De Chinese Wouden, maandag 12 mei: vooruitgang in Zwitserland? Moskou
De beelden spraken voor zich. Xi Jinping zat vrijdag pal naast Poetin, met op zijn revers een lintje van de heilige Joris, nationalistisch symbool van steun voor de Russische strijdkrachten. Nog duidelijker, misschien zijn de drie gezamenlijke verklaringen van China en Rusland. Ik raad iedereen aan ze alledrie door te nemen.
Nederland en Europa 🇳🇱🇪🇺
In de 7 jaar dat ze er woonde, zag China-correspondent Leen Vervaeke het land sterker worden en de burgers nietiger – de Volkskrant: „ achter alle bedrijvigheid en snelheid gaat een diepe laag van onvrede en pessimisme schuil.”
Correspondent zijn in China is leven in parallelle dimensies – FD
Chinese companies bought up European ports—and now Brussels is starting to worry – POLITICO Europe 🇪🇺
Why EU-China stability is key in a world order ‘under constant attack’, according to Charles Michel – SCMP: ‘saying their relationship should not be influenced by other world powers.’ 🇪🇺
Gepensioneerde politici kunnen via China langer hun relevantie behouden, wanneer ze de juiste dingen zeggen. Michel heeft al een positie verkregen op een Chinese onderwijsinstelling.
Ship captain remanded in custody in Hong Kong over damaging Baltic Sea pipeline – SCMP: ‘Wan Wenguo, 43, appeared at Eastern Court on Thursday to face a count of criminal damage and two charges for alleged violations of local marine by-laws during the NewNew Polar Bear’s voyage from October to December of 2023.’
Ukraine government imposes sanctions against Chinese and Iranian companies – Reuters 🇺🇦
Taiwan president congratulates Pope Leo, more low key reaction from China – Reuters: ‘Francis had led a wide-ranging outreach to officially atheist China, including signing a deal on the appointment of Catholic bishops in that country, worrying Taiwan.’ 🇻🇦
Ex-President Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文 (DPP) departs for Europe in hopes of deepening ties – Focus Taiwan 🇱🇹🇩🇰
Taiwan and Lithuania stand united in defending democracy, ex-president Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文 (DPP) says – Focus Taiwan 🇱🇹
KMT Vice Chair Andrew Hsia 夏立言 to embark on European tour – Focus Taiwan: ‘with scheduled stops in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Belgium’ 🇩🇰🇬🇧🇧🇪
KMT’s Andrew Hsia 夏立言 says freedom theme of his trip to Europe – Taipei Times: ‘Given the volatile international situation, the ROC, the democratic beacon and fortress of freedom to all ethnic Chinese, must participate in the international community and contribute to it, Hsia said.’
Hsia is ook de KMT-functionaris die China bezocht rond Taiwanese verkiezingen/Chinese militaire oefeningen.
Xi in Moskou
Chinese troops march with Russian forces as Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 joins Vladimir Putin for Victory Day parade in Moscow – The Guardian: ‘Putin sat beside the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, and was seen in frequent conversation with his most powerful ally.’
Feature: Remember history to illuminate future — Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 attends Victory Day commemorations in Moscow – Xinhua: ‘Eighty years ago, in the face of brutal aggression of militarism and Nazism, the Chinese and Russian [sic] peoples stood united, fighting side by side against a common enemy and writing a remarkable and heroic chapter in history, Xi said’
Xi Jinping zat pal naast Poetin, met op zijn revers een lintje van de heilige Joris, nationalistisch symbool van steun voor de Russische strijdkrachten.
Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the Occasion of Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, and the Founding of the United Nations – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China: ‘China supports Russia in safeguarding its national security, stability, development and prosperity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes external interference in Russia's internal affairs.’
‘The two sides reiterated that maintaining close relations between the Chinese and Russian militaries is of special significance’
‘The two sides will continue to strengthen military and technical cooperation to benefit the people of China and Russia and safeguard global and regional security.’
‘Improve the level of financial cooperation, expand inter-bank transactions, strengthen local currency settlement’
‘The two sides are willing to carry out closer cooperation within the framework of UN agencies such as the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly’
‘The two sides believe that, in accordance with the basic principle of international law of the sovereign equality of States, international obligations concerning the immunities enjoyed by States and their property (including sovereign reserves) must be strictly observed.’
