China News 15 May 2020
International
Chinese state media says sanctions will make US “feel the pain”, Trump floats severing relations entirely. Chinese state media says “China is extremely dissatisfied with the abuse of litigation by the US against China over the COVID-19 epidemic, and is considering punitive countermeasures against US individuals, entities and state officials, such as Missouri's attorney general Eric Schmitt, who filed a lawsuit against China”. The Global Times quotes an analyst saying, “We can't just strike back symbolically, but should impose countermeasures that could make them feel the pain”. The piece specifically talks about targeting Missouri and hawkish legislators in the US. Asked about possible decoupling measures on Fox News President Trump said: “There are many things we could do. We could cut off the whole relationship. Now, if you did, what would happen?" Trump asked. "You'd save $500 billion if you cut off the whole relationship." Global Times, Fox Business, Newsweek 14 May
UK / China politics:
The Spectator runs an interview with CRG Secretary Neil O’Brien about why MPs have set up the China Research Group, and some of the issues raised by the Chinese government’s behaviour. Spectator, 14 May
The Guardian reports that Conservative MPs are calling for a planned takeover law to be strengthened. CRG committee member Alicia Kearns is quoted saying, “Government needs to have a right to protect British technology not just when a firm is about to be taken over, but for perhaps up to a year afterwards by which time the shareholders’ intentions are clearer.” The Foreign Affairs Select Committee has been investigating Imagination Technologies case. Defence select committee chairman, Tobias Ellwood, is also proposing the Five Eyes network take a more coordinated stance on national security and technology. Guardian, 14 May
23 Conservative MPs have written to Trade Minister Liz Truss, proposing amendments to the Trade Bill which would lead to an annual report on UK trade dependencies, particularly with China. Owen Patterson Twitter, 14 May
Huawei-sponsored celebrity event on “disinformation” in the US gets cancelled. The webinar, titled “The Rise of Misinformation,” and had billed musician will.i.am among celebrity panelists. CNN journalist Van Jones said he’d only agreed to take part before hearing who the sponsor was, and was glad it had been cancelled. Huawei is currently being prosecuted in the US for racketeering and conspiracy to steal trade secrets. Washington Examiner, WSJ, 13 May.
Chinese state media says “global safety inspection” needed to stop “dirty tricks” and “substandard” security at in US bio-labs. Global Times, 14 May
Sino-Australian trade-tensions:
Australian Workers Union backs government, says “Australia should resist any attempts to be bullied.” The AWU criticised “billionaires who have cosy relationships” with Beijing. Sky Australia, 14 May
The reasons why China is punishing Australia. Foreign Policy, 13 May
“Australia urged to avoid 'megaphone diplomacy' with China over trade dispute”. Guardian, 13 May
“I Criticized My University’s Ties to the Chinese Government. Now I Face Expulsion.” Foreign Policy, 14 May
“'Wuhan Diary' Brings Account Of China's Coronavirus Outbreak To English Speakers”. NPR, 14 May
Property ladder: 84 households living up 800m-high cliffs relocated by Beijing in fight against poverty. BBC, Guardian, 14 May
Beijing using anti-crime campaign to crack down on peaceful free expression by Tibetans. Human Rights Watch, 14 May
Economy / tech
Magnus: have we passed peak China? In an article for the FT, economist George Magnus looks at factors dragging on China’s economy, including over-indebtedness, weak institutions, and a population “ageing faster than any other nation on Earth”. He suggests that with unemployment high and social security protection weak, “a heightened sense of economic insecurity in an authoritarian society will lead to a more closed and more edgy China.” FT, 14 May
Taiwanese semiconductor firm TSMC supported to build plant in US. TSMC said it decided to build the new plant with the “mutual understanding and commitment to support from the U.S. federal government and the State of Arizona.” WSJ, 14 May
Race for next WTO Director General begins. Politico, 14 May
China to stimulate economy and raise deficit. Global Times, 14 May
China and the U.S. Won’t Go to War, but Will Fight for Tech Supremacy. Caixin, 14 May
China starts new elite programme for students to study science and technology, to meet the country’s “significant strategic demands”. SCMP, 14 May
Long reads
Harassment & Intimidation of Individuals in Canada Working on China-related Human Rights Concerns. Amnesty International
Australia and China after the pandemic. “Economic dependency on China is a mindset as much as it is an economic reality. The key to dealing with it is firmness in the face of coercion, recognition that not all elements of our trade are vulnerable to retaliation, and strong contingency plans for those sectors that might be affected.” Australian Diplomat Richard Maude - Asia Society
“COVID-19 and China: A Chronology of Events”. The US Naval Institute news site has published a Congressional Research Service report that provides a timeline of events early in the outbreak of Covid-19. UNSI News, 13 May
Coronavirus has merely exacerbated pre-existing tensions in Sino-American relations. Timeline from CNN, 14 May
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