China News - 22 March 2021
MPs set to vote on Trade Bill amendments today. Today is the final vote on a compromised genocide amendment which calls for a panel of former judges in Parliament to determine whether a country has committed genocide. Dominic Raab is set to make a statement in the Commons before the vote, with rumours he will announce Magnitsky-style sanctions on Chinese officials. The Telegraph, 22 March
EU poised to trigger first sanctions on China since 1989. The EU measures are part of a range of sanctions foreign ministers are likely to impose against several countries, to be approved at their regular meeting in Brussels today. FT, 22 March
Defence Command paper to set out future of UK armed forces. Today’s publication of the UK government’s Defence Command Paper follows last week’s Integrated Review, and will set out the shape and size of the armed forces for the coming decade. The UK is expected to reduce its army to 72,000 troops from its present target of 82,000 alongside extra investment in cyber, space and digital capabilities. The BBC reports that a new Royal Navy surveillance ship will be built to protect undersea cables. The Times, 22 March
South China Sea: alarm in Philippines as 200 Chinese vessels gather at disputed reef. The Philippines says the fishing boats do not appear to be fishing and are crewed by China's maritime militia. Five years ago an international court rejected Chinese claims of sovereignty over 90% of the water mass. The Guardian, BBC, 22 March
Thousands of Hongkongers will be unable to cash in their pensions after moving to the UK. 27,000 Hongkongers have applied for UK visas in the last six weeks. The Telegraph, 21 March
Canadian Michael Kovrig goes on trial in China behind closed doors. Canadian diplomats were denied entry because the case touched on issues of national security. The Guardian, NYT, 22 March
European spies are alarmed after a scientist with top security clearance was caught working for China. The prompt was the sentencing by Estonia of Tarmo Kõuts, 57, to three years in prison. Insider, 21 March
PM's father Stanley urges Boris Johnson to 'stand up' to Tory hawks - saying post-Brexit UK must work 'even closer' with China. Daily Mail, 18 March
FIFA chief welcomes UK-Irish 2030 World Cup bid but leaves door open for China. Nasdaq, 19 March
Ghana’s bauxite for infrastructure deal with China’s Sinohydro faces environmental concerns. SCMP, 22 March
Economy & tech
Elon Musk denies Tesla cars are used for spying in China. His comments came in response to reports that China's military had banned Tesla cars from its facilities. BBC, 21 March
Taiwanese Apple and Tesla contractor cuts China headcount by almost half, the biggest move to be made public by a Taiwanese electronics company. FT, 19 March
Li’s pledge to cut government leverage may target hidden debt, analysts say. Caixin, 20 March
Longer reads & opinion
EU-China deal spells trouble for Macron at home. Controversy about a deal facilitating investments between the EU and China is bubbling under the surface of French politics. Politico, 22 March
Britain does not want a new Cold War – but we have to be ready for one. Charles Moore in The Telegraph, 19 March
This is what anti-Asian hate looks like in the UK. Racism against East and South East Asian people is on the rise in the UK too. Vice, 19 March
Why Quad alliance is a turning point for India-China ties. The Times of India, 20 March
The week ahead
Monday
UK government publishes Defence Command paper. Li Keqiang speaks at China Development Forum. EU leaders set to meet and approve sanctions.
Parliament: Lords Amendments to trade bill return to Commons. At 4pm, Theresa May and Philip Hammond give evidence on national security machinery.
Tuesday
Baidu lists on the Hong Kong exchange.
Parliament: Lords to consider Trade Bill commons amendments.
Wednesday
Bao Choy, a freelance producer for Radio Television Hong Kong, goes on trial.
Commons: At 3:30pm, Boris Johnson to appear at the liaison committee to give evidence on the UK’s place in the world, the government’s response to COVID, and the economy.
Thursday
European Council begins two-day virtual summit.