De Chinese Wouden, maandag 13 mei: reacties bezoek Xi, autoheffingen VS
Het was zondag te warm om nog veel commentaar te geven.
Nederland en Europa 🇳🇱🇪🇺
China slowdown fears grip more European companies, EU chamber finds – Nikkei Asia: ‘The chamber’s annual business confidence survey released the same day shows that 55% of respondents ranked the slowing Chinese economy as a top-three challenge, compared with 36% the previous year.
“I cannot recall that in the history of our survey, we’ve actually seen a top concern expanded by 19% just over the span of one year,” said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in China, during a media call.’
‘“If you have a GDP that’s growing primarily because investments are made into additional manufacturing capacity for which there is no demand, that is a bad thing for business,” he said. “On the other hand, if you have GDP growth primarily by consumption growth, then it’s very positive for European businesses.”’ 🇪🇺
European firms souring on China, lobby group warns – Reuters 🇪🇺
Chinese competition a ‘defining challenge’ for EU companies in markets around the world – FT
European Chamber calls for action to restore business confidence – The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China: ‘Instead of benefitting from the strong economic rebound that many had expected, European firms operating in China found themselves facing more uncertainty.’
‘“There are worrying signs that some European companies are either siloing operations or scaling down their ambitions in China as the challenges they face start to outweigh the benefits of being here,” said Jens Eskelund’ 🇪🇺
China’s Ukraine point man closes Middle East diplomacy trip marked by call to ‘cool down the situation’ – SCMP: ‘Li Hui met senior diplomats in Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Chinese foreign ministry said, and discussed the conflict with officials from Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia and Kazakhstan too.’
‘Li’s trip could also have been meant to convey the perspective of Russia, which has been excluded from most Western-led global gatherings such as next month’s peace summit, said Li Lifan of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, a Chinese think tank.’ ‘“There is a chance to form a consensus among the Global South on this matter,” the researcher added, saying that while Europe was unlikely to change its view, “China could send a message” by rallying the countries on Li’s itinerary.’ 🇺🇦
Voor China zijn de landen van het ‘Mondiale Zuiden’ belangrijker dan Europa.
EU fighting to counter China’s influence in global south, says international partnerships commissioner Jutta Urpilainen – FT: ‘“We face a battle of narrative, but more and more we face a battle of offers,” she said, referring to China’s pledges of swift financing and rapid project completion.’ 🇪🇺
As China flexes muscle, German Navy sails to Asia to reassure allies – Nikkei Asia: ‘Against this tense global backdrop, the ships will participate in exercises together with fleets from Canada, the U.S., Japan, India and France. The highlight will be the U.S. Navy-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maneuver, the world's largest maritime exercise that takes place every two years off Hawaii. At RIMPAC, the ships will be meeting up with the German Air Force.
The French and Spanish air forces will join the exercises, creating a fleet of dozens of European fighter jets. Italy looks set to send its aircraft carrier Cavour and its formation, including F-35 multirole combat aircraft, to participate in RIMPAC. Separately, France has said it plans to send the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Indo-Pacific this year.’
Two Britons to face trial next year accused of spying for China – Reuters 🇬🇧
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 congratulates Mishustin on reassuming office as Russian PM – Xinhua 🇷🇺
Nymphia Wind to present Formosan Follies at Paris Cultural Olympiad – Focus Taiwan: ‘The newly crowned superstar was unveiled by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture as a performer for the Taiwan Pavilion at the upcoming Cultural Olympiad’ 🇫🇷
Xi in Europa 🇪🇺🇨🇳
reacties
Commentaar: Het bezoek van Xi Jinping laat vooral zien waar de breuklijnen in Europa lopen – de Volkskrant 🇳🇱
China-Politik der EU: Xi Jinping spaltet den Westen auf Europatour – Der Spiegel: „Der chinesische Präsident Xi Jinping reist durch Europa, um eine einheitliche Haltung der EU und der USA gegenüber Peking zu verhindern. Deutschland und Frankreich machen es ihm leicht.“ 🇩🇪
Xi Jinping wird trotzdem lächeln – Zeit 🇩🇪
Éditorial: En Europe, Xi Jinping a choisi son camp – Le Monde : « Clairement, Xi Jinping a choisi son camp en Europe, celui des dirigeants à tendance autocratique, avides d’investissements chinois sans être regardants. » 🇫🇷
