China to Set Up Strategic Emerging Industry Fund; China’s PLA Warns Cadres About Socializing With ‘Wrong People’
China village lures young workers with perks in transformation push; Police investigate after spycam found in Chinese couple’s Malaysia Airbnb room
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is September 24, 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.
China to Set Up Strategic Emerging Industry Fund: Business News
Bloomberg
China Reform Holdings Corp. is planning to create a development fund worth at least CNY 100bn ($13.7bn) to invest in strategic emerging industries. The fund has received investment intentions from over 20 government-owned enterprises, provincial administrations and social capital, and is expected to begin operating within the year. This move is part of China's state-owned enterprises reform, which includes increasing investment in strategic emerging industries.
China’s PLA Warns Cadres About Socializing With ‘Wrong People’
Bloomberg
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) in China has warned military personnel to be cautious about who they associate with, as socialising with the wrong people has been cited as a reason for the removal of some leaders. The PLA Daily, a state-run publication, has advised military cadres to "purify their social circle" and to avoid unnecessary events or meal appointments. The commentary comes after the recent removal of Qin Gang as foreign minister and the disappearance of Defense Minister Li Shangfu from public view. These incidents have raised speculation about corruption and inappropriate relationships within the Chinese military.
Police investigate after spycam found in Chinese couple’s Malaysia Airbnb room
South China Morning Post
Malaysian police are investigating a hidden camera found in a wall socket of an Airbnb room in Sabah state, after a Chinese couple discovered it during their stay. The couple, who posted about the incident on a Chinese social media platform, questioned the safety of travelling to Malaysia. The police have seized the camera and are working to identify the person responsible. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for outrage of modesty. The couple claimed that the police advised them to remove their social media posts, which the police deny.
Australia seeks separate dialogue on China wine dispute
Reuters
Australia is seeking a separate dialogue with China to resolve their dispute over wine tariffs, according to the country's agriculture minister. China recently removed tariffs on Australian barley, leading to hopes that wine tariffs could also be lifted. Bilateral relations between the two nations deteriorated in 2020 after Australia called for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. China proposed linking the wine dispute to other trade issues, but Australia wants to resolve the matter separately through dialogue. Before the pandemic, China was Australia's top wine export market, but exports have since plummeted.
Philippines condemns Chinese 'floating barrier' in South China Sea
Reuters
The Philippines has accused China's coast guard of installing a "floating barrier" in the South China Sea, which is preventing Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area. The coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have condemned China's actions, stating that it is depriving Filipino fishing boats of their livelihood activities.
Back in full force, UN General Assembly shows how the most important diplomatic work is face to face
The Toronto Star
The return of in-person diplomacy at this year's U.N. summit has highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions between leaders and delegates in advancing diplomatic agreements, according to political science professor Katie Laatikainen. While the General Assembly is often thought of as a world government body, much of the U.N.'s work is carried out in informal side meetings and behind-the-scenes interactions. Delegates and non-governmental organizations have said that in-person contact is more confidential, efficient, and valuable than virtual communication.
Asia Olympic council 'looking into' Indian athletes' China visa issue
Reuters
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Asian Games organisers are investigating the issue of three Indian athletes who were unable to join the games in China due to a visa problem. The athletes from the state of Arunachal Pradesh were issued stapled visas instead of stamped ones, which India does not accept as valid. The practice of issuing stapled visas has been seen as China's way of questioning India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The issue is being examined by the OCA, organisers, and the government, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached.
China's Xi welcomes summit with Japan, South Korea at proper time
Japan Times
Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his willingness to hold the first trilateral summit between China, Japan, and South Korea in four years. The last such summit took place in 2015, and since then, relations between the three countries have been strained due to historical and territorial disputes. However, Xi's comments indicate a renewed effort to improve diplomatic relations and promote cooperation between the three East Asian nations.
China village lures young workers with perks in transformation push
Nikkei Asia
The village of Houbaligou in China's Shandong province has become a model for rural development, attracting young people with generous benefits and distributing business profits among residents. The village has managed to convince 600 young people to migrate over the past 10 years by offering benefits such as covering tuition fees, providing cars and discounts on home purchases, and offering business capital and rent-free housing for entrepreneurs. In addition, the village offers university scholarships and has opened a school with state-of-the-art facilities. The village's assets exceed CNY8bn ($1.2bn) and it has received the title of "National Civilized Village" from the Chinese Communist Party.
China Installs Barrier in Disputed Sea Shoal, Philippines Says
Bloomberg
China has installed a floating barrier in the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, preventing access for Filipino fishing vessels, according to the Philippines. The floating barrier, which measures about 300 meters, was installed by three inflatable boats of the Chinese Coast Guard and a service boat of the Chinese maritime militia. Manila’s Coast Guard and its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources “strongly condemn” China’s move. The Philippines has been releasing videos and images of persistent confrontations of its vessels with Chinese ships in a bid to pressure Beijing to stop what it says are “aggressive” acts in the disputed sea.
China and South Korea should ‘meet each other halfway’: Xi Jinping
South China Morning Post
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for China and South Korea to improve supply chain integration and meet each other halfway in bilateral ties. Xi also expressed his willingness to visit South Korea, which he has not done since 2014. The meeting between Xi and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo comes ahead of a trilateral meeting between South Korea, China, and Japan in Seoul, which could pave the way for a leader summit by the end of the year. Relations between the Asian powers have become strained as the US-China rivalry has intensified in the Indo-Pacific.
China opens Hangzhou Asian Games with dazzling ceremony
Japan Times
Chinese leader Xi Jinping was introduced and sat with visiting dignitaries in Manchester's 80,000 capacity stadium, causing spectators to cheer loudly.
One month on, Chinese import ban hits Japanese food exports
Japan Times
Food exports to China have dropped by 41.2% in August, compared to the previous year. However, the full impact of the ban on food imports from Japan, following the Fukushima water release, has not yet been fully felt.
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