China
US-China trade deal pushed back
By Nick Beams, 6 April 2019
Trump emerged from a meeting with chief Chinese trade negotiator Liu He to say it would take at least four weeks to reach an agreement as he declined to set a date for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Confrontation between Chinese and Taiwanese fighter jets
By Peter Symonds, 3 April 2019
The incident highlights the dangers of a war in Asia fueled by the Trump administration, which has deliberately inflamed the region’s volatile flashpoints.
Xi signs strategic EU-China deals amid growing EU-US tensions
By Alex Lantier, 29 March 2019
Rome’s endorsement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the face of explicit US disapproval points to deep tensions between US and European imperialism.
Xi Jinping tours Europe amid growing divisions between America and EU
By Alex Lantier, 29 March 2019
As bitter tensions erupt between Washington and the European Union over China’s policies in Eurasia, European imperialism is furiously rearming.
US defence secretary takes aim at China
By Peter Symonds, 19 March 2019
Shanahan’s focus on China as the chief “threat” parallels the Trump administration’s trade war measures, aimed at shoring up US global dominance.
VW, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia
Jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry
By Jerry White, 15 March 2019
Recently announced cuts by VW are part of an ongoing jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry, aimed at satisfying the rapacious appetite of the financial oligarchy.
Auto workers in China face job losses and closures
By Gary Alvernia, 15 March 2019
A slowing Chinese economy and lower car sales, compounded by US trade war measures, has resulted in domestic and foreign auto manufacturers closing factories and laying off workers.
Chinese premier warns of grave risks and challenges ahead
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2019
Addressing this week’s National People’s Congress, Li Keqiang referred to “public dissatisfaction in many areas,” amid a slowing Chinese economy and rising geo-political tensions.
US-China trade deal reported to be in the making
By Nick Beams, 5 March 2019
The Trump negotiators are insisting that the US retain the right to impose tariffs if it considers a deal has been abrogated and China should not impose any retaliatory measures.
Canada gives go-ahead for Huawei executive’s extradition to US
By Nick Beams, 2 March 2019
A statement from Meng’s defence lawyers objected to the Canadian decision in the face of what it called “the political nature of the US charges.”
Enforcement and technology key issues in China trade deal, Lighthizer tells US Congress
By Nick Beams, 1 March 2019
The US Trade Representative made it clear the fundamental question is “structural reforms” in the Chinese economy.
Despite talk of “progress” in trade negotiations
Deep divisions remain between US and China
By Nick Beams, 26 February 2019
The key point in US demands on any agreement is that China opposes a unilateral decision on compliance by Washington, insisting it must be determined by a joint evaluation.
Reports disclose super-exploitation of Chinese technology workers
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 26 February 2019
Some 85 percent of white-collar employees in China have to work overtime, with more than 45 percent reporting overtime of more than 10 hours a week.
Trump announces delay in China tariff deadline
By Nick Beams, 25 February 2019
Trump said that if “additional progress” were made in the negotiations, he would plan a summit meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Further blows to US anti-Huawei campaign
By Nick Beams, 23 February 2019
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the German government is “leaning towards letting Huawei … participate in building the nation’s high-speech internet infrastructure.”
China retaliates over New Zealand government’s Huawei ban
By John Braddock, 22 February 2019
The retaliation by Beijing has revealed divisions over how to maintain business ties with China while strengthening NZ’s alliance with US imperialism.
US anti-Huawei campaign suffers a blow
By Nick Beams, 20 February 2019
According to a report in the Financial Times, the UK National Cyber Security Network has concluded that “it is possible to mitigate the risk from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.”
Alleged hacking of Australian parliament feeds anti-China frenzy
By Peter Symonds, 20 February 2019
The hacking claims are bound up with Australia’s alignment with the escalating US confrontation with China over trade and economic issues, and the military build-up in the Indo-Pacific for war.
Signs of rising levels of workers’ struggles in China
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2019
China Labour Bulletin last year recorded more than 1,700 protests and strikes, up by 36 percent from 1,250 in 2017—a small fraction of the actual number of struggles.
