De Chinese Wouden, dinsdag 22 april: wereldhandelsoorlogcoalitiebouwen, Zuidoost-Azië, Taiwanese politiek
Hoop dat iedereen een vrolijk paasweekeinde heeft gehad. Ik wel! De consequentie is echter een ellendig lange nieuwsbrief. Het nieuws ging gewoon door. Ik licht hieronder de belangrijkste onderwerpen eruit.
Praten met mensen in Brussel is altijd een nuttige herinnering aan de beperkte middelen waarover de Europese instellingen zelf beschikken. Dat laat je achter met bewondering voor wat Brussel allemaal gedaan krijgt. Het maakt je ook wat bescheidener met verwachtingen van de Unie in de strijd die nu bezig is.
Onder Wereldhandelsoorlog vind je berichtgeving uit verschillende media over de coalities die de VS en China aan het bouwen zouden zijn. Washington zou de bedoeling hebben, om de onderhandelingen met landen over de importheffingen te gebruiken ze te dwingen China uit te sluiten. Andere berichten zeggen dat deze dreiging van Chinese uitsluiting door derde laden Peking naar de onderhandelingstafel met de VS moet dwingen.
Daar zit nogal een tegenstelling tussen. Moet Europa nu permanent handelsstromen gaan verschuiven om de VS aan zijn kant te houden? Of worden eventuele Brusselse toezeggingen om de Europese handelsrelatie met China te beperken straks gebruikt door Washington om een mooie Amerikaanse deal met Peking te sluiten? Los van de chaos en wispelturigheid in de VS, waarom zou iemand dan iets toegeven aan Trump?
Peking probeert ondertussen hard het centrum te zijn van een groep landen die zich uitspreken voor mondiale vrijhandel. Zie o.a. mijn eerdere analyses van staatsmedia. Europa speelt een rol in dat soft power-offensief, maar niet de belangrijkste. Dat betreft Zuidoost-Azië.
De sectie ‘China buitenland’ opent met de drie staatsbezoeken van Xi Jinping in Zuidoost-Azië. Wat mij opvalt, waren zijn verwijzingen naar ‘Aziatische familie’ en nadruk op Aziatische waarden en Aziatische economische wonders. De onbetrouwbaarheid van Trumps Amerika kan makkelijk dienen om een bredere klacht over ‘het hypocriete, koloniale Westen’ als tegenstander van de ontwikkelingslanden onder leiding van welwillend China neer te zetten. (Zie ook onder Kantelpunt een stuk van Xinhua over de geest van Bandoeng.)
Vietnam, Maleisië en Cambodja deden alledrie het protocollair ongebruikelijke gebaar dat de leiders of koning zelf op het vliegveld Xi Jinping opwachtten. Samen met de verwachte reis van Von der Leyen en Costa naar Peking in juli moet dat voor Xi meer bewijs zijn, dat dit moment leiders de wereld over hem nodig hebben.
Het laatste punt is onder ‘Taiwan binnenland en economie. De onrust in de Taiwanese politiek duurt voort. DPP-geaffilieerde campagnes om genoeg handtekeningen te verzamelen voor herroepingsverkiezingen van KMT-parlementsleden maken goede vooruitgang. Ondertussen zijn nu verschillende KMT-geaffilieerde activisten gearresteerd en KMT-kantoren binnengevallen. Dit voor onderzoeken naar vervalste handtekeningen en privacyschending tijdens slechtlopende campagnes voor herroepingsverkiezingen van DPP-parlementsleden. Als reactie is de KMT gaan demonstreren tegen ‘politieke vervolging – op een plek waar dat officieel niet mocht, waardoor de partijvoorzitter nu op het politiebureau moet komen.
In het licht van de verlamming in het parlement spreken verschillende KMT-politici (én enkele DPP-politici) over een motie van wantrouwen tegen de Taiwanese regering. Dat zou kunnen leiden tot het ontbinden van het parlement en nieuwe verkiezingen voor álle parlementariërs. De kleine TPP is sceptisch, omdat het waarschijnlijk tot verlies zou leiden voor de partij wier leider vastzit vanwege corruptieverdenking en die zo dicht met de KMT optrekt, dat het niet langer de derde partij lijkt. De KMT zou bij verkiezingen echter ook de meerderheid kunnen verliezen, gezien de stemming in het land. Het Blauwe Kampt hoopt echter op de kans om de ‘autoritaire’ DPP een lesje te leren.
