Speaking in an interview with a Taiwanese television station broadcast late on Sep 1, Lai, who China calls a “separatist”, brought up the 1858 Treaty of Aigun in which China signed over a vast tract of land in what is now Russia’s far east to the Russian empire, forming much of the present-day border along the Amur River, reported Reuters Sep 2. Under this 1858 treaty, Russia annexed about 1m sq km of Chinese territory, including Haishengwei – today known as Vladivostok, noted theguardian.com Sep 2.
mandag 9. september 2024
Taiwan challenges China to claim land lost to Russia if it’s all about territorial integrity
The People’s Republic of China, founded in 1949, has never exercised authority over the self-governed island of Taiwan. Nevertheless, it claims the legacy of the rulers of China, including foreigners, dating back over millennia and insists that Taiwan is part of it. Well, in that case it should also take back land from Russia signed over by the last dynasty that ruled China in the 19th century, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has said in an interview with Taiwanese media.
Speaking in an interview with a Taiwanese television station broadcast late on Sep 1, Lai, who China calls a “separatist”, brought up the 1858 Treaty of Aigun in which China signed over a vast tract of land in what is now Russia’s far east to the Russian empire, forming much of the present-day border along the Amur River, reported Reuters Sep 2. Under this 1858 treaty, Russia annexed about 1m sq km of Chinese territory, including Haishengwei – today known as Vladivostok, noted theguardian.com Sep 2.
Speaking in an interview with a Taiwanese television station broadcast late on Sep 1, Lai, who China calls a “separatist”, brought up the 1858 Treaty of Aigun in which China signed over a vast tract of land in what is now Russia’s far east to the Russian empire, forming much of the present-day border along the Amur River, reported Reuters Sep 2. Under this 1858 treaty, Russia annexed about 1m sq km of Chinese territory, including Haishengwei – today known as Vladivostok, noted theguardian.com Sep 2.
An alleged Chinese agent went undetected in New York state government for years. Why it may have taken so long for authorities to act
Linda Sun visited Beijing in the winter of 2018, according to federal prosecutors, a Chinese businessman based in the US made travel arrangements for her and reserved a presidential suite once used by First Lady Michelle Obama. A year later, on a second trip to Beijing, Sun exchanged correspondence with the same businessman and discussed her possible attendance to a military parade, ultimately attending a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Then came the summer of 2020, when the FBI summoned Sun for an interview.
Then came the summer of 2020, when the FBI summoned Sun for an interview.
Fra flørt med Qatar til flørt med Kina
Kinas manglende respekt for andre gjør det svært vanskelig å forstå Støres ideer om at de er våre venner som vi kan snakke om det vi er uenige om og der vi har et respektfullt forhold overfor hverandre. Det høres bare naivt ut. Torbjørn Færøvik minner oss om at databasen til EU-kommisjonen i Brussel i 2017 ble frastjålet 2.000 dokumenter, og i Tyskland, Frankrike og Storbritannia er de på vakt hele tiden. I USA skal FBI-direktør Christopher Wray være «mildt sagt fortvilet», og tidligere i år «fastslo han at Kina aktivt forsøker å trenge seg inn i kritisk amerikansk infrastruktur. Også Canada har fått mer enn nok».
Men for Norge er det visstnok ikke nok, og det selv om PST trekker Kina frem som en våre største sikkerhetstrusler. På plass i Kina ble Støre møtt på rød løper av Kinas viseutenriksminister Deng Li på flyplassen og en æresgarde hadde møtt opp for å ta imot Norges statsminister, melder NRK i Beijing. Her gjentar Støre sine ambisjoner om å samarbeide med Kina, men også å beskytte norske interesser.
In Retrospect: Reflections on the Second Fact Finding Delegation, sent by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1980
Phuntsog Wangyal reflects on the vicissitudes of times dating from what he witnessed during a delegation visit to Tibet in 1980 in a period of relative relaxation through the exile Tibetan government’s 1988 decision to seek autonomy, not independence for Tibet, and to what has come of it thus far, arguing that deception being the fundamental strategy of China, Tibetans should not give up their independence struggle.
"I was a member of the Second Tibet Fact Finding Delegation sent to Tibet by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1980. Recently the leader of our delegation, Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, called me to consider writing a postscript about the delegation’s visit to Tibet.
