The Unusual Aspects of the Qin Gang Rumors
Most Asians in US, even those of Chinese descent, see China negatively; Taiwan probes alleged leak of classified reports, diplomatic cables; China successfully accessed US ambassador’s emails in hack
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The Unusual Aspects of the Qin Gang Rumors
Amidst idle gossip, let's explore the extraordinary elements of the Qin Fu incident.
Starting with Qin, recent work-related matters on Fu's social media seem linked to Qin's behind-the-scenes influence, as evident from the 2022 interview in Washington. Qin's unreserved support of individuals is rare in Chinese officialdom.
Perceptions of high-ranking Chinese officials indulging in alcohol, women, and money persist, though it's evolving. Younger officials, especially born in the 60s and beyond, avoid entangling relationships. While power, money, and influence are tied within the Communist Party, long-term, open support like Qin Fu's is atypical.
Qin's unwavering devotion to Fu raises questions. The diplomatic system's isolation might disconnect them from societal changes. Fu may possess captivating qualities, but the real mystery is why Qin behaves so differently from his peers.
Now, let's focus on Fu. Her flamboyant behavior on social media is unprecedented among those associated with high-ranking officials.
Fu's background descriptions appear exaggerated. Her interview with Vogue revealed insecurity, seeking validation for what seems lacking. Her credentials, particularly her admission to Cambridge, are shrouded in mystery.
Fu's achievements and position's disparity raise eyebrows. Her desires extend beyond typical human greed, seeking titles and recognition seemingly beyond her qualifications.
In jest, considering Fu's high self-esteem and her show "Wind and Cloud Dialogue," it's uncertain who supports whom in her interview with Qin Gang.
As more information emerges, the truth about Fu's enigmatic background will come to light. She may become the female equivalent of Ye Jianming, and her secrets will fuel speculation.
Most Asians in U.S., even those of Chinese descent, see China negatively
Japan Times
A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that only 20% of Asian Americans have a favorable view of China, while 78% have a positive view of the United States. The survey included Asian Americans with Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese heritage. It revealed that only 40% of Chinese Americans have a positive view of China, with 15% holding a very unfavorable view. Chinese Americans also held more favorable views of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea compared to China. Overall, only 14% of Americans have a favorable view of China. The survey also found that a third of Asian Americans predict China will be the leading economic power in the next 10 years.
Factbox: The Chinese groups accused of hacking the US and others
Reuters
Chinese hacking teams, believed to be backed by the Chinese government, have been blamed for digital intrusion campaigns targeting government organizations, military organizations, corporations, and media groups worldwide. Some of the Chinese hacking teams identified include STORM-0558, VOLT TYPHOON, BACKDOORDIPLOMACY, APT 41, and APT 27. These groups have been accused of various cyberattacks, including stealing emails, spying on critical infrastructure organizations, conducting data breaches, and launching attacks on government agencies. Chinese authorities have consistently denied any state-sponsored hacking and have called the US "the empire of hacking."
Exclusive: Taiwan probes alleged leak of classified reports, diplomatic cables
Reuters
Taiwan is investigating a potential leak of official documents, including diplomatic cables and classified reports, regarding the country's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The documents were posted on the online message board 8kun and their authenticity has not been independently verified. Parts of the documents are believed to be real, while others may have been forged. The leak comes at a sensitive time for Taiwan, as it is preparing for elections and facing opposition from China in its bid to join the CPTPP. Taiwan is growing increasingly concerned about cyber attacks as it gears up for the upcoming elections.
Yellen urges Asia to tap CHIPS Act funds for semiconductors
Nikkei Asia
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called on Asian countries to invest in semiconductor chips with the help of a $500m fund from the US. Yellen acknowledged that the US cannot monopolise the industry, despite passing the CHIPS and Science Act last year to pay companies to build semiconductor factories in the country. She said that the fund can help countries in the Indo-Pacific region develop their own diverse and resilient semiconductor supply chain. Yellen also expressed concern that "virtually all manufacturing of the most sophisticated chips is concentrated in East Asia."
Lawmakers Challenge Ford and Chinese Battery Partner Over Forced Labor
NY Times
US Republican lawmakers have criticised a partnership between Ford and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world's biggest maker of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Critics have labelled the partnership a "Trojan horse" for China, claiming it will make an American automaker reliant on a company with links to forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region. Ford plans to set up a $3.5bn EV battery factory in Michigan using CATL technology. CATL supplies General Motors, Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla and other automakers. Ford said the partnership would help diversify its supply chain and allow a cheaper, more durable battery to be made in the US for the first time. CATL’s collaboration could be a bellwether for the US EV industry. Critics have also warned that China’s control over technologies like batteries could leave the US "in a far weaker position". CATL has battery technology not readily available from suppliers in the US or Europe. The Michigan plant would be the first in the US to produce lithium, iron and phosphate batteries.
Australia blocks acquisition of lithium mine by China-linked firm
Al Jazeera
Australia has blocked the takeover of lithium miner Alita Resources by Austroid Corporation, a China-linked company. Austroid, a subsidiary of US-based Austroid, currently holds a 9.9% stake in Alita, but had sought to acquire an additional 90.1% to take full control. The move was blocked by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) on the advice of Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Chalmers' office declined to comment on whether the acquisition had been rejected on national interest grounds.