Nederland en Europa 🇳🇱🇪🇺
China provides weapons to Russia, President Zelensky says – The Kyiv Independent: ‘“Today, we have general information from the Security Service (of Ukraine), from intelligence about gunpowder, artillery,” Zelensky said during a briefing in Kyiv.’
‘“I think we will be able to say in detail next week that we believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia,” he added.’ 🇺🇦
Ukraine sanctions three China’s firms for helping Russia make missiles – Reuters 🇺🇦
China’s foreign ministry dismisses Zelenskiy's claim country is supplying weapons to Russia – Reuters: ‘China opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation, he said’ 🇺🇦
Faced with Donald Trump’s hostility, is the European Union pivoting towards China? – SCMP: ‘In truth, the engagement with China is part of a broader spate of outreach, with Europe looking to shore up alternative options to the US.’ 🇪🇺
Chinese defence attaché woos French armed forces – Intelligence Online: ‘Beijing sent the French Armed Forces Ministry a list of high-level Chinese military institutes that may be willing to accept French officers for training, in a bid to help rekindle its ties with France.’ 🇫🇷
EU warns over unsafe cosmetics imported from China – FT: ‘Some 40 per cent of the unsafe products flagged last year had been imported from China, the commission said.’ 🇪🇺
Taiwan office in Lithuania to keep its name despite China talks, Lithuanian lawmaker says – Taipei Times 🇱🇹
Taiwan mourns death of Pope Francis, to send envoy to attend funeral – Focus Taiwan: ‘President Lai will pick a high-level official to serve as his special envoy to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, MOFA said.’ 🇻🇦
Vaticaanstad heeft nog diplomatieke banden met Taiwan i.p.v. China. In 2005 was het nog zittende president Chen Shui-bian die de begrafenis van Paus Johannes Paulus II bijwoonde, bij de begrafenis van Paus Benedictus XVI in 2023 was voormalige vicepresident Chen Chien-jen de gezant.
China to snub UK energy summit amid row over infrastructure projects – The Guardian: ‘The Guardian understands that China’s non-attendance is down to a diary clash on the part of its senior energy official.’ 🇬🇧
Russia’s slowing economic growth cuts demand for Chinese imports – Reuters 🇷🇺
Chinese vice premier Dīng Xuēxiáng 丁薛祥 meets Russian energy minister Sergei Tsivilev in Beijing – Xinhua 🇷🇺
Taiwan and Ukraine establish parliamentary friendship group – Focus Taiwan: ‘initiated by Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party’ 🇺🇦
Wereldhandelsoorlog 📉💥
The Trump administration is preparing to pressure nations to curb trade with China in negotiations over US tariffs – Bloomberg: ‘the US is set to ask them to take steps limiting China’s manufacturing might, a bid to ensure Beijing doesn’t find avenues around Trump’s tariffs.’ 🇺🇸
Trump wants to make a deal with China. Here’s how he’s trying to make that happen. – POLITICO: ‘Making trade deals with China’s neighbors is part of a broader White House strategy to get [Xi Jinping] to the negotiating table.’ 🇺🇸
Chinees handelsministerie waarschuwt landen: sluit geen deals met VS die China schaden – NOS 🇺🇸
China firmly opposes any deal at expense of its interests, commerce ministry says on US tariffs – Xinhua: ‘If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will resolutely take corresponding countermeasures’
Eerder al beschreven in WSJ en The Irish Times.