Some 44 years ago in 1980 the delegation visited Tibet. For me that visit to Tibet was the most eventful mission of my life, full of both joy and sadness: joy at the first ever visit to our homeland after 21 years in exile, and sadness at witnessing the nearly total destruction of our country and the suffering of our people. I take this occasion therefore to publish my reflections on that visit so that we can continue to remind ourselves of the suffering of the people in Tibet, their efforts to resist Chinese rule and their spirit of dedicated commitment for the freedom of Tibet."
"I was a member of the Second Tibet Fact Finding Delegation sent to Tibet by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1980. Recently the leader of our delegation, Tenzin Namgyal Tethong, called me to consider writing a postscript about the delegation’s visit to Tibet.
Some 44 years ago in 1980 the delegation visited Tibet. For me that visit to Tibet was the most eventful mission of my life, full of both joy and sadness: joy at the first ever visit to our homeland after 21 years in exile, and sadness at witnessing the nearly total destruction of our country and the suffering of our people. I take this occasion therefore to publish my reflections on that visit so that we can continue to remind ourselves of the suffering of the people in Tibet, their efforts to resist Chinese rule and their spirit of dedicated commitment for the freedom of Tibet."
In Retrospect: Full text of Jiang Zemin's Report at 16th Party Congress on Nov 8, 2002
The following is the full text of Jiang Zemin's report delivered at the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Nov. 8, 2002, entitled "Build a Well-off Society in an All-Round Way and Create a New Situation in Building Socialism with Chinese Characteristics":
"Comrades, Now I would like to make a report to the congress on behalf of the Fifteenth Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Sixteenth National Congress of the CPC is the first of its kind held by our Party in the new century. It is a very important congress convened by our Party in the new situation in which we have begun to take the third step of the strategic plan for socialist modernization. The theme of the congress is to hold high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, fully act on the important thought of Three Represents, carry forward our cause into the future, keep pace with the times, build a well-off society in an all-round way, speed up socialist modernization and work hard to create a new situation in building socialism with Chinese characteristics."
søndag 8. september 2024
EU-China relations: De-risking or de-coupling – the future of the EU strategy towards China
Over the past decade, the political environment in the People’s Republic of China has become more closed and authoritarian. The influence of ideology and nationalism has grown, coupled with wider and more serious human rights violations. It is possible that this trend could continue. Moreover, the Chinese government’s external behaviour has become more assertive and on occasion confrontational. At the same time, China’s relations with the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), and many of its neighbours have deteriorated, being characterised by numerous points of tension. If China’s diverse domestic challenges continue to mount, its government may resort to even more aggressive foreign policy in the future.
Since 2017, EU-China relations have been on a downward spiral. In 2019, the EU described China as ‘a cooperation partner’ and ‘negotiating partner’, as well as ‘an economic competitor’ and ‘a systemic rival’. Since then, the economic competition and systemic rivalry have intensified, while the EU and China have failed to achieve notable negotiating successes.
Since 2017, EU-China relations have been on a downward spiral. In 2019, the EU described China as ‘a cooperation partner’ and ‘negotiating partner’, as well as ‘an economic competitor’ and ‘a systemic rival’. Since then, the economic competition and systemic rivalry have intensified, while the EU and China have failed to achieve notable negotiating successes.
From China's Past: Nightmare Across the Land - the Cultural Revolution
It had been clear for weeks that China was heading for some sort of momentous crescendo, but no one knew exactly what to expect. Last week, as the impact of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution abruptly spilled out across the land, the nightmare of it all became chillingly clear. Mao Tse-tung aimed to blot out not only all traces of foreign influence, but to tear out China’s own cultural and historical roots as well.
Yearning to subject his country to the same hardships that he had endured on the Long March, Mao chose as the weapon for his campaign a new organization whose name derived from the civil war of the 1930s: the Red Guards. Originally, they were peasants who served Mao’s Red army as porters and scouts. Today’s Red Guards are high school and university students, often clad in military-type khaki trousers and belted jackets, and always wearing a red arm band. They seemed to be under the command of Mao’s longtime ghostwriter, Chen Pota, 62, now a leader of the Cultural Revolution. Chen’s order: “You must temper yourselves by going among the masses and getting yourselves covered over and over again with muck.”
