China News - 29 March 2022
International
NHS accused of exploiting forced labour. On Wednesday, MPs will vote on an amendment to the health and social care bill, tabled by former Tory chief whip Lord Blencathra, which would ban NHS procurement from regions where the government believes there to be a ‘serious risk of genocide’. Research compiled by Professor Laura Murphy, one of the world’s leading expert on Xinjiang supply chains, and Nyrola Elimä shows that at least one NHS hospital has bought protective equipment from Zhende Medical Products, which has factories in Xinjiang. The Spectator, 28 March
Shanghai lockdown latest. Half of the 25-million population city has gone into lockdown for mass testing, with its connections cut off from the rest of the country. Restrictions are expected to initially last for 4-5 days but there are particular concerns over an outbreak given 130 million over-60s in China without full vaccine protection. Global crude oil prices fell today over fears of dampening Chinese demand. FT, BBC, 29 March
Solomon Islands’ leader calls concern over China military deal ‘insulting’. The leaked document stated that “Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property.” Its leader said on Tuesday that the deal was “ready for signing”. NYT, The Guardian, 29 March
HSBC removes references to Ukraine ‘war’ from analyst reports. HSBC has repeatedly edited its analysts’ research publications to remove references to a “war” in Ukraine, as the UK bank resists pressure to follow rivals by closing its business in Russia. FT, 29 March
China hammers home its message of US blame for Ukraine war to domestic audience. “The eastward enlargement of Nato, led by the United States, is the root of the Ukrainian crisis,” said the article, published on page three of the People’s Daily under the pseudonym Zhong Sheng, used by the party mouthpiece for commentary on key international issues. SCMP, 29 March
Taiwan’s leader to emulate Zelensky in case of China conflict, senior government officials tell FT. FT, 29 March
Pentagon seeks higher defence spending to keep pace with China. The White House request an initial $773 billion budget for the Pentagon in 2021, up 4% from the prior year. WSJ, 28 March
Economy & tech
China's Huawei says 2021 sales down, profit up 76%. Its top executive, Meng Wanzhou, made her first public appearance since being released from Canadian custody last autumn. The Independent, The Guardian, 28 March
US to probe tariff-dodging claim against Chinese manufacturers. The US is investigating Chinese solar producers for illegally circumventing solar tariffs by routing operations through four countries in Southeast Asia. WSJ, 29 March
JD expands layoffs, cuts in core business units: report. The layoffs have expanded to JD’s core businesses, with cuts from 10-30% of workforce. JD posted a $0.8bn loss in Q4 2021. TechNode, 29 March
Opinion & long reads
New Tech Tonic podcast - US-China Tech Race: Spies and Lies (Part One). Presented by James Kynge, the first episode looks at the battle between the US and China over tech talent. FT, 28 March
The supply chain crisis is about to get a lot worse. More than a million containers due to travel to Europe from China by train—on a route that goes through Russia—must now make their journey by sea as sanctions bite. WIRED, 28 March
Myopic Western elites are in danger of handing the world to China on a platter. By banishing Russia, we risk galvanising dictatorships to rally around China. Sherelle Jacobs. The Telegraph, 28 March
We need to prepare for the Great Split between China and the West. Sam Olsen. What China Wants, 29 March