The CHN/ China thread

[Jimbuna]

Decoding the Chinese map that claimed Russian territory

Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine pushed Moscow even closer to China but there have been a few incidences that tested the friendship of the two allies. One, in particular, seemed to have raised Russian eyebrows in March 2023: the release of China's new official 'standard map'.

The new map set off alarm bells in several countries over territorial claims the document made against China's neighbors, but the claims over Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island are what turned heads in Moscow.

Ownership of Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island had been in dispute between Russia and China until the claims were resolved in 2005 when the island was partitioned according to the Indian online magazine Outlook.

However, China’s new map showed full ownership over the island, a move that likely didn't help ties between the two nations according to George Mason University’s Mark Katz.

Katz is a professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, and he explained to Newsweek that both governments pay close attention to the official maps released by the other nation.

"The Kremlin very definitely pays close attention to Chinese maps—especially official ones—claiming that Russian territory actually belongs to China," Katz explained.

Katz went on to add that even if the move upset Vladimir Putin there was little he could do about it since Russia is in such a precarious position cut off from most global trade.

“[Putin] is not in a position to loudly complain about this since Moscow has become so dependent on economic relations with China as a result of Western sanctions,” he said.

The Kremlin didn’t initially comment on the new map but officials from the Russian government eventually broke their silence on the change saying the dispute had long been settled.

"The Russian and Chinese sides adhere to the common position that the border issue between our countries has been finally resolved," Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in a statement that was translated by Newsweek at the time it was made.

“Its settlement was marked by the ratification in 2005 of the Supplementary Agreement on the Russian-Chinese state border on its eastern part, according to which Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island was divided between the parties,” Zakharova continued.

Zakharova added that a demarcation of a common border had been established along the entire length of the island in 2008, adding that both Russia and China had confirmed “the absence of mutual territorial claims” since at least 2001.

However, the new map was said to have been signed off on by authorities in Beijing and was released by the country’s Ministry of Natural Resources according to Newsweek.

A separate Newsweek report noted that Chinese officials have been “unapologetic” in regard to the new map and one senior official at China’s Ministry of Natural Resources said: “A correct national map is a symbol of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chinese Foreign Ministry official Wang Wenbin said the map was a “routine practice in China's exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law, adding: “We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain from overinterpreting the issue.”'

NBC News noted the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and India have all noted their objection to the new Chinese map. Each country has its own territorial disputes with China in a multitude of areas along the country’s border.

“This latest attempt to legitimize China’s purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law,” the Philippine Foreign Ministry said according to NBC News.

Indian officials also expressed the most outrage over China’s new map and Foreign Secretary Arindam Bagchi said in a statement India had “lodged a complaint through diplomatic channels” against the claims laid against Indian territory on the map. “We reject these claims as they have no basis.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/decoding-the-chinese-map-that-claimed-russian-territory/ss-AA1gAGq5?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ee16a9d6fb3740e7a0542ddd015ae77a&ei=21#image=18

[Jimbuna]

China Warns Against 'Cycle of Retaliation' If U.S. Responds to Drone Attack That Killed 3 American Soldiers

China issued a stark warning against the United States following a drone strike that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.

On Tuesday, January 30, China warned a "cycle of retaliation" in the Middle East could result from a retaliatory strike by the U.S. in response to the attack.

The U.S. has blamed the deadly attack which occurred on Sunday, January 28 on a remote frontier base in Jordan's northeast on Iran-backed militants, but Tehran claimed that it had no involvement in the strike.

President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed that the U.S. would respond to the attack, which marked the first U.S. servicemen deaths since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023.

According to Barron's, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Tuesday, January 30 that it had "noted reports of casualties caused by the attack on a U.S. military base."
"We have also noted that Iran stated that it had nothing to do with the attack," he said. "We hope that all relevant parties will remain calm and restrained… in order to avoid falling into a vicious cycle of retaliation and prevent further escalation of regional tension."

"The situation in the Middle East is currently highly complex and sensitive," Wang added.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-warns-against-cycle-of-retaliation-if-u-s-responds-to-drone-attack-that-killed-3-american-soldiers/ar-BB1huJ32?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d04d7df5a9324f8ab4679a64b2f73170&ei=39

[Jeff-Groves]

Any bets there's parts of that drone labeled "Made in China"

[Jimbuna]

Evergrande: Crisis-hit Chinese property giant ordered to liquidate

A court in Hong Kong has ordered the liquidation of debt-laden Chinese property giant Evergrande.

Judge Linda Chan said "enough is enough", after the troubled developer repeatedly failed to come up with a plan to restructure its debts.

The firm has been the poster child of China's real estate crisis with more than $300bn (£236bn) of debt.

But it is unclear how far the Hong Kong ruling will hold sway in mainland China.

The property giant, which has been in hot water with its creditors for the last two years, filed a request for another three months' leeway at 4pm on Friday.

But Judge Chan turned it down, describing the idea as "not even a restructuring proposal, much less a fully formulated proposal". Instead she ordered the start of the process to unwind Evergrande, appointing liquidators at Alvarez & Marsal Asia to oversee it.

The liquidators said their intention was to "achieve a resolution that minimises further disruption for all stakeholders".

"Our priority is to see as much of the business as possible retained, restructured, or remain operational," said Wing Sze Tiffany Wong, one of the managing directors.

The slowburn crisis at Evergrande has sent shockwaves through the investment community, with its potential impact likened to the collapse of Lehman Brothers at the start of the financial crisis.

China's property sector remains fragile as investors wait to see what approach Beijing will take to the court's move.

The decision is likely to send further ripples through China's financial markets at a time when authorities are trying to curb a stock market sell-off.

Evergrande shares fell by more than 20% in Hong Kong after the announcement, before trading was suspended.

The liquidators will look at Evergrande's overall financial position and identify potential restructuring strategies. That could include seizing and selling off assets, so that the proceeds can be used to repay outstanding debts.

However, Beijing may be reluctant to see work halt on property developments in China, where many ordinary would-be homeowners are waiting for apartments they have already paid for.

Evergrande has come to symbolise the rollercoaster ride of China's property boom and bust, borrowing heavily to finance the building of forests of tower blocks aimed at housing the millions of migrants moving from rural areas to cities. It ran into trouble, and defaulted on its debts in December 2021.

Evergrande's chairman, Hui Ka Yan, hit the headlines for his lavish lifestyle, before it was announced last year that he was under investigation for suspected crimes.

Ordinary Chinese property buyers have limited options to demand compensation, but many have taken to social media to express their frustration about developers like Evergrande.

Big investors have turned to the courts, including in Hong Kong, where Evergrande's shares are listed. The case that resulted in Monday's ruling was brought in June 2022 by Hong Kong-based Top Shine Global, which said that Evergrande had not honoured an agreement to buy back shares.

Evergrande's executive director, Shawn Siu, described the decision to appoint liquidators as "regrettable", but told Chinese media the company would ensure home building projects would be delivered.

The unwinding is likely to take some time and construction is expected to continue in the meantime.

Most of Evergrande's assets - 90% according to Judge Chan's ruling - are in mainland China and despite the "one country, two systems" slogan, there are thorny jurisdictional issues.

Ahead of Monday's ruling, China's Supreme Court and Hong Kong's Department of Justice signed an arrangement to mutually recognise and enforce civil and commercial judgements between mainland China and Hong Kong.

But experts are still unsure whether that agreement will have an impact on Evergrande's liquidation order.

Derek Lai, the global insolvency leader at professional services firm Deloitte said the liquidator would need to "follow the laws of mainland China", which could make it hard to take full control of Evergrande's operations there.

Beijing may want to see mainland building projects completed to meet the expectations of Chinese buyers and investors.

Foreign creditors are unlikely to get their money before mainland creditors.

However, even if Judge Chan's orders are not carried out in China, the decision sends a strong message and gives a clue on what other developers and creditors may face.

She presides over not just Evergrande's case, but also other defaulted developers such as Sunac China, Jiayuan and Kaisa.

Last May, she also ordered the liquidation of Jiayuan after its lawyers failed to explain why they needed more time to iron out their debt restructuring proposal.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67562522

[Jimbuna]

Pentagon calls out Chinese companies it says are helping Beijing's military

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Wednesday added more than a dozen Chinese companies to a list created by the Defense Department to highlight firms it says are allegedly working with Beijing's military, as part of a broader effort to keep American technology from aiding China.

New additions to the list, first reported by Reuters, were posted on the Department of Defense website and include memory chip maker YMTC, artificial intelligence company Megvii, lidar maker Hesai Technology and tech company NetPosa.

Amid strained ties between the world's two biggest economies, the updated list is one of numerous actions Washington has taken in recent years to highlight and restrict Chinese companies that is says may strengthen Beijing's military.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said China opposed the move and called it an abuse of state power, adding that it ran counter to the U.S.'s "alleged commitment to market competition and international fair trade."

Hesai Group said it does not sell products to any military in any country and it does not have ties with any military. The company said it was disappointed to be added to the list.

YMTC, and Megvii did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

While being placed on the list doesn't involve immediate bans, it can be a blow to designated companies' reputations and represents a stark warning to U.S. entities and companies about the risks of conducting business with them. It could also add pressure on the Treasury Department to sanction the companies.

In addition, the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act added some teeth to the "Section 1260H" list, prohibiting the Defense Department under Section 805 of the law in coming years from contracting with any of the designated companies.

"The Defense Department's updated 1260H list underscores China's unwavering commitment to its military-civil fusion strategy," said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"Being listed on 1260H poses major reputational risks to Chinese companies," he added, noting that some Chinese firms have tried to be removed from the list.

Other firms added on Wednesday include China Three Gorges Corp, China Construction Technology Co and Yitu Network Technology, as well as publicly traded companies Chengdu JOUAV Automation Tech Co, Chengdu M&S Electronics Technology Co, Guizhou Aviation Technical Development Co, and ShenZhen Consys Science & Technology Co.

They join previously listed aviation company AVIC, BGI Genomics Co, China Mobile, energy company CNOOC and China Railway Construction Corp.

Separately on Wednesday, senior U.S. officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray, warned that hackers linked to China's government are preparing to cause "real-world harm" by targeting critical U.S. infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, the electric grid, oil and natural gas pipelines, and transportation hubs.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/pentagon-calls-out-chinese-companies-it-says-are-helping-beijing-s-military/ar-BB1hAhBW?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=dd02dbf25fb047189a6e138bd572a074&ei=28

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JiqoILR-uY

[Jimbuna]

U.S. Navy Sends Convoy of Warships Through Philippine Sea as Sign of Strength Amid Taiwan Tensions

The United States Navy was seen flexing its muscles on Wednesday, January 31, when San Diego-based aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Theodore Roosevelt sailed in formation in the Philippine Sea.

Flanked by ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and other U.S. warships, the aircraft carriers completed a force-readiness exercise that showed the two countries are committed to their allies in the region, Knewz.com has learned.

It is just another show of force by the U.S. Navy, which has had an increased presence in the Indo-Pacific, where China has threatened to invade Taiwan, and Beijing has taunted ships from the Philippines recently.

The Vinson and Roosevelt are leading an arsenal of warships, including the USS Lake Erie and USS Princeton and destroyers USS Sterett and USS Halsey. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the USNS Mercy, another San Diego-based vessel, has been operating in the Indo-Pacific.
The outlet adds that the USS Abraham Lincoln, also out of San Diego, has been operating in Southern California recently.

The Philippine Sea connects to the eastern side of the South China Sea, where Indo-Pacific tensions have been high in recent months.

As Knewz.com reported on December 18, the U.S. and China have also had rising tensions, especially in the South China Sea, where China has had confrontations with the Philippines, an ally of the U.S.

According to Newsweek, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, which states that the United States and Philippines will protect each other in the case of an external armed attack in the Pacific Area.

Biden said the United States will respond militarily if any nation attacks Filipino troops.

In fact, Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the United States, said in an interview with Japan-based news magazine Nikkei Asia Review published on December 13, that "the South China Sea is the flashpoint, not Taiwan."

Romualdez also stated that there are concerns that such tensions could spark a full-blown global conflict.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/u-s-navy-sends-convoy-of-warships-through-philippine-sea-as-sign-of-strength-amid-taiwan-tensions/ar-BB1hDEfV?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=beae8112a866452ca77144ed326a68ab&ei=23

[Jimbuna]

China launches Jielong-3 rocket as commercial missions pick up pace

BEIJING, Feb 3 (Reuters) - A small but powerful Chinese rocket capable of carrying payloads at competitive costs delivered nine satellites into orbit on Saturday, Chinese state media reported, in what is gearing up to be another busy year for Chinese commercial launches.
The Jielong-3, or Smart Dragon-3, blasted off from a floating barge off the coast of Yangjiang in southern Guangdong province, the second launch of the rocket in just two months.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/china-launches-powerful-jielong-3-rocket-paves-way-more-commercial-missions-2024-02-03/

[Jimbuna]

Misinformation spreads in China on ‘civil war’ in Texas

Amid the escalating border standoff between Texas and the White House over illegal immigration, misinformation has spread in China that the Lone Star state has officially declared war to secede from the US.

Popular Chinese outlets have been suggesting that events in Texas have led to deep divisions in the US widening to a point where unrest has become a stark reality.

More than 6.3m migrants have crossed into the US illegally since the beginning of 2021 - record highs that have intensified a standoff between President Joe Biden and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

As part of his Operation Lone Star, Mr Abbott has sought to block or deter entry into his state, including by installing about 30 miles (48km) of razor wire barriers along the city of Eagle Pass.

The US Supreme Court ruled last month against Mr Abbott, but the Republican has vowed to add more razor wire to crack down on what he calls an "invasion".

Trending social media posts in China allege Mr Abbott was preparing to go to war with US federal authorities.

Posts with the hashtag #TexasDeclaresAStateOfWar have been viewed and shared thousands of times on the popular social network Sina Weibo. Some posts have been from a user with millions of followers.

A Voice of America journalist Wenhao, who specialises in Chinese online disinformation, posted on X that the "biggest US related news on China's internet for the past few days is Texas governor declaring war with the federal government, which did not happen in reality".

"Netizens are cheering for what they call America's self destruction," the post added.

Weibo does appear to have taken action to limit such content. A search of posts with the hashtag #TexasDeclaresAStateOfWar now shows a disclaimer, which says: "According to relevant laws, regulations and polices, content on this topic cannot be displayed."

However, many posts are still to be found on the popular platform, which has more than 600 million monthly active users.

Users are circulating pictures of the Texas Military Department flying a picture of a flag above its headquarters with the words "Come and Take It", which have led to domestic perceptions the state is stoking independence.

Old videos from Fox News are also circulating of vigilante groups dressed in camouflage to "defend the border". There are also multiple videos being circulated from Chile of military tanks that are being misattributed to Texas.

As censorship makes it difficult for Chinese users to do their own fact checks, this has given many Weibo users the impression that the state is at war.

Some have suggested that Texas could see a similar situation to Ukraine - which is at war with Russia - noting the two regions have a similar land mass.

Media messaging has made the idea of civil war more believable, as Chinese state media have regularly suggested that political divisions in the US are now so polarised that the country has reached the brink of internal conflict.

The phrase "civil war" has been used repeatedly in Chinese newspapers since the January 2021 Capitol Hill riot.

While foreign media is largely blocked in China, content from foreign media is often cherry-picked to stoke suggestions of US internal divisions.

Social media users in China on Friday, for example, were able to read reports that Florida's Republican governor Ron DeSantis is sending up to 1,000 members of the National Guard to Texas.

China often publishes such reports as a response to Western governments issuing critical comments on China's handling of issues in Xinjiang, Hong Kong or Taiwan. It's a way of saying: focus on your own backyard, instead of telling us how to run our country.

This is not exclusive to the US. It is also common to see newspapers amplify suggestions that Scotland is increasingly pushing for self-rule, when UK politicians are critical of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Chinese government maintains it does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs. "This has always been a principle in our foreign policy and is recognised by the international community," it said in a recent statement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68185317

[Jimbuna]

Unofficial US delegation says support for Taiwan remains ‘rock solid’ after voters defied China


Hong Kong/Taipei
CNN
—
Former senior US officials reaffirmed “rock solid” American support for Taiwan in a visit Monday after the self-ruled island defied threats from China by electing a new president loathed by Beijing.

Lai Ching-te, a staunch defender of Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy, on Saturday won a historic third consecutive term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), shrugging off warnings from Beijing that his election would increase the risk of conflict.

In keeping with past US practice, the Biden administration dispatched an unofficial delegation to Taiwan following the election to meet the island’s current and incoming presidents. But the US reaction to the election has already sparked an angry response from China.

In a meeting with Taiwan’s incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen Monday, former US national security adviser Stephen Hadley congratulated Taiwan on the elections on behalf of the American people, praising the self-ruled island’s democracy as a “shining example for the world.”

Hadley reaffirmed that “the American commitment to Taiwan is rock solid, principled and bipartisan.”

“We look forward to continuity in the relationship between Taiwan and the United States under the new administration and for common efforts to preserve cross-strait peace and stability,” he said.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/15/asia/us-unofficial-delegation-visit-taiwan-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

China hands Australian writer a suspended death penalty in a move Canberra condemns


Sydney
CNN
—
A Chinese-Australian writer has received a suspended death penalty in China, five years after he was detained on espionage charges, according to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Yang Hengjun, an Australian citizen and democracy activist born in China, was sentenced Monday by a court in Beijing, Wong said in a statement, adding that the Australian government was “appalled” by the sentence.

“We understand this can be commuted to life imprisonment after two years if the individual does not commit any serious crimes in the two-year period,” Wong said.

“This is harrowing news for Dr Yang, his family and all who have supported him. Our thoughts are with them.”

Yang, 58, was detained in 2019 at the airport when he arrived in the southern city of Guangzhou with his wife from New York to see family in China.

He was later charged with espionage – accusations he has denied.

Yang’s case has been shrouded in secrecy. Chinese authorities have offered no details on his charges – including which country he was accused of spying for.

In 2021, his trial was held behind closed doors in a heavily guarded court in Beijing, to which Australian diplomats were denied entry. The verdict and sentence were repeatedly delayed.

China’s court system is notoriously opaque – especially on cases involving national security – and has a conviction rate of above 99%, according to legal observers.

Yang has suffered from poor health in detention. Last year, Yang said he feared he might die in prison, after a large cyst was found on his kidney.

Australia has advocated for Yang with China “at every opportunity, and at the highest levels,” said Wong, the Australian foreign minister, in her statement.

She vowed to continue to press for Yang’s interests and wellbeing, including appropriate medical treatment, and provide consular assistance to him and his family.

At a news conference Monday, Wong said she had summoned China’s ambassador, Xiao Qian, to explain the sentence, while acknowledging it was a “decision of the Chinese legal system.”

“All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family,” Wong said, adding that Yang has “options” to appeal the sentence.

Feng Chongyi, Yang’s friend and former PhD supervisor in Australia, called his sentence a “barbarous act by the Chinese Communist regime.”

“Yang is punished by the Chinese government for his criticism of human rights abuses in China and his advocacy for universal values such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

“This is outraging political persecution and an unacceptable arbitrary imprisonment of an innocent Australian citizen.”

Feng also expressed concern for Yang’s health, saying he is now “critically ill” and calling on the Australian government to arrange medical parole for Yang and bring him back to Australia as soon as possible.

Yang worked as an official with the Chinese Foreign Ministry before emigrating to Australia.

Before his detention, he routinely posted satirical commentaries critical of the Chinese government to his nearly 130,000 followers on X, previously known as Twitter. He also wrote a series of spy novels.

Though he holds Australian citizenship, Yang is known to spend most of his time in the United States, where he was a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York.

Yang’s sentence was also condemned by human rights groups.

Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch, said the sentence was “catastrophic” for Yang and his family and called for “stronger action” from Canberra to increase pressure on Beijing.

“After years of arbitrary detention, allegations of torture, a closed and unfair trial without access to his own choice of lawyers – a sentence as severe as this is alarming,” she said.

“It shines a light on Beijing’s opaque criminal justice system, which the Chinese Communist Party controls.”

It is not the first time the fate of Australians caught up in national security cases have sparked tensions between Beijing and Canberra.

Last October, Australian TV anchor Cheng Lei was released by China and returned home to her family more than three years after she was detained on opaque espionage charges.

Cheng, a former business anchor for China’s state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, was accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas.

Beijing did not reveal details of the allegations against Cheng throughout her three years of detention, and the Chinese court delayed handing down verdict multiple times.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/05/china/china-sentences-australian-yang-hengjun-suspended-death-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

China says Asia on brink of 'dangerous decade' as Beijing slams Biden's Taiwan 'trap'

China's former envoy to Washington insisted Beijing will not be drawn into a war with the United States over the future of the island of Taiwan.

Cui Tiankai last month insisted his country will not fall for what he referred to as a "trap" by the US to precipitate existing tensions into a proxy war.

Speaking at an event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute on January 25, Cui said: "They will supply military assistance, they will supply weapons for a proxy war, and the Chinese will be killing Chinese."

Referring to a potential war with the US, he added: "We will not fall into that trap."

He also warned neighbours that failing to cooperate to ease regional tensions could plunge Asia into a "dangerous decade."

President Xi Jinping has made no mystery of his aspirations to annex Taiwan to China proper, insisting Beijing has a long-standing claim over the island.

The People's Communist Party, however, has never controlled the island since taking power in 1949.

During a meeting with Joe Biden at the ASEAN Summit in San Francisco, Xi said that "China will realise reunification, and this is unstoppable."

On Tuesday, the US Senate passed a £75.5 billion ($95.3bn) bill to fund military aid packages for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

An estimated £3.4 billion ($4.83bn) would be set aside to provide support to US allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Taipei.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-says-asia-on-brink-of-dangerous-decade-as-beijing-slams-biden-s-taiwan-trap/ar-BB1ih3KI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=4930e3d606d040528c0ea50471c18e54&ei=48

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan reports another Chinese 'combat readiness patrol' nearby

TAIPEI, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 14 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on Wednesday.
China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past four years regularly sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island as it seeks to assert sovereignty claims that the Taipei government rejects.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-reports-another-chinese-combat-readiness-patrol-nearby-2024-02-14/

[Jimbuna]

China's Wang Yi held 'constructive' talks with Blinken in Munich, foreign ministry says


BEIJING, Feb 17 (Reuters) - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed lifting sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Munich Security Conference, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Saturday.
Both sides also discussed facilitating people-to-people exchanges in the meeting held on Friday, the ministry said, adding the exchanges between the two were "frank, substantial and constructive".

"Making 'de-risking' into 'de-China', and building 'small yards and high walls' and seeking 'decoupling from China'" will only backfire on the U.S. itself, Wang said, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues including the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula, the statement said, without giving further details. It added the Korean Peninsula envoys of both sides will "stay in touch".

China and the U.S. have made some progress in bilateral relations since Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President Joe Biden in November, where they reached agreements covering fentanyl, military communications and artificial intelligence on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
China and the U.S. held their first joint meeting of a working group on fentanyl precursor chemicals in Beijing in late January and China's financial officials hosted U.S. Treasury officials earlier this month.
https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-wang-yi-held-constructive-talks-with-blinken-munich-chinese-foreign-2024-02-17/

[Skybird]

Boeing out, Comac in. :O:


https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/19/business/china-comac-c919-international-debut-intl-hnk/index.html


Well, Boeing sitll is far ahead, but it certainly makes an awesome lot of headlines with its by now impressively long chain of degraded production quality problems.

[Jimbuna]

^ Copied from.....

[Jimbuna]

China lashes out at 'extremely irresponsible' claim it launched cyberattacks on US


China has responded furiously after it was accused of being behind an "unprecedented increase" in cyberattacks on US infrastructure.

FBI Director Christopher Wray had said his department was "laser-focused" on Beijing's attempts to insert malicious software code - known as malware - into computer networks in the United States.

Wray's comments follow claims that China hacked critical infrastructure systems in the United States with the intent of seizing control of them ahead of any major crisis or conflict.

A joint Cybersecurity Advisory alert issued on February 7 claimed that Chinese hackers had infiltrated "Communications, Energy, Transportation Systems, and Waste and Wastewater Systems Sectors - in the continental and non-continental United States and its territories".

Expand article logo Continue reading
The state-sponsored hackers, known as Volt Typhoon, reportedly maintained access to the US systems for "at least five years" before the hack was discovered.

However, the claims have prompted a furious response from Beijing, with Chinese Communist Party officials claiming to have proof that the US had orchestrated cyber-attacks on China's infrastructure.

Mao Ning, deputy director of information at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "China firmly opposes and combats any form of cyberattacks in accordance with the law.

"The United States has made a rash conclusion in the absence of effective evidence, and is extremely irresponsible for groundless accusations and smears China, which is purely confusing right and wrong.

"China firmly opposes this. In fact, it is the US Cyber Army Command that openly lists the key infrastructure of other countries as the legitimate target of cyber attacks."

Mao Ning went on to accuse the US of cyber-attacks on China. She claimed that, since last year, China's cyber security agencies had released reports "exposing the US government's long-term cyber attacks on China's critical infrastructure".

"This irresponsible policy and practice has put the global critical infrastructure at great risk," she fumed. "The United States should stop engaging in cyber theft and attacks on a global scale, and stop using cyber security issues to smear other countries," added Mao.
This weekend, after attending the Munich Security Conference, FBI Director Wray had said: "We're laser-focused on this as a real threat and we're working with a lot of partners to try to identify it, anticipate it, and disrupt it.

"I'm sober and clear-minded about what we're up against . . . We're always going to have to be kind of on the balls of our feet.

Wray said hackers like Volt Typhoon were the tip of the iceberg - claiming that China was inserting "offensive weapons within our critical infrastructure poised to attack whenever Beijing decides the time is right",
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-lashes-out-at-extremely-irresponsible-claim-it-launched-cyberattacks-on-us/ar-BB1iwhnH?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f86959dba842459182d88845f1e95aac&ei=22

[Dargo]

Foreign investment China plummets to lowest level in 30 yearsForeign investors seem to be losing faith in China's economy. The amount of capital poured into the world's second largest economy plummeted a whopping 82 percent last year from the year before, Bloomberg news agency reported (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-18/foreign-direct-investment-into-china-slumps-to-worst-in-30-years), based on official Chinese figures. Foreign companies have not invested so little in China since 1993. It is another blow, after foreign investors' confidence in the Chinese market had previously been dealt a blow by the collapse of real estate giant Evergrande. Still, analysts are not surprised. "The market in China is not what it used to be," sums up Rabobank economist Teeuwe Mevissen. "China is no longer a real low-wage country. There are companies that are therefore diverting investments to Vietnam or India. In addition, foreign companies find that in China, despite all the promises, there is still hardly a level playing field. Homegrown companies are given preferential treatment. And then there are the geopolitical tensions."

By this, Mevissen is referring to the ever-increasing discord between China and Taiwan. China considers that country a renegade province. According to the figures, companies from the neighboring country, traditionally the largest in China, did not invest as little as last year since 2001. An escalation between the two countries is also feared far beyond Taiwan. "Companies are becoming wary. If war comes with Taiwan, will we run the same risks with sanctions against China, as happened in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine?" argues Mevissen. Economist Arjen van Dijkhuizen of ABN Amro also sees this: "The geopolitical situation determines how much risk companies are willing to take. Look at investments after the problems in Chinese real estate. Since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine, they also start thinking differently about China."

Van Dijkhuizen additionally sees that interest rates play into considerations for investing in China. "In the West, central banks have raised interest rates enormously. You can earn more, so to speak, as a company by putting your money in the bank there than investing riskily in China. Of course, that can turn around when interest rates come down." That does not apply to other business in China, according to Van Dijkhuizen. "You see Western countries slowly decoupling from China. On the one hand because of supply problems such as during the corona pandemic and now again because of pirates in the Red Sea. On the other hand, there are the increased geopolitical risks. In case of an escalation in Taiwan, for example, such a decoupling could accelerate." Rabobank's Mevissen says that in the West, companies have set up a so-called "China+1 strategy. "Companies continue to keep their factories open in China, but invest in new ones elsewhere in the world or at home. The West wants to make more itself. Chips are an important example. But also consider the auto industry, solar panels and batteries. In the U.S., President Biden has adopted the China policy of his predecessor Trump. Europe has long tried to save the cabbage and the goat, but we have now lost that naiveté here as well."

Remarkably, the news of plummeting investment in China did not cause a major panic in the money markets, according to Mevissen, because the downward trend has been apparent for some time. "We are moving toward an increasingly fragmented global economy. Not for value-added goods, but certainly for high-value technology: chips, batteries, cars, artificial intelligence." https://nos.nl/artikel/2509575-buitenlandse-investeringen-china-kelderen-naar-laagste-niveau-in-dertig-jaar

[em2nought]

I watched a video of Shev & Dev visiting Taiwan, and now I find myself wanting to visit just to eat one of those hotdogs they're serving up in Taipei. :har:

[Jimbuna]

China coast guard caused 'panic' by boarding tourist boat, says Taiwan


Taiwan has accused China's coast guard of triggering "panic", after six Chinese officials briefly boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat.

They checked the ship's route plan, certificate and crew licenses, and left half an hour later.

It comes less than a week after a Chinese fishing boat was pursued by Taiwan's coast guard in the same area. The boat later capsized, killing two.

Beijing later said it would step up patrols in the Kinmen archipelago.

Kinmen lies just 3km(1.86 mi) away from China's south-eastern coast, placing it on the frontline of tensions between China and Taiwan.

China sees self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually, be part of the country, and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this. But Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland.

"We think it has harmed our people's feelings and triggered people's panic. That was also not in line with the interest of the people across the strait," Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, said of the incident, which happened late afternoon on Monday.

The sightseeing vessel was carrying 11 crew members and 23 passengers, some of whom said they were nervous and worried they "would not be able to return to Taiwan".

"I was quite shocked and very anxious," said a female passenger in a video posted on China Times.

Ms Kuan said it was common for Chinese and Taiwanese tourist boats to enter the other side's waters by accident, adding that: "Boats like these are not illegal at all."

The military will not "actively intervene" in the incident to avoid escalating tensions, Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters in parliament on Tuesday.

"Let's handle the matter peacefully," he said.

Last week, two Chinese fishermen drowned while being chased by the Taiwanese coastguard off Kinmen.

Taipei said the fishing boat trespassed into Taiwanese waters and the four fishermen on board resisted an inspection. Their boat capsized when authorities gave chase.

Chinese state media said the families of the two survivors had arrived on Kinmen on Tuesday to bring them home.

Beijing "strongly condemned" the incident, saying it "seriously hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68345292

[Jimbuna]

WARNING:LONG READ

China is stoking a new Cold War with the West

Pick any terrorist group, rogue regime, or horrific conflict in the world today and you’ll likely find that China is behind it.

Take Hamas for example.

The bodies of its 1,400 Israeli and 30 American victims were not even cold before China’s state media began spewing out incendiary headlines claiming that Israel, with U.S. encouragement, was carrying out indiscriminate attacks on Gaza civilians — rather than the other way around.

China’s social media was filled with the vilest anti-Semitic comments from semi-official sources. The many atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists, including removing—and beheading—an unborn baby from the body of a dead Israeli mother, went unmentioned.

Su Lin, a prominent Chinese influencer, claimed after the brutal attack that “Hamas is still too gentle. Israel is a Jewish version of Nazi and militarism.”

Such posts would be instantly removed if they contradicted the thinking of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP). But they are encouraged as Beijing tries to undermine Israel — along with much of the rest of the world.

China’s propaganda onslaught has been so vicious that Jerusalem’s ambassador told Beijing earlier this week to stop supporting Hamas terrorism and stop acting with hostility towards the Jewish state.

But Hamas receives far more than just marketing and moral support from Beijing.

Does anyone believe that the terrorist group was able to plan such a complex operation against Israel, breach its highly sophisticated defensive wall, and disable its communications system, all on its own?

And how could an attack that, according to Hamas’ leaders, was more than two years in the making not have been detected by Israeli intelligence early on?

The answers may yet be determined, but part of the reason may be that the terrorist group reportedly switched over to Chinese-made Huawei phones and electronic devices this time around.

The Israelis may have been flummoxed by the new devices, but Chinese intelligence was surely listening in. Back-door access by Beijing is a feature, not a bug, of electronic devices manufactured in China.

Beyond mere hardware, China likely had a hand in the large-scale cyber attacks that reduced Israel’s response time to the incursion from Gaza.

“The Iranians are clever, but that level of cyberattacks had to have support from abroad,” says Tel Aviv-based intelligence analyst David Wurmser.

He went on to suggest that Iran’s efforts were reinforced by China and North Korea.

Hamas also brought some very advanced weaponry to Israel from Gaza, such as thermobaric rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs.

These weapons were manufactured in Iran or North Korea, notes Wurmser, but the state-of-the-art technology likely came from China.

Some in Hamas even have personal ties to China, such as Mohammed Deif, the terrorist leader reportedly responsible for the planning of the massacre.

Chinese dissident journalist Lu De and others report that the PLO sent Deif to China in 1996, where the CCP enrolled him in the PLA’s Ordnance Engineering College in Shijiazhuang, China.

There he learned the skills he would later use to kill Israelis.

The CCP even supplied him with a Chinese Muslim wife, whom Lu suggests is a conduit for communications with Beijing.

Iran’s Islamist regime has been calling for the destruction of Israel for decades, and there is little doubt—outside the Biden administration–that it helped execute the Hamas attack.

But behind Iran stands a far more formidable foe of Israel and the United States.

Indeed, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Hamas’ massacre in Israel to Beijing’s support of the brutal military junta in Myanmar, China is aggressively cultivating a new Cold War pitting the CCP — along with its surrogates and proxies — against the West.

Frank Gaffney, the head of the D.C.-based Center for Security Policy, believes that “The Chinese Communist Party was consulted about and quite possibly actually greenlighted the murderous Russian and jihadist invasions that now constitute two fronts in what may be heading the world into a larger conflict.”

Gaffney points to the peculiar pattern of visits to Beijing that links the two most dangerous conflicts now convulsing the planet.

Prior to invading Ukraine in late February 2022, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin traveled to Beijing to seek Xi Jinping’s support.

A half-dozen agreements were signed and the two entered into a quasi-military alliance.

This time as well, in the months leading up to last week’s terrorist attack, top Palestinian and Iranian leaders made pilgrimages to Beijing to consult with CCP leaders.

Even Syria’s Bashar Assad joined the parade, signing a “strategic partnership” agreement with Xi on September 22nd.

In what is perhaps a sign of what is to come in the Golan Heights, Assad left his children behind in China when he flew back to Damascus.

Oh, and let’s not forget that Putin was back in Beijing this week as Israel and Gaza rage.

In the broadest sense, the attack on Israel — along with the ongoing conflagration in Ukraine and the increasing aggressiveness of North Korea, Pakistan, and Serbia towards their neighbors — was enabled by this unholy alliance between Iran, Russia, and China.

But this is not a relationship of equals.

Rather, it is a compact in which China, with its deep pockets and technological sophistication, is the driving force.

While Iran and Russia are jockeying for dominance in their backyards, China has truly global ambitions and is using the other two in this quest.

The attack on Israel—by a group intent upon its total destruction–is clearly a proxy war by China on one of America’s closest allies.

Just as Hamas and Hezbollah are extensions of Iran, so Iran itself is in many ways a proxy for China.

As former Deputy Undersecretary for Defense Stephen Bryen notes, China “supplies Iran with all the stuff it needs to make all the missiles in the world.” So even when Hamas terrorists are trained in Iran, China is the source of their weaponry.

China is following the same playbook in the Middle East that it did in Russia: Secretly encourage an attack on a U.S. ally or potential ally — and promise to aid the aggressor behind the scenes.

Then, when the attack happens, loudly call for a negotiated settlement–without mentioning that it was your partner who committed the barbarous acts in the first place.

Case in point: As Israel continues to dismantle Hamas, Beijing now claims that it wants “to help cool down the escalating Palestine-Israel conflict” that it helped stoke. In fact, it is doing the opposite. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi spends his days criticizing Israel’s response to the worst terrorist attack in its history.

In a recent speech, Wang claimed “The survival of the Israelis has been guaranteed, but who cares about the survival of the Palestinians?”

Iran supported Hamas knowing that it intended to provoke a complete Middle Eastern showdown.

To judge from its incendiary rhetoric, it hopes that Israel will level Gaza and that other Muslim nations will then unite in an all-out war against Israel.

But why would China, which has no particular animus against Jews, empower Iran and Hamas?

Clearly, because it hopes the U.S. would be drawn into such a conflict and become, yet again, bogged down in the Middle East like it was for decades in Iraq.

China, by its own account, has long been in this new Cold War with the United States.

It was Deng Xiaoping who, watching the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, observed to his CCP comrades that America had won the first Cold War.

But there was now a new Cold War, he went on to say, this time between America and China, which China intended to win.

But both Washington and Wall Street ignored his words.

Instead, they’ve spent the past 30 years trying to bribe China into becoming a responsible member of the U.S.-led world order.

Wall Street financed China’s rise.

Fortune 500 companies transferred their cutting-edge technology to Beijing—or had it stolen.

Congress voted China into the World Trade Organization, and cheap “Made in China” products flooded our nation.

We have enabled the rise of the country that, most Americans finally understand, is engaged in a Cold War against us.

The attacks from the CCP take many different forms, from seeding viruses and spreading fentanyl at home, to using rogue regimes and terrorist groups as proxies abroad.

There is an arsonist on the loose in the world, lighting the fires of conflict wherever it can.

As America disperses its forces and depletes its munitions in response, China calculates that its chances of one day achieving its ultimate goal — the successful retaking of Taiwan — will only increase.

Xi Jinping’s idol, the late Chairman Mao, once remarked: “Great chaos is needed to achieve great order in the world.”

With Russia grinding away at Ukraine, and the Middle East in flames, the “great chaos” is well underway.

The “great order” that the CCP leader dreams of will eventually begin with that Taiwan conquest, but it will not end until a new global order under Chinese hegemony is created—or until the CCP is defeated.
https://www.pop.org/china-is-stoking-a-new-cold-war-with-the-west/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=china-stoking-war&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T9awIpMKWoidEEb-LFP9cf77bwBbv-JqjtBhXxVML5_eX0Ihtkr-N0aAsefEALw_wcB

[Jimbuna]

China has raided seven American businesses in Beijing and arrested employees on suspicion of espionage, ambassador Nicholas Burns reveals

The Chinese government has raided up to seven US companies operating there on suspicion of espionage in the past year, America's ambassador to Beijing has revealed.

US ambassador Nicholas Burns revealed the figure in an interview with 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday, highlighting a troubling trend for Americans who want to do business in China.

'On the one hand, they say, "We're open for business. We want American, Japanese businesses here." But on the other hand, they've raided six or seven American businesses since last March,' said Burns.
'They've gone into American companies and shut them down and made accusations we believe are very much unwarranted,' he added.

Although several raids on US firms in China had been previously reported, the total cited by Burns is higher than was publicly known.

China last year launched a crackdown on US consultancy and due diligence firms, a move business lobbies have said unnerved foreign investors in the world's second-largest economy.

In March, the Beijing office of US consultancy Mintz Group was raided and five Chinese members of staff were detained.

Mintz confirmed the detention of its employees and the closure of its China business in a statement following the raid and was later fined the equivalent of $1.5 million by authorities in Beijing.

Chinse police also descended on US management consultancy Bain & Co's Shanghai office in April.

Bain confirmed the raid on its Shanghai office without giving more details in a statement at the time.

