China News - 31 May 2022
International
China, Pacific islands fail to reach consensus on security pact. Pacific leaders from eight nations did agree action on five areas, including health and agriculture. But several of the nations want to defer action on the draft communique or have it amended, said an official from one Pacific country. Wang Yi said China had already proved its development credentials in Africa and Asia, and told Pacific islands to not be “too anxious”. The US and Australia have pushed back strongly against the plans. CNN, The Telegraph, FT, 30 May
Jesus College plots overhaul of its China Centre. The college yesterday announced the restructure of the China Centre, including changing its name and funding model. It will now be funded directly by Jesus College and renamed the China Forum. The Spectator, The Times, 30 May
UK statement on China’s human rights violations in Xinjiang. “It is clear that the Chinese authorities did not provide the full, unfettered access to Xinjiang for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that we and our international partners have long called for. China’s failure to grant such access only serves to highlight their determination to hide the truth.” Gov.uk, 30 May
China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan air defence zone. It was the second largest incursion this year. BBC, 31 May
Tsai says US National Guard planning 'cooperation' with Taiwan military. Reuters, 31 May
Sanction Chinese officials who hold assets in Britain, Liz Truss told. Sky News, The Telegraph, 27 May
China and the US are arranging an in-person meeting between heads of defence. WSJ, 31 May
China focus
Shanghai starts to dismantle fences as Covid lockdown due to end. Life is set to return to something more like normal from Wednesday, when the passes issued by residential buildings for people to go out for a few hours will be scrapped, public transport will resume and residents can go back to work. The Guardian, 31 May
China announces detailed stimulus policies to support virus-hit economy. The 33 measures include reducing the purchase tax on some cars, supporting domestic listings and promoting the healthy development of platform companies. Reuters, 31 May
Hong Kong officials escape quarantine that batters city’s reputation. FT, 31 May
Test case Zambia exposes China's rookie status on debt relief - sources. Reuters, 31 May
Economy & tech
Bailout planned for British microchip giant as China deal comes under scrutiny. A US-backed consortium is preparing to make an offer for Newport Wafer Fab, and has held talks with the government-funded £1bn Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF). The Telegraph, The Register, 27 May
UK govt provides support to Pensana’s Saltend refinery. Pensana will receive £4 million from the Automotive Transformation Fund. Mining Weekly, 30 May
Volkswagen CEO defends operations in China's Xinjiang, Handelsblatt reports. "I believe that the presence of SAIC Volkswagen leads to the situation improving for people," Chief Executive Herbert Diess was quoted as saying. Reuters, 31 May
Visa scheme for graduates from top 50 non-UK universities is launched. The uncapped scheme will give graduates from the top 50 non-UK universities a two-year work visa. The Guardian, 30 May
The number of researchers with dual US–China affiliations is falling. The number had risen to more than 15,000 by 2018, but had dropped to below 12,500 by 2021. Nature, 30 May
Opinion & editorial
US must make clear it would fight for Taiwan. The Taiwan issue cannot be negotiated away, and it will not diminish over time. It can only be prevented from turning into a global disaster by deterrence. William Hague. The Times, 31 May
Hong Kong's thuggish new leader epitomises its descent into a police state. Benedict Rogers. The Telegraph, 30 May
The Times view on China’s new aircraft carrier: Blue Sea Bluff. China’s new super aircraft carrier is a crucial step towards Xi’s ambition. The Times, 30 May
Long reads
How censoring China’s open-source coders might backfire. MIT Technology Review, 30 May
How the Cultural Revolution shaped China’s leaders today. Chinese Whispers, 30 May
How Beijing’s surveillance cameras crept into Britain’s corridors of power. The Telegraph, 31 May
Extracts from Chris Patten’s new The Hong Kong Diaries. The Telegraph, 29 May
Event: Can the UK stay scientifically competitive in a multipolar world? A discussion on 9 June hosted by Onward featuring Tom Tugendhat and Jeremy Quin MP. Details here.
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