Nearly 14,000 Companies in China Violate Pollution Rules
By Edward Wong via New York Times
June 13, 2017
Environmental inspectors in northern China have found that nearly 14,000 companies, or 70 percent of the businesses they examined, failed to meet environmental standards for controlling air pollution.
Environmental Protection, Pollution
Pakistan Confirms Chinese Couple Killed after IS Claim
By Asif Shahzad via Associated Press
June 12, 2017
Pakistan confirmed Monday that a Chinese couple abducted at gunpoint has been killed, three days after Islamic State militants claimed the killing and sent a video to local journalists purporting to show their bodies.
Pakistan
Ride-Hailing Ucar Invests in China Tesla-Challenger Startup
By Meng Jing via South China Morning Post
June 12, 2017
Ucar, a ride-hailing app launched by Hong Kong-listed China Auto Rental (Car Inc), has led a 2.2 billion yuan (US$324 million) investment into a Tesla-challenger in China, making its foray into automobile manufacturing.
Automobiles, Uber, Technology
China Auto Sales Fall 2.6 Pct in May; SUVs up 13.5 Pct
Associated Press
June 12, 2017
China's auto sales shrank for a second month in May amid weak demand following a rise in the sales tax, an industry group reported Monday.
Automobiles, Manufacturing
China Accuses 2 More Provinces Of Faking Data
Financial Times
June 12, 2017
China’s anti-corruption watchdog has highlighted fake economic data in the Northern provinces of Inner Mongolia and Jilin, in the country’s grain heartland.
Jilin, Inner Mongolia, Corruption, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection
China Drive to Relocate Millions of Rural Poor Runs into Trouble
By Tom Hancock via Financial Times
June 12, 2017
Villagers return home after struggling with lack of jobs in urban apartments
Relocation, Rural Reconstruction, Economic Inequality
Netizens Say One of the Chinese Cities Just Upgraded to 'First-Tier' Doesn't Deserve the Label
By Cheang Ming via CNBC
June 11, 2017
Fifteen Chinese cities joined Shanghai and Beijing in boasting "first-tier" status in a recent study, but the one of the latest additions to that category might not quite fit the bill, according to some.
Second-tier Cities, Urban Development, Dongguan
Hundreds Protest in Shanghai over Ban on Selling Converted Flats
By Daniel Ren, Sandy Li via South China Morning Post
June 11, 2017
Rare demonstration came after city authorities barred owners from selling apartments converted from office or commercial space.
Shanghai, Protests, Property Law, Property Rights
Rare Public Protest in China's Shanghai over Property Rule Change
By Andrew Galbraith, Yawen Chen via Reuters
June 11, 2017
Hundreds of demonstrators have marched through a shopping district in the Chinese city of Shanghai protesting against changes to housing regulations, in a rare show of public dissent in the financial hub.
Shanghai, Housing, Protests, Property Law
Online Gossip Clampdown in China Leads to Netizen Outcry
By Yuan Yang, Yingzhi Yang via Financial Times
June 11, 2017
Chinese netizens have decried a government campaign to shut down many of the nation's top celebrity gossip outlets as Beijing escalates its control over online content.
Internet Censorship, Netizens, Social Media
Godfather of Beijing’s Indie Music Scene Dissects China’s Experimental Soundscape
By Malcolm Surer via Caixin
June 10, 2017
China’s alternative-punk music scene has evolved from a genre that represented the rebelliousness of a niche group of well-off educated urbanites to one that’s international, hip, and popular. Chinese bands now play to sold-out gigs not only in old “hutong” bars in Beijing, but also at some of the most popular clubs in New York.
Music, Pop Culture, Subculture
China Says It Is Vigilant as Two U.S. Bombers Fly over South China Sea
Reuters
June 9, 2017
The U.S. military conducts such "freedom of navigation" patrols to show China it is not entitled to territorial waters there, U.S. officials said at the time.
South China Sea, Maritime Disputes, Military
Apple Customer Data in China Was Sold Illegally, Police Say
New York Times
June 9, 2017
Police also said the leaked data included the names, Apple identification numbers and phone numbers of Apple users.
Apple, Internet Security, Crime
World Asia China Cranks Up Heat on Exiled Tycoon Guo Wengui
Wall Street Journal
June 9, 2017
Beijing airs allegations involving whistleblowing businessman living in New York as subordinates are tried for fraud in unusually open proceedings.