No agreement on US-China trade with talks to continue
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2019
The next round will be virtually the last chance to reach a formal agreement before March 1, after which the US will increase tariffs—from 10 to 25 percent—on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
Trump to hold second summit with North Korean leader
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2019
By holding out the prospect that North Korea could become an “economic powerhouse,” Trump is seeking to entice Pyongyang out of China’s orbit and into closer ties with the US.
US navy challenges China in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2019
The intrusion by two US destroyers is designed to send a menacing message to China as trade talks begin in Beijing on a deal to avert escalating US trade war measures.
Chinese authorities extract forced confessions from student activists
By Navin Dewage, 11 February 2019
The crackdown reflects the fear in the Chinese ruling circles of a political movement of the working class for social and democratic rights that challenges the government itself.
US-China trade talks to resume as deadline nears
By Nick Beams, 8 February 2019
While the Trump administration put a degree of positive “spin” on last month’s discussions, little progress has been reported on the key US demands.
US-backed campaign for UN inquiry into China’s treatment of Uyghurs
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2019
While the Beijing regime is undoubtedly engaged in repressive activities in Xinjiang, the US has cynically seized on the issue as part of its aggressive campaign on all fronts to pressure, weaken and undermine China.
Chinese billionaire stripped of Australian residency as “foreign interference” campaign ramps up
By James Cogan, 7 February 2019
Huang’s banishment may well be the prelude to the first criminal charges laid against Australian citizens under the “foreign interference” laws.
No deal reached at US-China trade meeting
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
A statement issued by the White House at the conclusion of the discussions said Trump had reiterated that the US will increase tariffs unless an outcome is reached.
US “Worldwide Threat Assessment” takes aim at China
By Andre Damon, 1 February 2019
The annual report reflects a bipartisan escalation of US efforts to block China’s economic, military and technological development.
Australian political and media establishment intensifies anti-China campaign
By Oscar Grenfell, 31 January 2019
A coordinated political offensive is underway, aimed at legitimising Australia’s central role in the US confrontation with Beijing.
The drumbeat for war against China
Defense Intelligence Agency warns Chinese military is reaching “critical point of confidence”
By Gabriel Black, 30 January 2019
The DIA report aims to stoke fears of Chinese military expansion. However, by its own admission, China’s capacities, while growing, are dwarfed by the US.
US and China still miles apart as trade talks are set to begin
By Nick Beams, 29 January 2019
The US is demanding China scrap its program for future economic development by implementing so-called “structural” changes.
In broadside against China, White House levels criminal charges against Huawei
By Andre Damon, 29 January 2019
The move marks a major escalation of the United States’ economic, geopolitical and military offensive against China.
China-US rifts widen on eve of trade talks
By Nick Beams, 24 January 2019
The top-level meeting will be crucial in determining whether the US proceeds to impose a 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods when the March 1 deadline for negotiations expires.
China records lowest growth rate since 1990
By Nick Beams, 22 January 2019
National Bureau of Statistics head Ning Jizhe said the economy faced “downward pressure” and pointed to a “complicated and severe external environment” resulting from the US trade war.
Canada ramps up anti-China campaign as US threatens action against Huawei
By Roger Jordan, 19 January 2019
The Canadian government feels it can act so provocatively because its demonization of China is part of a broader offensive against Beijing led by US imperialism.
“Made in China 2025” at centre of US-China economic war
By Gabriel Black, 19 January 2019
The US regards the “Made in China 2025” initiative as a major threat to its own global economic and strategic domination.
Australian prime minister’s Pacific visit reinforces militarist line up against China
By Mike Head, 19 January 2019
The trip underscored the bullying nature of the turn by Canberra to reassert its predatory interests in the South West Pacific, and that of Washington, against Beijing.
Mine collapse in northern China leaves 21 dead
By Robert Campion, 14 January 2019
China is the largest producer of coal in the world and notorious for its poor safety record.
We The Workers: A limited documentary about labour rights groups in China
By Richard Phillips, 14 January 2019
The main problem of We The Workers is not the director’s stylistic approach but the film’s uncritical attitude towards the political agenda of the labour activists.
No deal reached in US-China trade talks
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2019
The negotiations consisted of US officials insisting that Beijing meet a long list of demands, but offering nothing in return other than not proceeding with higher tariffs.
