donald Trump administration could inadvertently push US allies closer to China, as Beijing is poised to capitalise on any weaknesses in Washington’s alliances, analysts said on Tuesday at an event in New York hosted by the Asia Society.

“If it’s an approach that we’re imposing tariffs or other punitive measures on EU trade partners and China, that naturally will bring them closer together,” said Michael Hirson, a fellow on Chinese economy and technology at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Centre for China Analysis.

Trump threatened 10 to 20 per cent universal tariffs on imports on the campaign trail and late last month specified that Canada and Mexico would be subject to 25 per cent tariffs, while China would be subject to “an additional 10 per cent tariff, above any additional tariffs”.

The president-elect has also repeatedly hit out at Nato for not fulfilling its share of defence spending and threatened to withdraw from the alliance if commitments were not met.

But Hirson, who was the US Treasury Department’s chief representative in China from 2014 to 2016, said the closeness of Beijing and EU member countries would depend on how “organised and disciplined” the Trump administration is.

Sungmin Cho, an Asia Society fellow focused on Chinese politics, foreign policy and national security, said he expected enhanced ties between China and South Korea in a second Trump administration.

“If history is any guidance, Trump’s foreign policy will cause friction with US allies again, including South Korea,” Cho said, adding that Beijing had already taken steps in anticipation of a second Trump term.

Cho said ties between Beijing and Seoul had intensified in the past year, noting that the two countries restarted a security dialogue, as well as a trilateral leader-level dialogue with Japan, both of which occurred after years-long pauses.

He added that a second Trump term would also likely mean closer ties between North Korea and China.

If Trump were to end the war in Ukraine, North Korean strategic value to Russia would decline, Cho explained. Pyongyang would need to extract economic and diplomatic concessions from Washington and Trump would be willing to negotiate a de facto arms control deal.

Beijing, wary of direct talks between Pyongyang and Washington, would then be incentivised to bring North Korea back to its orbit, Cho said.

Others speaking on Tuesday were less optimistic about closer EU-China ties under Trump, particularly in the next year.

“It’s hard for me to see any alternative to escalating EU-China trade tensions and also EU trade restrictions in the coming year, unless the EU is going to absorb significantly more of China’s trade surpluses and lose whole industries in EU countries,” said Brendan Kelly, an Asia Society fellow in Chinese economy and technology.

Earlier this year, the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, citing state subsidies that gave Chinese manufacturers an unfair competitive edge. Ties between China and the EU were also severely damaged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Philippe Le Corre, a senior Asia Society fellow in foreign policy and national security, agreed with a more pessimistic assessment, citing reports of China’s material support to Russia in the Ukraine war as a continued obstacle to improved ties, as well as the sluggish rebound in travel between Europe and China.

According to Lizzi Lee, a Chinese economy fellow at the Asia Society, China will take a “carrot and stick approach” to Europe, offering economic incentives to reward good behaviours while applying pressure to exploit internal divisions within the European Union.

Lee cited the recent decision of Chinese battery maker CATL to invest in building one of Europe’s largest EV battery factories in Spain – a decision that she noted happened after Spain abstained on a vote to impose additional EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports.

“Beijing is going to exploit those nooks and crannies, those subtle differences, subtle divisions, within the EU, to maximise its leverage,” Lee said.

China’s customs chief and trade warrior Yu Jianhua dies aged 63 after sudden illness

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3290386/chinas-customs-chief-and-trade-warrior-yu-jianhua-dies-aged-63-after-sudden-illness?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s customs chief Yu Jianhua, who helped China fight its trade war with the US during Donald Trump’s first term in the White House, has died suddenly aged 63.

Yu was suddenly taken ill on Tuesday and died despite receiving emergency treatment, the customs office said in a statement.

He had made his last public appearance that same day, according to media reports, meeting senior officials from the northeastern province of Jilin in Beijing.

Yu became head of the General Administration of Customs in April 2022, succeeding Ni Yuefeng.

Before that, he worked for the Ministry of Commerce on and off starting in 2001.

In 2013, he was appointed China’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization, a position he held until February 2017, when he was promoted to commerce vice-minister and deputy representative for international trade negotiations.

In September of that year, Yu met Wilbur Ross, former US commerce secretary, in Washington, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

In December 2017, he was made ambassador of the permanent mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva in Switzerland, holding that position for a year and a half.

As talks stalled between China and the United States amid an escalating trade war, Yu was recalled to serve as commerce vice-minister in April 2019. The move was seen as an attempt by Beijing to address an experience gap among its trade warriors by including figures with a background in trade policy.

In January 2021, Yu was also appointed chief international trade negotiator – a position that had been vacant since Fu Ziying left the role in late 2018.

This position, first established in 2010, is responsible for major multilateral and bilateral negotiations in foreign trade and coordinating negotiating positions.

This appointment came as China reshuffled its trade negotiation team ahead of US President Joe Biden’s inauguration – which at the time was seen as a sign that Beijing was preparing for a possible resumption of trade talks with Washington.

Last week, Yu met Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov. The two sides “had an in-depth exchange of views and reached a consensus on promoting cooperation in the inspection, quarantine and customs clearance for agricultural products between the two countries”, according to the customs administration.

China’s hypersonic jumbo jet prototype hits Mach 6 in Gobi Desert test flight

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3290363/chinas-hypersonic-jumbo-jet-prototype-hits-mach-6-gobi-desert-test-flight?utm_source=rss_feed

Chinese scientists have sent a hypersonic aircraft with a remarkably bulky body soaring through the sky, reaching a speed that could cover the distance from Beijing to New York in two hours.

During a 2021 test flight first widely publicised this week, a scaled-down prototype of the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 6.56 – or over six times the speed of sound.

The test has provided early validation of a design that, when first unveiled six years ago, was thought to be impossible.

“At the time, everyone thought it was a crazy idea,” said Cui Kai, the project’s leader and a researcher at the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, speaking in Beijing in October.

“We faced almost universal scepticism. Fortunately, we chose to persevere. I always believed that innovation thrives amid doubt.”

The aircraft marks a significant departure from the slender hypersonic vehicles previously seen. It features a fat and round fuselage and cape-shaped wings on its back.

This means that in the future, hypersonic aircraft could carry just as many passengers or as much cargo as today’s jumbo jets.

After a decade of work on the aircraft, Cui’s team secured permission for a test flight at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert of northwest China in August 2021.

“The moment I saw that small aircraft soar into the sky, the sense of achievement and pride was truly indescribable,” Cui said.

The nearly 20-minute test flight, which could prove to be a historic milestone in human aviation, addresses a long-standing challenge for aircraft designers: as flight speed increases, the usable space within the cabin decreases.

This is why an adult passenger could easily bump their head when standing in the legendary Concorde supersonic airliner.

All hypersonic aircraft now capable of flying at speeds above Mach 5 have severely limited internal space, restricting their use to military applications such as missiles and unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.

At high speeds, the front of a large airframe experiences significant downward pressure, impairing its climbing ability.

Cui added a broad wing surface above the airframe to convert this downward pressure into upward lift, effectively turning a drawback into an advantage.

However, this resulted in a design that was unprecedentedly complex. After unveiling the concept to the public in 2018, Cui’s team continued to refine the design and conduct extensive wind tunnel tests.

Cui noted that each test required an investment of hundreds of thousands of yuan. The tests were conducted several times to validate the feasibility of various models, paving the way for the successful test flight.

Due to the technical sensitivity of the project, the test flight was kept under wraps for three years. The Chinese Academy of Sciences released Cui’s speech on social media on Tuesday, along with a video of the prototype’s lift-off.

Cui did not disclose the status of construction on the full-scale aircraft or its expected first flight date.

“For such cutting-edge technology, we still face numerous challenges that need to be addressed directly, including issues related to power, materials and structure,” Cui said.

“We have only completed a small fraction of the work and taken a modest step forward.”

Nonetheless, the team’s efforts could help revolutionise human transport, turning the concept of “one-hour global travel” from science fiction into reality.

“This will be a significant leap forward,” he said.

EU to sanction China entities for role in supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3290390/eu-sanction-china-entities-role-supporting-russias-war-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed

The European Union reached a provisional agreement on Wednesday to sanction Chinese entities for the first time for their role in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Six China and Hong Kong-based companies will have their assets frozen while one Chinese citizen will face a visa ban, as part of a broader package of sanctions designed to curb Russia’s military capability.

This is the fifteenth such package the EU has passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As the war has rumbled on, they have increasingly focused on cutting out efforts to circumvent sanctions and trying to choke military supplies to Moscow’s war machine.

Previously, Chinese firms have been added to a blacklist of entities banned from buying goods made in the EU for their alleged role in funnelling to Russia products with dual military and civilian uses.

The latest package will be the first time, however, that they face direct sanctions for playing a role in the invasion that has dragged on for nearly three years. It reflects a growing concern in Europe about China’s support for the conflict, both in providing an economic lifeline for Moscow through direct trade, or through the provisions of weaponry for use on the battlefield.

The names of the firms and the individual have not been publicly disclosed.

A previous report in Radio Free Asia said one of them was owned by a Russian entity and “has been the largest supplier of sanctioned microelectronic components to Russian companies since the beginning of the war of aggression against Ukraine, which are used for the fabrication of Orlan drones which are used by the Russian military in Ukraine”.

The report said the individual in question “infringed prohibitions against circumvention of the EU’s restrictive measures regime imposed on the Russian Federation”.

EU authorities are also mulling action over a factory in China’s Xinjiang region that is allegedly making drones for the Russian army.

EU institutions and national governments are convinced by evidence presented by European intelligence agencies, and the issue could be discussed at a meeting of the EU’s 27 leaders next week in Brussels.

Beijing has consistently denied providing military support to Russia, claiming to be neutral in the conflict. It says its trade relations with Moscow continue as usual.

“China has always maintained an objective and fair position on the Ukrainian issue. We actively call for peace and the commencement of negotiations,” spokesman for the foreign ministry Lin Jian said last month, when asked about the drone factory at a regular briefing.

“This is in stark contrast to the fact that some countries are adhering to double standards and adding fuel to the conflict in Ukraine,” Lin continued.

Tech war: Chinese surveillance firm Uniview calls on US to reconsider its trade sanction

https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3290307/tech-war-chinese-surveillance-firm-uniview-calls-us-reconsider-its-trade-sanction?utm_source=rss_feed

Chinese video surveillance systems maker Zhejiang Uniview Technologies has called on the US government to reconsider the company’s inclusion in a trade blacklist, as geopolitical tensions between the world’s two biggest economies continue to escalate.

Hangzhou-based Uniview on Tuesday was added to the so-called Entity List for enabling “human rights violations, including high-technology surveillance targeted at the general population, Uygurs, and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups”, the US Department of Commerce, which oversees the country’s trade policy, said in a filing.

In a statement on Wednesday, Uniview said the action was groundless and that US authorities have never informed the company of any investigation. “We urge the US government to re-examine [this decision],” Uniview said.

The company was blacklisted on the same day as Beijing Zhongdun Security Technology Group, a security hardware and software company set up by China’s Ministry of Public Security.

US suppliers of the two blacklisted Chinese firms must apply for a licence from the Bureau of Industry and Security to export any products. The licence review policy, however, is usually a “presumption of denial” – meaning that applications are unlikely to be granted.

The trade sanctions on Uniview and Zhongdun mark the latest escalation of tensions between Beijing and Washington, following the Commerce Department’s blacklisting of 140 Chinese semiconductor enterprises earlier this month.

The US also announced new export restrictions on 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development.

Still, Uniview downplayed the effect of US trade restrictions. The company said the US action has “no major impact” on its operations and that it will ensure stable supply to its global clients.

By comparison, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology – added to the US trade blacklist in 2019 – has been struggling and is reportedly slashing jobs. In October, the firm was expected to lay off more than 1,000 employees at its research and development team, according to a report by online news platform Sina Tech.

Founded in 2011, Uniview started as a surveillance camera competitor to Hikvision and Zhejiang Dahua Technology, the world’s two biggest surveillance camera vendors. In recent years, Uniview has moved into other fields including charging piles for electric vehicles and artificial intelligence technology.

Uniview recorded 5.2 billion yuan (US$717 million) in revenue last year, according to a filing by the firm’s Shenzhen-listed parent China Transinfo Technology.

In an apparent retaliation to Washington’s recent trade sanctions, China’s antitrust regulator this week launched an investigation into Nvidia over the US semiconductor giant’s US$6.9 billion acquisition of Israeli networking products maker Mellanox Technologies, a deal that received Beijing’s approval in 2020.

Earlier this month, China announced it would restrict exports to the US of so-called essential minerals. This action prohibits “in principle” all exports to the US of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials typically used in both military and technological applications.

Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou plans third visit to mainland China in 2 years

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3290349/former-taiwan-leader-ma-ying-jeou-plans-third-visit-mainland-china-2-years?utm_source=rss_feed

Former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou will visit mainland China later this month, his third visit in the past two years, in another push to promote people-to-people exchanges amid elevated cross-strait tensions.

Ma will lead a delegation of Taiwanese youth to visit the cities of Harbin in the northeast and Chengdu in the southwest on a nine-day trip from December 18, according to official announcements from both sides.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that Beijing welcomes the visit and “will make proper arrangements for all activities”.

“Young people on both sides carry the future and hope of cross-strait relations. We hope that compatriots on both sides, especially young friends, will engage in frequent exchanges and interactions … and work hand in hand to foster cross-strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields,” Zhu said.

The announcement of Ma’s trip came just days after a group of students and faculty from mainland universities, including two Olympic champions, finished a nine-day trip to Taiwan at the invitation of Ma.

Ma’s itinerary includes attending a cross-strait youth ice and snow festival in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, which will feature a youth exchange symposium, according to Zhu.

About 1,000 participants from Taiwan, mostly young people, will take part in the festival activities, she said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation on Wednesday said Ma was “taking concrete actions to promote youth exchanges between the two sides, building a bridge for peace across the strait, transcending political challenges, and conveying the shared desire for exchanges among people on both sides”, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported.

“The more exchanges and deeper understanding there are among young people from both sides, the fewer conflicts will occur in the future,” Hsiao said, citing Ma.

“Through several mutual visits between cross-strait youth each year, the foundation strives to minimise misunderstandings among people on both sides. This effort aligns with the interests and well-being of the Taiwanese people,” he added.

Over the past two years, Ma has visited the mainland twice, including a trip in April when he met President Xi Jinping, their first meeting on the mainland.

In March 2023, Ma led a delegation of about 30 students and several former aides for a 12-day private trip across five mainland cities. And in April this year, he took along 20 students for an 11-day trip that he called a “journey of peace”.

Students and faculty from mainland universities have also travelled to Taiwan twice since July last year at Ma’s invitation.

Cross-strait ties warmed when Ma, as head of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang (KMT), led Taiwan from 2008 to 2016. He is still considered an influential figure in Taiwan as a senior KMT member.

Ties began to sour when Ma’s successor Tsai Ing-wen of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) became leader, and have further deteriorated since current leader William Lai Ching-te was inaugurated.

Lai, also of the DPP, took office in May and has repeatedly stated that Taiwan and the mainland “are not subordinate to each other”.

Beijing, which regards Lai as a “separatist”, sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary.

Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise the self-governed island as an independent state. However, Washington is opposed to any attempt to take Taiwan by force and is committed to arming it for defence.

China may bank on balance-sheet expansion, not interest rate cuts, for growth: economist

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290359/china-may-bank-balance-sheet-expansion-not-interest-rate-cuts-growth-economist?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s central bank may have to greatly expand its balance sheet next year to empower the country’s desired economic growth, according to a prominent economist, as Beijing embraces a “moderately loose” monetary policy for the first time in 14 years.

This means that purchases of government bonds may be poised to jump, in terms of issuance, to fund construction projects in 2025, Lu Ting, chief China economist at Japanese investment bank Nomura, said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

The comments came as market analysts are trying to piece together a picture of Beijing’s policy moves after Monday’s strongly worded statement from the Politburo, the centre of power within the ruling Communist Party, and with the annual central economic work conference reportedly kicking off in Beijing.

The People’s Bank of China may adopt a different approach from what it took in 2009 – when its relaxed credit line and monetary stance led to a frenzy of local government financing vehicles and a mountain of interest-bearing debt.

The central bank has already bought more than 500 billion yuan (US$68.8 billion) worth of government bonds in the secondary market since the tool was redeployed in August, and a coordination mechanism with the Ministry of Finance has been established.

Lu expected that Beijing would try to empower central government financing, as it is in a position to defuse the local debt crisis.

China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, announced in early November that the quota for local special bonds would be raised by 6 trillion yuan, as a way to swap local-level “hidden debt” with bonds.

Lu also warned against a zero interest-rate policy, which was seen in the US, Europe and Japan during the pandemic years, saying it could cause turmoil within the banking system and strain the financial regulation system.

“With a zero interest-rate policy, low-income groups, in particular, might switch to saving more money, since returns on financial instruments – their primary investment vehicle – would decrease,” he said. “This would be counterproductive, as the original aim of lowering interest rates was to boost domestic demand.”

According to a readout of Monday’s Politburo meeting, China intends to adopt a “more active” set of policies to expand domestic demand in 2025, and leadership also promised an unconventional countercyclical adjustment.

While specific economic growth targets and fiscal metrics are usually set at the annual central economic work conference, they likely will not be revealed until March, as is common practice.

The Politburo has underscored the “all-round” expansion of domestic demand as a priority for next year, calling to vigorously boost consumption and improve investment efficiency.

Lu noted that an ongoing trade-in programme – a tool that Beijing is leaning on to boost consumption in 2024 – is unsustainable, and that a more fundamental approach would be to stimulate domestic demand by providing subsidies for low-income groups through pensions, medical insurance and childbirth benefits.

About 55 per cent of retired Chinese citizens receive an average of only 225 yuan (US$31) per month in pension payments, with most being rural residents.

Providing subsidies for these retirees would efficiently boost consumption among migrant workers – those who leave their rural homes to work in urban areas – as they would need to allocate less money to support their parents.

“It’s now widely agreed that mainland China is unlikely to implement universal consumption subsidies like those distributed by the Hong Kong government during the pandemic,” Lu said.

“However, officials may consider boosting domestic demand by raising incomes, particularly for low-income groups.”

Peer pressure may be fuelling hawkish stances on China among foreign policy elite

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3290375/peer-pressure-may-be-fuelling-hawkish-stances-china-among-foreign-policy-elite?utm_source=rss_feed

American foreign policy specialists are being pushed to appear more hawkish towards China than they actually are because of professional and social pressures, a new survey has concluded.

It said there is “a degree of pluralistic ignorance in the foreign policy community, where people overestimate the level of consensus, inflate the level of threat, and believe collective opinion to be more confrontational than it really is”.

The authors, Michael Cerny, a PhD student in the Department of Government at Harvard, along with Rory Truex, an associate professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton, surveyed 495 foreign policy specialists and conducted 55 in-depth interviews.

They found that 21.8 per cent of respondents experienced social pressure to express certain views on US policy towards China and this disproportionately affected women and younger or non-white specialists.

“I think that as a young person and a liberal person and a woman in this field, there’s a pressure to overcompensate by being more hawkish,” one interviewee told them.

Donald Trump’s incoming administration is expected to take a hardline stance and the president-elect has nominated several prominent China hawks for cabinet roles.

“The pressure we identify in this paper has the potential to constrain debate about how to best compete with China. We hope the incoming Trump administration will embrace diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful debate on the merits,” Cerny told the Post.

He said “free expression and open exchange of ideas” is one of the greatest strengths of the US, adding: “A vast majority in Washington recognise these values and should commit to them as competition with China intensifies.”

Their findings, published online on Wednesday, said respondents who were Republican, male, white, or have military experience tend to express more confrontational views against China.

Otherwise, while there is a general consensus that China is seen as a competitor to the US, there is no consensus on the best policies to adopt.

In the survey, half the respondents were asked to provide their names, while the others were given anonymity.

The respondents who said they had experienced this pressure expressed more hawkish attitudes when forced to provide their names.

To cope with social and professional pressures, the authors suggested that these subjects may conceal “their true policy beliefs in favour of publicly acceptable views about US-China diplomacy and engagement”.

One interviewee said described the process as “hawkflation”, saying: “When it comes to big picture sort of vibes questions, talking about China in general, I get the sense that my colleagues on average probably inflate their hawkishness on a scale out of 10 by maybe two points. So if people are a five on the dove to hawk scale, they’ll represent themselves or talk about China as if they’re a seven”.

They said the phenomenon they described as “pluralistic ignorance” is “difficult to prove definitively” but they had been surprised at how “moderate and diverse” many of the views held were.

They added: “Only 23 per cent of respondents believed the policy of engagement was a failure, and only 31 per cent endorsed the notion of containment.”

The paper noted the two most commonly referenced names in the interviews were those of former Congressman Michael Gallagher and Trump’s former deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger.

“The viewpoints of these individuals tend to dominate the conversation, even in rooms they are not in,” the paper notes.

The authors outlined how social and professional dynamics influence policy discussions and called for more balance, saying: “Rigorous intellectual debate is essential to good foreign policymaking, and we hope this paper inspires more.”

Biden approves national security memo aimed at helping Trump on China, Iran, North Korea and Russia

https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-national-security-memorandum-6d3462b37533a2665d1e844ee6f7f662President Joe Biden speaks about his administrations economic playbook and the future of the American economy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

2024-12-11T10:02:08Z

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has approved a new national security memorandum that is meant to serve as a roadmap for the incoming Trump administration as it looks to counter growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, the White House said Wednesday.

Biden administration officials began developing the guidance this summer. It was shaped to be a document that could help the next administration build its approach from day one on how it will go about dealing with the tightening relationships between the United States’ most prominent adversaries and competitors, according to two senior administration officials.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said the classified memorandum would not be made public because of the sensitivity of some of its findings.

The document includes four broad recommendations: improving U.S. government interagency cooperation, speeding up the sharing of information with allies about the four adversaries, calibrating the U.S. government’s use of sanctions and other economic tools for maximum effectiveness, and bolstering preparation to manage simultaneous crises involving the adversaries.

The U.S. for many years has been concerned about cooperation among the four countries. Coordination has accelerated between the countries in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The officials noted that as Russia has become more isolated by much of the world, Moscow has turned to Iran for drones and missiles. From North Korea, the Russians have received artillery, missiles and even thousands of troops that have traveled to help the Russians try to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. China, meanwhile, has supported Russia with dual use components that help keep its military industrial base afloat.

In return, Russia has sent fighter jets to Iran and assisted Tehran as it looks to bolster its missile defense and space technology.

North Korea has received from Russia much-needed fuel and funding to help build out its manufacturing and military capabilities. The officials added that Russia has “de facto accepted North Korea as a nuclear weapon state.”

China, meanwhile, is benefiting from Russian know-how, with the two countries working together to deepen their military technical cooperation. The two nations are also conducting joint patrols in the Arctic region.

Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have sharply different worldviews, but officials in both the incoming and outgoing administrations said they have sought to coordinate on national security issues during the transition.

AAMER MADHANI Aamer Madhani is a White House reporter. twitter mailto

---

Gulf financiers bet on 35% returns from Chinese assets on stimulus expectations

https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3290351/gulf-financiers-bet-35-returns-chinese-assets-stimulus-expectations?utm_source=rss_feed

Gulf financiers expect investments in China to return up to 35 per cent next year based on bets that Beijing will implement additional stimulus measures, according to speakers at a summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Our portfolio companies are growing, and we’re pushing our way into Asia, and we are very encouraged by the growth prospects in Asia,” Karim El Solh, co-founder and CEO of Gulf Capital, said on Tuesday during a panel discussion at the China-UAE summit taking place during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW).

Gulf Capital, the largest private-equity firm in the region, invests across several asset classes including private equity, growth capital and real estate.

“I tell my global investors, if you want growth, you have to be in this corridor from the near to the Far East,” he said. “We’re creating this new silk road. So we’re very encouraged by the growth prospects in China and broader Asia.”

China’s capital market will grow by 35 per cent next year if aggressive economic stimulus measures come through, but only by single digits without those measures, El Solh said.

Other panellists shared his view, including Ethan Chan, chairman of Arte Capital Group, a multi-strategy asset manager headquartered in Hong Kong.

“[There are] a lot of opportunities in China, with the tumble after three years from 2021, the valuations have become very attractive, and also with the recent supportive measures by the central government,” he said “We take a very bullish view and see the market has stabilised and has very good potential upside.”

That upside could be 20 to 30 per cent next year as Chinese equities are “very underowned” by global investors, he said.

The company set up a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi last year and launched a US$1 billion fund for investment in Chinese companies expanding to the Middle East, with the endorsement of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, a government agency.

All eyes are on China’s two-day central economic work conference starting on Wednesday, as investors are hungry for more detailed policy measures after a readout from a Politburo meeting earlier this week hinted at greater stimulus efforts to improve growth.

The meeting readout said China will adopt a “more active” set of policies to expand domestic demand in 2025 with “moderately loose” monetary tools – language not used by high-level authorities since the global financial crisis in 2009.

“A lot of people ran away because of the geopolitical situation,” said Sean Ho, founder and chief investment officer of Triata Capital, an investment management firm based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. “We think right now it is a great time to really start investing and collecting a lot of the great companies that we think have a very strong competitive edge.”

