Ding Xuexiang signals leading role in Communist Party’s Hong Kong affairs body; China Says It Has Noticed ‘Security Incidents’ With iPhones
Jack Ma still Alibaba's 'biggest boss' as Daniel Zhang leaves cloud unit; China unveils ‘blueprint’ for Taiwan integration while sending warships around the self-ruled island
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is September 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.
Ding Xuexiang signals leading role in Communist Party’s Hong Kong affairs body
South China Morning Post
Ding Xuexiang, the sixth-ranked member of China's ruling Communist Party, has indicated that he is the leader in charge of the party's top body for Hong Kong and Macau affairs. Ding delivered a pre-recorded video message at a high-level summit in Hong Kong, expressing support for maintaining the city's unique status and praising its work on the Belt and Road Initiative. He is the most senior Beijing leader to speak at the event and his presence suggests that he is the top leader in charge of the party's decision-making body for Hong Kong and Macau.
Putin meets Kim, as Russia said to seek North Korea’s help with Ukraine war
The Globe and Mail
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's "sacred fight" against "hegemonic forces" during a visit to the Russian Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport. Kim's visit has been seen as a sign of increased ties between the two nations, and it is expected that North Korea will provide Russia with weapons for the conflict in Ukraine in exchange for economic support. The visit also raises the possibility of Russian assistance in North Korea's space programme, which is believed by some analysts to be a cover for its rocket development activities.
China Says It Has Noticed ‘Security Incidents’ With iPhones
Bloomberg
China has identified security problems with Apple's iPhones, according to a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The comments come as Beijing is reportedly expanding a ban on the use of iPhones in sensitive departments to government-backed agencies and state companies. However, the spokeswoman also stated that China has not issued laws or regulations to ban the purchase of Apple or foreign brands' phones.
Von der Leyen defends track record ahead of EU elections
Reuters
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, defended her track record and outlined her plans for the future in her annual state of the union speech. She emphasized her commitment to a fair transition to green energy, a strong geopolitical union, and fair competition with the world. Von der Leyen announced that the European Commission would launch an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, highlighting her determination to defend European business against unfair competition. She also stated that she would appoint an envoy to assist small and medium-sized enterprises with navigating red tape and making it easier to do business. Von der Leyen touted her accomplishments, including delivering over 90% of the proposals she presented when she became Commission chief in 2019. She highlighted the establishment of a geopolitical Union, the implementation of the European Green Deal, and the support for renewable energy companies struggling with challenges such as inflation.
China unveils ‘blueprint’ for Taiwan integration while sending warships around the self-ruled island
CNN
China has unveiled a plan to promote integration between the coastal province of Fujian and Taiwan. The plan, issued by the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council, aims to make Fujian a “demonstration zone” for integrated development with Taiwan. The announcement comes at a time of heightened cross-strait tensions, with China recently conducting military exercises near Taiwan. It is unclear how receptive Taiwan will be to China’s proposal, given the strained relations between the two countries in recent years.
Tories warned by MI5 that MP candidates could be Chinese spies
The Independent
The UK Conservative Party has dropped two potential candidates for Parliament after being warned by MI5 that they may be Chinese spies, according to The Times. The two politicians had allegedly been identified as links to the United Front Work Department, a political party associated with the Chinese Communist Party that aims to exert influence overseas. The report comes after a parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying for China earlier this year. In response, a former National Security Adviser called for greater vigilance and transparency across British society, including in academia, businesses, and think tanks. Lord Ricketts warned that China and Russia were likely to be seeking to infiltrate and subvert democracy in the UK and other Western countries, including through the theft of commercial secrets. However, he also cautioned against creating a culture of suspicion, stating that transparency and awareness were the best defences against espionage. The UK government is facing calls to take a tougher stance on China, with some MPs arguing that the country should be designated a threat.
Chinese consumers cheer Apple's iPhone 15, others prefer Huawei
Reuters
Apple's iPhone 15 has received mixed reactions in China, with some online users praising its faster chip and improved gaming capabilities, while others prefer Huawei's new smartphone. Apple holds a leading position in China's premium smartphone market, due in part to the decline of Huawei's smartphone business following US export controls. However, the iPhone 15 launch has been met with scrutiny, and shares in Apple and its suppliers fell after reports that Chinese government agencies and state firms were banning staff from using the phone.
