De Chinese Wouden, vrijdag 13 september: Spanje en Duitsland tegen de Commissie, Europese bedrijven
Het Chinese ministerie van buitenlandse zaken prijst blij het ‘objectieve en rationale denken’ van de Spaanse premier Sanchez. Na zijn reis naar China sprak hij zich plotseling uit tegen de heffingen op elektrische auto’s uit China. Over een maand moeten de lidstaten stemmen. De Chinese minister van handel treft op 19 september zijn EU-tegenhanger – Brussel heeft net een voorstel van de autobouwers afgewezen.
We wisten al dat de Duitse autobouwers tegen waren – en dus ook de Duitse regering. Dat Sanchez zo opzichtig toegeeft aan China direct na een bezoek is een zwaktebod.Dreigen richting Spaans varkensvlees en een fabriek in Spanje beloven, en je hebt een EU-lidstaat om. Op deze manier hoef je Brussel zelf niet meer serieus te nemen.
Door zo opzichtig door te gaan om Brussel tegen te werken op een genomen weg, laten beide landen zien aan Peking dat het zin heeft om de EU via lidstaten te manipuleren. Het valt niet te ontkennen dat er wat aan de hand is met de Chinese elektrische autosector. Maar Duitsland en Spanje ondergraven nu de Europese Commissie op China. Als dit lukt, zal het Peking hoop geven dat het op andere terreinen ook niet te veel toe hoeft te geven.
Nederland en Europa 🇳🇱🇪🇺
Chinese webshops storten miljoenen pakketjes over ons uit: „Tsunami aan troep ontwrichtend voor de maatschappij” – De Telegraaf: „Met de hartenkreet over de Chinese webwinkels sluit InRetail zich aan bij consumentenorganisaties en milieubeschermers.” 🇳🇱
Tweede Kamer wil meer mogelijkheden voor Taiwan in internationale organisaties – NOS 🇳🇱
Motie van het lid Paternotte c.s. over erkennen dat VN-resolutie 2758 niet oordeelt over de toekomstige deelname van Taiwan aan de VN of andere internationale organisaties – Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 🇳🇱
Deelname aan internationale organisaties is al een langer bestaande campagne, de Chinese leugens over VN-resolutie 2758 tegengaan is een recente prioriteit van Taipei. IPAC – waarin Paternotte actief is – is hier ook mee bezig.
China challenges dim European firms’ investment appetite, lobby group says – Reuters: ‘doubt the government has a credible plan to boost demand in the ailing economy or will carry out long-promised reforms, diminishing their appetite to invest in the country’ 🇪🇺
‘Why China?’ EU business group says strategic rethink may be needed for foreign investors – SCMP: ‘the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said many investors are now confronted with the reality that the problems they face in the Chinese market may be “permanent features that require a substantial strategic rethink”.’🇪🇺
European businesses are becoming increasingly ‘defensive’ toward investing in China, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce – Bloomberg: ‘“What has emerged as a key trend is that around 20%-25% of our companies have either moved parts, which is the majority, or the entirety of the supply chain out of China,” Eskelund said at a media briefing this month.’ 🇪🇺
European Chamber calls for more action, not more action plans – The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China 🇪🇺
niet de enige: US businesses’ optimism in China falls to record low, survey shows – Reuters 🇺🇸
‘#DraghiReport by @EU_Commission reflects a zero-sum thinking. If #EU sees China as a competitor and even a rival, it will always find challenges. In fact, #China is a partner EU can work with for benefits of both sides. #Chinese modernization means more opportunities for #Europe.’ – 王鲁彤 Wang Lutong [directeur-generaal Europese zaken, Chinees BZ], Twitter 🇪🇺
‘Western advancement is built on colonization, the slave trade and involved plunder and death on an enormous scale, whereas #Chinesemodernization is built on the hard work of the 🇨🇳people, said Carlos Martinez, a writer based in London, Britain.’ – Mission of China to the EU, Twitter 🇪🇺
China promotes ‘rational’ voices towards Ukraine ceasefire and political settlement, foreign minister Wáng Yì 王毅 tells Russian official – SCMP: ‘in a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in St Petersburg on Tuesday.’ 🇷🇺🇺🇦
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy calls Chinese-Brazilian peace plan proposal ‘destructive’ – RFE/RL 🇺🇦
Japan on alert as Chinese flotilla approaches to join forces with Russia for drills – SCMP: ‘Tokyo sees improved joint capabilities between its two powerful neighbours as a cause for concern.’ 🇷🇺🇯🇵
Spokesperson says Russia could ‘combine’ with China if they faced a threat – Reuters: ‘The Japan Times reported on Sept. 7 that the United States had expressed an interest in deploying a Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for joint military exercises.’ 🇷🇺
Handel 🚗🇪🇺