The panellists also see potential in China’s continuous innovations in technology, AI-driven themes and fintech.

“Fintech is very exciting for us,” El Solh said. “We’re very invested in this space. We’re moving towards a cashless economy here in the Gulf, like what happened in China. And that trend is a mega trend for the next 10 years.”

China’s Wang Yi calls for progress with Vietnam on South China Sea cooperation

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3290299/chinas-wang-yi-calls-progress-vietnam-south-china-sea-cooperation?utm_source=rss_feed

China and Vietnam should properly manage their differences and make new progress in maritime cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son in Beijing on Tuesday.

Son arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day visit, against the backdrop of the long-standing South China Sea disputes between the two socialist neighbours, as well as looming uncertainties ahead of US president-elect Donald Trump’s second term.

Wang also said that Beijing and Hanoi should strengthen economic cooperation and establish a “stable and smooth cross-border industrial and supply chain”, according to a report on the meeting in party newspaper People’s Daily.

“We should promote mutual benefit and a win-win situation, build a stable and smooth cross-border industrial chain and supply chain, and strengthen cooperation in emerging areas,” he said.

Son’s visit saw the establishment of a “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism on diplomacy, defence and public security, which met for the first time on Monday, according to the newspaper.

Also on Monday, the Vietnamese foreign minister visited Beijing’s cutting-edge hi-tech hub Zhongguancun, according to Vietnam Government News.

During his meeting with Wang, Son said the two sides should “respect each other’s sovereignty and legitimate interests [and] continue to promote the role of maritime negotiation mechanisms”.

He added that both countries continue to work under international law, and have “good development momentum”.

This year has seen numerous top-tier exchanges between the two countries, fostering economic relations and party-to-party engagement.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang made a high-profile visit to Hanoi in October, while Vietnam’s new leader To Lam made Beijing one of his first stops, meeting President Xi Jinping in August.

Last month, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil, Xi met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and called for more substantial cooperation between the two countries, including the pacier roll-out of three standard gauge railway projects.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the two sides announced the signing of intergovernmental agreements to build the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong lines, under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

Hanoi also said that Vietnamese officials have been sent to China to learn about the country’s advanced high-speed railway system.

Yet the frequent communications have occurred alongside increasing assertiveness from both sides over their long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea region.

The issue of the various competing claimants in the resource-rich, economically important waterway is a major security concern for Southeast Asia, with China’s claims disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

In the Paracel and Spratly Islands, which are claimed by Beijing and Hanoi, among others, Vietnam is speeding up its island reclamation efforts in a challenge to China’s dominance in this regard.

According to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Hanoi was poised to achieve record-breaking island construction efforts this year.

In August, Vietnam held its first joint maritime drill with the Philippines, which has been having its own increasingly tense encounters with China in the disputed waterway this year. Both Hanoi and Manila said the drills were not targeting Beijing.

And in October – just days before the Chinese premier’s Hanoi visit – Vietnam accused enforcement personnel from China of beating fishermen and seizing equipment from a boat operating near the Paracels, which Vietnam claims as the Hoang Sa.

Despite the hostility on display in the waterway, China’s economic closeness with Vietnam – the world’s emerging manufacturing hub – has continued to grow.

China is Vietnam’s biggest trading partner. Two-way trade reached US$168.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2024, a year-on-year increase of over 21 per cent, according to the Vietnamese government. China remains Vietnam’s second largest foreign investor.

Chinese man arrested for posing as delivery rider 43 times in a day with baby to gain sympathy

https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3290213/chinese-man-arrested-posing-delivery-rider-43-times-day-baby-gain-sympathy?utm_source=rss_feed

An influencer in China with over 400,000 followers was arrested by police after he fabricated a story about delivering food with his toddler daughter to portray himself as a single father.

The man, who operated under the handle @qianyibaobei on Douyin, claimed to be a single father to a toddler named Qianyi, whom he brought along while working as a delivery rider because her mother had abandoned them.

In large font across all his videos, he writes, “She does not have a mother.”

In one particularly sympathetic video, the man, dressed in the yellow uniform of food delivery app Meituan, states that he delivered 43 orders alongside Qianyi and earned 300 yuan (US$40) in a single day, so he could buy her nice food.

He also urged his audience to like his videos, revealing that he had accidentally injured his daughter’s face while working.

He amassed over 400,000 followers combined on Douyin and Kuaishou, producing more than 100 similar videos, and profited from live-streaming sales, all under the guise of supporting his daughter’s livelihood.

On December 3, police reported that the man had misrepresented his background. He is neither a delivery worker nor a single father, and Qianyi’s mother still “lives happily” with them.

The uniform he wore in the videos was bought online.

The police stated they have penalised the man, surnamed Yu, for disturbing public order. They did not disclose the specifics of the punishment.

According to China’s Public Security Administration Punishment Law, intentionally disturbing public order by spreading rumours can result in up to 10 days of detention and a 500-yuan (US$70) fine.

Yu is not the first KOL punished for “sadfishing”.

Earlier this year, a KOL known as @Liangshanmengyang was sentenced to 11 months in jail and fined 80,000 yuan (US$11,000) for lying about her impoverished life.

The 21-year-old Douyin influencer, who boasted nearly four million followers, claimed to care for her siblings and subsisted on potatoes all day after their parents died, all while living in the poverty-stricken Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in southwestern China’s Sichuan province.

It later emerged that the dilapidated village home featured in her videos was actually a shelter for goats and cattle, and her parents were still alive. Additionally, she was found to have worn luxury clothing and jewellery outside her live-streams.

The police investigated her and uncovered a multichannel network company that fostered such sadfishing accounts. The company’s owner, surnamed Tang, sold fake agricultural products through these accounts, generating over 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million) in profits.

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined 100,000 yuan (US$14,000).

“I do not believe in such sadfishing videos. People whose lives are genuinely difficult have no time to be KOLs and make videos every day,” commented one viewer.

“Liars like this exploit people’s kindness and prevent those truly in need from receiving help,” stated another.

Indian opposition raises doubts over India-China border deal

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3290333/indian-opposition-raises-doubts-over-india-china-border-deal?utm_source=rss_feed

India’s opposition has raised concerns about potential territorial concessions under the country’s recent border agreement with China, increasing political scrutiny of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government as it works to ease tensions with Beijing.

The controversy erupted after Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s parliamentary statement on December 4 outlining the disengagement of troops from the border following the deadly 2020 Himalayan border clash.

On Sunday, Jairam Ramesh, a senior leader of the main opposition Congress Party, slammed the agreement in parliament as going against India’s national interests.

“We want to go back to the status quo of April 2020 … thereafter we will be looking at disengagement, de-escalation and normal management of the LAC (Line of Actual Control), referring to the India-China border,” Ramesh was quoted as saying by the Hindu newspaper, hinting that India may have seceded land in the deal.

However, analysts say opposition pressure is unlikely to derail the thawing of relations between the two Asian giants, who have been pulling back troops since late October after years of being locked virtually eyeball-to-eyeball at two positions on the border.

“I don’t really think that any charges, until substantially proven, will have any impact whatsoever on this government,” said Yashwant Deshmukh, an independent political commentator. “If the government has decided to go ahead with talks with China, they will go ahead and at this point of time, the opposition is not really in a position to accuse this government of any wrongdoing.”

Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strengthened its mandate by an unexpected victory in state elections in the politically strategic state of Maharashtra last month, he said. The victory followed another surprising win in the northern state of Haryana in October.

The losses have weakened the Congress party, which was gaining momentum after scoring crucial victories in the BJP’s heartland Hindi-speaking provinces, resulting in the BJP losing its outright majority in the summer parliamentary elections.

“After the huge loss in Maharashtra, I think the opposition, particularly the Congress, will need a lot of steam together in order to bring any narrative against the BJP NDA government,” Deshmukh said.

Sino-Indian relations are on the mend. A reset to pre-pandemic levels is a good start

The border disengagement has raised hopes for improved China-India trade relations, which could have widespread ramifications throughout Asia, especially with incoming US President Donald Trump’s threat to raise import tariffs.

India and China have not had direct flights for four years since the border tensions, while New Delhi’s increased scrutiny for visa applications from Chinese citizens has hampered cooperation in sectors such as electronics manufacturing.

“Sino-Indian relations are on the mend. A reset to pre-pandemic levels is a good start,” said Uday Chandra, an assistant professor of government at Georgetown University.

In May, China appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as its new ambassador to India, filling an 18-month vacancy in the backdrop of tense bilateral relations. “The next step should be direct flights resuming. I anticipate that, with business lobbying, this is likely in 2025,” Chandra said.

“I doubt the Opposition [in India] will play a significant role in this phase of diplomacy. Opposition unity remains elusive anyway,” Chandra said.

Mamata Banerjee, leader of the All Trinamool Congress Party, which holds significant influence in West Bengal, recently staked a claim for the leadership position of the opposition alliance INDIA Bloc, triggering a war of words with the Congress party and raising concerns about opposition unity.

Chandra said the economic imperative to strengthen India-China relations will enhance political engagement.

“Economics continues to trump politics. After the US election, India and China are working out how to live and trade peacefully together. It is an alternative model of international relations as the West sinks into democratic crises,” Chandra said.

Experts say global supply chains could be disrupted and reshaped if the incoming Trump administration implements its campaign pledge of a 60 per cent import tariffs on China and 10 per cent on other nations.

Earlier this month, the US president-elect threatened a 100 per cent tariff on Brics countries, which includes China and India, if the 11-member group were to create a rival currency to the US dollar. Such a Brics currency has been discussed for over a year without any significant progress.

“There are strong incentives for both [China and India] to trade intensively, even in the absence of any policy developments,” said Jamus Lim, associate professor of economics at ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific.

The most obvious reason for the two countries to trade is “that they are both large economies, located close to each other,” he said, noting that the two countries specialise in fairly distinct exports.

The main reason for trade between the two countries, he said, is their proximity as large economies that specialise in different exports. India excels in the services sector, particularly information technology, while China focuses on manufacturing.

“Now, with further normalisation of bilateral political relations, and the frictions arising from impediments to trade that are likely to result from the Trump administration, I anticipate a continued, steady expansion of trade between these two emerging market giants,” he said.

---

Defence of Guam: US conducts first ballistic missile intercept amid contest with China

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3290317/defence-guam-us-conducts-first-ballistic-missile-intercept-amid-contest-china?utm_source=rss_feed

Washington has conducted the first-ever test of a ballistic missile interception from Guam, which US military officials described as a “critical milestone” to “defend against evolving adversary threats” amid the growing missile competition with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Missile Defence Agency (MDA), a subsidiary of the US defence department responsible for developing a comprehensive missile defence, said it had “successfully conducted” the first live intercept of a ballistic missile target on Monday.

During the experiment, dubbed Flight Experiment Mission-02 (FEM-02), the Aegis Guam system fired a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA to intercept an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile target off the coast of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

The system uses the new AN/TPY-6 radar and vertical launching system. The target was tracked shortly after launch to intercept it in the first end-to-end tracking use of the radar during a live ballistic missile flight test.

The Missile Defence Agency said the test marked a “pivotal step” in the defence of Guam and provided “critical support to the overall concept, requirements validation, data-gathering and model maturation” for the future Guam defence system (GDS).

The Pentagon has been outlining the long-term initiative to defend Guam and to develop and operate its defence system to provide a persistent layered integrated air and missile defence capability.

“Today’s flight test is a critical milestone in the defence of Guam and the region,” said Commander of the Joint Task Force-Micronesia Rear Admiral Greg Huffman.

“It confirmed our ability to detect, track and engage a target missile in flight, increasing our readiness to defend against evolving adversary threats.”

Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the test was significant because it intercepted an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a military capability Beijing had developed and was deploying.

“In effect, it was a medium-range ballistic missile launched from an aircraft, representing similar capabilities to the [People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s] ALBM system, which is launched from a H-6N bomber, and is medium range – based on DF-21D – that can attack land targets or potentially ships at sea,” Davis said.

He said “launching from Guam was also significant” because it was a key forward operating base for the US military in the Indo-Pacific, and would be a “primary target for Chinese PLA Rocket Force and PLA Air Force long-range missiles”.

“By doing this test from Guam, the US gained highly realistic experience and useful data on how to defeat Chinese missile threats in an actual operational environment,” he said.

“The test also involved a new radar system, the AN/TPY-6, and a new tilting launch system that is designed for these sorts of engagements. The US is rapidly expanding the defences around Guam to better defend the island in the event of a crisis with China.”

Guam is in a strategic location in the Western Pacific Ocean near Taiwan and the Philippines, which enabled Washington to maintain a military presence and respond to potential crises in the region, especially in a possible war with Beijing in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea.

The test in Guam comes amid increasing tensions between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific over the launch and deployment of ballistic missiles.

