News
US sanctions Chinese and Russian companies over Ukraine War technology. The US has imposed sanctions on several companies from China and Russia, alleging their involvement in providing technology supporting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The specific entities sanctioned and the exact nature of the technology supplied remain undisclosed, but this development is anticipated to strain the diplomatic and economic relations between the US and the sanctioned countries, potentially impacting international trade and cooperation. By Julia Shapero for The Hill, September 25
Vietnam interested in trade deal with Mercosur, says Brazil's Lula. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva confirmed that Vietnam has expressed a keen interest in establishing a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which comprises Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The announcement was made during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Brasilia. This move is particularly noteworthy as Mercosur is in the final stages of sealing a trade pact with the European Union. Reuters, September 25
China warns EU to show restraint when countering Beijing’s trade tactics. Vice-premier He Lifeng, in a press conference in Beijing, advised Brussels to "exercise restraint" in relation to instruments perceived to target China. He also expressed hopes that the EU would maintain open markets, emphasizing the mutual benefits for EU consumers, sustainable low-carbon development, and global climate change cooperation. By Finbarr Bermingham and Kinling Lo for South China Morning Post, September 25
Head of Hong Kong journalists' group sentenced to jail for obstructing police. In a move that has raised concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong, the head of the city's leading journalists association was handed a five-day jail sentence for obstructing police officers during an incident in September of the previous year. Critics view this sentencing as a further erosion of media freedoms in the global financial hub, especially in the wake of the national security law and other measures that have tightened Beijing's grip on the city. Reuters, September 25
Philippines removes Chinese barrier at disputed shoal in 'special operation'. The Philippines conducted a 'special operation' to remove a barrier that had been placed by China at a disputed shoal. This action is a significant development in the ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations in the region. The shoal has been a flashpoint in the past, with both countries laying claim to it. Reuters, September 25
India visa delay disrupts Pakistan’s World Cup preparations. The Pakistan cricket team's preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India have been hampered due to a visa delay, causing a postponement in the team's departure for the event. The squad was initially scheduled to leave for the United Arab Emirates before heading to India. However, the delay in visa approval has disrupted these plans, highlighting the long-standing tensions between the two countries. By Hafsa Adil for Al Jazeera, September 25
South Korea hosts Japan, China as US allies try to reassure Beijing. South Korea will host senior diplomats from China and Japan in a rare trilateral meeting aimed at easing Beijing's concerns over the two U.S. allies' growing cooperation with Washington. The meeting also aims to pave the way for the resumption of three-way summits between the countries' leaders, which were last held in 2019. By Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin for Reuters, September 25
Taliban weighs using US mass surveillance plan, met with China's Huawei. The Taliban are considering repurposing a U.S.-designed mass surveillance system for use in Afghanistan. They have also consulted with China's Huawei for potential cooperation. The system aims to bolster security but has raised concerns among rights groups. By Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield for Reuters, September 25
South Korea holds rare military parade, warns North over nuclear threat. South Korea conducted its first large-scale military parade in a decade, showcasing an array of weapons including ballistic missiles and attack helicopters. The event marks the country's Armed Forces Day and comes as President Yoon Suk Yeol takes a more hawkish stance against North Korea. The parade featured thousands of troops, home-grown tanks, and self-propelled artillery, as well as U.S. soldiers based in the country. By Soo-Hyang Choi for Reuters, September 25
Chinese tourists get VIP Welcome as Thai visa waiver scheme begins. Chinese tourists landing in Bangkok received a VIP welcome on Monday, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted the first batch of visitors to arrive in Thailand after it waived visas for Chinese nationals to boost the key tourism industry. The move aims to revitalize Thailand's tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By Thomas Suen, Chayut Setboonsarng for Reuters, September 25
Long Form
China Kicks Off the Asian Games with No Fireworks and a Parade of Global Leaders. The 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony that featured futuristic light shows and 3D animations but no real fireworks. The event is China's largest sporting gathering in over a decade, with around 12,000 athletes from 45 countries participating. Notably, esports makes its debut as an official medal event, attracting significant attention and ticket sales. The Games also saw the attendance of international dignitaries, including the IOC President and the Syrian President. By Nadya Yeh for The China Project, September 25.
China and Hollywood: Why Cultural Decoupling Is Not the Answer. The article argues that despite the growing tensions between the U.S. and China, cultural decoupling is not a viable solution. It suggests that cultural exchange, including film collaborations, can serve as a bridge between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and potentially easing geopolitical tensions. By Melissa Newcomb for Foreign Policy, September 26
Southeast Asia’s Data Center Boom. The rapid expansion of the data center industry in Southeast Asia is driven by firms' increasing need for processing power and data storage. A recent $800 million deal involving American investment giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co and Singtel’s regional data center unit, Digital InfraCo, highlights the scale of investments in the sector. By James Guild for The Diplomat, September 25
Landmines in Ukraine: Lessons for China and Taiwan. Chinese strategists are closely studying the use of landmines in the Russia-Ukraine War, focusing on their potential role in a Taiwan scenario. The conflict has shown that defensive technologies like landmines can significantly slow down an offensive, a lesson that could be unnerving for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as it considers rapid maneuver warfare in a hypothetical conflict with Taiwan. By Lyle Goldstein and Nathan Waechter for The Diplomat, September 25
Hong Kong's Bureaucrats Don't Make Good Authoritarians. Local officials in Hong Kong are struggling to effectively implement Beijing's orders. The article highlights a recent case where the Hong Kong judiciary quashed the city's attempt to ban "Glory to Hong Kong," a pro-democracy anthem. The judge dismissed the ban not because it would violate freedom of speech, but because it was vague, ill-defined, and unenforceable. By Joshua Yang for Foreign Policy, September 25