EU rejects Chinese proposals to avoid duties on EVs – POLITICO Europe: ‘In a final attempt to sway the EU, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao will meet the bloc’s trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis on Sept. 19.’ 🇪🇺
China trade chief Wáng Wéntāo 王文涛 set for talks on trade in Italy next week – Reuters 🇮🇹🇪🇺
Spain and Germany urge rethink on EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles – SCMP: ‘Noah Barkin, an analyst at research house Rhodium Group, described it as a “litmus test of the EU’s China policy”.’ 🇩🇪🇪🇸🇪🇺
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in calling for the EU to drop its plan to impose extra tariffs on Chinese-made EVs – Bloomberg: ‘EU countries are due to give a final nod next month on whether to move forward with the tariffs.’ 🇩🇪🇪🇸🇪🇺
EU and China should build bridges, avoid war, says Spanish prime minister – Reuters: ‘When asked whether Spain would reconsider its vote on EU tariffs on Chinese made EVs, Sanchez said: “I have to be frank, we have to reconsider our position, all of us. Not only the member states but also the commission.” “We don’t need another war, in this case a trade war. I think we need to build bridges between the European Union and China, and from Spain we will be constructive and try to find a compromise between China and the European Commission,” Sanchez said.’ 🇪🇸🇪🇺
In die ‘andere’ oorlog in Oekraïne gaan mensen echt dood.
China calls for properly settling trade frictions with EU through dialogue and consultation, foreign ministry spokesperson says – Xinhua: ‘“China appreciates Prime Minister Sanchez’s statements, which reflect his rational and objective thinking,” Mao said’
Handelsoorlog woedt door: China legt fabrikanten elektrische auto’s eisen op – BNR
China has strongly advised its carmakers to ensure advanced EV technology stays in the country, even as they build factories around the globe – Bloomberg: ‘meaning key parts of a vehicle would be produced domestically and then sent for final assembly in their destination market.’
‘China’s Ministry of Commerce held a meeting in July with more than a dozen automakers, who were also told they shouldn’t make any auto-related investments in India’
‘carmakers wanting to invest in Turkey should first notify the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’
China warns carmakers of risks in building plants overseas, sources say – Reuters
Dit zou betekenen dat landen als Spanje, Hongarije en Italië minder zullen hebben aan de Chinese autofabrieken die ze binnenhalen.
China’s Dongfeng 东风 to assess Europe sales prospects before plant decision – Reuters
‘Geely has opened its first European test and development base in Frankfurt, Germany. The new base is the fifth in a network of global bases run by the Chinese car maker, which has also partnered with Applus+ IDIADA to assist in its European test and development operations.’ – Greg Kable, Twitter 🇩🇪
Foreign carmakers also have a China overcapacity problem – Edward White in FT: ‘Against that backdrop, foreign brands from Hyundai and Nissan to Volvo and BMW have also started pivoting to exports of their made-in-China vehicles’
De Commissie doet dan ook geen onderzoek naar Chinese auto’s maar naar auto’s uit China.
Developing economies counter Beijing’s export boom with tariffs – FT: ‘they are also using tariffs to force China to invest within their borders and give their manufacturing bases a place in particular in the global race for electric cars.’
Wat Europa doet is dus vergelijkbaar met wat ontwikkelingslanden doen.
Galp-Northvolt lithium refinery project in Portugal faces delay – Reuters 🇵🇹
China’s firms seek to avoid pitfalls in search of key EV metal in Latin America, analysts says – SCMP: ‘To safeguard against bottlenecks in the tougher Latin American nations, Chinese investors are turning to places with laxer rules’
Tech War 💽🇺🇸
Senior US official praises China’s cooperation on export controls for technology transfers – SCMP: ‘mainland authorities have been more helpful in conducting “end-user checks” on companies that buy products sold by US firms, said Matthew Axelrod’ 🇺🇸
South Korea’s China-linked tech theft triggers outcry for tougher penalties – SCMP: ‘following the arrest of two former Samsung employees over a US$4 billion scheme to replicate a semiconductor plant in China using stolen trade secrets.’ 🇰🇷
Chinese chip making shows progress with new EUV patent from domestic lithography champion – Alibaba’s SCMP
Kantelpunt 🌏⏱️
US and EU raise alarm over China’s ‘very substantial’ support for Russia in Ukraine war – SCMP: ‘After the high-level meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters that China was providing direct assistance’
US and EU back Taiwan’s global role, call for China to show restraint – Focus Taiwan: ‘The statement notably omitted the “One China” policy, a departure from previous statements.’