How Kim's meeting with Putin at Russian spaceport may hint at his space and weapons ambitions
The Toronto Star
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at a rocket launch facility in Siberia on Wednesday for their first summit in four years. The meeting is expected to focus on expanding military cooperation between the two countries. Kim is likely to request economic aid and advanced weapons technologies from Russia in exchange for North Korean munitions. The North Korean leader may also seek Russian assistance in developing military reconnaissance satellites, as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and ballistic-missile submarines. North Korea has experienced repeated failures in its efforts to launch a military spy satellite into orbit, and its ICBMs have used liquid fuel and cannot remain fuelled for long periods. Kim may seek Russian help in developing solid-propellant ICBMs, which are easier to move and hide and can be fired more quickly. He may also seek assistance in ensuring that the warheads of North Korean ICBMs can survive atmospheric re-entry to strike targets.
Thailand to waive tourist visas for Chinese to boost economy
Nikkei Asia
Thailand's government has temporarily waived tourist visa requirements for visitors from China and Kazakhstan in an attempt to attract more visitors and boost spending during the year-end high season. The move is part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's plan to support tourism and stimulate the country's slowing economy, which has been hit by weak exports. In the first eight months of this year, Thailand welcomed 17.9 million foreign tourists, with China accounting for 2.2 million of the total. However, this was less than half of the 5 million target for 2023.
China says it has not banned purchase, use of foreign phone brands
Reuters
The Chinese foreign ministry has denied any ban on the purchase and use of foreign phone brands, including Apple, in response to media reports that claimed government agencies and firms had told employees to stop using iPhones at work. The ministry said that while it had noticed a number of security incidents related to Apple phones, it had not issued any laws or regulations prohibiting the use of foreign brands. Recent reports of the ban coincide with escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington and pose challenges for Apple, which relies heavily on China for revenue growth and manufacturing.
China's central bank vows to support demand, price rebound
Reuters
China's central bank will increase demand and support a modest rebound in prices, according to an unnamed senior official from the People's Bank of China (PBOC). The PBOC will enhance coordination with fiscal and industrial policies, closely monitor the effects of financial policies, and create an appropriate monetary and financial environment to promote effective demand in the real economy. The official also mentioned that China's firm credit growth is in line with the recovery, and borrowing costs in the real economy have fallen. This comes as China has rolled out a series of measures, including interest rate cuts and property easing steps, to support the struggling economy. The official also hinted at the possibility of a reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cut and the use of structural tools to guide financial institutions in supporting the real economy and promoting domestic demand.
Jack Ma still Alibaba's 'biggest boss' as Daniel Zhang leaves cloud unit
Nikkei Asia
The sudden resignation of Daniel Zhang as CEO of Alibaba's cloud unit, Alibaba Cloud, has raised questions about the continuing influence of Jack Ma over the company. Zhang became CEO of Alibaba Group in 2015 and took over as chairman from Ma in 2019. However, when Ma returned to China in March following a falling-out with authorities, it was decided that Zhang would cede his position as CEO and chairman to Ma's confidants Eddie Wu and Joseph Tsai. The resignation of Zhang as head of Alibaba Cloud, which was unexpected, coincided with the return of Wang Jian, the founder of Alibaba Cloud who left the unit 10 years ago. This has led to suggestions that Ma still has significant influence over the company, despite having no formal role. Alibaba is currently going through a restructuring process and is planning to split into six main business groups, five of which will pursue IPOs. The restructuring plan did not have the desired effect on Alibaba's share price, which has stagnated, and a potential IPO of its Freshippo grocery chain has been delayed.
Did the CIA bribe analysts to reject Covid-19 lab-leak theory?
