China’s military commits to full ‘rectification’ in corruption investigations’ wake; NATO allies call China a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia in Ukraine war as bloc eyes Asia security threats
Chinese EV makers train sights on Middle East, Brazil, Russia after US, EU raise tariffs
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is July 11, 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 military commits to full ‘rectification’ in corruption investigations’ wake
South China Morning Post
China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), will undergo a complete "rectification" as part of its combat-readiness mission to strengthen the party control over the military. The Central Military Commission (CMC) said that the PLA would double down on political education following the downfall of two former defence ministers accused of “polluting” the armed forces. The rectification process will include the review of military policies and practices, promoting discipline and responsibility among personnel, and integrating efforts into the struggle, preparation for war, and construction of the military.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3270001/chinas-military-commits-full-rectification-corruption-investigations-wake?utm_source=rss_feed
NATO allies call China a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia in Ukraine war as bloc eyes Asia security threats
CNN
NATO leaders have accused China of enabling Russia's war against Ukraine, calling it a "decisive enabler" and urging Beijing to stop providing material and political support to Russia's war effort. The alliance has accused China of bolstering Russia's defence sector with the export of dual-use goods. China has denied such allegations and stated that it has strict controls on the export of such goods. In its statement, China criticised NATO's declaration as "filled with Cold War mentality and belligerent rhetoric" and said it was "provocative with obvious lies and smears." The statement from China's mission to the EU reiterated that China's position on Ukraine was open and aboveboard, with the aim of promoting peace talks and seeking political settlement. The joint declaration by NATO leaders marks the alliance's most pointed tone yet on China's role in the war in Ukraine. The statement also expressed concerns about China's growing capabilities and activities in outer space, as well as its "malicious cyber and hybrid activities," disinformation, and "rapidly" expanding nuclear arsenal.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/11/china/nato-china-russia-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html
Chinese EV makers train sights on Middle East, Brazil, Russia after US, EU raise tariffs
South China Morning Post
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are increasing their exports to the Middle East and emerging markets like Brazil and Russia as they seek new destinations after facing higher tariffs in the US and the European Union. Chinese EV exports to Israel have surpassed those from South Korea, making China the largest auto exporter to Israel this year. Chinese EV makers are also reporting a surge in deliveries to buyers in Brazil, the UAE, and Russia. The exports reflect the resilience of China's automobile industry and the value for money that Chinese EVs provide to global customers.
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3270034/chinese-ev-makers-train-sights-middle-east-brazil-russia-after-us-eu-raise-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed
US Coast Guard patrol spots Chinese naval ships off Alaska island
Associated Press
A US Coast Guard cutter on routine patrol in the Bering Sea encountered four Chinese military ships in international waters but within the US exclusive economic zone. The Chinese ships were transiting in international waters but were still inside the US exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from the US shoreline. The US Coast Guard said that the Chinese naval presence was in accordance with international rules and norms, and that the US met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to US interests. This is not the first time that Chinese naval ships have sailed near Alaska waters.
https://apnews.com/article/coast-guard-bering-sea-chinese-military-ships-32678c2cf51a6ce95b02e48320550fc5
NATO promises Ukraine $43bn in aid, ‘irreversible path’ to membership
Al Jazeera
NATO leaders have pledged to provide Ukraine with at least $43bn in military aid within the next year to bolster its defences against Russia and formally declared Kyiv on an “irreversible path” to membership in the Western military alliance. The move came as the alliance’s members also announced individual and joint steps to boost Ukraine’s and Europe’s security. This includes the United States, Netherlands and Denmark announcing that the first NATO-provided F-16 fighter jets would be in the hands of Ukrainian military pilots by this summer. The US also said it will be deploying longer-range missiles in Germany in 2026, a major step aimed at countering what the allies say is Russia’s growing threat to Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X his appreciation of NATO’s effort to strengthen his air force, saying the new fighter jets “bring just and lasting peace closer, demonstrating that terror must fail”. The move will send Germany the most potent US weapons to be based on the European continent since the Cold War. It would have been banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed by the US and the Soviet Union in 1987, but that collapsed in 2019.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/11/nato-promises-ukraine-43bn-in-aid-irreversible-path-to-membership
China building twice as much wind and solar power as rest of world – report
Guardian