US and Canadian elites demand Trudeau government toughen its anti-China stance
By Roger Jordan, 9 January 2019
Although Ottawa has been a key partner in Washington’s confrontation with Beijing, ruling circles want Trudeau to go even further and ban Huawei from Canada’s 5G network.
US-China trade talks extended, amid continuing obstacles
By Peter Symonds, 9 January 2019
Washington’s aggressive stance was underscored by the provocative dispatch of a US destroyer to challenge Chinese claims in the South China Sea on day one of the trade talks.
Foxconn workers stage protest in Zhengzhou, China
By Navin Dewage, 8 January 2019
Police violently suppressed a protest by hundreds of temporary workers over the non-payment of bonuses.
US Senate confirms top-level political “fixer” as ambassador to Australia
By Mike Head, 8 January 2019
Culvahouse’s appointment underscores Washington’s determination to ensure there is not the slightest deviation in Australia’s front line role in any conflict with China.
China’s moon landing to exacerbate tensions with US
By Peter Symonds, 7 January 2019
Like the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 and the first manned space flight in 1961, China’s landing of a probe on the moon’s far side has provoked consternation in Washington.
US-China tensions to rise over Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 4 January 2019
New US legislation calls for regular arms sales to Taiwan and urges top US officials to engage in exchanges with their Taiwanese counterparts.
Slowdown in China’s manufacturing growth sets tone for New Year
By Nick Beams, 3 January 2019
A key Chinese economic index has indicated lower growth as talks on US-China trade tensions are set to begin.
University authorities suppress student protest in China
By Peter Symonds, 29 December 2018
The CCP regime, which has all but abandoned its previous socialistic phrase-mongering, is terrified at the prospect of students politicizing the struggles of workers.
Japan plans for massive military build-up aimed at China
By Ben McGrath, 29 December 2018
In clear violation of Japan’s constitution, the Abe administration is proceeding with a pro-war agenda which will only further exacerbate tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
US steps up offensive against China with more “hacking charges”
By Mike Head, 21 December 2018
As part of an internationally-coordinated operation, the US Justice Department has published indictments of two Chinese men.
The New York Times targets McKinsey for doing business with China and Russia
By Peter Symonds, 20 December 2018
The article’s overriding purpose is not to expose the collusion of American companies with autocrats, but rather to ensure that they march in lockstep with the US war drive against China and Russia.
Canada’s media foments anti-China campaign after Meng arrest
By Roger Jordan, 19 December 2018
The Globe and Mail and National Post have welcomed the increased tensions with China that the arrest of the Huawei CFO has provoked.
China’s economic slowdown: The political issues confronting the working class
By Nick Beams, 15 December 2018
The China slowdown is part of a global process, exposing the fraudulent claim that the global economy had finally “turned the corner” after the deep recession produced by the financial crisis a decade ago.
“Five Eyes” intelligence agencies behind drive against Chinese telecom giant Huawei
By Nick Beams, 14 December 2018
An Australian Financial Review report details an “unprecedented campaign” by the members of the network to prevent Huawei supplying equipment for their next-generation wireless networks.
Limited movement in US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 13 December 2018
Trump’s first major public comment on the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has blown apart the pretence it had nothing to do with the US trade war against China.
Huawei executive’s arrest provokes anti-US protests in China
By Peter Symonds, 13 December 2018
Meng Wanzhou’s detention is part of a broader US campaign, under both the Obama and Trump administrations, aimed at undermining Huawei and other Chinese tech companies.
China summons American ambassador over detention of Huawei executive
By Peter Symonds, 10 December 2018
The highly provocative actions of the US are part of the Trump administration’s wider campaign to prevent Chinese corporate giants from challenging American technological supremacy.
Canada-China relations sour after Ottawa kidnaps Huawei executive
By Roger Jordan, 10 December 2018
At the express instructions of the federal Attorney-General, the Crown is arguing Meng Wanzhuo must remain in captivity pending the adjudication of her extradition to the US.
The kidnapping of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou
By Andre Damon, 8 December 2018
Meng’s arrest and confinement—without bail and on tendentious and opaque charges potentially carrying a sentence of 60 years—amount to little more than a kidnapping.