China wants countries to unite against Trump, but is met with wariness – The New York Times: ‘The outreach is also a test of China’s status as a global power in the face of what Beijing sees as an effort by Washington to contain and suppress its key rival.’ 🇺🇸
Chinese officials and businesses seek reset with EU amid Donald Trump’s trade war – FT: ‘but the bloc remains deeply sceptical of becoming a dumping ground for goods diverted from the US.’ 🇪🇺
China wants partnership with EU to counter US ‘abuse’, says envoy to Spain – Reuters 🇪🇸
Chinese foreign minister pushes anti-'bullying' agenda in Global South amid tensions with US – Reuters
Europa 🇪🇺
Chinese controle op aardmetalen raakt ook Nederlandse industrie – NOS: „Schepen met kritieke aardmetalen verlaten voorlopig Chinese havens niet, valt te lezen in een brief van de Chinese autoriteiten.” 🇪🇺
In de handelsoorlog tussen de VS en China springt de strijd om aardmetalen eruit – NRC: „De Europese Unie kampt met een vergelijkbare afhankelijkheid van China en trage opschaling van eigen verwerkingscapaciteiten.“ 🇪🇺
China’s rare earths controls prompt fears of auto shortages and shutdowns – FT: ‘inventories estimated to last between three and six months’
China needs to revise its industrial policies if it wants to avoid further backlash and build economic ties internationally, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China – Bloomberg 🇪🇺
Chinese clients have reduced some of their Treasuries holdings in favour of European debt as President Donald Trump’s tariff deluge fuels an exodus from US assets, according to Deutsche Bank – Bloomberg 🇪🇺
Tribune : « La Chine et les Etats-Unis n’ont pas moins de faiblesses que nous. L’Europe peut traiter d’égal à égal avec Donald Trump et Xi Jinping » – Bernard Guetta MEP (Renew) dans Le Monde 🇪🇺🇫🇷
China appoints new trade representative as US tariff war heats up – SCMP: ‘Li Chenggang will replace 59-year-old Wang Shouwen, who took part in negotiations over the 2020 trade deal’
Chinese local officials embark on tour to rally export firms facing Trump tariff shocks – SCMP
Zie ‘China economie’ voor het gemengde nieuws op dat vlak, en meer details over inspectietours van vicepremiers.
China vowed to use its big market to help companies cope with ‘external shocks’ — a sign officials are eager to ensure exporters navigate the trade conflict with the US – Bloomberg
China tech groups lead multibillion-dollar campaign to help exporters sell at home – FT
Chinese exporters on Rednote ask local consumers to buy goods meant for US – Reuters
Shein 希音 and Temu to increase US prices next week after Trump’s tariffs, de minimis shift – SCMP
China’s premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 cites ‘profound changes’ in urging boost to domestic consumption – SCMP: ‘and called on China’s exporters to diversify their markets’ ‘also pledged greater support for the property sector’
China’s commerce ministry unveils measures to expand and upgrade domestic services consumption – Xinhua
Waarom wordt TikTok overspoeld met filmpjes over Chinese fabrikanten van westerse merken? – NRC
VS-China 🇨🇳
Foreign ministry spokesperson’s remarks on US statement that China faces up to 245% tariffs – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China: ‘China has made it very clear that the U.S.’s extortionate tariff hikes on China have become a numbers game, which economically does not make much actual difference anymore, except further demonstrating how the U.S. weaponizes tariff to coerce and bully others.’ 🇺🇸
Draw inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine to address the challenges of our time – Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Xiè Fēng 谢锋 at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Open Day: ‘I believe many of you are familiar with how the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act ultimately escalated the Great Depression.’ 🇺🇸
China’s commerce ministry vows to hit back at US’ new ‘discriminatory’ port fees – SCMP: ‘the China Shipowners’ Association – comprising owners, operators and managers of Chinese-registered vessels – protested against the US move’
Three weeks since Donald Trump effectively declared a trade war with the whole world, a slew of forecasts and surveys will point to the initial fallout – Bloomberg
China stops buying liquefied gas from the US – FT: ‘China’s imports of US liquefied natural gas have completely stopped for more than 10 weeks, according to shipping data’ 🇺🇸
China stuurt bestelde Boeings terug naar VS door handelsoorlog – RTL Z 🇺🇸
A Chinese halt on Boeing aircraft purchases, if sustained, risks backfiring on China’s homegrown plane maker Comac before the upstart is globally competitive – WSJ: ‘Comac’s slow plane production means it is in no position to fill order books quickly, and if anyone benefits from the U.S.-China spat it will likely be Airbus.’ 🇺🇸🇪🇺
Ford halts shipments of vehicles to China amid tariffs – Reuters 🇺🇸
Tesla halts Model S and Model X sales in China as trade tensions escalate – Caixin Global 🇺🇸
US miner halts rare-earth exports to China due to tariff war – Nikkei Asia 🇺🇸
Shein 希音’s tariff-busting shift hits home in Chinese factory hub – Reuters: ‘Three factory bosses along with four local downstream suppliers said Shein’s local orders were in decline, pointing the finger at moves to diversify production to Vietnam.’