‘The two sides firmly oppose any attempt to incite other countries around the world to adopt a hostile stance toward China and Russia and to smear China-Russia cooperation. China and Russia will strengthen coordination and cooperation and resolutely respond to the US’s “dual containment” against China and Russia.’
‘Both sides pointed out that the United States and its allies are attempting to push NATO’s eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, create "small circles" in the region, win over countries in the region to implement their "Indo-Pacific strategy" and undermine regional peace, stability and prosperity.’
‘In order to achieve a steady and lasting solution to the Ukrainian crisis, the two sides believe that it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of the crisis on the basis of fully and comprehensively complying with the principles of the UN Charter, adhere to the principle of the indivisibility of security, and take into account the legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries.’
Via Google Translate-link, omdat de eerste van de drie gezamenlijke verklaringen niet zo makkelijk te vinden is in het Engels.
Joint Statement by the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Global Strategic Stability – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
Joint Declaration of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Cooperation to Uphold the Authority of International Law – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 says China ready to work with Slovakia to address challenges and safeguard international justice – Xinhua: ‘while meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.’
‘Slovakia supports major initiatives proposed by China, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, and appreciates China’s positions on and constructive role in issues related to Ukraine and the Middle East, [Fico] added.’ 🇸🇰
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 calls for advancing building of China-Serbia community with shared future – Xinhua: ‘while meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.’ 🇷🇸
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 says China to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty and social stability – Xinhua 🇻🇪
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 says China supports Cuba in safeguarding sovereignty and opposing foreign interference – Xinhua 🇨🇺
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 urges China and Myanmar to keep advancing key projects of economic corridor – Xinhua 🇲🇲
Wereldhandelsoorlog 📉💥
US-China agree on trade consultation platform amid sky-high tariffs – POLITICO 🇺🇸
US announces China trade deal in Geneva – The White House 🇺🇸
Chinese vice premier: substantive progress has been made, important consensus reached – Xinhua 🇺🇸
Xinhua Commentary: China remains steadfast in upholding int'l economic and trade order – Xinhua
平等对话是解决大国间问题的正确之道（钟声） – 《人民日报》（2025年05月10日 第03版）
EU envoy says China not taking trade barriers seriously – AFP: ‘“We have not been taken seriously when it comes to trade barriers,” EU Ambassador Jorge Toledo said at an event on Shanghai. “Market access barriers are not going down. They're going up.”’ 🇪🇺
As EU scrutinises US trade deal with Britain, China is the ‘elephant in the room’ – SCMP: ‘Sources from the EU and its member states said the text showed that Trump wanted to ensure America’s allies would work to cut Beijing out of important supply chains, namely steel and pharmaceuticals. China is not named in the agreement, but it is alluded to throughout.’ 🇺🇸
Von der Leyen: I won’t meet Trump in US until we can have ‘concrete’ trade talks – POLITICO Europe 🇪🇺
The EU is planning to counter Donald Trump’s efforts to lure companies to the US by easing the bloc’s regulatory burden on sectors from cars to chemicals or aeronautics – Bloomberg: ‘In addition, Brussels is working on proposals to prioritize European companies in the procurement of some critical sectors.’ 🇪🇺
China probeert Europa steeds meer te paaien. „Ze zoeken een plek om hun spullen te dumpen nu dat niet meer lukt in de VS” – NRC 🇪🇺
Worden de goedkope spullen van Temu en Shein nu gedumpt in Europa? – de Volkskrant 🇪🇺
The old global economic order is dead – Martin Wolf in FT: ‘How should outsiders want the trade war between the US and China to end? They should want both to lose.’
This is the trade conflict Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 has been waiting for – The New York Times: ‘its willingness to weaponize the supply chain may be one of the starkest examples of how Mr. Xi is redefining China’s relationship with the world’
China to crack down on rare-earth materials ahead of US trade talks – WSJ: ‘Authorities pledged to step up the enforcement of export controls on strategic mineral resources’
VS-China 🇨🇳
Donald Trump hails ‘total reset’ in US-China trade relations as talks continue – AFP 🇺🇸
Inside China’s decision to come to the table on Trump tariffs – Reuters: ‘behind closed doors, Chinese officials have grown increasingly alarmed about tariffs’ impact on the economy and the risk of isolation’
‘along with outreach by the U.S. and an easing of Trump’s rhetoric’
‘One of the moves that complicated the rapprochement, according to two officials, was a letter sent by the U.S. to China in late April that outlined the steps Trump wanted Beijing to take on fentanyl.’ 🇺🇸
Donald Trump says 80% tariff on China ‘seems right’ ahead of trade talks – FT: ‘Earlier reports had indicated that the Trump administration was aiming to cut tariffs below 60 per cent.’ 🇺🇸
VS-wereld 🌏
China to resolutely safeguard development interests, commerce minister Wáng Wéntāo 王文涛 says in Moscow – Xinhua: ‘when meeting with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.’ 🇷🇺
Latin America wary of US trade backlash as it builds relations with China – FT
effecten 💥
Chinese companies purge supply chain of foreign parts amid US trade war – FT: ‘People familiar with Chinese officials’ thinking said Beijing viewed the trade conflict as a validation of its self-reliance policies.’