EU-US: Dialogue on China and Indo-Pacific Consultations – EU EEAS: ‘Secretary General Sannino and Deputy Secretary of State Campbell reiterated deep and increasing concern about China’s exports of significant amounts of dual-use goods and items used by Russia on the battlefield against Ukraine, and China-based companies’ continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention. They recognized China’s ongoing support for Russia’s military industrial base is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war against Ukraine, which poses a threat to transatlantic as well as global security and stability.’
‘The European Union and the United States underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait which is indispensable to international security and stability.’
‘Both sides expressed serious concern about tensions in the East and South China Seas and reiterated their strong opposition to recent actions by China that endanger the safety of life at sea and infringe upon freedom of navigation.’ 🇪🇺🇺🇸
Opinion: How to reboot EU foreign policy – Steven Everts in FT: ‘There is a lot of activity in Brussels but not enough impact.’ 🇪🇺
10 ideas for the new team – EUISS 🇪🇺
China’s renewed ambitions in Cabo Verde, the frontier between Africa and the EU – Melanie Shi for The Diplomat 🇨🇻
Wáng Yì 王毅 attends BRICS meeting of high-ranking security officials and advisors in Russia – Xinhua: ‘stating that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation’
Weekend 🏖️📚
Longreads en achtergrond
The coming clash between China and the Global South: As the West protects its markets, China will need to dump its exports elsewhere—and emerging nations are alarmed – James Crabtree for Foreign Policy
: ‘as the ballpoint pen story above illustrates, fixing a chokepoint requires far more than making a single breakthrough. Any solution has to be congruent with the existing network of suppliers and manufacturers, and their incentives, cost structures, and business models.’The scary new map of the South China Sea – The Economist
Opinion: Why Chinese consumption cannot completely be blamed for global imbalances – Gene Ma and Yu Yongding for SCMP
Hong Kong diary shows China’s little-known naval role in D-Day – AFP: ‘24 Chinese officers who helped Allied forces in their landmark D-Day operation.’
The Ko Wen-je 柯文哲 (TPP) case points to deeper problems in Taiwan politics – James Baron for The Diplomat: ‘Corruption and patronage, according to How, are “in the DNA” of local politics. Tracing the origins of black gold activity to Taiwan’s martial law era under the KMT dictatorship, he said that central and local politics overlap through the “outsourcing” of criminal conduct.’
An uncomprehensive list of kowtowing Taiwanese celebrities – Min Chao
Podcasts
National Intelligence Council Chair on the American intelligence community’s pivot to Asia –
🍎China’s engagement with New Caledonia – GMFUS China Global 🍎
Lithuania’s Pivot to Taiwan: Three years later – GTI Insights 🍎
Overige
China buitenland en defensie
China to ‘crush’ foreign encroachment in South China Sea, says senior military official on sidelines of Xiangshan Forum – AFP
De slagzin van het forum is ‘promoting peace for a shared future’ (共筑和平 共享未来).
Taiwan the biggest issue in US-China ties, experts at Xiangshan defence forum say – SCMP: ‘“The US wants to dominate the world and suppress China, and does not want China to be unified. That’s a fundamental contradiction [between the two nations],” said Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice-president of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences.’ 🇺🇸
Singapore’s Ng Eng Hen 黄永宏 meets top Chinese general Zhāng Yòuxiá 张又侠 in Beijing, reaffirms warm ties – The Straits Times 🇸🇬
China’s top security conference Xiangshan Forum about ‘clarifying positions’—not solutions, experts say – SCMP
China and Philippines agree to keep talking after ‘candid’ Sabina Shoal discussions – SCMP 🇵🇭
Plan for summit of at least 20 nations on UN General Assembly sidelines to seek ways ‘to talk sense’ into China, Philippines envoy says – Reuters 🇵🇭🇺🇳
South China Sea: Malaysia shadows Chinese research ship, asserting energy rights – SCMP: ‘a Chinese research vessel accused of conducting unauthorised surveys at Ardasier Bank, 150 nautical miles (278km) from Kota Kinabalu’ 🇲🇾
Top Chinese general to visit US as militaries step up engagement – FT: ‘General Wu Yanan, the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theatre commander, will attend a defence conference hosted by Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific command, according to people familiar with the plans.’ 🇺🇸
Chinese ambassador Xiè Fēng 谢锋 lays down ‘red lines’ in US-China relationship – SCMP: ‘delivered a tough message on Thursday in New York’ ‘celebrated the 45th anniversary of normalised relations’
‘He proceeded to outline in no uncertain terms four “red lines” in US-China relations: Taiwan, democracy, human rights and China’s freedom to develop.’ 🇺🇸
Top aide to embattled NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban linked to Chinese Communist Party – New York Post: ‘the assistant director of the Police Commissioner Liaison Unit, was previously vice chairman of a nonprofit linked to a web of CCP-controlled community groups and school associations, known as United Front, for 12 years, according to records viewed by The Post.’ 🇺🇸
Het blijft vervelend dat westerse overheden zich afhankelijk maken van door Chinese overheden gecontroleerde en beïnvloede organisaties om de Chinese gemeenschap te bereiken.