Corruption, Chinese Communist Party, Exile, Business
China Likely to Set up Military Base in Pakistan – Pentagon
Telegraph
June 8, 2017
The report from the Pentagon predicts China will expand its military prowess after the construction of its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, a strategic location at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal.
India, Beijing, Defense, Ministry of Defense, Navy, Pakistan
Trump Lies. China Thrives.
New York Times
June 8, 2017
We underestimate China — and attribute all of its surge in growth to unfair trade practices — at our peril. China has been fast and smart at adopting new technologies, particularly the mobile internet.
Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Beijing, WeChat, Alibaba, Europe, E-Commerce
West Underestimates China’s New Silk Road, German Envoy Says
Channel NewsAsia
June 8, 2017
Western countries are underestimating China’s new Silk Road project, which is an important scheme, despite concerns it is too China-centric and so far lacking in opportunities for foreign firms, Germany’s ambassador to China said on Thursday.
Belt and Road Initiative, Foreign Companies, Xi Jinping, Germany, Beijing
Alibaba Predicts Strong Sales in a Sign of Strength from China
New York Times
June 8, 2017
The Alibaba Group signaled on Thursday that for all the global worries about China’s rising debt and bloated state industries, its economy still enjoys a strong pillar of support: online shoppers.
Jack Ma, Alibaba, Taobao, E-Commerce, Debt, Online Shopping
U.S. Business Group Urges Trade Fixes Ahead of China’s Party Congress
Reuters
June 8, 2017
A U.S. business lobby in China said on Thursday that Washington should use leverage afforded by China’s desire to avoid trade frictions with the United States ahead of its Communist Party Congress this fall in order to fix market access discrepancies.
Washington D.C., Foreign Companies, Markets, Commerce
China’s Clean Energy Ambition Floats on Abandoned Coal Mine
Bloomberg
June 8, 2017
China’s ambitions to dominate new energy technologies are unfolding at the site of an abandoned coal mine about 300 miles (483 kilometers) northwest of Shanghai.
Shanghai, Coal, Clean Energy, Anhui, Qinghai, Jobs, Solar Energy
China Hits Back at Claims of “Secretly Infiltrating” Australia
By Channel News Asia/MN via Channel NewsAsia
June 7, 2017
China's foreign ministry said the claim by a joint investigation that China was “secretly infiltrating” Australia is baseless.
Elections, Australia
Beijing Lashes Out Over Pentagon Report on Chinese Military
By Christopher Bodeen via Associated Press
June 7, 2017
Beijing says it is “firmly opposed” to a Pentagon report that highlighted China's construction of military facilities in the South China Sea and speculated that Beijing would likely build more bases overseas.
South China Sea, Pentagon, U.S.-China Relations
China Is in the Middle of Diplomatic Spat With One of Its Oldest Allies in Africa
By Lily Kuo via Quartz
June 7, 2017
Zambian authorities have detained 31 Chinese citizens on suspicion of illegal copper mining, according to Chinese officials who have formally complained about the arrest.
Mining, China-Africa Relations
China’s Reserves Rise For 4th Month
By Joe MacDonald via Associated Press
June 7, 2017
China's foreign currency reserves rose again ahead of a possible U.S. interest rate hike that might put new pressure on Beijing's exchange rate controls.
Foreign Reserves, Federal Reserve, People's Bank of China, Interest Rates
Trump Lies. China Thrives.
By Thomas L. Friedman via New York Times
June 7, 2017
While Trump is a serial liar, his broad complaint that China is not playing fair on trade and has grown in some areas at the expense of U.S. and European workers has merit and needs to be addressed — now.
Donald Trump, Trade
China Is Now Looking to California–Not Trump–to Help Lead the Fight Against Climate Change
By Jessica Meyers via Los Angeles Times
June 6, 2017
Governor Jerry Brown met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a rare diplomatic coup that catapults California into quasi-national status as a negotiator.
Climate Change, Environment, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, California
China Cautions India, Others Against Any Informal Alliance
By PTI via Economic Observer
June 6, 2017
China cautioned India and other Asian countries against forming informal alliances to counter its increasing assertiveness as they cannot rely on the U.S. in Trump era.
China-India Relations, Donald Trump
China Doesn't Want To Be the Only World Leader, Says State Council Counselor
By Akiko Fujita, Huileng Tan via CNBC
June 6, 2017
Rather than fully stepping into a global leadership vacuum that could be left by an increasingly isolationist U.S., China is looking to be but one of the world's leaders.