Then in May, China's state TV aired a program showing a raid of consultancy Capvision Partners' offices, flouting the crackdown for the world to see.

Capvision said in a statement soon after the broadcast that it would abide by national security rules, but declined to comment further.

China expanded its counter-espionage law in July, much to the alarm of the United States, with wide-ranging updates including banning the transfer of any information related to national security and broadening the definition of spying.

'It's written in such a general way that it could be that American business people could be accused of espionage for engaging in practices that are perfectly legal and acceptable everywhere else in the world,' Burns said of the new counter-espionage law.

He said that standard 'due diligence' on a company's finances, which is used to guide decisions on an investment or a joint venture, could be considered spying under the new law.

'I think they want to control data about the Chinese people, about Chinese companies,' said Burns. 'I think that is at the heart of the problem with those American companies operating in that sphere.'

Last year, China's Ministry of State Security also called on its citizens to join counter-espionage work, creating tip lines for individuals to report suspicious activity and promising to commend and reward them.

The ministry claimed it uncovered two citizens spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency, detailing how the accused were recruited and placing them under investigation.

The US National Counterintelligence and Security Center said in June that China viewed outbound flow of data as a national security risk, and that the new and existing laws could compel companies' locally employed Chinese nationals to assist in Chinese intelligence efforts.

The crackdown on purported spying has badly dented foreign investment in China, which the country sorely needs as its economy continues to lag following years of disruptions from harsh pandemic lockdowns.

Last year, China's foreign direct investment plunged 82 percent to $33 billion on a net basis in 2023, according to the country's State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

It marked the lowest level of investment in China by foreign companies in 30 years, and outflows exceeded inflows by $17.5 billion in the fourth quarter, marking the first net outflow on record.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-has-raided-seven-american-businesses-in-beijing-and-arrested-employees-on-suspicion-of-espionage-ambassador-nicholas-burns-reveals/ar-BB1iVQEJ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=72388a8cfd1e4752b44afe4f76720b3b&ei=21

[Jimbuna]

China ignores US warnings and sends ships into Taiwan's restricted waters

China has ignored warnings from the United States and sent a group of ships into Taiwan's restricted water space, as tensions in the region threaten to boil over.

The ships reportedly breached the water borders just off Taiwan's frontline Kinmen islands.

Last week, the US State Department urged Beijing to back off as it warned that China's increasingly hostile attitude towards Taiwan heightened the risk of "miscalculation" - and could lead to direct confrontation.

The warning came after six China Coast Guard officers boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat and inspected passengers's documents for half an hour. The holidaying groups later told local media they had feared for their lives.

China had vowed to increase maritime law enforcement around Taiwan's Kinmen islands after two Chinese fishermen died when their speedboat capsised while being chased by Taiwanese authorities.

However, the US State Department told Newsweek: "We continue to urge restraint and no unilateral change to the status quo, which has preserved peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region for decades.

"We urge the PRC to engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan to reduce the risk of miscalculation."

However, Xi Jinping's China appears to ignored America's pleas. A Taiwan minister told reporters today (Tuesday, February 27) that at least five Chinese coast guard ships had entered prohibited or restricted waters around Taiwan yesterday.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told parliament he hoped the situation would be "smoothly handled" so it did not escalate. "We don't want to see any combat conditions occur," he added.

Get all the latest news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle updates from our dedicated American team.

Follow Daily Express US on Facebook and Twitter @ExpressUSNews

Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, told reporters the Chinese boats left the area shortly after Taiwan's coast guard told them to leave.

"The political significance is high, which is a form of a declaration of sovereignty," she said. China is yet to comment on the incident, reports ABC News.

Earlier this month, China warned the US to expect a "strong and resolute" response after Congress green-lit the sale of $75 million worth of military equipment to Taiwan.

Beijing claimed the move undermined its relationship with the United States and "violates" the main tenets of the One China policy long agreed between the two nations.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/putin-s-army-incinerate-famous-us-tank-deployed-by-ukraine/ss-BB1iXkCM?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=5fc6a400563b42179e4d108b02fca41b&ei=16#interstitial=2

[Reece]

Get all the latest news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle updates from our dedicated American team.

Follow Daily Express US on Facebook and Twitter @ExpressUSNews
Good to know!:D

[em2nought]

So glad our government is so well respected around the world. It will keep us from getting into trouble with possible enemies who might view us as really really weak. :har:

Even Italy thinks we're stupid. https://ijr.com/italian-tv-show-reportedly-mocks-biden/ :har:

[Jimbuna]

US warned of strategic loss of Pacific Island nations to China in fresh funding dispute

The US has been warned that it could lose incredibly important strategic Pacific Islands to China due to disputes over blocked funding.

Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia are currently "under pressure" and may be forced to turn to China for financial help.

If this goes through, US defence officials have warned that the country could lose these nations to China. Instead, they are pushing to provide the funding themselves.

The leaders of the islands have claimed that they need £2.3 billion, currently held up in Congress, or they may have no other choice but to ask China for the money.

Coincidentally, China is trying to shift the power dynamics of the region in its favour, most notably due to the issue of Taiwan and who lays claim to it.

If the money isn't handed over soon and the islands turn to China, it could result in Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia recognising Taiwan as under the ownership of China.

The three leaders issued a joint letter in February warning of the "uncertainty" created by the delay in receiving the money, resulting in "undesirable opportunities for economic exploitation by competitive political actors active in the Pacific".

The islands are involved in treaties called Compacts of Free Association (Cofa) which allows the Pentagon to have virtually unrestricted military access in exchange for guaranteed security and other benefits.

Cofa states allow the US to remain a Pacific power as they afford the country access to an area of the region larger than the continental US, providing a critical defence mechanism against potential Chinese advances.

Congress is currently holding up a vast amount of money for oversees conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel's war on Palestine; this £2 billion is yet another example.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-warned-of-strategic-loss-of-pacific-island-nations-to-china-in-fresh-funding-dispute/ar-BB1iZMIl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=46f3ad291836446a86b44b58f4764aea&ei=43

[Jimbuna]

China slams foreign criticism of upcoming Hong Kong's Article 23 national security law

HONG KONG (Reuters) - China on Thursday criticised British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and other foreign politicians for "smearing" an upcoming Hong Kong security law, as local authorities said feedback on the law had been largely positive.

The law, known as Article 23, will target crimes including treason, theft of state secrets, espionage, sabotage, sedition and "external interference", including from foreign governments.

A public consultation period on the proposed legislation ended this week, with the city's legislature, dominated by pro-Beijing lawmakers, expected to soon approve the draft laws.

The Hong Kong Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday "to express their strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to British Foreign Secretary Cameron and other politicians' making "irresponsible remarks" on the legislation of Article 23.

The ministry said they were "maliciously smearing and attacking Hong Kong's human rights, freedoms and rule of law".

The statement followed remarks from Cameron on Wednesday that Britain had raised its concerns with the Hong Kong authorities.

"Vague references to ‘external forces’ and the new offence of ‘external interference’ threaten the legitimate and lawful diplomatic and consular activity as protected in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations", Cameron said.

The U.S. State Department also said in a statement on Wednesday that it was closely monitoring the legislation and its implications for U.S. citizens, investments, and companies operating in Hong Kong.

"We are particularly concerned by Hong Kong authorities’ proposal to adopt broad and vague definitions of 'state secrets' and 'external interference' that could be used to eliminate dissent through the fear of arrest and detention," department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. "We are also concerned that Hong Kong authorities will apply Article 23 extraterritorially in their ongoing campaign of transnational repression to intimidate and restrict the free speech of U.S. citizens and residents."

Hong Kong's Security Bureau on Thursday said 13,147 submissions had been received during the consultation, amid criticism that the law would further erode freedoms in the financial hub.

Among them, 12,969 (98.64%) of the submissions "show support and make positive comments" while 93 (0.71%) objected, with more than 10 were from "overseas anti-China organisations or abscondees".

"The aforementioned result has indicated that the legislative proposals have gained majority support from the public," the Security Bureau said.

This week, Chinese lawmakers also expanded Beijing's state secrets law for the first time since 2010, widening the scope of restricted sensitive information to "work secrets".

Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020 that punishes acts, including subversion and collusion with foreign forces, with up to life imprisonment, after mass pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.

According to the Security Bureau, more than 290 people have been arrested for alleged national security offences. Among them, 174 persons and five companies were charged, including media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-02-29/china-slams-foreign-criticism-of-upcoming-hong-kongs-article-23-national-security-law

[Jimbuna]

China Discovers World's Largest Oil Deposit

A crucial discovery for China, aiming to reduce its energy dependence, has come to light with the Chinese oil company China National Offshore Oil Corporation, better known as CNOOC, reportedly uncovering the world's largest oil deposit in the Bohai Sea. This is reported by Naftemporiki.

The Bozhong 26-6 oil field, discovered in 2022, has now confirmed record levels of hydrocarbon reserves following a series of drilling operations, potentially exceeding 1.3 billion barrels (over 200 million cubic meters).

The gigantic deposit was found in metamorphic rocks in the Bohai Sea, a small inland sea located at the northern tip of the East China Sea and northwest of the Yellow Sea, on the northeastern coast of China.
Spanish geologist Jorge Navarro mentions that the giant deposit was found in an area known as "buried hills".

Oil and gas are typically stored in sedimentary rocks, like sandstones, which normally do not undergo significant alterations or major losses in porosity and permeability due to burial and compression. However, some of these sedimentary rocks, if buried under high temperatures and pressures, undergo a series of physicochemical processes that destroy almost all their porosity and permeability. If these metamorphosed rocks are brought back to the surface by tectonic forces, their petrophysical properties improve. In such a way that, if buried again, they are capable of hosting hydrocarbons.

An example of metamorphosed rocks is shale, from which shale oil is extracted in the USA. Shale oil is produced within the shale when subjected to high temperatures that can be used as fuel known as shale oil.

This discovery is of vital importance for a country like China, which seeks to reduce its energy dependence and maintain a huge current account surplus. China is the world's largest importer of many raw materials, including oil.

China achieved a new record in oil and natural gas production at the end of last year. The national crude oil production averaged 4.16 million barrels per day, according to data from the Chinese government. In this way, the "Asian giant" continues to be the sixth-largest producer of crude oil in the world, approaching Iraq, which is the fifth-largest oil producer in the world, with 4.3 million barrels per day.

China's crude oil production increased to 208 million metric tons in 2023, representing a 1.6% increase compared to the production levels of 2022.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-discovers-world-s-largest-oil-deposit/ar-BB1jcZmn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=2662f04306194fe184418e2ef5afd0d1&ei=29

[Dargo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSKj_zBKc0

[em2nought]

China Discovers World's Largest Oil Deposit

Not good at all. They have all the fuel they need for whatever war or wars they might want to engage in. On the plus side, all they really need to do is wait us out until we've totally destroyed ourselves from within.

[Jimbuna]

Not good at all. They have all the fuel they need for whatever war or wars they might want to engage in. On the plus side, all they really need to do is wait us out until we've totally destroyed ourselves from within.

I think when looking at the current situation that would be politically but the US is not alone, the UK even if on a much smaller scale is in a similar position.

[Jimbuna]

South China Sea: Beijing hits back at Philippine envoy over economic coercion claims


China has accused a top Philippine envoy of “reckless speculation”, hitting back at the official’s claim that Beijing was using economic coercion against Manila in their dispute over the South China Sea.
In a Chinese-language statement on Sunday, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines also accused Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the United States, of “disregarding basic facts, recklessly speculating on the South China Sea issue, and engaging in empty speculation and malicious smearing of China”.

The Philippines should stop “drawing wolves into the house and forming a ‘clique’”, which it said “would never help resolve the South China Sea disputes”.

“On the contrary, it will only complicate the situation in the region, jeopardise regional peace and stability, and undermine its own security,” the embassy said.

“We strongly advise the people concerned to stop spreading the ‘China threat theory’, to refrain from spreading ‘persecution paranoia’ … and to do more for the benefit of their own people and the friendship between China and the Philippines.”

The statement was in response to Romualdez’s assessment that his country’s agricultural exports to China could be “in peril” as maritime tensions with China grew.

“These are things that are being used by them for economic coercion. That’s always [on] the table. That’s why we’re working double time in trying to look for other markets just in case,” he said, according to The Manila Times.

Addressing the Consular Corps of the Philippines in Manila on Wednesday, Romualdez also warned that the South China Sea – rather than Taiwan – would be “the real flashpoint” given the risk of an accident in the contested waters.

He also said in an earlier interview with Reuters that his country was in talks to include Australia and Japan – also US allies – in planned joint South China Sea patrols with the US.

Ties between Beijing and Manila have declined in recent months despite pledges early last year by the presidents of both countries to strengthen relations.
In a departure from his Beijing-friendly predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, who took office in June 2022, has moved closer to the United States – a traditional ally – to counter China’s maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Beijing and Manila have competing claims in the waters and there have been frequent stand-offs – sometimes involving collisions – between the two sides.
Chinese coastguard vessels have repeatedly driven off Philippine ships from the area, including in the Scarborough Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal.
Earlier this month, the Chinese military said its naval and air forces carried out routine patrols in the disputed waters, days after Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr ordered an increase in troops and construction on Batanes, the island country’s northernmost province, which is less than 200km (124 miles) from Taiwan.

Amid the tensions, China remains the Philippines’ top trading partner and the third-largest market for Philippine agricultural products such as bananas, pineapples, coconuts, and avocados.

China is also a major source of foreign investment in the Philippines, with stakes in logistics, agriculture and telecommunications.

The Macros administration is floating the idea of amending the country’s constitution to attract more investment, including from the US.

During the event in Manila, Romualdez said the US was “going out of its way” to expand economic relations with the Philippines.

As part of efforts to boost economic engagement and boost investment particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy sectors, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is expected to visit Manila next month.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3254000/south-china-sea-beijing-hits-back-philippine-envoy-over-economic-coercion-claims

[Jimbuna]

China playing long game for vital resources and military advantage in Antarctica, say analysts

Perched on the bleak southern coast of Inexpressible Island, China’s new crucifix-shaped scientific research station in Antarctica has triggered alarm bells about Beijing’s ambitions in the world’s southernmost continent.

The Qinling base, occupying 5,244 square metres near the deep bay of the Ross Sea, opened in February, and can operate through the brutal winter months while housing up to 80 people in summer.

Qinling is expected to include a wharf for icebreaker ships and is well positioned to collect signals intelligence over Australia and New Zealand and telemetry data on rockets launched from Australia’s new Arnhem Space Centre, according to the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
It will also help China “fill in a major gap” in its ability to access Antarctica.

The station is China’s fifth, on a par with other major actors in Antarctica, including the UK, Russia, and the United States, which has the largest research presence, including the biggest facility in its McMurdo base.

But the speed of China’s expanding footprint has raised fears that Beijing is aiming to extend its surveillance capabilities, gain strategic control over valuable resources and shipping routes, or even establish a future military presence there when the continent’s governance treaty expires in 2048.

Beijing, “like all parties has ambitions for Antarctica beyond science,” Dr Elizabeth Buchanan, an expert associate of the ANU National Security College, told The Telegraph.

“The problem, for the West, broadly, becomes that China is more capable and credible in terms of concerns it might one day look to exploit its footprint for economic, and strategic, advantage. Any base could be refashioned for military purposes,” she added.

Seven countries – the UK, Australia, France, New Zealand, Norway, Argentina and Chile – maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, which are not recognised by most other nations. The US and Russia have a “basis of claim”.

In practice, the continent is governed by parties to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which restricts activities to “peaceful purposes only”. Military personnel can conduct scientific research but are banned from setting up bases, carrying out manoeuvres, or testing weapons.

That treaty is due to be revised in 2048, when new sovereignty claims may trigger a scramble for influence over minerals, including gold, chromium, uranium and coal, resources and territory.

Countries may fight in the future to “provide security towards those mineral resources which are going to be very valuable in 10, 20 more years,” said Dr Carlos Solar, a senior research fellow in Latin American security at the Royal United Services Institute.

By creating a fifth base, Beijing is declaring its strong focus in Antarctica even as other countries are receding from other parts of the world to focus on resources, he said.

“China’s interests are to be in the best position that they can be for 2048,” Dr Solar added.

Beijing’s Antarctic interests are purposefully framed “in a long-term decadal strategic manner,” said Dr Buchanan.

For example, the position of the new base in the continent’s Pacific vector could give China the ability to draw a line from the eastern entry point of the Arctic Ocean straight down to Qinling, she explained.

“This creates an interesting capability and future potential buffer for curtailing US seapower,” she added.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-playing-long-game-for-vital-resources-and-military-advantage-in-antarctica-say-analysts/ar-BB1jBI2x

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R15HBpuIuY

[Jimbuna]

Maldives signs China military pact in further shift away from India

Maldives on Tuesday said China will provide it with “military assistance,” in the latest sign that the Indian Ocean archipelago’s pro-China shift is well under way following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu last year.

The Maldivian Defense Ministry said it signed an agreement with Beijing Monday “on China’s provision of military assistance” and that the deal would foster “stronger bilateral ties,” according to a post on social media site X.

Details of what the assistance would entail were not released but the ministry said the deal was “gratis” — or given for free.

The move is part of a push by President Muizzu since taking office in November to develop closer relations with China, following his “India Out” election campaign that promised to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil and reassert “lost” national sovereignty.

In January, Muizzu set a deadline of March 15 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation, according to the president’s office. An update from his office last month said negotiations had agreed troops would leave in stages, with the first withdrawing before March 10 and the rest before May 10.

According to Reuters, there are 77 Indian soldiers and 12 medical personnel from the Indian armed forces in Maldives. India has also given Maldives two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mainly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations, Reuters reported.

The new deal with China marks a significant shift in Maldives’ foreign policy from Muizzu’s pro-India predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The tiny South Asian nation is regarded internationally as a tourist destination popular for its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.

But the archipelago of nearly 1,200 low-lying coral islands, with a population of fewer than half a million people, spreads over a swathe of strategically important waters and shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.

Given their geographic proximity and strong historic and economic ties, India was for decades Maldives’ closest partner and New Delhi viewed the region as part of its traditional sphere of influence.

But Maldives has long found itself in the middle of a geopolitical tussle with both India and China vying for influence.

China has increasingly expanded its footprint in Maldives, most visibly through large-scale infrastructure projects such as the $200 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Analysts have previously told CNN that a Chinese presence in Maldives could affect Indian security, given the island chain’s proximity to India’s western coast.

In January, Muizzu traveled to Beijing for a state visit and the two countries signed 20 agreements that included cooperation on infrastructure, trade, economy, green development, grants, and other development projects.

That includes about $127 million in aid to develop roads in the capital Male and build 30,000 social housing units, according to a news release from the president’s office.

During the trip, Muizzu hailed China as “one of the closest allies and developmental partners of Maldives.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Tuesday that Beijing is “committed to working with the Maldives to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”

“Normal cooperation between China and the Maldives does not target any third party and will not be disrupted by any third party,” she said.

In his presidential address on February 5, Muizzu said Maldives must fortify its military capabilities and its defense force was about to achieve round-the-clock surveillance capabilities over the nation’s 900,000 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone.

The government will also not renew an agreement that enables foreign countries to measure and map the oceans and coasts of Maldives, he said.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/05/asia/maldives-china-military-assistance-pact-india-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

Hong Kong jails 12 people over the storming of the legislature in 2019

A Hong Kong court on Saturday sentenced 12 people to between 54 and 82 months in prison over the storming of the city’s legislature council building during a pro-democracy protest in 2019, the city’s public broadcaster RTHK said.

RTHK said the defendants were convicted of rioting on July 1, 2019, when a large group of protesters smashed through glass doors and stormed Hong Kong’s legislative council building after weeks of mass demonstrations.

Deputy District Court judge Li Chi-ho said the storming of the building represented a challenge to the Hong Kong government and had long-lasting effects on the city, according to RTHK.

Among the defendants, actor Gregory Wong was sentenced to six years and two months in prison, while activists Ventus Lau and Owen Chow were jailed for four and a half years and 61 months, respectively, RTHK reported.

Two reporters who were previously acquitted of rioting were fined 1,500 Hong Kong dollars ($192) and 1,000 Hong Kong dollars ($128) for entering the legislature, according to RTHK.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/16/asia/hong-kong-jails-12-legco-storming-intl-hnk/index.html

[em2nought]

So, if you do it in China it's "pro-democracy"? :har:

[Jimbuna]

China is spending billions on a national computing network. Its data chief says why

China needs a fully integrated national computing network if it is to forge ahead in the global race for high technology and retool its economy for innovation, according to the head of the country’s new data regulator.
In an article in Communist Party journal Qiushi on the weekend, National Data Administration (NDA) chief Liu Liehong said computing power had become “the main arena of scientific and technological competition” among major countries rushing to take the lead in the industries of the future.
“Computing power has become the core productive force for a country,” Liu said.

“Frontier technologies and future industries represented by new materials, biopharmaceuticals, gene technology, and deep sea, air and space exploration, have created an unprecedented demand for computing power infrastructure.

“A unified computing system would optimise resources, lower costs and help the country to achieve breakthroughs in cutting-edge tech such as quantum information.”

Beijing has put computing power front and centre in its efforts to narrow the gap with the United States in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence.
To that end, it set up the NDA in October last year as both a promoter of the digital economy and a regulator of the booming data management sector.

The authorities have also signalled that it will be more tolerant of failure in science and technology to overcome its risk-averse culture and give younger researchers more room to explore ways to realise the national goals.

China is second only to the US in aggregated computing power, and aims to scale up its capacity by half by 2025.

The incentive to do so is clear. In a report released in August last year, Tsinghua University, International Data Corporation and Chinese big data provider Inspur said that for every percentage point gain a country made in the trio’s computing power index, the country’s digital economy grew by 0.36 per cent and its gross domestic product by 0.17 per cent.

The index is compiled to track the development of overall computing power, computing efficiency, applications and infrastructure in 15 sample countries.

China’s plan is to build eight national computing power hubs and 10 national data centre clusters, a mega project called “Eastern Data and Western Computing”, which is expected to drive around 400 billion yuan in investment each year.
It is designed to unite computing centres throughout the country to create a pool of general-purpose, intelligent and supercomputing power, and will be up and running by next year.

The project was launched in 2022 and is in part intended to address regional imbalances in digital resources – between the more prosperous areas of eastern China and the energy-rich west.

Liu said the project would also narrow the economic gaps between regions and attract more professionals to inland areas.

Local governments have started pouring money into the field.

Work began in Shenzhen in January to build a computing centre estimated to cost 466 million yuan in its first phase.

When completed, the centre will be able to process 1.6 billion images and 1.9 million hours of voice translation in one hour, making it the most advanced – and most expensive – operation of its kind in the Pearl River Delta region.

To improve the network’s efficiency, Liu warned that local governments should “avoid haphazard construction”.

Computing clusters throughout the country should be integrated to accelerate economies of scale, improve efficiency and cut costs.

And while concentrating computing power would make better use of resources, it would also raise security challenges, he said.

“There is urgency to strengthen the coordination of security systems of national hubs. We also have to prevent risks from regional network failures, power outages and extreme situations,” he said.

In addition, industry and academia should work together to advance electronics, communications and computer science, he said.
https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3255248/why-chinas-plan-new-productive-forces-should-make-west-sit?campaign=3255248_057ec10a-e468-11ee-8f7d-aac3dc6fa899&module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

[Jimbuna]

China protests Taiwan minister's role at Seoul summit backed by U.S.

SEOUL, March 18 (Reuters) - China rebuked South Korea on Monday for Taiwan's participation in a U.S.-backed democracy summit in Seoul, where the island's Digital Minister Audrey Tang delivered an unannounced video message.
Tang told the third Summit for Democracy that Taiwan suffered disproportionately from concerted cyberattacks and the democratically governed island was willing and able to work with all stakeholders to ensure AI develops safely and sustainably.

Taiwan is a key global supplier of the semiconductor chips critical for such technology applications.
The conference being hosted by South Korea is an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden aimed at finding ways to stop democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own, although the island rejects its sovereignty claims, said it was firmly opposed to South Korea having invited Taiwan to participate.

"There is only one China in the world," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news conference in Beijing on Monday.
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory."
He urged Seoul to abide by the one-China principle and stop providing a platform for Taiwan independence forces to boost their prestige.
South Korea's foreign ministry did not immediately respond when asked about Lin's comments.

Conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has charted a course closer to the United States. But China is South Korea's largest trading partner, and Yoon has also tried to placate Beijing to avoid widespread economic blowback.
Tang's participation in the event was not announced in advance by authorities in either Taiwan or South Korea.
A session programme distributed on Monday listed only a possible video message in fine print at the end, while Tang's ministry did not flag the appearance in her daily schedule of public events given to reporters.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Tang's comments were made in a pre-recorded video message. The South Korean announcer who introduced Tang's video said she was appearing in a private capacity as an expert on the issues.
A democratic, rather than technocratic approach, is ideal to tackle the challenges of artificial intelligence, such as by mobilising citizens to identify and counter misinformation, Tang told the gathering.
Tang's invitation to Biden's first democracy summit in 2021 also drew protest from China, while U.S. officials cut short the video feed of her remarks after a map in her slide presentation swathed Taiwan in a colour different from that of China.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-protests-taiwan-ministers-role-seoul-summit-backed-by-us-2024-03-18/

[em2nought]

China protests Taiwan minister's role at Seoul summit backed by U.S.

"There is only one China in the world," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news conference in Beijing on Monday.
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory."

If President Trump "wins" he really needs to wear a WW2 AVG jacket complete with bloodchit everywhere he goes. :D

https://americanhistory.si.edu/sites/default/files/blog_teaser_images/2_Chit.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Hong Kong lawmakers rush through 'draconian' bill that imposes life sentences for 'traitors' and 'public enemies' after top mainland China officials pressured the city-state to fast-track the changes to protect 'core national interests'

Lawmakers in the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, or LegCo, today passed the domestic national security bill at a special meeting held today, just 11 days after it was published by the government.

The legislation will take effect from Saturday, and was passed unanimously, with 88 out of the 90 representatives who normally sit in the LegCo on behalf of the citizens of Hong Kong, addressing the chamber and expressing support for the worrying piece of legislation.
Two representatives from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) party, which is supporting the bill, said it would make it more difficult for 'traitors' and 'public enemies' to work with the West to disrupt Hong Kong.

It comes just weeks after China's vice-premier Ding Xuexiang visited Hong Kong and pressured lawmakers into pushing for the bill, claiming it would protect 'core national interests.'
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/hong-kong-lawmakers-rush-through-draconian-bill-that-imposes-life-sentences-for-traitors-and-public-enemies-after-top-mainland-china-officials-pressured-the-city-state-to-fast-track-the-changes-to-protect-core-national-interests/ar-BB1k9Cze?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=8b839ce3ac5243ea8b75619761713659&ei=20

[Jimbuna]

China coast guard says Philippine personnel ignored warnings and 'illegally' landed on reef

BEIJING, March 21 (Reuters) - China's coast guard said a number of Philippine personnel ignored its warnings and illegally landed on a reef that is part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on March 21.
"China firmly opposes the Philippine act, which violates China's territorial sovereignty, and undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea," said a spokesperson for the coast guard in a statement on Thursday.
"We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop the infringements."
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-coast-guard-says-philippine-personnel-ignored-warnings-illegally-landed-2024-03-21/

[Jimbuna]

China's Z-21, aiming to rival the AH-64 Apache, takes to the skies

Recently, a photo of the latest Chinese attack helicopter, which rivals the American AH-64 Apache, has been making rounds online. The Z-21, as it is now known, was spotted flying for the first time.

This marks the first public sighting of the Z-21 combat helicopter (previously referred to as Z-XX) and serves as proof of China's continued efforts to enhance its capabilities.

Andreas Rupprecht, an expert on Chinese air forces, has verified the authenticity of the photo. He believes the image is genuine and depicts the helicopter formerly called Z-XX.

The Defense Express portal has pointed out that the design of the Z-21 appears to be influenced by the American AH-64 Apache. The Z-21 remains largely shrouded in mystery, and aside from its inaugural test flight in January 2024, it hasn’t been equipped with weapons yet. Therefore, what kind and how many weapons it will ultimately carry is unclear. Currently, the aircraft is fitted with various measuring equipment.
Despite the Z-21 being designed to match the Apache (in features like the placement of cockpit fairings and the cannon underneath), the helicopter is an advancement of the older Z-20, which was modelled after the American Black Hawk. It’s confirmed that the prototype includes technology to minimise its infrared visibility, notably through upward-directed exhaust systems.

China envisions the Z-21 as a robust platform capable of carrying a wide array of weapons – owing to its size, which is comparable to the Apache and the Russian Mi-28.

The exact mechanics of the Z-21 in full production remain uncertain. According to The War Zone, citing unofficial sources, it is likely to use engines based on those of the smaller Z-20s. These sources also suggest that this new model, destined to rival the Apache, is expected to be operational within the next three years.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/china-s-z-21-aiming-to-rival-the-ah-64-apache-takes-to-the-skies/ar-BB1krlIj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=540fdd65bbfe4b7696c51a28cae31992&ei=19

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m0xjpL3frM&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts

Markus

[Jimbuna]

The UK Government is considering issuing sanctions against China, after it was revealed actors in the country were responsible for hacking attempts on several MPs and the Electoral Commission.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden is set to give a statement to the Commons on Monday accusing China of being responsible for a “malign attack” on UK institutions and setting out what measures could be issued in response.

It’s expected that the Government will announce it will look into sanctions against selected Chinese officials linked to human rights abuses in both Hong Kong and China’s Xinjiang province.

The UK has attributed a major hack of the UK’s electoral data, during which the personal data of tens of millions of voters were accessed, to China for the first time since the attack was revealed.
The Electoral Commission announced in August last year that it had identified a major breach of its system in October 2022, and that the hostile actors responsible had first accessed the systems in August 2021.

During the breach, attackers were able to access reference copies of the electoral registers which included the name and address of anyone in the UK who was registered to vote between 2014 and 2022, as well as the names of those registered as overseas voters and the commission’s internal email system.

[Skybird]

Compare American and Chinese ship-building capacity. Sobering. The US is being outclassed: counting al tonnage build, the factor separeating the two is a whopping 230. They also have the lead in total military ship building and submarine building.


This race gets lost the more the longer the US runs it. The UK, France do not count, sorry: way too few units in service and in the theatre anyway.

[Jimbuna]

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden tells Parliament that China is responsible for “malicious cyber campaigns” targeting the Electoral Commission and MPs

He says two people and a company linked to the Chinese state have been sanctioned by the UK government and China's ambassador will be summoned.

The attacks on the Electoral Commission took place in August 2021 but were only revealed last year. At the time it said the attacks had no impact on elections.

China says it "strongly opposes" the accusations, calling them "completely fabricated and malicious slanders"

Earlier MPs who are thought to have been targeted in cyber-attacks by Beijing called for the UK government to label China as a threat.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls China "the greatest state-based threat to our economic security" and says "it's right we take measures to protect ourselves"

[Jimbuna]

China demands Philippines cease South China Sea provocations

The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Wu Qian, has urged the Philippines to stop violations and provocations at the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea. "The incident was entirely provoked and troubled by the Filipino side," he stressed.

"On March 23, a Filipino warship entered the waters next to China's Ren'ai Jiao, attempting to resupply an illegal warship that had become stranded. The Chinese Coast Guard (...) firmly blocked Filipino attempts at violating rights and provoking." - the statement reads.

The Chinese side also emphasized that "the incident was entirely provoked and troubled by the Filipino side, and China's actions in response were lawful."

The defense ministry spokesperson urged the Philippines "to stop all statements that could lead to an intensification of conflicts and escalation of the situation, as well as to stop all violations and provocations. China will continue to take measures to decisively protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," he added.

There is an ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, along with other countries in the region, over the Spratly (Nansha) Archipelago in the South China Sea. These islands are sought after for their abundant biological resources, strategic position at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and potential oil and gas resources.

The presence of United States warships, which navigate through the area, is also contested. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs contends that these actions by the USA compromise China's sovereignty and security. On the other hand, Washington asserts that the United States will navigate wherever international law permits.

In January, the Filipino Secretary of Defense declared plans to enhance military cooperation with the United States and its allies, motivated by China’s increasingly aggressive behavior. According to the Secretary, boosting military capabilities will better contribute to regional stability.

That same month, the Foreign Ministers of the Philippines and China concurred on fostering cooperation and peacefully addressing incidents in the South China Sea to ease tensions in the area.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-demands-philippines-cease-south-china-sea-provocations/ar-BB1kvNDg?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=4cacd93811b442b098185569499a15e3&ei=17

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan commissions two new navy ships amid rising threat from China

Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China.

Beijing has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory – to be annexed by force if necessary.

The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order of six of the domestically produced catamarans with stealth capabilities.

The ships are relatively small, capable of carrying just 41 sailors and officers, but are fast and highly manoeuvrable and carry a range of missiles and deck guns aimed at countering larger Chinese vessels and rocketry.

Outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw the commissioning on Tuesday at the northern port of Suao, emphasising her push to revitalise Taiwan’s defence industries, alongside extensive arms purchases and support from key ally the United States.

Ms Tsai has also fast-tracked the production of trainer jets and the island’s first homebuilt submarines, sometimes pushing budgets for such purchases through the legislature against resistance from representatives of the opposition Nationalist Party, which favors eventual unification with China.

Ma Ying-jeou, the last president from the Nationalists, also known as the KMT, is reportedly planning a visit to China next month that could include a meeting with Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.

Taiwan was colonised by China in the 1600s but later taken over by Japan, before reverting to the Republic of China at the end of the Second World War.

The sides then split again amid the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Mr Xi has been building his military with an eye to consolidating China’s territorial claims throughout the Pacific, the South China Sea and along the contested high-mountain border with India.

China boasts the world’s largest standing military and biggest navy – with three aircraft carriers – but has not fought in a major conflict since its brief 1979 invasion of Vietnam.

Since then, its military budget has ballooned to the world’s second largest behind the US, alongside a huge expansion of its economy, which is now showing signs of losing steam.

Most recently, frictions between patrol vessels from the sides near Taiwan-controlled islands just off the Chinese coast have renewed concerns about a conflict that could draw in the US, which is legally bound to ensure Taiwan can defend itself and considers all threats to the island as matters of “grave concern”.

While vastly outgunned, Taiwan’s military has been bolstered by new weaponry and an extension of the universal period of national service for men from four months to one year. Its air force, navy and missile corps also respond to near-daily incursions by Chinese ships and planes.

Taiwan’s defence ministry says it is on alert for a Chinese sneak attack, possibly targeting Ms Tsai or Vice President William Lai, who will take over the top office in May.

Both are despised as separatists by Beijing. Recent Taiwanese media reports have shown satellite photos of Chinese People’s Liberation Army training grounds including mock-ups of the area surrounding Taipei’s Presidential Office Building.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected nine Chinese planes and six ships operating around the island between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

In Beijing on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticised live-firing exercises by the Taiwanese military planned for next month near the Taiwan-held island group of Kinmen just off the Chinese coast.

“Any provocative move Taiwan’s military takes is doomed to fail,” Chen Binhua said at a biweekly news conference.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-commissions-two-new-navy-ships-amid-rising-threat-from-china/ar-BB1kCiaq?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=1faf734d43ef4978aa32daf779966318&ei=10

[mapuc]

On social media Reddit and X, there is one particular image that is being shared a lot right now. At first glance, it doesn't seem particularly interesting. It shows some roads and buildings out in a desert.

https://nyheder-tv2-dk.translate.goog/udland/2024-03-27-satellitfotos-fra-kinesisk-provins-viser-xi-jinpings-alvor-vurderer-eksperter?_x_tr_sl=da&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=da&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Seven 'Chinese hackers' wanted in UK and US for 14 year cyber hacking campaign

Seven suspects wanted over a cyber hacking ring operated by the Chinese during 14 years are being hunted by UK and US authorities.

Images of the men aged between 34 and 38, all believed to be living in China, were released after they were charged by US prosecutors with a wide range of espionage including hacking politicians and businesses.

There has been confirmation that Chinese spies were behind "malicious" cyber attacks on the Electoral Commission and individual MPs and peers. Former cabinet ministers Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Suella Braverman have both featured among the prominent backbench voices calling for China to be labelled a threat.

And the US Department of Justice has alleged that more than 10,000 malicious emails were sent by the cyber hacking ring which aimed to threaten national security. Once opened, the emails installed tracking software that allowed the hackers to know the victims' location, IP addresses and even the devices they used to get email.
The hackers further leveraged that tracking to target home routers and other devices, "including those of high-ranking US government officials and politicians and election campaign staff from both major US political parties," the US claims.

The intention of the campaign, which officials say began in 2010, was to harass critics of the Chinese government, steal trade secrets of American corporations and to spy on and track high-level political figures. Western officials disclosed the operation, carried out by a hacking group known as APT31, while sounding a fresh, election-year alarm about a country long seen as having advanced espionage capabilities.

The British government, in a related announcement, imposed sanctions on a front company and two of the defendants in connection with a breach that may have given the Chinese access to information on tens of millions of U.K. voters held by the Electoral Commission.

The seven men being sought by authorities are Ni Gaobin, 38; Weng Ming, 37; Cheng Feng, 34; Peng Yaowen, 38; Sun Xiaohui, 38; Xiong Wang, 35; and Zhao Guangzong, 38. And the UK has issued sanctions against Guangzong and Gaobin, meaning that their UK assets have been frozen and the businesses Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company.

The Government currently describes China as an "epoch-defining challenge" but has faced pressure from MPs across the Commons to formally upgrade its assessment of Beijing. Asked on Tuesday morning whether she would be comfortable describing China as a threat, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told Times Radio: "As I've said before, I'm not in the Diplomatic Service or the Foreign Office but it is obviously a security threat." Ministers have previously resisted calls to change their language on China, sticking to their description of the country as a "challenge".

Cabinet tensions have reportedly surfaced over the issue, with some ministers pushing for tougher action on Beijing while others are resistant over concerns it could harm economic and trade relations. Downing Street has again sought to play down the suggestion that it is preparing to describe China as a "threat".

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "There isn't a mechanism under UK law or indeed in our G7 or Five Eyes countries that has a designation process like that." Chinese spies are likely to use details stolen through hacking to target dissidents and critics of Xi Jinping's government in the UK, British intelligence services believe.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, New Zealand alleged hackers linked to the Chinese government launched a state-sponsored operation that targeted the country's parliament in 2021 but said it lacked the legal powers to impose sanctions. The UK said Beijing-linked hackers were behind the attack on the Electoral Commission which exposed the personal data of 40 million voters, as well as 43 individuals including MPs and peers.

Some of the MPs targeted by Beijing said the response did not go far enough. Conservative former minister Tim Loughton told Sky News: "We're going to sanction two people, two pretty lowly officials, and one private company, which employs 50 people. That is just not good enough."

The Electoral Commission attack was identified in October 2022 but the hackers had been able to access the commission's systems containing the details of tens of millions of voters for more than a year by that point. The registers held at the time of the cyber attack include the name and address of anyone in the UK who was registered to vote between 2014 and 2022, as well as the names of those registered as overseas voters.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, said it is likely that Chinese state-affiliated hackers stole emails and data from the electoral register. This, in combination with other data sources, is highly likely to have been used by Beijing's intelligence services for large-scale espionage and transnational repression of perceived dissidents and critics based in the UK.

There is no suggestion the hack had any impact on the largely paper-based UK electoral system. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden insisted the local elections in May and the general election later this year will be safe from Chinese cyber attacks. He said: "Yes, I can guarantee that our electoral processes will be safe and secure."