China has almost twice as much wind and solar power under construction as the rest of the world combined, according to research by Global Energy Monitor. The report found that China has 180 GW of utility-scale solar power under construction and 15 GW of wind power, bringing the total of wind and solar power under construction to 339 GW. The US has 40 GW of wind and solar capacity under construction. China is on track to reach 1,200 GW of installed wind and solar capacity by the end of 2024, six years ahead of the government’s target.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/11/china-building-twice-as-much-wind-and-solar-power-as-rest-of-world-report
Mainland China customs seize more than 100 snakes from man at Hong Kong-Shenzhen border
South China Morning Post
Chinese customs officers have seized over 100 live snakes hidden in a man's trousers as he tried to cross the border from Hong Kong to mainland China. The man was intercepted at the Futian port in Shenzhen and was found to be carrying six bags containing snakes of various species and colours. All five species seized are not native to China, and one of them, the western hognose snake, is mildly venomous. China is the world's largest destination for illegal wildlife trafficking, with Hong Kong serving as a major transit hub.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3270099/mainland-china-customs-seize-more-100-snakes-man-hong-kong-shenzhen-border?utm_source=rss_feed
East China’s Suzhou latest to join ‘tighten belts’ call as Beijing leads austerity drive
South China Morning Post
The city of Suzhou in China has implemented spending cuts in response to Beijing's call for nationwide austerity measures to address the country's sluggish economy. The cutbacks include measures such as not replacing official cars until they are 10 years old or have done 100,000 km, and no government or rental cars for business trips on the high-speed rail system. Other measures include sharing government assets, using energy-saving measures, and reducing office expenses. Similar measures have been implemented by local governments and Communist Party agencies across China.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3270075/east-chinas-suzhou-latest-join-tighten-belts-call-beijing-leads-austerity-drive?utm_source=rss_feed
Beijing slams Biden for extending US’ ‘emergency status’ of Hong Kong
South China Morning Post
China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong has criticized the US for extending the city's "emergency status" for another year, calling on Washington to stop intervening in Hong Kong's affairs. The US issued an executive order in 2020 that removed Hong Kong's status as a preferential trade partner. The order was first declared by former US President Donald Trump in response to Beijing's national security law imposed on Hong Kong. The extension of the executive order comes ahead of the US presidential election in November.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270082/beijing-slams-biden-extending-us-emergency-status-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed
China tells NATO not to create chaos in Asia, rejects label of ‘enabler’ of Russia’s Ukraine war
The Globe and Mail
China has accused NATO of seeking security at the expense of others and warned the alliance not to bring "chaos" to Asia. This statement came after NATO labelled China a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine. China has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its trade with Russia has grown since the invasion, partially offsetting the impact of Western sanctions. China has expressed concern about NATO's relationships with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and urged NATO to stop interfering in its internal politics. Chinese troops are currently in Belarus for joint drills near the border with Poland, a NATO member.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-china-tells-nato-not-to-create-chaos-in-asia-rejects-label-of-enabler/
Biden awards $1.7 billion to boost electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly in eight states
Yahoo US
The Biden administration is to award nearly $2bn in grants to help restart or expand electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly sites in eight US states. The grants will be used to retain or create thousands of union jobs and support auto-based communities that have long driven the US economy. The funds will come from the landmark 2022 climate law and will help make good on President Joe Biden’s commitment to ensure the future of the auto industry is made domestically by union workers.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-awards-1-7-billion-090544225.html
Taiwan monitors surge of Chinese warplanes headed to Pacific carrier drills
Japan Times
Taiwan has stated that it is closely monitoring the Chinese military due to the increasing threat it poses to the region. This comes after a number of Chinese warplanes flew near the island to participate in drills with China's Shandong aircraft carrier in the Pacific. The Chinese military exercises are taking place at the same time as a NATO summit in Washington, where a draft communique states that China has become a key supporter of Russia's actions in Ukraine and continues to pose significant challenges to Europe and security. The Shandong also passed close to the Philippines on its way to the exercises in the Pacific.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/11/asia-pacific/politics/taiwan-chinese-military-surge/
Woman rescued off Chiba 36 hours after being going missing in Shizuoka
Japan Times
A Chinese woman in her 20s who went missing while swimming at a beach in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, was found alive 36 hours later off the coast of Chiba Prefecture. The woman, who was dehydrated but conscious, did not require hospitalization. She had been swimming with a friend at Shirahama Ohama beach when she went missing.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/11/japan/missing-woman-found-alive-36-hours/
China deports US suspected child sex abuser in law enforcement push to improve ties
South China Morning Post
