China in Quotes
“[We must] accelerate the high-level opening up of education to the outside world, effectively participate in global education governance, and make full use of various platforms and stages to break new paths and create new space in the new international situation,” – Huai Jinpeng, Minister of Education
Quick China Fact 📊
Timeline: News From Asia
Pakistan-Iran Conflict
On Tuesday, an Iranian drone and missile strike on targets in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, which Tehran described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl, killed two “innocent children” and injured three girls, according to the Foreign Office in Islamabad. Pakistan had condemned the attack as an “unprovoked violation” of its airspace, warning Iran of serious consequences. On Thursday, Pakistan retaliated with their own targeted airstrikes against alleged militant hideouts inside Iran, killing at least nine people. Tensions have increased between the two neighboring countries with Pakistan recalling its ambassador to Iran and suspending all high-level visits between the two countries.
China’s reaction: China expressed willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Iran after the recent exchange of fire in their border region. The Chinese foreign ministry hopes for calm and restraint, offering to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides agree. Iran and Pakistan, both close partners of China, are dealing with insurgencies along their shared border regions.
Friday
Amazon Web Services, the world’s biggest cloud computing company, announced on Friday that it will invest about 2.3 trillion yen ($15.5 billion) in Japan over five years between 2023 and 2027. (Nikkei)
Taiwan’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te has pledged to continue the diplomatic policies of incumbent Tsai Ing-wen, including those related to Beijing and Washington. However, even a cursory look at Lai’s background would show that there is a clear difference between him and Tsai, despite their belonging to the same independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Lai, serving as vice-president under Tsai, is known to be a headstrong politician who will not relent in his pursuit of what he believes is right. But whether he will eventually resort to drastic cross-strait moves remains uncertain, analysts said. (SCMP)
North Korea has lately stepped up its belligerent rhetoric. In recent days, supreme leader Kim Jong Un has said that North Korea sees South Korea as its “principal enemy” and will cease all reunification efforts between the war-divided nations.This has led to an excited debate about whether the North is moving toward a war-footing given its improving relationship with Russia and China, and the United States’ distraction in Ukraine and the Middle East. (Robert Kelly in CNA)
Singapore’s consistent zero tolerance against corruption was underscored on Thursday (Jan 18) when former Transport Minister S Iswaran was handed 27 criminal charges, related to his dealings with property billionaire Ong Beng Seng. (CNA)
Thursday
A year after China fully reopened after its strict Covid-19 controls, the number of foreign residents in the country is 15 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, according to official data released on Thursday. (SCMP)
The son of former Chinese President Hu Jintao has been promoted to vice minister of civil affairs, following questions about his prospects after the near-absence of his father from the public eye since the 2022 Communist Party congress. (Nikkei)
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Davos 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. (Reuters)
Wednesday
China’s economy grew 5.2% on the year in 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday, confirming an unusual early revelation Premier Li Qiang had made the previous day.(Nikkei)
A world renowned, multi-award winning Chinese-American physicist has returned to China and joined Tsinghua University as a full-time chair professor who has been honoured with some of the top prizes in solid mechanics over four decades at prominent universities in the US, Europe and Asia – received his appointment letter in Beijing on Saturday. In a release announcing the appointment, Qiu Yong, secretary of the university’s party committee, said the mechanician was known as a “master researcher” in his field. “We feel very lucky and touched that out of many options, he chose to become a member of the Tsinghua family.” (SCMP)
Kyrgyzstan’s SCNS conducted raids, arrests, and closures targeting six journalists in two days. 24.kg’s headquarters were raided, leading to the questioning and removal of key staff. The Ait Ait Dese project and Temirov Live investigative group also faced detainments. The crackdown, citing “calls for mass unrest,” led to the arrest of 11 journalists in under 48 hours. The Kyrgyzstani Media Action Platform condemned the actions, emphasizing concerns about media freedom. The U.N. Human Rights Office expressed serious worry about both the events and a proposed media law restricting freedom of expression. (The Diplomat)
In an unprecedented development in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on the southern Lebanese front, the Israeli army said on Tuesday that “its special forces infiltrated southern Lebanon and cleared mines in the village of Aita Al-Shaab.” (Arab News)
Tuesday
As Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, gears up to welcome its first residents in less than a year’s time, some nearby villagers are praying they do not get left out in the cold or displaced without compensation. (CNA)
Clashes between Myanmar’s military and armed ethnic groups appear to be continuing days after the announcement of a Chinese-brokered truce, raising concerns over a breakdown in the military chain of command. (Nikkei)
A large, integrated circuit built from an entire silicon wafer could be the solution Chinese computer scientists have been looking for as they come up with ways to get around US sanctions while boosting the performance of processors. (SCMP)
China will put on a show of force Tuesday, represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang together with a large delegation at the annual meeting of global elites in Davos despite shadows cast by wars raging in Ukraine and Gaza. (Nikkei)
Beyond The Great Wall
Exploring News About China in Depth
Decypher Context: China’s Break With Israel Was Years in the Making
The relationship between China and Israel has undergone a profound evolution since the early post-World War II era. Beginning with China’s prompt recognition of Israel in 1949, the two nations embarked on a relationship that held the promise of strategic and economic cooperation. For decades, this relationship was notably marked by constructive engagement in the realm of defense technology and arms trade. The depth and breadth of these defense exchanges are captured in the data from sources such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which detail Israel’s provision of advanced military technology, including the Python-3 missile systems and EL/M-2032 radar technology, to China amounting to $28-38 million on average each year.