Yearning to subject his country to the same hardships that he had endured on the Long March, Mao chose as the weapon for his campaign a new organization whose name derived from the civil war of the 1930s: the Red Guards. Originally, they were peasants who served Mao’s Red army as porters and scouts. Today’s Red Guards are high school and university students, often clad in military-type khaki trousers and belted jackets, and always wearing a red arm band. They seemed to be under the command of Mao’s longtime ghostwriter, Chen Pota, 62, now a leader of the Cultural Revolution. Chen’s order: “You must temper yourselves by going among the masses and getting yourselves covered over and over again with muck.”
Støre flyr til Beijing: – Norge og Kina er venner, men uenige
Norge skal være venner med Kina, men samtidig være årvåkne for etterretningstrusler, mener statsministeren. Nå drar han til Kina for å pleie forholdet.– Vi må ikke bli hysteriske, sier statsminister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) til NTB i forkant av sitt Kina-besøk.
World order 'under threat not seen since Cold War'
The international world order is "under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War", the heads of the UK and US foreign intelligence services have warned.The chiefs of MI6 and the CIA also said both countries stand together in "resisting an assertive Russia and Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine".Both foreign intelligence services see the rise of China as the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century.I
n a first-ever joint article, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns wrote in the Financial Times that they saw the war in Ukraine coming "and were able to warn the international community", in part by declassifying secrets to help Kyiv. And they said there was work being done to "disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage" across Europe by Russia, push for de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza war, and counterterrorism to thwart the resurgent Islamic State (IS).
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Why is the Pope doing a long tour when he's so frail?
Pope Francis, who has often appeared to revel in confounding and surprising others, is at it again.Many times over the years, he has seemed to suggest he is slowing down, only to ramp up his activities again. At nearly 88 years old, he has a knee ailment that impairs mobility, abdominal problems caused by diverticulitis and is vulnerable to respiratory issues owing to the removal of most of one of his lungs.
Last autumn, the Pope said his health problems meant that foreign travel had become difficult. Soon after, when he cancelled a trip to the UAE, it led to heightened speculation about the extent of his medical difficulties.
But that was then. Now, he is in the middle of the longest foreign visit of his 11-and-a-half year papacy. It has been one packed with engagements, and as well as Timor-Leste it involves three countries – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore – in which Catholics are a minority. So why is the Pope travelling so extensively and so far from home?
Last autumn, the Pope said his health problems meant that foreign travel had become difficult. Soon after, when he cancelled a trip to the UAE, it led to heightened speculation about the extent of his medical difficulties.
But that was then. Now, he is in the middle of the longest foreign visit of his 11-and-a-half year papacy. It has been one packed with engagements, and as well as Timor-Leste it involves three countries – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore – in which Catholics are a minority. So why is the Pope travelling so extensively and so far from home?
China shifts gear in Africa as it looks to a green future
Pulling power. That is what China still has across Africa. While the influence of others on the continent is questioned - for instance, France and the rest of the EU are being shunned by the Sahelian military juntas, and Russia’s mercenary-security “offer” is regarded with deep mistrust by pro-Western African governments - China has navigated a middle way.
Delegations from more than 50 states from across the African continent decided it was worth making the trip to Beijing for the latest China-Africa summit - known as the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) - this week. Dozens of leaders turned up - as well as UN chief António Guterres.
Alongside veterans such as Congo-Brazzaville strongman Denis Sassou-Nguesso, this was a first such gathering for the new Senegalese head of state Bassirou Diomaye Faye - rewarded with a front-row place next to President Xi Jinping in a family photo of leaders and their spouses.
Delegations from more than 50 states from across the African continent decided it was worth making the trip to Beijing for the latest China-Africa summit - known as the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) - this week. Dozens of leaders turned up - as well as UN chief António Guterres.
Alongside veterans such as Congo-Brazzaville strongman Denis Sassou-Nguesso, this was a first such gathering for the new Senegalese head of state Bassirou Diomaye Faye - rewarded with a front-row place next to President Xi Jinping in a family photo of leaders and their spouses.
fredag 6. september 2024
Japan poised for another record-busting defense budget
Japan’s military spending is edging closer to its targeted 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), with big new budget earmarks for drones, missile defense, satellites, cyber defense and cloud-based command and control systems. The proposed budget, now awaiting final approval, shows Tokyo is banking more on military technology boots on the ground to meet rising security threats and challenges from China, North Korea and Russia.