South China Morning Post
Top virologists have cast doubt on a whistleblower's claim that the CIA bribed analysts to reject the theory that Covid-19 leaked from a lab in Wuhan. The claim, made in testimony to two US House of Representatives committees, is part of the ongoing debate over the origins of the virus. The whistleblower, described as a "highly credible senior-level CIA officer," alleged that six of the seven CIA analysts investigating Covid-19's origins concluded that the lab-leak theory was likely, but were offered financial incentives to change their position. Virologists have called the claim unlikely and part of a politicised debate.
Chinese insurance boss sentenced to life in jail for corruption
CNN
Former chairman of China Life Insurance, Wang Bin, has been sentenced to life in prison for corruption. Wang was found guilty of taking bribes worth $44.6 million and concealing overseas deposits of $7.8 million. He was accused of taking the bribes while heading various state-owned financial institutions, including China Life Insurance, China’s Bank of Communications, and China Taiping Insurance. Wang is the latest high-ranking executive to be caught in President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption crackdown on the financial sector. This crackdown is believed to be aimed at consolidating Xi’s power and centralizing control over the industry.
China’s ramps up pressure on yuan bears to curb currency’s downward spiral
South China Morning Post
China is making it more expensive for traders to bet against the yuan in Hong Kong. The cost for banks to borrow yuan from each other in Hong Kong has surged, making it more expensive for traders to borrow the currency and sell it against the dollar. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has increased its fight against yuan bears after the currency slumped towards a record low offshore. The PBOC said it plans to issue more yuan-denominated bills than are maturing in Hong Kong next week, which will also put pressure on borrowing costs. The PBOC's actions are seen as part of its efforts to curb the yuan's depreciation.
China agrees to rare visit by Papal envoy for Ukraine talks
Reuters
China's foreign ministry has announced that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a Papal envoy, will visit China for talks on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This visit is significant as China and the Vatican have cool ties due to differing views on the appointments of bishops in China and the Vatican's recognition of Taiwan. The Chinese foreign ministry did not provide details on Zuppi's schedule or who he would meet, but it is likely he will meet with top institutional leaders in Beijing. Zuppi's visit is part of the Vatican's diplomatic efforts to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table. The highest-level official encounter between China and the Vatican was a meeting in 2020 between Archbishop Paul Gallagher and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Summit Signals How Ukraine War Drives Russian Foreign Policy
NY Times
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are set to meet for a summit in Vladivostok on Wednesday. The meeting comes at a time when both leaders have mutual needs - Putin needs more munitions for his war against Ukraine, while Kim requires advanced military technology and resources to support his isolated nation. Despite North Korea's history as an impoverished and troublesome partner, it has become increasingly relevant to Russia due to its ability to provide munitions and support Russia's effort to push back against Western hegemony. This underscores the extent to which war aims continue to serve as an overriding priority for Putin, as his invasion of Ukraine nears the 19-month mark. Additionally, Russia is concerned about North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons program, but this has become a secondary concern as its conflict and confrontation with the United States deepens. US officials have warned that North Korea may be shipping artillery shells and rockets to Russia for use in Ukraine, and fear that the Putin-Kim summit could result in additional arms deals.
How China’s property market crashed – and Xi Jinping’s radical plan to fix it
Telegraph
China’s property market is experiencing a crisis that has been years in the making as a result of cheap debt fuelling a property bubble that is now bursting as demand from buyers dries up, according to economists. The government is watering down longstanding constraints on home ownership in the hope of finding buyers for unwanted homes. The government has moved towards free market policies to shore up the real estate sector, including making it cheaper and easier for people wanting to invest in a second home. It has also changed the rules so second-time buyers who do not own other properties can access the same down payments as first-time buyers and lowered down payment requirements for first-time buyers. Mortgage rates have also been cut to make borrowing cheaper, and prices have fallen. However, experts are waiting to see whether the government’s interventions will be effective.
Chinese property stocks, bonds regain favour as global funds rue credit risk
South China Morning Post
Efforts by the Chinese government to stabilise the property market are giving property stocks and bonds a boost, just as global fund managers are highlighting the sector as the biggest credit risk event to undermine global capital markets. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index, a gauge tracking 10 home builders, gained 0.1% on Wednesday, adding to a 5% rally this month. The ICE BofA index tracking $18.4bn of Chinese junk-rated debt, mostly property bonds, has returned 3.9% this month.