The Chinese government strongly denied that it has carried out, supported or encouraged cyber attacks on the UK, describing the claims as "completely fabricated and malicious slanders". A spokesman for China's embassy in London said: "China has always firmly fought all forms of cyber attacks according to law.

"China does not encourage, support or condone cyber attacks. At the same time, we oppose the politicisation of cyber security issues and the baseless denigration of other countries without factual evidence. We urge the relevant parties to stop spreading false information and stop their self-staged, anti-China political farce."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/seven-chinese-hackers-wanted-in-uk-and-us-for-14-year-cyber-hacking-campaign/ar-BB1kCZDn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=8eaf8277518a45f7921f99e03e109397&ei=56

[Jimbuna]

China hits out at US and UK over cyber hack claims

China has hit back at accusations from the US and UK that it is behind a state hacking operation targeting millions of people in Western countries.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said Washington and others should stop their own cyber attacks, accusing them of "political manipulation".

He added that Britain's evidence for alleging its electoral commission and MPs had been hacked was "inadequate".

The US and UK have blamed a Chinese state-run cyber unit for the attacks.

Two Chinese nationals and a company will face sanctions, the UK announced on Monday. The British government alleges Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd work for the China state-affiliated cyber espionage group Advanced Persistent Threat Group 31 (APT31).

The UK sanctions will freeze assets, barring UK citizens and businesses from handling their funds or resources. A travel ban will also prevent them from entering or remaining in the UK.

Later on Monday, the US said seven Chinese nationals - who allegedly worked for APT31 - had been charged with enacting a widespread cyber-attack campaign. They are accused of ties to a hacking operation that ran for 14 years.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian strenuously rejected all the allegations.

"We urge the US and UK to stop politicising cyber security issues. Stop smearing China and stop imposing unilateral sanctions on China. Stop their cyber attack against China," he told a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

"The Chinese side has already made technical clarifications and response to the APT 31-related Information submitted by the UK side, which made clear that the evidence provided by the UK was inadequate," he said, adding: "Unfortunately, we haven't heard from the UK side."

Lin Jian also told reporters that China would adopt measures to firmly safeguard its lawful rights and interests.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-68655786

[Jimbuna]

China builds detailed Taiwan government district mockup for military drills

On the grounds of a military range in the Inner Mongolia region of China, a mockup representing the government district of Taiwan's capital has been constructed. Experts believe that such actions may be aimed at simulating bombings and missile attacks on Taipei.

The mockup, which was built near the city of Alxa, in the sparsely populated northern part of China, roughly 999 km west of Beijing, looks very realistic - reports PAP, citing Business Insider. The Chinese creators of the mockup tried their best to accurately replicate the topography of Taiwan's capital. The mockup features structures resembling, among others, the Taipei presidential office and other government buildings, as well as a similar street layout. Based on satellite images, it was assessed that the mockup has existed since at least December 2022, but it's not clear when exactly it was constructed - emphasizes Business Insider.

Information about this object started circulating on social media at the beginning of this week. As added, this is not the first such case. Already in 2014-15, similar objects that also replicated the government district in Taipei and were erected in Zhurihe in Inner Mongolia were reported. This time, however, the mockup seems to be more detailed and likely located at a range where bombings and missile firings are practiced.

Business Insider noted that in China, the construction of other mockups representing American aircraft carriers and other naval vessels had been previously documented.

The communist authorities of the People's Republic of China consider democratically governed Taiwan to be an "inalienable" part of its territory and strive to take control of it, not excluding the possibility of using force. In the opinion of some analysts, such an attempt could occur within the next few years.

In November 2023, the then-President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, expressed the view that Chinese leaders are currently too overwhelmed by internal problems - both economic and financial, as well as political - to consider an invasion of Taiwan.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-builds-detailed-taiwan-government-district-mockup-for-military-drills/ar-BB1kNdTy?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=457b60a0b58b41ac99ff2953b3450432&ei=41

[Skybird]

I would wish the Taiwanese would understand that new tanks they develope and new ships they commission are just targets that will be taken out by the Chinese in the early stages of the conflict.

They should imo instead focus on missiles, missiles, missiles, both long range ship-sinkers and China-hitters and the small ones called shoulderpads fired by infantrymen, and equip every household on Taiwan with stockpiles of these until the populaton is literally burried under them. Taiwan will never be able to compete on a 1:1 basis with the superior number of heavy platforms the Chinese have: ships, planes, helicopters, and so forth.



The numerical superiority of the Chinese must be compensated for. Not directly rivalled with. tank for tank and ship for ship. Thats a recipe for defeat.


And drones, of course, both aerial and navel and below-surface drones. And highly mobile self-propelled howitzers than can roll into firing range to the beaches, and escape again into the jungle.

But ships...??? Waste of money.

[Jimbuna]

^ True but what strikes me is the fact that the Taiwanese must have already weighed their options up surely?

[Skybird]

^ True but what strikes me is the fact that the Taiwanese must have already weighed their options up surely?
It was to be red over the past years that their military is in a shabby state and that the general willingness to fight and resist and do military service had declined fundamentally, accompanied by shortening mandatory service times. This may have canged a bit in the imminent past and they may try to repair the damage they did in the years before. But I assume their military is as vulnerable as that of other nations to think that the next war will be fought by weapons and rules that proved to be successful in the last big war.


In other words, their military thinking might be as petrified as that in many other national militaries as well.



In fact I recall a TV documentary some years ago where they said that there are two camps in strict rivarly in their military, one that is smaller and ticks a bit like I described, and the other being the influential one that still propagates the old, traditional dogma.



All in all my impression is that they are still quite ill-prepared for a Chinese attack. Especially a lack of ammo and reserves seems to be worrying. The US should use the time left to fill Taiwan up to its lower lip with stockpiles of fuel, ammo, and reserves and missiles, missiles, missles.



An M1A2SEP I read costed 24 million in export 2022. A Javelin replacement missiles costs 78,000. For one tank you get almost 310 Javelin replacement missiles. I rest my case.

[Jimbuna]

China's new home prices rise at fastest pace in over 2-1/2 years, survey shows

BEIJING, April 1 (Reuters) - New home prices in China rose at the fastest pace in more than two and a half years in March versus a month earlier, a private survey showed on Monday, driven by a slew of supportive steps to prop up the crisis-hit property sector.
The average new home price across 100 cities rose 0.27% on month in March, the biggest rise since July 2021, showed data from real estate researcher China Index Academy. That compared with a 0.14% on-month gain in February.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-new-home-prices-rise-fastest-pace-over-2-12-years-survey-shows-2024-04-01/

[Jimbuna]

China spreads MAGA conspiracy theories on faked social media accounts: report

Chinese accounts designed to look like they belong to American supporters of Donald Trump are taking to social media, pushing conspiracy theories and attacking President Joe Biden ahead of the 2024 election, according to researchers and government officials.

Echoing disruption campaigns against the U.S. that originated in Russia, China's actions signal a more concerted push to use social media as a way to influence U.S. elections by harnessing partisan divisions, the New York Times reported.

An example of a Chinese X account provided by The Times claims to be operated by “a father, husband and son” who was “MAGA all the way!!” The account mocks Biden's age and shared fake images of him in a prison uniform, even calling him a Satanist and a pedophile.
Speaking to The Times, Institute for Strategic Dialogue senior analyst Elise Thomas said she's never seen anything like what China is doing, and that the effort has attracted user attention much more than previous Chinese disinformation campaigns.

“The worry has always been, what if one day they wake up and are effective?” Thomas said. “Potentially, this could be the beginning of them waking up and being effective.”

Previous efforts from China to push its ideology in the West were unsuccessful, but the more recent one seeks to exploit divisions already present in American politics, such as the debate over LGBTQ rights, immigration and crime.

Disinformation analyst Margot Fulde-Hardy says China is building an army of accounts to unleash across multiple platforms in November.

“This is reminiscent of Russia’s style of operations, but the difference is more the intensity of this operation,” Fulde-Hardy told The Times.

“What we’re seeing,” said Max Lesser, a senior analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, “is the campaign just continues, undeterred.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-spreads-maga-conspiracy-theories-on-faked-social-media-accounts-report/ar-BB1kTEDd?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=c046738825834b1c8948b7150d8b6de7&ei=17

[em2nought]

I'd love to have been able to listen to today's phone call between Biden and Xi Jinping. :har:

[sh3rules]

The US should use the time left to fill Taiwan up to its lower lip with stockpiles of fuel, ammo, and reserves and missiles, missiles, missles.


"The time left"? IMO Taiwan still has a few years to prepare, wouldn't a Chinese buildup of forces be readily visible?

[em2nought]

Best way to make Taiwan unattractive to Chyna would be to ship all Brandon's illegal aliens to Taiwan. :D How many container ships would it take? :D

[Jimbuna]

France presses China on trade and Ukraine ahead of upcoming Xi Jinping visit

BEIJING (AP) — The French foreign minister pressed China on trade issues and the war in Ukraine on Monday ahead of a planned visit to France by Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this spring.

Stéphane Séjourné, in talks with his counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital, largely echoed positions that have been laid out by European leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on a visit to Beijing last week.

“The rebalancing of our economic partnership is a priority, as it is for our European partners,” Séjourné said at a joint news conference with Wang. “The European Union is a very open market, the most open in the world. But the current deficits with a certain number of countries, including China, are not sustainable for us.”

European officials have expressed concern that a flood of low-priced Chinese-made electric vehicles could disrupt production and displace jobs in Europe. The EU is investigating whether Chinese government subsidies for EVs give an unfair advantage to Chinese auto exporters. European companies operating in China are complaining that recent changes to national security laws have made it riskier to invest and do business in the country.

On the Chinese side, officials have raised concern about a “de-risking” strategy being pursued by the EU to ensure that it is not overly dependent on any one country for vital supplies and minerals. Wang expressed understanding for the European position but said he hopes it doesn’t negatively affect business sentiment.

“I believe the facts have proved and will continue to prove that China constitutes opportunities to Europe, rather than risks,” he said. “The two sides are partners not opponents.”

He also said that China is willing to import more “high-quality French products and services” and is working to resolve the concerns raised by European companies, including restrictions on the transfer of data overseas.

Séjourné insisted that Europe is not becoming protectionist and remains open to investment, a possible reference to attempts to woo Chinese automakers and other companies to create jobs by building factories in Europe rather than exporting their products from China.

Neither foreign minister mentioned a Chinese anti-dumping investigation into imports of French brandy that, together with the EU electric vehicle probe, could be a precursor to a trade war.

On the Ukraine war, he said France expects China, as a major country, to pass on clear messages to Russia. China, though, has a different stance on the war than Europe or the United States, both of which back Ukraine. China may have Russia’s ear, but it’s unclear what message it is delivering.

Séjourné said France is determined to maintain a close dialogue with China to contribute toward finding a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
https://apnews.com/article/sejourne-france-china-trade-ukraine-cd759ddf0a7ff2cfdb59b8000f2b9798

[Jimbuna]

China says it patrolled the South China Sea in an apparent response to US naval drills with allies

China's military said Sunday that it had conducted air and sea patrols and that all activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” are under control, an apparent response to naval exercises by the U.S. and its allies.

The defense chiefs of the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines announced Saturday that they would hold joint exercises in the sea to safeguard the rule of law and uphold the right to sail through and fly over the waters.

China has long-simmering territorial disputes with a number of Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, a major shipping route. Skirmishes with the Philippines in particular have flared up since last year.

The U.S. has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines in a show of support. China says the U.S. is inflaming tensions by meddling in the disputes.
A brief statement from the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said it had organized patrols and that “all military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control.”

The statement did not mention the United States or the joint exercises.

Likewise, the U.S. and its allies did not mention China in their statement, but the four countries reaffirmed their stance that a 2016 international arbitration ruling — which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea — was final and legally binding.

The growing tensions in the disputed waters are expected to be high on the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden hosts his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit at the White House this week.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/drones-attack-russian-held-nuclear-power-plant-in-ukraine-officials-say/ar-BB1ldFvW?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=768f0ac2f84346138144b63c983a282b&ei=25

[Jimbuna]

No real surprise here then.

China fires US warning shot after Joe Biden's phone call as it tightens Russia relations


China has fired a warning shot across the bows of the United States as it continues to forge an alliance with Vladimir Putin's Russia.

It comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Beijing today to display the strength of ties with close diplomatic ally China, amid Moscow's grinding war against Ukraine.

The visit and warning shot come after US president Joe Biden called his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to quiz him about China's relationship with Russia.

However, the call appears to have backfired. China has now warned the US not to "smear or attack the normal relations between China and Russia" - and is pressing ahead with its support for Putin's regime.

The broadside and Sergey Lavrov's visit come as Russia and China, who both are increasingly in dispute with democracies, seek to gain influence in Africa, the Middle East and South America.

China has backed Russia's claim that President Vladimir Putin launched his assault in Ukraine 2022 because of Western provocations, without producing any solid evidence.

Russian state news agency Tass said the ministers would "discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Asia-Pacific region, issues of bilateral cooperation and interaction in the international arena," quoting Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Lavrov is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who has visited Russia during the conflict and maintained China's line of not dubbing the Russian war in Ukraine an invasion.

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters Monday that "China has an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue."

She said: "We have been actively promoting peace talks and political solutions. China is not a creator or party to the Ukraine crisis, and we have not and will not do anything to profit from it."

China has also said it wasn't providing Russia with arms or military assistance, although it has maintained robust economic connections with Moscow.

"We have always controlled the export of dual-use items in accordance with the law," Mao said, referring to industrial items that can be used for both industrial or military purposes, such as drones.

"The relevant country should not smear or attack the normal relations between China and Russia," Mao said. "The relevant country" was a reference to the U.S., Russia and China's chief geopolitical rival.

In a phone call with Xi last week, Biden pressed China over its defence relationship with Russia, which is seeking to rebuild its industrial base as it continues its invasion of Ukraine. He called on Beijing to wield its influence over North Korea to rein in the isolated and erratic nuclear power.

Adding to the tension between the two countries, US lawmakers generated new legislation that would ban TikTok, the popular social media application, if its China-based owner ByteDance doesn't sell its stakes in the platform within six months of the bill's enactment.

Lawmakers are concerned Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over data on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok. All Chinese firms, especially those in the social media sphere, are obligated to hand over user data to the government.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-fires-us-warning-shot-after-joe-biden-s-phone-call-as-it-tightens-russia-relations/ar-BB1lgoOD?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=14d2bd305a8744d29d21ea1824826836&ei=13

[Jimbuna]

US Indo-Pacific Commander 'very, very concerned' about Chinese aggression in South China Sea

The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Tuesday that he was “very, very concerned” about China’s aggression toward Philippine forces near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

The Chinese coast guard has repeatedly clashed with Philippine patrol vessels near the Philippines-occupied Second Thomas Shoal. Last month, several Filipino seamen were injured when a Chinese vessel sideswiped a smaller Philippine vessel and another two Chinese coast guard ships used high-pressure water spray to shatter the Philippine vessel’s windscreen.

Asked if the submerged reef in the Spratly Islands was the most dangerous flash point in his area of command, U.S. Adm. John Aquilino told a forum at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based international policy think tank: “I’m very concerned about what’s happening at the Second Thomas Shoal.”
“I’m very, very concerned about the direction it’s going,” Aquilino said. “These actions are dangerous, illegal and they are destabilizing the region.”

“What’s next and how far are they willing to go in that area?” Aquilino asked.

The United States, Japan, the Philippines and Australia held their first four-way joint exercises in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on Sunday, which they said were intended to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in a region contested by China.

Aquilino said the joint exercise demonstrated the nations’ ability to operate safely, effectively and lawfully in the region.

“Those types of events and things are exactly what we need to do to demonstrate that strength amongst the like-minded allies and partners and that we will continue to operate anywhere that international law allows,” Aquilino said.

China’s military said Sunday that it had conducted air and sea patrols and that all activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” are under control, an apparent response to naval exercises by the U.S. and its allies.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-indo-pacific-commander-very-very-concerned-about-chinese-aggression-in-south-china-sea/ar-BB1lk4kV?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=46973f683883408d82fd6a79485d0d55&ei=32

[Jimbuna]

US considers easing warnings for Americans traveling to China


WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. is considering easing advisories against its citizens traveling to China, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday, acknowledging concerns that the warnings may have curtailed exchanges between Americans and Chinese people.
Communication channels between Washington and Beijing had largely normalized after months of heightened tensions, Campbell told an event hosted by the non-profit National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

However, he also warned that Chinese support for Russia's war in Ukraine put stabilizing ties at risk.
The State Department has periodically issued tiered warnings for Americans traveling to China, calling on them to reconsider visits or exercise increased caution due to risks of "arbitrary enforcement of local laws," exit bans and wrongful detentions.
But the two countries' presidents have sought to rebuild people-to-people exchanges as a pillar for managing increasing geopolitical competition between the superpowers.

"I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but I would just simply say that this is certainly an issue under active consideration," Campbell said when asked if the U.S. would ease the advisories. He said he accepted the premise that they had acted as an inhibition to academic and other exchanges.
China has issued its own travel warnings for the U.S., and criticized what it says is increasing harassment of Chinese nationals by U.S. agents at ports of entry, accusations U.S. officials have rejected.

Despite China's warnings, hundreds of thousands of Chinese students study in the United States compared with only a few hundred Americans in China.
But the State Department's No. 2 diplomat, who has said China helped Moscow "retool" and reconstitute its military after early setbacks in its war in Ukraine, cautioned Beijing in stark terms about its "substantial" support for Russia's war effort.
"We have told China directly if this continues, it will have an impact on the U.S.-China relationship. We will not sit by and say everything's fine," Campbell said.

If Russia gains territory in Ukraine it will alter the balance of power in Europe in ways that are unacceptable to the U.S., Campbell said.
"And we will see this not as just a Russian unique set of activities, but a conjoined set of activities backed by China, but also North Korea," he said.
Campbell also said potentially "hundreds of thousands" of Chinese migrants fleeing weaker economic conditions in China have come to the U.S. in recent months, and that Beijing was aware but did not seem to be taking steps to curtail the flow.
"The numbers that we're seeing are large and, frankly, of gathering concern," Campbell said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-considers-easing-warnings-americans-traveling-china-2024-04-09/

[Jimbuna]

China sanctions two US firms over ‘support for arms sales to Taiwan’

China has announced sanctions against two US defence companies over what it says is their support for arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy Beijing claims as its own territory to be recovered by force if necessary.

The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. The measure also bars the companies’ management from entering the country.

Filings show General Dynamics operates half-a-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, which remains heavily reliant on foreign aerospace technology even as it attempts to build its own presence in the field.

The company helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan to replace outdated armour intended to deter or resist an invasion from China.
General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the US military. Chinese authorities did not go into details on the company’s alleged involvement with supplying arms to Taiwan.

Beijing has long threatened such sanctions, but has rarely issued them as its economy reels from the Covid-19 pandemic, high unemployment and a sharp decline in foreign investment.

“The continued US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, interfere in China’s internal affairs, and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

It insists that the mainland and the island to which Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist forces fled amid civil war in 1949 remain part of a single Chinese nation.

Sanctions were levelled under Beijing’s recently enacted Law of the People’s Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions.

General Dynamics’ fully-owned entities are registered in Hong Kong, the southern Chinese semi-autonomous city over which Beijing has steadily been increasing its political and economic control to the point that it faces no vocal opposition and has seen its critics silenced, imprisoned or forced into exile.

Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties — a concession Washington made to Beijing when they established relations in 1979 — the US remains Taiwan’s most important source of diplomatic support and supplier of military hardware from fighter jets to air defence systems.

Taiwan has also been investing heavily in its own defence industry, producing sophisticated missiles and submarines.

China had 14 warplanes and six navy ships operating around Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, with six of the aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone — a tactic to test Taiwan’s defences, wear down its capabilities and intimidate the population.

So far, this has had little effect, with the vast majority of the island’s 23 million people opposing political unification with China.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-sanctions-two-us-firms-over-support-for-arms-sales-to-taiwan/ar-BB1lsdOf?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=c3ccdee8d6864d5aa48481e2cd69b0ba&ei=30

[ET2SN]

General Dynamics must have told all their employees to update their passwords. :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

China is sending its highest-level delegation to North Korea since 2019 to kick off a ‘friendship year’

China’s highest-level visit to North Korea in nearly five years is set to get underway Thursday, as Pyongyang seeks to strengthen relations with both Beijing and Moscow amid growing coordination between its neighbors and the United States.

Zhao Leji, China’s third-highest ranked official, will lead a delegation for a “goodwill visit” to the country to kickstart a “friendship year” marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, Beijing announced Tuesday.

The three-day visit, at North Korea’s invitation, shows the “great importance” China attaches to those relations, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. North Korea’s state media agency KCNA also announced the visit.

It also affords a top Chinese official the opportunity to hear directly from North Korea’s intensely secretive and isolated government while on the ground, analysts say.

Zhao is the highest-ranking Chinese visitor to the country since a state visit from Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2019. Zhao leads China’s rubber-stamp national legislature and is a member of its powerful seven-man Politburo Standing Committee.

The trip comes as both countries are wary of what they see as an increasingly hostile region – in particular growing security coordination between the US and its allies Japan and South Korea, which in turn seek to counter aggression from Beijing and Pyongyang.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/10/china/china-delegation-northkorea-zhao-leji-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

Chinese official meets North Korean leader Kim in highest-level talks for years

Asenior Chinese official has reaffirmed ties with North Korea during a meeting with the country’s leader Kim Jong Un, China’s state media reported, in the highest-level talks

The Xinhua News Agency reported that Mr Zhao told Mr Kim at the meeting concluding his three-day visit that China, the North’s most important source of economic aid and diplomatic support, looked forward to further developing ties, but made no mention of the political situation on the peninsula or the region.

Expand article logo Continue reading
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, China and North Korea have been “good neighbours and struggled together to attain a common destiny and level of development”, Xinhua quoted Mr Zhao as saying.

China fought on behalf of the reclusive Communist State against the US and others during the 1950-53 Korean War, and in recent years has helped prop up its weak economy, allegedly in violation of UN sanctions in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme that Beijing had endorsed.

Mr Zhao met his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae on Thursday and discussed how to promote exchanges and co-operation in all areas, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported.

North Korea closed its borders during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic amid reports of a major outbreak and food shortages.

Mr Zhao’s visit marked the first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the pandemic started. Mr Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping held two summits in 2019.

North Korea and China are expected to hold a number of exchanges this year to mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

North Korea has sought to boost its co-operation with Beijing and Russia in the face of a standoff with the US and South Korea over its missile launches and nuclear programme.

Mr Kim travelled to Russia in September for a summit with President Vladimir Putin. The US, South Korea and others accuse North Korea of supplying conventional weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine in return for advanced weapons technologies and other support.

China has refused to criticise the Russian invasion and accused the US and Nato of provoking Moscow, but says it will not provide Russia with direct military support.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/chinese-official-meets-north-korean-leader-kim-in-highest-level-talks-for-years/ar-BB1lyEB3?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=1fe88b1f983f4b358cb99af44e7d8ede&ei=32

[Jimbuna]

Can China play a role in avoiding an all-out war in the Middle East?

China has voiced “deep concern” over escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles in an unprecedented attack on Israel, raising the prospect of a wider conflagration in a region where Beijing has pledged to play peacemaker and promote its own security vision.

“(China) calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday, framing the latest tensions as “a spillover from the Gaza conflict” – which it said should be put to an end as soon as possible.

“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” the ministry added.

The Iranian strikes, which Tehran said were retaliation for the bombing of an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus on April 1, marked the first time the Islamic Republic has launched a direct assault on Israel from its soil.

The decision by Iran’s leaders to strike at Israel directly has pushed the shadow war between the two regional foes into the open. Israel is being urged by Western allies to de-escalate, as fears grow of an all-out regional war – a scenario Washington has sought to enlist Beijing’s help to avoid.

Following the Damascus strike, which Iran said killed seven people, including two top Iranian military commanders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to China’s top diplomat Wang Yi – and other counterparts in Turkey and Saudi Arabia – to “make clear that escalation is not in anyone’s interest, and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate,” according to a US State Department spokesperson.

That was not the first time the US had asked China to influence Iran since the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out last October.

In the wake of Houthi rebels’ assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea late last year, American officials repeatedly tried to prod Beijing into pressuring Tehran – which is believed to train, fund and equip the Houthis – to rein in the attacks.

The latest flare-up of tensions has again raised questions over how much leverage China wields over Iran – and whether Beijing is willing to turn its political capital into influence.

“On paper, China has a great deal of potential leverage over Iran,” said William Figueroa, an assistant professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

China has been Iran’s biggest trading partner for the past decade and buys 90% of Iran’s oil exports, providing a lifeline to Tehran against US sanctions. Chinese companies also provide Iran with security and surveillance equipment.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/15/china/china-israel-iran-mediator-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

China and EU trade tensions risk a full trade war, European Chamber president warns


GUANGZHOU, China, April 17 (Reuters) - China and Europe face a "slow motion train accident" as a rising tide of protectionism threatens to become a full trade war, the head of a European business lobby group warned on Wednesday, a day after Germany's chancellor conveyed European concerns to Beijing.
Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in China, said that while some worries about trade in both countries were legitimate, there was a risk of unproductive decoupling if European and Chinese leaders did not increase dialogue.

"A train accident has not happened yet but we can see it will happen if we continue in the same direction of travel as we are today," Eskelund said in Guangzhou, at a meeting of the chamber's South China chapter.
"We need our leaders to sit down and explore the ways that we can avoid that this becomes a full-blown trade war. And I think it's getting a little bit urgent."
On Tuesday Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz finished a three-day tour of China with talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in which Scholz relayed European concerns about Beijing's investment policies and pushed for improved market access.

The European Union has launched several investigations into whether Chinese manufacturers were dumping subsidised goods such as electric vehicles on its markets.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also visited China earlier this month, and said on Tuesday that China's massive investments in advanced manufacturing of clean energy goods had resulted in an unfair playing field.
Eskelund said the recent high-level meetings were encouraging.

As Eskelund spoke, thousands of foreign buyers were scouting Chinese manufacturers for deals at the biannual Canton Fair, the country's largest trade show, on the banks of the city's Pearl River.
Eskelund said it was impossible to think of global supply chains without China, given its status as the world's leading manufacturer.
"What we hope to see change a little bit is that there is an understanding that China has such a vast scale in manufacturing, that just small incremental increases in manufacturing can have huge global implications."
https://www.reuters.com/business/china-eu-trade-tensions-risk-full-trade-war-european-chamber-president-warns-2024-04-17/

[Jimbuna]

China's exports to Russia dropped for first time in two years in March: Bloomberg cited reason


Russian exports to China decreased by 16% in March compared to the same period last year. This trend is observed for the first time since mid-2022, informs Bloomberg.

According to the source, the reason for this export reduction is the threats from the US to impose sanctions on banks and companies suspected of aiding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, as Bloomberg's source revealed, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin may raise the issue of increasing trade volumes with China during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping - the Kremlin head plans to visit Beijing in May.

The source also added that Russia considers the slowdown in trade growth as "temporary".

It is worth noting that last year, the trade volume between Russia and China reached record levels, amounting to $240 billion. This was due to Chinese imports of Russian oil and Chinese exports of automobiles, industrial equipment, and electronics to Russia.

Criticism of China for export to Russia

This week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized China for increasing its exports to Russia following the start of full-scale war in Ukraine. He emphasized that no one should be assisting the aggressor. The chancellor made this statement during his visit to Shanghai.

It is worth noting that China continues to expand trade with Russia. This is happening against the backdrop of Western sanctions, which include export restrictions on the aggressor country.

In the European Union, it has been emphasized that China is transferring technologies to the Russian military-industrial complex.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-s-exports-to-russia-dropped-for-first-time-in-two-years-in-march-bloomberg-cited-reason/ar-BB1lOTT1?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=3110144de4684a12ac6d412670bf59b7&ei=12

[Jimbuna]

China hits back at US, UK for sanctions on espionage hacks as coordinated pressure on Beijing grows

Hong Kong
CNN
—
Beijing has lashed out at the United States and the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions over alleged Chinese government-backed cyberattacks, calling the Western allies’ move an act of “political manipulation.”

The US and the UK announced Monday a set of criminal charges and sanctions against seven Chinese hackers for allegedly conducting sweeping attacks on behalf of China’s civilian intelligence agency.

The yearslong campaign allegedly targeted American officials, senators, journalists and companies – including Pentagon contractors – as well as British parliamentarians, the UK’s election watchdog and members of the European Parliament, affecting millions of people.

New Zealand also weighed in on Tuesday, accusing state-sponsored Chinese hackers of launching “malicious cyber activity” against the country’s parliament in 2021.

Accusations of cyber espionage have long been a major point of friction between Beijing and Washington, with the US indicting a series of Chinese hackers in recent years.

The public accusations from three members of the so-called Five Eyes intelligence alliance show key Western democracies are now taking a more concerted – and coordinated – stand against what they view as unacceptable levels of hacking and espionage by Beijing.

At a news conference Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry lashed out at the US and the UK, accusing them of “hyping up the so-called cyberattacks by China.”

“This is purely political manipulation. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it,” ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, adding China has made solemn representations to both sides.

“We urge the United States and the United Kingdom to stop politicizing cyber security issues, stop slandering and smearing China, impose unilateral sanctions, and stop cyberattacks on China.”

The spokesperson did not mention New Zealand.

Australia and the European Union also expressed solidarity with the UK and voiced concerns over China’s alleged malicious cyber activities, as Beijing comes under growing scrutiny in a big election year for democracies around the world.

The accusations and sanctions come as China is trying to manage tensions and repair frayed relations with major Western powers, as it grapples with a host of economic challenges including an exodus of foreign investment.

Beijing’s frustration was evident on Tuesday, when Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, blamed the US for encouraging the Five Eyes alliance “to spread all kinds of disinformation about the threats posted by Chinese hackers for geopolitical purpose.”

Liu Dongshu, an assistant professor focusing on Chinese politics at City University of Hong Kong, said the coordinated move by the US and its allies undermines Beijing’s “divide and rule” strategy.

“My observation is that China has always sought to create some distance between the US and other Western countries, such as European nations and Australia. Especially considering the possibility of a reelection of Donald Trump, China feels there may be a chance to separate them a little more,” he said.

“But (the accusations) show that despite their differences, these countries remain united on many issues regarding China.”

‘Sensitive time’

The sanctions against two Chinese nationals and a technology company in the central Chinese city of Wuhan mark the first time Britain has slapped penalties on Chinese state-affiliated entities for alleged cyberattacks, even as Western intelligence agencies have increasingly sounded the alarm in recent years.

“It is an escalation, but perhaps only because the UK has been rather mild in its previous actions,” said Jonathan Sullivan, an associate professor and China specialist at the University of Nottingham.

British cybersecurity officials said a Chinese state-backed hacking group known as APT31 had “conducted reconnaissance activity” against British parliamentarians who were openly critical of Beijing in 2021.

Chinese hackers have also “highly likely” breached the UK’s Electoral Commission in 2021 and 2022 and accessed personal data of 40 million voters, according to British officials.

On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China had made “technical clarification” in response to the APT31-related information submitted by the UK, calling its evidence “insufficient” and “unprofessional.”

The sanctions come at a sensitive time in the UK, which is facing a general election and bracing itself for a wave of misinformation, said Sullivan, the China expert at the University of Nottingham.

“Our economic relations with China are already undergoing securitization, from investment to data protection,” he said, citing Britain’s bans on Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G networks, and on the camera systems of Chinese surveillance company Hikvision from sensitive sites.

Last September, a British parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

The sanctions could risk disrupting the upward trajectory of UK-China ties, which have stabilized in the past year after years of deterioration following British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s “robust pragmatism” approach to foreign policy, Sullivan said.

“I would be astonished if (Beijing) does not respond in kind. China does not tend to receive such actions without retaliation.”
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/26/china/china-cyber-hacking-accusations-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

NASA chief says 'secretive' China is hiding military projects in space

China is hiding secret military activity in space, NASA chief Bill Nelson has claimed.

"We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space programme is a military programme," he told the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday.

"China has made extraordinary strides, especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive," he said.

The NASA administrator was giving evidence during a committee hearing to sign off the US space agency's £20.3bn ($25.4bn) budget request for 2025.

He was asked by the committee's chairman Hal Rogers about China's "very significant investments" in their space programmes and how NASA would maintain its "edge" over China.

"We are in a race," replied Mr Nelson.

"The latest date they've said they're going to land [on the moon] is 2030 but that keeps moving up.

"It is incumbent on us to get there first and to utilise our research efforts for peaceful purposes," said Mr Nelson.

He went on to tell committee members China could claim parts of outer space as its own territory if it were to land on the moon first.

"My concern would be if China got there first and said, 'This is our territory, you stay out'.

"Obviously you don't want to interfere with each other but don't declare that this whole territory is suddenly yours," he said.

He used China's continued claim of the Spratly Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea, as an example of the superpower claiming territory.

The Artemis Accords is an agreement that requires space activity to be conducted for peaceful purposes and has been signed by more than 40 countries including the UK.

China has not signed these accords.

"I would hope that the Chinese space programme will come to its senses and understand that civilian space is for peaceful uses but we have not seen that demonstrated," said Mr Nelson.

China now has 499 satellites in orbit, according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency. That's more than double its number in 2019.

It is also developing its spy balloons and hypersonic missiles.

"We've got to be realistic that China is throwing a lot of money at [it's space programme] and they've got a lot of room to grow," said Mr Nelson.

"Their science is good, their engineering is good and the proof is in the pudding. They've now got a space station up there."

China's Tiangong space station is permanently manned and was constructed over three missions in 2021 and 2022. It was completed on 5 November 2022.

Beijing hopes to send a manned mission to the moon and plans to build a base on the lunar surface.

In May last year, a Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth after nearly a full year in orbit, spending 276 days in space.

State media said the uncrewed spacecraft returned to the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China as scheduled.

It first launched in early August 2022 - however, no details were given on what the spacecraft was, what technologies were tested and how high it flew into space.
https://news.sky.com/story/nasa-chief-says-secretive-china-is-hiding-military-projects-in-space-13117766

[Jimbuna]

US and Philippines launch combat drills in disputed South China Sea

American and Filipino forces launched their largest combat exercises for years in a show of allied firepower near the disputed South China Sea that has alarmed Beijing.

The annual exercises by the long-time treaty allies will run until May 10 and involve more than 16,000 of their military personnel, along with more than 250 French and Australian forces.

While the Philippine military maintains that the Balikatan – Tagalog for “shoulder-to-shoulder” – trainings are not directed at a particular country, some of their main conflict scenarios are set in or near the disputed South China Sea, where Chinese and Philippine coast guard and accompanying ships have figured in a series of increasingly tense territorial faceoffs since last year.
In encounters in disputed areas, Chinese coast guard vessels have resorting to water cannons, blocking and other dangerous manoeuvres that have caused injuries to Philippine navy personnel and damaged supply boats.

The Philippine military said a key focus of this year’s drills is territorial defence.

“We’re dead serious about protecting our territory — that’s why we do these Balikatan exercises,” Col Michael Logico, who speaks for the Philippine military on the combat drills, told The Associated Press.

As the disputes between China and the Philippines have escalated, President Joe Biden and his administration has repeatedly warned that the United States is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if it is attacked.

US Marine Lt Gen William Jurney said in the ceremony that the large-scale military exercises will demonstrate that the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty between the US and the Philippines “is no mere piece of paper”.

Washington lays no claim to the contested waters but has declared that freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of the disputes are in its national interest.

Philippine military chief of staff Gen Romeo Brawner, who opened the exercises in a ceremony, said that as Pacific coastal nations, the United States and the Philippines “understand the importance of maritime cooperation in addressing the complex challenges that threaten peace and security in our region”.

China strongly criticised the exercises, saying the Philippines was “ganging up” with countries from outside Asia in an obvious reference to the United States and its security partners, and warned that the drills could instigate confrontation and undermine regional stability.

The combat drills will include a joint sail by the US, Philippine and French navies in and near disputed waters off the western Philippine province of Palawan, the sinking of a mock enemy ship by combined US and Philippine firepower, and the retaking of an occupied island off the north-western Philippines, according to the Philippine military.

China specifically opposed the transport of a US ground-launched missile system to the northern Philippines ahead of the exercises.

No missile would be fired but the aim was to build familiarity among military participants with the hi-tech weaponry in a tropical setting.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China’s grave concern over the deployment of the missile system “at China’s doorstep”.

“The US move exacerbates tensions in the region and increases the risk of misjudgement and miscalculation,” he said in response to a question in a news briefing in Beijing last week.

“The Philippines needs to think twice about being a cat’s paw for the US at the expense of its security interests and stop sliding down the wrong path.”

The Biden administration has been strengthening an arc of alliances to better counter China, including in a possible confrontation over Taiwan, an island democracy that Beijing claims as its own.

That dovetails with efforts by the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to defend its territorial interests by boosting joint military exercises with the US.

He has also allowed rotating batches of American forces to stay in additional Philippine military camps under a 2014 defence pact, including in his country’s north, which lies just a sea border away from Taiwan and southern China.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-and-philippines-launch-combat-drills-in-disputed-south-china-sea/ar-AA1nqLBD?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=bf4300211c8d49f68394416c3d9e9753&ei=15

[Jimbuna]

China is committed to resolving maritime disputes through talks, official says

QINGDAO, China (Reuters) -China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes with other countries through dialogue but will not allow itself to be "abused," a top military official said at a meeting of senior foreign naval officials in the port city of Qingdao on Monday.

The sea should not be an arena where countries can flex their "gunboat muscles", added Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and China's second-highest-ranking military official.

"Reality has shown that those who make deliberate provocations, stoke tensions, or support one side against another for selfish gains will ultimately only hurt themselves," Zhang said during the opening ceremony of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium at the upscale St Regis hotel.
The comments were an apparent reference to growing tensions in the South China Sea, where Washington treaty ally Manila is in a fraught standoff with Beijing over the strategic waterway, a potential flashpoint for U.S-China relations.

Zhang also told the gathered delegates that "carrying out maritime containment, encirclement and island blockades will only plunge the world into a vortex of division and turbulence."

The event overlaps with annual U.S.-Philippines large-scale joint military drills, which begin on Monday and will be held outside Philippine territorial waters for the first time.

Tensions are particularly high around the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where Manila has accused Beijing of "harassment", including the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels.

The symposium is a rare opportunity for countries with opposing regional interests to exchange views. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler is attending from the United States. Other delegations include Australia, France, India, Russia and Britain.

The Philippines did not attend despite being a member nation of the forum.

"This is a very good opportunity to hold bilateral talks with each navy - not only on AUKUS, but on broader maritime topics," said Captain Takuo Kobayashi, a senior official with the Japanese naval delegation. "The Chinese Navy are building up their muscles in the South China Sea quickly, so I'm paying a lot of attention to the Chinese Navy's developments."

Participants will hold closed-door talks on topics such as updating the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, a set of guidelines meant to de-escalate tensions between militaries at sea.

They will also vote on the creation of a new working group on unmanned systems with the People's Liberation Army Navy as the coordinator, according to the forum agenda.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-is-committed-to-resolving-maritime-disputes-through-talks-official-says/ar-AA1npQev?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6bfd3ac2b39746db80db2d222f4199b2&ei=80

[ET2SN]

China is committed to resolving maritime disputes through talks or water cannons, official says

I fixed it a little to make it more accurate. :smug:

[ET2SN]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPQHbnh0Hr0

On the one hand, I feel like I'm just stirring the same old :k_confused: .

