60 years after Mao, what Xi’s focus on ‘Fengqiao model’ says about ‘new’ China；How a Decaying Warship Beached on a Tiny Shoal Provoked China’s Ire
Japan urged to ‘signal early’ it would be part of Taiwan’s defence in a war
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is November 11, 2023. 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.
60 years after Mao, what Xi’s focus on ‘Fengqiao model’ says about ‘new’ China
South China Morning Post
The Chinese government is using a combination of big data and a network of "safety consultants" to crack down on online fraud. The consultants, numbering around 8,000, are employed by banks, private companies and mobile networks, and are tasked with reporting potential victims of online scams to the authorities. Using a combination of big data and the network of consultants, the police were able to prevent a family from being scammed out of CNY440,000 ($6,030) within five minutes. The operation is part of President Xi Jinping's "Fengqiao experience", which seeks to resolve social conflicts at a grassroots level. However, critics warn that the system could be used for social and political surveillance and could encourage lower-level officials to hide problems from their superiors.
How a Decaying Warship Beached on a Tiny Shoal Provoked China’s Ire
NY Times
The rusty, World War II-era ship that has become a symbol of Philippine resistance against China in the South China Sea has been resupplied, according to a New York Times report. The vessel, known as the Sierra Madre, has been beached on the Second Thomas Shoal, a contested reef 120 miles off the coast of the western province of Palawan, since 1999. It is part of a strategy by the Philippines to show the world how Beijing is asserting its power in the South China Sea. China has repeatedly harassed Philippine vessels as they seek to resupply the navy troops who guard the Sierra Madre. The US, meanwhile, has condemned Beijing’s actions and vowed to aid the Philippines in the event of an armed attack. China claims Manila previously agreed to tow away the Sierra Madre, a claim that the Philippines disputes. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that the Second Thomas Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Japan urged to ‘signal early’ it would be part of Taiwan’s defence in a war
South China Morning Post
Experts at a security forum in Taipei have said that while Japanese support to defend Taiwan in the event of a war with Beijing could mean a lot on the ground, Japan's laws make direct involvement unlikely at this stage. Matt Pottinger, former US deputy national security adviser, said that Japan and other American allies should engage in "collective deterrence" against any aggression from Beijing. Japan has not explicitly stated that it would help defend Taiwan if a conflict does break out, to avoid provoking Beijing.
Joe Biden speaks with Oman ruler as China eyes stronger presence in Middle East
South China Morning Post
US President Joe Biden spoke with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, to discuss strengthening the US-Oman bilateral relationship and seeking new opportunities in trade, investment, security coordination, and cooperation in the Middle East region. The call is particularly notable given concerns about China's plans to build a military facility in Oman, which would challenge the US in the region. The two sides agreed to hold more talks in the coming weeks. Oman is known for its policy of neutrality and often acts as a mediator, including between the US and Iran.
US, China need ‘healthy economic relations’, Yellen says
Al Jazeera
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has emphasised the importance of "healthy economic relations" between the US and China while urging China to crack down on Chinese companies assisting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. Yellen stated that the Biden administration does not seek to decouple the US and Chinese economies, but it will take unilateral action against Chinese firms that supply defence equipment to Moscow. Yellen added that evidence has shown Chinese firms and banks "facilitating" the flow of equipment to Russia, which will face "significant consequences". The meeting between Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng took place ahead of talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.
Top U.S. general doubts China's Xi planning to take Taiwan by force
Japan Times
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., expressed doubt that China plans to take Taiwan militarily. He stated that he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping will try to use other means to achieve his goals regarding Taiwan. General Brown also mentioned that he has written to his Chinese counterpart to establish lines of communication and that he is open to engaging with him if the opportunity arises. These comments come just before President Joe Biden is set to meet with President Xi Jinping of China.
Biden, Xi set to pledge ban on AI in drones, nuclear warhead control, sources say
South China Morning Post
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to announce a ban on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in autonomous weaponry and the control and deployment of nuclear warheads, according to sources. Both countries have expressed concerns about the unregulated use of AI in conflict. The US introduced its Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in February, which has been backed by 36 countries. China has also made significant advances in AI and has been exploring ways to enhance autonomous weapons systems using the technology.
U.S. Treasury chief to 'intensify communication' with top Chinese official
Japan Times
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has urged Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to crack down on Chinese companies that provide material support to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Yellen and He held discussions on a range of economic issues, including U.S. export controls, climate change, and debt relief for low-income countries. The talks took place ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, where U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Yellen emphasized the need for intensified communication between the U.S. and China on economic matters.
U.S. in game of "catch me if you can" with Nvidia on rules - China media
Yahoo US
US restrictions on chip sales to China will only accelerate innovation in the country, according to state-controlled newspaper Global Times. The report follows news that Nvidia plans to release new artificial intelligence chips specifically targeted at Chinese markets, following the tightening of rules around sales of high-end AI chips to China. The restrictions are designed to prevent China from bolstering its military through acquisitions of cutting-edge US technology. However, the Global Times said the restrictions were "harmful" to China's interests and that the US would find itself in an "awkward situation".
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