China News - 19 July
International
US plans narrow China tech investment limits. Biden’s plans to restrict outbound investments in China will be focused on the tech industry, and exclusively affect new investments, according to Bloomberg. Officials are aiming to have wrapped up a proposal by August to continue the “de-risking” process from China. Washington’s new rules are not likely to have much impact before 2024. Bloomberg, 18 July
China’s defence minister, Kissinger holds talks on Sino-US relations. Following recent US visits by Yellen and Blinken, former American diplomat, Henry Kissinger, has also met with Chinese officials. Washington was aware of Kissinger's travel to China but he is a private citizen and was not acting on behalf of the US government, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Talks between Kissinger and China’s defence minister Li Shangfu were focused on the development of Sino-US relations and smoothing out tensions. Reuters, 18 July
Xi Jinping underlines China is on its own carbon reduction path during US climate envoy John Kerry’s Beijing visit. Xi was speaking at a two-day national conference on ecological and environmental protection. The Chinese President confirmed his commitment to reduce emissions, but reiterated that “the path towards the goals as well as the manner, pace and intensity of efforts to achieve them should and must be determined by the country itself”. Yuanyue Dang. South China Morning Post, 19 July
John Kerry aims to put aside China tensions during crucial climate talks. During talks, John Kerry said climate change is a “universal threat” and has to be separated from politics. Oliver Maliman. The Guardian, 18 July
New UK report highlights plight of foreign prisoners in China and forced prison labour from China in global supply chains. The new report from the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission includes testimony from two former prisoners, Peter Humphrey and Marius Balo, who spent time in China’s jails. Tim Loughton MP and Chairman of the CPHRC, said that their experiences show the dangers of doing business in China, and that it is “high time our governments woke up to these ethical, moral and indeed security threats”. The report states that governments must strive to protect their citizens and ensure consequences for perpetrators of injustices. Ben Rogers. Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, 18 July
Chinese intelligence expected to monitor Australia’s Talisman Sabre military exercises. This is part of a two-week military training exercise involving 30,000 personnel from 13 different countries including the US and Pacific neighbours. The director of the exercise, Brig Damian Hill, expects Chinese intelligence to monitor the exercise closely, “even though they’re not invited, they still turn up”. The Guardian, 19 July
Xi says China will deepen cooperation with Algeria in several key sectors. The Chinese President met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to discuss further cooperation in infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture and the mineral sector. Joint developments in aerospace, nuclear energy and renewable energy were also raised. Tebboune visited Beijing last month following a state visit to Russia appealing for BRICS membership. Reuters, 18 July
Economy & tech
Semiconductor Industry Association urges restraint on China chip restrictions. According to the SIA, further chip restrictions threaten the competitiveness of the US semiconductor industry, could create significant market uncertainty and could disrupt fundamental supply chains. Despite national security concerns, the SIA states that American companies can not afford to ignore the Chinese market. TechNode, 18 July
Chinese travel booking site Ctrip unveils AI model offering tourism tips. Amid new AI regulations, Chinese companies are increasingly turning to industry-specific models. The AI model will recommend destinations, hotels, sightseeing and even search real-time offers on flights. Cheyenne Dong. TechNode, 18 July
China youth unemployment hits high as recovery falters. Unemployment for 16-24 year olds in China has risen to 21.3%. 11.58 million graduates are expected to enter the Chinese job market this year, however jobs currently available do not align with many degrees. Much online discussion is conducted by this age group which has led to a vocal debate. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China needed to redouble its efforts to meet its 5% economic growth target. Annabelle Liang and Nick Marsh. BBC News, 17 July
Opinion & long-reads
How China is using new railway line to extend influence in Myanmar. The new bullet train cuts through the remote region of Yunnan in a clear display of China’s ambitions for this province. China is Myanmar's largest trading partner. Helen-Ann Smith. Sky News, 18 July
China steps in with key vocational school overhaul and 11 “key tasks” to help boost self-sufficiency and tech prowess. Education authorities have declared the need for a nationwide “revamp”. China is experiencing a shortfall of skilled engineers and blue-collar workers which is curbing industrial and economic development in the long-term. Local governments have been tasked with introducing occupational schools to industrial companies to better accommodate market needs. Luna Sun. South China Morning Post, 19 July
“My son is innocent”: mother of imprisoned Australian businessman denies he’s a Chinese spy. Csergo was arrested in April and charged for reckless foreign interference. The businessman was given a “shopping list” by two Chinese intelligence officials requesting information about Australia's new Aukus alliance, competition between American and China in the Pacific, and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The Guardian, 18 July
Typhoon Talim lashes China as extreme weather grips Asia. China has experienced record temperatures over the past two days, now followed by winds of 87 mph in the Guangdong province. Strong winds have resulted in a landfall in Guangxi causing 8,200 fish-farming workers to be evacuated as the coastline became dangerous. Emily McGarvey and Joel Guinto. BBC News, 18 July