China's Huawei says it has reached global patent licensing deal with Xiaomi
Reuters
Huawei and Xiaomi have signed a global patent cross-licensing deal, covering communication technologies including 5G. The agreement resolves a patent licensing dispute between the two companies. Huawei has previously signed patent license agreements with other tech players such as Oppo, Samsung, and Ericsson. In July, Huawei announced that it received $560m in royalty revenues in 2022 and had earned more in royalties than it paid out over the last two years.
EU announces an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles
Associated Press
The European Union (EU) has announced an investigation into the subsidies China provides to its electric vehicle (EV) makers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the flood of cheaper Chinese EVs into global markets, kept artificially low by state subsidies, is distorting the market and harming European companies. China has become the largest market for EVs, thanks in part to significant investment in subsidies. European automakers now face competition from Chinese brands in their home regions. Von der Leyen did not provide details about the investigation.
British and Chinese academic research collaborations quadruple despite security fears
Telegraph
UK academic research collaborations with China have increased fourfold in the past decade, despite concerns over security risks. According to a report from King’s College London, UK researchers published 22,591 papers in journals with a co-author in China in 2021, accounting for about 10% of all UK papers indexed in the Web of Science. This is up from 5,105 in 2011, with China’s contribution to UK research output rising to around 11.4% of papers in 2022. The report also highlighted the reliance of UK science on ties with Chinese institutions and the flow of Chinese doctoral students to British universities.
UK government under pressure to take tougher line on China amid spying allegations
CNN
The arrest of a British parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying for China has reignited a fierce debate about the future of the United Kingdom’s relationship with Beijing. The firestorm erupted over the weekend, when London’s Sunday Times newspaper reported the researcher was arrested alongside another man earlier this year under the UK’s Official Secrets act. The report said the researcher had been in close contact with senior Conservative lawmakers, including the Security Minister Tom Tugendhat before he took his ministerial job. Government sources told CNN that Tugendhat had not been in contact with the individual since he became security minister. The arrested researcher, who has not been named by most media organizations, has released a statement via lawyers proclaiming his innocence. London’s Metropolitan Police said both men were being investigated by counter-terrorism police and had been released on bail until October.
China unveils economic ‘integration’ plan as warships conduct manoeuvres off coast
The Guardian
China has sent a record number of warships to the waters east of Taiwan in what has been interpreted as a warning ahead of the country's presidential election in January. The move comes as the Chinese government announced that it was making it easier for Taiwanese people to live, study and work in China. Twenty-one measures have been issued by the Communist party's Central Committee and the State Council, including facilitating the lives of Taiwanese people in Fujian and expanding the number of Taiwanese students in Fujian schools.
China’s ‘full-time children’ move back in with parents, take on chores as good jobs grow scarce
Associated Press
The job market in China is currently struggling to recover after the long bout with COVID-19. An estimated 16 million young Chinese are now living with their parents or have moved back home. Wang, who was laid off from a gaming company in December, is among those 16 million young Chinese. She spent six months unsuccessfully applying for jobs in Shenzhen, which eventually led her to ask to move back home. The urban unemployment rate for the 16-to-24 age group reached a record 21.3% in June. If “full-time adult children” were counted as unemployed, the jobless rate would be more than double the official rate of almost 20 percent in March. The job drought is a problem for the ruling Communist party. The economy grew at a 6.3% pace in April-June compared to the same period a year earlier, when parts of China were under draconian COVID-19 lockdowns. China’s overall urban unemployment rate is officially 5.3%, but young people have been disproportionately affected.
China finance boss jailed for life in corruption case
BBC
Wang Bin, former chairman of China Life Insurance, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by a court in eastern China's Shandong province. After two years, the sentence will be commuted to life in prison without parole. Wang was found guilty of taking bribes worth $44.6m and illegally hiding $7.5m in overseas deposits. Wang is the latest high-profile boss to be imprisoned as part of Beijing's ongoing crackdown on the financial industry. Previous figures to be ensnared in the crackdown include the former chairman of Huarong, the former chairman of China Development Bank, and the chief executive of China Renaissance Holdings.