At Washington’s behest
Canada arrests top Chinese executive for “sanctions busting”
By Keith Jones and Roger Jordan, 7 December 2018
The arrest and impending extradition to the US of Meng Wanzhou is a diplomatic and geopolitical provocation that has effectively blown up the US-China trade-war “truce” after less than a week.
Huawei executive Meng’s arrest sparks market turbulence
By Nick Beams, 7 December 2018
The market turbulence on Wall Street saw the Dow off by 784 points in late morning trade which meant that the market had experienced a 1,500-point slide in a day and a half.
US and China put divergent spin on outcome of trade talks
By Nick Beams, 4 December 2018
The most important difference centres on the key demand of Washington that China make far-reaching “structural” changes to its economy in the area of high-tech development.
Trump escalates tariff threats against China on eve of G20 summit
By Nick Beams, 29 November 2018
While a deal is still possible, the chances seem very remote in light of Trump’s comments and those of other members of his administration.
Chinese consulate in Pakistan attacked by Balochi separatists
By Sampath Perera, 29 November 2018
The targeting of the Chinese consulate comes amid a concerted US campaign against deepening China-Pakistan strategic ties.
Chinese president visits the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 22 November 2018
Xi Jinping visited Manila in the midst of Washington’s escalation of economic warfare against Beijing and advanced preparations for direct military conflict.
At APEC, PM puts Australia on frontline of US confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2018
Australian Prime Minister Morrison lined up with US Vice President Pence at the recent APEC meeting, as China’s policies were denounced across the board.
Pakistan prime minister visits Beijing amid heightened US-China tensions
By Pradeep Ramanayaka, 21 November 2018
If Khan was hoping for an immediate financial bailout from China, he was disappointed as Beijing offered no specific aid and signed no significant agreements.
US vice president beats war drums in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 20 November 2018
Mike Pence in effect issued an ultimatum to China: either accept a subservient, semi-colonial status, or confront the full force of US diplomatic, economic and ultimately military weight.
US vice president steps up confrontation with China at APEC summit
By Peter Symonds, 19 November 2018
For the first time in APEC’s 29-year history, the summit did not issue a final communique after the United States and China failed to agree on its wording.
Trump manoeuvres ahead of US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 17 November 2018
The central demand of the Trump administration is that Beijing scrap its “Made in China” program and adopt a subservient economic position in relation to the US.
Chinese regime cracks down on student labour activists
By Robert Campion, 14 November 2018
The repression is another sign of growing unrest in the working class and fear in the CCP regime that the involvement of students will politicise the strikes and protests.
US-China talks signal worsening confrontation
By Peter Symonds, 12 November 2018
For years, first under Obama, then under Trump, the US has been engaged in an aggressive effort to undermine China economically, and encircle it militarily in preparation for war.
Chinese president denounces “law of the jungle” on trade
By Nick Beams, 6 November 2018
The Chinese president’s speech was an attempt to secure allies in the deepening trade war with the US.
Trump manoeuvres in lead-up to talks with Chinese President Xi
By Nick Beams, 3 November 2018
The aim is either to extract major concessions from China or, failing that, create the best conditions for pressing ahead with trade war measures.
Falling growth rate sparks concern in China’s ruling circles
By Nick Beams, 2 November 2018
A Politburo statement reflected the growing anxiety in Beijing over the economy and the impact of US trade war measures.
Japanese PM visits China in bid to improve relations
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2018
Abe’s efforts to end bitter exchanges with China come after both countries have been hit by the Trump administration’s trade war measures.
Australia declares China a threat to military-related university research and infrastructure
By Mike Head, 1 November 2018
A report by the government-funded Australian Strategic Policy Institute alleges that Chinese military-linked researchers are working “undercover” in US and allied universities.
Chinese president tells military to prepare for war
By Peter Symonds, 30 October 2018
Xi Jinping’s speech was a response to the Trump administration’s aggressive actions in intensifying trade war and overtly readying for military conflict with both China and Russia.
Sharp decline in numbers in latest China Rich List
By Robert Campion, 23 October 2018
The fall reflects the impact of a slowing Chinese economy, the impact of the US trade war measures and sharp falls in China’s share markets this year.
