China News - 7 May 2021
International
UK spies warn local authorities over ‘smart city’ tech risks. The National Cyber Security Centre have issued new guidance warning councils about the risks of smart city technology. A deal between Bournemouth council in Dorset and Alibaba was aborted at the last minute. FT, 7 May
Wipe references to China, Soas lecturers told. In guidance seen by The Times, Soas, formerly the School of Oriental and African Studies, warns academics not to record lectures or class discussions in case students and staff are arrested if they visit Hong Kong or China. The document was obtained by the China Research Group. The Times, 7 May
Report: China emissions exceed all developed nations combined. Rhodium Group research says China emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019. China’s per person emissions are still far behind the US, but the research said those emissions have increased too, tripling over the course of two decades. BBC, 7 May
Chinese rocket debris expected to crash on to Earth this weekend. It is not clear where and when exactly the rocket parts will crash on the surface. BBC, 7 May
China’s navy offers to rescue Indonesian sub for free. The Australian, 7 May
Beijing accuses G7 ministers of interfering in China’s affairs. The Guardian, 7 May
China eyes two new foreign bases to cement naval power, America’s commander on the continent has warned. The Times, 7 May
Xi Jinping says China is ‘invincible’, regardless of challenges ahead. SCMP, 7 May
Economy & tech
China posts rapid trade growth in April as recovery races ahead. Exports unexpectedly accelerated 32%. Reuters, BBC, 7 May
Chinese manufacturers sidestep trade barriers by buying factories overseas. Subsidised state-owned companies have acquired Western manufacturing rivals and extended to factories beyond China’s own borders. WSJ, 7 May
Ganfeng Lithium agrees to acquire London-listed Bacanora Lithium. Bacanora Lithium is behind the Mexico-based Sonora lithium project and already had substantial Chinese backing. The Telegraph, 6 May
Joe Biden’s team likely to proceed with Donald Trump’s China investment ban. SCMP, 7 May
Longer reads & opinion
Britain’s coming-out party turns into another talking shop. The group was unanimous in spelling out its disapproval of China’s human rights record and its resolve to combat its coercive economic policies, ministers failed to agree any concrete steps to confront Beijing. The Times, 6 May
Will going digital transform the yuan’s status at home and abroad? China is unusual in so many ways—from its sheltered financial system and intricate capital controls to the size of its mobile payments—that its experience could well prove to be unique. The Economist, 6 May
China wants the world to know that resistance to its rise is futile. The Economist, 6 May