China’s sovereign funds pull back from US private equity investments – FT: ‘The moves come in response to pressure from the Chinese government, three of the people said.’
China sharply reduced imports of many US commodities last month, in some cases to zero, as the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies intensified – Bloomberg
DHL to suspend global shipments of over US$800 to US consumers – Reuters 🇺🇸
Shell game: How China-linked front companies dodge US tariffs – Nikkei Asia 🇺🇸
VS-Taiwan 🇹🇼
Three US senators visit Taiwan, will discuss trade and meet president – Reuters 🇺🇸
Taiwan eyes ‘democratic value chain’ – Taipei Times: ‘Taiwan would implement a “three-chain strategy” that promotes democratic values in response to US tariffs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said.’
Premier Cho approves NT$88 billion [€2.4bn] US tariff support package – Focus Taiwan
China’s Sòng Tāo 宋涛 urges Taiwan businesses to jointly resist external risks and challenges – Xinhua 🇨🇳
Taiwan to fight Chinese origin fraud aimed at tariff evasion, economic affairs minister says – Focus Taiwan
Tariff concerns could limit Taiwan’s 2025 economic growth to 1.66%, CIER says – Focus Taiwan
VS-wereld 🌏
世界决不能重回弱肉强食的时代（钟声） – 《人民日报》（2025年04月21日 第16版）
Na commentaarstukken die gebruik maakten van het prestige van kritiek uit rijke landen, nu een commentaar in het Volksdagblad onder de gezaghebbende pennaam ‘Zhong Sheng’ die over de schade die de VS aanricht onder kleine, kwetsbare economieën. Onder de titel ‘De wereld kan niet terugkeren naar de tijd van de groten die de kleintjes eten’, roept het de internationale gemeenschap op niet toe te kijken. China doet al van alles.
Techoorlog 💽💥
Brief regering: Uitkomsten verkenning AI-faciliteit in Nederland – Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 🇳🇱
Western carmakers plot China comeback with local knowhow – FT: ‘[China]’s annual auto show, held in Shanghai this year, will provide the first real test for overhauled strategies.’ 🇩🇪
UK defence ministry bans EVs from some military bases over Chinese spy fears – FT 🇬🇧
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang 黃仁勳 visits Beijing, stresses importance of China market – Xinhua: ‘This marks Huang's second visit to Beijing in three months.’ 🇺🇸
Nvidia kept some China customers in the dark about new US chip clampdown, sources say – Reuters: ‘Major Chinese cloud companies were still anticipating H20 deliveries by year-end, unaware of the impending restrictions, according to the two sources’ 🇺🇸
Forse daling chipgigant Nvidia door exportbeperkingen VS – NRC: „Ook chipmachinemaker ASML zet zich schrap voor nieuwe Amerikaanse regels, met name de hogere importheffingen, maar rekent er vooralsnog op dat de omzet dit jaar overeind blijft.” 🇺🇸
European chips champion ASML warns of Trump tariff ‘uncertainty’ – POLITICO Europe: ‘On Monday, the European Commission’s tech chief Henna Virkkunen visited ASML’s headquarters in the Netherlands.’ 🇳🇱
TSMC 台積電 reports highest-ever Q1 net profits – Focus Taiwan
TSMC 台積電 chief executive dismisses Intel tie-up talk, says no intent to share tech – Bloomberg 🇺🇸
TSMC 台積電 says limited visibility into its supply chain makes export control compliance tough—months after its AI chips reached US-sanctioned Huawei via intermediaries – Bloomberg
Huawei 华为 readies new AI chip for mass shipment as China seeks Nvidia alternatives, sources say – Reuters: ‘Huawei’s 910C, a graphics processing unit (GPU), represents an architectural evolution rather than a technological breakthrough, according to one of the two people and a third source familiar with its design.’