China growth slows to lowest level since financial crisis
By Nick Beams, 22 October 2018
While the trade war launched by the US has yet to make a significant impact on growth, the official Chinese statement referred to what is called the “severe international situation.”
Trump administration accelerates war drive against China
By Peter Symonds, 19 October 2018
Since Vice President Mike Pence’s denunciations of Beijing two weeks ago, the anti-China drumbeat from top US officials has increased.
Australia backs Trump as US ramps up anti-China drive
By Peter Symonds, 17 October 2018
There is an intense discussion in Australian think tanks and military and intelligence circles over the need to accelerate preparations for regional and global war.
US places alleged “Chinese spy” on public trial
By Mike Head, 12 October 2018
The timing of the unprecedented extradition points to a new stage in the US drive to prevent China from becoming an economic or military threat to US global hegemony.
US ambassador to New Zealand continues public attacks on China
By Tom Peters, 12 October 2018
Scott Brown, the ambassador appointed by Trump, is escalating the anti-Chinese campaign in New Zealand to align the country more closely with US war preparations.
Pompeo visit heightens US-China rift
By James Cogan, 10 October 2018
Testifying to the fraught state of relations, China’s foreign minister publicly lambasted the United States.
Key provision of USMCA trade deal aimed at China
By Nick Beams, 9 October 2018
A clause in the US trade deal with Canada and Mexico is aimed at nothing less than a “reset” of global trade relationships.
US vice president issues bellicose diatribe against China
By Bill Van Auken, 5 October 2018
Pence’s speech came amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing massive and provocative military exercises as a show of force against China.
US and Chinese warships narrowly avoid collision in South China Sea
By Patrick O’Connor, 3 October 2018
Any misstep or accident in East Asia’s sea and airspace now threatens to trigger a full-scale war between the rival nuclear-armed powers.
After North America trade deal, Trump to escalate trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 3 October 2018
In a manner recalling a Mafia don, Trump made clear that the threat of auto tariffs was central in securing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Beijing university threatens Marxist student society
By Peter Symonds, 1 October 2018
The university has reacted to fears that not only politically radicalised students, but also China’s exploited working class, could threaten the CCP’s police-state regime.
Beijing cancels trade talks with Washington after US sanctions China for weapons purchases
By Nick Beams, 22 September 2018
The moves mark a further escalation of trade and military tensions between the US and China.
China retaliates against US trade war measures
By Peter Symonds, 19 September 2018
The escalating trade war is heightening economic instability and fueling geo-political tensions, not only between the US and China, but internationally.
China’s $60 billion in aid and loans to Africa in context
By Gabriel Black, 18 September 2018
While China’s role in Africa has grown significantly in the past two decades, the United States and its allies remain the principal issuers of debt.
China and Russia strengthen ties to counter US threats
By Peter Symonds, 13 September 2018
After their meeting, neither Xi nor Putin named Trump but they left no doubt that their closer ties are a reaction to Washington’s punitive measures.
Washington bullies Central American countries for adopting “One China” policy
By Andrea Lobo, 12 September 2018
Having respected the “One China” policy since 1979, US measures against countries pursuing the same course constitute a remarkable level of imperialist bullying and hypocrisy.
Duterte deepens economic ties with China
By Joseph Santolan, 11 September 2018
Manila is seeking funding from Beijing for the most ambitious infrastructure campaign in Philippine history.
US set to escalate trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 10 September 2018
Trump’s threat of further tariffs means that Chinese exports into the US would be subject to increased tariffs if China carries through on its threat of retaliatory measures.
Japan and China improve relations in face of US trade war measures
By Ben McGrath, 10 September 2018
The apparent thaw in what has been a frigid, and at times hostile, relationship underscores the destabilizing impact of Trump’s aggressive America First drive.
Police suppress protest over schools in debt-ridden Chinese city
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 10 September 2018
The immediate reason for the protest was a local government decision to cut costs in government schools by relocating all fifth and sixth grade students to private schools.
China denies establishing military base in Afghanistan
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2018
Afghanistan is another key strategic arena for intensifying geo-political rivalry between the major powers.
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