China News - 26 September 2022
International
Murmurs of discontent grow in China as Xi Jinping poised for third term. Ahead of the CCP’s 20th Party Congress, unusual rumours were swirling online on Saturday about a potential military coup that had led to Xi being put under house arrest. However, the reports were quickly debunked. Last week alone saw the culmination of the biggest corruption purge in China’s security apparatus in years. The Telegraph, Bloomberg, 24 September
China on Taiwan: ‘External interference’ won’t be tolerated. China underscored its commitment to its claim to Taiwan at the UN General Assembly, telling world leaders that anyone who gets in the way of its determination to reunify with the self-governing island would be “crushed by the wheels of history.” On Sunday, Britain’s newly appointed prime minister Liz Truss said that “all of our allies need to make sure Taiwan is able to defend itself,” and there should be a common response. Politico, CNN, 24 September
Russia’s allies China and India call for negotiations to end Ukraine war. The Guardian, 24 September
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly makes first visit to East Asia. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has begun a three-day visit to Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore to strengthen trade and security ties. He will demonstrate the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific Tilt, and the UK’s ambition to become the European partner of choice with the greatest presence in the region. Gov.uk, 25 September
Pacific group to focus on climate, connectivity amid China concerns. The United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States gave a statement on the establishment of the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP), vowing to address issues such as climate change, health and technology links. US officials briefing reporters on the meeting said Canada and Germany intended to formally join the initiative. Reuters, Gov.uk, 23 September
UK Armed Forces kick off major series of exercises in the Indo-Pacific. The RAF has started a series of exercises that will see the UK Armed Forces training with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and other Indo-Pacific nations, until December. The Royal Navy, meanwhile, celebrates one year of permanent presence in the Pacific, following the departure of HMS Spey and HMS Tamar from Portsmouth. Gov.uk, 25 September
US and Philippines increase military ties over China threat. The Philippines and US are increasing military cooperation, including doubling the number of troops involved in joint exercises next year, as Manila starts to consider its role in a potential war with China over Taiwan. Meanwhile, a US-made missile defence system in South Korea moved one step closer to completion this week, in a controversial move that may lead to tensions with China. FT, 24 September
China’s rare earth metal mining in Africa is challenged by the West. A newly formed Minerals Security Partnership comprising Britain, the United States, the European Union and other wealthy countries gathered several mineral-rich nations on the sidelines of the UN general assembly last week to discuss mining projects. Those invited included Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Times, 26 September
Hong Kong's Cardinal Zen goes on trial over protest fund. Nikkei Asia, 26 Septemner
China ready for ‘fight’ over international action on Xinjiang human rights abuses. The Guardian, 23 September
Economy & tech
Newport Wafer Fab staff want Chinese owners. In a strongly worded letter to The Times, the staff association, which says it represents the 582 employees, said they “fully support Nexperia and its ownership of our site” because it has provided stability, improved job security, wages and working conditions. A final decision on the takeover by Nexperia, a Dutch subsidiary of Wingtech Technology, the Chinese smartphone maker is due before October 3. The Times, 26 September
Debt defaults are a stress test for China’s soft power strategy. China, the biggest sovereign lender to the developing world, is finding itself at the negotiating table as countries like Zambia struggle to pay what they owe. Bloomberg, 26 September
China’s business schools embrace the state agenda. FT, 26 September
Opinion & editorial
China gets a Covid pass from its useful idiots. Dominic Lawson. The Sunday Times, 25 September
A Ponzi scheme by any other name: the bursting of China’s property bubble. Only state intervention can save the day, but the pain is likely to fall on ordinary citizens. Martin Farrer. The Observer, 25 September
Xi’s picks for a new government will plot China’s economic course. Chris Anstey. Bloomberg, 24 September
Long reads
Britain’s Golden Era with China is well and truly dead. Liz Truss’s administration is the nail in the coffin for friendly ties with Beijing. Scott Singer and Sam Hogg. Foreign Policy, 23 September
Swapping Hong Kong for Crewe: 'We won't go back'. The BBC has been speaking to new Hong Kong BNO arrivals about life in the UK. Elaine Chong & Patrick Clahane. BBC, 24 September
How Xi Jinping might change the Communist Party’s constitution. The Economist, 23 September