China News - 24 April 2023

International

China’s ambassador to France claims ex-Soviet states lack basis for sovereignty under international law. Ambassador Lu Shaye made the comments during a TV interview when asked about his position on whether Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. Stacy Meichtry and Laurence Normal. Wall Street Journal, 22 April

Baltic states condemn China envoy’s remarks. Lithuania’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, said the Chinese ambassador’s remarks demonstrated why European countries had little faith in China’s ability to play a constructive role in brokering peace in Ukraine. Patrick Wintour. The Guardian, 23 April

Albanese Government releases Australia’s long-awaited strategic defence review. The report does not label China a direct military threat, but says assertion of sovereignty over the contested South China Sea ‘threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia’s national interests’. Daniel Hurst. The Guardian, 24 April

Stewart McDonald calls for Scottish Government to build a comprehensive China strategy. The SNP MP and former Spokesperson for Defence says Scotland must follow Brussels and move to de-risk relationship with China. The Scotsman, 22 April

British firms warned they ‘shouldn’t ignore’ escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Private sector encouraged to assess supply chain resiliency strategies in the event of a potential conflict in Taiwan. James Warrington. The Telegraph, 23 April

EU member states and institutions said to be at odds over revival of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China. An informal meeting of EU foreign ministers will discuss EU-China relations on May 12, during which they will decide when the topic of China is again put on the table of the European Council. Jamil Anderlini. Politico, 24 April

GCHQ-linked government fund acquires stake in Cambridge quantum computing start-up.The UK’s national quantum strategy is put into practice as the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) invests in Riverlane. Matthew Field and James Titcomb. The Telegraph, 22 April

Israel appeals to China for help tackling Iran nuclear threat. Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen asks Chinese counterpart to use the country’s ‘influence’ to stop Tehran’s nuclear regime. James Rothwell. The Telegraph, 22 April

EU diplomat proposes European navy patrols in Taiwan Strait. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the proposals in an opinion piece in the Journal Du Dimanche. The Guardian, 23 April

Taiwan officials urge US to calm rhetoric about dangers of relying on TSMC. US officials have declared dependence on Taiwanese chips ‘unsafe’ and investors are listening. South China Morning Post, 21 April

Economy & tech

Shein to invest US$ 150 million into Brazil expansion amidst US scrutiny. The e-commerce platform has chosen Brazil as its manufacturing and export hub for Latin America. Coco Feng. South China Morning Post, 21 April

China ramps up coal power despite carbon neutral pledges. Local governments approved more new coal power in the first quarter this year than in the whole of 2021. Amy Hawkins. The Guardian, 24 April

Politburo warns officials not to hide assets or business connections. China has moved to tighten rules on declaring personal assets and business ties as part of ongoing anti-corruption drive. William Zheng. South China Morning Post, 23 April

Dutch bank ING sues ICBC for losses sustained in copper deals. The Dutch bank is seeking US$170 million in damages after ICBC released export documents without collecting payment. The case is reportedly being investigated by China’s banking regulator. South China Morning Post, 23 April

Chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC) is leading China’s efforts to become self-sufficient in semiconductor production. YMTC is reportedly making progress in producing advanced 3D NAND products with locally sourced equipment. Che Pan and Ann Cao. South China Morning Post, 23 April

Opinion & long reads

Six priorities for ‘de-risking’ EU relations with China. Mikko Huotari and Grzegorz Stecs. MERICS, 21 april

China’s miraculous growth machine is juddering to a halt. Why China looks unlikely to meet economic forecasts. Cindy Yu. The Telegraph, 21 April

Chinese censorship is quietly rewriting the Covid-19 story. Reporters piece together how the Chinese Government pressured to scientists to withhold data, withdraw genetic sequences from public databases and alter journal submissions. Mara Hvistendahl and Benjamin Mueller. The New York Times, 23 April

Is Taiwan about to lose Paraguay, its last ally in South America? Polls are showing a narrow lead for Paraguay’s opposition candidate Efrain Alegre in this month’s presidential elections. Alegre, leader of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, pledged to cut ties with Taiwan if he wins the presidency. Xinlu Liang. South China Morning Post, 23 April