While Xi tours Europe, China feeds Russia’s war machine – Kyiv Independent 🇺🇦
Editorial: Xi Jinping’s unproductive European tour – FT 🇬🇧
Limited gains from Xi’s Europe trip suggest more troubled times ahead for China-Europe relations – The Straits Times: ‘As Mr Xi returns to Beijing, when the warm flush from sipping cognac subsides and the deafening cheers of a choreographed welcome quieten, the cold hard reality remains that China and Europe are heading for more troubled times ahead.’ 🇸🇬
CCP aims to divide the EU, report by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau on Xi visit says – Taipei Times 🇹🇼
Xi’s visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary chart course for future, says Chinese foreign minister Wáng Yì 王毅 – Xinhua: ‘He noted that during Xi’s state visit to France, the Chinese president has proposed
1. to uphold independence and jointly prevent a new Cold War or bloc confrontation;
2. adhere to mutual understanding and jointly promote harmonious coexistence in a colorful world;
3. stick to proceeding from a long-term perspective to jointly push for an equal and orderly multipolar world; and
4. uphold mutual benefit and jointly oppose “de-coupling.”’ 🇨🇳
Xi Jinping, his tour over, leaves behind a Europe split by how to deal with China – SCMP
Xi’s Hungary trip sets stage for China to gain ground in Eastern Europe – Nikkei Asia
Hongarije 🇭🇺
China scouts Hungary to power EV battery production and sell to wider, warier EU – SCMP 🇭🇺
China makes Hungary a model for diplomatic ties in Europe – FT: ‘“The most important qualification for being an ‘all-weather’ partner is loyalty to China’s positions on geopolitical issues,” said one Chinese official, who declined to be identified.’ 🇭🇺
China and Hungary elevate ties during Xi’s visit in Budapest – The Global Times: ‘On world affairs, China and Hungary often share similar stances. Despite being an EU member state and a NATO member, Hungary has remained committed to not sending any weapons to Ukraine.’
‘On July 1, Hungary will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Foreign Minister Szijjarto believes Hungary can use the opportunity to influence the EU’s policy toward China.
“We will be able to share with our European colleagues in a very credible manner how helpful, how useful and how profitable it can be to work together with China,” Szijjarto told the Global Times in the interview.’ 🇭🇺
Interview: China’s rise an opportunity not threat, says Hungarian official Balázs Orbán – Xinhua: ‘“Instead of decoupling or de-risking, we believe connectivity is the strategy which is working,” said Orban.’ 🇭🇺
Interview: China’s technology and economic growth to benefit Hungary, says Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency official – Xinhua 🇭🇺
Amerikaanse importheffingen 🇨🇳🇺🇸
US set to impose 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports – FT 🇺🇸
Er worden nauwelijks Chinese e-auto’s verkocht in de VS. Waarom dan een huizenhoge importheffing? – de Volkskrant 🇺🇸
New Biden tariffs on China’s EVs, solar, and medical supplies due Tuesday – Reuters: ‘it will also add new tariffs to semiconductors and solar equipment, according to one of the people, as well as hiking EV tariffs. Chinese-made medical supplies like syringes and personal protective equipment also face additional tariffs, sources told Reuters.’ 🇺🇸
Biden’s administration is poised to unveil a sweeping decision on China tariffs as soon as next week – Bloomberg: ‘While a decision could be delayed, it nonetheless represents one of Biden’s biggest moves in the economic race with China.’ 🇺🇸
China’s quantum tech ‘core strength’ targeted by latest US trade blacklist, Chinese physicists warn – SCMP 🇺🇸
Tech War 💽💥
There’s another Chinese electric vehicle threat: Buses – POLITICO Europe: ‘Chinese electric vehicle brand BYD is a growing presence. It has ambitious plans for the EV market and is a dominant player in e-buses with factories in the U.K., the Netherlands and Hungary.’
‘VDL claims BYD is heavily subsidized by the Chinese government.’ 🇪🇺🇳🇱
Arrogance, Nastiness, and Naiveté: The self-defeating myth of ‘overcapacity’ – Xin Ping for Xinhua
China’s SMIC 中芯 predicts fiercer price war for less advanced chips domestically as well as oversupply globally – Nikkei Asia: ‘new production capacity could outstrip […] demand, at least in the near term.’
The newly-elected governor of Kumamoto Prefecture wants to woo TSMC 台積電 to build its third Japanese chip factory there – Bloomberg 🇯🇵
Miljarden extra voor versterking chipindustrie Zuid-Korea – BNR 🇰🇷
Je bent jong en je scrollt wat op TikTok of Douyin 抖音, maar waar zie je wat? – de Volkskrant
Australian Strategic Policy Institute study says China uses global apps and games for propaganda – VOA: ‘Beijing’s propaganda chiefs are forging ties with Chinese tech companies to gather personal data from a wide range of social media apps or platforms and popular online games.’