In September, China conducted the first intercontinental ballistic missile test launch in 44 years using its latest DF-31AG with a dummy warhead and a 13,200km (8,200-mile) range that could reach the US mainland.

The missile was reportedly launched from Hainan, passing near the Philippines and Guam and landing in the Pacific near the French Marquesas Islands territory.

In April, the US Army announced the deployment of its mid-range capability missile system, also known as the Typhon Weapon System, on the northern Philippine island of Luzon, as part of the Salaknib Exercises, an annual joint US-Philippine live-fire drill.

The system can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, with operational ranges of more than 240km and 2,500km, respectively.

It is the first time such a weapon system has been deployed in the Asia-Pacific region since the 1987 US-Soviet Union Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty prohibited the development and possession of land-based missiles with ranges from 500km to 5,500km.

Washington began developing new intermediate-range missiles after it withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing Moscow’s alleged violations of the agreement, and amid China’s increasing military activity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last month, Manila reportedly announced plans to acquire these mid-range missile systems from the US, and Japan is also in talks with Washington to compile a joint military plan for a possible Taiwan emergency, including deploying missile units to the Nansei Islands of Japan’s southwestern Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures.

Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Programme at the Lowy Institute in Australia, said the test was part of an ongoing effort to make Guam “one of the most heavily defended places on Earth from air and missile attacks”.

He said the US was responding to the “dramatic growth and modernisation of China’s missile inventory, fired from land bases, aircraft, surface ships and submarines”.

“The US has also responded to the missile threat by dispersing its Asian forces. In recent years it has signed new basing and rotational arrangements with the Philippines and Australia,” said Roggeveen.

“In the event of war, these efforts will make US forces more survivable, but they don’t tilt the military balance in America’s favour. China continues to improve its forces quickly, whereas the US hasn’t substantially expanded its Asia-Pacific forces since the end of the Cold War.”

Explosions reported after fire in residential compound in Chinese city

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3290352/explosions-reported-after-fire-residential-compound-chinese-city?utm_source=rss_feed

Explosions were heard in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen after a fire broke out in a high-end residential compound, local media reported.

Pictures circulating on social media showed smoke flames pouring from a high-rise building with some floors looking to have suffered widespread damage.

More to follow …

Why China is taking on more responsibility in Central Asia

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3290117/why-china-taking-more-responsibility-central-asia?utm_source=rss_feed

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Central Asian counterparts in Chengdu, Sichuan province, earlier this month as part of the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The outcomes of the event underscore Beijing’s growing presence in Central Asia.

Following their independence in 1991, the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan grappled with challenges ranging from domestic strife and cross-border tensions – such as those between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – to the threats posed by Islamic extremism. While the region seems to be trending towards stability, the underlying causes of instability persist.

The war in Ukraine, now nearing its third year, has shifted some of Moscow’s attention away from Central Asia. The symbiotic relationship China and Russia each have with Central Asia has been characterised as Moscow holding the gun while Beijing holds the wallet. However, this dynamic has evolved, with Beijing inheriting the responsibilities of financial investor and security guarantor.

Beijing views strengthened economic and trade ties with Central Asia as a strategic pathway to guaranteed stability. By fostering regional integration and deepening cooperation, China aims to create an environment of shared prosperity that supports broader security objectives.

China’s trade with Central Asia surpassed US$70 billion in 2022 and reached US$90 billion in 2023. It has replaced Russia as the region’s top trade partner. Kazakhstan is China’s primary partner in the region, with the volume of imports and exports hitting US$41 billion last year.

The region is also a major recipient of Belt and Road Initiative investments. As of 2023, the cumulative turnover of completed projects in the region was nearly US$64 billion. Central Asia plays an important geographic role as a transit hub for China.

About 80 per cent of continental cargo flows between China and Europe goes through Kazakhstan, thanks to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, an alternative to the Northern Route that passes through Russia. China and Kazakhstan are working to synchronise transport policies and adopt advanced technologies for logistics management to reduce transit times and costs, making the Trans-Caspian route a more competitive and attractive option for international trade.

With growing demand for more investment, it is becoming important to ensure the region is safe for Chinese businesses. Private security companies have reportedly been deployed to protect Chinese companies in the region.

Fears of attacks on Chinese nationals in Central Asia are not unfounded. In 2016, a suicide bomber attacked the Chinese embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. In 2022 in Afghanistan, which borders three Central Asian countries, Islamic State claimed responsibility for attacking a hotel in Kabul that had been popular among Chinese nationals.

Following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power, China and the Central Asian states have begun shifting towards normalising relations with Kabul. Earlier this year, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the removal of the Taliban from Kazakhstan’s list of terrorist groups, emphasising the importance of trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.

There is a regional consensus on the need to combat the illicit narcotics trade stemming from Afghanistan while also addressing its humanitarian needs. China has played a mediating role in conflicts involving Afghanistan, its neighbours and the United States, notably through initiatives like the Quadrilateral Coordination Group formed in 2015.

Beijing and its regional partners continue to address Afghanistan’s challenges through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). At the recent SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, member states reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the vision of Afghanistan as an independent, neutral and peaceful state free from terrorism and narcotics. SCO members also pledged support for Afghanistan’s development. For its part, Kazakhstan has sent humanitarian aid.

The most recent China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting signifies a growing push towards strengthening regional leadership and achieving development goals through deeper integration.

Last month, Kazakhstan signed eight commercial agreements worth US$2.5 billion with Chinese companies during Kazakh prime minister Olzhas Bektenov’s visit to Shanghai. Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s most populous nation, has received up to US$18 billion in development finance from China over the past two decades, with more growth expected.

During the Chengdu meeting, Uzbek and Chinese foreign ministers reportedly signed an agreement allowing visa-free travel for 30 days, similar to an existing deal with Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, China has announced it will provide 1,500 training opportunities and 600 additional scholarships for Central Asian students.

Visa-free deals seem to be strengthening people-to-people relations. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Kazakhstan reportedly surged to 550,000 between January and October, surpassing the 2023 figure of 367,000 visitors.

China’s inroads into Central Asia fundamentally differ from its outreach to other parts of the world. Central Asia will remain a priority for Beijing not only because of its proximity but also because the region’s security and integration ensure stability in western China. With the risk of escalated confrontations in the Asia-Pacific, China cannot deal with threats on multiple fronts.

Institutions like the SCO have enabled China to export norms for combating the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism, while also mobilising member states to adopt its Global Security Initiative, which promotes the concept of “indivisible security” and cooperation in areas such as food and energy.

While some critics dismiss the initiative, Beijing’s growing economic influence and increased security responsibilities in Central Asia present an opportunity to actualise these goals. This is a path that China and Central Asia must chart together.

China ramps up economy-boosting rhetoric ahead of critical conference

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290306/china-ramps-economy-boosting-rhetoric-ahead-critical-conference?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s top leadership has made “critical choices at a critical juncture” for the economy, a Xinhua commentary proclaimed on Wednesday as economic officials guiding the world’s second-largest economy were readying for their annual conclave to flesh out policies for 2025.

“The economy had fluctuations this year, particularly in the second and third quarters, but critical choices made by the top leadership headed by [President] Xi Jinping have got growth back on track,” said the 7,109-word article, which also ran on the front page of Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily.

“China is at a critical stage of transformation and upgrading for high-quality development, national rejuvenation and modernisation, but challenges are also mounting,” the article said, stressing that the policy choices, therefore, carry considerable weight at such a consequential time.

Analysts said the commentary aimed at ramping up emphasis on the nation’s economy and major decisions made by the top leadership recently, with more decisions expected at the central economic work conference. But they added that Beijing will continue to make hard choices and decisions next year as challenges are far from over.

“Beijing has the conviction that its slew of critical choices since September are paying off for the economy, but next year it will have to make more hard decisions and take concrete action,” said Li Xuenan, a finance professor with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

“The commentary is a detailed account of troubles, and of how the top leadership is viewing and tackling them. Initial results are encouraging, but the critical juncture facing the economy is far from over, with Donald Trump’s new trade war looming and stubbornly weak consumption at home.”

She added that Beijing aims to stress this to economic officials at the two-day work conference while ensuring that stay in lockstep with top leadership to execute decisions.

The commentary conceded that the Chinese economy is grappling with challenges, from external complexities marred by containment efforts and geopolitics to internal headwinds such as weak demand, risks in key domains and the throes of an economy still in transition.

But the economy has shown initial signs of stabilisation in the final quarter of the year, after Beijing in late September unleashed a level of stimulus and policy loosening unseen in years.

On Monday, a meeting by the Communist Party’s top decision-making caucus, the Politburo, declared that this year’s economic targets, including “around 5 per cent” for the gross domestic product’s growth, was still within reach.

The meeting also revived crisis-era language and indicated that fiscal policies should be more proactive, and that monetary policies should be “moderately loose” going forward, as opposed to the previous emphasis on prudence. The last time Beijing deployed the combination of active and moderately loose fiscal and monetary policies was in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2009.

With the Politburo’s declaration, policymakers attending the year-end economic conference are expected to lay out implementation details, as well as specific targets for 2025. But growth targets are not expected to be unveiled until March.

A political scientist based in Beijing said the commentary serves as a reminder for economic officials to execute Beijing’s directives and unite minds.

“The room for officials to raise views that run counter to Beijing’s ‘critical’ choices and decisions is very small, and the conference is an occasion to only discuss how to best deliver on Beijing’s decisions, like more active and loose fiscal and monetary policies,” said the scholar, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

China property: lived-in home sales rise but prices fall in Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai

https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3290312/china-property-lived-home-sales-rise-prices-fall-shenzhen-beijing-shanghai?utm_source=rss_feed

Lived-in home sales in some of China’s largest cities are picking up, but prices remain subdued, with Japanese investment bank Nomura noting that the property crisis weighing on the economy for nearly four years is far from over.

In Shenzhen, a total of 2,390 second-hand homes changed hands last week, the most in more than three years, according to data compiled by the Shenzhen Real Estate Intermediary Association.

Similar trends have been observed in other major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, where second-hand home transactions have increased in recent months.

However, lived-in home prices are a different story. In Shenzhen, prices have fallen by about 7 per cent in the first 11 months of the year, according to a price index from Centaline Property. The declines have been greater in Shanghai at about 10 per cent and more than 12 per cent in Beijing. At the same time, new home sales continue to decline.

“I think it’s a bit too early to conclude that China’s real estate sector as a whole has bottomed out and begun to rebound,” Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, said on Wednesday.

Lu attributed the recent growth in secondary home sales to the release of pent-up demand, driven by continuous incentives aimed at attracting homebuyers back to the property market.

China’s property sector crisis, along with related industries that once contributed to about a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product, continues to drag down the economy, shrinking local government revenues and household assets.

New home sales have fallen by about half from their peak, straining some of China’s largest developers who are struggling to restructure their debts and complete pre-sold but unfinished homes. In the first 10 months of the year, new home sales totalled 6.7 trillion yuan (US$920 billion), a decline of 22 per cent from a year earlier.

State-backed China Vanke’s contracted sales for November declined 34.4 per cent from a year earlier to 20.1 billion yuan, widening from a 22.8 per cent drop in October, according to its latest update.

Country Garden Holdings, once the largest developer in the country, reported a 52.3 per cent decline in contracted sales for November to 3.01 billion yuan, widening from a 31 per cent drop in October. On Monday, chairwoman Yang Huiyan vowed to deliver unfinished homes and pay wages on time, especially to migrant workers.

China’s property market still suffers from an oversupply of homes and a lack of buyer confidence, according to S&P Global. “The ongoing decline in home prices has eroded not only the wealth of homebuyers but also their confidence,” the rating agency said in a report in October.

China’s major decision-making body, the Politburo, vowed earlier this week to boost domestic demand and stabilise the property and stock markets.

Chinese engineering graduates often lack basic knowledge, survey finds

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3290255/chinese-engineering-graduates-often-lack-basic-knowledge-survey-finds?utm_source=rss_feed

Engineering graduates in China often lack basic knowledge and their training across disciplines can be limited – and that could be hampering the country’s ability to gain a tech advantage, a survey of universities and companies has found.

“The mismatch of engineering graduates’ abilities and company needs, a student appraisal system that is focused on published research papers, among other problems, call for deep reflection on China’s education model,” Liang Xianping, a researcher with South China Normal University who was on the team that conducted the study, wrote in China Science Daily on Tuesday.

In many cases, what students are taught in engineering degrees turns out to be “useless” in the workplace, Liang wrote in the official Chinese Academy of Sciences newspaper.

Liang and other researchers interviewed 31 students, teaching staff and company executives for the study last year.

The team found textbooks are outdated, curriculum design is unsystematic and many students avoid enrolling in difficult basic science subjects such as mathematics and physics.