Taiwanese government to focus on silicon photonics and build new economic shield, NDC minister says – Taipei Times: ‘Liu said Taiwan already has the artificial intelligence (AI) industry as a shield, after the semiconductor industry, to safeguard the country’
Kantelpunt 🌏⏱️
Schoof zoekt steun in Tokio, „allebei afhankelijk van vrijhandel” – NOS 🇳🇱🇯🇵
Actieplan voor samenwerking Japan en Nederland – Rijksoverheid 🇳🇱🇯🇵
Verslag van een schriftelijk overleg : Verslag van een schriftelijk overleg over Kabinetsreactie WRR-rapport Nederland in een fragmenterende wereldorde (Kamerstuk 30821-260) – Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 🇳🇱
Ursula von der Leyen: ‘We have no bros and no oligarchs’ – Die Zeit: ‘The West as we knew it no longer exists. The world has become a globe also geopolitically, and today our networks of friendship span the globe, as you can see in the debate about tariffs.’ 🇪🇺
Opinie: Aanschurken tegen China om Trump: klinkt logisch, is verkeerd – Steven Everts (EUISS) in NRC: „Europa moet vooral voor Europa kiezen.” 🇪🇺
In een onoverzichtelijke wereld dreigt ongeremde nucleaire concurrentie – NRC
Xinhua Headlines: How Bandung Conference changes [sic] the course for Global South – Xinhua: ‘China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, […], aligns with the Global South’s pursuit of peace, development and justice. Rooted in the Bandung Spirit, these ideas value win-win cooperation over hegemonism and reflect the collective aspirations of developing nations.’
India edges closer to China, hedging against Trump’s unpredictability – The Washington Post 🇮🇳
Overige
China buitenland en defensie
Chinese President Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 promoted the idea of an ‘Asian family’ and called for regional unity during a tour of Southeast Asia – Bloomberg
Full text of Xi’s signed article in Cambodian media – Xinhua: ‘For nearly half a century, Asia has enjoyed overall peace and stability and rapid economic growth, creating the Asian miracle in the history of global development. As changes unseen in a century accelerate, Asia now stands at a new starting point of collective rise.’ 🇰🇭
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平’s Southeast Asia visit deepens shared commitment to neighbourhood amity and cooperation – Xinhua: ‘A focal point of the tour was high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the aim of enhancing regional connectivity and creating development opportunities’
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平’s Southeast Asia tour promotes good-neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese foreign minister Wáng Yì 王毅 says – Xinhua: ‘The tour sent a strong signal that China firmly defends multilateralism and international trade rules, Wang said.’
President Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 said he encourages Chinese companies to invest and start businesses in Malaysia, as part of his push to deepen ties in Southeast Asia to counter mounting pressure from the US – Bloomberg: ‘The two leaders signed 31 cooperation agreements’ ‘Anwar spoke highly of Xi ahead of the signing of the agreements Wednesday, saying he exemplified a new type of leadership’ 🇲🇾
De reden dat premier Anwar zo veel energie in banden met China, BRICS en mindere Rusland stopt is juist vanwege de hoop op de belofte van investeringen. Dat moet hem helpen te kunnen wijzen op banenwinst bij verkiezingen.
Kudos for Xi’s visit to Malaysia eclipsed by flag furore – The Straits Times: ‘pride quickly turned to annoyance and even anger, as traffic was snarled up amid massive road closures that began days before Mr Xi’s arrival, leaving drivers fuming’
‘two local Chinese-language publications came under fire for featuring Malaysian flags without the crescent moon.’ 🇲🇾
China and Malaysia leaders say important to maintain peace and stability in South China Sea – Reuters: ‘There have been several encounters [sic] with Chinese vessels at Malaysian state energy firm Petronas’ oil and gas projects in recent years.’ 🇲🇾
Xi puts forward three-point proposal on building high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future – Xinhua: ‘Xi called on the two sides to establish a “2+2” dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and national defense’ 🇲🇾
China’s Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 lauds ‘ironclad’ ties with Cambodia on final leg of Southeast Asian tour – SCMP: ‘In an unprecedented change to protocol, Xi was received personally at the airport by Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.’ 🇰🇭
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 visits Phnom Penh on anniversary of US humiliation – Nikkei Asia: ‘After most Americans had fled, the Cambodian capital fell to China-backed Khmer Rouge forces on April 17, 1975 — 50 years ago to the day that Xi set down at Phnom Penh International Airport for the concluding days of a regional tour.’ 🇰🇭
China and Cambodia vow supply chain cooperation, sign canal deal – Reuters 🇰🇭
Two Japanese warships dock at Cambodia’s Chinese-renovated Ream Naval Base – AFP: ‘the first vessels to dock at the site that has raised concerns in Washington.’ 🇰🇭🇯🇵
Begin deze maand hielden de Chinese en Cambodjaanse marine er wel gezamenlijke oefeningen, kort na de inauguratie.