However, concerns from the United States about the transfer of sensitive technologies altered the trajectory of the relationship. Noteworthy incidents like the halted Phalcon deal and the controversy surrounding the Harpy drones underscored the complexities introduced by U.S. interests. Resultantly, Israel tightened controls over Chinese investments, particularly in technology sectors deemed sensitive by the United States, effectively dampening the prospects for uninhibited technology trade.
Economically, trade between China and Israel grew immensely from $50 million in 1992 to $17.62 billion by 2022. Yet, the increased U.S. scrutiny and China’s advancing technology capabilities contributed to the cooling of their technology cooperation.
Politically, China has traditionally supported Palestine’s independence, and in recent times, Beijing’s actions at the UN Security Council, such as vetoing a U.S.-led proposal, have reflected a clear pro-Palestinian stance. This change seems to signify a more pronounced realignment of interests, coinciding with China’s expanding geopolitical ambitions, especially within the Middle East. As China continues to position itself as a significant player in the region, its approach to Israel signifies a nuanced shift influenced by economic decisions, technological self-sufficiency, and evolving foreign policy priorities. Read more: World Politics Review
References:
· Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) Report on trends in Israel’s trade with China
· Chinese Investment in Israeli Technology and Infrastructure, RAND Corporation
· The Evolving Israel-China Relationship, RAND Corporation
China’s Quantum Leap: Navigating the Geopolitical Tech Race in the Quantum Cold War
China, in a bid for technological supremacy, has propelled quantum computing into the forefront of its national strategy. This quantum revolution, fueled by a staggering over $15 billion in state funding, positions China as a global leader, accounting for over 50% of the world’s public investment in quantum. In this high-stakes geopolitical tech race, the East and West are locked in a 21st-century competition, akin to a quantum cold war.
At the forefront is Pan Jianwei, hailed as the “Father of Quantum.” His contributions have spearheaded China’s quantum endeavours. The nation’s quantum-enabled satellite, Micius, launched in 2016, achieved a 4,600 km quantum communications network, a feat reminiscent of the 21st-century Sputnik. Jianwei’s work has set the stage for quantum supremacy, placing China ahead in quantum radars and decryption. Alongside Jianwei, Guo Guangcan, a pioneer in quantum optics, has played a pivotal role. His insights have propelled China’s advancements, challenging the West. In response to Google’s quantum supremacy declaration, China introduced Zuchongzhi and Jiuzhang 2.0, claiming superiority with 66 Qubits. Despite Google’s claims, China’s quantum strides are undeniable, shaping the quantum landscape.
Guo Guoping, founder of Origin Quantum, represents the visionary force in China’s quantum landscape. Origin Quantum, attaining $148 million in Series B funding, stands as a testament to Guoping’s leadership. The company’s development of a 24-qubit superconducting quantum computer showcases China’s commitment to quantum simulation and innovation. Another key player, Jin Xianmin, founder of TuringQ, is steering China’s quantum future. With an eye on optical quantum computer chips, TuringQ is a standout in China’s quantum business environment. As China’s private quantum investment landscape burgeons, Jin’s role in nurturing startups is pivotal. In 2022, quantum startup investments in China soared to $194 million, emphasising the sector’s rapid growth.
While China’s state funding in quantum dwarfs the US by four times, private investments are rapidly catching up, doubling annually. Despite the US leading in private investment by over 1350%, China’s quantum patents, though numerous, face scrutiny for scientific impact. The Chinese education system, backed by a significant portion of the GDP, fosters a quantum-ready workforce. This confluence of state commitment, private investment surge, and educational reforms positions China as a formidable player in the quantum arena. As the geopolitical tech race unfolds, the quantum cold war is undeniably China’s forte, beckoning global investors and policymakers to take heed.