According to the education ministry, China has the “world’s largest engineering education system” – there were more than 6.7 million undergraduates in over 23,000 engineering programmes at universities and colleges last year.

But when President Xi Jinping presented the first national engineering awards in January, he stressed the need to develop a large team of high-calibre engineers.

China is keen to pursue self-reliance in crucial technologies at a time when the US and its allies have imposed export curbs on advanced chips and semiconductor etching machines.

As it races for tech supremacy with the US in emerging technologies, China’s five-year plan to 2025 focuses on innovation-driven growth, aiming to build advanced manufacturing clusters and boost key industries including integrated circuits, robotics and engineering machinery.

China will need another 4.5 million skilled workers in the smart manufacturing sector and over 500,000 engineers in industrial machine tools by next year, according to forecasts from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Chinese Mechanical and Engineering Society.

Many graduates are reluctant to take on engineering jobs in the manufacturing sector, with less than 40 per cent doing so annually in recent years due to the low social status and uncompetitive pay of blue-collar jobs, according to a 2022 report by the Southwest University of Finance and Economics.

The report estimated that China would need 45 million engineers by 2035, far more than the 32 million expected to be available by then.

Liang said universities should work more closely with companies, offer more internship opportunities for students, and improve the quality of basic science education to include the latest developments in cutting-edge tech.

---

Hong Kong a launch pad for Chinese EV makers, Xiaomi unveils electric SUV: 7 EV reads

https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3290105/hong-kong-launch-pad-chinese-ev-makers-xiaomi-unveils-electric-suv-7-ev-reads?utm_source=rss_feed

We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider .

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has revealed its new YU7 sports utility vehicle (SUV) that it expects to commercially release in mid-2025, taking on similar models from Tesla, Li Auto and Nio in the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market.

Morocco and other countries in the Maghreb region, which takes in western and central North Africa, are pivotal to solving two important issues for China: sourcing critical materials needed in electric vehicle (EV) manufacture and bypassing import restrictions imposed by the United States and Europe.

Hesai Group, the world’s largest maker of the lidar sensors that many smart cars use to map their surroundings, remains confident about expanding into international markets including Europe despite tensions about tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars.

The Chinese government and the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers believe Hong Kong is a good launch pad and testing ground for their efforts to go global, as the industry faces barriers to entering key overseas markets like the US and European Union (EU).

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Hozon New Energy Automobile, which is reeling from a cutthroat price war on the mainland, plans to sell half of its cars overseas as early as 2026 and attain profitability the same year, according to its founder.

The Xpeng P7+ made headlines for abandoning the use of lidar sensors for its driving-assistance features, in favour of a camera-based, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system.

Hong Kong authorities will dish out more than HK$600 million (US$77.2 million) to help franchised bus companies and the taxi industry procure electric vehicles (EVs) under a plan to achieve zero vehicular emissions and carbon neutrality by 2050.

China’s Fujian aircraft carrier may be nearing take-off tests after photos show tyre marks

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3290291/chinas-fujian-aircraft-carrier-nearing-take-tests-after-photos-show-tyre-marks?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s third aircraft carrier – the Fujian – appeared to be testing coordination with aircraft for the first time during a sea trial, based on images that have circulated online showing skid marks on the deck of the vessel.

The pictures surfaced on Chinese and Western social media after the vessel’s fifth sea trial concluded last week. But experts said indications of successful take-offs using the carrier’s advanced catapult system were yet to be seen.

Ahead of the trial, at the biannual Zhuhai air show last month, China unveiled its new carrier-based J-15T and fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighters, signalling their readiness to operate on the 80,000 tonne carrier.

While military enthusiasts celebrated what they took to be a “first take-off” from the Fujian, analysts said the marks were likely the result of a “touch and go” or landing. The system needs time to master launching, even after it has proved functional, they said.

“The tyre marks on the flight deck are likely to be left by landing tests … when aircraft land and slide for some 80 metres (263 feet) until they are hooked by the arrester wires,” said Yue Gang, a retired colonel from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

But Timothy Heath, a senior international defence researcher at US-based think tank Rand Corporation said the marks could also be left from “touch and go passes by aircraft”.

“I am sceptical that the PLA Navy has succeeded in catapult launches of aircraft because if they had succeeded, Chinese media would surely have provided footage and extensive coverage of this achievement,” Heath said.

“It will take time, but eventually the PLA Navy will learn how to do the launches.”

The Fujian, launched in June 2022, is China’s first aircraft carrier to be equipped with electromagnetic catapults, which are intended to allow more frequent plane launches.

International observers have been monitoring Fujian’s activities, in anticipation of the first aircraft launch using the system – which would be a first for China. The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently the only other carrier to use the advanced catapult launch system.

The carrier completed its fifth sea trial on December 3, about seven months after its maiden sea trial, which took place near the Yellow Sea and lasted for about 15 days.

Scale models of China’s latest stealth fighter J-35 and KJ-600 early warning and control aircraft were spotted on the flight deck, according to pictures circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

Based on images circulating online that showed a souvenir badge in recognition of the carrier’s fifth sea trial featuring two types of aircraft, Yue said he expected landings by the J-15T and KJ-600 would be the first to be tested on the carrier.

“The next trials will test landings of J-35B, the naval variant of J-35, then aircraft launches”, he said, stressing that “incremental” tests will assess capabilities with various loads of fuel and munitions.

“The coming months will be critical for testing launches, he said.

The Fujian – a Type 003 class aircraft carrier – had conducted “shorter but more frequent” trials than the country’s other two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, for constant iteration and problem-solving, according to Yue.

Heath said that developing proficiency with Fujian’s complex Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system would be a “long process”.

Trials of the Fujian’s catapult began around November 2023, with launches of test vehicles, or “dead load”, into the sea.

“So far, China has shown that the electromagnetic catapults do work, but they have not yet mastered the complex and difficult process of launching and recovering aircraft at sea using the CATOBAR,” Heath said.

Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former PLA instructor, said the Fujian is ready to test launch the J-15T and J-35, adding that he expected they would go into full service in about a year.

“The J-15T is a heavy fighter. If it can be launched, there wouldn’t be an issue with the J-35, which is a mid-sized fighter,” he said, noting that launches of the larger KJ-600 would be tested later.

Once aircraft launches and landings are under way, the next tests of the Fujian will assess multi-carrier coordination and communication, Song said.

China’s CATL to build US$4.3 billion EV battery plant in Spain with Fiat owner Stellantis

https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3290268/chinas-catl-build-us43-billion-ev-battery-plant-spain-fiat-owner-stellantis?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), is building its third plant in Europe through a joint venture with Fiat owner Stellantis, stepping up its overseas expansion to overcome higher tariffs.

The parties have agreed to spend €4.1 billion (US$4.3 billion) to build the factory in Zaragoza in northeastern Spain with a capacity to produce 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries annually, according to a statement. One GWh can supply to 13,000 EVs with a driving range of 500km.

The first phase of the new factory will be operational in 2026, adding to its existing facilities in Germany and Hungary. The joint venture was made public two months after the European Union (EU) voted to impose additional tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Chinese-built pure electric cars after an anti-subsidy probe. CATL counts Tesla and BMW among its major customers.

“The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights,” founder and chairman Robin Zeng Yuqun said in the statement late Tuesday. “Our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation know-how, combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally, will ensure a major success story.”

The venture in Spain will make lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for affordable EVs, crossovers and sport-utility vehicles with an intermediate range. Stellantis, which also owns Jeep and Alfa Romeo, said the joint venture received support from the Spanish authorities to build the plant, without elaborating.

The additional EU tariffs are on top of the standard 10 per cent levy on pure EVs made in China. Ten EU members supported the October decision, while five members including Germany and Hungary opposed it. Another 12, including Spain and Belgium, abstained from voting.

Following the vote, the Chinese government summoned major automotive firms and asked them to refrain from making major investments in EU countries that backed the punitive tariffs.

Still, the higher tariffs have not stopped the go-global moves of Chinese EV supply-chain vendors, whose cost advantage and technological heft are believed to be effective in driving the automotive sector’s transition to electrification.

StarCharge, the mainland’s second-largest provider of charging equipment for EVs, signed an agreement in October with French group Schneider Electric to form a joint venture to deliver charging infrastructure, photovoltaic inverters, chargers and storage systems in Europe.

“Building local plants is a choice for Chinese EV assemblers and car component makers as they enforce their go-global strategies in the face of tariffs,” said David Zhang, general secretary of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association. “But the companies will be cautious in making investment decisions due to geopolitical risks.”

Based in Ningde in eastern Fujian province, CATL delivered 252.8 GWh of batteries in the first 10 months of 2024, a 28 per cent increase from a year earlier, according to SNE Research. It held a 36.8 per cent share of the global battery market in that period, while EV maker BYD had a 16.8 per cent share.

Sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the mainland accounted for 65 per cent of the global total in the first half of 2024, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

---

Washington slams China’s tit-for-tat visa curbs on US officials over Hong Kong interference

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3290270/washington-slams-chinas-tit-tat-visa-curbs-us-officials-interfering-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed

Washington has condemned Beijing’s “retaliatory” decision to impose visa restrictions on US officials accused of interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

The US Department of State’s remarks were made on Wednesday, a day after Beijing’s move which was in response to Washington’s threats to impose fresh sanctions on officials after the jailing of 45 opposition figures under the national security law.

“We condemn retaliatory actions by the People’s Republic of China against US officials,” a spokesperson said in a reply to the Post.

“We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating protections for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the systematic dismantling of Hong Kong’s autonomy under the National Security Law and Article 23 legislation.”

The spokesperson also called on Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to “cease politically motivated prosecutions of Hong Kong residents” and “to immediately release all unjustly detained political prisoners and individuals jailed for their peaceful advocacy for basic rights and freedoms”.

The 45 activists were jailed for four to 10 years over their roles in an unofficial “primary” election in 2020, which the court said was a plot to overthrow the Hong Kong government.

On Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the United States of “grossly interfering” in the country’s internal affairs as well as “seriously violating” the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations by imposing indiscriminate visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong-related issues.

China decided to impose visa restrictions on US personnel “who have behaved poorly on Hong Kong-related issues”, Mao said, reiterating Beijing’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The foreign ministry had indicated the likelihood of a countermeasure at a press conference on November 22.

Hong Kong authorities earlier hit out at the US, saying the country’s visa restrictions were part of a despicable political manoeuvre that attempted to intimidate personnel who maintained national security.

Chinese white dolphin washes up dead in Hong Kong waters, necropsy under way

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3290253/chinese-white-dolphin-washes-dead-hong-kong-waters-necropsy-under-way?utm_source=rss_feed

A Chinese white dolphin has been found dead in Hong Kong waters, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation has said.

The carcass washed ashore near Yi O on Lantau Island on Tuesday evening. No signs of decay were found on the adult and reportedly female 2½ metre-long dolphin.

“The foundation has brought the body back to Ocean Park for detailed necropsy and analysis,” its spokesman said.

The foundation called on the public to report any suspected cases of stranded dolphins, whales, sharks or other marine life by calling its 1823 hotline to provide details of the time and location of discovery, as well as photos.

“We also urge the public to remember to take their trash with them when having outings at sea,” the foundation said.

“When engaging in water activities, please avoid using shampoos and shower gels on board to prevent unprocessed chemicals from directly polluting the marine environment.”

Earlier this month, a male beaked whale, measuring six to seven metres in length, died in Hong Kong, with a synthetic bag found inside its intestines believed to be behind its death.

It was also found in waters off Lantau Island’s Tai O.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department previously said the whale was relatively thin and might have difficulty eating for a while, but there were no signs that it had been injured by ships or their propellers.

It said the shallow waters in Hong Kong were unsuitable for the whale to hunt for food which might also contribute to its death.

Last month, the department proposed a legislative review allowing its director to designate specific areas of the city’s waters as temporary restricted zones when marine mammals were sighted.

It also suggested granting legal status to an existing code of conduct for dolphin watching and considering a ban on watching non-resident cetaceans such as whales, dolphins and porpoises.

The code of conduct for dolphin watching outlines guidelines for operators, including maintaining a certain distance from the animals and controlling the speed of their boats.

But the code lacks legal powers meaning those caught violating it cannot be prosecuted.

Marine mammals are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, which prohibits “wilful disturbance”. Violators face a maximum of one year’s imprisonment and a fine of HK$100,000 (US$12,800) upon conviction.

China intrigued by Russia’s planned rail link to planet’s largest coalfield

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3290264/china-intrigued-russias-planned-rail-link-planets-largest-coalfield?utm_source=rss_feed

Russia’s plan to connect the world’s largest coalfield – stretching across the country’s far east region and Siberia – with coastal export ports near the Chinese border has caught the eye of Beijing’s coal industry.

