In China’s Guangzhou, a web of factories gives rise to fast-fashion juggernaut Shein
Springboard to EU? BYD poised for US$1 billion electric car plant in Turkey, officials say
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is July 6, 2024. Here at The China Brief, we bring you the latest news on China's politics, economy, and society from global media sources, along with exclusive expert analysis. If you find our content helpful, please subscribe to our newsletter.
China’s elder millennials, like high-level game characters, quest afar to cure ‘curse of 35’
South China Morning Post
Many middle-aged Chinese professionals are finding job opportunities abroad as Chinese companies expand globally. These professionals, who often face difficulties finding work in their home country due to age discrimination, are benefiting from the "go global" trend among Chinese companies. These companies are seeking experienced professionals who can handle a wide range of responsibilities when working overseas. Young Chinese graduates often lack the necessary experience and skills to compete for these positions. The trend of Chinese companies expanding globally has led to an increase in outbound direct investment from China, particularly in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries. However, the tradeoffs of these opportunities include being separated from family and potential job instability. The geopolitical climate can also impact the demand for these positions, and employees may face uncertainty about the longevity of their jobs. Despite these challenges, many middle-aged professionals see these overseas positions as a way to continue their careers and escape age discrimination in the Chinese job market.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3269367/chinas-elder-millennials-high-level-game-characters-quest-afar-cure-curse-35?utm_source=rss_feed
In China’s Guangzhou, a web of factories gives rise to fast-fashion juggernaut Shein
South China Morning Post
Chinese e-commerce giant Shein has become a major player in the global retail market, taking on giants such as Amazon and H&M. The company has built an extensive network of small manufacturers in Guangzhou, southern China, by always paying on time, which has given it an edge over competitors. Shein's agile supply chain and extensive data system allow it to restock in just seven days, compared to 14 days for Zara. The company is now striving to attract a diverse array of merchants to its platform to offer a wider variety of goods and target female consumers. Shein has recently filed papers for an IPO in the UK.
Shein's rise has transformed China's export landscape, with cross-border e-commerce becoming a key part of the country's plan to develop a "digital silk road" for selling Chinese goods to the world. However, the company faces increasing scrutiny abroad, with the US and EU considering import duties on cheap products bought from online sites. Shein also faces growing competition from rivals, such as Amazon, which recently launched a budget storefront featuring low-priced clothing and home goods. Despite its success, Shein will need to be more open about its operations as it pushes forward with its plan for an IPO.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3269291/chinas-guangzhou-web-factories-gives-rise-fast-fashion-juggernaut-shein?utm_source=rss_feed
Springboard to EU? BYD poised for US$1 billion electric car plant in Turkey, officials say
South China Morning Post
Turkey is set to announce a $1bn deal with Chinese car manufacturer BYD to build a plant in the west of the country. The factory will improve BYD's access to the European Union. The EU recently announced plans to impose provisional tariffs on EVs imported from China. Turkey is also an attractive market for BYD, with EVs accounting for 7.5% of car sales last year. Turkey recently cancelled plans to impose a 40% tariff on all vehicles from China. BYD is set to launch its lower-priced EVs in Europe in the coming years.
https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3269418/springboard-eu-byd-poised-us1-billion-electric-car-plant-turkey-officials-say?utm_source=rss_feed
What is ‘escape beauty duty’? China women shun societal pressure, choose natural looks
South China Morning Post
Young women in China are rejecting traditional beauty standards and embracing a trend known as "escape beauty duty", which involves rejecting high heels, makeup, and restrictive diets. Instead, they are opting for buzz-cut hairstyles, loose clothing, and natural looks. The trend is seen as a rebellion against societal expectations and a fight against patriarchal oppression. However, some argue that the trend stigmatizes those who adhere to traditional beauty standards. The trend has gained popularity on social media platforms in China and has sparked widespread debate.
https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3268405/what-escape-beauty-duty-china-women-shun-societal-pressure-choose-natural-looks?utm_source=rss_feed
Japan criticizes China over buoy in Pacific Ocean
Japan Times
The Japanese government has criticized China for installing a buoy in the high seas over Japan's continental shelf in the Pacific Ocean without providing an explanation. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called the move "regrettable" and stated that Japan will continue to collect and analyze information.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/06/japan/politics/japan-china-buoy/
South China Sea: Philippines to buy more ‘faster, lethal’ fighter jets as Beijing tensions persist
South China Morning Post
The Philippines has approved plans to acquire new multirole fighter jets as part of its military modernisation efforts. The country is looking to strengthen its air force’s defence capabilities amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea. The Philippines is considering buying “bigger, faster and more lethal” warplanes such as the US F-16 and Sweden’s JAS-39. The upgrade aims to enhance the Philippines’ ability to project power beyond its territorial waters in the resource-rich seaway.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3269432/south-china-sea-philippines-buy-more-faster-lethal-fighter-jets-beijing-tensions-persist?utm_source=rss_feed
China’s Xinjiang party chief urges ‘unwavering’ terror crackdown with stability top focus
South China Morning Post
The Communist Party chief of China’s Xinjiang region has called for an “unwavering” crackdown on terrorism. Ma Xingrui made the call as the region completed a military-police joint exercise. Ma also called for stronger border security and a “society-wide” ability to control risks. The Xinjiang region is home to about 26 million people, the majority of whom are from ethnic minority groups, including Uygurs and Kazakhs. The Chinese government’s campaign against extremism in the region has led to allegations of human rights abuses. China denies the allegations and has hailed its policies as a success.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3269431/chinas-xinjiang-party-chief-urges-unwavering-terror-crackdown-stability-top-focus?utm_source=rss_feed
Philippines turned down U.S. help amid South China Sea tensions
Japan Times
The Philippines has rejected offers from the United States to assist in operations in the South China Sea. This comes after a recent clash with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal. The Philippines prefers to handle operations on its own, despite the offer of support from its treaty ally, the US.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/06/asia-pacific/philippines-us-military-south-china-sea-help/
Woman, 34, accused of making false statement to obtain Hong Kong study permit granted bail
South China Morning Post
A Chinese woman has been granted bail after being accused of making a false statement to obtain a study permit in Hong Kong. Xie Qing, who claimed to have studied at a leading US university, is one of two women who were arrested for allegedly using forged documents and making false representations to immigration officers. This follows a scandal involving students using fake qualifications to enter the University of Hong Kong's business school. The school has revealed that around 30 students used fraudulent qualifications to secure places in its master's programmes, and the number may rise to 100.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3269436/woman-34-accused-making-false-statement-obtain-hong-kong-study-permit-granted-bail?utm_source=rss_feed
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