Trans-Pacific Partnership, Free Trade, Donald Trump, Belt and Road Initiative
Former Top U.S. Spy James Clapper Warns of China’s Russian-Style Behavior in Australia
By Ezra Fieser via ABC
June 6, 2017
China’s growing influence over Australian politics has similarities with Russia's recent meddling in American democracy.
Military, Espionage
U.S. Presses China to Free Activists Scrutinizing Ivanka Trump Shoe Factory
By Keith Bradsher via New York Times
June 6, 2017
Experts warned that the detentions could make it more difficult for other Western companies to take a clear look at the practices of their Chinese suppliers.
Ivanka Trump, Manufacturing, Dissidents and Activists
As China Pulls Trade from North Korea, Russia Gets Cozy with Kim Jong Un
USA Today
June 5, 2017
Trade between Russia and North Korea increased by 73% during the first two months of 2017 compared to the same period the year before, boosted mostly by increased coal deliveries from Russia, according to Russian state-owned news site Sputnik.
Russia, United States, Nuclear Issues, Sanctions, United Nations, Coal
Turning against Trump: How the Chinese Covered the Climate Pact Exit
New York Times
June 5, 2017
Mr. Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris agreement gave fresh material to one of the Chinese state media’s favorite propaganda themes: the idea that Western democracy is flawed, chaotic and prone to social strife.
Donald Trump, Europe, Climate Change, Climate Talks, CCTV, Carbon, CO2 Emissions
China PM’s ‘Dream Team’ Should Be Asia, Not Europe
CNBC
June 5, 2017
Last Thursday (May 29), Mr. Li Keqiang’s “dream team” became “golden partnership” as he presented in Berlin a glowing report card on a lucrative alignment between “Made in China 2025” – an innovation-driven manufacturing – and Germany’s “Industry 4.0” – manufacturing technologies based on cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and cloud computing.
Li Keqiang, China-Germany Relations, Belt and Road Initiative, Intellectual Property, Europe
China Tries to Play Nice at Key Security Forum
Nikkei Asian Review
June 5, 2017
Although China attempted to strike a more conciliatory tone in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, a major Asian security forum held here through Sunday, officials’ uncompromising comments on Taiwan and the South China Sea only highlighted its rifts with the international community ahead of the key Communist Party meeting in the fall.
Singapore, Shangri-La, South China Sea, Taiwan, United States, Xi Jinping, Beijing, Maritime Disputes
On Tiananmen Square Anniversary, Detentions in China and Candlelight Vigil in Hong Kong
Washington Post
June 5, 2017
Police detained at least 11 Chinese activists after a pair of small events to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, according to human rights groups and activists.
Tiananmen Protests, Tiananmen Square, Hong Kong, Students, Detention
Ivanka Trump’s Firm Seeks New Trademarks in China, Reviving Ethical Concerns
CNN
June 5, 2017
A trove of Chinese trademark applications filed by Ivanka Trump’s namesake business is focusing attention once again on the ethical complications presented by the Trump family’s business ties.
Ivanka Trump, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Trade, Corruption
China Looks to Capitalize on Clean Energy as U.S. Retreats
By Keith Bradsher via New York Times
June 5, 2017
Climate Change, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping
Russia and China Are Bulking Up in the U.S.’s Backyard
By Ezra Fieser via Bloomberg
June 5, 2017
Putin and Xi are working to win over small, poor countries with promises of aid, military support, and investment, even as Trump scales back.
Russia, Military, Chinese Investment
Google Is Already Late to China’s AI Revolution
Wired
June 2, 2017
“Some of the major Chinese companies are some of the most sophisticated deep learning and data companies in the world.”
Google, Education, Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, Internet, Innovation
Billionaire Anbang Boss Prevented from Leaving China
Financial Times
June 2, 2017
Acquisitive insurer sees plans stymied by financial controls and political infighting.
Capital, Insurance, Billionaires, Anbang
Trump Hands the Chinese a Gift: The Chance for Global Leadership
New York Times
June 2, 2017
The Chinese are eager to fill the void that Washington is leaving around the world on everything from setting the rules of trade and environmental standards to financing infrastructure projects.
