China News - 8 July 2022
International
China puts Taiwan ‘reunification’ strategy at heart of national revival plans. In an article published in People’s Daily on Thursday, Liu Jieyi, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office, outlined a clear framework for a Taiwan strategy. He said one focus of the strategy would be preventing and resolving major risks and hidden dangers in the Taiwan Strait, creating a “favourable environment” for national rejuvenation. SCMP, 7 July
China demands end to US-Taiwan military 'collusion'. Independent, 8 July
Foreign Affairs Committee releases report recommending placing tech at the heart of UK foreign policy. The report finds that the battle between authoritarian and rights-based technological standards and values is being waged, and urges the FCDO to work with other states to ensure rights-based and human-centred technology standards are the global norm. CRG chair Tom Tugendhat said: “By not claiming our seat at the table, we give foreign states permission to make critical decisions that affect the daily lives of UK citizens.” UK Parliament, 8 July
US charges American government official in Beijing scheme to harass Chinese dissidents. The United States government has brought criminal charges against a US homeland security official and a retired law enforcement agent over their alleged involvement in a plot to harass US-based Chinese dissidents on behalf of the Chinese government. SCMP, 8 July
America rethinks its strategy for taking on China’s economy. President Biden is rebuilding frayed relationships with allies but in other respects, his economic strategy for dealing with China looks a lot like a refinement of the bare-knuckle competition started under the previous administration. The Economist, 8 July
Australia, New Zealand say Pacific must discuss China. Australia and New Zealand’s prime ministers agreed on Friday that the security implications of China’s burgeoning influence must be discussed at a meeting of western Pacific leaders next week. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia wanted to remain the Pacific’s “security partner of choice”. Independent, 8 July
Embassy sewage pipe could be used for espionage, China tells New Zealand. The Times, 7 July
Beijing says it hopes Shinzo Abe is out of danger and recovers soon. Bloomberg, 8 July
Economy & tech
China considers $220 billion stimulus with unprecedented bond sales. China’s Ministry of Finance is considering allowing local governments to sell 1.5 trillion yuan ($220 billion) of special bonds in the second half of this year, an unprecedented acceleration of infrastructure funding aimed at shoring up the country’s beleaguered economy. Bloomberg, 7 July
China developers face $13bn wall of dollar bond payments in second half of year. China’s real estate sector has struggled to come to grips with slowing growth coupled with authorities’ efforts to rein in excess leverage. Foreign investors fear Beijing will favour onshore creditors as Shimao Group becomes the latest real estate company to default. FT, 8 July
China embarks on state-led search for ‘disruptive’ innovations. The Ministry of Science and Technology plans to launch another nationwide search for “disruptive” innovations - the National Disruptive Technology Innovation Competition - even though a similar campaign last year failed to come up with anything spectacular. SCMP, 7 July
Tencent launches US$1.5 billion fund to give Chinese scientists freedom to reach new heights of innovation. SCMP, 7 July
China focus
China premier stresses data security after alleged leak affecting 1 billion. Li Keqiang called on government bodies to “defend information security … to protect personal information, privacy and confidential corporate information” so people can feel secure when submitting data for certain public services. SCMP, 8 July
The Communist missionaries spread the party gospel in the Chinese countryside. The lure of a fast track in the civil service is appealing to graduates facing rising unemployment. FT, 8 July
New follow-up project for China's south-to-north water diversion begins construction. Xinhua, 8 July
Beijing scraps China’s first vaccine mandate after criticism from residents. Bloomberg, 8 July
Long reads & opinion
Zero Covid holds danger for China's Xi. Stephen McDonnell. BBC, 8 July
End of the bromance: why Xi is wary of going to Moscow. China sees no reason to further sour its relations with America, no matter how cosy a picture Putin might paint. Marc Bennett. The Times, 7 July
Tesla cannot unsync from the politics of US-China relations. Just as Huawei has been targeted by western security officials, Elon Musk’s cars could become a punchbag for Beijing. John Thornhill. FT, 7 July
Top UK and USA spy chiefs warning on CCP. Beijing to Britain, 7 July