China News - 25 November 2020
International
Carrie Lam makes annual policy address, calls national security law “remarkably effective”. The Hong Kong government’s priority is to “restore the political system from chaos”, Lam said as she vowed to deepen ties with Beijing. She also blamed foreign interference in internal affairs and said Beijing had “no alternative but to step in and take action” with the national security law, which had been “remarkably effective in restoring stability”. Lam flagged a public education campaign on national security and law-abiding awareness, as well as legislative amendments to require all existing public servants to sign the loyalty oaths that have been required of new hires since July. The Guardian, Reuters, FT, 25 November
UK-China relations: China Chamber of Commerce in the UK hosts annual conference. The Chinese business group has its annual conference today, and also launches a 80-page report on UK-China business relations. Speakers include former Lib Dem leader Vince Cable. The CCCUK’s Chair wrote an op-ed in City AM, and also received coverage in The Telegraph. Both articles cited a new survey which claims that over 80% of Chinese firms in the UK want to grow their existing operations. But last week the Chair of the CCCUK warned the UK risks losing out on investment if it does not reverse its hostility to China.
More than 60 Australian coal-carrying ships kept waiting to unload off ports in China. The Morrison government being urged to clarify the long delays. The Guardian, 25 November
Australia's foreign affairs chief cautions China against resorting to 'coercion'. The Guardian, 25 November
Xi Jinping calls for Germany, Europe to ‘remain open to Chinese companies’. China’s leader also vowed to conclude investment deal with the EU this year during conversation with German chancellor. SCMP, Xinhua, 24 November
Opinion: Germany frets over its corporate dependency on China. FT, 25 November
America is back and ready to lead world again, says Joe Biden as he formally announced his national security team. In a sign of the potential for pressure, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, said to have his eye on the 2024 presidential nomination, said that Mr Biden was “surrounding himself with panda-huggers who will only reinforce his instincts to go soft on China”. The Times, 25 November
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to meet Japanese PM Suga on Wednesday in first high level contact. Reuters, 25 November
China watch
RCEP useful supplement to multilateral trade system, will be open to more countries: Premier Li Kegiang. Xinhua
Economy & tech
Europe doubles down on data protection in push for data sovereignty. While Europe has long enforced strict rules around the use and export of European personal information, this would be the first time the bloc has attempted to do something similar for industrial and government data, too. It is part of what officials call a play for data sovereignty from large companies in the U.S. and China. WSJ, 25 November
China tightens grip on booming livestreaming sector as part of crackdown on cyber policy. Livestreams where viewers interact and send virtual gifts to online performers are wildly popular in China, and livestreaming ecommerce is one of the fastest growing areas of online shopping. FT, 25 November
India bans 43 more mobile apps as it takes on China. The ban of apps including Aliexpress are a new wave of sanctions after a months-long standoff on the Himalayan border. Reuters, 25 November
Longer reads & opinion
Cooperative Competition Is Possible Between China and the U.S. NYT published an op-ed from former vice foreign minister Fu Ying - and an accompanying article to justify the op-ed. “To refresh the relationship, each side must accurately assess the other’s intentions. China does not want to replace U.S. dominance in the world. Nor does China need to worry about the United States changing China’s system.” NYT, 25 November
Fu Ying was ambassador to the UK before taking up the role of vice foreign minister - read her Lunch with the FT from 2010.
To counter China, Britain needs a digital currency. Mark Lyall Grant in The Times, 25 November
We’re in a diplomatic arms race — if we cut aid we’ll fall behind. Tom Tugendhat in The Times, 25 November
How to 'disappear' on Happiness Avenue in Beijing - a performance highlighting the prevalence of CCTV cameras in the capital. BBC, 25 November