The China Coal Economic Research Association noted in a recent article on its website that Russia intends to build a new rail system to transport coal from the vast Tunguska sedimentary basin, the largest coalfield on Earth by projected reserves.

The state-supervised association said in the article, which was also published on its WeChat account, that the basin is still poorly characterised due to difficulty accessing the region and its harsh climate, but has large coal potential.

According to Moscow’s announcement in October, the rail line will run to Khabarovsk Krai on the far eastern coast – one of the country’s main coal exporting regions that directly borders China’s Heilongjiang province.

The railway will also transport coal from the Elga coal complex – one of the largest deposits of coking coal, which is used primarily in steel production – that is already in operation.

The Tunguska sedimentary basin spans 1 million square kilometres (386,102 square miles) across Siberia and Russia’s far east region, and has proven coal reserves of 6.4 billion tonnes.

The basin, which also contains other rocks, minerals and resources, has projected coal reserves of 2.299 trillion tonnes, according to the association’s article, which appeared on December 4.

A 2021 peer-reviewed study by researchers from Russia, Norway, and Sweden said boreholes taken in the region revealed thick deposits of coal-bearing rocks from the Permian period of 298.9 to 251.9 million years ago.

The coal found in the region includes lignite – which has the lowest energy content and is often used in electricity generation – as well as anthracite, used in domestic fuel, and the high-quality coking coal that is suitable for the steel industry, the association said.

The Elga complex in the Sakha Republic has a coking coal reserve of 2.2 billion tonnes, with a planned annual production capacity of 11.7 million tonnes a year and a projected lifespan of 100 years, according to Russian energy industry news portal Neftegaz.RU.

In October, the first goods train ran from the Elga complex to Port Elga in Khabarovsk, Russia’s media reported. Regular traffic is expected to be up and running in this section of the new railway in the first half of next year.

At the same time, Russian media reported that a further expansion was planned over the next two years, in an accelerated construction project to connect the Tunguska basin.

In its article, the Chinese association noted that the project also includes an upgrade of the Kharabarovsk port to increase its coal terminal capacity from 30 to 50 million tonnes a year – in line with the railway’s projected carrying capacity.

Russia took over from Australia as China’s largest source of coal after 2020, when tensions between Beijing and Canberra led to bans and a large drop in Australian coal imports.

That changed at the start of this year, when Australia again became China’s largest source of coal imports, according to customs data released in March.

China has reduced its Russian imports throughout this year as US-led sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 continue to affect Russia’s ability to settle international payments.

Beijing aims to reach peak emissions by 2030, and become carbon neutral before 2060.

China has continued to phase out fossil fuels and build up its renewable energy capacity, with wind and solar power expected to account for more than 40 per cent of total installed power generation capacity by year-end, surpassing coal.

Despite the phasing out of fossil fuel capacity, coal-based energy accounted for just under 60 per cent of China’s electricity output in the first half of 2024, according to a report by Reuters.

China remains the largest importer of coal in the world, and has partnered with Russia to build oil and gas pipelines between the two countries to help meet its energy demands.

What is China’s central economic work conference, and why does it matter?

https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3290090/what-chinas-central-economic-work-conference-and-why-does-it-matter?utm_source=rss_feed

All eyes have turned to China’s tone-setting annual central economic work conference for any clues of relief for the beleaguered economy.

Decisions reached at the conference effectively chart economic policy for the world’s second-largest economy for the coming year.

The close-door conference, which often lasts two or three days, is an occasion to share the top Chinese leadership’s thoughts about the status of the economy, their assessment of the domestic and external situation and their arrangements for the next year.

It is attended by all the members of Politburo – China’s prime decision-making body headed by President Xi Jinping – ministers, provincial leaders and executives of state-owned financial and industrial giants.

Xi’s speech and the conference statement, which is reported by the official Xinhua News Agency shortly after its conclusion, often provides a clue about China’s economic policy direction.

The date for such a high-profile conference is seldom announced, but in the past, it has often taken place in Beijing for two to three days in mid-December, normally days after a decision-making Politburo meeting.

Last year, it convened on December 11-12, setting out to stoke growth in domestic demand, promote an “upwards trend of economic recovery” and strengthen self-reliance in advanced technology.

This year, the Politburo held a meeting on Monday, pledging to adopt a “more active” set of policies with “moderately loose” monetary tools to expand domestic demand in 2025 and stabilise property and stock markets.

The last time Beijing employed the phrase “moderately loose” to define its monetary policy was in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2009.

Normally after the conclusion of the central economic work conference, China’s other government departments hold their own work conferences in December.

Leaders would normally diagnose the economy, starting with the ups and downs during the year and map out strategies for the next year.

But the official readout is normally brief and carries only qualitative goals, with specific growth targets and fiscal metrics, including the fiscal deficit and bond quota, only traditionally officially released at the annual gathering of the National People’s Congress in March.

For next year, decision makers will have to think more about mounting challenges, including lukewarm consumer sentiment, a property crisis that has lingered for four years, weak investor sentiment and a possible threat from US president-elect Donald Trump after he proposed tariffs on imports from China.

Given the Politburo meeting on Monday has provided directions, analysts are expecting more detailed qualitative statements from the upcoming central economic work conference.

The market is closely watching for any further signals of economic stimulus following the People’s Bank of China’s pro-growth tools in late September.

Beijing has not revealed a large fiscal package despite a debt-relief plan unveiled in November.

Hints of a shift toward “more aggressive” policy support could bolster financial markets, while “little new content” would leave markets disappointed, ING said on Thursday.

---

Hopes for hepatitis B ‘cure’ with China-led treatment advance

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3290180/hopes-hepatitis-b-cure-china-led-treatment-advance?utm_source=rss_feed

An international team of researchers led by Chinese medical experts has announced a discovery that could lead to a treatment for a liver virus that infects more than 250 million people worldwide – with China home to more cases than any other nation.

The scientists found that xalnesiran, a small interfering RNA molecule, used either alone or coupled with an immunomodulator – drugs that change the immune system so it works more effectively – can cure about one-third of hepatitis B patients in the study.

This number is a “substantial percentage” that the research and clinical community has been pursuing for nearly a decade, according to the researchers.

The study – led by Hou Jinlin of Nanfang Hospital, at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou and Chinese infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong of Huashan Hospital, at Fudan University in Shanghai – was published on December 5 in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

Hepatitis B is a lifelong infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that can remain asymptomatic for decades. Patients who are not aware that they have the virus can develop severely damaged livers. Between 15 to 40 per cent of untreated people are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Because the virus can hide in human liver cells by integrating itself into the human genome, it is extremely difficult to cure

Antiviral drugs such as tenofovir or entecavir – the traditional therapeutics for most patients – can inhibit viral replication and bring hepatitis under control, but they cannot eradicate HBV, and most people who start treatment must continue it for life.

The push to cure hepatitis B kicked off in earnest about 10 years ago, when several leading HBV scientists began convening scientific workshops aimed at developing a cure-focused action plan, according to Nature, which said in a 2022 article that nearly 50 therapies were in clinical trials at the time, with many more expected to follow.

Researchers say “cure” in this case does not mean eradicating every trace of HBV from the liver – which may not be possible. Instead, scientists are pursuing “functional cure”, defined as the sustained absence of HBV proteins and genetic material from the bloodstream for at least six months after the end of treatment.

The multicentre, well-designed phase 2 trial enrolled 159 patients with chronic HBV infection. The researchers wanted to assess whether their proposed therapy could achieve a higher functional cure rate than existing standard therapies – usually less than 10 per cent – and how safe it was after 48 weeks of treatment.

They found that 40 of the 124 patients, or 32 per cent, in the four treatment groups were able to end their antiviral therapies, meaning they were functionally cured after treatment.

The innovative therapeutic strategy “has raised the cure rate of hepatitis B beyond the 30 per cent mark for the first time”, Nanfang Hospital said on Thursday.

In a commentary in the journal, liver disease experts Harry Janssen of Erasmus University Medical Centre in the Netherlands and Milan Sonneveld from Toronto General Hospital said the results “herald a new era for combination therapy to treat chronic HBV infection”.

But they also pointed out that the new therapy was far from ideal. For one thing, the results reported by Hou and his collaborators indicate a risk of relapse, as 16 of the 40 cured participants eventually resumed their traditional antiviral treatment.

“Future trials could evaluate whether alternative treatment regimens, such as drugs with different target engagement, could increase the likelihood of response,” they said.

HBV, which is spread through bodily fluids, is the most common liver infection in the world. According to the World Health Organization, 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022, resulting in an estimated 1.1 million deaths.

In China, an estimated 87 million people have chronic HBV, accounting for about one-third of the global total. In Hong Kong, at least one in 20 people are infected with hepatitis, which health authorities have described as “a very serious problem”.

China’s naval base handover in Cambodia: a sign of waning US influence?

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3290235/chinas-naval-base-handover-cambodia-sign-waning-us-influence?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s handover of a naval base in Cambodia to Phnom Penh early next year following a revamp is symbolic of the “slow erosion” of US geopolitical dominance in Southeast Asia, according to analysts.

The timeline for the Ream Naval Base’s redevelopment was confirmed by Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia programme, who shared the details with This Week in Asia after speaking to Cambodian officials.

The base in Sihanoukville province was originally scheduled to have been handed over in September this year, according to a report by Radio Free Asia in August.

When the works on Ream are completed, analysts say China is likely to use its facilities for exercises and resupply as well as to deploy patrol frigates and smaller ships nearby.

Beijing is expected to hand over a deep-draft pier that could accommodate aircraft carriers and other base facilities along with two Chinese Type 056C warships to Cambodia, Radio Free Asia reported.

Rahman said the handing over of the base next year would take place as scheduled “if there are no major construction issues”.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, the base was previously used for several joint naval exercises between Cambodia and the United States in 2010. In later years, the base was upgraded with US financial help.

Two buildings at Ream developed with US funding were demolished in 2020, which paved the way for the start of the base’s redevelopment by China in 2022. China’s involvement has sparked concerns in Washington that it would soon have a permanent military base in Cambodia.

However, Cambodia has denied the claim, citing its constitution, which bans any foreign military from establishing a permanent presence in the country and that the base is open for use by “all friendly navies”.

Following the handover, China would likely have preferential access for exercises and naval visits at the base, Rahman said.

“This is not surprising because China is the major defence partner for Cambodia” and the base has become a symbol of the rivalry between the US and China for regional influence, he added.

Apart from conducting fleet visits to Cambodia and routine joint exercises with the Southeast Asian country in recent years, China has also supplied Phnom Penh with weapons and military equipment including patrol boats, military trucks and helicopters, and trained Cambodian military personnel.

Timothy Heath, a senior international defence researcher at the US-based Rand Corporation think tank, said China’s warships would likely gain preferential access to the base for resupply.

“However, Ream will not become a PLA military base in the manner of Djibouti,” Heath said, referring to Beijing’s first overseas military base, which opened in 2017.

“[Ream] does not offer much in terms of power projection, due to its distance from key shipping lanes through the Malacca Strait and the shallowness of the water,” Heath said. In contrast, China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea were “far more valuable” for its power projection, he added.

Since 2013, China has built artificial islands spanning over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

China could use its access to Ream for deploying frigates and smaller ships that operate closer to the coast, while the base could also be useful to set up an outpost for gathering intelligence targeting neighbouring countries, Heath said.

Troy Lee-Brown, a research fellow at The University of Western Australia’s Defence and Security Institute, said that apart from China getting preferential access to Ream, its navy could also “exercise some influence” on the base’s operations.

“It provides the People’s Liberation Army Navy with an enhanced presence in the Gulf of Thailand and alternative access to the South China Sea,” he said.

Given that Phonom Penh was likely maintaining a balancing act in its relationships with Beijing and Washington, the US and its allies should deepen their understanding of Cambodia’s immediate security concerns in Southeast Asia, Lee-Brown added. “[This] extends beyond matters related to China.”

Rahman said China’s increasing clout in Cambodia “reflects the slow erosion of American hegemony in Southeast Asia”, noting that Thailand has also been stepping up its defence engagements with China in recent years.

In addition to joint military drills between China and Thailand, the Southeast Asian country has also acquired more weapons from Beijing in recent years, including anti-ship missiles, air defence systems and armoured vehicles, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

In contrast, relations on the defence front between the US and Thailand have frozen following the Thai military coup in 2014, Rahman said. The Americans have also reduced engagements with Cambodia in this area over human rights issues, he added.

Rahman said the US, Australia and their partners should strengthen their defence ties with Phnom Penh to counter China’s influence in Cambodia.

But he noted that defence relations between the US and Cambodia remained “low-key” despite the visit by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Phnom Penh in June.

“China recognises the vacuum and moves in to replace the Americans as Southeast Asia’s preferred security partner. Beijing’s overall objective is to check and reduce Washington’s defence relations with Southeast Asian states,” Rahman said.