Climate Change, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Carbon Trading, Environmental Law
China and Europe Are Moving Forward without Trump
CNN
June 1, 2017
Beijing is in prime position to capitalize on major policy fissures that have emerged between Europe and the Trump administration on climate, trade and defense. The new dynamic will be on full display on Thursday in Brussels, when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with EU counterparts at the annual EU-China Summit. Hours later, President Trump is expected to announce the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
Climate Change, Europe, European Union, Beijing, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump
China Is Touting Its Protection of Human Rights in a Muslim-Majority Region Riven by Violence
Quartz
June 1, 2017
China put out a policy paper today on human rights in the Muslim-heavy Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where the Chinese government has been cracking down extensively in recent years.
Xinjiang, Religion, Religious Freedom, Ethnic Minorities
Canadian Winery Owners Arrested, Put on Trial in China for Customs Valuation Dispute
Huffington Post
June 1, 2017
The daughter of two Canadian winery owners being held by Chinese authorities over an alleged customs valuation dispute says the case should serve as a warning for other Canadians hoping to do business in China.
Canada, Foreign Companies, Detention
China Renews Call for Seoul to Halt THAAD amid ‘Shocking’ News of New Launchers
CNBC
June 1, 2017
China’s state-owned media on Thursday criticized reports new THAAD anti-missile launchers were secretly brought into South Korea without approval from the Seoul government.
THAAD, South Korea, Nuclear Issues, Xi Jinping, North Korea
China Renews Call for Seoul to Halt THAAD amid ‘Shocking’ News of New Launchers
CNBC
June 1, 2017
China’s state-owned media on Thursday criticized reports new THAAD anti-missile launchers were secretly brought into South Korea without approval from the Seoul government.
THAAD, South Korea, Nuclear Issues, Xi Jinping
China Is Getting Serious about Fighting Climate Change at Home. Abroad, Its Investments Tell a Different Story
Los Angeles Times
June 1, 2017
China, the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has in recent years emerged as a global leader in climate action. The country’s use of coal — considered the single biggest contributor to anthropogenic climate change — has dropped every year since 2013, as its investments in renewable energy, especially wind and solar, have soared.
Pakistan, Coal, Air Pollution, Pollution, CO2 EmissionsNorth Korea: Is China Trying Hard Enough to Stop Pyongyang Threat?
Fox News
June 1, 2017
Recent actions by South Korea President Moon Jae-in and China’s President Xi Jinping have raised questions about the sincerity of both countries in helping the U.S. reign in North Korea’s nuclear program.
Nuclear Issues, North Korea, Beijing, THAAD, Xi Jinping
Activists Investigating Ivanka Trump’s China Shoe Factory Detained or Missing
Guardian
May 31, 2017
A labor activist working undercover investigating abuses at a Chinese factory that makes Ivanka Trump shoes has been detained by police and two others are missing, raising concerns the company’s ties to the U.S. president’s family may have led to harsher treatment.
Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump, Corruption, Detention
Trump May Turn to Vietnam for Help on South China Sea
CNBC
May 31, 2017
On Wednesday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will be the first ASEAN leader to visit the White House since President Donald Trump’s election and the U.S. may look to tap into the emerging market’s friction with China.
China-Vietnam Relations, South China Sea, Donald Trump, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Washington D.C., ASEAN
China’s New Cybersecurity Law Leaves Foreign Firms Guessing
New York Times
May 31, 2017
As China moves to start enforcing a new cybersecurity law, foreign companies face a major problem: They know very little about it. The law — which was rubber-stamped by the country’s Parliament last year — is part of wide-ranging efforts by Beijing to manage the internet within China’s borders. Those efforts have been stepped up in the years since Edward J. Snowden, the whistle-blower and former American intelligence contractor, revealed that foreign technology firms could help governments spy.
Cybersecurity, Beijing, Edward Snowden, European Union
Senate Democrats Ask Trump for Answers on China Trademarks
Voice of America
May 31, 2017
A group of Senate Democrats has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting information about a raft of trademark approvals from China this year that they say may violate the U.S. Constitution’s ban on gifts from foreign governments.
Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Corruption, Secret Police, Washington D.C.
China, Russia Share Much to Expand Economic Cooperation
China Daily
May 31, 2017
Roughly three months ahead of a BRICS summit to be held in China, Russian analysts saw immense potential to increase and diversify economic cooperation between Russia and China.
Trade, Energy, BRICS, Infrastructure, Belt and Road Initiative
Emirates Says Telling Cabin Crew Not to Wear Taiwan Flag Pins per China’s Request Was an ‘Error’
By Danny Lee via South China Morning Post
May 31, 2017
Emirates on Wednesday walked back an email ordering its Taiwanese cabin crew to remove the island’s flag from their uniforms following the Middle East airline’s decision to acquiesce to Beijing’s one-China policy.
