China News - 26 October
International
China urges Israel to abide by international law and protect civilians in Gaza. Wang Yi reportedly told his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen “every country has the right to self-defence, but every country should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians”. Clement Tan. Cnbc, 24 October
Us orders immediate stop to some AI chip exports to China. Nvidia said the US has brought forwards a ban which has given the company 30 days from 17 October to stop shipments. Instead of a grace period, the ban is “effective immediately”. Jasper Jolly. Theguardian, 25 October
China chases US and Russia guided-missile submarine capabilities with new vessels. According to the Pentagon report, China has launched its first nuclear-powered guided missile submarines giving it both land and sea attack options. Greg Torode. Reuters, 25 October
Has Australia solved the China puzzle? Australia’s approach to China consists of three main tactics: a velvet glove, an iron fist and enlisting a powerful friend- Washington. Jack Lahart. POLITICO, 23 October
China upgrades diplomatic ties with close US ally Colombia. The two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership on Wednesday as the Colombian president Gustavo Petro met Xi Jinping on a visit to Beijing. Liz Lee and Ryan Woo. Reuters, 25 October
Economy & Tech
China to choose fiscal muscle over big reforms to revive economy. Beijing is about to pose fresh fiscal stimulus to shore up its economic recovery. It will rely heavily on debt and state spending but it will fall short on the deeper reforms called for by many. Kevin Yao. Reuters, 24 October
Hong Kong slashes property stamp tax to revive economy. John Lee will offer HK$20,000 handouts to parents of newborns and ease stamp duties on some house sales as Hong Kong is struggling to revive an economy hit by a population exodus and slowing Chinese growth. Chan Ho-him. Financial Times, 25 October
Porsche hits out at Brussels probe into Chinese EVs. The German carmakers will “fight” any potential tariff war between Brussels and Beijing. It is one of the few European car brands that does not manufacture cars in China. Patricia Nilsson. Financial Times, 25 October
The big China tail risk. While China’s property sector remains in crisis, its business cycle seems to have stabilised. Robert Armstrong and Ethan Wu. Financial Times, 25 October
Opinion & long-reads
Biden’s unsung shift on China. In today’s Middle East, the USA’s ability to talk to China could be the difference between a regional war and its absence. Edward Luce. Financial Times, 25 October
China’s window for war. Taiwan’s status as a stable democracy is a constant challenge to the CCP, at the same time as American policymakers are stepping up their support for the island. Gautam Mukunda. Forbes, 23 October
The books I helped rescue from China’s repression. The journalist Ian Johnson found new homes in the West when a Hong Kong publisher’s politically sensitive books were threatened with pulping. Ian Johnson. WSJ, 21 October