But, he does make some good points.
If you are loyal to Capitalism, this is the cost of doing business. :hmmm:

[em2nought]

On the one hand, I feel like I'm just stirring the same old :k_confused: .

But, he does make some good points.
If you are loyal to Capitalism, this is the cost of doing business. :hmmm:

We should have never willingly given up tariffs for income taxes. :03:

[Jimbuna]

China drops Russia to salvage economy as US threatens 'most serious challenge' to trade

China's has suffered a major blow after exports to Russia plunged in March, the first time data showed a decrease year-on-year since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The drop came as Chinese businesses sought to avoid the impact of the secondary sanctions Joe Biden's administration introduced to cripple industries deemed to be helping Russia perpetuate its war efforts.

China has slowly become a pivotal lifeline to Moscow after international business started moving out of Russia in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The two nations have been strengthening their alliance, with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanging visits to their respective capitals over the past year to reiterate their commitment to their partnership.

Trade between Russia and China hit record highs in 2023, with Russian oil imports and Chinese cars. Machinery and electronic exports driving the $240 billion surge.

But the latest data from the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) showed a 15.7 percent drop in trade compared to March 2023.

Last week, the United States last week warned "full sanctions" were on the table for any Chinese business deemed to be providing Russia material and expertise needed to sustain the conflict in Ukraine.

Chinese banks have increasingly restricted Chinese yuan payments to Russian traders, a considerable blow to Moscow which has been relying on the currency to continue trading.

Political analyst Chris Weafer told Newsweek: "The threat of US secondary sanctions is the most serious challenge to bilateral trade since sanctions started and is a direct threat to Russia's economic stability if not addressed within months.

"The political and strategic relationship between Russia and China is too important for both governments not to find a workaround."

During her visit to China last month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Beijing businesses would face "significant consequences" if they were found to be helping Russia's war effort.

And Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to renew the warning during his upcoming visit to the Chinese capital later this month.

The mere fact that Blinken is making the trip might be seen by some as encouraging, but ties between Washington and Beijing are tense and the rifts are growing wider.

From Russia and Ukraine to Israel, Iran and the broader Middle East as well as Indo-Pacific and trade issues, the US and China are on a series of collision courses that have sparked fears about military and strategic security as well as international economic stability.

Blinken "will raise clearly and candidly our concerns" during the talks starting Wednesday, a senior State Department official said.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-drops-russia-to-salvage-economy-as-us-threatens-most-serious-challenge-to-trade/ar-AA1nz87R?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=757715d34d824cc2d59318c54e690efd&ei=26

[Jimbuna]

China Sees Opportunity in Hungary's EU Council Presidency

China has expressed optimism about Hungary's upcoming presidency of the European Union (EU) Council, hoping it will lead to a more "positive and pragmatic policy towards China."

This sentiment was discussed during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó, as reported by European Truth.

China's Expectations

During the meeting, Wang Yi praised Hungary for its "perseverance" in being "a force for peace and a factor of stability in Europe." He also commended Hungary's commitment to "deepening cooperation with China."
"The mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Hungary across various fields has yielded fruitful results that not only benefit the two peoples but also convincingly prove that China is an opportunity for Europe, not a challenge," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the ministerial meeting.

Wang Yi mentioned Hungary's upcoming presidency of the EU Council, expressing hope that Budapest "will contribute to the EU considering China's development in a rational and friendly manner," leading to a more positive approach toward China and strengthening strategic relations between the two sides.

Szijjártó welcomed China's support for global peace and stability, emphasizing that Hungary-China and EU-China relations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development amid growing international instability.

Challenges Surrounding Hungary's EU Presidency

Despite China's optimism, the European Parliament recently passed a resolution criticizing Hungary's adherence to EU values, highlighting issues that could impact its future EU Council presidency. Concerns were raised about Hungary's approach to human rights, governance, and the rule of law.

Reports suggest that during Hungary's six-month presidency of the EU Council, the country will focus on combating illegal migration and promoting EU integration of the Western Balkans, with limited emphasis on climate issues.

In late December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary's presidency in the second half of 2024 would take a more "peace-making" approach, with the goal to "occupy Brussels."

Orbán also controversially compared Hungary's EU membership to Soviet occupation, signaling his skepticism toward EU leadership.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-sees-opportunity-in-hungary-s-eu-council-presidency/ar-AA1nDQR7?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=019d3a51aad64112f73026879243c49e&ei=23

[Skybird]

Oh-oh...

https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/china-is-battening-down-for-the-gathering-storm-over-taiwan/

In view of the massive problems that Russia has caused for itself with its war against Ukraine, there was hope that China could relinquish its covetousness towards Taiwan. Xi, however, has only learned that he needs to prepare better.

The fall of Taiwan, which to me is the most likely outcome of a war (say chances are 60-40 or even worse), would be a catalyst dramatically accelerating the fall of the West. Even if Taiwan does not get conquered in full, its economy and industry would be obliterated.

So much for computer chips "made in Taiwan".

Worse it would be if the chip industry ends up in Chinese hands, more or less intact. Thats the worst case scenario. Then they would have the whole world by its balls.



Missiles, missiles, missiles to Taiwan, please. Stockpiling them in amounts so high like the Chinese wall. Not ships and tanks and planes, they all will get picked away by the Chinese, one by one. Missiles of all sorts: AT, AS, AA. Every citizen with a load of missiles in his home, so to speak. A Javelin in every cradle, a Stinger in every cab. And air defences, so tight that it borders hilariousness. The Chinese will bombard the island from a distance like crazy.

And the US better dramatically beefs up its miltary bases' air defences and ammo stores for these in the region.

[em2nought]

Jeez, I really wanted to move to Asia.

Maybe I should look at Paraguay instead, nobody seems to care to bother with them, for now anyway. There's even an interesting little colony of Swiss, Austrians, and Germans that I might fit in with. El Paraíso Verde. :hmmm:

https://paraiso-verde.com/en/el-paraiso-verde-in-the-heart-of-paraguay/

Maybe I'll move to Asia, but set Paraguay up as my "Plan B" along with
"The Republic of Texas". :D

[Dargo]

Oh-oh...

https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/china-is-battening-down-for-the-gathering-storm-over-taiwan/

In view of the massive problems that Russia has caused for itself with its war against Ukraine, there was hope that China could relinquish its covetousness towards Taiwan. Xi, however, has only learned that he needs to prepare better.

The fall of Taiwan, which to me is the most likely outcome of a war (say chances are 60-40 or even worse), would be a catalyst dramatically accelerating the fall of the West. Even if Taiwan does not get conquered in full, its economy and industry would be obliterated.

So much for computer chips "made in Taiwan".

Worse it would be if the chip industry ends up in Chinese hands, more or less intact. Thats the worst case scenario. Then they would have the whole world by its balls.



Missiles, missiles, missiles to Taiwan, please. Stockpiling them in amounts so high like the Chinese wall. Not ships and tanks and planes, they all will get picked away by the Chinese, one by one. Missiles of all sorts: AT, AS, AA. Every citizen with a load of missiles in his home, so to speak. A Javelin in every cradle, a Stinger in every cab. And air defences, so tight that it borders hilariousness. The Chinese will bombard the island from a distance like crazy.

And the US better dramatically beefs up its miltary bases' air defences and ammo stores for these in the region.The invasion of Taiwan wil mainly be a naval, air operation missiles will help but will not decide the outcome. Combined warfare is the answer here make sure that Chinas' invasion force is destroyed before it reaches the beaches.

[Skybird]

No, it will begin with a barrage of missiles and drones and jamming attempts and more missiles to destroy as much of the defences as possible. Maybe with a navel blockade forgoing this, but that is not a must since it would kill the element of surprise. Aircraft will attack, too, if they get through, else: missiles.



An invasion force will start to move only when they see a chance to get enough of it onto the beach to keep their chances. Until then they will bombard Taiwan and will not stop any time soon. Obviously they will bombard with missiles, drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, from air, from land, from ships. The goal is both to reduce defences and to destroy industrial capacity and critical infrastructure.



The attack will start relatively suprisingly.



Taiwan needs air intercept missile to reduce the aerial and missile bombardement, and then needs anti ship missile to reduce the invasion fleet, and then needs ground missiles and Javelin-style missiles and Stinge rmissiles (shoulderpad-style missiles) to deal with whatever makes it onto land.



The numbers are against Taiwa and its allies, if there will be any. Thats why it is not promising to invets ehaiuvl,y into expensive big targets like tanks and ships. Missiles of all sorts and ranges, and drones. But these in abundance. Lessons from Ukraine.


Xi is very well accepting to not wage a war of traditional conquest but a war of subjugation: which could very well be a war of annihilation if resistence is too stiff. And then taking the emptied island and moving conmtinatal Chinese in as settlers. Population exchange - also a form of conquest.

[Jimbuna]

Highly likely :yep:

[Dargo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFDMh_dyshY

In most scenarios, the United States/Taiwan/Japan defeated a conventional amphibious invasion by China and maintained an autonomous Taiwan. However, this defense came at high cost. The United States and its allies lost dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft, and tens of thousands of servicemembers. Taiwan saw its economy devastated. Further, the high losses damaged the U.S. global position for many years. China also lost heavily, and failure to occupy Taiwan might destabilize Chinese Communist Party rule. Victory is therefore not enough. The United States needs to strengthen deterrence immediately.

[mapuc]

My thoughts on this tension between China and USA over Taiwan.

1. Within the furesable future it's not in Chinas interest to invade Taiwan
2. It will be a direct conflict between China and USA where Taiwan is watching from the side
3. Taiwan will as in point 2 be the battleground-Not taking part.
4. The Chinese invasion will set the region on fire.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

China confronts Japanese politicians in disputed East China Sea area

BEIJING/TOKYO, April 28 (Reuters) - China's coast guard confronted Japanese lawmakers in waters claimed by both countries in the East China Sea, China's embassy in Tokyo and Japanese media said on Sunday, the latest in a series of maritime disputes involving China and its neighbours.
Chinese vessels took unspecified law enforcement measures, the embassy said in a statement, adding that it had lodged solemn representations for what it called "infringement and provocation" by Japan near tiny, uninhabited islands that Beijing calls the Diaoyu and Tokyo calls the Senkaku.

The Japanese group, including former Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, was on an inspection mission organised by the city of Ishigaki in Okinawa prefecture, according to the Chinese embassy and Japanese public broadcaster NHK.
Japan and China have repeatedly faced off around the Japan-administered islands. China also has escalating run-ins with the Philippine navy in disputed areas of the South China Sea, where Beijing's expansive maritime claims conflict with those of a number of Southeast Asia nations.

Inada's group spent three hours near the islands on Saturday, using drones to observe the area, and the Japanese coast guard vessel sought to fend off the Chinese coast guard, NHK said.
"The government and the public are aware of the severe security situation," said Inada, a senior official of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, according to NHK. "The Senkaku are our sovereign territory and we need to go ashore for research."

It was the first such inspection trip to the area involving a member of Japan's parliament since 2013, NHK reported.
Officials of Japan's foreign ministry were not immediately available for comment outside of working hours.
China strongly urged Japan to abide by what it called a consensus reached between the two countries, stop political provocations, on-site incidents and hyping up public opinion, the embassy said.

It asked Japan to "return to the right track of properly managing contradictions and differences through dialogue and consultation, so as to avoid further escalation of the situation".
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-confronts-japanese-politicians-disputed-e-china-sea-area-2024-04-28/

[ET2SN]

This is mostly a follow-on to my last post in the Ukraine thread. I like Dr. Paine and her presentations, but you need to be careful. She'll fling a bunch of nuggets onto the floor and its up to you to keep up. :yep:
This is a good over-view of what's going on in Asia and the South China Sea but its an over-view from 50,000 feet up. Its up to you to not get lost. :doh:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9VSg4ZSwJs

Enjoy. :Kaleun_Wink:

[Jimbuna]

US labor official calls on companies to exit China's Xinjiang

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - International companies cannot responsibly operate in Xinjiang and should leave the western Chinese region due to forced labor concerns, a U.S. Labor Department official said on Tuesday.
The U.S. government says Chinese officials continue to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, and rights groups have pressured Western companies there to audit their operations over forced labor concerns.

China's government vehemently denies allegations of abuses.
Thea Lee, deputy undersecretary for International Affairs at the Labor Department, told a U.S. congressional hearing that Beijing had made it "essentially illegal" to conduct independent human rights audits in Xinjiang.
"If it is impossible to do that, then the only responsible thing to do is not to operate in that atmosphere," Lee told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, without naming individual companies.

China's embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to an emailed request for comment.
Chinese officials have acknowledged "vocational training centers," in Xinjiang, but say were intended to curb terrorism, separatism and religious radicalism. They have also said the "Sinicisation" of Islam in the country is inevitable.
On Feb. 9, German chemicals giant BASF (BASFn.DE), opens new tab said it would sell its stakes in two joint ventures in Xinjiang, after rights groups documented abuses including forced labor in detention camps.

Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), opens new tab too has said it was in talks with its joint venture partner in China over the future direction of its business activities in the region.
Beijing in 2017 launched a harsh security crackdown in Xinjiang. Some experts say that alleged mass internment of Uyghurs peaked in 2018, but that abuses have continued with labor transfers becoming more prominent.
Still, China's government has sought to make Xinjiang a heavy industry hub, and it is important for the processing of aluminum and for producing auto parts, solar components and other goods that make their way into global supply chains.

The U.S. Congress has passed laws to pressure China over its Xinjiang policies, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act that bars imports from the region. The Department of Labor does not set rules on how U.S. companies can operate in China.
Lee said China's transfer of Uyghur laborers to other parts of the country had been growing, but that it was difficult to verify the extent of the program.
"I have not seen an effective way to address the challenges of monitoring the labor transfer program of workers outside of Xinjiang," Lee said.
She said data on Chinese websites is periodically removed, and that there is no free access to workplaces to assess workers' origins.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-labor-official-calls-companies-exit-chinas-xinjiang-2024-04-30/

[Jimbuna]

China preparing to launch 'war without limits' against West as WW3 fears explode

Xi Jinping is preparing to launch a "war without limits" against the West in his quest to retake Taiwan, according to a China expert.

President Xi Jinping has made no secret of his ambition to annex the island state across the Taiwan straits, as he seeks to make his mark on history.

In preparation for the grand event, the Chinese dictator is closely observing events in Ukraine, and in particular the West's response.

And one of the key lessons he appears to have learned is the need to create a firewall that would protect China's economy from punitive Western sanctions.

Evidence this process is already underway can be seen in China's almost unprecedented purchase of gold in recent times, according to Matthew Henderson.
In the last 17 months alone, Beijing's declared gold reserves have soared by 17 percent to nearly 73 million troy ounces, currently worth $170bn (£135bn).

At the same time Xi has built up China's foreign exchange reserves to their highest level since 2015.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, he wrote: "All in all this looks like a war chest, intended to be proof against harsh Western sanctions which, following the Ukraine model, would likely follow a Chinese invasion of Taiwan."

He points out that Xi is also "doubling down on trusted foreign suppliers of vital raw materials for industry, energy and food, while continuing unchecked to plunder endangered natural resources across the world."

The Chinese President is concurrently aiming to double his nuclear stockpile from 500 to 100 warheads by 2030, as well as sow havoc and confusion across the West using hybrid espionage, disinformation, influence and cyber conflict.

Mr Henderson describes all these measures as part of Beijing's military concept of "war without limits".

Referred to as "combat readiness" by Xi, the concept incorporates the idea of China's eventual victory against all its rivals and enemies, heralding in the dawn of a new age of Chinese world hegemony.

In conclusion, the China expert writes: "That is why this war chest matters. It is there, like Beijing's hypersonic missiles and nuclear weapons - not to enable an attack on Taiwan at a chosen date, but to ensure that with the balance of power changing in China's favour, it will not be needed.

"Xi is betting on political disarray and disunity among the US and his Western allies - as displayed in Ukraine.

"And if his plans go ahead unchecked, he will be able to absorb Taiwan without a fight."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-preparing-to-launch-war-without-limits-against-west-as-ww3-fears-explode/ar-AA1nZQPm?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=92a33f7bfea249ab8d4460d4cc290698&ei=40

[ET2SN]

Meanwhile, The West are also the customers who write checks for goods that don't bounce. :yep:

"Save this week on kitchen appliances...or we'll bomb you."

:Kaleun_Goofy:

[Skybird]

The Western naivety towards China puts Western government to shame. Some more than others, Germany amongst these.


It is not just a pathetic phrase when I think and sometimes say that we live in a time now where we must witness the - self-inflicted - demise of the West.



The others outlive us due to their determination that we lack. And for shortsighted greed we made them this strong and big, and us so dependent.



TSCM has carefull made sure that despite its opening to building production plants in some Western countries now, it snot the latest and newest stuff they isntall poverseas, but relatively old and "clumsy" chip stuff. They try to make themselves indispensable for thew West, as a security guarantee. But I do not see us havign the military capacity to prevent Taiwan from either getting industrially destroyed, of falling to Bejing. What we actually do - and could do - in preparation for that war leaves too much to be desired.

[Jimbuna]

A war around Taiwan would make Gaza look like a picnic, says James Woudhuysen

On the other side of the world, tensions are growing. The flashpoint is the South China Sea.

There, ships and planes amassed by the Chinese Communist Party fire water cannon against vessels belonging to the Philippines and, for a long time but daily, harass Taiwanese jets.

In these disputes, Beijing can muster nearly 800 surface ships and submarines – the largest navy in the world – and 2,400 combat aircraft.

The Philippines, though, possesses only three patrol boats, four corvettes, two frigates and 26 attack jets. Still, the government in Taipei has more than 90 boats and 750 planes at its disposal.

So a war around Taiwan would make Gaza look like a picnic.

Apart from the borders between China and India, and the formally unfinished war between North and South Korea, hostilities in Asia are maritime in nature. But that won’t make their effects any less dangerous.
The region is not just the world’s main population centre, but the crucible for 21st century innovation and wealth.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s top chip foundry, supplies America’s top dog in AI, Nvidia. It set up a factory in Japan this year, and plans to open another there.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk has just agreed a deal with China’s digital search and mapping experts Baidu.

That should help him launch semi-autonomous Teslas into the world’s largest market for cars.

Britons know too little about the geography of Asia, let alone the geopolitics. The Japanese island of Okinawa, after all, is a modest 466 miles from Taiwan, and is home to substantial US forces.

Last year South Korea, home to brands such as Samsung and Kia, strengthened military ties with Japan and the US to contain China.

Adding to instability, governments in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are unpopular lame ducks.

Which brings us to President Biden in 2024, this election year. Since Barack Obama’s ‘pivot to Asia’ in 2011, the US, a declining global power, has been at pains to contain China, a rising but still regional one.

But while Beijing likes to go back to 1947 to legitimise a ridiculous U-shaped claim – now known as the Nine Dash Line – over most of the South China Sea, Biden is very much in there now with his own brand of recklessness.

Indeed, the gesture politics of his Democratic Party ally Nancy Pelosi, in conducting a narcissistic visit to Taipei in 2022, was so incendiary, Sleepy Joe himself worried about how she prompted fury in Beijing.

It is difficult to imagine how lethal, across the slender Taiwan Strait, a confrontation could be between marines, drones, aircraft carriers, hypersonic missiles, cyber techniques, electromagnetic blasts and even space weapons.

China’s president, Xi Jinping, has said his forces must be ready to invade by 2027; even more dangerously, Joe Biden does not even appear to know what his basic posture around Taiwan should be.

Moreover, the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

What can fans of GB News do about any of this? First, get familiar with what is going on, for we could be talking about the origins of World War Three.

Second, discard any idea that, in the South China Sea, Britain, France or Germany can have any of the influence wielded by Beijing or Washington.

Finally, recognise that the Philippines and Taiwan, oppressed by Japan and the US in the past, face the cynical manipulations of both an arrogant, nuclear-armed Chinese Communist Party and a virtue-signalling, nuclear-armed Pentagon in the present.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/a-war-around-taiwan-would-make-gaza-look-like-a-picnic-says-james-woudhuysen/ar-AA1o2kmX?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=dde1eeadf2c34b50cef4a13dcf5366d2&ei=35

[Skybird]

https://www-focus-de.translate.goog/politik/ausland/peking-will-das-transatlantische-verhaeltnis-stoeren-diese-ziele-verfolgt-xi-jinping-in-europa_id_259917075.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de

[mapuc]

I can see two reasons to his visit in Europe.

1. Divide Europe even more.
2. Drag Hungary and Serbia closer to Russia.

For the Germanies and the rest of EU it must have felt like being smacked in the face by a soaking wet towel.

Markus

[em2nought]

Chyna is really messing with my retirement plans. Just more bad results from a stolen election. :03:

[ET2SN]

The Western naivety towards China puts Western government to shame.

It isn't naivety, its greed. If you really want to drive your returns, you farm out the labor to where it costs pennies on the dollar. This is what hollowed-out the labor pools in the western countries. If the PLA was also stealing your intellectual property, as long as it produced cheaper goods, that was OK as long as you maintained your profit margins. :doh:

Cheap over seas labor became part of doing business.

[Skybird]

It isn't naivety, its greed. If you really want to drive your returns, you farm out the labor to where it costs pennies on the dollar. This is what hollowed-out the labor pools in the western countries. If the PLA was also stealing your intellectual property, as long as it produced cheaper goods, that was OK as long as you maintained your profit margins. :doh:

Cheap over seas labor became part of doing business.
Thats the company logic behind it, but especially European and here especially the German governments also had high flying idealistic ambitions, thinking that change in China (and before: Russia) to democracy could be boostered, even enforced by close economic cooperation. The Germans even have a term for it and are damn proud of it, both regarding Russia and regarding China: "Wandel durch Handel", translating into [political and social] "change by trade". Germany until today pays China over 80 millions in non-declared development aid!!! Although the defenders of this misconception argue that this has no longer been the case since 2010, China is still officially listed by the authorities as a developing country, this status nevertheless results in unilateral financial transfers that are de facto equivalent to development aid, even if they no longer have to be formally identified as such. In a sense, they are "inclusive".

[Skybird]

I like to read that they have movedf towards investing into what I suggested: missiles and drones, drones and missiles.

https://www.dw.com/en/can-taiwan-defend-itself-against-china/a-69163219

But one should have no illusions about Xi's willingness to slaughter as many of his own people as Putin slaughters his. And China probably has the ability to interrupt any resupply deliveries into Taiwan once the war broke out. Different to Ukraine.



So: lets get even more missiles an drones to Taiwan. Why leave numbers where they are if for twice as many items you can double the total numbers? :)

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03j45BqHNJY&ab_channel=TheInfographicsShow

Markus

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLwRcpHjHak&ab_channel=CombatVeteranReacts

Markus

[Jimbuna]

China says its spacecraft lands on Moon's far side

China says its uncrewed craft has successfully landed on the far side of the Moon - an unexplored place almost no-one tries to go.

The Chang'e 6 touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin at 06:23 Beijing time on Sunday morning (22:23 GMT Saturday), the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

Launched on 3 May, the mission aims to collect precious rock and soil from this region for the first time in history.

The probe could extract some of the Moon's oldest rocks from a huge crater on its South Pole.

The landing was fraught with risks, because it is very difficult to communicate with spacecraft once they reach the far side of the Moon. China is the only country to have achieved the feat before, landing its Chang'e-4 in 2019.

After launching from Wenchang Space Launch Center, the Chang'e 6 spacecraft had been orbiting the Moon waiting to land.

The lander component of the mission then separated from the orbiter to touch down on the side of the Moon that faces permanently away from Earth.

During the descent, an autonomous visual obstacle avoidance system was used to automatically detect obstacles, with a visible light camera selecting a comparatively safe landing area based on the brightness and darkness of the lunar surface, the CNSA was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

The lander hovered about 100m (328ft) above the safe landing area, and used a laser 3D scanner before a slow vertical descent.

The operation was supported by the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, the CNSA said.

Chinese state media described the successful landing as an “historic moment”.

The state broadcaster said “applause erupted at the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center” when the Chang’e landing craft touched down on the Moon early on Sunday morning.

The lander should spend up to three days gathering materials from the surface in an operation the CNSA said would involve "many engineering innovations, high risks and great difficulty".

"Everyone is very excited that we might get a look at these rocks no-one has ever seen before," explains Professor John Pernet-Fisher, who specialises in lunar geology at the University of Manchester.

He has analysed other lunar rock brought back on the American Apollo mission and previous Chinese missions.

But he says the chance to analyse rock from a completely different area of the Moon could answer fundamental questions about how planets form.

Most of the rocks collected so far are volcanic, similar to what we might find in Iceland or Hawaii.

But the material on the far side would have a different chemistry .

"It would help us answer those really big questions, like how are planets formed, why do crusts form, what is the origin of water in the solar system?" the professor says.

The mission aims to collect about 2kg (4.4lb) of material using a drill and mechanical arm, according to the CNSA.

The South Pole–Aitken basin, an impact crater, is one of the largest known in the solar system.

From there, the probe could gather material that came from deep inside the lunar mantle - the inner core of the Moon - Prof Pernet-Fisher says.

The Moon's South Pole is the next frontier in lunar missions - countries are keen to understand the region because there is a good chance it has ice.

Access to water would significantly boost the chances of successfully establishing a human base on the Moon for scientific research.

If the mission succeeds, the craft will return to Earth with the precious samples on board a special return capsule.

The material will be kept in special conditions to try to keep it as pristine as possible.

Scientists in China will be given the first chance to analyse the rocks, and later researchers around the world will be able to apply for the opportunity too.

This is the second time China has launched a mission to collect samples from the Moon.

In 2020 Chang'e 5 brought back 1.7kg of material from an area called Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon's near side.

China is planning three more uncrewed missions this decade as it looks for water on the Moon and investigates setting up a permanent base there.

Beijing's broader strategy aims to see a Chinese astronaut walk on the moon by around 2030.

The US also aims to put astronauts back on the moon, with Nasa aiming to launch its Artemis 3 mission in 2026.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxeejp0y2pjo

[Jimbuna]

China called ‘inhumane’ for trying to block evacuation of sick Philippines soldier

The Philippines has denounced China’s “barbaric and inhumane” efforts to block a medical evacuation mission in the South China Sea last month.

The Philippines coast guard alleged that “despite informing the Chinese Coast Guard via radio and public address system about the humanitarian nature of our mission for medical evacuation they still engaged in dangerous manoeuvres and even intentionally rammed” a vessel “transporting the sick personnel”.

Philippine sailors eventually managed to evacuate the sick soldier to nearby Palawan, Commodore Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, said.

The incident occurred on ​​19 May near the contested Ayungin Shoal but the Philippines coast guard made videos of the altercation public on Friday.
“The barbaric and inhumane behaviour displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society,” Mr Tarriela said. “What should have been a simple medical evacuation operation was subjected to harassment, with the excessive deployment of two China Coast Guard vessels, two small boats and two rubber boats.”

“Their actions clearly demonstrated their intention to prevent the sick personnel from receiving the proper medical attention he urgently needed.”

The Philippines says that Ayungin lies within its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea but Beijing contests this claim.

In 1999, the Philippines deliberately grounded a vessel named BRP Sierra Madre on the shoal, converting it into a military outpost. The sick soldier was stationed on Sierra Madre.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-called-inhumane-for-trying-to-block-evacuation-of-sick-philippines-soldier/ar-BB1nNTD0?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=c2d0e7dea99a416795557c136f9c7374&ei=50

[Jimbuna]

China’s new ‘big deck’ invasion ship may have catapults. It’s one to watch

Ashipyard in Shanghai is making solid progress on the first vessel in a new class of amphibious assault ship for the Chinese navy. The 830-foot Type 076 assault ship appears to have a full-length flight deck and may have an electromagnetic aircraft catapult and arrestor wires – like an aircraft carrier, but smaller.

Countries with these “big-deck” amphibs tend to use them primarily for carrying out landings of troops from the sea. They carry assault and attack helicopters on their flight decks, and landing craft and amphibious armoured vehicles in their internal well decks. The helicopters land marines from the air at the same time the landing craft and vehicles land marines from the sea. America’s big-deck amphibs, which are as big as some countries’ full-sized aircraft carriers, carry Osprey tiltrotors and vertical-thrust Harrier or F-35B jump jets as well as helicopters.

In a pinch, big-deck assault ships can also double as “light” aircraft carriers – provided they have suitable aircraft. The Type 076 will, at the very least, be a formidable addition to the Chinese navy’s growing amphibious flotilla. And it just might bolster China’s carrier air power, too.

The Chinese navy already has three Type 075 big-deck amphibs and is building at least one more. The big difference between the Type 075 and the future Type 076 is the latter’s possible catapult and arrester wires. Steam-powered or electromagnetic catapults help carriers launch heavy fixed-wing aircraft in a short distance. Wires help them land in a short distance.

The Type 076’s specifications specifically mention unmanned aerial vehicles, possibly indicating the Chinese navy plans to equip the class with one or more of the many armed drone types Chinese industry is developing for the People’s Liberation Army, Navy and Air Force.

That would make sense. The Chinese navy is already building, at a river shipyard near Shanghai, an experimental drone-carrier that could help the fleet develop technology and tactics for the Type 076s.

It’s unlikely the Type 076s will operate the Chinese fleet’s existing and in-development manned carrier aircraft. They include the Shenyang J-16 fighter, the Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter, the Shenyang J-16D radar-jamming jet and the Xi’an KJ-600 early-warning plane.

The lightest of these types, the J-16, is barely compatible with China’s first two flattops – the Soviet-inspired Liaoning and Shandong, both around 1,000 feet long and equipped with arrester wires but no catapults. To be able to take off from these ships’ “ski-jump” ramps, the J-16s must get up to flying speed under their own power. This means they must take off with only partial loads of fuel and weapons.

It’s telling that the Chinese navy has devoted enormous resources to building a third carrier, the 1,040-foot Fujian, that boasts a much wider flight deck plus catapults.

Fujian, which set sail from Shanghai for sea trials last month, is optimized for J-16s, J-35s, J-16Ds and KJ-600s. If an 830-foot Type 076 could embark China’s new carrier air wing, Fujian might’ve been redundant.

But if the Chinese navy ever develops a vertical-thrust jump jet in the class of the Boeing AV-8B Harrier or Lockheed Martin F-35B, the Type 076s might do more than carry drones. They could become true light carriers, as American amphibs sometimes do.

The US Navy operates nine big-deck assault ships that normally embark six or so US Marine Harriers or F-35Bs. Launching after a short take-off run and landing vertically, the jump-jet fighters are primarily intended to provide close air support to beach-storming Marines. However they can instead be armed as air-to-air fighters, and protect the ship against attacking aircraft or drones.

The US Navy and US Marines have demonstrated the ability to transform the assault ships into light carriers by reducing their helicopter complements and adding more fighters. During the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, four assault ships each embarked up to 20 Harriers in order to contribute to the coalition air campaign.

In 2019, the improved assault ship USS America set sail across the Pacific Ocean with no fewer than 13 F-35Bs aboard. Three years later, America embarked 16 F-35Bs, working toward a theoretical maximum of 20 of the stealthy jump jets.

For years, there have been rumours that China is developing its own jump jet. For years, there’s been no actual hard evidence of this purported F-35B-like warplane. If these rumors prove true and a Chinese jump jet ever takes flight, the Chinese navy’s carrier fleet could – by a certain definition – instantly grow by potentially several vessels.

China’s navy continues to grow, both in numbers and in new capabilities. And this latest development, strengthening as it does China’s ability to mount a seaborne invasion, will probably be watched very carefully in Taiwan.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-is-matching-another-us-navy-capability-one-useful-for-invading-places-from-the-sea/ar-BB1nX299?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[Jimbuna]

China says it could take EU to WTO over electric car tariff threat

China has threatened to take the European Union to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the high punitive tariffs it is considering on Chinese electric vehicles.

"China reserves the right to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization and will take all necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," said He Yadong, a spokesman for the Commerce Ministry, on Thursday.

The EU tariffs would not only "disrupt the mutually beneficial cooperation" in the field of electric vehicles, but also distort the global automotive industry and supply chains, He said.

The European approach is an "obvious act of trade protectionism" and could break WTO rules, the spokesman continued.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, threatened on Wednesday to impose import tariffs on Chinese EVs of up to 38.1%, after an investigation found evidence of illegal support from subsidies.

The higher import duties will only be applied if the EU and China cannot find a solution to the issue, and would come into force from July 4.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/swinney-s-anti-north-sea-stance-putting-thousands-of-jobs-at-risk/ar-BB1o788S?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=73a43c5cb2b9471e850de3c0f96be8e8&ei=24

[Jimbuna]

Philippine officials say Chinese forces seized boats in South China Sea

Chinese forces seized two Philippine rubber boats that were delivering food and other supplies to a military outpost in a disputed South China Sea shoal in a tense confrontation in which some Filipino navy personnel were injured, Philippine security officials said on Tuesday.

The United States renewed a warning that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally, a day after the hour-long hostilities in Second Thomas Shoal.

The shoal has been occupied by a small Philippine navy contingent aboard a long-grounded warship that has been closely monitored by China’s coast guard and navy in a years-long territorial standoff.

There is fear that territorial disputes in the South China Sea, long regarded as an Asian flashpoint, could escalate and pit the United States and China in a larger conflict. China and the Philippines blamed each other for Monday’s hostilities, the most serious in recent months, but provided few details.

A Philippine government task force overseeing the territorial disputes condemned what it said were “dangerous manoeuvres, including ramming and towing”, which disrupted an effort to transport food, water and other supplies to the Filipinos manning the territorial outpost on the grounded ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the shoal. It did not elaborate.

Two Philippine security officials told The Associated Press that two rubber boats manned by Filipino navy personnel had approached the BRP Sierra Madre at the shoal to deliver fresh supplies when several Chinese Coast Guard personnel on speedboats arrived to disrupt the mission, sparking a scuffle and collisions.

At least eight of the Filipinos were injured, including one who lost a thumb, in the scuffle, said one of the officials.

Five of the injured sailors were rescued by a Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship that was waiting at a distance to back up the navy’s supply mission.

The two rubber supply boats were towed away by Chinese Coast Guard personnel and then abandoned after being damaged and emptied of their contents, including an unspecified number of rifles, the two officials said. They were later recovered by the Filipino navy, they said.

The Chinese coast guard gave a different version of the hostilities and said the Philippines “is entirely responsible for this”.

It said a Philippine vessel “ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings … and dangerously approached a Chinese vessel in normal navigation in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision”.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the supply ship was accompanied by two Philippine speedboats that were attempting to deliver construction materials and other supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre. It described the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions as “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful”.

US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell discussed China’s actions with his Philippine counterpart, Maria Theresa Lazaro, in a telephone call.

Both agreed that China’s “dangerous actions threatened regional peace and stability,” state department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

Mr Campbell reaffirmed that the 1951 US-Philippine Mutual Defence Treaty, which obligates Washington and Manila to help defend each other in major conflicts, “extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its coast guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” according to Miller.

Philippine defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said on Monday that his country’s armed forces would resist “China’s dangerous and reckless behaviour”, which “contravenes their statements of good faith and decency”.

“We will exert our utmost in order to fulfil our sworn mandate to protect our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights,” Mr Teodoro said.

“It should now be clear to the international community that China’s actions are the true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

Several other incidents have occurred in recent months near Second Thomas Shoal, which is less than 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from the nearest Philippine coast and is where the BRP Sierra Madre, now encrusted with rust, was deliberately grounded in 1999 to create a territorial outpost.

The ship remains an actively commissioned military vessel, meaning an attack on it could be considered by the Philippines as an act of war.

China has become increasingly assertive in pressing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, which has led to a rising number of direct conflicts with other countries in the region, most notably the Philippines and Vietnam.

A new Chinese law which took effect on Saturday authorises its coast guard to seize foreign ships “that illegally enter China’s territorial waters” and to detain foreign crews for up to 60 days.

The law renewed a reference to 2021 legislation that says China’s coast guard can fire upon foreign ships if necessary.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/philippine-officials-say-chinese-forces-seized-boats-in-south-china-sea/ar-BB1orKL7?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=cb38f77476ad489f912b9a28366a38e5&ei=16

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv1VCzPBup0

Markus

[em2nought]

Wow, compare Shanghai to Biden's big cities. :o Chyna is a little more expensive than I imagined, I guess that's why they take vacations to Thailand. I think I'd take Shanghai as compared to any city in the USA in which to live. I'd be afraid they might lock me up as a spy though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2c7R4RhFHk

[em2nought]

Found this about Chairman Mao pretty interesting too. Lots of stuff that's new to me. Some of this is crazy. :o Some of it makes me think of us right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejm6j3szh3s

[Jimbuna]

US approves new $300 million arms sale to Taiwan for drones, related equipment


The Biden administration on Tuesday approved a new $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, sending the island hundreds of armed drones, missile equipment and related support material, the State Department said in a statement that is sure to draw condemnation from China.

The announcement was not unexpected but it comes at a time of high tension between Washington and Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to consolidate by force if necessary.

The sale includes 291 Altius-600M systems, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, with warheads. It also includes 720 Switchblade drones known as “extended-range loitering munitions,” the department said.

It said the sale “serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.” It will “help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the department said.
The statement claimed that the transfer would not affect the military balance in the region. The announcement was not unusual, although the U.S. and China have in recent months sought to smooth tense relations.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-approves-new-300-million-arms-sale-to-taiwan-for-drones-related-equipment/ar-BB1otEFP?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=927bea19216041929f153c6f72a1c4e0&ei=45

[Jimbuna]

China threatens ‘diehard’ Taiwan separatists with death penalty despite lack of jurisdiction

China on Friday threatened to impose the death penalty in extreme cases for “diehard” Taiwan independence separatists, a ratcheting up of pressure even though Chinese courts have no jurisdiction on the democratically governed island.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has made no secret of its dislike of President Lai Ching-te who took office last month, saying he is a “separatist”, and staged war games shortly after his inauguration.

Taiwan has complained of a pattern of ramped up Chinese pressure since Mr Lai won the election in January, including ongoing military actions, trade sanctions and coast guard patrols around Taiwan-controlled islands next to China.

The new guidelines say China’s courts, prosecutors, public and state security bodies should “severely punish Taiwan independence diehards for splitting the country and inciting secession crimes in accordance with the law, and resolutely defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity”, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
The guidelines are being issued in accordance with laws already on the books, including the 2005 anti-succession law, the news agency reported.

That law gives China the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or seems about to.

Sun Ping, an official from China’s Ministry of Public Security, told reporters in Beijing the maximum penalty for the “crime of secession” was the death penalty.

“The sharp sword of legal action will always hang high,” she said.

There was no immediate response from Taiwan‘s government. One official told Reuters they were still digesting the contents of the new guidelines.

The guidelines detail what is considered a crime worthy of punishment, including promoting Taiwan‘s entry to international organisations where statehood is a condition, having “external official exchanges” and “suppressing” parties, groups and people that promote “reunification”.

The guidelines add a further clause to what could be considered a crime - “other acts that seek to separate Taiwan from China” - meaning the rules can be broadly interpreted.

Mr Lai has repeatedly offered to hold talks with China but has been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan‘s people can decide their future.

China has taken legal measures against Taiwanese officials before, including imposing sanctions on Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan‘s former de facto ambassador to the United States and now the island’s vice president.

