China won’t take the US military’s calls. A top general claims that makes war more likely
China condemns visit of 'troublemaker' Taiwan VP to U.S.; China vows ‘forceful measures’ as Taiwan’s William Lai arrives in US
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is August 13, 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.
A DuPont China Deal Reveals Cracks in U.S. National-Security Screening
WSJ
U.S. officials reached a compromise allowing DuPont to sell its sustainable-materials business to a Chinese company while keeping its proprietary technology in the U.S. However, the arrangement didn't succeed as intended, revealing issues in the national-security review process involving foreign technology deals. The committee responsible for these reviews, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (Cfius), faced internal divisions over the deal. The technology at stake involved a key component for more sustainable nylon production, which was deemed to have potential military implications if transferred to China. Despite concerns, the deal was approved with a condition preventing the Chinese buyer from accessing the sensitive technology. However, the security measures failed, prompting an FBI investigation. This incident highlights challenges in managing technological transfers and U.S.-China relations' complexities.
China won’t take the US military’s calls. A top general claims that makes war more likely
The Sydney Morning Herald
China's military is becoming increasingly arrogant and is fueling the risk of war with the United States by refusing to communicate with commanders in the Indo-Pacific, warned Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, deputy commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. Sklenka expressed concern that China would seek to establish a military base in Solomon Islands or another Pacific nation as it sought to dominate the region. He also supported the idea of positioning US hypersonic missiles in Australia and other key locations across the Pacific to deter China from invading Taiwan.
China condemns visit of 'troublemaker' Taiwan VP to U.S.
Nikkei Asia
China's foreign ministry has condemned a brief visit to the US by Taiwan's Vice President William Lai, calling him a separatist and "troublemaker through and through". Lai is the front-runner to be Taiwan's next president and his visit to the US, which includes a stopover in San Francisco, has angered Beijing. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to take strong action to protect its sovereignty. Taiwan officials believe China may launch military drills near Taiwan this week to intimidate voters ahead of next year's election.
China vows ‘forceful measures’ as Taiwan’s William Lai arrives in US
Al Jazeera
China has pledged to take “resolute and forceful measures” to protect its sovereignty after Taiwanese Vice President William Lai arrived in the United States on a brief visit. The statement on Sunday came hours after Lai arrived in New York for what was officially billed as a transit stop en route to Paraguay. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly denounced Lai’s trip.
Will China-Philippines tensions make other South China Sea claimants nervous?
South China Morning Post
A clash between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea last weekend will make Southeast Asian nations a little anxious but it may make some governments more likely to speak up against Beijing’s actions if tensions escalate, observers said. Chinese coastguard ships intercepted and fired water cannons on August 5 to warn off a Philippine vessel that was carrying supplies for Filipino troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal in the contested Spratly Islands. Manila summoned the Chinese envoy to the Philippines over the incident and called China’s actions “illegal” and “dangerous”, while its long-time ally the United States said the actions directly threatened regional peace and stability.
Death toll from mudslide in China's Xi'an rises to four
Reuters
The death toll from a mudslide in China's Shaanxi province has risen to four, according to state radio. The mudslide occurred in the city of Xi'an after heavy rainfall in the region. Rescue efforts are currently underway with 81 people and 11 vehicles deployed at the site. The incident is part of a larger pattern of severe weather in northern China, which has caused multiple deaths and extensive damage.
‘Fear factor’ among data centre operators threatens Hong Kong’s hub ambitions
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong has the potential to become a global data centre hub, but concerns such as geopolitical issues and cross-border data transfer are limiting growth, according to industry experts. Western companies are hesitating to establish or expand their data centre presence in Hong Kong due to heightened geopolitical concerns. However, recent deals between Chinese and Western companies in the market indicate some balance. A memorandum was signed between Hong Kong and China's central government to facilitate cross-border data transfers within the Greater Bay Area, which could give Hong Kong a special role in handling mainland Chinese data.
U.S., Japan to develop hypersonic missile interceptor - Yomiuri
Reuters
Japan and the US are expected to announce a joint development of an interceptor missile to counter hypersonic warheads being developed by China, Russia, and North Korea. The agreement is anticipated to be made during a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday. Hypersonic projectiles are more difficult to target as they can change course, unlike typical ballistic warheads. This collaboration would be the second in missile defence technology between the US and Japan, following the development of a longer-range missile designed to hit warheads in space.
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