China confirms GDP rose 5.2% in 2023 on higher government spending
China’s economy grew 5.2% on the year in the October to December quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics said Wednesday, up from 4.9% in the previous quarter, as government spending helped spur a recovery from the COVID pandemic. For 2023, gross domestic product in the world’s second-largest economy rose at the same 5.2% pace, beating an official forecast for a roughly 5% expansion that was set after pandemic lockdowns caused growth to slow to 3% in 2022. Read more: Nikkei Asia
Xi on financial development
The theme of this year’s annual special seminar for provincial and ministerial-level leading cadres was promoting high-quality financial development. These meetings have convened for 25 years, and this is the first one since 1999 to have finance as the main theme. Independent, controllable, secure, and efficient financial infrastructure system 自主可控安全高效的金融基础设施体系” appeared in the Central Financial Work Conference late last year. Read more: Xinhua
Xi calls for strengthening patriotic united forces as security authority warns secessionists
The latest issue of Qiushi leads with an excerpt of Xi’s speech from last summer about United Front Ministry of State Security published an article on the the Anti-Secession Law – The Anti-Secession Law looms like a sword overhead《反分裂国家法》利剑高悬. The Global Times wrote that “mainland experts believe that the two articles highlighted the mainland’s differentiated treatment of the Taiwan compatriots and the Taiwan secessionists: to encourage the patriotic united forces and to contain “Taiwan independence” forces. Read more: Global Times
Most people in Taiwan see themselves as primarily Taiwanese; few say they’re primarily Chinese
The election follows a recent Pew Research Center survey that examined how people in Taiwan feel about their own identity, as well as how they view China. Here’s a closer look at how people in Taiwan see these issues, based on the survey, which we conducted from June 2 to Sept 17 last year. Read more: Pew Research
Xi on corruption
The website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission published an article signed by “钟纪言 Zhong Jiyan” titled “Deeply Study and Implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Thought on the Party’s Self-Revolution and Continuously Exert Efforts to Deepen the Fight Against Corruption. “钟纪言 Zhong Jiyan” is a homonym for “voice of the CCDI” and is used for important articles from the commission. The messages reinforce what came out of the CCDI plenum last week, and are another signal that there is going to be no let up in the campaign against corruption and ideologically “confused” cadres.
China delayed publication of Covid-19 gene sequence in early days of pandemic, US congressional panel says
China delayed the publication of the Sars-CoV-2 gene sequence in December 2019 by about two weeks, according to a US congressional committee. A Chinese researcher submitted the sequence on December 28, 2019, but it was only published on January 12, 2020. Read more: SCMP
Li urges global cooperation, vows continued opening-up at WEF
Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged global cooperation at Davos, emphasizing China’s forecasted 5.2% economic growth in 2023 and commitment to open markets. His speech contrasted China’s support for an open world economy with rising protectionism, particularly in the U.S. Read more: Global Times
China Population Extends Record Drop on Covid Deaths, Low Births
China’s population declined for the second year, recording a record-low birth rate and high COVID-19 deaths. The challenges in reversing the declining birth rate have raised concerns about future economic growth and strain on the pension system. Read more: Bloomberg
China takes aim at Canada’s move to block Chinese, Russian, Iranian research links
China criticized Canada’s plan to stop funding research linked to Chinese military, calling it short-sighted. Canada is aiming to avoid supporting projects tied to institutions posing national security risks. Read more: SCMP
Taiwan reports first major post-election Chinese military activity
Taiwan detected 18 Chinese air force planes in “joint combat readiness patrols” near the island, marking the first significant post-election military activity. Read more: CNA
Republican lawmakers criticise lifting of US sanctions to gain China’s help on fentanyl
Republican lawmakers criticized the Biden administration for lifting sanctions on a Chinese agency, accusing it of “diplomacy from a position of weakness” in the effort to curb fentanyl flow. They called for negotiating with China from a stronger stance and implementing export controls. Read more: SCMP
Philippines to Upgrade South China Sea Outposts, Military Chief Says
The Philippine military plans to upgrade outposts in the South China Sea, with desalination and communication equipment on Thitu and Nanshan Islands. This includes a desalination machine for the Sierra Madre ship on Second Thomas Shoal to reduce resupply needs amid Chinese blockades. Though China views construction as a “red line,” Manila persists, citing international law. The upgrades are part of broader efforts to strengthen forces through new ships, radars, and aircraft, and align with the U.S. against China’s coercive “gray zone” tactics. Read more: The Diplomat
John Lee appeals to Hong Kong’s media to promote need for national security and combat ‘smears and attacks’ from Western news organizations
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee called on media to highlight China’s development, counter Western “smears,” and deepen national security awareness. He announced a Greater Bay Area media alliance for professional exchanges. Read more: SCMP
China, Ireland vow to advance ties
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Irish leaders committed to advancing ties, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation in various fields. China has extended unilateral visa-free treatment to Ireland for enhanced personnel exchanges. Read more: ANN
Bolivia, Chinese companies ink deal to extract lithium
Bolivia signed a $90 million deal with Chinese consortium CBC to establish a pilot plant for lithium extraction at Uyuni Salt Flats, aiming for an annual production capacity of 2,500 tons. President Luis Arce highlighted the strategic importance of lithium industrialization. Read more: Xinhua
Thank you for Reading!!!