China successfully accessed US ambassador’s emails in hacking attack
The Independent
Chinese hackers gained access to the email accounts of US ambassador Nicholas Burns and assistant secretary of state for East Asia Daniel Kritenbrink, according to people familiar with the matter. The breach is part of a wider espionage operation that is believed to have compromised thousands of American government emails. Last week, the Biden administration confirmed that the email account of commerce secretary Gina Raimondo had also been compromised. Chinese hackers, known as Storm-0558, are believed to have accessed email accounts at around 25 organisations, including US government agencies and Microsoft.
‘Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback’: CIA says revenge awaits Wagner boss
South China Morning Post
US CIA Director William Burns has said he believes Ukraine will be able to make advances in its counteroffensive against Russia. Burns cited "structural weaknesses" in Russia, including poor morale, poor generalship, and "disarray" among its political and military leadership. He also referenced the recent mutiny led by mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin, saying it exposed weaknesses in Russian President Vladimir Putin's system. Burns echoed similar comments made by the head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, Sir Richard Moore, who described Putin's government as beset by "venality, infighting, and callous incompetence."
China is drilling some of the world’s deepest holes in hunt for natural resources
CNN
Chinese engineers have begun drilling a super deep borehole that will reach 10,520 metres into the Earth's crust in the Sichuan Basin, southwest China. The region is a major area for gas production, and engineers are expecting to find a natural gas reserve there. The drilling project is operated by PetroChina Southwest Oil and Gasfield, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation. China is increasing its efforts to explore natural resources hidden deep underground as it seeks to meet its huge energy needs.
Foreign investors stream into Taiwan as AI stocks beckon
Reuters
Foreign investors are flocking to Taiwanese stocks, despite geopolitical tensions with China. Taiwan's stock market has seen $12bn in net foreign buying over the past six months, the highest level since the first half of 2008. The market's benchmark index is up 20% in US dollar terms in 2021, the best performance of any Asian market. The rally has been driven by Taiwan's strength in the artificial intelligence and chipmaking sectors, and investors believe it has further to go.
Taiwan's Powerchip targets listing in 5-7 years for Japan venture
Reuters
Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing is planning to list a joint venture set up with Japanese financial firm SBI Holdings to build a factory in Japan. The factory will produce micro-controllers and power chips, necessary for power management in electric vehicles. The location for the factory is yet to be decided. Powerchip said it sees potential for additional foundry capacity in Japan, which has seen a lack of investment.
Judge Will Rule Next Week on Internet Ban of Hong Kong Protest Song
NY Times
A Hong Kong court will rule next week on whether to ban the popular pro-democracy song "Glory to Hong Kong" from the internet. The government has argued that the song is an insult to China's national anthem and could encourage people to believe that Hong Kong is an independent nation. The case is being closely watched by tech companies, as it raises concerns about increased government control of online speech in Hong Kong. Google and Facebook have offices in Hong Kong and Apple has a presence in the city, but all three companies declined to comment on the case.
AMD will consider 'other' partner foundries to TSMC: CEO
Nikkei Asia
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is considering diversifying its production and partnering with foundries other than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to ensure a resilient supply chain. AMD CEO Lisa Su said the company will explore other manufacturing capabilities to make AMD-designed chips. Su mentioned that TSMC has been dominant in the chipmaking industry and holds cutting-edge technology, making it difficult to find a suitable alternative. However, she is open to utilising TSMC sites located outside Taiwan, as well as manufacturing sites in the US and Japan to provide flexibility.
China-backed AIIB secures World Bank deal
Financial Times
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a proposal to issue $1bn in credit guarantees against sovereign-backed loans made by the World Bank’s lending arm, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The deal will enable the AIIB to diversify its portfolio and increase lending to low-income borrowers, while also providing relief for the World Bank against capital constraints. The partnership comes just weeks after the AIIB was accused of being infiltrated by China’s Communist party. The bank’s internal review found no evidence of undue influence on board decisions.
US flags national security fears over Chinese autonomous vehicle firms
South China Morning Post
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed national security concerns about Chinese autonomous vehicle companies operating in the American market. Buttigieg stated that there are concerns about the ownership and supply chains of transportation technologies, similar to the concerns surrounding telecoms or TikTok. A bipartisan group of lawmakers had previously called for an investigation into the prevalence of Chinese autonomous vehicle technology in the US and how it can be restricted. The lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential collection of data on the American people and infrastructure that could be shared with the Chinese Communist Party.
Popular Taiwan mayor stumbles in bid to lead in U.S.-China hotspot
Japan Times
Taiwan opposition party Kuomintang's (KMT's) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, who is set to officially confirmed at the KMT’s congress on Sunday, has been criticised for his lack of expertise on the US-China relationship. He recently failed to outline Washington's one-China policy in response to a student question. Hou has a reputation as a pragmatic and down-to-earth politician, having played a key role in handling some of Taiwan's most high-profile criminal cases, including a tense gangster hostage situation. He was elected mayor of New Taipei City in 2018, winning a 70% satisfaction rating in polls. Hou's strategy is to reduce tensions with China, a policy that would reopen markets to Taiwanese exporters after China banned food imports in retaliation for the Tsai Ing-wen administration's pro-independence stance. However, Hou is criticised for his lack of experience in international diplomacy, particularly with the US, which Taiwan depends on for security. He told the US’s top representative to Taiwan, Laura Rosenberger, that he would resume some exchanges with China, while emphasising his commitment to the island's US ties.
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