Japan, Norway signs defense industry deal
Japan and Norway have signed an agreement to co-operate on defence equipment and technology. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on 3 September during meetings between Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his visiting counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram.
The two sides also said they would strengthen wider defence collaboration, including work between the countries' defence industries, as well as military training and exercises. In a press release by Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD), Kihara said the MOU will support “strengthened future co-operation” between the countries but did not elaborate.
The two sides also said they would strengthen wider defence collaboration, including work between the countries' defence industries, as well as military training and exercises. In a press release by Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD), Kihara said the MOU will support “strengthened future co-operation” between the countries but did not elaborate.
China’s men soccer team faces fan backlash after humiliating loss to arch-rivals Japan
China’s men’s soccer team fell to a 7-0 loss to arch-rivals Japan on Thursday night, a startling new low for a soccer-obsessed nation where the game has been plagued by corruption scandals and ever-worsening performances. Players in top European leagues led the way for Japan, with Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma both scoring in the demolition at the Saitama Stadium, north of Tokyo, in 2026 World Cup final-round Asian qualifiers. Monaco’s Takumi Minamino also scored twice.
“This is humiliating,” one China fan wrote on social media platform Weibo, where the defeat has become a trending topic, garnering more than 460 million views by Friday morning.
That the defeat came at the hands of Japan adds to the agony for Chinese fans. Sporting rivalries between the two countries often bear the undertones of their historical relationship, strained by – among other sore points – Japan’s brutal occupation of China in the first half of the 20th century, and current disputes over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyus.
“This is humiliating,” one China fan wrote on social media platform Weibo, where the defeat has become a trending topic, garnering more than 460 million views by Friday morning.
That the defeat came at the hands of Japan adds to the agony for Chinese fans. Sporting rivalries between the two countries often bear the undertones of their historical relationship, strained by – among other sore points – Japan’s brutal occupation of China in the first half of the 20th century, and current disputes over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyus.
Annual White Paper: «Defense of Japan 2024»
Japan’s 2024 defense white paper, released on July 12, pursues a policy of strengthening its own military power by warning against China’s and North Korea’s buildup. The white paper reiterated strong concerns about China’s military trends. It claims that the Chinese mainland has intensified military activities around the Taiwan region aimed at establishing a fait accompli while simultaneously improving its combat capabilities.
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torsdag 5. september 2024
Pew Research Center: Views of China and Xi Jinping
Across the 35 countries we surveyed, more have unfavorable views of China than favorable ones. The same is true when it comes to Chinese President Xi Jinping: People mostly lack confidence in him to do the right thing regarding world affairs. But opinions vary widely across regions and across levels of economic development. For example, in the high-income European countries included in the survey, views of China and Xi tend to be broadly negative, while in middle-income nations in sub-Saharan Africa, views are significantly more positive.
Views tend to be among the most and least positive in the Asia-Pacific region – more positive in middle-income countries like Malaysia and Thailand, and more negative in high-income ones like Australia, Japan and South Korea.
Views tend to be among the most and least positive in the Asia-Pacific region – more positive in middle-income countries like Malaysia and Thailand, and more negative in high-income ones like Australia, Japan and South Korea.
China’s Evolving Fortress Economy
China’s leadership, under Xi Jinping, has initiated a significant strategic shift toward a "fortress economy" designed to bolster national self-sufficiency and resilience against external shocks, and ultimately allow the nation to withstand “extreme situations” including protracted armed conflict. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of China’s fortress economy policy, tracing its roots from early warnings about international instability to its formalization in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and subsequent policy actions. By examining official speeches, policy documents, and strategic initiatives, the paper explains how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is operationalizing this strategy through key domains such as food security, energy independence, and critical supply-chain resilience.
The analysis highlights the CCP’s perception of an increasingly hostile international environment, prompting a paradigm shift that prioritizes national security and economic self-reliance. This research contributes to understanding China’s strategic intentions and provides a foundation for further exploration of the implications of China’s fortress economy on global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
China’s Economy Has Peaked. Can Beijing Redefine Its Goals?
Nothing in economic development is certain, but China’s economy has probably already peaked in size as a proportion of the global economy, reaching the peak in 2021.
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