China and Indonesia hold first 2+2 Joint Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue in Beijing – Xinhua: ‘After the meeting, Wang and Sugiono signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a comprehensive strategic dialogue mechanism between the Chinese and Indonesian governments.’ 🇮🇩
China’s PLA invited to Vietnam military parade as both sides’ ministers pledge closer defence ties – SCMP 🇻🇳
Myanmar insurgent army to withdraw from northern territory amid Chinese pressure – RFA: ‘follows a high-level meeting earlier this month between representatives of the Chinese government, Myanmar’s military junta, and MNDAA leaders.’ 🇲🇲
Beschuldigingen van Chinees/Yunnanees ingrijpen om verlies van junta te voorkomen en grens te stabiliseren gaan al langer rond.
The US and the Philippines start their flagship annual military drills Monday, touted as a ‘rehearsal’ for the defence of the nation amid ongoing tensions with China – Bloomberg: ‘staged in western and northern Philippine locations facing the South China Sea and Taiwan’ ‘Australia and Japan, are also expected to participate, while over a dozen other countries were invited to observe’ 🇵🇭🇺🇸🇦🇺🇯🇵
The Philippines’ military drills with US opposed by regional countries, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson says – Xinhua 🇵🇭🇺🇸
Welke landen dan? …
Manila reiterates sovereignty as Beijing alleges Philippine frigate intruded into Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea – GMA News 🇵🇭
Gebruik marine i.p.v. kustwacht is nieuws/niet gebruikelijk voor de Filipijnen.
Chinees gearresteerd voor instorten flat Bangkok na aardbeving – NOS 🇹🇭
Satellites show Chinese moves against South Korea – Newsweek: ‘satellite imagery has revealed for the first time a hulking steel rig in the Yellow Sea’ ’the latest of several large steel platforms that China has installed in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ)’ 🇰🇷
De Zuid-Chinese Zee-ificatie van de Gele Zee?
China sanctions US congress members, officials, and NGO heads – Reuters: ‘for “egregious behaviour on Hong Kong-related issues”, its foreign ministry said on Monday.’ 🇺🇸
US officials say Chinese firm is helping Houthis target American warships – FT: ‘The official added that China had “ignored” the concerns.’ 🇺🇸🇾🇪
The mysterious firing of a Chinese professor at Indiana University has Asian students on edge: ‘Brings chills to our spines’ – The Guardian 🇺🇸
Rattled by visa risks, Chinese students rethink US study plans – SCMP 🇺🇸
Ex-NYPD detective Michael McMahon gets 18 months for stalking man on China’s behalf – The New York Times 🇺🇸
Americans’ dislike for China softens, Pew survey shows – SCMP: ‘Overall attitudes remain overwhelmingly negative at 77 per cent, but the percentage of respondents with “very unfavourable” views towards China decreased by 10 points from last year, to 33 per cent.’ 🇺🇸
Iran’s top diplomat to visit China on Tuesday – Reuters: ‘ahead of a third round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington due on Saturday in Oman.’ 🇮🇷
Prime Minister Carney says China is a foreign interference and geopolitical threat for Canada – Reuters 🇨🇦
China school bus stop murderer executed, Japanese government source says – Kyodo News: ‘While there was speculation that he may have targeted Japanese nationals, the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court made no mention of Japan when it issued the ruling.’ 🇯🇵
China-built airport in Nepal was littered with corruption, local inquiry finds – The New York Times: ‘a parliamentary committee’s investigation into the airport in Pokhara found that China CAMC Engineering, the construction arm of a state-owned conglomerate, Sinomach, had failed to pay taxes, had not finished the project to specification and had used poor-quality construction, all because of corruption and a lack of oversight.’ 🇳🇵
Kenyan president to pay state visit to China – Xinhua 🇰🇪
Women protesters attack Chinese-run zircon mine in Guinea-Bissau – SCMP: ‘complaints that the activity was damaging their farms and ruining the local environment.’ 🇬🇼
Gunmen attack Chinese-owned power plant site in Chile – AFP 🇨🇱
China economie
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 chairs State Council executive meeting – Xinhua: ‘discussed measures aimed at stabilizing employment, boosting economic growth, and advancing high-quality development.’