Truth and reality with Chinese characteristics – Samantha Hoffman, Tilla Hoja, Yvonne Lau, and Lilly Min-Chen Lee for ASPI
TSMC 台積電 revenue soars 60% on AI demand – Taipei Times
Nvidia supplier Wistron 緯創 reports strongest first-quarter net profit on robust AI server demand – Taipei Times
Kantelpunt 🌏⏱️
Cold War I was full of proxy wars around the globe, and Cold War II is starting off the same way in Ukraine – Hal Brands for Bloomberg
China’s Confucius Institutes flourish in ASEAN compared to West’s freeze-out – Nikkei Asia
Opinie: Xi is alleen een vredesduif als het hem uitkomt – Jan van der Putten in NRC
Overige
China buitenland en defensie
The human rights world has a sexual harassment problem: From fear of hurting their causes to being suspected as Chinese spies, women say there’s a culture of silence about misconduct in the human rights advocacy community – NOTUS
Serieuze beschuldigingen tegen enkele belangrijke activisten: Dolkun Isa, Nury Turkel, Enes Kanter Freedom, en bekende beschuldigingen tegen Teng Biao en welles-nietes rondom Nathan Law.
China supports UNSC’s early reconsideration of Palestine's application to join UN – Xinhua: ‘criticized the United States for using its veto power to obstruct efforts to correct historical injustice against Palestine’ 🇵🇸
Why are Chinese students who feel for Gaza choosing to stay away as pro-Palestine protests sweep US campuses? – SCMP: ‘While some are unhappy about how the universities handled the protests, they are more worried about being on the record for participating in them, fearing it might put their student visa [in the US] or future careers [in China] at risk.’
Zuid-Chinese Zee
Op de Filippijnse Batanes-eilanden zijn ze klaar om hun eiland te verdedigen tegen China – NRC: „Vier Amerikaanse militairen, vermoedelijk mariniers, lunchen […] in het stadje Basco, […] Ze zijn op doorreis naar Taiwan, meer wil hij niet kwijt.” 🇵🇭
US-Philippines military are the closest they’ve been in decades, but some local leaders argue that China would be a better partner – Bloomberg: ‘“The last thing that he said is, ‘Although we are neighbors and we are friends, if you will allow the enemies of China to stay with you, we will be forced to also engage you,’” Mamba said of [Vice Foreign Minister] Sun [Weidong].’
‘“China is good at courting sub-national elites, promising them things from education opportunities to infrastructure,” said Julio Amador’ 🇵🇭
Philippine fishers on Chinese bullying: ‘Babawiin ko’ – The Inquirer: ‘When he tried to swim away with his speargun, they reeled him back with a hook used to reel in big fish. He was lucky it caught on to his shirt.’ 🇵🇭
overige
Chinese troops travel by rail to Mongolia for first joint army drill, in sign of growing strategic ties – SCMP: ‘It is the first joint training exercise between the Chinese and Mongolian armies, China’s military said, adding that the theme is “dealing with the activities of illegal armed groups”.’
‘Last June, China took part in the “Khaan Quest 2023” multinational peacekeeping exercise in Mongolia.’ 🇲🇳
South Korea’s foreign minister Cho Tae-yul 趙兌烈 to visit China next week – Reuters: ‘It will be Cho's first trip to Beijing since taking up his post and marks the first visit by a South Korean foreign minister in more than six years.’ 🇰🇷
US and China set to meet this year in Azerbaijan to discuss methane emission reductions – SCMP 🇺🇸
Chinese companies win licensing bids to explore Iraq oil and gas fields – Reuters 🇮🇶
Former US Marine pilot arrested in Australia worked with Chinese hacker unknowingly, lawyer says – Reuters 🇦🇺
Hope there is resolution of remaining issues: Jaishankar on eastern Ladakh border row with China – PTI 🇮🇳
CSIS and Toronto Police believe Canadian politicians exposed to PRC blackmail in underground casino, according to sources – The Bureau 🇨🇦
China economie
China suffers 56% drop in foreign investments on weak domestic demand – Nikkei Asia
China’s credit unexpectedly shrank in April, reflecting weak borrowing demand as the central bank refrained from easing monetary policy – Bloomberg
China’s consumer prices rise for third month, signalling demand recovery – Reuters
China inflation: raising costs of public services a ‘necessary step’ to offset property and debt pressures – SCMP
China’s consumer inflation edges upward in signal of slow economic recovery – FT
China’s Country Garden 碧桂园 repays onshore coupons within grace period – Reuters
China binnenland
💡 How China’s latest government overhaul is shaping up, and what it says about the Communist Party’s priorities: New bodies dedicated to issues such as financial risk and social stability are being established at a central and local level – SCMP
Goed overzicht van de voortgang van enkele bureaucratische hervormingen.
Senior Chinese leaders’ tours round country offer clues to economic policy agenda ahead of key Plenum meeting – SCMP: ‘The four emphasised technological self-reliance, social stability and high-quality development during the trips’
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 urges Xinjiang to boost people’s wellbeing and high-quality development during his inspection tour – Xinhua
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 in Anhui stresses improving innovation-driven development capabilities – Xinhua
Chinese vice premier Liú Guózhōng 刘国中 stresses bumper summer grain harvest – Xinhua
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 stresses breaking new ground in ideological, political education – Xinhua: ‘in an instruction on the development of ideological-political courses for schools.’
Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting – Xinhua: ‘To foster a level playing field for all market entities, it is necessary to focus on prominent issues in the market, refine and improve the regulations on fair competition review and break regional barriers and industrial monopolies, according to the meeting.’
China’s state council issues annual legislative plan for 2024 – Xinua
Senior Chinese legislators inspect judicial, procuratorial work in Shaanxi – Xinhua
China’s political advisors meet on population for modernisation drive – Xinhua
China fast-tracks edited wheat genome as part of food security drive – SCMP
Citizen journalist Zhāng Zhǎn 张展 jailed for reporting on Covid in Wuhan to be freed after four years – The Observer: ‘what the judge didn’t like was that she collected those materials and put them on Twitter … and received interviews from so-called enemy media,” said the lawyer’
Hong Kong
Hong Kong puts Google in hot seat with ban on protest song – Bloomberg
Eight more Chinese cities join Hong Kong solo travel scheme – Reuters
Taiwan buitenland en defensie
Taiwan finds concerns grow and options shrink as China increases patrols around Taipei-controlled Kinmen – SCMP: ‘analysts caution that the island’s authorities have limited options in enforcing these rules, as tougher actions could escalate into unintended cross-strait conflict, a scenario even [sic] the United States seeks to avoid.’ 🇨🇳
Typisch voorbeeld van de manier waarop China brinkmanship gebruikt om het risico bij de andere neer te leggen. Duwt Taiwan terug, dan ‘escaleert’ Taipei’. Doet Taiwan niks, dan kan Peking rustig doorgaan met salamisnijden.
Taiwanese star forced to publicly support ‘one China’ policy – RFA: ‘Taiwanese TV and movie actor Wu Mu-hsuen was recently forced to sign a pledge to support China's territorial claim on democratic Taiwan, or the show she had just finished filming would be ditched, according to multiple local media reports.’ 🇨🇳
China still set on sowing division, MAC report says – Taipei Times
Chinese foreign ministry official on China’s Position on UNGA Resolution 2758 – Xinhua
Een goed, compleet overzicht van de Chinese standpunten, misleidingen en leugens over de status van Taiwan in de VN.
Opvallend is dat een Chinese functionaris hier klaagt dat de VS claimt dat Washingtons één-Chinabeleid verschilt van Pekings één-Chinaprincipe.
Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) to launch six low-orbit satellites from 2026 – Taipei Times: ‘The development of the technology gained attention after Ukrainians were able to access the Internet through […] Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service’
Taiwan air force holds live-fire training exercises using missiles and bombs – AFP: ‘10 days before the inauguration of a new president’
Taiwan seeking US-made loitering munition drones – Taipei Times
Taiwan binnenland en economie
KMT urges Lai Ching-te 賴清德 (DPP) to use inaugural speech to lower tensions with China – Focus Taiwan: ‘Recent media reports have said the speech’s language on China will largely follow the path laid out by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) since 2016, under which Taipei has tried to show “goodwill” to China while also upholding its “commitments” to Taiwan's democracy, sovereignty and national identity.’ 🇨🇳
No plan to attend inauguration, says KMT caucus – Taipei Times: ‘said that the event falls on a Monday, a working day for everyone’
‘Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and [losing candidate] New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜), both members of the KMT, said they would not attend, citing scheduled city government activities.’
Legislature agrees on KMT proposal for Lai Ching-te 賴清德 (DPP)’s state of the nation address following his inauguration – Focus Taiwan: ‘Cross-caucus negotiations will be held on May 13 to discuss when and how the address would take place, and if the event should include a collective question-and-answer session by lawmakers.’
‘Impossible to buy a home’: Taiwan’s young workers struggle as wealth inequality grows – The Straits Times: ‘Ahead of President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration on May 20, Taiwanese workers say the top issues they want the incoming government to prioritise are stagnant wages and soaring housing prices, according to a poll on April 30 by popular jobs portal 1111.’
KMT think tank calls for reshuffle of Judicial Yuan – Taipei Times: ‘stating that [president and vice president] should step down when the administration that appointed them leaves office.’
Former health minister among new ministers without portfolio named – Focus Taiwan
Pazeh people apply for recognition of official Indigenous status – Focus Taiwan: ‘The plains Indigenous peoples headed by the Siraya, have struggled to have their Indigenous status recognized as “lowland” Indigenous peoples.’
Nearly 70% of Taiwanese back same-sex marriage, Cabinet data shows – Focus Taiwan: ‘up 6.5 percentage points from the 2023 survey.’
Hosting Human Rights Press Award for first time testament to Taiwan’s work on human rights, President Tsai says – Focus Taiwan