Such punishments have little practical effect as Chinese courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Senior Taiwanese officials, including its president, also do not visit China.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-threatens-diehard-taiwan-separatists-with-death-penalty-despite-lack-of-jurisdiction/ar-BB1oDYT8?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=936747a248f54592bcb5780b791b5508&ei=49

[Jimbuna]

China Sinks U.S. Red Sea-Based Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser with Fire Dragon Missiles in Recent Simulation

China has conducted another mock attack on a United States military asset with missiles, and this time it is a Ticonderoga-Class Battle Cruiser currently on patrol in the Red Sea.

Knewz.com has learned that the purported computer simulation and ensuing paper, found it would take at least six of the Asian superpower's Fire Dragon projectiles to sink a warship like the USS Philippine Sea.

The model involved firing 12 projectiles and using low-precision satellite photos to identify the general locations of the mockup U.S. naval assets. As the projectiles neared their targets, they recalibrated their courses to match the vessels' exact positions.

According to the Eurasian Times, the exercise factored in said vessels’ defensive capabilities including the radar-guided Phalanx cannon with its 4,500 per minute rate of fire—and despite this potent feature, one of the US vessels sank.

A report on the simulation indicated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China’s experiment also used versions of the Fire Dragon missile fitted with six drones apiece, which in a real combat scenario, would be used to confuse a ship’s radar and divert firepower while the real explosive honed in.

The results of this simulation were purported as an even greater success because none of the simulated ships survived.

According to the Business Standard, the projectile is no state secret and is produced exclusively for export by the country’s North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO).

It weighs 880 lbs according to the South China Morning Post, and has a high degree of accuracy.

Additionally, its impact velocity exceeds 1,640 feet per second.

According to Li Jiangjiang, senior author of the paper, it would take two of the warheads to destroy a 10,000-tonne (the weight of the Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser) warship.

Thus far, only one known sale (worth $245 million) has been made, and it was to the United Arab Emirates.

The Ticonderoga-Class vessels, on the other hand, were first commissioned in 1981 as destroyers but due to their enhanced firepower were designated cruisers.

The last vessel was built in 1994 and of the 27 existing units, 13 remain in service.

Despite the alleged results of the Chinese experiment, Ticonderoga-Class cruisers make formidable adversaries.

They comprise a variety of mechanisms (offensive and defensive) including the PY-1A-powered AEGIS weapon system that automatically tracks threats and targets entities beyond 200 miles.

In addition to the latter, per National Interest, the ships carry up to 80 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), 16 anti-submarine rockets, and 26 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Making this ordinance even more lethal are two Mk-41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), which allow the vessel to store all its missiles in standby mode.

As noted by the Chinese paper, the Ticonderoga-Class vessels also carry two Phalanx cannons, two machine guns, and two torpedo tubes, and can accommodate two Seahawk helicopters.

The U.S. is yet to comment on the test—but notably, it is not the first time China’s training for attacks on American assets has become public.

In January 2024, Knewz.com reported on satellite images of structures closely resembling the supercarrier Gerald Fordin the country’s Taklamakan Desert.

More recently, satellites captured another dessert-bound mockup. This time, of the Taiwanese parliamentary buildings.

This sighting led to speculation among experts that a Chinese attack on the breakaway island democracy would be very different from what many expect—and it could all be over 30 minutes.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-sinks-u-s-red-sea-based-ticonderoga-class-cruiser-with-fire-dragon-missiles-in-recent-simulation/ar-BB1oEXOl?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=885b6e87c73b4d84b96a804f894140ee&ei=14

[Jimbuna]

Polish president arrived in China to see Xi Jinping. Ukraine to be discussed at their meeting

Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in China on Saturday, June 22. During the visit, he plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and more.

"This visit is of great importance for our security in Europe. We know that China is a superpower, we know that it has friendly relations not only with Belarus, but also with Russia, and Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine today. And this is what I would like to talk about with President Xi Jinping," the Polish president said before the visit.

Duda also wants to discuss with Xi Jinping the behavior of Belarus, in particular its hybrid attacks against Poland with the help of illegal migrants. China could supply its goods to Europe via Belarus, but the railroad route through Poland is restricted due to Belarus' border provocations.
"China has traditionally friendly relations with Belarus. I would like to present this situation to President Xi Jinping. And tell him what we are facing," the Polish leader said.

In May, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid a three-day visit to China. The German leader's visit was intended to resolve differences on various issues, including China's trade practices and its support for Russia.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-ambassador-accuses-hungary-s-pm-of-using-anti-lgbtq-machinery-of-fear/ar-BB1oJRBO?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e5dec90e1654a1a878addbfee3492ff&ei=59

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan conducts military exercises similar to combat operations amid threat from China


Taiwan will begin its annual five-day military drills in late July. This year, however, these exercises will be closer to real combat operations to prepare the Taiwanese army for threats from China, reports Reuters.

A senior Taiwanese official told Reuters that the exercises will not be a "show" as they used to be, but will be as close to real combat as possible.

"In recent years, the enemy threat has changed rapidly. Our defense combat plan must also be continuously revised on a rolling basis, and the urgency of comprehensive combat training is becoming more and more important," he said.

One of the unusual elements of the exercise for the Taiwanese army will be night training. Also, according to the Taiwanese official, the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, will be in the exercise area.

China wants to take over Taiwan

In the 40s of the last century, the leader of the Chinese ruling Kuomintang party and his supporters fled to the island of Taiwan after the defeat of the Communists in the civil war, where he created a Chinese government in exile. Since then, Taiwan has become a de facto independent country, although it has also claimed the territory of mainland China, where the Communist People's Republic of China was formed.

Today, Chinese President Xi Jinping is already dreaming of "reunification" with Taiwan. And the more Taiwan moves away from China and toward the West, the more aggressive China's rhetoric and behavior becomes.

Recently, China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, effectively surrounding the island. As Beijing explained, these exercises were "a severe punishment for separatism."

According to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, China considers the "elimination" of Taiwan's independence its great national cause.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-conducts-military-exercises-similar-to-combat-operations-amid-threat-from-china/ar-BB1oKhRm?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=5eee709ab50a43dbad4def4830a9d291&ei=26

[Jimbuna]

China to seek ways to resolve 'crisis in Ukraine' in its own way - Xi Jinping

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said at a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Beijing that China would seek to resolve the "crisis in Ukraine" in its own way, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

"Xi Jinping emphasized that China's position on the "Ukrainian crisis" is to promote peace negotiations and a political settlement," the statement said.

In Xi Jinping's view, efforts must now be made to prevent the expansion and intensification of the conflict, reduce tensions, and create conditions for peace talks.

"China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine in its own way and supports all efforts that contribute to the peaceful solution of the crisis and the construction of an effective and sustainable European security architecture," the Chinese leader noted.
At the same time, he added that Beijing opposes other countries' criticism of its "normal trade" with Russia, stating that the aim is to discredit China.

Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in China on Saturday, June 22. During the visit, he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine, among other topics.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/video/news/the-western-part-of-europe-should-wake-up/vi-BB1nLq8D?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f4c8660c4eee4e4e9523d532745be8a4&ei=74

[Jimbuna]

China's aircraft carrier Shandong spotted near Philippines amid tensions

China's aircraft carrier Shandong was recently spotted sailing near the Philippines in a move media said serves as a deterrence against continuous Philippine provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

The aircraft carrier is likely on a scheduled exercise that could also prepare it for a potential far seas voyage into the West Pacific, Chinese experts said on Sunday.

Citing commercial satellite images, Hong Kong news outlet the Singtao Daily and media on the island of Taiwan reported on Saturday that the aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently arrived in waters about 200 nautical miles away from Luzon Island, the Philippines.

At a time when the tensions persist between China and the Philippines over islands and reefs in the South China Sea, China's first deployment of an aircraft carrier to waters near the Philippines aims to deter, media said.

Previous media reports suggest that the PLA has already sent major surface combat ships including Type 055 large destroyers and Type 052D destroyers, as well as main amphibious vessels such as a Type 075 amphibious assault ship and a Type 071 amphibious landing ship to the South China Sea.

It is completely normal that the aircraft carrier Shandong conducts training exercises in the South China Sea, because only through training can the carrier gain combat capabilities, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.

To the Philippines that has been conducting infringing provocations, these forces will naturally become a deterrence, as the Chinese military will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Zhang said.

Media reports said that the aircraft carrier Shandong's main mission is likely not the Philippines, but a far seas voyage beyond the first island chain into the West Pacific, because China does not need to deploy an aircraft carrier amid the ongoing tension with the Philippines.

Another Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Sunday that the aircraft carrier Shandong conducted multiple far seas exercises beyond the first island chain last year, so it will likely also hold similar drills this year.

It is normal that it makes preparation trainings in the South China Sea before sailing to more distant waters, the above-quoted expert said.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202406/1315111.shtml

[Jimbuna]

China and the Philippines hold crucial talks after chaotic confrontation in disputed South China Sea

China and the Philippines held a crucial meeting Tuesday to try to ease escalating tensions following their worst confrontation in the disputed South China Sea that sparked fears of a wider conflict that could involve Manila’s ally the United States.

There was no mention of any major agreement to try to prevent a repeat of the chaotic June 17 clash at Second Thomas Shoal that caused injuries to Filipino navy personnel and damaged two military boats.

The shoal off the northwestern Philippines has emerged as the most dangerous flashpoint in the disputed waters, which China claims virtually in its entirety. Chinese naval and civilian vessels have surrounded the Philippine marines aboard a grounded ship, tried to prevent their resupply and demanded the Philippines pull out.
The Chinese and Philippine delegations “affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement late Tuesday. “There was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain."

Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro told her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, “that the Philippines will be relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction” in the South China Sea, according to the Philippine side.

An agreement was signed to improve communications during emergencies at sea and both sides agreed to continue talks on enhancing ties between their coast guards but no details were provided. There was also another confidence-building plan to convene an academic forum among scientists and academics to improve marine scientific cooperation.

Ahead of the meeting, the Philippines planned to formally ask China's delegation to return at least seven rifles that Chinese coast guard personnel seized during the June 17 faceoff at the shoal and pay for damage, a Philippine official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to discuss the sensitive matter publicly.

The Asian neighbors agreed to hold what they call the Bicameral Consultative Mechanism meetings, first held in 2017, to peacefully manage their conflicts. But the high-sea confrontations have persisted especially under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who, unlike his predecessor, has nurtured closer military and defense ties with the United States as a counterweight to China.

Apart from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also lay overlapping claims to the strategic sea, which has rich fishing areas and potentially more deposits of gas than what has been found mostly in the fringes by a few coastal states so far.

Sporadic confrontations have flared between Chinese forces and those of Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia in the past but the Southeast Asian nations have resisted aggressively confronting China for fear of destabilizing their substantial economic ties.

Under Marcos, who took office in 2022, the Philippines launched a campaign to expose aggressive Chinese actions by making public videos and photographs and allowing journalists to join coast guard patrol ships, which have figured in dangerous faceoffs with Beijing’s forces.

The U.S. has no claims to the contested waters, but it has deployed warships and fighter jets for patrols that it says aim to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight and to reassure allies like the Philippines and Japan, which also has territorial disputes with China over islands in the East China Sea.

After last month’s confrontation in Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese forces were caught on video brandishing machetes, an axe and improvised spears, Washington renewed a warning that it’s obligated to help defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Filipino forces, including the coast guard, come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

Marcos said the Chinese actions would not activate the treaty because no shots were fired.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-and-the-philippines-hold-crucial-talks-after-chaotic-confrontation-in-disputed-south-china-sea/ar-BB1ph8xI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=f6771be12f454f41af7962a1ef476f35&ei=14

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan says China seizes fishing boat near Chinese coast

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Chinese officials boarded and then seized a Taiwanese fishing boat operating near China's coast close to a Taiwan-controlled island late Tuesday and took it to a Chinese port, Taiwan's coast guard said, in a further escalation of tensions.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has ramped up pressure on Taipei since President Lai Ching-te took office in May, a man Beijing accuses of being a "separatist".

The squid fishing boat was near the Taiwan-administered Kinmen islands, which sit next to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou, but in Chinese waters on Tuesday night when it was boarded and seized by two Chinese maritime administration boats, Taiwan's coast guard said.
The Taiwanese boat was operating during China's no-fishing period, the coast guard said, adding Taiwan will communicate with China and urge them to release the fishermen as soon as possible.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan sent its own coast guard ships to assist and broadcast warnings asking China to release the fishing boat, but China's ships broadcast back saying not to interfere, Taiwan's coast guard said.

Taiwan's ships then backed off to avoid a conflict and the Taiwanese fishing vessel was then taken to a Chinese port, it added, saying three of the five fishermen were Indonesian migrant workers.

Taiwan Coast Guard Administration Deputy Director-General Hsieh Ching-chin told reporters in Taipei that China should explain why it had seized the boat, and pointed out that in previous cases, fishermen had been released after paying fines when operating during China's no-fishing season.

Taiwanese fishing boats need to raise their alert level and the coast guard will also strengthen its patrols, he added.

"The coast guard also calls on the mainland side not to use political factors to handle this situation," Hsieh said.

Judha Nugraha, director for citizen protection at Indonesia's foreign ministry, told Reuters the country's consulate general in Guangzhou will assist the detained Indonesians.

This is not the first time a Taiwan fishing boat has taken by Chinese authorities after operating in that country's waters, an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

A Taiwan official, who's familiar with the island's security planning, told Reuters they have issued alerts to fishing and transport authorities around Taiwan to pay attention to "possible risks" amid frequent Chinese coast guard activities in the region, including near Japan and the Philippines.

It is not uncommon for Taiwan and China to detain each other's trespassing fishing boats. So far this year Taiwan has detained five such boats from China, Taiwan coast guard data shows.

Chinese maritime enforcement and coast guard ships have been regularly operating around Kinmen since February after two Chinese fishermen died trying to flee Taiwan's coast guard.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-says-china-seizes-fishing-boat-near-chinese-coast/ar-BB1pjhJ7?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=1f1633068741436c806d9e4daaa71853&ei=56

[em2nought]

After watching a few videos I'd probably rather be under Chinese control than democrat control. Not sure what would be so bad for Taiwan, I think I'd chose Chyna control over war having the West as my ally. Maybe part of what is driving Russia and Chyna is the incredible level of crazy exhibited by the left in the West.

[mapuc]

Everything have a price- Taiwan should ask China how much they want for the island.

Markus

[Reece]

Not for sale!

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan declares China’s capture of fishing trawler an ‘act of psychological warfare’

China’s seizure of a Taiwanese trawler is likely an act of psychological warfare to build pressure on the island’s government amid rising tensions in the region, Taiwanese officials claimed on Thursday.

The boat was captured after it reportedly sailed into Chinese waters on Tuesday.

Taipei is working to have the boat released, the officials said.

There were five fishermen onboard, three of them Indonesian.

They were fishing for squid in the waters near the Kinmen islands, the officials said.

Kinmen lies just off China’s coast but is controlled by Taiwan.

China reacted strongly to the vessel’s presence in its waters and said it violated a summer ban on fishing.

It accused Taiwan of carrying out illegal trawling in Chinese waters.

Tsai Ming-yen, director general of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, claimed it was unusual for Chinese officials to board and detain a Taiwanese trawler.

"We must continue to analyse whether this is a cognitive warfare operation and will fully assess what the motivations are for the Chinese communists," Tsai said.

Taiwan’s coast guard said China has seized Taiwanese trawlers before for illegal fishing but released them after fines were paid.

Chiu Chui-cheng, a top Taiwanese official for China affairs, said Taipei will work to get the boat and its fishermen released.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday confirmed the seizure of the boat and called it an act of "normal law enforcement" to protect fishery resources and the environment.

It said the boat was engaged in illegal fishing. "The relevant departments will deal with it in accordance with the law and regulations.”

The capture of the boat comes as a time of heightened tensions in the region.

China and Taiwan have been engaged in a diplomatic war of words especially since Lai Ching-te took over as Taiwan’s president in May.

Beijing, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, has accused Mr Lai of being a "separatist", meaning that he wants to prevent the island’s unification with the mainland.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-declares-china-s-capture-of-fishing-trawler-an-act-of-psychological-warfare/ar-BB1ppbwH?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[Jimbuna]

Exclusive-Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions - military chief

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines has turned down offers from the United States to assist operations in the South China Sea, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal, its military chief said.

Tensions in the disputed waterway have boiled over into violence in the past year, with a Filipino sailor losing a finger in the latest June 17 clash that Manila described as “intentional-high speed ramming” by the Chinese coast guard.

The US, a treaty ally, has offered support but Manila prefers to handle operations on its own, Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner told Reuters late Thursday.

“Yes, of course, they have been offering help and they asked us how they could help us in any way,” he said.
“We try to exhaust all possible options that we have before we ask for help.”

Manila and Washington are bound by the 1951-Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a military pact that can be invoked in the case of armed attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea.

Confrontations between the Philippines and China in Asia's most contested waters have increased in frequency over the past year as Beijing has pressed its claim to the waterway and Manila continued missions to bring supplies to soldiers living aboard a rusty, aging warship that it grounded on a contested shoal.

Some observers, including former deputy US National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger, have called for direct US naval support for the resupply missions.

But Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said the Philippines wanted them to be a “pure Philippine operation”.

“This is our legitimate national interest, so we don’t see any reason for them (the US) to come in,” Ano told Reuters.

Ano, who spoke to his U.S counterpart Jake Sullivan last month to discuss shared concerns over China’s "dangerous and escalatory actions", said the MDT was “far from being invoked”.

"We (the Philippines and China) agreed that there will be some easing tension, but we will assert our rights, we will not compromise our national interest, and we will continue to fight and claim what is ours,' Ano said.

Neither official specified what support the US had offered.

Greg Poling, a South China Sea expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, told Reuters he believed the US was open to naval escorts for the resupply missions to the stranded vessel. Washington has already provided some limited support, he said.

A Philippine official said last year Manila was consulting the US Army Corps of Engineers on how best to stabilise the BRP Sierra Madre, which was grounded on the contested Second Thomas Shoal, Poling said, while US aircraft have been filmed providing overwatch of the ship on multiple occasions.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing's expansive South China Sea claims via its nine-dash line had no basis under international law, but that has not stopped China, which rejects the ruling, from being more assertive in the waterway.

It has deployed coast guard vessels to patrol those areas, alarming the Philippines, rival Southeast Asian claimants and other states operating in the South China Sea, including the US, which is wary about China's growing military power and territorial ambition.

Military chief Brawner said the United States' offer of support, made in discussions at his level, was not a direct response to the June 17 incident but rather a reflection of the enduring military alliance between the two countries.

"It is really because of our being treaty allies, so that offer has been available to us for a long time not just because of the incident," Brawner said.

"But we did not ask them yet because as per the orders of our president we have to rely on ourself first."

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Thursday was a federal holiday in Washington for the United States' Independence Day.

While China claims nearly all the South China Sea, a major shipping lane with about $3 trillion in trade passing through it annually, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/exclusive-philippines-turned-down-us-help-amid-south-china-sea-tensions-military-chief/ar-BB1psif6?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=c090790a42a7418bb3853291202f3bc9&ei=54

[Jimbuna]

Beijing's 'monster ship,' the world's largest coastguard vessel, dropped anchor in the South China Sea

Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the PCG, wrote on X that the authority had successfully tracked the movements of the China Coast Guard's (CCG) "165-meter monster ship" by "using Canada's Dark Vessel Detection technology."

"On July 1st, the ship departed from Hainan and entered the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on the following day," he wrote.
The 12,000-ton CCG 5901 was later "radio challenged" by the PCG, which asked it to confirm its intentions and to remind it that it was operating within the EEZ, he added.

An exclusive economic zone is an area of the ocean "beyond a nation's territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving resources."

Tarriela wrote on Friday that the Chinese ship had been anchored at Escoda Shoal "for over two consecutive days" while "maintaining a close proximity" to a PCG vessel. He added that the distance between the ships was "less than 800 yards."

Tarriela later told a news forum that the Chinese vessel's moves were "an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard."

"We're not going to pull out and we're not going to be intimidated," he added.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/beijings-monster-ship-the-worlds-largest-coastguard-vessel-dropped-anchor-in-the-south-china-sea/ar-BB1pyqXd?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[Skybird]

And we think we still can tell them how thw world is running?? Really...??

I compare it to the Deutsche Bundesbahn, the eroding infrastructure in Germany, the videos on the state of things in the US - and cant stop laughing. We are done!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHpaAOpQcg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vumRaZs6djQ

I dont say I like the sights of all this, it definitely is not mine. But it is absolutely, totally impressive, it flattens you at first glance. If you have a chance, watch videos like this in VR on a big virtual movie screen, then you get completely soaked in.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7NEGJHJsNs


The price of this sort of infrastructure and modernness of course is absolute total control by the state. Cameras, face recognition and digital tracking everywhere, no escape. If they flip a switch, you cant go anywhere, cant do anything, are lost and at the state's mercy. The state can literally switch you off, like any piece of machine. The videos show two absolute extremes in one.

[Jimbuna]

No thanks, I'm quite happy here in medieval England :)

[Skybird]

No thanks, I'm quite happy here in medieval England :)

https://youtu.be/-_MOPl8VTh4?si=qCaaRb3uWaq8Ecfe

The old falls, the new rises.

[em2nought]

And we think we still can tell them how the world is running?? Really...??

If they flip a switch, you cant go anywhere, cant do anything, are lost and at the state's mercy. The state can literally switch you off, like any piece of machine. The videos show two absolute extremes in one.

That last bit sounds like our democrats wet dreams come true. :har:

[Reece]

That's not nice! :oops:

[em2nought]

That's not nice! :oops:

I meant to say democrat leaders if that makes it any better for you. :up:

Yeah, after watching those videos I'd say that western civilization is doomed. I wouldn't ride the subway in my own country, and I'm not to fond of the idea of walking around one of our cities either. Even though Bangkok feels more gritty than any of this footage from Chyna, I never felt nervous walking around Bangkok like I would Tampa, or DC, or New York.

[Reece]

It does! :D:up:

[Skybird]

Well, the inner political power structures, the foreign diplomatic aggresisveness in the South Chinese Sea and the seeking of global trade dominance are facts, too, one should not ignore or forget these, and I don't, but I think we do the ordinary Chinese citizen injustice if we judge each and every one of them according to the political powerplay of their government , and I think we really must learn to pay respect for the short time they took - the hilariously short time! - to build all this industrial, economical and architectural grandezza and display of modern culture that may be alien to us (I cannot imagine to live in these cities and amongst so many people, I would get depressive) but nevertheless reflect obviously these people's taste and desire and seems to fit them well. And if their trade is aggressive, so was Western trade in India, Japan and Africa as well and captialism has lost control of monopolism which again haunts the world and does incredible damages at other people'S costs. Back then we were the ones who were the superiors, and we abused that superiority as best as we could. Now we are not superior to the world anymore. We are the old world that has climaxed decades ago, and now is in decline. They rise. We fall.


What I absolutely do not like is when our own media in best demonization tradition even forge the simpliest obvious pictures - literally - just to give them a bad name and reassure ourselves that we are so much better and nicier than them. That is manipulation of ourselves. Propaganda. I found it hard to believe what the guy who did some of these videos told about this dance he had with Western media and even the BBC. Greying pictures, dear BBC, to make a country look shabby? Really...? :o Thats shabby trciks and playing foul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41e44JwMY6Y

An interesting channel, since he can compare first hand experience from living in both worlds. As long as he does not have his name of the Chinese propaganda ministry's payroll. :D

We always see the splinters in the eyes of others too easily, but we don't want to see the beams in our own eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonLivinginChina/videos


BTW, I still love my Fenix pocket torches, completely made in China. Superior quality. And their chips most likely not spying on me.

[ET2SN]

All hail the PRC and thanks for all the crap. :yeah:

I like shirts that start to unravel after three months, they make me feel special. :yep:

[Jimbuna]

China and Belarus conduct joint military exercises right next to NATO and EU’s border


Belarus and China kicked off 11-day joint military training exercises Monday, Belarus’ defense ministry said – with activities taking place just miles from the border of Poland, a NATO and European Union member.

The joint anti-terrorist training “Attacking Falcon” exercises in Belarus would see military personnel from both countries “act together” as one unit in certain stages, Major General Vadim Denisenko of the Belarusian military said in a Telegram post.

“Events in the world are complex, the situation is complex, therefore, having studied new forms and methods of conducting warfare, here we will work out all these moments considering all that is new that has been learnt in the past two years,” Denisenko said.

The joint exercises are being held at a training ground near the city of Brest on the Belarus-Poland border and some 40 miles from Minsk’s border with Ukraine. They come as Russia’s invasion of that country more than two years has hardened geopolitical divisions and continues to threaten broader regional security.

Beijing and Minsk have been tightening their ties in recent years under Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, both autocrats and strong allies of Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

The start of the anti-terrorism exercises coincided with a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Warsaw, where he signed a security agreement with Polish Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

They also began on the eve of NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington – a gathering where leaders will look to shore up support for Ukraine nearly two and a half years since Russia’s invasion.

NATO and the EU have long accused Belarus of weaponizing the border by pushing asylum-seekers from third countries to its borders, and the joint exercises will no doubt be seen by some as a further provocation. CNN has reached out to NATO for comment.

Belarus has been a critical Russian ally in the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. Moscow partly used Belarus as a launching pad for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 after amassing troops on the Ukrainian border during what it said were joint military exercises. Last year Putin also announced Russia would place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

China has emerged as a key diplomatic and economic lifeline for Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, and been accused by Western leaders of bolstering Moscow’s war effort through the provision of dual use goods – a charge Beijing denies.

Belarus’ Ministry of Defense said troops from China’s People’s Liberation Army arrived in Belarus over the weekend. It published a series of photographs showing Chinese troops offloading equipment from a military cargo aircraft and said the drills will last until July 19.

China’s Ministry of Defense said on Sunday that the drills will include “hostage rescue operations and counter-terrorism missions.”

“The training aims to enhance the training levels and coordination capabilities of the participating troops, as well as deepen practical cooperation between the armies of the two countries,” it added.

Over the weekend, a delegations from China’s Central Military Commission also held talks with counterparts in Minsk where the two sides discussed “prospects for Belarusian-Chinese cooperation on military personnel training” and outlined new areas of cooperation, according to Belarus’ defense ministry.

This latest showing of their security cooperation comes just days after Belarus joined the Beijing and Moscow-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday.

Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to combat terrorism and promote border security, the SCO has grown in recent years as Beijing and Moscow drive a transformation of the bloc from a regional security club with a focus on Central Asia to a geopolitical counterweight to Western institutions led by the United States and its allies.

Belarus’ entry in the bloc – hailed by Xi and Lukashenko in a meeting on the sidelines of an SCO summit in Kazakhstan last week – was widely seen by observers as another mark of that transformation.

Then, Xi hailed the “great strides” in the relationship between the two countries – a sentiment echoed in a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his newly appointed Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov on Monday in Beijing.

Wang and Ryzhenkov agreed that the two sides would “firmly support each other” on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, according to a readout from China’s Foreign Ministry, which also noted their ambition to “reject unilateral hegemony” – a reference to their shared opposition to a world order they see as dominated by the United States.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/08/europe/china-belarus-military-exercises-poland-intl/index.html

[Jimbuna]

China examining if EU is putting up ‘trade barriers’ as tensions intensify

Hong Kong
CNN
—
The Chinese government said Wednesday that it would investigate whether the European Union’s probes into Chinese companies constitute “trade barriers.”

Concerns are rising in the West that jobs and strategically important industries could be wiped out by cheap Chinese imports propped up by government subsidies. Earlier this year, the EU launched investigations into China’s state support for its wind turbine and solar panel suppliers. It has also recently completed an eight-month-long probe into Beijing’s support for makers of electric vehicles, resulting in additional tariffs on EVs imported from China.

Now, China will investigate if the bloc’s probes violate the two sides’ economic treaty and if they have hurt the country’s trade with the 27 EU member states.

The investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) will span a number of sectors, including rail, photovoltaics, wind power, and security inspection equipment, according to a statement posted on its website.

If MOFCOM deems that the EU’s probes amount to “trade barriers,” it can start negotiations with the EU, launch a multilateral dispute resolution process, or take other “appropriate measures” to address the issue, according to rules published by the ministry in 2005.


Beijing has spoken out strongly against the EU tariffs, saying it will make “all necessary moves” to safeguard China’s interests. Last month, it opened a probe into pork imported from the bloc and it is also investigating European brandy imports.

According to Wednesday’s announcement, MOFCOM is launching its latest investigation in response to a June request by an industry group in China. The probe is expected to end by January 10, the statement said.

During the process, the ministry can use questionnaires, hearings, and on-site checks among other methods, the statement added.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/10/business/china-eu-probe-trade-barriers-intl-hnk/index.htmlUOTE]

[Jimbuna]

China defends military drills with Belarus amid Polish concerns

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, addressed the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reaction to the strengthening of cooperation between China and Belarus during a press conference. In his statement, he argued that the joint military manoeuvres of both countries, which took place near Brest in Belarus, were not directed against any other country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the Chinese authorities hope for a peaceful resolution of the issues between Poland and Belarus. He expressed the belief that both sides should strive to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect.

Exercises in Belarus

On Monday, near the border with Poland, Belarusian-Chinese "anti-terrorism exercises," which will last until 19 July, began. In response to these manoeuvres, the Polish Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its concern about strengthening military cooperation between Beijing and Minsk and Beijing and Moscow.

When asked for a comment on the matter, Lin Jian replied that he recommends contacting the relevant Chinese authorities for detailed questions regarding the joint military exercises of China and Belarus.

When asked about the differences in approach to US and Philippine military exercises, which Beijing openly criticises, and Belarusian-Chinese exercises, Lin Jian argued that the latter result from "normal military exchange" and are not aimed at any specific country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasised that cooperation between countries, including in security and military matters, should not be directed against the interests of any third party nor undermine peace and stability in the region.

The military manoeuvres mentioned took place at the same time as the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. The summit's conclusions noted that the People's Republic of China has become a key supporter of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict through its so-called unlimited partnership and large-scale support for the Russian defence industry.

Chinese media, commenting on the military manoeuvres in Brest, noted that these were the first joint exercises of the Chinese and Belarusian armies since Belarus joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, initiated by Russia and China. The newspaper "Global Times," Beijing's English-language propaganda outlet, also reminded that the Honour Guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army recently participated in a military parade in Minsk on the 80th anniversary of Belarus's liberation.

The "Global Times" quoted anonymous observers who noted that both events showed that the People's Liberation Army could quickly transport its troops in case of a security threat.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-defends-military-drills-with-belarus-amid-polish-concerns/ar-BB1pO52i?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=963dabc8461c46a7afc517d99a7ef10e&ei=21

[Jimbuna]

China hits back at Nato over Russia accusations

China's foreign minister Wang Yi has hit back at Nato's "groundless accusations" that Beijing is helping Russia in its war on Ukraine.

He has also warned the Western alliance against stirring up confrontation.

Mr Wang's comments, made in a call with his Dutch counterpart, came hours after leaders of Nato member states gathered in Washington DC and issued a declaration that mentioned the war.

They accused China of being a "decisive enabler" of Russia, external through its "large-scale support for Russia's defence industrial base", in some of their harshest remarks yet about Beijing.

They called on China to stop "all material and political support" to Russia's war effort such as the supply of dual-use materials, which are items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Western states have previously accused Beijing of transferring drone and missile technology and satellite imagery to Moscow. The US estimates about 70% of the machine tools and 90% of the microelectronics Russia imports now come from China.

Beijing was also accused of conducting "malicious cyber and hybrid activities, including disinformation" on Nato states.

In a press conference on Thursday, US President Joe Biden said that he had discussions with other leaders about spelling out the consequences for China.

"China has to understand that if they are supplying Russia with information and capacity, working with North Korea and others to help Russia and [their] armament, that they're not going to benefit economically as a consequence of that," he said.

"I think you'll see that some of our European friends are going to be curtailing their investment in China."

Pointing out that Russia had been seeking weapons from China and North Korea, he added that Nato states were looking into a new policy to turn the West into an "industrial base" for munitions and to develop new weapons systems.

On Thursday, while speaking to the Netherlands' new foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, Mr Wang said "China absolutely does not accept" all these accusations and insisted that they have "always been a force for peace and force for stability".

In comments carried by state media,, external he said that China's different political system and values "should not be used as a reason for Nato to incite confrontation with China", and called for Nato to "stay within its bounds".

His remarks was the latest in a flurry of angry responses from Beijing.

Earlier on Thursday, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Nato was smearing China with "fabricated disinformation", while Beijing's mission to the EU told the alliance to "stop hyping up the so-called China threat".

Beijing has long rebutted accusations that it has been aiding Russia in the war and insists that it remains a neutral party. It has called for an end to the conflict and proposed a peace plan, which Ukraine has rejected.

But, besides the growing accusations of military support, observers have also pointed out that Beijing's purchases of vast amounts of oil and gas have helped prop up Russia's economy crippled by sanctions and replenish coffers drained by war spending.

Beijing's official rhetoric on the conflict often mirrors Moscow's - like them, China still does not call it a war. Chinese President Xi Jinping has maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both of them famously declaring their partnership has "no limits".

Beijing has accused the US and other Western states of pouring "fuel on the fire" by supplying lethal weapons and technology to Ukraine for its defence.

In recent weeks, several countries have gone a step further and allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to hit targets inside Russia.

During Nato's three-day summit, which ended on Thursday, the alliance continued to underscore its commitment to Ukraine. Member states said they would support Ukraine on its "irreversible path" to future membership, adding that "Ukraine's future in Nato".

They also announced further integration with Ukraine's military and support for its defence. The alliance has committed at least €40bn ($43.3bn, £33.7bn) in aid in the next year, including F-16 fighter jets and air defence support.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxx24850k8yo

[Jimbuna]

Why China and Russia are holding joint naval drills

China and Russia are conducting joint naval exercises in a military port in southern China, in another sign the two sides are deepening their strategic “partnership.”

China’s defence ministry said that Russian vessels arrived in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, for the “Joint Sea-2024” exercises in the waters and airspace around the city throughout this week.

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has increasingly turned towards China for support as the West has ramped up sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. China’s Xi Jinping is seeking to set Beijing up as a global mediator, but the bigger pull in working with Russia is likely wanting to create alliances as a bulwark against the US and the West. Mr Xi will also see the exercises as a show of strength in the face of a number of US allies across the local region.

“The joint exercise aims to demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the two sides in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability,” China’s defence ministry said on Friday, adding that it would “further deepen the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era”.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/why-china-and-russia-are-holding-joint-naval-drills/ar-BB1q0Aqs?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[Jimbuna]

China, Russia kick off live-fire naval exercises in South China Sea

BEIJING (Reuters) -China and Russia have begun live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea, Russian and Chinese state media reported, with the two countries having strengthened military and trade ties in recent years following U.S. sanctions on both.

The opening ceremony of the Russian-Chinese naval exercise 'Maritime Cooperation - 2024' took place in the Chinese port of Zhanjiang, the Russian defence ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.

During their sea manoeuvres, the crews of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the PLA Navy were to conduct joint air defense exercises and anti-submarine drills with the involvement of PLA naval anti-submarine aviation, the Russian defence ministry said.
Both countries were to deploy at least three vessels each for the three-day exercises, China's state controlled Global Times newspaper said, citing the People's Liberation Army Navy.

Russia's RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday, citing Russia's Pacific Fleet, that the Russian Navy and the Chinese Navy conducted artillery firing as part of the joint drills.

The drills follow the completion of a separate joint naval patrol in the north Pacific, which the Russian defence ministry said earlier involved a detachment of Russia's Pacific Fleet ships, including two corvettes, the Rezky and the Gromky.

Wang Guangzheng of the PLA Navy's Southern Theatre told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV that: "the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields."

"And effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats."

The participating vessels set off from a naval port in Zhanjiang in southern China's Guangdong province on Monday, the report added, citing a PLA Navy statement.

The report did not specify where in the contested waterway the drills would take place.

China claims control over almost the entire South China Sea, including the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a rusty warship that it deliberately grounded in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims and which has been central to a recent standoff between the two countries.

The rising tensions have led U.S. officials to remind Beijing that their mutual defence treat obligations with the Philippines are ironclad.

China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent thousands of troops into Ukraine. China has still not condemned the invasion and has stepped up its exports to Russia, helping Moscow keep its war economy afloat.

The "no limits" partnership saw two-way trade hit a record of $240.1 billion in 2023, up 26.3% from a year earlier, according to Chinese customs data.

Meanwhile, China-U.S. trade fell 11.6% last year to $664.5 billion, Chinese customs data shows.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-russia-kick-off-live-fire-naval-exercises-in-south-china-sea/ar-BB1q7dLg?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=89c279792b00489f9ec0feeb25159493&ei=23

[Jimbuna]

China halts nuclear talks with U.S. over Taiwan arms sales

The spokesperson for the Chinese MFA stated that for some time now, the American side has ignored China's strong opposition and continues to sell weapons to Taiwan. It has also taken certain negative actions that have seriously undermined China’s fundamental interests and harmed mutual political trust," stated the spokesperson for the Chinese MFA.

In response to a question about the progress of talks between Beijing and Washington in this area, Lin Jian explained that China has decided to suspend negotiations with the United States on a new round of consultations regarding arms control and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The first meeting in years between representatives of the U.S. and China, the content of which was not made public, took place in November of last year. The meeting was aimed at avoiding an arms race between the powers. According to media reports, the meeting did not constitute formal negotiations.

It occurred shortly before discussions between the leaders of both countries, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, at the APEC summit in San Francisco, bringing a temporary thaw in bilateral relations. Previously, China had refused to participate in a dialogue with the U.S. on nuclear weapons.

The annual Pentagon report on Chinese military forces, published in October 2023, indicates that the nuclear arsenal of the PRC is growing faster than expected and currently stands at over 500 nuclear warheads (the U.S. and Russia possess about 5,000, with 1,500 deployed) and will exceed 1,000 by 2030.

China, which considers Taiwan a "rebel province" and does not rule out the use of military force to take control of it, regularly condemns the sale of arms to the island. In recent years, it has imposed sanctions on many American military companies, including the Lockheed Corporation.

In June of this year, the United States approved two military equipment sale transactions to Taiwan worth approximately £250 million, which was met with a strong reaction from China.

The spokesperson for the Chinese MFA declared that China wants to maintain communication with the U.S. on international arms control issues based on mutual respect. He stressed that the United States must respect China’s fundamental interests and create the necessary conditions for this.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-halts-nuclear-talks-with-u-s-over-taiwan-arms-sales/ar-BB1qa9gU?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=1ddad3a699254fb6a596cbd379173113&ei=14

[Jimbuna]

China's vice premier to attend China-Russia energy cooperation committee meeting

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend the 21st China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee meeting and the sixth China-Russia Energy Business Forum on July 21-23, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Vice Premier will also attend the 11th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee during his visit, the ministry said in a statement.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-s-vice-premier-to-attend-china-russia-energy-cooperation-committee-meeting/ar-BB1qg8Il?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=921737ead23c47fe925be4a3e030a061&ei=57

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsWUXqqJj8E

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Joint military drills near Polish border signal deepening Belarus-China ties

The Chinese army reported that joint military exercises by Belarus and China, which took place near Brest, Belarus, close to the Polish border, involved simulating the recapture of an airport. The manoeuvres started on 9th July and lasted until Friday. They were part of "anti-terrorism activities."

Last week, the Chinese Ministry of Defence stated that these exercises are part of the "annual plan and the consensus reached by both countries."