Modi Wants to Make India a Chip-Making Superpower. Can He?
NY Times
India is planning to build a "semicon city" in Gujarat in the hope of becoming a hub for chip manufacturing. The location is currently a barren plain, but the government hopes to attract foreign companies to set up manufacturing facilities in the area. The government is offering $10bn in subsidies to fund 50-70% of each company's outlay. Anil Agarwal, the chairman of Vedanta, a British mining and metals group, expects "Vedanta made-in-India chips" by 2025. However, building the facility will be a challenge as India has no experience in chip manufacturing and lacks the specialised engineers and equipment needed. Taiwan currently makes most of the world's cutting-edge logic chips. India is also competing with China, which has invested heavily in its own chip manufacturing industry. Some experts believe that India's ambition is too high, but expanding the country's role in the chip supply chain could be a more realistic goal.
China, US warm regional ties to top ‘political point-scoring’ as deals flow
South China Morning Post
Chinese provinces are increasingly forming ties with US states to advance economic relations between the two countries. The tactic was demonstrated at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, where representatives from California, Illinois, and New York were presented with new energy, green economy, and bioscience projects. This approach has proven successful, with Illinois announcing a $2bn deal with Chinese battery maker Gotion. Despite this, experts have said that states have little leeway in trading with China, as exporting technologies to the country is seen as a national security issue.
The World Is Still Better Off With US Hegemony
Bloomberg
The United States has been a hegemon, or dominant global power, for many years. However, its relative global influence is beginning to slip as other powers rise. This shift in global power dynamics will have significant consequences for global politics and matters of war and peace. The question arises as to whether the US wants to remain a hegemon, and whether the world should root for American decline or continued US preeminence. The answer to this question largely depends on one's geographical location. China, for example, would like to see the end of US hegemony so that it can reclaim its position as a global power. Meanwhile, smaller countries like Estonia rely on the US to protect them from potential aggressors. Hegemony is not only about defense, but also about who determines and enforces the rules of the international system. Some argue that a hegemon is necessary to maintain order and stability in the world. Others believe that a balance of powers can preserve order, while still others think that countries can cooperate without a hegemon. The US has been the leading hegemon since 1945, but its dominance is increasingly being questioned. The question of American global leadership will be decided, at least in part, by the US presidential election next year.
Italy and Britain Get Tongue-Tied Over Xi Jinping
Bloomberg
Europe's relationship with China is becoming increasingly fraught, with trade imbalances, geopolitical tensions, and concerns over technology transfers and economic bullying. Italy and the UK are particularly important test cases, as they both have close ties to China but are now attempting to reverse their positions. However, they are treading carefully to avoid retaliation and damage to their own economies. The situation is complicated by the US election, which could see a return to the Trump era of "America First" policies that threaten to disengage from Europe. Europe is attempting to find solidarity in its approach to China, but cracks are beginning to appear between individual countries.
China must end its diplomacy of coercion
Nikkei Asia
ASEAN leaders have voiced concerns over China's aggressive expansion in the South China Sea at summit meetings in Indonesia. Beijing's actions are illegal and lack legitimacy, yet China refuses to stop. The chairman's statement at the East Asia Summit called for "self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would increase tension" in response to China's recent actions. China's attitude towards the South China Sea issue is the same as its approach to Japan's release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.
American Universities Shouldn’t Cut All Ties With China
Foreign Affairs
Amidst deteriorating relations between the United States and China, academic exchanges between the two countries are being discouraged, a trend that could have detrimental effects on both nations and the world. Research papers authored jointly by U.S. and Chinese scientists have declined for the first time in decades, and surveys suggest that the United States is becoming a less desirable destination for Chinese students. The Biden administration recently extended the U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement for only six months, and there are calls to let it expire. However, maintaining connections between scientists in the two countries is crucial in a time of rivalry and potential conflict. Universities can contribute to stabilizing the relationship without increasing the vulnerability to espionage or undue benefits from research, as long as they accurately assess the risks and avoid exaggerating them.
