China News - 5 July 2021
International
Boris Johnson invites Putin and Xi to Cop26 talks. The Chinese embassy in the UK did not comment on whether Xi would accept the invitation but said both China and the UK should “step up communication and coordination” and work together to tackle the pandemic and climate change. The Sunday Times, 4 July
UK’s largest chip plant to be acquired by Chinese-owned firm Nexperia. 100% Chinese-owned Nexperia is set to announce the takeover of one of Newport Wafer Fab, one of the UK’s few semiconductor foundries, as early as next week. CNBC, SCMP, 2 July
China blocks Didi from app stores days after mega U.S. IPO. Just four days after the ride-hailing giant had raised $4.4billion in a New York Stock Exchange IPO, China’s cybersecurity regulator says it violated laws on collecting and using personal information. Bloomberg, FT, The Guardian, The Straits Times, 4 July
EU to develop investment initiative to counter Chinese influence. Draft council conclusions urge a “geostrategic approach to connectivity” and set the goal of identifying “high impact and visible projects and actions globally”. FT, 5 July
A silo-building spree raises questions about China’s nukes. Until last week China had only 16 known silos for the latest-generation inter-continental ballistic missiles - satellite images revealing 120 new ones being built in the desert of Gansu province have raised eyebrows. The Economist, 4 July
Irish Times under fire for page of China propaganda. The paper has been criticised for publishing a full-page advertorial from the Chinese government last week containing a 1,500-word article marking the 100-year anniversary of the CCP. The Times, 4 July
Road to nowhere: Montenegro is $1 billion out of pocket to China for an incomplete 270-mile highway. The first instalment on a $1 billion loan from China's state bank is due this month but it's unclear whether Montenegro will be able to pay it back. Daily Mail, 3 July
Europe’s diplomats to China stress on human rights, respect. Leading European diplomats in Beijing stressed their commitment to human rights and appealed to China for mutual respect and understanding following a defiant speech from Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Bloomberg, 3 July
Beijing urges nations to build 'Great Wall of Immunity' against coronavirus. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: “The most urgent priority is to expedite the construction of the 'Great Wall of Immunity' to fend off the virus, surpass political discrimination and carry out international anti-pandemic cooperation.” Reuters, 3 July
China makes its move on Afghanistan. Beijing prepares to fill the vacuum left by Biden's plan for US military exit from the nation with a $62 billion investment plan for its Belt and Road programme. Daily Mail, 5 July
Government to target Chinese investors at green summit. The Telegraph, 4 July
Duterte’s pivot to China yet to deliver promised billions. Bloomberg, 4 July
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan backs China on Uyghurs, praises one-party system. Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, 2 July
China’s next aircraft carrier will be its biggest. The Economist, 3 July
China focus
Hong Kong drinks company Vitasoy faces China netizen calls for boycott. Beverage maker Vitasoy has become the latest target of Chinese netizens' calls for a boycott after an employee circulated a memo online offering condolences to the family of a worker who had stabbed a Hong Kong police officer. Reuters, SCMP, 4 July
Astronauts at China’s new space station conduct first spacewalk. The Guardian, CNN, 4 July
China’s graduates shouldn’t stress over unemployment, economist says. Sixth Tone, 2 July
Economy & tech
The Chinese company driving UK's electric bus boom. A partnership between Chinese company BYD and British firm Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is selling electric buses to London transport operators. CGTN, 4 July
Apple wins privacy battle in China. A co-ordinated attempt by Chinese tech companies to circumvent Apple’s privacy policies has been forestalled. FT, 5 July
A global smart-city competition highlights China’s rise in AI. Wired, 3 July
Longer reads & opinion
China's 'tone-deaf' diplomacy hardens attitudes in Europe. China Research Group chair Tom Tugendhat spoke to Newsweek about changing perceptions of China in the UK. John Feng. 4 July
Fawning and complacent, the West has eased China’s path to power. Matthew Syed. The Sunday Times, 4 July
If the West wants to protect itself, it must face up to the reality of China. Charles Moore. The Telegraph, 2 July
China isn’t that strategic. The country is often portrayed as a master of long-term thinking. It’s not that simple. Michael Schuman. The Atlantic, 1 July
The CCP’s greatest strength is “self-reinvention”. Eric Li. Foreign Policy, 2 July
China will no longer be a developing country after 2023. Its climate actions should reflect that. Mathias Lund Larsen. China Power - The Diplomat, 3 July
Life in Taiwan double-edged as China-US rivalry intensifies. Yvonne Murray. RTE, 4 July
Why are Chinese tech brands flocking to Euro 2020? Zoe Kleinman. BBC, 3 July
China’s Communist Party at 100: Where are the women? Erin Hale. Al Jazeera, 30 Jun