As part of these exercises, "joint actions in rescuing hostages and joint anti-terror operations," intended to improve training levels and interoperability of the participating troops, were planned.

A detailed report from the Brest training ground was published on Thursday by the Chinese Ministry of Defence. They praised the soldiers on social media for demonstrating "good technical and tactical skills, solid training levels, and a strong fighting spirit."
The simulation of an operation to take control of the airport from terrorists using drones, paratroopers, and ground forces took place on Wednesday. Chinese commander Wang Bo informed that both sides practised "encircling, controlling, and pursuing" their targets and refined reconnaissance and blockade tactics.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern last week about strengthening military cooperation between Beijing, Russia, and Belarus. These two countries are known for their aggression towards Ukraine. Poland "carefully observes the long-term cooperation between Beijing and Minsk as a factor potentially impacting Poland's security."

The manoeuvres near the Polish border coincided with the NATO summit in Washington. The summit conclusions stated that "the People's Republic of China has become a decisive factor supporting Russia's war against Ukraine through so-called 'borderless partnership' and large-scale support for the Russian defence industry base."

Simultaneously with the exercises in Belarus, Chinese and Russian forces conducted joint maritime patrols in the Pacific and marine-air exercises Joint Sea-2024 off the coast of the southern province of Guangdong during the past week.

The navies of both countries were to conduct live ammunition training over three days. State media emphasized that at least 10 Chinese and Russian warships might currently be operating around Zhanjiang, working together in two joint formations.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/joint-military-drills-near-polish-border-signal-deepening-belarus-china-ties/ar-BB1qjUFG?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=bfae596eeb8c482880ada09552c466e9&ei=19

[Jimbuna]

China and Philippines reach deal to avoid clashes at disputed reef

China and the Philippines have struck a deal aimed at stopping the two countries from clashing over the fiercely disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said Sunday. In the past year, the territorial standoff at the reef has flared and came to a head in mid-June when Chinese forces seized and damaged two Philippine navy boats with machetes and improvised spears. Several Filipino navy personnel were injured in the incident.

China and the Philippines reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said Sunday.

The Philippines occupies Second Thomas Shoal but China also claims it, and increasingly hostile clashes at sea have sparked fears of larger conflicts that could involve the United States.
The crucial deal was reached on Sunday, after a series of meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes that aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without conceding either side’s territorial claims. Two Philippine officials, who have knowledge of the negotiations, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity and the government later issued a brief statement announcing the deal without providing details.

“Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.

China has disputes with several governments over land and sea borders, many of them in the South China Sea, and the rare deal with the Philippines could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other rival countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved. It remains to be seen, however, if the deal could be implemented successfully and how long it will last.

Chinese coast guard and other forces have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel at Manila’s outpost at the shoal.

The yearslong territorial standoff at the shoal has flared repeatedly since last year between Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships and Philippine coast guard-escorted navy boats transporting food, water and fresh navy and marine personnel to an outpost on a long-grounded and rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government.

After repeated ramming, the Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. They also seized seven M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, and other supplies. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his thumb, in a chaotic skirmish that was captured in video and photos that were later made public by Philippine officials.

China and the Philippines blamed each other for the confrontation and each asserted their own sovereign rights over the shoal, which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Ren’ai Jiao.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned the Chinese acts at the shoal and called for the rule of law and freedom of navigation to be upheld in the South China Sea, a key global trade route with rich fishing areas and undersea gas deposits.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been locked in separate but increasingly tense territorial disputes in the waterway, which is regarded as a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China regional rivalry. The U.S. military has deployed navy ships and fighter jets for decades in what it calls freedom of navigation and overflight patrols, which China has opposed and regards as a threat to regional stability.

Washington has no territorial claims in the disputed waters but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

One of the two Philippine officials said the June 17 confrontation prompted Beijing and Manila to hasten on-and-off talks on an arrangement that would prevent confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal.

During final meetings in the last four days, two Chinese demands that had been key sticking points were removed from the draft deal.

China had previously said it would allow food, water and other basic supplies to be transported by the Philippines to its forces in the shoal if Manila agreed not to bring construction materials to fortify the crumbling ship, and to give China advance notice and the right to inspect the ships for those materials, the officials said.

The Philippines rejected those conditions, and the final deal did not include them.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-and-philippines-reach-deal-to-avoid-clashes-at-disputed-reef/ar-BB1qmiT2?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=03203901d10c488782793e5ea634a876&ei=30

[Jimbuna]

Don’t break the law and we won’t kill you, China tells Taiwanese workers

China has told Taiwanese workers they do not need to fear a new death penalty mandate if they do not break the law.

The message to Taiwanese employees of China-based multinational companies came after the introduction of new legal guidelines which mandate execution for “die-hard” separatists.

The guidelines were published at the end of June, in what has widely been viewed as an intimidation tactic to step up pressure on Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s newly inaugurated president.

The Chinese Communist Party claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory even though it has never ruled the island and the overwhelming majority of the 23.5-million-strong Taiwanese population does not want to unify with China.
Beijing has made no secret of its contempt for Mr Lai, who it denounces as a “dangerous separatist” and it has rebuffed his attempts to invite the Chinese government to talk through their differences as equals.

After the issuing of the death penalty threat, Taiwan’s government raised its travel warning for China and some foreign companies began to consider moving their Taiwanese employees out of the country, reported Reuters.

However, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, stressed there was no cause for alarm for most Taiwanese.

“The majority of Taiwan compatriots, including Taiwanese employees working in multinational companies, can be completely at ease in the mainland, as long as they do not engage in criminal acts,” she said.

China has been at pains to reassure foreign companies it can offer a stable and secure legal environment, particularly after revisions to its sweeping “counter-espionage” laws that have left the international business community jittery.

The vaguely worded legislation raises questions about how and when the Chinese authorities will draw their red lines.

Such uncertainty, as well as the opaque nature of China’s judicial system, also surrounds what prosecutors and state security bodies would consider to be an offence of “die-hard” separatism or “inciting secession crimes” that could lead to execution.

“The sharp sword of legal action will always hang high,” said Sun Ping, an official from China’s Ministry of Public Security, after the announcement of the new guidelines last month.

The legal provisions say Chinese institutions should “resolutely defend national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity”.

However, Chinese courts have no jurisdiction over Taiwan.

Beijing previously reacted in anger when Taipei warned its citizens to only go to China if absolutely necessary.

“Taiwanese people who visited the mainland know full well there is absolutely no travel risk,” Ms Zhu said this week.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/don-t-break-the-law-and-we-won-t-kill-you-china-tells-taiwanese-workers/ar-BB1qBsVF?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=618896509d7c459b997fd6cc7e2475b6&ei=12

[Rockstar]

Trump has said he would raise import tariffs on Taiwan’s chip industry.

[Reece]

Trump has said he would raise import tariffs on Taiwan’s chip industry.
Wouldn't expect much else from Trump!! :doh:

[Rockstar]

Wouldn't expect much else from Trump!! :doh:

Haha you took the bait. Now, beside the usual orange man bad, explain why you think that?

Because Trump increasing tariffs on Taiwan chip imports would spur on our own domestic production called for by a bipartisan effort called the U.S. Chip Act that Biden signed into law 2 years ago.

Reducing dependence on a single source by increasing domestic production is something Japan & the E.U. are doing too.

[Reece]

Well lets face it, the US (and others) needs Taiwan's chips, they are the world leaders in chip technology, seems a bad move to me! :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan kicks off Han Kuang war games with live-fire drills closer to mainland China

Taiwan has kicked off its annual Han Kuang war games to assess its forces’ capacity to tackle a full-scale attack from the People’s Liberation Army.
The five-day mega exercise got under way on Monday and coincides with annual drills to test residents’ response to missile and air raids from across the Taiwan Strait.

Unlike previous Han Kuang exercises, which were pre-rehearsed, this year’s games will focus on mimicking actual combat as closely as possible, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.

“These [real-life battlefield] scenarios guide officers and soldiers to validate through exercises the feasibility of joint operation plans and the ability of all military units to execute these plans in a real combat situation,” the ministry said in an earlier statement.

This is also the first Han Kuang exercise since William Lai Ching-te – branded by Beijing as an “obstinate separatist” – took office as Taiwanese leader in May.
At least two regular features have been cancelled for this year’s exercise.

There will be no exhibition drills staged for the island’s leaders, and no live-ammunition exercises in the island proper.

Rather, the live-fire component of the drills have been moved to Taiwan’s outlying islets closer to the mainland coast, including the defence outposts of Matsu and Quemoy, also known as Kinmen.
Monday’s drills tested how far the military could sustain and preserve its combat power in the event of a full-scale PLA attack.

Dozens of warplanes based in western Taiwan took off on Monday morning for bunkers at the Chiashan base in the eastern county of Hualien and the nearby Chihhang base in Taitung county, according to the ministry.

The planes included F-16 fighter jets, Indigenous Defence Fighters, Mirage-2000 fighters, as well as P3C anti-submarine and E2K early warning aircraft.

With western Taiwan just a short hop from the mainland Chinese coast, fighter jets based there are seen as more vulnerable to direct cross-strait strikes. Sending them to the east would help to preserve forces for a counterstrike, defence ministry officials said.

Major naval vessels, including Taiwan’s new “carrier killer” Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, also left their home ports on Monday morning and sailed to designated locations to take on “enemy” vessels in combat scenarios. Naval mines were also deployed to assist the ships in fending off the simulated PLA attack.
Later in the day, troops also practised defending the capital Taipei and preventing the key political and financial hub from being bombarded in the event of a PLA “decapitation” strike aimed at wiping out the top leadership or command centre.

The games are also testing nighttime troop performance – with drills held around the clock – and the ability to safeguard critical infrastructure in Taipei and boost key supply line resilience in the event of a blockade by the PLA.
A major area of focus this time is information systems competence, including troop response to loss of contact with central command, according to Admiral Mei Chia-shu, the chief of general staff.

Mei said the drills would also test how well soldiers from different units were able to independently implement rules of engagement in combat situations where communication with higher command is disrupted or cut off.

The largest war games of the year are being held in conjunction with the annual Wan An air raid drills, which simulate missile and warplane attacks from the PLA.

On Monday, vehicles and pedestrians were taken off the streets for 30 minutes as the four-day drills took off, with people asked to stay indoors or move to local air raid shelters.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Like most countries, the United States does not recognise Taiwan as independent but opposes any attempt to take the island by force and is legally bound to supply it with defensive weapons.

Cross-strait relations have worsened since Lai, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, was elected in January. Beijing labelled the result of the vote as “unacceptable”, warning that his leadership would bring war to Taiwan.

Lai’s inaugural address on May 20 provoked Beijing further when he declared that Taiwan and the mainland were “not subordinate to each other”.
In response, Beijing launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3271439/taiwan-kicks-han-kuang-war-games-live-fire-drills-closer-mainland-china?campaign=3271439_764419ee-4b6f-11ef-9dbe-36cee399c76e&module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

[Rockstar]

Well lets face it, the US (and others) needs Taiwan's chips, they are the world leaders in chip technology, seems a bad move to me! :hmmm:

They supply 90% of the global demand. What happens when that one source of supply is disrupted? Chaos.

But don’t worry Australia can buy chips from those who are prepared U.S. , E.U. and Japan.

[Reece]

Well then I got nothing to worry about!! :D

[Jimbuna]

Philippines completes first South China Sea resupply mission since deal with Beijing

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines on Saturday completed unimpeded a resupply trip to its troops at a disputed South China Sea shoal, its foreign ministry said, the first such mission under a new arrangement with China aimed at cooling tensions.

The Philippines and China last week announced a "provisional agreement" on Manila's resupply missions to its contingent of troops on a naval ship grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal, after repeated clashes between vessels that have caused regional concerns about an escalation of hostilities.

The Philippines intentionally immobilised the now rusty former U.S. vessel at the shoal in 1999 in an attempt to claim it as its territory and has since maintained a small rotational troop presence there, infuriating China, which has coast guard stationed in the area.
Saturday's mission involved a civilian vessel, escorted by Philippine coast guard, with no untoward incidents reported, the foreign ministry said. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the mission.

The Philippines and China both said the agreement would not change their positions on territory.

The shoal is within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and located 1,300 km (808 miles) off mainland China, which refers to it as Renai Reef.

In June, a Philippine navy personnel member lost a finger in an incident that Manila described as "intentional, high-speed ramming" by the China coast guard, which said the replenishment ship ignored repeated warnings to leave.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory based on historic maps, a claim an arbitral tribunal in 2016 ruled had no basis under international law.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/philippines-completes-first-south-china-sea-resupply-mission-since-deal-with-beijing/ar-BB1qIort?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=c370dd800c794c7e833af061dd51024b&ei=50

[ET2SN]

The United States will overhaul its military forces in Japan as the two countries move to deepen defense cooperation, Washington and Tokyo said Sunday, in a sweeping step to modernize their alliance in the face of mounting security threats in Asia.

The announcement comes as Japan and the US warily eye a region where China is seen as increasingly aggressive in asserting its disputed territorial claims and North Korea continues its illegal weapons program – while both tighten ties with Russia as it wages war in Ukraine.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Japanese counterparts Minoru Kihara and Yoko Kamikawa announced the plan in a joint statement following a meeting in Tokyo, where they also called China’s “political, economic, and military coercion” the “greatest strategic challenge” in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The move is likely to stoke the ire of Beijing, which has watched warily as the US has bolstered ties with regional allies in a part of the world where observers say China seeks to be the dominant power – and where it’s accused the US of fostering a Cold War-style bloc mentality.

Under the new plan, US forces in Japan would be “reconstituted” as a joint force headquarters reporting to the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command to “facilitate deeper interoperability and cooperation on joint bilateral operations in peacetime and during contingencies,” according to the statement.

In a press conference following the meeting, Austin hailed the countries’ move to “modernize” their alliance command and control as an “historic decision.”

“This will be the most significant change to US Forces Japan since its creation, and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years,” Austin said.

He pointed both to the “upgrade” of US Forces Japan with “expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” announced Sunday, and Japan’s new Joint Operations Command, saying that the countries were reinforcing their “combined ability to deter and respond to coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

The announcement follows an April summit in Washington between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where the two vowed to upgrade their respective command-and-control framework “to strengthen deterrence and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of pressing regional security challenges.”

Details of the implementation would be figured out in working groups led by US Indo-Pacific Command, a senior US defense official said ahead of Sunday’s announcement, adding that there is no intention to integrate Japanese forces into the US commands.

US Forces Japan (USFJ), whose headquarters is Yokota Air Base, consists of approximately 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan under a 1960 mutual cooperation and security treaty.

The expected reconfiguration comes as Japan shifts its defense posture, veering away from the pacifist constitution imposed on it by the United States in the aftermath of World War II, with a plan to boost defense spending to about 2% of its GDP by 2027 and acquire counterstrike capabilities.

These changes have cemented Japan’s centrality to Washington’s regional security strategy and its push for increasing coordination with allies and partners amid rising regional tensions – and as it increasingly sees security in Europe and Asia as intertwined in the wake of the war in Ukraine.

The latest move also comes months ahead of the US presidential election, which American allies around the world have been watching closely, as Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the cost of US alliances.

When asked whether the elections could impact US-Japan relations, Blinken said the long-standing alliance “was stronger than it’s even been” and would be “sustained irrespective of the outcome of elections in either of our countries.”

“The reason for that is because it’s manifestly in the interests of our people, the Japanese people, the American people, and people well beyond our countries,” he said.

Rising regional tensions
China was repeatedly mentioned with pointed language in the joint statement, with the ministers outlining shared concerns including what they described as Beijing’s “intensifying attempts to unilaterally change the status quo” in the East China Sea, its “threatening and provocative activities in the South China Sea,” and its “support for Russia’s defense industrial base.”

China has been aggressively asserting its claims in the contested waters of the South China Sea and maintaining an extended presence near Japanese-controlled islands Beijing claims in the East China Sea. Western leaders have accused Beijing of “enabling” Moscow’s war in Ukraine through the provision of dual-use goods, a charge Beijing denies.

The ministers also said Taiwan’s “political transition period should not be used as a pretext for provocative actions across the Taiwan Strait,” a statement that follows Chinese military drills encircling the self-ruled democracy Beijing claims just days after Taiwan swore in a new president in May.

When asked during the press conference about the relationship between the new command and concerns about China, Austin said the decision to strengthen the command was “not based upon any threat from China.” “It’s based on our desire and our ability to work closer together and to be more effective,” the defense chief said.

In the statement, the ministers also condemned North Korea’s missile testing and nuclear weapons programs, and condemned deepening Russia-North Korea cooperation, including Russia’s “procurement of ballistic missiles and other materiel from North Korea” for use in Ukraine.

The meeting follows a trilateral meeting earlier Sunday between defense chiefs from the United States, Japan and South Korea, the first of its kind in Tokyo – and yet another sign of the tightening coordination of regional US allies.

That came nearly one year after a landmark summit between the three countries held by Biden at Camp David. The burgeoning trilateral coordination between the US, Japan and South Korea marks a shift in regional relations, with Seoul and Tokyo – both long-standing US allies – widely seen as working to put aside historic animosity and mistrust to better address shared security threats.

On Sunday, the three defense chiefs vowed to strengthen cooperation to deter “nuclear and missile threats” from North Korea and formalized a trilateral agreement that reaffirms the “unwavering nature of the new era of trilateral cooperation,” according to a joint statement.

This would “institutionalize” trilateral security cooperation among their countries’ defense authorities, including senior-level policy consultations, information sharing, trilateral exercises, and defense exchange cooperation.


I'm guessing that we won't be shifting everything to the cloud server. :O:

[Jimbuna]

China official protests Japan's negative remarks at meeting with US, Chinese foreign ministry says

BEIJING (Reuters) - An official at China's foreign ministry has expressed diplomatic discontent to Japan over negative comments made during a recent meeting with the United States, China's foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Liu Jinsong, China's director-general of Asian affairs at the Chinese foreign ministry, lodged a complaint to Japan over comments made by the U.S. and Japan over what they called Beijing's "provocative" behaviour in the South and East China Seas, its joint military exercises with Russia, and the rapid expansion of China's nuclear weapons arsenal.

"China urges Japan to establish an objective and rational understanding of China, and stop making irresponsible remarks about China's internal affairs," Liu said to the chief minister at the Japanese embassy in China on Tuesday, according to the statement.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-official-protests-japan-s-negative-remarks-at-meeting-with-us-chinese-foreign-ministry-says/ar-BB1qUYTr?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=7631c1963c484409b0f1ca0458aaf2a1&ei=71

[Jimbuna]

China filed complaints with Canada over warship in Taiwan Strait

China has lodged complaints with Canada through military and diplomatic channels after a Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, Chinese defence ministry said on Friday.
The act "caused disturbance and stirred up trouble", the ministry said in a statement.
"We warn Canada that it should abide by the One-China Principle, be cautious in its words and deeds on the Taiwan issue," ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-filed-complaints-with-canada-over-warship-taiwan-strait-2024-08-02/

[em2nought]

China filed complaints with Canada over warship in Taiwan Strait

Chyna afraid of big bad Canada? :hmmm: :D

[Jimbuna]

China much prefers intimidation tactics me thinks.

[Dargo]

Same reaction weeks ago when the Dutch naval vessel Sr.Ms. (His Majesty's) Tromp passed through the Taiwan Strait. Beijing said, "China respects international law. However, we resolutely oppose endangering China's sovereignty and security under the banner of free transit." Muscle ballooning.

[Jimbuna]

would love to see every European country supply one vessel apiece to form a task force and sail them to Taiwan as a show of support.

[Reece]

I bet you wouldn't hear a thing out of them, total silence!! :yep:

[Dargo]

I bet you wouldn't hear a thing out of them, total silence!! :yep:The Dutch will, and other European countries, will join such taskforce the Tromp was from the Red Sea after he patrolled there to an exercise through the Taiwan Strait (Zr.Ms. Tromp is on a six-month world tour and is now on its way to Japan before taking part in a large-scale military exercise in Hawaii.) that China starts biaaching does not mean next time we gone avoid international waters like the Taiwan Strait.

[Jimbuna]

China pushes nuclear ‘no first use’ while expanding its atomic arsenal


China has launched a diplomatic offensive against the US nuclear weapons posture as it rapidly strengthens its own nuclear capabilities.

Beijing, the only one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council that has committed to not using nuclear weapons first, has called in Geneva for the others to match that pledge and has also denounced Washington’s arrangements for deterring attacks on its allies.

In its formal proposal, China said a nuclear “no first use” policy was “increasingly becoming an important consensus and priority” in international arms control. But officials of the US and allied nations and analysts said Beijing’s proposal and censure of the US and its allies were an attempt to blunt western criticism of its own nuclear arms build-up.

China submitted a draft text for a treaty or declaration on “no first use” by P5 Security Council members to a committee that is meeting in Geneva until Friday to prepare a review conference for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Beijing also called the protection the US offers European allies under nuclear sharing arrangements in Nato and Asian allies under its nuclear umbrella “serious violations” of the NPT and demanded that they be abolished.

The push comes as China is expanding its arsenal of nuclear warheads and modernising the forces for delivering them — moves some foreign officials believe could transform the country into a nuclear power on par with the US and Russia.

The Pentagon forecasts China’s arsenal will grow to more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030, double the current estimated number and four times what it estimated before the build-up began about six years ago.
https://www.ft.com/content/c23e896d-8fbd-4a9d-a7a3-ea0973d838cf

[Skybird]

Taiwanese TV has made a ten episode mini series about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, title is "Zero Day". This is the 17 minutes trailer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAnZdVG041Y

[Reece]

good luck trying to read the english subtitles!! (need to be a speed reader) :doh:

[Jimbuna]

A government-backed Taiwanese TV show that depicts a Chinese invasion and has done nothing but create an outburst of anxiety on the island :hmmm:

[em2nought]

Taiwanese TV has made a ten episode mini series about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, title is "Zero Day". This is the 17 minutes trailer.


Thoughts about something like this have me worried about my plans to live in Southeast Asia. I so wanted to live in someplace where gold is as easy to deal in as cash.

Japanese stocks crash in biggest one-day drop ever as global market rout intensifies

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/04/business/japan-nikkei-stock-rout-intl-hnk/index.html

[ET2SN]

Taiwanese TV has made a ten episode mini series about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, title is "Zero Day". This is the 17 minutes trailer.




For some reason, it reminds me of "Threads" from the UK. :hmmm:

This should be interesting to watch, assuming they avoid the usual tropes. :up:

[Jimbuna]

Chinese academic convicted of acting as foreign agent in US

NEW YORK, Aug 6 (Reuters) - A Chinese academic was convicted on Tuesday of illegally acting as a foreign agent in the United States by collecting information about New York-based activists supporting democracy in China and sharing his findings with Beijing.
A jury found Wang Shujun guilty on four counts including acting as a foreign agent without notifying the U.S. attorney general and lying to U.S. authorities, following a week-long trial in Brooklyn federal court.

Federal prosecutors said Wang, a naturalized U.S. citizen, portrayed himself as a fierce opponent of the ruling Chinese Communist Party to gain the trust of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, advocates for Taiwanese independence and campaigners for Uyghur and Tibetan rights.
Prosecutors said Wang was actually spying on the activists and sharing his findings with four officials in China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), an intelligence service.

"He was living a double life," prosecutor Nina Gupta said in her closing argument on Monday. "That double life has now been revealed."
Wang, who emigrated to the United States in 1994, was arrested in March 2022.
Defense lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma said Wang spoke to the intelligence officials about the pro-democracy movement to win their support and promote social change, and was not acting as their agent.

"Why would a guy who devoted his life to toppling the Chinese regime try to help the Chinese regime?" Margulis-Ohnuma said in his summation on Monday.
The U.S. Department of Justice has in recent years cracked down on what it calls "transnational repression" by U.S. adversaries such as China and Iran.
That term refers to the surveillance, intimidation and in some cases attempted repatriation or murder of activists against those governments.

Last year, a former New York City police sergeant was convicted of acting as a Chinese agent by intimidating a U.S.-based fugitive to return to his homeland and face charges.
U.S. prosecutors have also charged four Chinese intelligence officers who allegedly acted as Wang's handlers. Those officers are at large and believed to be in China.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/chinese-academic-convicted-acting-foreign-agent-us-2024-08-06/

[Jimbuna]

China Responds to Joint US-Philippines War Games

Tensions in the South China Sea have increased as China and the Philippines, along with their allies, conducted military drills near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

These exercises come amid an ongoing standoff over sovereignty claims in the region.

On Wednesday, China’s Southern Theatre Command announced that it had carried out air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island. The drills were aimed at testing the strike capabilities and early warning systems of Chinese forces.

According to Al Jazeera, this show of force appears to be a direct response to military exercises held on the same day by the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines.

China’s military stated that its activities were focused on controlling disruptions in the South China Sea and maintaining regional peace and stability.

The timing and location of the drills suggest they were also intended to send a message to the other countries involved.

The joint military exercises by the US, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines were conducted to address "common maritime challenges" and to uphold international law in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a joint statement, the military leaders of these countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring free passage through the region, a key global shipping route.

Scarborough Shoal is located 240 km (150 miles) west of the Philippines' Luzon Island and nearly 900 km (560 miles) from China’s Hainan Island.

It has been a key point of conflict. In 2012, China took control of the shoal, a rich fishing area historically used by Filipino fishermen.

This has been a major source of tension between Beijing and Manila, especially after an international tribunal ruled that China’s claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis — a ruling China has ignored.

Another ongoing conflict in the region involves the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino warship has been grounded for years.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-responds-to-joint-us-philippines-war-games/ar-AA1onHnc?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=2b6e5437ef9f467bbcaba07298ece48d&ei=87

[ET2SN]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eO4zQew4CA

:hmmm:

This takes a while, but if you're interested in the topic it's worth watching.

[Jimbuna]

China building world's largest amphibious assault ship, US concerned

China has accelerated the construction of a Type 076 amphibious assault ship on Changxing Island near Shanghai. This new military vessel, known as the Yunan class, could be launched as early as 2025 and is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in the world, raising concerns in the United States and other countries, citing Reuters.

The report highlights that while China is rapidly building one of the world’s largest military ships, the US and European nations are spending time modernizing older frigates or destroyers.

Journalists refer to data from US naval intelligence, which suggests that China's overall shipbuilding capacity now exceeds that of the US by more than 632 times. Notably, Beijing can also mobilize dozens of additional shipyards to further accelerate construction.
Over the past decade, China has more than doubled its fleet of guided-missile destroyers to 42 units and has launched 23 new destroyers. The report points out that during the same period, the US built only 11.

Since 2017, China has built eight missile cruisers, while the US has built none. The journalists suggest that this disparity is a major concern for American officials.

China’s significant naval production capacity is supported by an even larger civilian shipbuilding sector. The report says that in 1999, Chinese shipyards accounted for only 5% of the world's annual commercial shipping tonnage, whereas today that share exceeds 50%.

In 2023, Chinese shipyards secured nearly 60% of new orders for commercial vessels. According to Reuters, this sharply contrasts with the pace of construction in the US, which produces only 15-25 new commercial ships annually, representing less than 5% of the global total.

The speed of China's naval construction and the growth of its fleet, which now surpasses that of the US in terms of the number of ships, is causing concern among Western partners. There is increasing apprehension about the potential threat of conflict over Taiwan.

According to Reuters, US officials claim that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be prepared for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. However, journalists note that Beijing currently denies these assertions.

The Washington Post previously reported that the Taiwanese government is preparing its citizens for a possible Chinese invasion.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-building-world-s-largest-amphibious-assault-ship-us-concerned/ar-AA1owqfA?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=9f01fa30ceee479dbd16de7c27716515&ei=32

[Jimbuna]

Chinese warships travel through UK waters

Two Chinese warships have travelled through UK waters closely watched by a British frigate in a rare transit, the Royal Navy has revealed.

HMS Richmond kept a "close watch" on the Chinese Navy task group as it passed the UK twice in three weeks, travelling to and from Russia.

Monitoring foreign warships is a routine operation for the navy but it is far more common for the Ministry of Defence to publicise the tracking of Russian ships rather than vessels deployed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy).

Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said: "These escorts are a clear demonstration of how the Royal Navy continues to protect the sovereignty of UK waters.

"Working closely with our allies to support Euro-Atlantic security is a top priority for this government.
"I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for conducting a safe and professional transit and all they do in keeping our nation secure at home and strong abroad."

The British warship monitored China's Jiaozuo, a 7,500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship, as they made their journey back and forth through the North Sea and into the Channel.

A French warship and a patrol ship from the Belgian navy also shared the task of watching the Chinese vessels.

HMS Richmond's commanding officer, Commander Richard Kemp, said: "By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy demonstrates our commitment to the NATO alliance and in maintaining maritime security which is crucial to our national interests."

The two Chinese ships initially passed through UK waters on the way to St Petersburg to take part in an annual event called Russian Navy Day at the end of July.

They then returned a couple of weeks later. The date of the return journey was not clear from the Royal Navy statement, released on Saturday.

The navy said it is not common for Chinese ships to transit through UK waters under the eye of the British.

The last time it happened was in 2019, when Chinese vessels made a similar journey to attend the same Russian naval event.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/chinese-warships-travel-through-uk-waters/ar-AA1oyRAV?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=db62b34e9c664b3fb5328b5cbc22ce4d&ei=22

[Jimbuna]

Philippines says actions of China air force 'illegal', 'reckless'

MANILA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday condemned Chinese air force actions in waters of the South China Sea claimed by both countries, calling the actions "unjustified, illegal and reckless".
Manila and Beijing accused each other on Saturday of disrupting their militaries' operations around the Scarborough Shoal in the first incident since Marcos took office in 2022 in which the Philippines has complained of dangerous actions by Chinese aircraft, as opposed to navy or coast guard vessels.

The Philippine military on Saturday condemned "dangerous and provocative actions" when two Chinese aircraft dropped flares in the path of a Philippine aircraft during a routine patrol around the shoal on Thursday.
The Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command countered that the Philippines had disrupted its training, accusing Manila of "illegally intruding" into its airspace.
On Sunday, Marcos urged China to act responsibly both in the seas and in the skies.

"We have hardly started to calm the waters, and it is already worrying that there could be instability in our airspace," Marcos said in a statement posted by the Presidential Communications Office on the social media platform X.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.
The Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights.

Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said China's actions were a "show of force" in response to Manila's participation in multi-nation drills that promote freedom of navigation and overflight.
"After a series of gray zone tactics at sea, we may probably see dog fights up in the sky if China continues its growing antagonism in the Philippines' air and defence zones," Cabalza said.

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-says-actions-china-air-force-illegal-reckless-2024-08-11/

[Jimbuna]

Hong Kong court dismisses bid by media tycoon Jimmy Lai to overturn conviction

HONG KONG, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's top court on Monday unanimously dismissed the bid to overturn the convictions of media tycoon Jimmy Lai and six other pro-democracy campaigners for an unauthorised assembly in 2019.
Lai, 76, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, and six others including veteran democrat Martin Lee had been found guilty of organising and participating in an unauthorised assembly in August 2019 during months-long pro-democracy protests in the China-ruled city.

While a lower court had overturned their conviction for organising the unauthorised assembly, but their conviction for taking part in an unauthorised procession was upheld.
Their appeal centred on whether the conviction was proportionate to fundamental human rights protections, a principle set down in two non-binding decisions of Britain’s Supreme Court known as "operational proportionality".
Chief Justice Andrew Cheung and Judge Roberto Ribeiro wrote in the main judgement that the two UK decisions should not be followed in Hong Kong, as there's differences between the legal frameworks for human rights challenges in Hong Kong and the U.K.

David Neuberger, a former head of Britain's Supreme Court, was one of the five judges on the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) who heard the case, adding to the debate over whether foreign judges should continue to sit on the city's highest court amid a national security crackdown.
The judgment came two months after the resignations of two British judges from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal (CFA), Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption. Sumption said Hong Kong was becoming a totalitarian state and the city's rule of law had been "profoundly compromised".

Neuberger told Reuters in mid-June he would remain on Hong Kong's highest court "to support the rule of law in Hong Kong, as best I can".

Neuberger said he agree with the main judgement, adding the "issue has been fully and impressively considered" and "gives important guidance as to the proper approach to what has been called “operational proportionality”.
Neuberger added the constitutional differences in Hong Kong and the U.K. "do not mandate a different approach when considering whether a restriction on the right of assembly is proportionate", but they "do require a different approach if the court concludes that the restriction is or may not be proportionate".
Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020 after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019 and the Hong Kong legislative council passed a new national security law, also known as Article 23 in March.
For organising and taking part in an unauthorised assembly in 2019, Lai and three former lawmakers Lee Cheuk-yan, 67, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, 68 and Cyd Ho, 70 were jailed between eight and 18 months. They received a reduced sentence of 3 to 6 months after their conviction for organising was quashed.
Martin Lee, 86, a founding chairman of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, barrister Margaret Ng, 76 and veteran pro-democracy politician Albert Ho, 72 were given suspended sentences.
“We just want to take the occasion to thank our legal team and all the people who have been supporting us,” Ng told the media outside the court.
Lai has been held in solitary confinement for more than three years since December 2020. He is now facing a separate national security trial and serving a sentence of five years and nine months after being convicted of violating a lease contract for his now shuttered newspaper's headquarters.
According to the Security Bureau, 301 people were arrested over acts or activities that endanger national security. Among them, 176 persons and 5 companies were charged.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-court-dismisses-bid-by-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-overturn-conviction-2024-08-12/

[Jimbuna]

China urges US, UK and Australia not to advance nuclear submarine cooperation

BEIJING, Aug 14 (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday the United States, Britain and Australia should not advance their nuclear submarine cooperation until the international community has reached a consensus on safeguards and other issues.
Australia, Britain and the United States have agreed to work to transfer a fleet of eight nuclear powered and conventionally armed submarines to Australia by 2050 under their AUKUS programme.

The foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the programme undermined efforts to maintain regional peace and security.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-urges-us-uk-australia-not-advance-nuclear-submarine-cooperation-2024-08-14/

[Jimbuna]

Philippines says China was `dramatically' alarmed over US missile system deployed to its north

China expressed its “very dramatic” alarm over a mid-range missile system that the U.S. military recently deployed to the Philippines, and warned it could destabilize the region. But Manila’s top diplomat said Friday he reassured his Chinese counterpart that the weaponry was only in the country temporarily.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, expressed China’s concern over the U.S. mid-range missile deployment to the Philippines during their talks last month in Laos on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings with Asian and Western countries.

“We discussed it and, well, they made it very dramatic,” Manalo said in response to questions during a news conference with foreign correspondents in Manila. “I said you shouldn’t be worried.”
Pressed to specify what China’s specific concerns were, Manalo said Wang warned the presence of the U.S. missile system could be “destabilizing,” but the Philippine foreign affairs chief said he disagreed. “They’re not destabilizing” and the missile system was only in the Philippines temporarily, Manalo said he told Wang.

The U.S. Army said in April it transported the mid-range missile system, a land-based weapon that can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, from the U.S. to the northern Philippines as part of combat exercises with Philippine troops.

The missile system, however, was not fired during the joint combat exercises of the longtime treaty allies and the Philippine military has said the missile system may be transported out of the country next month.

China has strongly opposed increased U.S. military deployments to the region, including to the Philippines, and warned these could endanger regional stability and peace.

The U.S. and the Philippines have repeatedly condemned China’s increasingly assertive actions t o fortify its territorial claims in the South China Sea, where hostilities have particularly flared since last year between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces and accompanying vessels.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterways, a key global and security route.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/philippines-says-china-was-dramatically-alarmed-over-us-missile-system-deployed-to-its-north/ar-AA1oUR5e?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=db02033caf9e45fbbe44c6b25ad28013&ei=124

[Buddahaid]

Bodycam data mining?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-qYqrqViSk&t=29s

[Jimbuna]

China accuses Philippines of deliberating crashing into ship after vessels collide

The confrontation in the South China Sea happened near Sabina Shoal, a disputed area in the Spratly Islands where overlapping claims are also made by Vietnam and Taiwan.

Officials from the Philippines accused the Chinese of "dangerous manoeuvres" and said two of its coastguard vessels - the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano - had been damaged.

China's coastguard accused the Philippines of deliberately crashing one of its ships into their vessel.

No injuries were reported by either nation.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, of the Philippine coastguard, said: "This is the biggest structural damage we have incurred as a result of the dangerous manoeuvres carried out by the Chinese coastguard."

The Philippines said it "stands firm" in trying to "ensure the safety and security" of its vessels while facing any "threats" to its national interests.

Gan Yu, spokesman for the Chinese coastguard, said: "The Philippine side is entirely responsible for the collision.

"We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise it will bear all the consequences arising from that."

The spokesman claimed a Philippine ship was turned away from Sabina Shoal and had entered waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, ignoring the Chinese coastguard's warnings.

"The Chinese coastguard took control measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with law and regulation," he added.

Sabina Shoal lies about 87 miles west of the Philippines' island province of Palawan and has increasingly become a new flashpoint in the territorial disputes with China.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-accuses-philippines-of-deliberating-crashing-into-ship-after-vessels-collide/ar-AA1p2XKT?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=84f53ae4b1c24315b84088a34299a0ae&ei=16

[Jimbuna]

Beijing seeks to boost military cooperation with Vietnam despite South China Sea dispute

China highlighting the historic relationship between the two countries’ Communist parties.

On the second day of Lam’s China trip, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for Lam, who is both party chief and head of state, and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

As well as the customary flag-waving, 21-gun salute and honour guard, the ceremony also included a marching performance by China’s military band, an honour only granted to select foreign leaders such as Vladimir Putin.

Xi, who told his visitor that he was keen to establish a “good working relationship and personal friendship”, also hosted a small-scale tea ceremony after their formal meeting in an effort to foster what state media described as a “cordial and friendly” atmosphere.

That continued a tradition that Xi initiated for Lam’s predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, who died last month.

Lam’s visit is his first foreign trip since he succeeded Trong as party chief two weeks ago and, in another sign of how seriously Beijing is taking the visit, he was greeted on arrival in China by foreign policy chief Wang Yi, something that has not been done for other visiting foreign leaders, not even Putin.

Lam’s first port of call was the southern city of Guangzhou, a destination with plenty of symbolic importance for the Vietnamese Communist Party because it hosted many exiled revolutionary leaders, including Ho Chi Minh.

On arrival Lam was greeted by the song “Việt Nam – Trung Hoa”, a piece written during the Vietnam war that celebrates the relationship between Ho and Mao Zedong.

Further emphasising these ties, the Vietnamese leader’s tour of the city included a visit to headquarters of the Communist Youth League and the grave of Vietnamese activist Pham Hong Thai, who died after a failed attempt to assassinate the French governor of Indochina Martial Merlin in the city in 1924.

But for all these professions of friendship, the relationship between the two countries is far more complex. Parts of northern Vietnam spent centuries under Chinese rule, prompting frequent rebellions and uprising.

Relations between the two countries also soured dramatically in the 1970s as Vietnam sided with Moscow in the Sino-Soviet split before they fought a brief border war in 1979 that remains a source of lingering resentment.

The two sides did not reestablish normal relations until 1991 and their long-running dispute over the Paracel and Spratly Islands remains unresolved.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3275089/beijing-looks-echoes-past-vietnams-new-leader-visits-china?module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

[Jimbuna]

China's growing authoritarianism: Taiwan urges global response

At the Ketagalan Forum, dedicated to security in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed concern over China's growing authoritarianism. He emphasised that Beijing's threat would not be limited to the island and called on "democratic countries" to unite to counter China's expansion.