China KOL with 46 million followers detained for poking woman in miniskirt with stick

https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3289746/china-kol-46-million-followers-detained-poking-woman-miniskirt-stick?utm_source=rss_feed

An influencer in China with a staggering 46 million followers has been subjected to a 10-day administrative detention for poking a woman’s buttocks with a bamboo stick during a live-streaming event.

According to the police authority in Sanya, located in southern China’s Hainan island province, the individual, known by the surname Meng, was detained for this vulgar act involving a woman he had hired to enhance his online traffic.

The police stated on December 4, as reported by Hunan Daily, that the “harassment” scheme they orchestrated has had a detrimental impact on society.

Meng, 28, is more widely recognised by his alias, Qi Tiandao, on the short video platform Kuaishou, where he has garnered 46 million followers. He is known for his “humorous-style” live-streaming, often conducted in outdoor settings across mainland China.

During a live-streaming session staged in Sanya at the end of November, Meng fixated on a woman dressed in a short skirt who was buying milk tea on the street, all while being broadcast live. It was later revealed that the woman had been hired by Meng to act as a passer-by, according to police.

Moments later, Meng picked up a short bamboo stick, squatted down, and stealthily approached the woman, using the stick to poke her backside.

Clearly disturbed, the woman turned to Meng and asked: “Why did you touch my bottom?”

In a cheeky response, Meng replied: “I’d like to remind you that half of your buttocks are revealed.”

It remains unclear what the woman’s reply was.

Following a wave of complaints from internet users, Kuaishou took action by suspending Meng’s account for 15 days due to his violation of the platform’s rules.

Local police have indicated that the case is still under investigation, and it is uncertain whether the woman involved faced any repercussions.

Meng previously served a three-year prison sentence for fraud in 2019. After his release, he embarked on a career as a blogger, but his videos often included vulgar content, particularly involving the harassment of women, according to reports.

It is estimated that the gross sales value of the goods – mainland-produced snacks – in his Kuaishou online shop reached an impressive 100 million yuan (US$14 million).

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of Meng from online observers in mainland China.

“His account should be banned forever,” one netizen lamented.

Another questioned: “I wonder who his followers are. What kind of people are they?”

A further comment read: “The popularity of this individual, who primarily produces sleazy content, indicates a decline in society’s moral standards.”

Meng is not alone in facing scrutiny for problematic content. Last month, three social media accounts from northwestern China’s Qinghai province were shut down by authorities, and their bloggers were reprimanded by police for creating vulgar, violent, or misleading videos.

---

US-China ties under Donald Trump: first year of his presidency is crucial, says scholar

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3290236/us-china-ties-under-donald-trump-first-year-his-presidency-crucial-says-scholar?utm_source=rss_feed

Policymakers in Beijing are watching closely for clues on how the coming Donald Trump administration will roll out its China policy in its first six months or so, a prominent China expert in the US said on Tuesday.

That would make 2025 crucial for both Beijing and Washington to manage their tensions and avoid a military confrontation over Taiwan, considered the most dangerous flashpoint between the two nuclear powers.

“The overall take I have is that we are very likely to see the worst and the most dangerous deterioration in the coming years, especially the first year,” said Minxin Pei, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in California.

“The question is how low the relationship between the two countries can sink and whether tensions will spiral out of control and trigger a direct military confrontation,” said Pei.

If the two sides could manage their tensions in the first year, he added, particularly on Taiwan, “we should all celebrate”.

The assessment by Pei, an expert on Chinese governance, comes as policymakers in Beijing prepare with a mix of caution and anxiety for what is expected to be a harsh reset of the two countries’ already fraught relations.

Since the US elections in early November, there have been few clear signs as to the precise path the Trump administration will take in its China policy.

The former and future president has filled his cabinet with a mix of hawkish voices and those harbouring close ties to Beijing.

They include Marco Rubio, a US senator from Florida sanctioned by Beijing, selected to be US secretary of state, and Mike Waltz, a US congressman also from Florida critical of many of Beijing’s policies, chosen as national security adviser.

Trump further named Peter Navarro, widely regarded as be the mastermind behind America’s trade war with China who has been sanctioned by Beijing since 2021, as senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing.

The president-elect has vowed from his first day in office to impose additional 10 per cent tariffs on China, citing Beijing’s role in the illicit drug trade.

Yet throughout his 2024 election campaign, Trump forged a close relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, the SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO who has extensive business ties in China and with some of Beijing’s most senior officials.

Last week, Trump surprised many by announcing his nomination of businessman and former US senator David Perdue as ambassador to China.

While Perdue has voiced tough views on China, he also possesses decades of experience doing business with the country as an executive for Reebok and Dollar General, both of which he led as CEO.

Even though Trump speaks very little about Taiwan, the self-ruled island remains a dangerous flashpoint between the rival superpowers, Pei said, because his hawkish nominees were likely to “test” Beijing’s boundaries.

“The level of diplomatic exchange between China and the US is unlikely to function well with the hawks in charge,” explained Pei. “But Musk has a direct line to Trump’s ears, so he can … probably give Trump some less hawkish advice.”

Pei added that Beijing would like to hear directly from Trump whether he would adhere to the one-China policy and see what his nominees to lead the State and Defence departments have to say about Taiwan during their Senate confirmation hearings.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary.

Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

In addition, Beijing would be “eager” to establish contact with the Trump administration after US Inauguration Day, January 20, Pei believed, particularly holding a meeting with Waltz.

“If such a meeting takes place in the first three to six months, I think we should breathe some sigh of relief,” he said.

“[Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] and Trump will not have a chance to meet until the fall, so if things do not get out of control before the fall, then that is a good sign.”

As Trump’s inauguration looms, Beijing has signalled its readiness to deal with potential challenges from the US.

Earlier this month, a day after the Joe Biden administration unveiled new restrictions on selling China chip technology, Beijing responded by blocking sales to the US of gallium, germanium and antimony.

The critical minerals are essential to a range of civilian and military uses, from semiconductor manufacturing to advanced weaponry.

On Monday, the ruling Communist Party’s Politburo, its major decision-making body, said in a statement that a “moderately loose” monetary policy would be adopted to expand domestic demand, the first time such a phrase has been used since 2009.

By attempting to shore up its domestic economy, Beijing seeks to bolster its position vis-a-vis Washington, Pei said.

“China is in a weakened position, mostly because their economy is stuck … and that would not give them a lot of bargaining power,” the professor explained.

While it is widely expected that the US-China trade war will escalate after Trump takes office, Pei called hopes for a deal between the two sides optimistic and believed the worst scenario would be if tensions escalated beyond control.

For Beijing, a “black-swan scenario” could be an agreement reached between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war, Pei said.

During his campaign, Trump boasted about his friendship with the long-time Russian leader, claiming he could end the nearly three-year armed conflict “within 24 hours”.

Following his recent meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump on social media called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

But Trump in an interview with NBC on the same day also suggested he would be open to reducing military aid to the war-torn country.

Pei said Trump could end US sanctions against Russia for a potential deal with Putin and that would create a “huge headache” for China.

This was so “because what Xi will be facing will be two challenges” in such a scenario. “One is that the US will shift attention to China, but at the same time … Putin would move closer to the US.”

In that case, Pei said, “tensions between the US and China could come via Moscow”.

Huawei making moves in China’s robotics industry with Jimu investment, new embodied AI hub

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3290211/huawei-making-moves-chinas-robotics-industry-jimu-investment-new-embodied-ai-hub?utm_source=rss_feed

Huawei Technologies, a formidable player in fields from smartphones to electric vehicles, is also looming large in China’s fragmented robotics industry amid the country’s drive to be a global leader in the field.

The Shenzhen-based telecommunications giant, which is the face of China’s self-sufficiency drive to break US sanctions, last week injected 3 billion yuan (US$413 million) into a subsidiary called Dongguan Jimu Machinery, according to corporate database Qichacha.

The move to increase the capital base of the fully-owned unit to 3.89 billion yuan from 870 million yuan has fanned speculation that Huawei is gearing up to enter the robotics industry. Huawei has not publicly disclosed Jimu’s business activities and declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday.

Public corporate data showed that Jimu is engaged in electronics component manufacturing.

Jimu is headed by Li Jianguo, an executive director at Huawei and the president of its manufacturing department, according to Qichacha.

Huawei’s increased investment in Jimu comes a month after it opened an embodied artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Shenzhen, focused on integrating AI into physical entities like robots.

The Huawei (Shenzhen) Global Embodied AI Industry Innovation Centre started operations last month. Huawei will use the centre to integrate the embodied AI capabilities of its various teams, and build “key foundational technologies” involving areas such as embodied AI models and computing power, according to the Shenzhen municipal government.

The Huawei embodied AI centre has also signed partnerships with Shenzhen-based robotics companies including Leju Robot and Han’s Robot.

China’s robotics industry is growing rapidly, generating huge demand for components such as chips. According to the World Robotics 2024 report published last month by the International Federation of Robotics, China has surpassed Germany and Japan in the adoption of industrial robots.

Huawei first tested the waters in robotics in April 2022, when it announced a partnership with Shanghai-based Dataa Robotics. The companies would work together to develop multimodal large models and new robotics applications, and Dataa would use Huawei’s Ascend AI computing service, they said.

In March 2024, Leju Robot released robot products powered by Huawei’s home-developed large language model (LLM) Pangu.

Huawei’s push into robotics comes amid nationwide efforts to develop the industry. Several local governments in China released blueprints and policy support measures for the robotics industry this month, with Chongqing pledging up to 10 million yuan (US$1.37 million) in subsidies.

At the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing in August, Chinese firms showcased more than two dozen humanoid robots, demonstrating abilities that included playing musical instruments, stocking shelves and cooking meals. A humanoid robot named Kuafu-MY, powered by Huawei’s LLM, was launched in May this year.

US-sanctioned Huawei saw its revenue surge in the first nine months of this year thanks to rising smartphone sales in the domestic market. Huawei reported a 29.5 per cent jump in revenue to 585.9 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2024, up from 452.3 billion yuan in the same period last year, the privately held company said in a filing in November.

---

Canada sanctions 8 Chinese officials, citing human rights violations

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3290227/canada-sanctions-8-chinese-officials-citing-human-rights-violations?utm_source=rss_feed

Canada imposed sanctions on eight former and current senior Chinese officials on Tuesday, citing alleged state-led human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, Tibet and against Falun Gong followers.

“Canada is deeply concerned over reports that China has arbitrarily detained more than 1 million people in Xinjiang since 2017, many of whom were held in camps and faced psychological, physical and sexual violence,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

A 2022 report by the then UN human rights chief said China’s treatment of Uygurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority in Xinjiang, in the country’s far west, could constitute crimes against humanity. Beijing denies the allegations.

Canada’s targets include Chen Quanguo, former Communist Party chief in the Xinjiang region, and Wu Yingjie, Communist Party head in Tibet between 2016 and 2021.

The action imposes an asset freeze on the targeted officials by prohibiting Canadians from engaging in property-related activity or providing financial services.

“We call on the Chinese government to put an end to this systematic campaign of repression and uphold its international human rights obligations,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in the statement.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The sanctions come months after Joly visited Beijing and met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Beijing says he spoke to her about normalising relations.

Canada-China ties turned icy in 2018 after Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Officer of Chinese telecoms firm Huawei Technologies, was detained in Canada and China subsequently arrested two Canadians in China.

All three were later released, but Ottawa’s allegations of Chinese political interference in Canada have kept relations strained.

Canada’s ambassador to Beijing visited Xinjiang earlier this year and expressed concerns about human rights violations directly to local leaders.

The United States, UK and the European Union have also imposed sanctions over alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang.

US offers US$10 million reward for Chinese hacker linked to potentially deadly cyberattack

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3290229/us-offers-us10-million-reward-chinese-hacker-linked-potentially-deadly-cyberattack?utm_source=rss_feed

The United States sanctioned a Chinese cybersecurity company over an ambitious cyberattack that US Treasury officials say could have killed people.

The Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday that the Chengdu-based Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company and one of its employees, Guan Tianfeng, deployed malicious software to more than 80,000 firewalls run by thousands of companies worldwide in April 2020.

The FBI is offering US$10 million for information about the 30-year-old, his company, or their alleged hacking activities.

The malicious software not only stole data, but it was used to deploy ransomware, which paralyses corporate networks by encrypting data.

The statement said three dozen firewalls were protecting the systems of critical infrastructure companies and that, had the hacking not been thwarted or mitigated, the potential impact “could have resulted in serious injury or loss of human life”.

In particular, the statement said that an energy company targeted in Sichuan Silence’s hacking campaign was “actively involved in drilling” during the attack. Had the hacking not been thwarted, the statement said, “it could have caused oil rigs to malfunction”.

