China News - 8 December

International

China warns of firm response after UK sanctions Chinese firms “supplying Russia’s war effort”. The Chinese embassy says the UK has violated international law and that it firmly opposes the sanctions and any action harming China’s interests “will be met with a firm response”. Sky News, 6 December

“Substantial volume” of clothing tied to Uyghur forced labour entering EU, says study. According to a report by Sheffield Hallam University, dozens of well-known brands such as H&M and Zara have been identified as being at high risk of sourcing materials, particularly cotton and PVC, made by Uyghur forced labour. Amy Hawkins. The Guardian, 6 December

How all of G20 is missing climate goals- but some nations are closer than others. No G20 country has policies that are consistent with the Paris agreement’s goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C. Ashley Kirk. The Guardian, 7 December

Up to 600 North Korean defectors deported by China “vanish”. A report by the Transnational Justice Working Group said up to 600 North Koreans have “vanished” after being forcibly deported by China in October. The Seoul-based human rights group warns they may face imprisonment, torture, sexual violence and even execution. Hyonhee Shin. Reuters, 7 December

China’s president Xi to visit Vietnam, looking to build on ties. Xi will visit Vietnam 12-13 December and focus on areas of political security, multilateral and maritime issues and promote further strategic cooperation. Bernard Orr. Reuters, 7 December

Economy & Tech

China says Biden plan to shut it out of US battery supply chain violates WTO rules. China said the plans to limit Chinese content in batteries eligible for generous EV tax credits violate international trade norms and will disrupt global supply chains. Joe Cash. Reuters, 7 December

EU thrashing out landmark AI rules in marathon overnight talks. The EU agreed to a provisional deal on how to regulate fast-growing generative AI systems such as ChatGPT. Foo Yun Chee, Supantha Mukherjee and Martin Coulter. Reuters, 7 December

China deepens ties with Saudi Arabia at Hong Kong gathering. Beijing and Riyadh are expanding their economic relationship as they seek to reduce reliance on the US and the West. Kaye Wiggins, Anjli Raval and Simeon Kerr. Financial Times, 7 December

Chinese exports edge higher for first time in 6 months. Exports rose by 0.5% in November, breaking a six-month trend of declines and giving a much needed boost to a flagging economy. Joe Leahy. Financial Times, 7 December

Moody’s advised staff to work from home ahead of China outlook cut. Some suggest that the advice to work from home was prompted by concern over Beijing’s possible reaction. Sun Yu. Financial Times, 7 December

Opinion & long-reads

He blew the whistle on Amazon. He’s still paying the price. In his search for justice, Tang saw the miscarriages of the authorities and the ways that random misfortune could ruin a life. Yuan Yang. Financial Times, 7 December

Why export controls are failing to cripple their targets. The long predicted weaponisation of trade has finally arrived. Alan Beattie. Financial Times, 7 December