We are all fully aware that China's growing authoritarianism will not stop at Taiwan, nor is Taiwan the only target of China's economic pressure - said Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te during a speech at the annual forum involving politicians and scholars from 11 countries.

The communist government in Beijing maintains that Taiwan, despite having a democratically elected administration, armed forces, and its own currency, is a "rebellious" Chinese province, and refers to President Lai as a "dangerous separatist".
Beijing also does not rule out the use of force to take control of the island. Shi Taifeng, head of the United Front Work Department of the CCP, stated on Tuesday in Hong Kong that China is now "more confident and capable of unification" than ever before.

In response to these remarks, Lai assessed that "China intends to alter the rules-based international order". As such, he called on "democratic countries" to unite and take concrete actions to curb the spread of authoritarianism.

Taiwan will not be intimidated - declared Lai, emphasising the island's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.

The President of Taiwan added that the rise of "military expansionism" by China is also evident elsewhere, pointing to joint manoeuvres of the Chinese army with Russia in the South China Sea, the western Pacific, and the Sea of Japan.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-s-growing-authoritarianism-taiwan-urges-global-response/ar-AA1pb17k?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ed9b81b6c6a8431baf91fba1a708f9c5&ei=22

[Jimbuna]

Chinese Navy unveils advanced submarine with groundbreaking features

AChinese shipyard in Wuhan has launched a submarine that will likely be the Chinese navy's most advanced conventionally powered vessel. The submarine features X-shaped rudders, a first for Chinese submarines, and it is probably equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS).

According to Naval News, the submarine observed in the Chinese shipyard was launched in April 2024. However, Beijing did not publicly highlight the progress on the vessel, which was only revealed in July 2024 by naval expert Tom Shugart. Shugart noticed it while reviewing commercial images from 26 April 2024, showing the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group shipyard in Wuhan. These images were taken by one of the Chinese companies that manufacture conventional submarines.

Shugart posted on platform X, noting that the images seem to show a newly launched Hangor II class submarine, the first of eight being constructed for Pakistan. He also mentioned the possibility of a second, potentially new class of submarine. Additionally, he speculated that the images might indicate the presence of a new class of Chinese submarines. Naval News suggests that the most straightforward explanation for the new vessel's appearance is that China is developing a variant of the conventional-powered Type 039A submarines, known by its NATO codename, Yuan.

The new vessel has dimensions similar to those of Yuan-class submarines. For example, the Type 039A submarines are about 78 metres long and have a displacement of 4,028 tonnes. It is also equipped with X-shaped rudders, a novelty for Chinese submarines. This design likely aims to enhance their agility and manoeuvrability, especially in shallow waters. Naval News also notes that the slightly longer hull suggests that the new submarines may be equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS) and can accommodate between four and eight missiles, including anti-ship ballistic missiles.

According to Naval News, If this indeed happens, the vertical launch systems "will make the Chinese submarine one of the most powerful non-nuclear submarines in the world". The publication emphasises that this will surprise planners, who currently categorise China's conventional submarine forces as having "only local significance".

However, it is worth noting that not only is the Chinese submarine fleet gaining strength, but Beijing is also focusing on surface ships. China currently possesses the world's largest naval fleet, numbering approximately 370 ships. Recently, China launched the third aircraft carrier, Fujian, which has been sent for sea trials. There have also been photos of a mysterious vessel resembling the Swedish Visby-class stealth corvettes.

As we have already reported, the exact specifications of this vessel (similar to that of the new submarine) are classified. Still, satellite images suggest that the hull is designed to reduce various signatures, including optical, infrared, acoustic, and radar. This design aims to increase its survivability and effectiveness during combat missions.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/chinese-navy-unveils-advanced-submarine-with-groundbreaking-features/ar-AA1pjKvS?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=02ed9f700e6e4f628f58de0e0ce8aba3&ei=98

[Jimbuna]

China forces Japan to scramble fighter jets after first-ever concerning move

AChinese military aircraft briefly entered Japan's airspace during the morning of August 26, the Japanese Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

This prompted Japan to scramble fighter jets, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

The Chinese plane, identified by Japanese officials as a Y9 intelligence-gathering aircraft, left Japan's airspace very quickly.

The plane, Tokyo said, entered Japan's airspace off the coast of the Danjo Islands in Goto City, part of the Nagasaki area.

This marked the first time a Chinese military aircraft was confirmed to have violated Japanese airspace - and signalled rising tensions between the countries.

Following the incident, the Japanese Ministry of Defence announced it continued monitoring and analysing the purpose of the flight.
A Defence Ministry official told NHK: "The Chinese military is stepping up its military activities at sea, including in the East China Sea. It is unclear at this stage what their intentions were this time, but we will take every precaution and maintain surveillance."

The Y9 is a medium military transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China.

The aircraft, which started being used by the Chinese military in 2012, is powered by four propellers and can travel at a cruise speed of 350 mph.

Tensions between China and Japan have been brewing for years. In August 2023, a spate erupted when Tokyo decided to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. While scientists considered this move, approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency, safe, China's anger erupted, claiming Tokyo was using the waters as its "private sewer".

Moreover, Japan has long criticised China's activity in the South China Sea and Beijing's aggressivity towards Taiwan.

The relations between the two countries are also strained by territorial disputes.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-forces-japan-to-scramble-fighter-jets-after-first-ever-concerning-move/ar-AA1prn4u?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=413134eebe2549b9b2b1fab056d10b85&ei=28

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan military says China lacks ability to invade, but has other options

TAIPEI (Reuters) -China lacks the ability to "fully" invade Taiwan as it does not have the equipment, but is bringing on line advanced new weapons and has other options to threaten Taiwan, such as inspecting foreign cargo ships, the island's defence ministry said.

China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. The government of the defeated Republic of China fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and no peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed.
In an annual threat assessment of China sent to lawmakers on Friday, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan's defence ministry said Beijing continues to hone skills such as joint command operations.

"However, the use of tactics and strategies against Taiwan is still limited by the natural geographical environment of the Taiwan Strait and insufficient landing equipment and logistic capabilities," it said.

China "is not yet fully possessed of the formal combat capabilities for a comprehensive invasion of Taiwan".

But China is speeding up development of a slew of new weapons, such as the H-20 bomber and hypersonic missiles and beefing up the number of nuclear warheads, while trialling new tactics, the ministry said.

The report said that in May, when China staged war games around Taiwan shortly after Lai Ching-te took office as the new president, Chinese coast guard ships were sent for the first time on interception and inspection drills off the east coast.

China's aim with the drills was to practice cutting off communication with the outside world and blockade Taiwan, and boarding foreign cargo ships is an option China could take, short of open conflict, the ministry said.

The waters around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait, are busy international shipping lanes.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At a regular news briefing in Beijing on Thursday, the ministry said that as long as Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party "engages in 'Taiwan independence' (efforts), there will be no peace".

"The more they provoke, the faster they will perish," spokesperson Wu Qian told reporters.

Taiwan's proposed defence spending will rise faster than expected economic growth next year, as Taipei builds more missiles, submarines and other weapons to deter China.

President Lai, whom China calls a "separatist", has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing, but has been rebuffed. He says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

"Peace achieved by strength is true peace," Lai told officers at the defence ministry on Friday.

"We will continue to improve our self-defence capabilities and show the world that we are united as a nation and are determined to protect our country."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-military-says-china-lacks-ability-to-invade-but-has-other-options/ar-AA1pHudx?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=894e4a6e446b4849a810386d04adbba1&ei=60

[Jimbuna]

Taiwan's president advises China to return Russia's 'historical' lands in Far East

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has proposed that China should reclaim the "historical" territories in the Far East from Russia, citing Moscow's weakened state, citing Reuters.

According to Lai, if China’s claims on Taiwan are based on territorial integrity, then it should also seek the return of lands ceded to Russia by the last Chinese dynasty in the 19th century.

"If it is for the sake of territorial integrity, why doesn't it take back the lands occupied by Russia that were signed over in the Treaty of Aigun? Russia is now at its weakest right?" Lai said.

Lai added that China is not pursuing this but continues to threaten the annexation of Taiwan. He believes this is because Beijing's intention to annex Taiwan is not genuinely about territorial integrity.
"China's intention to attack and annex Taiwan is not because of what any one person or political party in Taiwan says or does. It is not for the sake of territorial integrity that China wants to annex Taiwan," Lai said.

Taiwan-China relations

The relationship between Taiwan and China is complex and tense, primarily revolving around the issue of sovereignty. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and seeks to reunify it with the mainland through both diplomatic and military pressure. On the other hand, Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state with its own government, economy, and military, though it avoids declaring formal independence to prevent escalating the conflict with China.

China actively works to isolate Taiwan on the international stage, barring it from participating in many international organizations and events. Meanwhile, Taiwan enjoys support from several countries, notably the United States, which supplies the island with arms for its defense.

Recently, tensions between Taiwan and China have escalated, particularly with Chinese military drills and aircraft flights near Taiwan's borders.

In June, it was reported that Taiwan, in response to the threat from China, would conduct military exercises closely resembling combat situations. One of the unique elements of these exercises for the Taiwanese military will be night drills.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/taiwan-s-president-advises-china-to-return-russia-s-historical-lands-in-far-east/ar-AA1pRzCf?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=6e5ceb9628044c53aba032e2f2292089&ei=66

[Jimbuna]

Malaysia says it won't bow to China's demands to halt oil exploration in the South China Sea

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday that Malaysia will not bow to demands by China to stop its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea as the activities are within the country's waters.

Anwar said Malaysia would continue to explain its stance following China's accusations in a protest note in February to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing that Kuala Lumpur had infringed on its territory. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it was investigating the leak of the diplomatic protest note that was published by a Filipino media outlet on Aug. 29.

“We have never intended in any way to be intentionally provocative, unnecessarily hostile. China is a great friend, but of course we have to operate in our waters and secure economic advantage, including drilling for oil in our territory,” Anwar said in a televised news conference from Russia, where he is on an official visit.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer published the diplomatic note in which Beijing reportedly demanded that Malaysia immediately halt all activities in an oil-rich maritime area off Sarawak state on Borneo island.

The report said China had accused Malaysia of encroaching on areas covered by its 10-dash line, Beijing’s controversial map showing its claims to sovereignty in the South China Sea. The diplomatic note also expressed Beijing’s displeasure over Malaysia’s oil and gas exploration activities near the Luconia Shoals, which is near to Sarawak, it said.

Anwar said it wasn't the first time China had sent a protest note over the South China Sea dispute but stressed it shouldn't mar a strong relationship. Anwar had called China a "true friend” during a visit to Malaysia by Chinese President Li Qiang in June to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.

“We have said that we will not transgress other people’s borders,” Anwar said. “They know our position ... They have claimed that we are infringing on their territory. That is not the case. We say no, it is our territory. But if they continue with the dispute, then okay, we will have to listen, and they will have to listen.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/malaysia-says-it-won-t-bow-to-china-s-demands-to-halt-oil-exploration-in-the-south-china-sea/ar-AA1q2zvO?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ea9254c7104a42f48e8b32d81bdd7203&ei=11

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3KtOmIosbs

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Uncertainty for families as China ends foreign adoptions

China has announced that it is ending the practice of allowing children to be adopted overseas, bringing uncertainty to families currently going through the process.

A spokeswoman said that the rule change was in line with the spirit of international agreements.

At least 150,000 Chinese children have been adopted abroad in the last three decades.

More than 82,000 have gone to the US, a greater number than anywhere else in the world.

At a daily briefing Thursday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in the future Beijing would only allow foreign nationals who are relatives to adopt Chinese children.

She did not explain the reason for the decision, other than saying it was in line with international agreements.

Ms Mao thanked families "for their desire and love in adopting children from China".

The ban on foreign adoptions has created uncertainty for hundreds of families in the US currently going through the process of adopting children from China.

In a call with US diplomats in China, Beijing said it would "not continue to process cases at any stage" other than those cases covered by an exception clause. This position was confirmed by spokeswoman Ms Mao.

Washington is seeking clarification from China's civic ministry.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmwrpe3m3do

[Rockstar]

China’s population collapse and other population tidbits

https://youtu.be/7Me2G6FJZMI

[Jimbuna]

China’s ‘disappeared’ foreign minister demoted to low-level publishing job, say former U.S. officials

His rise was meteoric, his fall equally abrupt. Ever since the summer of 2023, when then-Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang mysteriously disappeared from public view, his fate has been the subject of intense speculation.

Wild rumours abounded: He’d been imprisoned. Killed himself. None was true.

In fact, Qin is alive but, according to two former U.S. officials, in a position very diminished from his once lofty perch close to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Qin has been nominally assigned to a low-level job at a publishing house affiliated with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, according to the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity.

The former officials say that Qin, 58, has been placed — at least on paper — at a job with World Affairs Press, a state-owned publishing house affiliated with the Foreign Ministry.
The demotion, which the former officials said took place sometime in the spring, is a “fall from grace” but also means “he’s off the hook,” one of them said. “He’s not going to jail, but his career is over.”

It probably serves not just as a punishment, but as a cautionary tale, the official said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly declined to comment on its former boss’s fate and did not respond to faxed questions about Qin’s new role.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-s-disappeared-foreign-minister-demoted-to-low-level-publishing-job-say-former-u-s-officials/ar-AA1qcChL?ocid=BingNewsSerp

[Jimbuna]

China announces joint naval and air drills with Russia amid ongoing Ukraine conflict

China’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that joint naval and air drills with Russia will begin this month, emphasizing the growing military ties between the two nations as Russia continues its protracted invasion of Ukraine.

The ministry said the “Northern United-2024” exercises would take place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk farther north, but gave no details.

It said the naval and air drills aimed to improve strategic cooperation between the two countries and “strengthen their ability to jointly deal with security threats.”

The notice also said the two navies would cruise together in the Pacific, the fifth time they have done so, and together take part in Russia’s “Great Ocean-24” exercise. No details were given.
China has refused to criticize Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, and blamed the US and Nato for provoking President Vladimir Putin.

While China has not directly provided Russia with arms, it has become a crucial economic lifeline as a top customer for Russian oil and gas as well as a supplier of electronics and other items with both civilian and military uses.

Russia and China, along with other US critics such as Iran, have aligned their foreign policies to challenge and potentially overturn the Western-led liberal democratic order. With joint exercises, Russia has sought Chinese help in achieving its long-cherished aim of becoming a Pacific power, while Moscow has backed China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and elsewhere.

That has increasingly included the 180-kilometer (110-mile) wide Taiwan Strait that divides mainland China from the self-governing island democracy that Beijing considers its own territory and threatens to invade.

Based on that claim, the Taiwan Strait is Chinese. Though it is not opposed to navigation by others through one of the world's most heavily trafficked seaways, China is "firmly opposed to provocations by countries that jeopardize China’s sovereignty and security under the banner of freedom of navigation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing on Friday.

Mao was responding to a report that a pair of German navy ships were to pass through the strait this month for the first time in more than two decades. The US and virtually every other country, along with Taiwan, considers the strait international waters.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-announces-joint-naval-and-air-drills-with-russia-amid-ongoing-ukraine-conflict/ar-AA1qf2Sv?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=d5e2d9c469f7499cb444574abcaa00bd&ei=17

[Jimbuna]

Philippines calls summit of Pacific allies amid fears one ‘wrong move’ could trigger war in South China Sea

Twenty allies of the Philippines are meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York amid fears that one “wrong move” could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

The summit is aimed at finding ways to “talk some sense” into China and send a message to president Xi Jinping, Manila’s envoy to America said on Tuesday. Jose Manuel Romualdez did not name any of the countries that are likely to attend.

The Philippine Navy claims China is deploying ever more maritime vessels and warships in the disputed waters amid increasing skirmishes between the two countries.

The Philippines and China have exchanged accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels in the disputed waters in recent months, including a violent clash in June in which a Filipino sailor lost a finger.

The tensions are centred around the Sabina Shoal, a coral atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands which is closer to the Philippines than the earlier flashpoint of the Second Thomas Shoal.

The new flashpoint emerged after the two countries made a deal to try to stop dangerous confrontations at the Second Thomas Shoal.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/philippines-calls-summit-of-pacific-allies-amid-fears-one-wrong-move-could-trigger-war-in-south-china-sea/ar-AA1qntL6?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=e0d44ededae74624874bd5ec0ba372cc&ei=31

[Jimbuna]

Exclusive: Evergrande Chairman Hui kept in special detention center in Shenzhen, sources say

HONG KONG, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Hui Ka Yan, the chairman of China Evergrande Group (3333.HK), opens new tab - the company at the centre of the country's property sector crisis - has been moved to a special detention centre in Shenzhen, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.
Hui, 65, has not been seen in public since he was taken away by Chinese authorities a year ago and his current whereabouts have not been previously reported.
After China's securities regulator found Evergrande's flagship unit had inflated earnings and committed securities fraud, Hui was fined $6.6 million in March and barred from the securities market for life. Evergrande was ordered into liquidation in January.
Hui, who was once China's richest man, is not known to have been formally charged with any crimes and it is unclear how long he will remain in detention or whether he will be tried or set free.
Chinese authorities have detained many former high-flying business executives and some have remained in detention for years with little or no information about their fate.
The property tycoon was initially under house surveillance in Beijing after his arrest, according to one of the sources.
He was transferred to Shenzhen a few months ago to allow him to more easily communicate with top Evergrande executives, said the second source. Evergrande is headquartered in the neighbouring southern city of Guangzhou and its wealth management unit is based in Shenzhen.
The sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
China's Ministry of Public Security and the Shenzhen municipal government did not respond to Reuters requests for comment, nor did Hengda Real Estate, Evergrande's main unit. Evergrande's liquidators, who have been appointed by a Hong Kong court, declined to comment.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/evergrande-chairman-hui-kept-special-detention-center-shenzhen-sources-say-2024-09-12/

[Jimbuna]

China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia next month for the BRICS summit

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Russia next month for a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed Thursday, a move that comes as Moscow and Beijing seek to counter the West’s global influence.

Xi's visit to Russia will be his second since the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlin’s contentions that Russia's action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

Wang Yi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg Thursday and the two hailed ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign minister said that Xi “happily accepted” Putin's invite to attend the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan in October.
Putin, in turn, announced that the two will also sit down for a bilateral meeting in Kazan and discuss various aspects of the Russia-China relations, which “are developing quite successfully” and “in all directions.”

Xi last visited Russia in March 2023 and Putin reciprocated with his own trip to China in Oct. that year. The two leaders have since also met in Beijing in May, where Putin took the first foreign trip of his fifth presidential term, and in Kazakhstan in July.

After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China as Western sanctions cut its access to much of the international trading system. China’s increased trade with Russia, totaling $240 billion last year, has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.

Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

The two countries have also deepened their military ties in the last two years.

The BRICS alliance was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has recently undergone an expansion and now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has said it’s considering joining, and Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied.

BRICS has a stated aim to amplify the voice of major emerging economies to counterbalance the Western-led global order. Its founding members have called for a fairer world order and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-s-xi-jinping-to-visit-russia-next-month-for-the-brics-summit/ar-AA1qsL7K?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=63d97d76806d446ba4fb933baa6d5c9c&ei=25

[Jimbuna]

US House of Representatives approves package of bills to counter China

This week, the US House of Representatives approved a comprehensive package of bills aimed at countering Chinese influence. The initiative received bipartisan support, according to AP.

Technology

Specifically, the House of Representatives supported a bill that prevents federal funds from going to five biotechnology companies linked to China. This measure is deemed necessary to protect American health data and reduce reliance on China for medical supplies.

Another bill bans drones manufactured by the Chinese company DJI, a dominant player in the global market, on national security grounds.

To close an export control loophole, the House supported an amendment intended to block China's remote access — such as through cloud computing services — to advanced US technologies for artificial intelligence development and military modernization.

Espionage

A party-line bill mandates that the Department of Justice address Beijing’s espionage activities targeting US intellectual property and scientific institutions, and prosecute individuals involved in commercial theft, hacking, and economic espionage.

Electric vehicles

The House also approved a measure to exclude Chinese electric vehicles from receiving tax incentives for clean transportation. "America’s working families should not be forced to subsidize a nation whose decades of unfair trade practices and government subsidies have led to lost jobs, shuttered factories, and hollowed-out communities right here at home," said Representative Jason Smith, a Missouri Republican.

Diplomacy

The House backed several measures to strengthen sanctions against China and deepen ties with Asia-Pacific countries to counter Chinese influence.

This could lead to the closure of Hong Kong’s diplomatic missions in the US, stripping them of diplomatic privileges if it is deemed that the territory has lost its autonomy from mainland China.

It is noteworthy that the US and China have not agreed on a specific plan for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

On September 10, the US and China held their first military-to-military talks aimed at stabilizing relations. One of the topics addressed was the tension in the South China Sea.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-house-of-representatives-approves-package-of-bills-to-counter-china/ar-AA1quagg?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=07e734597770493190043c0be0292d7d&ei=16

[Skybird]

China raises retirement age for the first time since the 1950s.

[Jimbuna]

The top legislative body on Friday approved proposals to raise the statutory retirement age from 50 to 55 for women in blue-collar jobs, and from 55 to 58 for females in white-collar jobs.

Men will see an increase from 60 to 63.

Still a lot better than here in the UK

[Jimbuna]

China accuses Germany of raising security risks with military ships in Taiwan strait

China criticized Germany on Saturday for increasing security risks a day after two German naval vessels passed through the Taiwan Strait, a key waterway that Beijing claims as its territory. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius defended the move, stating that the ships were navigating international waters on the safest route, while Beijing responded by deploying forces to monitor the vessels.

China on Saturday accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German military vessels sailed through the sensitive waters.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the supply vessel Frankfurt am Main sailed through the strait.
"The German side's behaviour increases security risks and sends incorrect signals," Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi said in a statement.

US military ships as well as those operated by other countries have often sailed through the sensitive waterway.

But the Baden-Wuerttemberg's voyage was the first time in more than two decades that Berlin's navy had done so, according to German media reports.

Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from the Chinese mainland.

Germany and many other countries argue such voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation.

China's Li said Saturday that the People's Liberation Army had sent sea and air forces to "monitor and warn off" the German vessels.

Beijing's troops in the area would "resolutely counter all threats and provocations", Li added.

The two vessels were headed from South Korea to the Philippines, German defence ministry officials said.

Pistorius said on Friday that the course charted by the vessels was "the shortest route".

"It is the safest route given the weather conditions. And these are international waters, so we are sailing through them."

Freedom of navigation

Though Taiwan has only a dozen diplomatic allies, it maintains strong partnerships with various Western democracies such as the United States, which is its biggest weapons supplier.

Read moreBlinken reiterates to China US concern over ‘provocative’ drills around Taiwan

Beijing has in recent years engaged in an escalating campaign of intimidation against Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises around the island.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-accuses-germany-of-raising-security-risks-with-military-ships-in-taiwan-strait/ar-AA1qyFrp?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=efea50ec2f7b42a99dd79b66b284604c&ei=12

[mapuc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1GYp97RDOg

Markus

[Jimbuna]

China’s Coast Guard claims to have entered the Arctic Ocean for the first time as it ramps up security ties with Russia

Hong Kong
CNN
—
China’s Coast Guard claimed it entered waters of the Arctic Ocean for the first time as part of a joint patrol with Russia – in the latest sign of enhanced coordination between the two in a region where Beijing has long wished to expand its footprint.

The statement came a day after the US Coast Guard said it spotted four vessels from the Russian Border Guard and Chinese Coast Guard in the Bering Sea – the “northernmost” location it said it had ever observed the Chinese ships.

The joint patrol “effectively expanded the scope of the coast guard’s ocean-going navigation” and tested their ability “to carry out missions in unfamiliar waters,” the China Coast Guard (CCG) said in a post on its official social media account Wednesday.

The CCG did not release the exact location of the patrol. A banner visible on one of the vessels in accompanying photos read “China Coast Guard devoting its heart to the Party; demonstrating loyalty in the Arctic Ocean,” referring to China’s ruling Communist Party.

The Russian government has not officially acknowledged the patrol, which Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said took place “a few days ago.” Russian state media TASS published a report on the patrol, citing the CCG statement.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) on Monday said it spotted the four vessels from the Russian Border Guard and Chinese Coast Guard “transiting in formation in a northeast direction” in the Bering Sea, some five miles inside Russia’s Exclusive Economic Zone on Saturday.

The Bering Sea stretches between Russia and Alaska and is part of the North Pacific Ocean. It connects to the Arctic Ocean through the Bering Strait, a narrow passage separating Asia and North America.

“This recent activity demonstrates the increased interest in the Arctic by our strategic competitors,” Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, said in the USCG statement.

The US has raised concerns about China’s growing role and coordination with Russia in the strategically and environmentally sensitive Arctic region, as the two countries tighten their security and economic ties more broadly.

US and Canadian forces in July intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers flying together near Alaska for the first time, while their two navies operated together in international waters off the Alaskan coast in 2022 and 2023, according to the US military.

Last year, CCG and Russia’s Federal Security Service, which operates its coast guard, agreed to strengthen their “maritime law enforcement cooperation” and China was invited to observe Russia’s “Arctic Patrol-2023” security drills.

Analysts say the new patrol is part of a broader pattern of collaboration – and designed to send a message to Washington, whose maritime activities in the South and East China Seas have longed irked Beijing.

“The significance of the (China) Coast Guard operating farther north than it has ever done implies (China) is extending its Coast Guard into areas the US has traditionally considered its own domain,” said Carl Schuster, a retired US Navy captain and former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center.

“China in particular is signaling that the US Coast Guard is not the only one that (can) operate within and near other countries’ Economic Exclusion Zones from their own home waters,” he said.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/03/china/china-russia-coast-guard-arctic-ocean-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

Xi vows ‘reunification’ with Taiwan on eve of Communist China’s 75th birthday

Hong Kong
CNN
—
Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his pledge to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan on the eve of Communist China’s 75th birthday, as Beijing flexed its military might in the run-up to the national holiday.

At a state banquet celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic on Monday, Xi used his address to underscore his resolve to achieve the “complete reunification of the motherland.”

“It’s an irreversible trend, a cause of righteousness and the common aspiration of the people. No one can stop the march of history,” he told the thousands in attendance at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according to state-run news agency Xinhua.

China’s ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own, despite having never controlled it, and has vowed to “reunify” with the self-governing democracy, by force if necessary.

But many people on the island view themselves as distinctly Taiwanese and have no desire to be part of Communist China.

The two sides have been ruled by separate governments since 1949, after the end of the Chinese civil war. The communists took power in Beijing and founded the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, while the defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan, moving the seat of the Republic of China from the mainland to Taipei.

Successive Chinese leaders have vowed to one day take control of Taiwan, but Xi, China’s most assertive leader in decades, has ramped up rhetoric and aggression against the democratic island – fueling tension across the strait and raising concerns for a military confrontation.

“Taiwan is China’s sacred territory. Blood is thicker than water, and people on both sides of the strait are connected by blood,” Xi told the banquet attended by more than 3,000 people, including officials, retired party leaders and foreign dignitaries.

He also called for deeper economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and promotion of “spiritual harmony of compatriots on both sides.”

“(We must) resolutely oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities,” Xi said.

Beijing has labeled Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te a “dangerous separatist,” and tensions have ratcheted up since Lai’s inauguration in May, during which he called on China to cease its intimidation of Taiwan.

Taiwan officials say Beijing has intensified military activities around the island in recent months, including drills in May that the Chinese military said were designed to test its ability to “seize power” over the island.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was on alert after detecting “multiple waves” of missile firing deep in inland China.

The missiles were fired by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force in the inland regions of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Taiwan’s air defense forces have “maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert.”

It comes just days after China fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in 44 years, in a rare public test that analysts said was meant to send a message to the United States and its allies amid heightened regional tensions.

The issue of Taiwan has become a major point of contention between China and the US, which maintains close but informal relations with Taipei and is bound by law to supply the island with weapons to defend itself.

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden approved an additional $567 million in military support for Taiwan in the largest aid package America has granted the island. The funding will cover defense articles as well as “military education and training,” the White House said in a statement.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/01/china/china-xi-reunification-taiwan-national-day-intl-hnk/index.html

[Jimbuna]

North Korea, China mark 75 years of close ties as others question relationship

The leaders of North Korea and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on Sunday by exchanging messages that expressed hopes for stronger ties.

The message exchange came as North Korea and Russia have been sharply expanding their cooperation while China keeps its distance.

Experts say that the level of exchanges and commemorative programs between North Korea and China in the coming months will provide a clue to the exact status of their ties.

In a message sent to Chinese president Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his government will “steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations” between the two countries, according to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency.

Mr Xi, in his message to Kim, said that China is ready to jointly promote “the stable and further advance of the socialist cause in the two countries,” KCNA said.

Since North Korea and China established diplomatic ties on October 6, 1949, their relationship has often been described as being “as close as lips and teeth.”

China, North Korea’s biggest trading partner and main aid provider, has been suspected of avoiding fully implementing UN sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to help its impoverished neighbour stay afloat and continue to serve as a bulwark against US influence on the Korean Peninsula.

However many observers say China is reluctant to form a three-way, anti-West alliance with North Korea and Russia as it prefers a stable regional security environment to tackle numerous economic challenges and maintain relationships with Europe and its Asian neighbours.

North Korea and Russia have moved significantly closer to each other amid widespread outside suspicions that North Korea has supplied conventional weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine in return for military and economic assistance.

During a meeting in Pyongyang in June, Mr Kim and Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked, in what was considered the two countries’ biggest defence deal since the end of the Cold War.

North Korea is locked in confrontations with the US, South Korea and their partners over its advancing nuclear program. Mr Kim has said he was forced to expand both nuclear and conventional capabilities to cope with US-led security threats.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/north-korea-china-mark-75-years-of-close-ties-as-others-question-relationship/ar-AA1rLDed?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=e0ca9a64a8a7487ca8fd684595c1c164&ei=28

[Jimbuna]

China demands public sector employees hand in their passports

Public sector employees in China are being demanded to hand in their passports as President Xi Jinping's grip on every aspect of society tightens.

The number of public sector workers who face restrictions on their ability to travel abroad has been massively expanded this year to include most staff at schools, universities, local government and other state-owned businesses.

Legislation dating back to 2003 allowed the communist government in China to restrict international travel for mid-to-high level officials. Under the so-called passport collection drive local authorities are able to control and monitor who travels abroad and how often.

As President Xi continues to increase his dictatorship's invasion into people's private lives, he has also intensified his campaign against foreign spies.

This has led many workers to suddenly find they cannot enjoy the freedom to travel in the way they once did not so long ago.

Speaking to the Financial Times, a primary school teacher from Sichuan province said: 'All teachers and public sector employees were told to hand in our passports.'

Educators in other cities from across the country including, Guangdong and Yichang, have reported the introduction of similar restrictions.

Teachers have long faced some sort of restrictions on their travel abroad out of fear of what ideas they might encounter outside of China and then instill inside their pupils.

This has been greatly increased in recent years with many restrictions from during the covid pandemic being lifted and replaced with similar bans.

Teachers in Wenzhou, in east China, being told to hand in their passports back in March and their names would be registered with the public security bureau’s border control unit.

In order to travel abroad, teachers have to file an application with their schools and are typically restricted to one trip a year for less than 20 days a year.

Those who refused to hand over their passport or travelled anyway could face 'criticism and education' or could even be referred to the Chinese anti-corruption authority.

They might also face a travel ban for two to five years.

Other sectors are also being impacted with some workers in state companies needing approval from nine different departments abroad before they can go on holiday - and still then they have not received their passport.

Retirees are also not immune to the clampdown with a former aircraft maker who has been retired for over ten years suddenly having his passport taken away barring him from visiting family living overseas.

The 76-year-old, who described himself as a patriot, said his former employee had no reason to bar him from travelling to see his grandson.

China's foreign ministry told the FT it was not aware of the situation and referred questions to the relevant authorities.

National security has long been used as a pretext by the communist government to clampdown on freedoms. In the 21st century, Chinese citizens face censorship with what they can and can't do both online and offline.

Meanwhile residents in areas such as Tibet have faced oppression for decades. Having lost their freedom to travel abroad more than a decade ago.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-demands-public-sector-employees-hand-in-their-passports/ar-AA1rPRxN?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=8cb802cc20054bb9b42f07cb1ee64daf&ei=14

[ET2SN]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWkrAM0Ss0w



:up:

[Jimbuna]

China threatens Taiwan with more trade measures after denouncing president's speech

BEIJING, Oct 12 (Reuters) - China is studying further trade measures against Taiwan, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday, two days after Beijing denounced a speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
The Chinese ministry said in a statement on its website that the Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan's ruling party, had not taken any practical measures to lift "trade restrictions" on China.
"At present, relevant (Chinese government) departments are studying further measures based on the conclusions of the investigation into trade barriers from Taiwan" against China, it added.

Taiwan's China policy making Mainland Affairs Council said it regretted and "strongly protested" the move.
"Blatant economic coercion will only arouse the resentment of the Taiwanese people and cause the distance between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to grow wider and wider," it said in a statement.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, detests Lai as a "separatist". Lai and his government reject Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

On Thursday at his keynote national day speech, Lai said the People's Republic of China had no right to represent Taiwan, but that the island was willing to work with Beijing to combat challenges like climate change, striking both a firm and conciliatory tone, drawing anger from China.
The Saturday announcement from China's commerce ministry could portend tariffs or other forms of economic pressure against the island in the near future.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which on Thursday said that Lai's speech promoted "separatist ideas" and incited confrontation, responded to the announcement by saying the fundamental reason behind the trade dispute was the "DPP authorities' stubborn adherence to the stance of 'Taiwan independence'".
"The political basis makes it difficult for cross-Strait trade disputes to be resolved through negotiation," it added.

In May, China reinstated tariffs on 134 items it imports from Taiwan, after Beijing's finance ministry said it would suspend concessions on the items under a trade deal because Taiwan had not reciprocated.
The Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between China and Taiwan was initially signed in 2010 and Taiwanese officials had previously told Reuters that China was likely to pressure Lai by ending some of the preferential trading terms within it.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-threatens-taiwan-with-more-trade-measures-after-denouncing-presidents-2024-10-12/

[ET2SN]

^ Just to back that up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkC-qIg-_Bg

[mapuc]

The different with this exercise is that there isn't an end date where the exercise are over.

Markus

[Reece]

The different with this exercise is that there isn't an end date where the exercise are over.

Markus

:haha: I like that!! :haha:

[Jimbuna]

The different with this exercise is that there isn't an end date where the exercise are over.

Markus

The current exercise is over Markus but I think the point you're making is that further exercises are inevitable.

[mapuc]

The current exercise is over Markus but I think the point you're making is that further exercises are inevitable.

Got it from the news here, where an expert on Chinese relation, who said, this exercise has no end date. This was day before yesterday.

Otherwise you're right Every time China get mad about something related to Taiwan-they conduct some kind of exercise around the island Taiwan.

Markus

[Catfish]

Replies from Xi Jinping are not worth anything anyway, just to think of Hongkong and its "guaranteed" years of independent government by China, and the dictator's style which seems to be the inevitable culprit of "communism".

[Jimbuna]

^ Exactly :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Xi Jinping says China willing to be partner and friend with US

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that a successful partnership between China and the United States allows both countries to promote each other's development rather than hinder it, according to Reuters.

"China is willing to be a partner and friend with the United States. This will benefit not only the two countries but the world," Xi said in his letter during the annual gala for the National Committee on US-China Relations 2024 awards.

Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked that Russia could not sustain a full-scale war against Ukraine for long without China's assistance, asserting that Beijing must bear responsibility for supporting the aggressor nation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the United States' strong concerns regarding China's support for Russia's defense industry during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Blinken stated that Beijing's discussions about peace in Ukraine make no sense.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/xi-jinping-says-china-willing-to-be-partner-and-friend-with-us/ar-AA1sm0dM?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=5fe9577518ad4dbc9c905a1c1a4401b7&ei=16

[Dargo]

Xi Jinping says China willing to be partner and friend with USOnly believe it when it stops the support to Russia and tells North Korea, Iran to do the same.

[Jimbuna]

Only believe it when it stops the support to Russia and tells North Korea, Iran to do the same.

Agreed :yep:

[Jimbuna]

China's Xi urges missile troops to boost deterrence, combat capabilities

BEIJING, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Chinese state media reported on Saturday that President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected a brigade of the People's Liberation Army's Rocket Force, urging the troops to boost their "deterrence and combat capabilities".
During the inspection Xi also urged the strategic missile troops to "resolutely fulfil the tasks entrusted by the Party and the people," state news agency Xinhua said.
The PLA Rocket Force, which oversees the country's conventional and nuclear missiles, has been tasked with modernising China's nuclear forces in the face of developments such as improved U.S. missile defences, better surveillance capabilities and strengthened alliances.
During the inspection, Xi stressed the need to "adhere to political guidance, strengthen mission responsibility," and "promote high-quality development of the force construction," according to Chinese media outlet Cailianshe.
Last month China conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, underscoring growing international focus on the country's nuclear build-up.
China's military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since last year, with several generals, including from the Rocket Force, and aerospace defence industry executives removed from the national legislative body.
In June, Xi said there were "deep-seated problems" in the Chinese military's politics, ideology, work style and discipline, adding "there must be no hiding place for corrupt elements in the army."
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinas-xi-urges-missile-troops-boost-deterrence-combat-capabilities-2024-10-19/

[Jimbuna]

China prepares for war

Chinese President, Xi Jinping, inspected a People's Liberation Army missile brigade this week, calling on his troops to strengthen their "deterrence and combat capabilities".

This came against the backdrop of the latest military exercises around Taiwan, whose large-scale manoeuvres have been seen by authorities as another provocation by the PRC.

Separately, Vice Chairman of China's top military body, Zhang Youxia, met with Russian Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov, and said bilateral relations had reached "their highest historical level" and that the Asian giant wanted to "continue working" with the country.

The Russian minister was in China on an official visit, where the war in Ukraine is one of the main topics on the agenda. The visit came before Chinese President, Xi Jinping, travels to Russia to attend the BRICS summit this weekend.

Zhang, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the developments took place under the "strategic guidance" of Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and that relations "continue to develop in a healthy and stable manner," according to a statement from China's military ministry.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-prepares-for-war/ar-AA1sAhEQ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=8c369df9473c4d059e85e3e169ff3bc4&ei=32

[Dargo]

Cuban officials going to China for advice and them saying "maybe try stopping being Communist" is the funniest thing ever. ‘China is not Cuba’s sugar daddy’: ties between communist nations weaken (https://www.ft.com/content/9ca0a495-d5d9-4cc5-acf5-43f42a9128b4)China publicly supports Cuba’s right to choose its own path to economic development “in line with its national conditions”, but privately Chinese officials have long urged the Cuban leadership to shift from its vertically planned economy to something closer to the Chinese model, according to economists and diplomats briefed on the situation.

Chinese officials have been perplexed and frustrated at the Cuban leadership’s unwillingness to decisively implement a market-oriented reform programme despite the glaring dysfunction of the status quo, the people said.

[Jimbuna]

China holds live-fire drills opposite Taiwan, a week after large-scale exercise

China is staging live-fire drills off the coast of its southern Fujian province facing Taiwan.

The drills come just a week after a massive air-and-sea drill held as a so-called punishment for Taiwan’s president rejecting Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.

The live fire drills were being held near the Pingtan islands, according to a notice from the Maritime Safety Administration.

It warned ships to avoid the area but did not offer additional details.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said China’s drills were part of an annual exercise and was tracking them.