Guan was separately charged with conspiracy to commit computer and wire fraud, according to a US Department of Justice indictment made public on Tuesday.

Sichuan Silence did not immediately respond to an email and Reuters could not immediately locate contact information for Guan, who also goes by “gxiaomao” online.

Sichuan Silence has previously been accused of involvement in malicious digital activity.

In 2021 Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta Platforms, alleged that the firm was linked to an online influence campaign that promoted claims of a phoney biologist who said the United States was interfering in the search for the origins of Covid-19.

Beijing routinely denies being a party to hacking and other malicious cyber activity.

Ross McKerchar, the chief information security officer of the UK-based firm Sophos, whose routers were among those targeted in the cyberattack, said in a statement that the hackers had shown “relentless determination”.

In a past report on the activity, Sophos said the hacks showed “a level of commitment to malicious activity we have rarely seen in the nearly 40 years of Sophos’ existence as a company”.

US must engage China’s ‘wickedly competitive’ hi-tech firms: trade group leader

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3290230/us-must-engage-chinas-wickedly-competitive-hi-tech-firms-trade-group-leader?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s increasing support for its hi-tech companies amid rapidly tightening trade restrictions by Washington and Beijing have spawned “wickedly competitive” local firms that multinational entities must engage with to remain globally competitive.

Yet new limits announced by the two sides in recent years, and particularly over the past week or so, make such engagement as partners, suppliers or competitors all but impossible.

This was one of the final warnings that Craig Allen, the outgoing president of the US-China Business Council, issued on Tuesday, ahead of his departure from the non-profit industry association that counts General Motors, Honeywell and Walmart as members.

For US companies and other multinationals operating on the mainland, “local Chinese peers, especially Chinese private companies, are … becoming wickedly competitive”, said Allen in a keynote address to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

This was happening as they work to overcome slower domestic growth and oversupply, the former senior US government official added.

Allen’s cautionary message follows measures announced by US President Joe Biden’s administration last week imposing new export restrictions on 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development.

The updates included revisions to the foreign direct product rule, which allows the US to block products manufactured outside its borders if they contain American technology.

“With the export controls, the potential threat of being cut off from a critical supplier leaves Chinese companies with little choice but to form new partnerships, preferably with other Chinese companies, but [also] with European, Japanese or Korean suppliers, if possible,” explained Allen.

Biden’s recent order apparently triggered significant countermoves by Beijing, which banned the export of items categorised as “dual-use” – products or materials that can be adapted to civilian and military applications – to any US military end users.

Even before the Biden administration began banning the export of advanced chips and other hi-tech products to China, citing national security concerns, Beijing was enacting policies that favoured domestic companies in key sectors.

In particular, Beijing has done so through its ambitious Made in China 2025 plan to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing as well as its rules preventing state-owned enterprises from using foreign information technology.

Allen asserted that the accumulation of restrictions from both sides was leading to a bifurcated global tech ecosystem.

And when foreign companies are squeezed in China, he added, they lose what they need most to compete globally: tech talent nurtured in an ecosystem that enjoys significant government support.

“Chinese talent is essential,” said Allen. “It is required that American or multinational companies maintain an R&D presence in China to keep up with the innovative trends in the Chinese market, which is necessary for their regional, their domestic China, their bilateral, their regional and indeed their global competitiveness.”

“Right now, we’re kind of in the worst of all possible worlds, where we’re anticipating that what is legal on Tuesday might not be legal on Wednesday,” he continued.

“I would say exactly the same thing is true for Chinese companies interested in doing business in America. And the value that we lose, the opportunity costs of that, are very, very high.

Korea instability should prompt US, China to put aside self-interests

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3290018/korea-instability-should-prompt-us-china-put-aside-self-interests?utm_source=rss_feed

The imposition of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk-yeol was short-lived but the news reverberated globally, leaving many to ponder the depths of his political miscalculation. The move, which exacerbated his precarious position, is a stark reminder that leaders, regardless of their stature, are fallible. The gravest errors often stem from too intense a focus on self-serving interests at the expense of broader, more significant concerns.

US president-elect Donald Trump, known for his emotional and self-interested approach, attempted personal diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first term, an overture that ultimately failed. Now, South Korea’s Yoon has employed a conservative, nationalist tactic – only to see it backfire spectacularly.

This should prompt more level-headed people in positions of power to reflect on the narrow, parochial perspectives that dominate decision-making within nations.

Further complicating the geopolitical landscape is North Korea’s reported dispatch of troops to Russia to support Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine. This audacious move is by no means a footnote in international relations; it is a harbinger of shifting allegiances and a recalibration of power dynamics in Northeast Asia. It also represents a significant failure by the international community to manage major power relationships and traditional conflicts.

For decades, China has been North Korea’s indispensable patron. Yet, Kim’s latest overture to Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests a strategic pivot that diminishes Beijing’s influence. This development is a stark reminder that, in international politics, alliances are fluid and loyalty is often a matter of convenience. The implications are profound, signalling a potential realignment of regional alliances that could destabilise the delicate balance of power in Northeast Asia.

The United States, ever vigilant in safeguarding its hegemony, views North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine with palpable alarm. This escalation complicates the already fraught US-China relationship, as Washington is likely to intensify its demands on Beijing to rein in Pyongyang.

But China’s leverage over North Korea is not as robust as it once was, making such demands increasingly difficult to fulfil. The intricate dance of diplomacy and power politics in the region underscores the necessity for a visionary leadership that transcends immediate national interests.

China’s paramount interest in Northeast Asia is stability. North Korea’s provocative actions threaten to destabilise the region, forcing Beijing to adopt a more cautious approach. The spectre of a destabilised Korean peninsula, with South Korea openly discussing the possibility of a nuclear weapons programme, is anathema to Chinese, as well as American, strategic interests, necessitating a delicate balancing act.

Beijing must navigate these turbulent waters with a deft hand, ensuring its actions do not inadvertently exacerbate the very tensions it seeks to mitigate.

China could become more vigilant, rigorously enforcing its export controls and cracking down on sanctions-breaching activities within its claimed waters. This would bolster its assertion that its expansive maritime claims are justified in upholding international norms. By showing a commitment to international law and order, China can also strengthen its position on the global stage with regard to its territorial sea claims and mitigate the risks posed by North Korea’s unpredictable behaviour.

The US must also reassess its policy towards China, often justified under the self-congratulatory banner of protecting democracy. The reality is that the US needs China.

Take the fentanyl crisis, for example. The US Congress select committee report in April on Beijing’s role in the US drug crisis is a regrettable smear campaign that has hampered joint enforcement efforts, making it harder to combat the opioid crisis.

That report essentially supported a notion that China and the Communist Party are pushing fentanyl to weaken the US, much as the 19th-century Opium War effort by the West weakened China. This is simply not true.

These anti-Beijing zealots in the US Congress bear as much responsibility for the fentanyl deaths as the drug cartels. Only by transcending narrow self-interests and striving to create a world that works for all can we hope to emerge from this era of darkness and rediscover the true purpose of humanity.

As we navigate these turbulent times, it is essential to recognise the cyclical nature of history and the importance of reflective understanding. This can guide us towards a more enlightened and harmonious future. We need to look beyond our immediate self-interests and embrace a broader, more inclusive vision.

The geopolitical shifts in Northeast Asia underscore the urgent need for leaders to transcend parochial interests and embrace a more holistic approach to governance. The challenges we face are not confined by national borders; they are global in nature and require a concerted effort to address. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, we can navigate these turbulent times and lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future.

Take, for example, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world. In October, the Biden administration published a national security memorandum on AI, in what was seen by some as an echo of Cold-War-era documents. Unfortunately, the professionals who worked on AI strategy are focusing too narrowly on the perceived China threat. Some even claim that all cooperation with China must be played down to enable the many agencies and people in the US to prepare for a coming conflict.

Alas, this type of thinking risks a self-fulfilling prophecy. There will always be competition between the US and China, but they must also find ways to trust each other again.

China’s ‘hidden infrastructure’, tech upgrades to empower investment potential

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290179/chinas-hidden-infrastructure-tech-upgrades-empower-investment-potential?utm_source=rss_feed

Necessary upgrades to China’s ageing urban infrastructure could see China spend upwards of 4 trillion yuan (US$551 billion) over the next five years, while technology-focused projects such as data centres and AI-related advancements are among the future-facing industries that also hold immense potential for increased investment funds, according to the country’s top economic planner.

As a critical part of a city’s “hidden infrastructure”, renovations and upgrades of urban underground pipelines – covering gas; water supply and drainage; and heating systems – are substantial undertakings with immense investment needs, said Zhao Chengfeng, deputy director of the investment department at the National Development and Reform Commission.

“Estimates suggest that, over the next five years, China will require approximately 4 trillion yuan in investment in these areas,” he was quoted by Xinhua as saying at a round-table event on Monday.

And he touched on how China also has substantial investment potential in technological innovations and industrial upgrades, pointing specifically to quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and the low-altitude economy – a surging growth engine involving drones and flying cars – as rapidly developing future industries, without providing their estimated demand size.

As China’s economic growth rate slows amid weakened spending and consumption demands, coupled with a prolonged property crisis, infrastructure investment remains one of the available tools for the country’s leadership to prop up growth and support economic stability while also boosting long-term growth prospects by addressing structural weaknesses. Large-scale construction projects also fuel job growth while driving demand for materials and services.

Zhao explained that China has allocated around 6 trillion yuan in government investment funds this year, including 700 billion yuan from the central government budget, 1 trillion yuan in long-term special treasury bonds, 3.12 trillion yuan in local government special bonds earmarked for project construction, and an additional 1 trillion yuan in treasury bonds issued in 2023 that are primarily being utilised this year.

“China’s investment potential remains significant … from the perspective of building a modern industrial system, improving infrastructure and public services, and meeting the growing needs of the people for a better life,” he said.

Advancing the digital economy through the proactive development of new infrastructure, such as cloud-computing systems and data centres, will also be an urgent requirement.

In contrast with the slowing real estate investment growth, the pace of China’s infrastructure investments picked up in the first 10 months of this year, growing 4.3 per cent, 0.2 percentage points higher than in the first three quarters.

Meanwhile, manufacturing investment grew by 9.3 per cent, year on year, maintaining strong growth momentum throughout the year.

In the first 10 months, China’s fixed-asset investment grew by 3.4 per cent, year on year.

Chip war: China’s semiconductor imports expand ahead of tightened US restrictions

https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3290204/chip-war-chinas-semiconductor-imports-expand-ahead-tightened-us-restrictions?utm_source=rss_feed

China’s semiconductor imports continued to expand this year, as mainland enterprises rushed to stockpile integrated circuits (ICs) from US suppliers ahead of the roll-out of fresh trade sanctions by Washington.

From January to November, China imported a total of 501.47 billion ICs, a 14.8 per cent jump in volume from the same period last year, according to data published on Tuesday by the General Administration of Customs.

The total value of IC imports recorded by the mainland in the past 11 months reached US$349 billion, up 10.5 per cent from a year earlier, customs data showed.

The double-digit increase in terms of volume and value of IC imports reflects Chinese enterprises’ concerns over the severity of tightened US semiconductor restrictions and the potential impact on their operations.

New measures, announced earlier this month by the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, imposed export restrictions on 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development.

A significant focus of the updated restrictions is high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips – used in data centres for artificial intelligence (AI) projects. It bars the export to China of US-origin and foreign-made HBM chips to prevent Beijing from building its AI capabilities for military applications.

At the same time earlier this month, the Commerce Department added 140 Chinese semiconductor enterprises to its so-called Entity List, which generally bars them from doing business with US companies.

Meanwhile, China’s semiconductor exports also recorded double-digit growth in terms of volume and value in the January-November period, according to the latest customs data, showing continued momentum in the country’s production of so-called legacy chips.

The total number of IC exports hit 271.6 billion units, an 11.4 per cent gain over the same period last year. The value of these exports nearly reached US$145 billion, up 18.8 per cent from a year earlier.

China’s October IC output – a broad measure of semiconductor production – grew 11.8 per cent from a year ago to reach 35.9 billion units, while the total IC output in the first 10 months of the year rose 24.8 per cent from the same period last year, according to data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics.

In an apparent move to hit back at the US government’s escalated chip restrictions, China’s antitrust regulator on Monday launched an investigation into American semiconductor giant Nvidia. This was over the company’s US$6.9 billion acquisition of Israeli networking products maker Mellanox Technologies, a deal that received China’s approval in 2020.

Following the new US restrictions’ announcement, China’s state-backed bodies covering internet companies, semiconductor firms, automakers and communications network operators have called on their respective members to shun chips from US suppliers.

The China Semiconductor Industry Association declared that US chips were “no longer safe, no longer reliable”.

---