TGS – Page 89 – Chinascope

There is Nothing Remarkable about the U.S. New Military Strategy

Guangzhou Daily published a commentary criticizing the United States’ new military strategy. “The new U.S. military strategy shows that, as its national power is declining, the U.S. is helpless – it has no choice but to adjust it military strategic objectives and downsize its military forces. At the same time the U.S. demonstrates that it is obstinate in maintaining its superior military power and world hegemony. It is attempting to get away from wars it cannot afford to continue, and is aiming its strategic spearhead very unwisely at its so-called ‘potential adversary’ [China] that upholds peaceful development. … Of course, we do not want to be treated this way, but the U.S. insists. Therefore we do not need to cover up for the U.S. Secondly, there is no need to panic. It is nothing more than containment and constraint, to assemble and win over allies, and to compress our strategic space. We have had that experience before and there is nothing remarkable about it.”

Source: Guangzhou Daily reprinted by Xinhua, February 12, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2012-02/12/c_122689185.htm

Briefings | | February 13, 2012 | US-China Relations

Changes in Chinese Companies’ Overseas Investments

Xinhua published an article which observed three changes have occurred in 2012 in Chinese companies’ overseas investments. First, there was a change in the investment philosophy from the time of start-up to merger and acquisition. If a Chinese company builds a new business in competition with existing traditional industries, clashes with those local businesses will likely occur; the Chinese business often becomes the “enemy” in the local community. Second, the sectors where investments are made appear to be more diversified, moving from the resources sector to the technology, brand name, and distribution sectors. There have been political complexities associated with the acquisition of resources overseas. These acquisitions have tended to occur in Africa and South America, and have brought geo-political risks that cannot be ignored. The acquisition of technology, brand name, and distribution businesses make up for the weakness in manufacturing in China and also can be easily accepted overseas. Thirdly, recent acquisitions have involved private equity (PE), which is viewed as good progress. With PE’s expertise in investment, their participation has enhanced the success rate of China’s acquisitions.

Source: Xinhua, February 12, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2012-02/12/c_111515389.htm

Briefings | | February 13, 2012 | Economy/Resources

Scholar: China’s Strategic Oil Stockpile Had a Late Start and May Have Lost Opportunities

Xinhua‘s Huanqiu interviewed Lin Boqiang, the Director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University. In the interview, Lin commented on China’s strategic oil stockpile. He observed, “Unfortunately, our response to the demand to stockpile oil came late. Had we taken action sooner, we would have been in a better position to take advantage of the international oil price dive that occurred in 2008 and to enhance our stockpile capability.”

The China National Petroleum Reserve Center was established on December 18, 2007. The plan was to complete the build-up of China’s reserves within 15 years in three phases. The first phase has been completed and the second phase is scheduled to conclude in 2012. The third phase is in the design stage and is scheduled for completion in 2020. At the present time, China’s strategic oil stockpile will last 50 days. Lin said that after the second phase, China will have 60 days of oil stockpiled, and when the project is completed the oil reserve is to reach 90 days. He estimated that the U.S. may have about 90 to 100 days of strategic oil stockpiled, and can support well over six months. Currently about 55% of the oil that China consumes is imported.

Source: Huanqiu, February 10, 2012
http://mil.huanqiu.com/Observation/2012-02/2426983.html

Briefings | | February 13, 2012 | Economy/Resources

Chinese Authorities Investigate Chongching Deputy Mayor and Former Police Chief

In a two sentence report, Xinhua said that the Chinese authorities were investigating why Wang Lijun, one of its top police chiefs spent a day at the U.S. Consulate in Chongqing. “In response to questions, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Wang Lijun, the Deputy Mayor of Chongqing entered into the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu on February 6. He stayed there overnight and left the following day. The relevant departments are investigating the incident.”

[Editor’s note: The U.S. State Department confirmed that Wang had visited the Consulate, fuelling speculation that he sought asylum. The 52-year-old deputy Mayor and former Police Chief of Chongqing is closely identified with Chongqing Communist Party chief Bo Xilai, so a potential defection might have serious political consequences. In recent years, Wang developed a reputation for being tough on “organized crime” and on defense lawyers. He is known for his participation in “organ harvesting” where Falun Gong practitioners were arrested and their organs harvested for transplant purposes. The apparent euphemism that Wang was receiving "vacation style treatment" inspired countless tweets and messages on China’s microblogs.]

Source: Xinhua, February 9, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2012-02/09/c_122681189.htm

Briefings | | February 10, 2012 | Government/Politics

CCP No. 1 Document for 2012 Is on Agricultural Innovation

The Chinese Communist Party issued its first official policy document in 2012, called the No. 1 Document, on the promotion of agricultural innovation. This is the ninth consecutive year that the No. 1 Document has had rural issues as the theme, but it is the first time it has focused on agricultural science and technological development. It emphasizes that more attention must be placed on technological innovation. Three sections of the six section document discuss this focus. Specifically, it would “substantially increase investments and subsidies for the agricultural technology sector, promote great leaps forwards in the sector, and provide a strong momentum for improvements in land yield, farmers’ income, and rural prosperity.”

Source: Xinhua, February 1, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2012-02/01/c_111478030.htm

Briefings | | February 6, 2012 | Economy/Resources

2012 China-EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue Opened in Brussels

The 2012 China-EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue opened recently in Brussels. Cai Wu, China’s Minister of Culture, spoke at the opening. “China and Europe both influence international affairs. Although there are differences in their political systems and cultures, dialogues and communication between different civilizations are conducive to removing misunderstanding and promoting convergence. China has held the China Culture Year in France, Italy, and other countries in the past." Cai stated that for 2012 China planned to hold the China Culture Year in Germany and the China-EU Year of Intercultural Dialogue in Brussels.

Source: Xinhua, February 2, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2012-02/02/c_122643361.htm

Briefings | | February 6, 2012 | Geo-Strategic Trend

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