“It cannot be ruled out that it is one of the ways to expand the deterrent effect in line with the dynamics in the Taiwan Strait,” the statement said.

Taiwan is a self-ruled island that Beijing claims is part of China. Tensions around the issue have flared in recent years.

China has increased its presence in the waters and skies around Taiwan. It now increasingly sends large amounts of warplanes and navy vessels to military exercises near Taiwan and its coast guard carries out patrols.

Last week, China held a one-day military exercise aimed at practising the “sealing off of key ports and key areas”.

Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships.

In response to Chinese moves, the US has continued to host what it calls “freedom of navigation” transits through the Taiwan Strait.

On Sunday, the destroyer USS Higgins and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver transited the narrow band of ocean that separates China and Taiwan.

Germany sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait last month as it seeks to increase its defence engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-holds-live-fire-drills-opposite-taiwan-a-week-after-large-scale-exercise/ar-AA1sGOgx?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=2f11b243693c47dfa4e61a5e9814a7ba&ei=28

[Jimbuna]

US-China tech war seen heating up regardless of whether Trump or Harris wins

The U.S.-China tech war is all but certain to heat up no matter whether Republican Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris wins the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, with the Democrat likely to come out with targeted new rules and Trump a blunter approach.
New efforts to slow the flow of less-sophisticated Chinese chips, smart cars and other imports into the U.S. are expected, alongside more curbs on chipmaking tools and highly-prized AI chips headed to China, according to former officials from the Biden and Trump administrations, industry experts and people close to the campaigns.

In her bid for the U.S. presidency, Democrat Harris has said she will make sure "America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century," while Republican candidate Trump has pitched ever-increasing tariffs as a cure-all that includes combating Chinese technological advancement.
In short, the battle to keep U.S. money and technology from boosting China's military and artificial intelligence capabilities is bound to escalate under either Harris or Trump.

"We're seeing the opening of a new front on the U.S. China tech cold war that is focused on data, software and connected devices," said Peter Harrell, a former national security official in the Biden administration.
Last month, the U.S. proposed rules to keep connected cars made with Chinese components off America's streets, while a law was passed this spring that said the short video app TikTok must be sold by its Chinese parent by next year or be banned.

“There’s a lot of concern if a Chinese company is able to access and provide updates to devices,” Harrell said. “The connected car thing and TikTok are just the tip of the iceberg.”
Should Harris win the election, her approach would likely be more targeted and coordinated than Trump’s, people close to both administrations say.
For example, she is likely to continue working with allies much like the Biden administration has, to keep U.S. tech from aiding the Chinese military, Harrell said.

A Trump administration, on the other hand, may move more quickly, and be more willing to punish recalcitrant allies.
"I think we learned from President Trump's first term that he has a bias for action," said Jamieson Greer, former chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative under Trump who remains close to the campaign.
Nazak Nikakhtar, a Commerce Department official under Trump who knows his current advisors, expects a Trump administration to be "much more aggressive about export control policies towards China."
https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-china-tech-war-seen-heating-up-regardless-whether-trump-or-harris-wins-2024-10-23/

[Jimbuna]

Chinese child trafficker with 17 victims sentenced to death

A Chinese court has upheld the death sentence for a woman who trafficked more than a dozen children in the 1990s, in a case that has gripped the country, state media report.

Yu Huaying was sentenced to death again on Friday, after a re-trial that considered additional evidence found that she sold 17 children, not 11 as the 2023 trial had found.

The case first came to light in 2022, when a woman whom she trafficked for 3,500 yuan ($491; £378) in 1995 reported her ordeal to police in Guiyang, in China's south-west.

Yang Niuhua, who was already in her early 30s by that time, was looking for her family and documented her search on Douyin, China's version of TikTok.

Ms Yang was eventually reunited with her relatives following a DNA test, only to be told both her parents had died a few years after she was snatched in Guizhou province.

Ms Yang's report led police to arrest Yu, who was in court during Friday's sentencing.

The court also stripped Yu of all political rights for life and ordered the confiscation of all her property.

“Yu Huaying's subjective malice is extremely deep, her criminal behavior is particularly heinous, and the consequences of her actions are severe, warranting harsh punishment. Although she confessed, this is insufficient to justify a lighter sentence,” the court said.

According to state media reports, Yu's first victim was her own son, whom she sold for 5,000 yuan when she was in her 20s.

The boy's father, Gong Xianliang, would eventually become Yu's cohort in child trafficking. Gong died after Yu was arrested.

Luo Xingzhen - whose two children were snatched by Yu in 1996 - previously revealed how she had spent two decades waiting for her children to come home to the family's shoe repair stall, the same spot where they were taken.

"The pain the traffickers have caused me is unspeakable, and the break in my family can never be repaired," she said in November last year, according to the English-language Global Times.

State media report that some parents of Yu's victims suffered from depression and the ordeal had led families to break apart.

The court said Yu built a "complete criminal chain" of child trafficking, finding children in the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan and the municipality of Chongqing in the south and selling them up north in Hebei through intermediaries, according to reports.

Yu was detained for two months in 2000 for child abduction and in 2004 was jailed for eight years for a similar offence.

Human trafficking has long been a concern in China and cases draw outrage when they are exposed, such as when a woman, who was trafficked for marriage, was found chained in Jiangsu province last year.

When China's one-child policy was in force, a cultural preference for male children led to the trafficking of unwanted baby girls.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2dk7jkyl9o

[mapuc]

His position is well secured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSATqSNttgg

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Even more ruthless a dictator than Putin.

[Jimbuna]

Beijing condemns U.S.-Taiwan arms deal, vows firm response


Authorities in Beijing have issued a stern statement regarding the transaction planned by Washington and Taipei. The Americans have agreed to sell Taiwan a missile system worth approximately £950 million. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the transaction "seriously violates China's sovereignty." On the day the agreement was announced, the Chinese military conducted a "combat readiness test" around Taiwan.

Taiwan's defense ministry announced that the American system "will enhance Taiwan's capabilities in surveillance, fire conduct, command and control, and intelligence data integration, which proved effective during the war in Ukraine."

These explanations irritated the Chinese authorities, who perceived the strengthening of the defense of a state not recognized in Beijing as a threat to their own interests. Chinese authorities announced they would take "all necessary measures to firmly defend sovereignty."

A communiqué issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the transaction "seriously violates China's sovereignty," "significantly harms Sino-American relations," and "threatens peace" in the Taiwan Strait.

Taipei's Ministry of National Defense reported on Sunday that 19 Chinese army military aircraft are operating around Taiwan, including Su-30 fighters. Chinese navy ships' increased activity was also observed nearby. The Chinese military stated that it is conducting a "combat readiness test."

According to the terms of the agreement between the United States and Taiwan, the island will receive three advanced NASAMS missile systems, 123 medium-range missiles, and two radar systems.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/beijing-condemns-u-s-taiwan-arms-deal-vows-firm-response/ar-AA1t0YEB?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=299ed7e2b89947b6b83cb4501644e680&ei=10

[Jimbuna]

China ramps up Taiwan invasion fears as Xi reacts with furious warplane threat to US move

China has intensified combat patrol in the strait of Taiwan in response to the US approval of $2billion (£1.54bn) worth of arms sales to the self-governing island.

Washington approved the sale to the territory on which China lays a sovereignty claim of three units of the Raytheon-manufactured National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, costing $1.16 billion, and $828 million of radar systems.

In response, the Chinese Liberation Party (PLA) launched an intimidating show of force which saw at least 22 aircraft and seven warships patrolling the waters around the island.

Taiwanese authorities said the patrols, which also included drones, took place from Sunday to Monday.

The Taiwanese Defence Ministry believes at least seven warships crossed the "median line" in the Taiwan Strait, the unofficial border between China and Taiwan.

Most Western countries, including the UK, don't formally recognise Taiwan as an independent state but oppose any attempt by the Chinese to annex it by force.

The future of the island has long been a contentious point of discussion in Chinese/US relations and the waters around the territory are regularly used by the PLA to conduct intimidating military exercises.

In response to the sale of weaponry to Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged an official complaint with the US.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said: "The sales seriously undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, harm China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and send a gravely wrong message to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces."

In response, the Pentagon said: "This proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.

"The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region."

The Raytheon missile defence system "provides advanced sensors and interceptors to identify, track and defeat threats as part of a layered missile defence."

The system has previously been given to Ukraine in their ongoing war against Russia and is a significant upgrade on anything the Taiwanese currently possess.

US intelligence has long believed that the annexation of Taiwan is one of President Xi Jinping's long term strategic aims, a move that could potentially bring the US and China into indirect conflict.

China has consistently warned that any attempt by Taiwan to declare independence would be considered a "red line" that would trigger war.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te thanked the US for the weapons, claiming that "strengthening Taiwan's self-defence capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability."

Earlier this month, the PLA conducted military drills around the island which were larger than had been seen for many years.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-ramps-up-taiwan-invasion-fears-as-xi-reacts-with-furious-warplane-threat-to-us-move/ar-AA1t7Apj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=825acd54c18a46bf857cf26f55f49dc7&ei=16

[Jimbuna]

China pictured building high-tech spy outposts on contested islands as fears loom over new 'arms race'

China has been caught on camera building a new counter-stealth radar system on a disputed reef in the South China Sea, sending fears spiralling over its spying in the region.

Fresh research from the Royal Institute of International Affairs suggests Beijing is upgrading its outpost on Triton Island, on the southwest corner of the Paracel archipelago in the South China Sea.

It comes amid warnings that a submarine arms race is ramping up between China and the West - with Beijing looking on track to have a new generation of nuclear-powered and armed submarines in operation by the end of the decade.

China controversially claims almost all the South China Sea, including areas claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Triton, a reef about 1.2 square kilometres large, is in the southwest corner of the Paracels, an archipelago that has been controlled by China since a conflict with Vietnam in 1974.

The area is also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. It is 135 nautical miles east of Vietnam’s mainland - leagues closer than 170 nautical miles south of China’s Hainan.

Chatham House research suggests China may be building what may be a launching point for an anti-ship missile battery, as well as the high-tech radar system.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-pictured-building-high-tech-spy-outposts-on-contested-islands-as-fears-loom-over-new-arms-race/ar-AA1t9W6e?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=b86b2f293b78474b839ce70cce545e00&ei=50

[Jimbuna]

China tests hypersonic passenger plane that can fly from London to New York in under 2 hours

AChinese aerospace firm has completed the first test flight of a passenger plane that it claims can fly at Mach 4 – more than twice the speed of Concorde.

Beijing-based Space Transportation, also known as Lingkong Tianxing Technology, said the prototype of its Yunxing plane conducted a successful outing over the weekend ahead of further engine tests in November.

The first full-scale supersonic passenger jet is expected to perform its maiden flight in 2027, according to the South China Morning Post, who first reported the test flight.

If successful, the Chinese-built craft could become the first supersonic airliner to fly passengers in nearly a quarter of a century, with Concorde completing its final flight in 2003.

Travelling at speeds of 5,000kph (3,000mph), the new plane could potentially fly between London and New York in 1.5 hours. The fastest transatlantic crossing for a Concorde was 2 hours and 53 minutes, while standard airliners take around eight hours.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/china-tests-hypersonic-passenger-plane-that-can-fly-from-london-to-new-york-in-under-2-hours/ar-AA1thdRw?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=8152f761d6ba4be3a23473c8814af074&ei=22

[Jimbuna]

South China Sea: Furious Beijing issues demands of Vietnam after capturing fishermen

Beijing has taken aim at Vietnam and demanded fishermen be given an "education" on "illegal activities" in the South China Sea, as regional tensions ramp up.

The demands were made in response to Hanoi's fury at China's detention of Vietnamese fishermen and fishing vessels in the disputed Paracel Islands.

The incident has reignited the long-standing territorial dispute between the two nations in the resource-rich waters.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters last week: "China urges Vietnam to strengthen education and management of its fishermen and refrain from engaging in illegal activities in waters under China's jurisdiction."

Vietnam had demanded the immediate release of the detained fishermen and proper compensation for losses incurred.

Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson, Doan Khac Viet, stated that the detention of Vietnamese fishermen and vessels "seriously" violates Vietnam's rights over the waters and the legitimate interests of its fishermen.

He said: "Vietnam demands China to compensate properly for losses and stop the recurrence of acts of harassment and illegal detention of Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen in Vietnam's Paracel archipelago."

The incident occurred in late September, with Vietnamese boats being chased, confronted, and their property seized by China.

Vietnam "resolutely" protests and demands China respect its rights over the Paracel Islands.

The South China Sea dispute is a long-standing territorial conflict involving multiple nations.

China claims the majority of the area as its territory, an assertion that overlaps with separate claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The complex web of competing claims has led to frequent tensions and confrontations in the region.

The Paracel Islands, currently controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam, have become a particular flashpoint in recent years.

The dispute not only affects fishing rights but also has implications for maritime trade routes, oil and gas exploration, and regional security.

Earlier this month, Vietnam accused Chinese law enforcement of a "brutal" attack on a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The incident reportedly threatened the lives of crew members.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/south-china-sea-furious-beijing-issues-demands-of-vietnam-after-capturing-fishermen/ar-AA1ttdbB?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=84c872f9da674739b929db89db3c3103&ei=11

[Jimbuna]

Philippine president angers China with new laws to demarcate South China Sea territories

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws on Friday reaffirming the extent of his country’s maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, angering China, which claims the hotly disputed waterway almost in its entirety.

China’s foreign ministry said it summoned the Philippines ambassador to China to lodge a “stern protest." The ministry condemned the move as an attempt to “solidify the illegal ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case through domestic legislation.”

Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces in the disputed sea passage have spiked alarmingly since last year. That has sparked fears that the United States — Manila’s longtime treaty ally — may get drawn in a major conflict.

The laws, called the Philippine Maritime Zones act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes act, were signed by Marcos in a nationally televised ceremony attended by top military and national security officials. They further cement Manila’s rejection of China’s claims to virtually the entire sea passage, and stipulate jail terms and stiff fines for violators.

“These signal our resolve to protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity and ensure that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos,” Marcos said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the move “seriously infringes on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.”

“China strongly condemns and firmly opposes it," she said.

In a new national map it released last year the Chinese government demarcated its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea with vague dash lines that drew protests and rejections from rival coastal states and government, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The maritime zones act demarcates key parts of the Philippine archipelago’s territory and outlying waters where it has full sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law and the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippine officials said.

Those zones include the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, a 200-nautical-mile (370-kilometer) stretch of water, where a coastal state like the Philippines has exclusive rights to tap energy and other resources. Foreign ships and aircraft have an internationally recognized right known as “innocent passage” to pass through such a zone, as long as the coastal state’s security would not come under threat.

The archipelagic sea lanes act allows the Philippines to designate sea lanes and air routes in the archipelago where foreign ships and aircraft could transit under its regulation and in compliance with international law.

“These legal instruments solidify our territory and enhances our ability to protect our country against any infringement,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said.

Marcos said the laws comply with international law and the UNCLOS, but many of their provisions stand in stark contrast to Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea and would likely be rejected and defied by China.

It’s unclear how the Philippines could enforce the laws, which take effect 15 days after their publication in the government’s official gazette or in a newspaper, given China's increasingly aggressive actions to push its claims.

Copies of the laws signed by Marcos were not immediately available but a final version of the maritime zones bill stated that “all artificial islands constructed within the Philippine EEZ belong to the Philippine government.”

China has transformed seven disputed reefs into what are now missile-protected island bases, including the Mischief Reef, which lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

The law based the Philippines’ maritime rights on UNCLOS, Philippine laws and a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s extensive territorial claims based on historical grounds.

China refused to participate in that arbitration, rejected the ruling and continues to defy it. Its massive coast guard, navy, air force and suspected militia fleets have used water cannons, military grade lasers and dangerous sea and air maneuvers to intimidate rival forces it accuses of straying into what Beijing calls its territory.

Washington has repeatedly warned that it's obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, aircraft or ships come under an armed attack in the disputed waters.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/philippine-president-angers-china-with-new-laws-to-demarcate-south-china-sea-territories/ar-AA1tJECE?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=23d2252991454c09bf7e0a857cd13228&ei=16

[Dargo]

China announces trillion-dollar bailout as debt crisis loomsBeijing unveiled a $1.4 trillion bailout for local governments, part of efforts to ward off a looming debt crisis and kickstart a moribund economy. The funds will help provincial authorities refinance a huge pile of loans that had left many struggling to provide basic services and pay civil servants. The widely expected announcement followed a five-day meeting of China’s rubber-stamp parliament. Though a huge sum, it fell short of analysts’ hopes for a broader package targeting China’s deeper economic challenges, ranging from a collapsing real-estate sector to high levels of youth unemployment: Chinese stock futures dropped, while one economist told The New York Times, “What is announced so far is likely not enough.” https://www.semafor.com/article/11/08/2024/china-announces-trillion-dollar-bailout-as-debt-crisis-looms

[ET2SN]

China announces trillion-dollar bailout as debt crisis looms https://www.semafor.com/article/11/08/2024/china-announces-trillion-dollar-bailout-as-debt-crisis-looms

Ironic: A Communist Dictatorship with a debt crisis. :haha:
What happened to "Because we said so..". :O:

[ET2SN]

Even more ruthless a dictator than Putin.

Maybe, but I doubt it.
Xi knows how to shoot water cannons at fishing boats, Putin invades countries. :03:

[Jimbuna]

Maybe, but I doubt it.
Xi knows how to shoot water cannons at fishing boats, Putin invades countries. :03:

:):yep:

[Dargo]

Ironic: A Communist Dictatorship with a debt crisis. :haha:
What happened to "Because we said so..". :O:First there was never a communist country in history, the USSR and China were countries toward communism both fail to reach that goal USSR by corruption under Brezhnev China because Deng Xiaoping went right instead of left ending in a State capitalist country.

[Jimbuna]

Dozens killed after car ploughs into crowd in China

At least 35 people have been killed and 43 more injured after a man drove into a crowd of people exercising at a stadium in Zhuhai, southern China on Monday, authorities say.

A 62-year-old male driver, identified as Mr Fan, drove his SUV through a barrier at Zhuhai Sports Centre in what local police say was a "serious and vicious attack".

Many elderly people, as well as teenagers and children, were among the injured, Chinese media is reporting. Police said the driver was arrested as he tried to flee and is in a coma from self-inflicted wounds.

Amid reports that the incident is being censored online in China, BBC journalists were told to stop filming when reporting from the stadium on Tuesday.

Most videos of the incident shared by witnesses had been scrubbed off Chinese social media by Tuesday morning, but some footage still online showed dozens of people lying on the ground and being attended to by paramedics and bystanders.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to treat the injured and "severe punishment" for the perpetrator.

The incident has taken place amid heightened security in Zhuhai, which is hosting a major international military airshow this week.

Initial investigations suggested the attack had been triggered by Mr Fan's unhappiness over a divorce property settlement. Because he is still in a coma, he has yet to be questioned, police say.

It is common in China for stadiums to be used as regular exercise grounds by locals.

One eyewitness, Mr Chen, told Chinese news magazine Caixin that at least six groups had been at the stadium for their regular walks when the incident happened.

The groups use a designated walking path that traces the stadium's perimeter.

Mr Chen said his group had just completed its third lap around the stadium when a car suddenly charged towards them at a high speed, "knocking down many people".

"It drove in a loop, and people were hurt in all areas of the running track - east, south, west, and north," another eyewitness told Caixin.

The incident occurred 40km (24 miles) away from another venue where the high-profile Airshow China began on Tuesday.

China is showcasing its newest warplanes and attack drones at the show, which top Russian defence official and former defence minister Sergei Shoigu is expected to attend.

Several entrances and exits to the sports centre were closed during the airshow to facilitate "control", the centre's management said on Tuesday.

China has seen a spate of violent attacks on members of the public in recent months.

In October, a knife attack at a top school in Beijing injured five people, while in September, a man went on a stabbing spree at a supermarket in Shanghai, killing three people and injuring several others.

Also in September, a 10-year-old Japanese student died a day after he was stabbed near his school in southern China.

Following Monday's car attack, Japan's embassy warned its nationals living in the country to avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy1k2rx724o

[Jimbuna]

China draws up new map for southernmost city amid tension over disputed islands with Philippines

China has released an updated map for a southern city, established to reinforce its claims in the South China Sea, showing new labels for Paracel and Spratly districts, which were formally created in 2020 but had not appeared on maps until now.

Sansha, China’s southernmost city in Hainan established in 2012, oversees disputed South China Sea territories also claimed by neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia.

The natural resources ministry released the updated map of the city on Sunday featuring new labels for the districts of Paracel, called Xisha in Chinese, and Spratly, locally known as Nansha, the South China Morning Post reported.

The civil affairs ministry, meanwhile, issued region codes for the two districts. The identifiers, used for census and administrative purposes, typically appear as the first six digits on the identity cards of residents born and registered in these areas.

Sansha, rich in resources and strategic significance, has seen extensive development in recent years, with facilities like banks and schools coming up.

The city’s jurisdiction reportedly covers more than 280 islands, shoals, reefs and related maritime features, along with the waters surrounding them, totalling around 800,000 square miles of sea and land. This area includes much of China’s nine-dash line claims, encompassing the Paracel, Spratly and Zhongsha Islands and commonly understood to cover Scarborough Shoal and Macclesfield Bank.

According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, the establishment of Paracel and Spratly districts in Sansha was meant to solidify Beijing’s governance over the South China Sea.

China started administering this area back in 1959, when it set up a party committee and government office on Woody Island. The committee and the office were replaced by new municipal bodies in 2012 when Sansha city was founded, leading to the creation of further local governance structures.

The marking of the new districts continued this expansion, reinforcing China’s administrative presence over its claimed territories in the region.

The updated maps came after China reasserted its claim over the disputed Scarborough Shoal following new Philippine legislation formalising its own territorial claims. Beijing released geographic coordinates for 16 base points around the shoal, marking its first official baseline announcement for this area.

A statement by the Chinese foreign ministry said delimiting the Scarborough Shoal was a “natural step by the Chinese government to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices”.

The previous day, the Philippines had signed two laws defining the country’s maritime zones and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, codifying claims that overlap significantly with China’s.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-draws-up-new-map-for-southernmost-city-amid-tension-over-disputed-islands-with-philippines/ar-AA1tZzYn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=77eb4c87326545a8adab40867d303979&ei=39

[Jimbuna]

China sends weapons to Russia for war against Ukraine for first time. EU prepares sanctions - FAZ

The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on China for sending weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine for the first time. The EU reportedly has "convincing" evidence of the supplies, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

According to the sources, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell informed EU member states about the relevant intelligence data and called for decisive action.

Borrell stated that the evidence was "convincing" and demonstrated the "provision of lethal support" to Russia.

"Now we must consider the full range of tools, including bans on doing business with Chinese companies, freezing assets, and travel bans. But you also have to speak directly to China and make it clear: 'You have always said you want to remain neutral. You are not neutral. China is also not seeking peace. You are feeding the beast,'" he said.

The news agency's sources declined to elaborate on the intelligence findings. However, a senior diplomat referred to "very serious" reports from Reuters.

At the end of September, the agency reported exclusively that a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey Russian state defense company, called Kupol, had developed and tested a new long-range combat drone in China and aimed to establish mass production there for use in the war against Ukraine. This involved the participation of Chinese experts.

China claims to maintain a supposedly neutral position regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Chinese companies continue to supply Russia with dual-use goods. Officially, no transfer of Chinese weapons to Moscow has been recorded.

Recently, Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vasiuk, stated that about 60% of foreign components found in Russian weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine originate from China.

Media reports have also indicated that the West possesses evidence of Chinese companies secretly supplying weapons to Russia. This could signal a significant escalation of Beijing's involvement in the war in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, China is helping Russia prolong its war against Ukraine.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-sends-weapons-to-russia-for-war-against-ukraine-for-first-time-eu-prepares-sanctions-faz/ar-AA1uanOR?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=e8204d53877044d2a7121db19655d231&ei=9

[Jimbuna]

China's nuclear carrier ambitions set to shift global naval power

China is consistently strengthening its navy. The plan to build a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is getting closer to realisation. Satellite images reveal that a prototype reactor is already ready.

Only two countries in the world currently operate nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The United States has 11 such carriers (Nimitz-class, gradually being replaced by the Gerald R. Ford class), and France has one, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Construction of the successor to the latter – the aircraft carrier provisionally named PANG (porte-avions de nouvelle génération, French for new-generation aircraft carrier) – has already begun.

The American and French aircraft carriers, apart from being equipped with nuclear power plants, are also CATOBAR class vessels – where planes launch from them using catapults and land with the help of arresting cables. This solution provides aircraft carriers with the largest combat capabilities.

China currently operates three aircraft carriers – Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian (which is undergoing sea trials). The newest and largest, displacing about 89,000 tonnes, Fujian is also a CATOBAR class vessel, but – unlike the American and French counterparts – has conventional propulsion.

Beijing's plan anticipates that only the fourth, currently under construction, 004 carrier, will have nuclear propulsion.

Information about this vessel began to surface around 2018. The China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, responsible for its construction, revealed at that time that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier would join the list of ships built by this company, and one of the industry services reported on the commencement of steel cutting for the hull of the new large vessel.

According to publicly available information, the new aircraft carrier is expected to displace over 123,000 tonnes – slightly more than American supercarriers, which will give the Chinese vessel the first place among the largest warships in the world.

For years, work on the 004 type aircraft carrier – due to the lack of specific, official information – was the basis for numerous guesses and speculations. It seems that the situation has changed due to a recent discovery made by a team from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-s-nuclear-carrier-ambitions-set-to-shift-global-naval-power/ar-AA1ueCpy?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ea9329863fbf4e538f6a8a531fe4bd68&ei=69

[Jimbuna]

Xi Jinping lays out four red lines US must not challenge in meeting with Joe Biden

Xi Jinping used his final meeting with outgoing president Joe Biden to lay out four “red lines” that Washington must not cross and warned Donald Trump against pushing on the guardrails of US-China relations.

In the final chapter of their diplomatic engagement, the Chinese president and his American counterpart held a two-hour meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru.

Extending an olive branch to the incoming president, Mr Xi said China stood committed to continued dialogue and cooperation to sustain the “hardwon” stability in bilateral relations but warned against a “new Cold War”.

A lengthy readout of the meeting in Lima didn’t mention Mr Trump by name, but spelled out Beijing’s approach to dealing with his administration.

“The Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China’s path and system, and China’s development right are four red lines for China,” it quoted Mr Xi as saying.

“They must not be challenged. These are the most important guardrails and safety nets for China-US relations.”
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/xi-jinping-lays-out-four-red-lines-us-must-not-challenge-in-meeting-with-joe-biden/ar-AA1uhMHz?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=9dffa7421cac40dca7b1d58cc0f3706f&ei=20

[Jimbuna]

China slams US for blocking Gaza ceasefire resolution at UN Security Council

China has lashed out at the US for vetoing the latest UN ceasefire effort for Gaza, accusing Washington of bringing global governance to an “all-time low”.
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday failed to adopt a draft resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as well as the release of all hostages. It was put forward by the 10 elected members of the body: Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Despite securing 14 votes in favour, the resolution was blocked by the United States, which cast the sole veto. It was the fourth time the US – holder of a permanent seat on the 15-member Security Council – has used its veto power since Israel’s war with Hamas militants in Gaza began more than 13 months ago.

Speaking to the American delegation and representatives of other countries after the vote, Fu Cong, Beijing’s top envoy to the UN, said China was “very disappointed” with the result.
“The repeated use of veto by the United States has reduced the authority of the Security Council and international law to an all-time low,” he said.

The senior Chinese diplomat also slammed the US for having “shattered the Gazan people’s hope for survival and pushed them further into darkness and desperation”.

“Now, nearly 44,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and the US still does not hesitate to use its veto,” Fu said.

“This is not just a number. Behind it could be a child, a nursing mother, or a breadwinner of a family.”

A day earlier, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran had collectively called for “an immediate end” to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon during a meeting of the three nations in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh.

Meanwhile, fighting and strife persist in the Middle East.

The Israeli military bombed at least five crowded homes in northern Gaza early on Thursday, leading to many casualties, according to local health officials.

Israel said on Wednesday that one of its commandos was killed during a battle in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that his group had given feedback on a US truce proposal. The leader of the Lebanese armed group and political party added that a deal to halt hostilities now depended on Israel’s response and the seriousness of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, Hamas’ acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in an interview televised on Wednesday that there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel without an end to the war in the Palestinian enclave.

Explaining the country’s veto at the Security Council meeting, US deputy ambassador Robert Wood said Washington “could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages”.

He said that a “durable” end to the war must come with the release of the hostages, stating that the two goals were “inextricably linked”.

“Simply put, this resolution would have sent a dangerous message to Hamas: there’s no need to come back to the negotiating table,” he said, adding that there were still seven American citizens in the hands of the group.

Fu pushed back against those comments, saying that “all hostages must be released. An immediate and unconditional ceasefire must be established. Both are important.”

“There should be no preconditions attached, and the two things should not be linked to each other.”

He warned that in the future, people would find it hard to “believe” or “understand” America’s move and would “surely feel indignant”.

“It is never too late to recognise and correct the mistakes. We call on the US to take its responsibilities as a permanent member of the council seriously, stop being passive and evasive, and stop the deliberate procrastination,” Fu added.

China and Russia in March vetoed a US-drafted ceasefire resolution linked to a hostage deal, which Beijing described as “very unbalanced”.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the US, characterised the latest draft resolution as “a road map to more terror, more suffering and more bloodshed”.

In a social media post on Wednesday, he also thanked the US for vetoing the resolution, adding that “we will continue the fight until all the hostages are released”.

Majed Bamya, the Palestinian deputy permanent observer to the UN, said that a ceasefire “doesn’t resolve everything, but it is the first step to resolving anything”.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3287533/china-slams-us-blocking-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-un-security-council?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article

[Jimbuna]

China blames US policy on Taiwan for defence leaders not meeting

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's defence ministry blamed the United States' stance on Taiwan for its minister not meeting his U.S. counterpart during a gathering this week in Laos.

Defence Minister Dong Jun turned down the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's request to meet during a gathering of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

"The U.S. side cannot undermine China's core interests on the Taiwan issue while engaging with the Chinese military as if nothing is wrong," a ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

The remarks raised questions over whether only a change in U.S. policy towards the island can restore military-to-military talks at the defense minister level between the two countries.

The failure to meet is "entirely the responsibility" of the U.S., the Chinese spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also urged the U.S. to "immediately correct its mistakes" and strive to create favourable conditions for high-level military exchanges between the two sides.

China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, a claim that Taiwan's government rejects.

The U.S. is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition.

Austin told reporters on Wednesday that the fact his Chinese counterpart declined to meet did not have any implications for the future.

"I just think that it's something that they chose to do at this point in time and only they can explain why they chose to not take advantage of a good opportunity," he added.

Austin met China's defense minister on the sidelines of a Singapore conference earlier this year, reiterating their differences on Taiwan and other issues but emphasizing the need to keep military-to-military communications open.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-blames-us-policy-on-taiwan-for-defence-leaders-not-meeting/ar-AA1uvc9e?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=8ee062a6b98f42b7951a86879405fe35&ei=55

[Jimbuna]

China opens door to dialogue as Trump plans steep tariffs

Chinese authorities express their willingness to engage in active dialogue with the United States on the principles of mutual respect, aiming to develop bilateral economic and trade relations, Vice Minister of Commerce, Wang Shouwen, said on Friday, as reported by Reuters.

Wang, who also serves as China's International Trade Representative, emphasised the readiness to manage external shocks in response to questions about potential tariffs that the future U.S. president, Donald Trump, may impose.

Wang expressed confidence that China and the United States will be able to maintain stable, healthy, and sustainable economic and trade relations. He added that Beijing is ready to expand areas of cooperation and manage differences with the United States.

Reuters interviewed economists who predict that the United States might impose tariffs on Chinese imports reaching nearly 40% early next year, which could lower China's economic growth by 1 percentage point.

Fentanyl and Beijing
However, there is something that the Chinese can do as a goodwill gesture. According to the United States, the Chinese government is accused of taking conscious actions to spark an epidemic of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, within the United States. These actions are said to involve subsidising the production of substances needed to manufacture the drug.

Investigators working for the commission discovered that Chinese producers of so-called fentanyl precursors can benefit from tax breaks if they decide to sell their products outside of China. This information was obtained through access to a government portal in Beijing used for filing such tax relief requests.

However, as the "Wall Street Journal" writes, three days after Donald Trump won the presidential election, China announced that, in cooperation with American intelligence, it had arrested a suspect involved in the long-term production of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. It was seen as a symbolic gesture of goodwill by Beijing, taken as a result of intense pressure from Washington to tighten actions.

However, as noted by the "WSJ," when Trump takes office, he promises to adopt an aggressive stance against China regarding their role in the fentanyl crisis, abandoning attempts at diplomacy and compromises made by the Biden administration. During his campaign, Trump announced that he would impose harsh tariffs on China if they do not help stop the influx of illegal drugs to the United States, reports the American journal.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-opens-door-to-dialogue-as-trump-plans-steep-tariffs/ar-AA1uCUEk?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d608b110494c410fa9cb426eab5d3f84&ei=114

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szauTtu4VL0

[Jimbuna]

'No one will win a trade war,' China says after Trump tariff threat

Neither the United States nor China would win a trade war, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said on Monday, after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports when he takes office on Jan. 20.
"About the issue of US tariffs on China, China believes that China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature," Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement.

"No one will win a trade war or a tariff war," Liu said.
Trump said he would impose the tariffs until China stops the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
In the statement, Liu said China had taken steps to combat drug trafficking after an agreement was reached last year between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"The Chinese side has notified the US side of the progress made in US-related law enforcement operations against narcotics," Liu said.

"All these prove that the idea of China knowingly allowing fentanyl precursors to flow into the United States runs completely counter to facts and reality," Liu said.
There has been incremental but visible progress in co-operation over shutting down illicit traffic in chemicals used to produce deadly fentanyl after Xi and Biden agreed to resume joint efforts last year.
The United States, where fentanyl abuse has been a major cause of death, has pushed China for tougher law enforcement, including tackling illicit finance and clamping further controls on the chemicals.
In June, China's top prosecutor urged its law enforcement officials to focus on combating drug trafficking, as Beijing and Washington unveiled a rare joint investigation into drugs.
In August, days after a meeting of a joint counternarcotics working group, China said it would tighten controls on three chemicals essential for making fentanyl.
https://www.reuters.com/world/no-one-will-win-trade-war-china-says-after-trump-tariff-threat-2024-11-26/

[Jimbuna]

China defence minister placed under investigation for corruption, FT reports

BEIJING (Reuters) - China Defence Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption probe that has reached the top ranks of the People's Liberation Army, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

Dong is the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be investigated for alleged corruption, the FT reported, citing current and former U.S. officials.

His predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed after seven months into the job.

Reuters has sought comment from the Foreign Ministry.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/china-defence-minister-placed-under-investigation-for-corruption-ft-reports/ar-AA1uOMNF?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=e553a0cf6a174ee1a6d6c420f93b9cfb&ei=22

[Jimbuna]

Shocking image reveals Chinese ship suspected of sabotage in 'NATO lake'

Ashocking new image has been released appearing to show a Chinese ship which has been accused of sabotage in what has been dubbed the "NATO lake" as tensions with the bloc intensify.

A recently released satellite image seems to show the Yi Peng 3, which has been linked to the recent damage to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, as Swedish authorities invite the vessel to approach the waters off Stockholm.

The image, shared on the social media platform Bluesky and attributed to the US Landsat satellites, appears to show the Chinese-flagged ship approximately 45 miles off the coast of Helsingborg, a city in southern Sweden.

Two vessels, one German and one Danish, can be seen near the Chinese bulk carrier, according to an open-source intelligence account.

A spokesperson for the Danish military reiterated previous statements, saying that they are "present in the area near the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3," but declined to comment further.

Between November 17 and 18, two undersea cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within a 24-hour period. One cable connected Finland to Germany, while the other linked Sweden and Lithuania.

All four countries are NATO members and border the Baltic Sea, which is largely surrounded by NATO member states, with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania.

The incidents, which occurred in quick succession, have raised concerns about potential sabotage. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated shortly after the incidents that "no one believes that these cables were cut accidentally."

The enigma of the Nord Stream pipelines' destruction, which severed Russia's gas link to Germany via the Baltic Sea in fall 2022, persists, as does the mystery behind the damage to an undersea cable connecting Sweden to Estonia in October 2023.

A gas pipeline uniting Estonia with Finland also suffered damage in the same month, with fingers later pointed at a Chinese vessel for dragging its anchor.

Reports have surfaced indicating that the Yi Peng 3 was in proximity to both compromised cables around the time they were severed earlier this month.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson disclosed to journalists on Tuesday that Sweden had initiated "contact with the ship" and engaged with Chinese officials, urging the vessel to "move towards Swedish waters."

Mr Kristersson emphasised that while investigators are not casting blame, they are intent on achieving "clarity on what has happened."

On the same day, Mao Ning, speaking for China's Foreign Ministry, confirmed that China is actively "maintains communication with relevant parties, including Denmark, through diplomatic channels."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/shocking-image-reveals-chinese-ship-suspected-of-sabotage-in-nato-lake/ar-AA1uRRRo?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ffc74eca05b141948e01e4845cf8b4c2&ei=19

[Jimbuna]

Major WW3 scare as Russian and Chinese military jets enter UK ally's air defense zone

South Korea scrambled fighter jets as six Russian military and five Chinese aircraft flew through its air defense zone, the country's military has said.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a news release that the Chinese and Russian planes entered and exited the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) in the East Sea and South Sea from 9.35am (00.35 GMT) to 1.53pm on Friday.

Air defense identification zones are a broader area than a country's airspace, and countries seek the identification, location, and control of aircraft that pass through them to protect national security.

However, unlike airspace, ADIZs aren't defined in any international treaty. The JCS noted that the planes enterted the KADIZ "without violating South Korean airspace".

Seoul's military said it identified the jets before they entered the zone and "deployed Air Force fighter jets to take tactical measures in preparation for any contingencies," as per the statement.

The Chinese defense ministry said on social media that the flights were their "ninth joint strategic patrol," and took place above the Sea of Japan.

The department said the flights were held today "according to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries."

In recent years, Chinese and Russian aircraft have often entered the South Korean air defence zone without incident. Neither country recognises the South Korean air defence zone.

Chinese military aircraft flew towards the small Dokdo islands off South Korea's eastern coast, South Korean military officials said, reports CBS News.

They're then said to have passed between the Korean peninsula and Japan close to Ieodo.

Russian planes are also said to have flown south in the direction of the Dokdo islets.

Officials said the two nations' planes flew together over the sea south of Dokdo before leaving.

In response South Korea's defense ministry "expressed regret" to Beijing and Moscow for entering the KADIZ and "flying for an extended period without prior notice."

It asked that "appropriate measures be taken to prevent a recurrence", adding that further incidents would "unnecessarily heighten tensions in the region."

China and Russia have deepened their military and defense ties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Both countries have been traditional allies of North Korea, South Korea's arch-foe, with thousands of North Korean soldiers reportedly in Russia to fight for Putin.

Meanwhile, Soeul has close ties with the United States and Europe, including the UK.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/major-ww3-scare-as-russian-and-chinese-military-jets-enter-uk-ally-s-air-defense-zone/ar-AA1uZqTg?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=e33d7cf75abe485c8c0a62f3d54d28c1&ei=23