China News - 25 April 2023
International
China’s Foreign Ministry: China ‘respects the sovereign state status’ of former Soviet states. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning disavows diplomat’s controversial comments during press conference in Beijing.
The Chinese embassy in Paris also issued a statement saying that the Ambassador’s remarks were an ‘expression of personal views’. The embassy has removed the transcript of Lu Shaye’s television interview from its official Wechat account. Politico, 24 April
Foreign secretary to set out the UK’s approach toward China in speech today. Cleverly to deliver three-pronged approach: limiting Chinese involvement in sectors deemed critical for national security; strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific allies; and engaging with China directly to promote stable relations. Cristina Gallardo. Politico, 24 April
UK Government to axe funding to Confucius Institutes. Announcement expected from foreign secretary James Cleverly today. New research also raises questions regarding dedicated visa scheme used to fast-track staff teaching at Confucius Institutes. Patrick Wintour. The Guardian, 24 April
Sunak announces £100m AI taskforce. UK Government will provide £100m in initial start-up funding for the Foundation Model Taskforce. The investment will ensure sovereign capabilities and broad adoption of safe and reliable AI technology across the economy. Gov.uk, 24 April
Parliamentarians call on the UK Government to stand with Jimmy Lai. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong have published the findings of their inquiry into the impact of the National Security Law on media freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. APPG on Hong Kong, 24 April
China looks to CPTPP members for support. China’s international trade negotiator Wang Shouwen tells media ‘China is willing to join the CPTPP … and has the capacity to fulfill relevant obligations’. In addition to meeting high-threshold criteria such as ownership and labour standards, China’s official accession to the CPTPP would require approval from all member countries. Frank Tang. South China Morning Post, 24 April
Taiwan and US and in talks over potential weapons stockpiles. Premier Chen Chien-jen says negotiations have been ongoing since US National Defence Authorisation Act was approved by US Congress in December. Some have voiced concerns that a regional contingency stockpile may escalate tensions with China. Lawrence Chung. South China Morning Post, 24 April
Foreign businesses spooked by China’s planned changes to espionage law. The legislative changes are expected to broaden the definition of espionage. The move prompts fears of a crackdown on foreign individuals and companies operating in China, following the detention of a Japanese Astellas employee on espionage charges. Yukio Tajima. Nikkei Asia, 25 April
Economy & tech
April meeting of the Politburo likely to focus on boosting business confidence, increasing jobs and strengthening the property market. Economists watch closely as meeting expected to take place this week. Bloomberg, 24 April
US urges South Korean companies not to fill China shortfalls if Beijing bans Micron chips. The White House asks for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to refrain from boosting sales to China if Beijing takes punitive action against Micron. Demetri Sevastopulo. Financial Times, 24 April
Opinion & long reads
We need a Five Eyes for AI to give us the safest and best tech. Calls for government to be a driver of innovation rather than a mere regulator. Adam Hadley. The Times, 24 April
How the Czech Republic became one of Taiwan’s closest European partners and what it means for EU-China relations. A look at the deterioration of China-Czech relations since 2018. Daniel McVicar. Council on Foreign Relations, 24 April
China’s shrinking population and constraints on its future power. Analysis of China’s changing demographic. Michael E. O’Hanlon. Brookings Institute, 24 April