China News - 11 September
International
Commons worker arrested after allegedly spying for China. A British individual has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China and breaking the official secrets act. Caroline Wheeler, Harry Yorke, Dipesh Gaher and Tim Shipman. TheTimes, 10 September
China opposed plans for US to host G20 in 2026. Chinese officials have used meetings at the G20 in New Delhi to voice their opposition to the US assuming the rotating chairmanship of the group of leading economies. This attempt failed, although it does highlight the clear Sino-US tensions. Henry Foy, Lucy Fisher and James Politi. Financial Times, 9 September
China think tank says India is “sabotaging” G20 for its own agenda. The China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, a think tank that is affiliated with China’s top spy agency, accused India of bringing “private goods” to the global stage. They said this would damage India’s role as host of the G20 and create further problems. Kevin Yao. Reuters, 9 September
It is for China to explain Xi’s absence from G20 summit, US official says. Jon Finer, the US deputy national security adviser, said “it’s incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain [why its leader] would or would not participate”. Nandita Bose. Reuters, 9 September
Senior US general warns China is seeking to exploit US service members to strengthen its military. Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown said that the CCP is “targeting and recruiting US and NATO-training military talent” to train the PLA. Haley Britzky and Oren Liebermann. CNN Politics, 8 September
Vietnam to upgrade US relationship to level with China. Biden will sign a “comprehensive partnership” with Vietnam when he arrives in Hanoi from the G20. This is a huge step in Vietnamese-American relations. Mercedes Ruehl, James Politi and Henry Foy. Financial Times, 10 September
Meloni signals to China that Italy plans to exit the Belt and Road. In a meeting on the side-lines of the G20, Meloni signalled to Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Italy plans to leave the Belt and Road Initiative. Chiara Albanese and Alberto Nardelli. Bloomberg, 10 September
Economy & Tech
China’s deflation pressures ease as consumer prices rise. August CPI has edged into positive territory at 0.1% higher, but the producer index has fallen by 3%. Joe Leahy. Financial Times, 9 September
Chinese economy out of deflation but faces threat of relapse. China’s consumer price index rebounded in August as the economy emerged from deflation. However, many analysts do not rule out the possibility of a relapse into deflation in the near future as many of the problems have yet to be solved by the Chinese government. The Guardian, 9 September
Apple shares slide after China government iPhone ban. Apple’s stock market valuation has fallen by more than 6%, which is the equivalent of almost $200bn since the CCP announced the ban. Mariko Oi and Chris Vallance. BBC News, 10 September
Opinion & long-reads
China is full of risks. So why can’t corporate America leave? Many Western companies still see China operations as a long-term bet. However, the payoff is starting to be tempered with hazards amid rising geopolitical tensions. Alexandra Setvenson. NYTimes, 8 September
Have we reached peak pessimism on China? The current consensus on China sees the country stagnating in the long term. But there may be more dramatic short-term scenarios. Ruchir Sharma. Financial Times, 10 September
“It’s offensive”: backlash against China’s “good for marriage” women’s trend. A social media debate has erupted over a controversial trend to dress and behave in a certain way. Yi Song, a star from the drama Brilliant Girls, has promoted pastel makeup and modest clothing as “good for marriage”. Her character is a woman who wants to get married as quickly as possible. Helen Davidson. The Guardian, 10 September