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 urges efforts to improve social expectations at State Council study session – Xinhua
Chinese vice premier Hé Lìfēng 何立峰 calls for high-quality development of foreign trade – Xinhua: ‘when attending the 137th China Import and Export Fair’
‘More efforts will be made to bolster foreign trade, foster new growth drivers of foreign trade, and encourage broader international economic and trade cooperation, he said.’
Vice premier Dīng Xuēxiáng 丁薛祥 stresses need to consolidate development confidence and innovation-driven growth – Xinhua: ‘during an inspection tour in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province’ ‘the integrated development of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation’
Chinese vice premier Zhāng Guóqīng 张国清 stresses need to deepen SOE reform and build regional emergency rescue centres – Xinhua: ‘during an inspection tour in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province’
Chinese lawmakers to further review draft private sector promotion law – Xinhua
China’s official Q1 GDP growth beats expectations, but US tariff shock looms large – Reuters: ‘Growth momentum is expected to cool sharply in the next few quarters, however, as Washington's tariff shock hits the crucial export engine’
China’s industrial production grows at faster pace amid economic recovery – Xinhua
US tariff hikes won’t change China’s long-term positive growth prospects, official says – Xinhua
A wealth wipeout in China is deepening after a shadow bank’s collapse and the implosion of hundreds of trust products – Bloomberg: ‘Besides Zhongrong, at least 162 high-yielding trust products have defaulted since the beginning of 2024 with the majority of those related to soured property loans’
In Depth: Chinese banks chase opportunities overseas amid struggles at home – Caixin Global
Chinese aluminium producers played down the impact of US tariffs on their exports and are on track to expand overseas capacity – Bloomberg
Chinese EV maker Xpeng 小鹏 is ramping up its global expansion, despite the intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing – Bloomberg
China binnenland
China’s museums get new mission: promote ethnic unity and counter ‘wrong historical views’ – SCMP: ‘should not portray the Han ethnicity in confrontational historical contexts with ethnic minorities’
China enlists researchers to reinforce its borders with a strong historical narrative – SCMP: ‘the definition of border regions and national sovereignty are likely to be expanded, from traditional areas of land and maritime power to airspace sovereignty and digital frontiers.’
China’s former agriculture minister Táng Rénjiàn 唐仁健 faces graft charges – Reuters
Former CCP [propaganda] deputy chief Zhāng Jiànchūn 张建春 prosecuted for bribery – Xinhua
China’s anti-graft chief Lǐ Xī 李希 urges rigorous study of Party conduct rules – Xinhua: ‘during a research tour of central China’s Hunan Province’
China’s top legislator Zhào Lèjì 赵乐际 calls for maintaining confidence and leveraging strength – Xinhua: ‘during his research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui’
Hong Kong
Hongkong Post halts mailing of parcels to the US ahead of fresh tariffs next month – HKFP
Taiwan buitenland en defensie
Online platform receives over 3,000 reports of ‘Taiwan independence’ activities – Xinhua 🇨🇳
Control Yuan urges review of Matsu travel pass – Taipei Times 🇨🇳
Hong Kong and Macau residency rules tightened in Taiwan – Taipei Times: ‘under a new category that includes a “national security observation period,”’
Taiwanese army eyes purchase of 30 more Black Hawks – Taipei Times
Taiwan binnenland en economie
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an 蔣萬安 (KMT) calls for no-confidence vote against Cabinet – Focus Taiwan: ‘described the protest as his first against Taiwan’s judicial system’ ‘if a no-confidence vote is passed, the premier may request the president to dissolve the Legislative Yuan.’