In het wereldwijde goederenvervoer dreigt chaos door Trumps handelsoorlog – NRC 🇪🇺🇺🇸
In de Mississippi Delta zuchten sojaboeren onder Trumps tarievenoorlog – de Volkskrant 🇺🇸
Donald Trump’s tariffs are upending crop trading, delaying tractor purchases and constraining imports of chemical supplies into the US – Bloomberg: ‘The disruptions in global trade threaten to extend a years-long slump in the US farm industry’ 🇺🇸
China’s consumer deflation extended for a third month in April as punitive tariffs imposed by the US add to a drag on prices from weak domestic demand – Bloomberg: ‘Factory deflation persisted for a 31st month, with the producer price index recording a decline of 2.7% compared to 2.5% in March.’
Chinese passenger car sales rise for a third month in April – Reuters: ‘as government-subsidised auto trade-ins mitigated the impact of U.S. tariffs on consumer sentiment.’
Zero ships from China are bound for California’s top ports. Officials haven’t seen that since the pandemic – CNN: ‘Officials are concerned not just about the lack of vessels leaving China, but the speed at which that number dropped.’ 🇺🇸
American importers are canceling orders and scrambling for alternatives, while Chinese factories are cutting staff and offloading goods – WSJ: ‘Trump’s tariffs are creating chaos for businesspeople on both sides of the Pacific who built their livelihoods on globalized supply chains for everything from toys to furniture to footwear.’ 🇺🇸
Chinese factories are looking for the next China – The New York Times: ‘The Chinese e-commerce platforms Alibaba and Shein are helping companies find manufacturing alternatives in Vietnam.’
Chinese exports, aided by tariff dodging, defy Trump’s trade pressure – The Washington Post: ‘China is increasingly shipping products through third countries to keep goods flowing.’ 🇺🇸
Chinese exporters ‘wash’ products in third countries to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs – FT: ‘adverts on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu offer to help exporters ship goods to countries such as Malaysia, where they will be issued with a new certificate of origin’
US-China financial ties face growing strains as trust erodes amid trade tensions – SCMP
China hamstert massaal goud voor staatskas, reserve groeit fors – BNR: „China heeft een staatsreserve die ongeveer voor 8 procent bestaat uit goud. Dat is ver onder het wereldwijd gemiddelde van ongeveer 20 procent. Het land lijkt daarom bezig te zijn met een inhaalslag.”
Techoorlog 💽💥
Nvidia modifies H20 chip for China to overcome US export controls, sources say – Reuters 🇺🇸
China’s top chipmaker SMIC 中芯 plans US$7bn expansion despite tariff uncertainty – Nikkei Asia: ‘as automotive and industrial segments emerge as SMIC's key drivers for growth’
Kantelpunt 🌏⏱️
Europa kijkt afwisselend bezorgd naar Oost en West – NRC 🇪🇺
A Franco-German ‘reset’ for Europe – Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz in Le Figaro 🇫🇷🇩🇪
Overige
China buitenland en defensie
The US embassy in China said it received reports that American citizens are being subjected to ‘invasive medical testing’ upon arrival in the country – Bloomberg: ‘A Chinese inspector scraped their tongues with a swab repeatedly, the person who was a former genetics researcher said’ 🇺🇸
Chinese foreign ministry urges India and Pakistan to avoid escalating situation – Xinhua 🇮🇳🇵🇰
China strongly urges India and Pakistan to exercise calm and restraint, foreign ministry spokesperson says – Xinhua 🇮🇳🇵🇰
China escalates tactics targeting Japan’s control over Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands – Nikkei Asia 🇯🇵
Japanese government urges caution over Japan pleasure flights near Senkaku/Diaoyutai Islands – Kyodo News 🇯🇵
Chinese vessel may have conducted marine survey near Senkakus – Kyodo News
China takes centre stage in Philippines’ feisty midterm election – Reuters: ‘Marcos has kept up the pressure and focused on China as a key election issue, while his allies have taken aim at Sara Duterte for her silence on China’s actions.’ 🇵🇭
Brazil’s Lula arrives in China as Beijing decries ‘bullying’ of Latin America – SCMP: ‘Lula said on social media that “we will be establishing new partnerships and signing cooperation agreements in multiple areas”.’ 🇧🇷
Brazil and China governments discuss railway from Peruvian port Chancay to Brazil territory – Reuters 🇧🇷
China hosts delegation of 100 African military officers to strengthen defence ties – SCMP 🌍
More Chinese energy investments in Africa are going to renewables, report finds – SCMP: ‘now accounting for 59 per cent of its energy projects on the continent’ 🌍
China economie
One of China’s largest online recruitment platforms has quietly stopped providing wage data it’s compiled for at least a decade, making it more difficult to gauge the health of the world’s biggest labour market – Bloomberg: ‘The missing numbers extend a pattern in China of data providers discontinuing or pausing statistical releases.’
