China News - 2 March 2022
International
China’s Ukraine crisis
China could ‘play a role’ as peacemaker in Ukraine ceasefire. In a possible change in tone, Beijing said it was concerned about the harm to civilians in comments that came after a phone call between Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. State-owned China Central Television said Kuleba asked China to use its influence to help mediate in its conflict with Russia. FT, The Guardian, 1 March
Chinese people stranded in Kyiv become target of Ukrainian anger. A refusal by Beijing to criticise Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and a wave of mockery of Ukraine and glorification of Russian military might on Chinese social media are giving China a bad name in Ukraine. A growing number of Chinese who live in Ukraine have reported incidents of hostility from Ukrainians and some say they have even been attacked. FT, 2 March
First Chinese citizens evacuated from Ukraine by bus. Caixin, 1 March
China shunning Russian coal with banks nervous over sanctions. Bloomberg, 1 March
China vows to ink more free trade agreements with partners: commerce ministry. The state-run Global Times reported that, according to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership rules, China is improving or modifying laws and reform initiatives. Vice-minister of commerce Wang Shouwen commented: “China also has the conditions to fulfil its obligations under CPTPP rules regarding state-owned enterprises”. Global Times, 1 March
US says it is realigning its China trade policy. Following an annual report on trade policy released yesterday, the Biden administration said it is looking at all existing tools and potentially new ones to combat Beijing’s state-led nonmarket practices. WSJ, 1 March
China buys more Iranian oil now than it did before sanctions, data shows. The ramping up of the purchases by the world's top oil importer comes amid talks between Tehran and world powers to revive a 2015 nuclear deal that will lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Reuters, 2 March
Ex-Bar Association chairman leaves Hong Kong for UK after meeting with police. SCMP, 2 March
China denounces visit by US delegation to Taiwan as tensions simmer. The Guardian, 2 March
Canberra to ‘robustly defend’ itself in WTO case after Beijing escalates tariff dispute. SCMP, 2 March
Economy & tech
China parliament to choose stimulus over reforms as economy slows. China's rubber-stamp parliament begins its annual Two Sessions meeting on Saturday, when it is expected to unveil more stimulus to ease a growth slowdown that could fuel job losses in a politically sensitive year, with the war in Ukraine adding fresh uncertainty. Reuters, 1 March
Chinese tech firms face dilemma over Western sanctions on Russia. Complying with Western sanctions on hi-tech exports to Russia would run counter to the Chinese government’s official policy of opposing such measures. However, Chinese companies such as Didi and Xiaomi could find themselves subject to huge fines and penalties for breach of sanctions if they work with targeted entities. SCMP, 1 March
Chinese firm giving up on its long delayed US-Hong Kong undersea cable. The first direct fibre-optic submarine cable system linking Los Angeles and Hong Kong amid regulatory hurdles from Washington. Quartz, 2 March
China buyout discount puts investors on notice. Reuters, 2 March
China’s algorithm law takes effect to curb Big Tech’s sway in public opinion. SCMP, 1 March
China focus
Hong Kong to lock down city for mass Covid testing, local media say. With no official information released and uncertainty building over the extent of the lockdown, waves of panic-buying stripped supermarkets and pharmacies of supplies. Long lines were also seen outside some banks. Bloomberg, 1 March
Xi tells young officials to strengthen their ideals and convictions. Xinhua, 1 March
Pandemic behind it, China ramps up metro rail boom. SCMP, 2 March
Long reads & opinion
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine leaves China facing a difficult balancing act. Beijing’s stress on the importance of sovereignty suggests strains in a special relationship. James Kynge. FT, 1 March
Taiwan on high alert as invasion of Ukraine draws the eyes of the world away. Louis Watt and Richard Lloyd Parry. The Times, 1 March
Putin and Xi's Imperium of Grievance. The narrative of victimization that fuels Russian and Chinese nationalism will continue to prevail over the niceties of the post-Cold War era. Orville Schelle. Project Syndicate, 1 March
Putin’s war has killed China’s Eurasian railway dreams. The iron silk road was a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Andreea Brinza. Foreign Policy, 1 March