KMT on second night of signature fraud protest – Taipei Times
KMT chair and members to be questioned for illegal assembly – Taipei Times: ‘The three party members had led an assembly outside the Taipei City Prosecutors’ Office, an area where public assembly is not allowed, protesting the questioning of KMT staff in a recall petition forgery case.’
Prosecutors seek detention of four KMT staffers over fake signatures in recall campaign – Focus Taiwan: ‘an investigation was launched after it received reports of falsified personal information on recall petitions targeting the two DPP lawmakers.’
Recall vote organiser detained over forged signatures in Kaohsiung – Focus Taiwan: ‘coordinated signature collections for campaigns against DPP lawmakers’
Recalls of 7 KMT legislators meet 2nd-stage threshold – Taipei Times
Nieuwe parlementsverkiezingen zouden voor Taiwan erg ongebruikelijk zijn, maar gezien de politieke patstelling en onrust eigenlijk een veel betere oplossing zijn dan de chaotische herroepingsverkiezingen. Het zou alleen wel nog slechter uit kunnen pakken voor de oppositie.
Ongefundeerde beschuldigingen dat President Lai een dictator wil worden en de rechtbanken manipuleert om de KMT herinneren aan de manier waarop de Republikeinse Partij in de VS d.m.v alternatieve feiten het vertrouwen in de rechtstaat heeft ondermijnd.
KMT and TPP leaders to hold opposition summit Tuesday – Focus Taiwan: ‘The two parties also accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of governing in an “authoritarian” manner and using judicial institutions to suppress dissent.’
‘the DPP condemned the summit as an “anti-democracy alliance,”’
Juist nu de KMT zo onder druk staat, verbindt de TPP zich dieper aan de partij. Je zou verwachten dat dit het moment is om je te presenteren als alternatief.
President and lawmakers should be re-elected together, TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang 黃國昌 says – Focus Taiwan
DPP lawmakers receive death threats – Taipei Times: ‘in relation to their involvement in ongoing recall campaigns against Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers.’
Tens of thousands rally in Taipei to back recall of KMT lawmakers – Focus Taiwan: ‘Among those who took the stage to deliver remarks were legislators from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and volunteers involved in recall campaigns against KMT lawmakers across Taiwan.’
Taiwanese foreign ministry denounces KMT political activist who wore Nazi symbols in political stunt – Focus Taiwan: ‘leader of a Kuomintang-backed campaign to recall a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker’ ‘suspected of involvement in signature fraud’
De KMT heeft hetzelfde probleem als de Republikeinse Partij in de VS, namelijk dat de jonge activisten die zich tegenwoordig nog bij de partij aansluiten vaak erg ‘alternatief’ zijn.
Budget cuts threaten overseas missions, foreign minister Lin Chia-lung (DPP) says – Taipei Times: ‘as the Legislative Yuan has frozen 50 percent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ general affairs budget for this year’
Taiwanese regulator NCC says rental deal will keep it open temporarily – Taipei Times: ‘budget cuts are threatening its operations after that’
Nog een reden waarom de KMT me aan de Republikeinen doet denken.
Cabinet to strengthen vetting of civil servants amid espionage probes – Focus Taiwan
Taiwanese defence ministry says 62 personnel had Chinese residency – Taipei Times
DPP officials must report visits to China, president says – Taipei Times
Textbooks to specify absence of ‘Taiwan’ in UN General Assembly resolution 2758, national academy says – Focus Taiwan: ‘In addition to the Cairo Declaration, junior high school textbooks should also include the Treaty of San Francisco and the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty, according to the academy.’
TPP and KMT advance proposal on nuclear power referendum – Taipei Times
Ex-president Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁 (DPP) urges acceptance of minority views – Taipei Times: ‘first public talk in 17 years’
Ransomware gang ‘CrazyHunter’ targets critical Taiwanese organisations – Dark Reading