US imposes sanctions on Chinese suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program – Reuters 🇺🇸🇵🇰
Ex-CIA officer jailed for 10 years as spy for China – BBC News 🇺🇸
Australia sends expert teams to Fiji as Chinese state-backed hackers attack Pacific Islands Forum – ABC News’ 🇫🇯🇹🇴🇦🇺
New Zealand concern over China-linked Pacific cyber breach – Newsroom 🇳🇿
Fishers frustrated as China maintains ban on Australian live lobsters – ABC News 🇦🇺
China’s troops temporarily advance dozens of miles across Indian border, report says – Newsweek: ‘The evidence indicates People's Liberation Army troops had penetrated at least 60 kilometers (37 miles) into Arunachal Pradesh’ 🇮🇳
India and China discuss early resumption of passenger flights, Indian minister says – Reuters 🇮🇳
China’s Premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 and Saudi crown prince discuss cooperation in Riyadh meeting – Reuters 🇸🇦
Premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 says China to expand trade, cooperation with UAE – Xinhua 🇦🇪
Chinese premier Lǐ Qiáng 李强 calls for acceleration of FTA negotiation with GCC – Xinhua
China says Fujian aircraft carrier has tested catapult launch system – SCMP
China economie
Deflation stalking China since last year is now showing signs of spiralling – Bloomberg: ‘While Chinese officials have sought to stifle discussion about deflation, warning analysts to avoid using the term, it’s beginning to enter public dialogue.’
How China has ‘throttled’ its private sector – FT: ‘VC firms have laid off investment professionals and in some cases replaced them with lawyers or former judges to enforce the repayment terms.’
‘Three separate venture capital executives estimated that state-run funds now accounted for around 80 per cent of capital in the market.’
China playing it safe with capital, researchers say, as SOEs get hefty payout – SCMP: ‘Researchers with Rhodium Group say capital in China is being diverted from more dynamic firms into legacy industries and state sectors.’
The Mountain is High, the Lead Investor is Far Away – Rhodium Group: ‘The allocation of capital—be it direct grants, credit, or PE-VC investment—does not necessarily follow the objectives announced in Beijing policies.’
Chinese banks’ cash flow plummets after crackdown on high deposit rates – Caixin Global
Chinese bank China Renaissance 华兴资本 was told to wire authorities CN¥78mn [€9.9m] after founder Bāo Fán 包凡 disappeared – FT: ‘Regulators have provided the bank with so little information about Bao’s status and the reason for the large payment that the group’s in-house accountants and auditors have struggled with how to record the amount in its latest financial statements.’
China’s unworkable housing rescue math is prolonging crisis – Bloomberg: ‘The glacial pace of implementation — driven in large part by the unattractive economics of the plan for local governments — underscores the challenge President Xi Jinping faces’
At China’s Zhongzhi Enterprise Group 中融鼎新, risky practices preceded shadow bank’s collapse – Reuters: ‘Zhongzhi units were paying returns to existing investors in wealth-management products by using funds from new investors, and promising individual investors lucrative returns that belied the group's exposure to a deepening property crisis.’
China has opened a criminal investigation into Hywin Wealth Management 海银财富 for alleged involvement in illegal fundraising, according to Shanghai police – Bloomberg
For China’s barbecue capital Zibo, reality bites as debt risk stokes fire of economic distress – SCMP: ‘appears to have done little to fire up its deteriorating finances.’
China binnenland
Exclusive: Evergrande 恒大 Chairman Hui Ka Yan 许家印 kept in special Shenzhen detention center – Reuters: ‘He was transferred to Shenzhen a few months ago to allow him to more easily communicate with top Evergrande executives, said the second source.’
