China News - 23 October
International
China sends an envoy to the Middle East in a sign of its ambition to play a larger role. Zhai Jun said “China and Russia have the same position on the Palestine question, and China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Russia to promote de-escalation of the situation”. ABC News, 20 October
China sends 6 warships to the Middle East amid Israel Hamas war. China sends warships as the fear of the conflict escalating rises. News18, 22 October
China’s Middle East envoy urges Palestinian guarantees, and won’t name Hamas. Zhai said “the fundamental reason for the current situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is that the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people have not been guaranteed”. He made no mention of the terrorist group Hamas. Liz Lee and Ryan Woo. Reuters, 20 October
China says it uncovered another spying case in US. China’s spy agency said a Chinese citizen, Hou, who worked for a defence institute has been accused of spying for the US and his case has been transferred to a court in Chengdu. Bernard Orr. Reuters, 22 October
Ukraine fears drone shortages owing to China restrictions. The CCP’s latest restrictions apply to longer-range drones weighing more than 4kg, as well as drone related equipment such as cameras and radio modules. Many of Ukraine’s drones are commercially made in China and bought off the shelf. Vitaly Shevchenko. BBC News, 22 October
Chinese ship becomes focus of inquiry into Baltic pipeline damage. Finnish police announced they were focussing on Newnew Polar Bear, a Hong Kong registered container ship, as its movements coincided with the time and place of the damage. The Russian ship, Sevmorput, was also in the area at the time. Richard Milne. Financial Times, 20 October
China’s Xi tells Vietnam not to forget the roots of their friendship. Xi told Vo Van Thuong “faced with the ever-changing international situation, the two countries must not forget the original intention of their traditional friendship”. Ryan Woo and Joe Cash. Reuters, 20 October
Not all in China’s military view Taiwan and the West as a primary threat. As Beijing prepares for a future conflict with Taiwan and the US, some see such a confrontation as unnecessary and unwinnable. Frederik Kelter. Al Jazeera, 20 October
Economy & Tech
Beijing reviews wine tariffs ahead of Australian prime minister visit. In the latest sign of thawing relations between the two countries Beijing has launched a review of punitive tariffs that were placed on Australian wine in 2020. Albanese is to visit China next month. Nic Fildes and Ed White. Financial Times, 22 October
China launches investigation into iPhone maker Foxconn. Tax authorities have inspected Foxconn’s sites in Guangdong and Jiangsu, and their natural resources officials have inspected sites in Henan and Hubei. Edward White and Kathrin Hille. Financial Times, 22 October
China export curbs choke off shipments of gallium and germanium for the second month. Data has shown exports of 1,420 tons in September compared to 1,034 tons in August. Amy Lv and Dominique Patton. Reuters, 20 October
Opinion & long-reads
What is most significant in the Pentagon’s China military report. As well as having the world’s largest military, China has more than 500 operational warheads (this number is expected to grow to 1,000 by 2030), and Beijing may be exploring conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems. Idrees Ali and Michael Martina. Reuters, 21 October
Ten years of China’s Belt and Road: what has $1tn achieved? The largest multilateral development programme undertaken by a single country was a chance to further China’s influence across the developing world, but critics argue whether the cost was worth it. Joe Leahy, James Kynge and Benjamin Parkin. Financial Times, 22 October
Tale of emperor whose ineptitude ended his dynasty unnerves Chinese censors. The history book has disappeared from shops and online searches as Beijing continues to strengthen control of information. Joe Leahy. Financial Times, 20 October
The advanced silicon chips on which the future depends are all made in Taiwan- here’s why that matters. There is a rush to build advanced chip-fabrication plants outside Taiwan, while Xi’s intentions are uncertain. It is proving to be a bigger challenge than anticipated. John Naughton. The Guardian, 21 October