Educating international talent, even from unfriendly nations, is overwhelmingly beneficial to the United States. International students contribute significantly to fields crucial to the economy and national security, and the majority of them intend to stay in the United States after their studies. However, policies that discourage brilliant students from attending American schools, such as travel bans and visa restrictions, have been undermining the country's position. There is a bipartisan consensus that the government needs to make it easier for international STEM graduates to stay and work in the United States, but comprehensive immigration reform has been a roadblock. It is important to consider the risks of not collaborating with foreign partners, as well as the risks of indiscriminate policies that make academic exchanges impossible. Different types of collaborations involve varying levels of risk and should be assessed accordingly.
Scientific cooperation is an essential form of diplomacy, generating open-mindedness, patience, and fellow feeling. Universities have the unique ability to build bridges through education, research, and joint problem-solving. They can contribute to a fuller understanding of strategic competitors and seek common ground for peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity. American universities should embrace the responsibility to build these bridges, even in the face of political headwinds. Failure to do so could have catastrophic consequences.
US says Hanoi ties upgrade is not a 'cold war' move against China
Reuters
The United States' decision to upgrade its relationship with Vietnam is not a Cold War move against China, according to a US National Security Council official. Mira Rapp-Hooper stated that the upgrade was not an effort to choose between Vietnam and China and that the partnership is intended to support Vietnam's technological, economic, and development aspirations. She emphasized that the relationship is about the shared prosperity, security, and interests of the two countries in a free and open Indo-Pacific and South China Sea. China, Vietnam, and the US have been involved in a long-standing dispute over the South China Sea.
Philippines defence chief calls for new alliances, navy revamp to counter China
South China Morning Post
The Philippines' Defence Secretary, Gilbert Teodoro, has called for a rapid modernisation of the country's navy and coastguard in response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Teodoro stated that new defence partnerships were necessary and that security personnel's skills needed to be improved to maintain a reliable deterrent posture. The Philippines has begun a military modernisation drive, focusing on the acquisition of strategic weapons systems, advanced warships, and fighter jets. The country has also called for alliances with the US, Japan, Australia, the UK, Europe, and India to counter China's claims in the disputed waters.
It’s Not Just the US Dollar. China Supports Yuan Against 23 Other Currencies.
Bloomberg
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has been supporting the yuan against 23 trading partners' exchange rates, including the euro, yen and pound, since August. This has stabilised the yuan's value against its peers, despite the currency weakening against the dollar. The PBOC's efforts to support the yuan against major currencies seems to be working, with the trade-weighted basket gaining around 1.2% since the end of July, while the onshore yuan has weakened by 2% against the greenback during the same period.
China, Airbus among potential losers from boosted US-Vietnam ties
Reuters
The US and Vietnam have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations, which is expected to pave the way for new business deals and investment opportunities. However, China is likely to lose business deals, particularly in the semiconductors field, as the US aims to boost Vietnam's industry and decrease its dependency on China. Russia may also lose out as Vietnam reduces its reliance on Russian arms. In addition, Airbus may suffer as Boeing clinched a deal to sell 50 737 MAX jets to Vietnam Airlines, a Boeing rival. The US's focus on partnerships with strategically important countries is sidelining human rights concerns, according to Amnesty International. Malaysia and India may be impacted as the US increases support to Vietnam's chip and AI industry, and AES and Siemens could lose out as US conglomerate Honeywell partners with solar company AMI to launch Vietnam's first-ever battery energy storage system, which threatens Fluence, a company that produces battery energy storage systems in Vietnam through a supplier.
Chinese fans boo national football team off pitch – and applaud Syria – after loss
South China Morning Post
Chinese fans booed their own players and applauded the Syrian team after China's embarrassing 1-0 defeat in an international friendly match. The match was poorly attended, with many fans choosing to stay away as a sign of their discontent. The frustration was evident among the fans who did attend, with some venting their anger at full-time. A video circulating on social media showed one supporter calling for the Chinese team to not give up, while others shouted for the team to disband. China had plenty of possession but failed to break down Syria's defense, with Syria scoring the only goal of the match.
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