China has deported an American fugitive suspected of child sexual abuse to the United States as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement between the two countries. The fugitive, identified as "Scott," had been wanted by the US since 2014 and was the subject of an Interpol "red notice" in 2018. China located and detained Scott at the US' request, and he was handed over to US authorities at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This follows a move by the US in June to send two fugitives suspected of serious criminal offenses back to China. The US and China do not have an extradition agreement, but the US has handed over several fugitives wanted by Chinese authorities since President Xi Jinping launched his anti-corruption campaign.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3270055/china-deports-us-suspected-child-sex-abuser-law-enforcement-push-improve-ties?utm_source=rss_feed
Singapore’s US$288 billion Temasek stays bullish on China, targets US, India for growth
South China Morning Post
Singapore sovereign wealth fund, Temasek Holdings, has outlined a resilient, diversified investment strategy focused on long-term plays in China, healthcare and agriculture. The fund announced a $5.18bn increase in its net portfolio this week. For the full year to March this year, Temasek posted a 1.6% annual return, rebounding from the previous year’s 5.07% decline. Temasek’s “main focus” was 10- and 20-year returns. Chia Song Hwee, the fund’s deputy CEO, said that despite China’s economic slowdown, Temasek would maintain its investment focus on the country.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3269995/singapores-us288-billion-temasek-stays-bullish-china-eye-us-india?utm_source=rss_feed
Germany in deal to cut Huawei’s role in 5G wireless network, sources say
South China Morning Post
The German government and mobile phone carriers have reportedly agreed to phase out components made by Chinese technology companies from the country's 5G network over the next five years. Under the preliminary agreement, network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland will initially remove technology made by companies such as Huawei and ZTE from the country's core network of 5G data centers by 2026. In a second phase, Chinese makers' parts for antennas, transmission lines, and towers should be eliminated by 2029. Germany is considered a laggard in implementing EU security measures for 5G networks.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3270010/germany-deal-cut-huaweis-role-5g-wireless-network-sources-say?utm_source=rss_feed
Hong Kong receives 10,000 requests for document needed to obtain new mainland travel permit
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong immigration authorities have received around 10,000 applications for a special certificate that permanent residents with foreign passports need when applying for a new multi-entry mainland China travel permit. The new permit allows non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau to visit the mainland for short-term purposes multiple times over a period of up to five years. Permit holders can stay for up to 90 days on each trip and enjoy self-service clearance at border crossings once they have their fingerprints taken at a port of entry. As of June, there were about 270,000 non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270005/hong-kong-receives-10000-requests-document-needed-obtain-new-mainland-travel-permit?utm_source=rss_feed
Taiwan turns to Southeast Asian tourists as Chinese stay away
Japan Times
Taiwan is aiming to attract higher-spending tourists from Southeast Asia as Chinese arrivals decline. Despite tensions with China, visitors from across Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, are traveling to Taiwan in greater numbers since the pandemic. The number of Thai visitors has risen by 12% from the same period in 2019, while Singapore's is up by 10% and Malaysia's has reached pre-COVID levels. This shift in tourism could reshape Taiwan's industry.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/11/asia-pacific/taiwan-southeast-asian-tourists/
Hong Kong stocks rally after China unveils fresh curbs on short-selling to boost confidence
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong stocks rose as China's securities regulator implemented measures to limit short selling and curb computer-driven quant trading. The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 2%. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced that it would raise the margin ratio for short-selling and increase scrutiny on quant-based investments. China Securities Finance, a state-backed margin finance company, also stated that it would suspend lending of stocks to brokerages for short selling. The Hang Seng Index has fallen 11% from its May highs, and the Shanghai Composite has dropped over 6%. In addition to the regulatory measures, the market also received a boost from dovish comments made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who suggested that US interest rates could be lowered even before inflation reaches the target of 2%.
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3270002/hong-kong-stocks-rally-after-china-unveils-fresh-curbs-short-selling-boost-confidence?utm_source=rss_feed
Stay informed about the latest news, analysis, and policy briefs from across the globe related to China with the China brief. Our team aggregates, synthesizes, and summarizes the most important information from various sources, including media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and industry experts.
Our mission is to provide you with easily accessible and critically valuable information tailored to your specific field of interest. We understand the significance of staying up-to-date on developments related to China and aim to make this information comprehensible for our readers.
Join the conversation and stay informed about the latest news and developments related to China by visiting our website at www.6dobrief.com