China News 1 September 2020
International
China attempts to extend influence by sending more diplomats. The Times reports that the number of Chinese diplomats in the UK has risen by almost a quarter in the past decade, prompting concerns over the country’s political influence in Britain. Beijing has responded to the story saying Britain is twisting facts to undermine bilateral relations. The Times, 28 August & Reuters, 29 August
Senior Czech politician visits Taiwan, angering China. In a rare trip by a senior foreign official, Czech Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil travelled to Taiwan on Saturday, warning democracies should not appease China by sacrificing Taiwan. China has threatened with “corresponding measures” in response to the visit. Reuters, 29 August; SCMP, 31 August & The Guardian, The Times, 1 September
With eye on China, U.S. aims to 'formalize' four-nation 'Quad' security grouping. Japan Times, 1 September
Why China Will Support Russia in Belarus. The Diplomat, 31 August
Inner Mongolia protests at China's plans to bring in Mandarin-only lessons. The Guardian, The Times, 1 September
Chinese-born Australian CGTN journalist Cheng Lei detained in Beijing. SCMP, 31 August
US elections: who does China really want to win? SCMP, 31 August
Tibet Was China’s First Laboratory of Repression. Foreign Policy, 31 August
China and the EU: A Tale of Two Summits. The Diplomat, 1 September
Xi says China to step up efforts to fight 'splittism' in Tibet. Reuters, 29 August
India accuses China of ‘provocative’ moves on Himalayan border. FT, 31 August
U.S. military presence needed in Asia, Philippines' foreign minister says. Reuters, 26 August
China warns of 'shadow' over ties with Australia, tells it to stop whining. Reuters, 26 August
Hong Kong:
HSBC ‘aiding China’s Hong Kong crackdown’. The Times, 27 August
HK survey shows increasing majority back pro-democracy goals, smaller support for protest movement. Reuters, 30 August
Hong Kong Free Press journalist denied visa amid fears for media freedom. The Guardian, 27 August
Chinese investors snap up Hong Kong property as new security law deters foreigners. Reuters, 31 August
Twelve arrested at sea while trying to flee to Taiwan from Hong Kong. The Guardian, 27 August
Economy & tech
UK's Supreme Court dismisses Huawei and ZTE patent appeals. Reuters, 26 August
India moves to cut Huawei gear from telecoms network. Industry executives say government is seeking to phase out Chinese equipment without a formal ban, prompting more concerns for the telecoms group. FT, 24 August & FT, 27 August
Deciphering Trump's TikTok Ban as China Feud Escalates. Bloomberg, FT, 31 August
U.S. crackdowns on Huawei prompt chip stockpiling, proposed aid not enough - VLSI Research. Reuters, 31 August
Longer reads & opinion
Shinzo Abe and his struggle with Xi Jinping. FT, 31 August
Why are US companies buying tech from Chinese firms that spy on Muslims? The Guardian, 31 August
The West must wake up or be left behind. The Times, 31 August
Chinese Acquisitions of Western Firms Threaten National Security. Foreign Policy, 24 August
When China Reporters Can’t Report from China. ChinaFile, 27 August