China-Taiwan Relations, Beijing, Airlines, Middle East
China’s Ill, and Wealthy, Look Abroad for Medical Treatment
By Sui-Lee Wee via New York Times
May 29, 2017
Hospitals and a new generation of medical tourism companies are luring well-heeled Chinese patients away from an overburdened health care system.
Medical Malpractice, Wealth Gap, Wealth
South China Sea: U.S. Warship Challenges China’s Claims with First Operation under Trump
CNN
May 25, 2017
A U.S. Navy destroyer has sailed close to a disputed South China Sea island controlled by China for the first time under U.S. President Donald Trump.
South China Sea, Navy, Maritime Disputes, Philippines, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Pentagon
The China-Russia Summit Will Focus on North Korea – but It’s Really about Western Influence in the Region
Independent
May 25, 2017
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi makes an official visit to Russia on Thursday and Friday for meetings with key officials, including his counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The timing, which coincides with the Nato and G7 summits of Western powers, underlines that Beijing and Moscow have an alternative cooperation agenda on multiple issues, including the Korean nuclear stand-off and the Syrian conflict.
Wang Yi, China-Russia Relations, NATO, Syria, Nuclear Disarmament, Ukraine
China Throws out More Trade and Business Offers to Trump’s America
South China Morning Post
May 25, 2017
A report issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday said China may buy further goods from the U.S., including crude and refined oil products, cotton and machine tools.
Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Imports and Exports, Trade, Tourism, E-Commerce
China Has a Huge Debt Problem. How Bad Is It?
CNN
May 25, 2017
Credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded China this week, warning that the country’s financial health is suffering from rising debt and slowing economic growth. It’s the first time the agency has cut China’s rating in nearly three decades.
Beijing, GDP, Loans, Debt, Finance
Taiwan Simulates ‘Chinese Invasion’ during Military Exercise amid Growing Tensions with Beijing
Daily Mail
May 25, 2017
Military forces in Taiwan have today simulated a ‘Chinese invasion’ as part of live-fire war games amid rising tensions with Beijing.
Military, China-Taiwan Relations, Tsai Ing-wen
Anti-Gay Faith-Based Groups in Taiwan Vow to Take Fight against Same-Sex Marriage to next Level
By KENNETH TAN via Shanghaiist
May 25, 2017
On Wednesday afternoon, cheers rang out in the streets of Taipei as Taiwan’s top constitutional court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, but not everyone present was so overjoyed. The ruling has left anti-gay groups on the island in shock, with one prominent activist likening the decision to the September 11th terror attacks of 2001.
Homosexuality, Marriage, Protests, Tsai Ing-wen, Taipei
China’s Downgrade Could Lead to a Mountain of Debt
Bloomberg
May 24, 2017
The downgrade of China’s debt by Moody’s Investors Service may push Chinese companies to borrow even more money from domestic banks as overseas debt becomes more expensive, increasing risks for the nation’s finance industry.
Finance, India, Debt, Airlines
‘Taiwan Says Yes!’: In Historic Decision, Top Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage
Washington Post
May 24, 2017
A Taipei court on Wednesday ruled in favor of allowing same-sex marriage, paving the way for Taiwan to become the first nation in Asia to legalize same-sex unions and cementing its status as a beacon for LGBT rights.
Sex, Homosexuality, Marriage, Taipei, LGBT, HIV/AIDS
Trump Adds Another Chinese Trademark to His Portfolio
New York Times
May 24, 2017
China has granted President Trump preliminary approval for another trademark in apparel, expanding business interests that have already generated criticism over potential conflicts.
Donald Trump, Trade, Corruption, Xi Jinping
Microsoft Just Built a Special Version of Windows for China
Fortune
May 24, 2017
China’s government officials now have a custom version of Windows. Microsoft said Tuesday that its new Windows 10 China Government Edition is ready for Chinese government agencies to use.
Edward Snowden, Microsoft, Viral, Cybersecurity
Chinese Student’s Commencement Speech in U.S. Isn’t Going over Well in China
NPR
May 24, 2017
A Chinese student who praised the “fresh air of free speech” in the U.S. during her commencement address at the University of Maryland is facing an online backlash from classmates and from people in China who say she insulted her own country.
Nationalism, Students, Sina Weibo, Air Pollution, PM 2.5, Kunming