《華郵》稱秦剛任職出版社 京消息:有職員同名不同人 – 明報新聞網
De Hongkongse krant Ming Pao zegt dat de Amerikaanse bronnen van The Washington Post er naast zaten: de Qin Gang die bij de uitgever van het Chines ministerie van buitenlandse zaken werkt is iemand anders met dezelfde naam als de gevallen minister.
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 inspects Lanzhou in northwest China’s Gansu Province – Xinhua
Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 calls for carrying forward fine traditional Chinese culture – Xinhua: ‘took a close look at exhibits such as “He Zun,” a bronze ritual wine vessel carrying the earliest written record of the Chinese characters for “China.”’
Die karakters (中或) betekenden toen nog geen China en ook geen ‘Rijk van het Midden’, maar eerder iets in de trant van ‘centrale staten’. Maar goed, dat past niet in de nationalistische mythe.
China to make basic military training mandatory at universities – Nikkei Asia: ‘local military authorities will guide marching and marksmanship drills at high schools and universities.’
Geschorste Zuid-Koreaanse voetballer Son zegt dat Chinese politie hem chanteerde – RTL Nieuws
Hong Kong
Airlines now stop ‘undesirables’ from boarding flights to Hong Kong – RFA
Taiwan buitenland en defensie
Taiwanese foreign minister Lin Chia-Lung 林佳龍 (DPP) to ‘Post’: Intelligence and technology exchanges a ‘must’ between Taiwan and Israel – The Jerusalem Post: ‘“When it comes to the Middle East’s issues and Taiwan’s relations with Israel, simply put we are now seeing a very clear manifestation of the ‘Axis of Evil’ or CRINK — China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea,” Lin told the Post.’ 🇮🇱
Taiwan heeft soms iets te veel de neiging om bondgenoten te grijpen waar het kan, hoe publicitair problematisch ook. In Afrika is de enig overgebleven Taiwanese bondgenoot het autocratische koninkrijk Eswatini.
US Navy Seal unit that killed bin Laden trains for Chinese invasion of Taiwan – FT: ‘has been planning and training for a Taiwan conflict for more than a year at Dam Neck, its headquarters at Virginia Beach’ 🇺🇸
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office says it is verifying email tips about Taiwan ‘separatist’ activity – Reuters 🇨🇳
Publicitaire intimidatie.
Taiwan will ‘never succumb’ to China, Taipei top China policy official says – AFP 🇨🇳
Taiwanese air Force has changed pilot flight suit colour from training orange to mission green in response to Chinese PLA incursions – Focus Taiwan
Taiwan diplomatic ally Eswatini ’quietly warming’ to China, Semafor Africa report says – Taipei Times 🇸🇿
Taiwan schandaal
Probe into Core Pacific focuses on money trail – Taipei Times: ‘in a widening probe into allegations of corruption against Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je’
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accuses Taiwanese President Lai of ‘hunting down’ rivals like TPP chair Ko Wen-je 柯文哲 – Nikkei Asia: ‘Ko has argued that China and Taiwan are “one family” and voiced support for economic pacts with Beijing during the campaign for the January elections.’ 🇨🇳
‘The judicial system should be the symbol of justice in every democracy and should never be a tool for the ruler. The new Trinity of “DPP-prosecutor-specific media” has become a severe issue in Taiwan. We urge the @DPPonline Gov. to stop making the judicial case political.’ – 中國國民黨 KMT, Twitter
國民黨立委蔡正元抹黑記者「陪睡」 周軒:毀她人格不會讓錯事變對 – 自由時報
China en oppositie KMT en TPP promoten dezelfde aanval op de Taiwanese rechtsstaat en media. Het grootste onmiddellijke gevaar voor Taiwans onafhankelijkheid en democratie stamt juist uit deze samenspanning. Omdat hij van binnenuit komt, is het lastiger er tegen op te treden – niet in de laatste plaats omdat er wel degelijk problemen zijn met lokaal bestuur en zelfs de aanklagers. Maar uiteindelijk gaat het hier om een rechtmatige zaak die Peking, KMT en TPP gebruiken om Taiwan te ondermijnen. Het is niet toevallig dat KMT parlementariër Alex Tsai 蔡正元 – hierboven in het nieuws met laster tegen een SETN-presentatrice – banden met China zou hebben.
Taiwan binnenland en economie
Former general faces potential charges for singing Chinese national anthem – New Bloom
Taishin Financial 台新 updates its terms for Shin Kong 新光 merger – Taipei Times