China’s migrant worker population is ageing, with almost one third older than 50, report says – Yicai Global: ‘There are now around 100 million migrant workers who are more than 50 years’ old, accounting for 31.6 percent of the workforce, […] a notable jump from 17.9 percent in 2015.’
In Depth: China’s trillion-yuan personal debt hangover weighs on banking system – Caixin Global
China’s April soybean imports hit decade-low as customs delays disrupt trade – Reuters
China binnenland
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 chairs State Council executive meeting – Xinhua: ‘to study and implement the guiding principles of a speech made by Xi Jinping, […], at a symposium on China’s economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).’
China’s top legislator Zhào Lèjì 赵乐际 urges sound lawmaking for high-quality development – Xinhua: ‘while conducting an inspection and research tour in east China’s Fujian Province’
China’s security system urged to handle duties with ‘passion’ as pressures mount – SCMP: ‘As external tensions weigh on China’s internal stability, security chiefs warn against ‘inadequacies’ in law enforcement and justice system’
China’s military calls for post-war order to be upheld, not ‘law of the jungle’ – SCMP: ‘PLA Daily made the comments in an editorial marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.’
China eases marriage registration with new rules – Xinhua
China’s hit spy drama The Secret Path gets real-life tips from top security agency – SCMP
China is building the world’s tallest dam. It’s just started storing water – SCMP
Hong Kong
Hong Kong pro-China informer: ‘Why I've reported dozens of people to police’ – BBC News: ‘Nearly 100 individuals and organisations have been reported to the authorities by him and his followers, he says.’
Taiwan buitenland en defensie
Measures being prepared to counter Chinese espionage, Premier Cho Jung-tai 卓榮泰 (DPP) says – Focus Taiwan 🇨🇳
Ex-legislator Yosi Takun (KMT) slammed for ‘united front’ talk by Council of Indigenous Peoples – Taipei Times 🇨🇳
Taiwanese government plans up to NT$500bn [€15bn] special budget for US arms purchases – Taipei Times: ‘would be in addition to a draft special act aimed at bolstering economic, national security and social resilience’ 🇺🇸
Taiwan and Texas sign economic cooperation agreement – Focus Taiwan: ‘witnessed by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), during an artificial intelligence innovation summit in the U.S. state on Friday.’ 🇺🇸
Kenya’s Mudavadi blasts MPs over Taiwan trip plan during Ruto’s China visit, describes move as ‘reckless and malicious’ – The Eastleigh Voice 🇰🇪
Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine Hai Kun to undergo sea trials soon, source says – Taipei Times: ‘as early as Monday next week, if weather permits’
Taiwan binnenland en economie
Recall campaigners say success likely in 30 out of 35 anti-KMT signature bids – Taipei Times
KMT Keelung branch chairman detained in recall probe – Focus Taiwan
Taiwanese legislature passes new law adding 4 additional national holidays – Focus Taiwan: ‘include the day before Lunar New Year's Eve, Confucius’ Birthday on Sept. 28 […], Taiwan Retrocession Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou on Oct. 25, and Constitution Day on Dec. 25.’
Typische dagen voor de KMT, de TPP bekent ook wel blauwe kleur hiermee.
MAC minister reveals security investigation results – Taipei Times