International
UK Foreign Minister ‘carefully considering’ options for sanctions against Hong Kong officials. Britain’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab confirmed in a letter to MPs that his government is open to the possibility of imposing sanctions against officials involved in Hong Kong’s affairs under its Global Human Rights (GHR) regime. Hong Kong Free Press, 29 September
The new centre of dissent: Britain becomes hub for Hong Kong activists. Nathan Law said he did not want Hong Kong’s fight for democracy to get subsumed in the increasingly bitter US-China showdown. Instead he hopes to use the UK as a base to build a broader coalition of support for his city across other western capitals. The Guardian, 29 September
Ai Weiwei: 'Too late' to curb China's global influence. BBC News, 29 September
Take stand against Chinese bullying, universities urged as SOAS, Oxford move to protect academic freedom in the face of extraterritorial Hong Kong security law. The Times, 29 September
East London councillors raise concerns over Chinese embassy move. The Guardian, 28 September
Interview with Bundestag foreign affairs chief, Norbert Rottgen: “a new realism has emerged” on China. Politico, 29 September
US diplomats need Beijing approval for Hong Kong meetings - the first diplomatic restrictions in Hong Kong. The Times, 28 September
Chinese Communist party asserts greater control over private enterprise, spelling out quid pro quo for Chinese companies. FT, 29 September
Pompeo to criticise Vatican's renewal of China deal during visit. The Guardian, 28 September
Xi Focus: CPC leadership meets to discuss key Five Year Plan policy document. Xinhua, 28 September
“We are not able to pay”: Kenyan MPs urge renegotiation of $4.5bn Chinese rail debt. GCR, 25 September
Economy & tech
Merkel seeks Deutsche Telekom market access to China, amid speculation it is linked to Germany’s refusal to ban Huawei. Wirtschafts Woche, 29 September
Major Chinese insurer shows faith in HSBC - shares rally. The Times, The Guardian, 28 September
China's leaders to endorse lower 2021-2025 growth target at key meeting - sources. Reuters, 28 September
Ant Group set for bumper IPO. FT, 29 September
Canadian officers ‘violated Huawei executive’s rights’, in long-running court case. The Times, 29 September
Longer reads & opinion
As repression mounts, China under Xi Jinping feels increasingly like North Korea. Washington Post, 29 September
Report: Exploring a ‘Green List’ for EU-China economic relations. Rhodium Group, 29 September
The UK must not be a haven for those who profit from the Chinese regime. Nusrat Ghani in The Times, 28 September
Special Report: Vast Chinese debt market requires big reforms. FT, 28 September
The Times view on China’s debt diplomacy: Caribbean Takeaway. The Times, 28 September
China’s leaders can’t be trusted. Chris Patten in Project Syndicate, 27 September
'A large slice of independent schools' income from Chinese students is at risk'. Andrew Lewer MP in Independent School Management Plus, 23 August