China News - 28 April 2022
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss makes major speech, warns China to play by the rules. In a major speech at Mansion House, the Foreign Secretary said the world should have done more to deter the invasion of Ukraine and dedicated a large proportion of her speech to China. Truss warned of the potential to take economic measures against China and called for a global NATO which ensures that democracies like Taiwan are able to defend themselves. Beijing to Britain, FT, The Independent, Gov.UK transcript, 27 April
Trade deals not affected by India and China’s stance on Ukraine, says International Trade Secretary. Evening Standard, 28 April
Arm takes action to regain control at its renegade China unit. Arm has put forward two individuals to replace its renegade chief executive Allen Wu, as the UK chip designer seeks to clear its path to a successful public listing. FT, 27 April
Japan doubles arms spending to counter threat from China. Japan’s ruling party is proposing to double the defence budget to about £86 billion, breaking restrictions imposed after the Second World War as fears grow of threats from China and Russia. The Times, 28 April
Australia’s foreign minister denounces China’s ‘secret’ security deal with Solomon Islands. And a key adviser to the premier of the most populous province in Solomon Islands has expressed concern that the deal could enable the PM to use Chinese armed police to hold on to power. The Guardian, 27 April
Beijing has 138 coronavirus cases. It musters 139,000 workers to test residents. NYT, 28 April
Economy & tech
Half of Apple suppliers operating in China’s lockdown-hit areas. Half of Apple’s 200 top suppliers have facilities in and around Shanghai. FT, 28 April
China’s top chip maker SMIC has two-thirds of Shanghai workers sleeping in factory. SCMP, 28 April
China’s yuan slips to 17-month low against US dollar. SCMP, 28 April
US to probe claims that top Chinese chipmaker violated ban on Huawei. FT, 27 April
Long reads & opinion
Who Profits From China’s Zero-COVID Strategy? For many local officials, the pandemic has reduced the wide range of metrics once used to measure their success to a single number. James Palmer. Foreign Policy, 28 April
The U.S. and China Need Ground Rules for AI Dangers. US observers don’t believe China is serious about AI negotiations, while retired Chinese military officials view US “responsible AI” as efforts to skirt multilateral negotiations. Ryan Fedasiuk. Foreign Policy, 27 April
Denial of bail is silencing Hong Kong's democrats. BBC, 27 April