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Malaysian Sultan Thanks China for Its Organ Transplant Diplomacy

On September 20, Ibrahim, the Sultan of Malaysia, visited China and met with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Malaysia’s most influential Chinese-language media, Sin Chew Daily, reported that Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for arranging a liver transplant for his son Tunku Abdul Jalil, the Johor prince, during his visit to China for medical treatment. Ibrahim noted that Beijing had granted special exemptions to his son, who was a foreigner.

According to Malaysian media, Tunku Abdul Jalil was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014 and successfully received a liver transplant at the First Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou in November of that year. However, he succumbed to cancer recurrence in December 2015, at the age of 25.

Another Malaysian Chinese-language media outlet reported that Ibrahim shed tears while discussing his son.

After the news of Ibrahim’s thanks to the CCP spread on overseas Chinese social media, netizens questioned, “Where did the liver come from?” Comments criticized the CCP’s organ transplant diplomacy, alleging that it takes organs from the poor (resulting in  loss of life) to “gift” foreign dignitaries in exchange for political benefits.

Source: Epoch Times, September 24, 2024
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/9/24/n14337110.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend

Homicide Cases Increase in China

Recently more and more homicide cases have occurred in China, with some of them even targeting innocent people. The authorities have been trying to cover up this trend of rising homicides.

On October 1, during a flag-raising ceremony, a shooting occurred inside the Public Security Bureau of Shaoyang City, Hunan Province. The bureau chief, Li Changyue, was shot at close range by the deputy captain of the SWAT team, Duan Peng. Duan died, and Li’s condition is unknown. The news has been suppressed in mainland China.

On September 30, a mass stabbing occurred at a Walmart supermarket in Songjiang District, Shanghai, resulting in an officially reported 3 dead and 15 injured. Some sources have indicated, however, that as many as 7 people may have died.

On September 29, a severe traffic accident occurred in Zangtun Town, Dacheng County, Langfang City, Hebei Province, involving a collision between a truck and a bus. Local residents reported that the accident was caused by someone who committed suicide by detonating an explosive on the bus. The bus driver then lost control and crashed into a large truck, resulting in multiple fatalities at the scene.

Source: Epoch Times, October 2, 2024
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/10/2/n14342566.htm

Briefings | | |   Social Stability

RFI Chinese: US May Impose Tariffs on Solar Panels from Four Southeast Asian Countries

Radio France Internationale (RFI) Chinese Edition recently reported that the United States may impose new tariffs on solar panels from four Southeast Asian countries. These U.S. domestic manufacturers see competition from cheap imports from Chinese companies operating in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia as a threat to the Biden administration’s goal of promoting local production of clean energy technologies needed to combat climate change.

The American Solar Manufacturing Trade Council Alliance (AASMTC) stated in a petition to the U.S. government that Chinese manufacturers operating in the four Southeast Asian countries have received generous subsidies from the governments of these countries, including cheap financing, electricity and land tax exemptions, etc. These Chinese manufacturers also received support through China’s Belt and Road Initiative, according to AASMTC. The U.S. Commerce Department decided to consider the impact of cross-border subsidies for the first time.

The United States has already imposed a series of tariffs on solar imports. Not all U.S. manufacturers want to impose new tariffs on solar imports, as some U.S. companies assemble panels with low-cost solar cells from Southeast Asia.

Source: RFI Chinese, September 30, 2024
https://tinyurl.com/yh2pukn2

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

China Times: India Reiterates Its Rejection of RCEP

Major Taiwanese newspaper China Times recently reported that, in a media interview, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated India’s refusal to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He said that it is “not in India’s best interest” to sign an FTA (free trade agreement) with a country lacking economic transparency (like China).

RCEP’s original negotiation members in 2013 included India, and other countries believed that India’s role could be a check and balance to China. However, India has refused to participate in RCEP in 2019, citing unresolved issues regarding “core interests.” Goyal pointed out that, at the, time India had already signed FTAs with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea, and had reached a bilateral trade agreement with New Zealand worth approximately US$300 million. “Joining RCEP was not in the interests of our farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, and to a certain extent, it is just an FTA with China,” he said. He further explained that, China’s economy is very opaque, “from trade to politics to management methods. No one in India wanted to sign an FTA with an economy with no transparency.”

Goyal also promoted the idea of India becoming a “Taiwan + 1” semiconductor country, aiming to attract business investment from companies that seek to diversify their computer chip supply chain away from just Taiwan.

Source: China Times, September 23, 2024
https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20240923004101-260410

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

DW Chinese: German EPA Alleges China’s Emissions Reduction Projects Fraudulent, Stole Carbon Credits Worth €1.5 Billion

Deutsche Welle Chinese Edition recently reported that the German Environmental Protection Agency (UBA) suspects 45 of 66 Chinese climate emission reduction projects of fraud involving carbon credits worth approximately 1.5 billion euros. The German government has taken measures to revoke the certification of these projects, but the huge financial losses have been irreparable.

The German authorities conducted an in-depth review of Chinese projects and found defrauding EU emission reduction certificates through false declarations and exaggerated data. The application period for many projects was during the Covid-19 period when travel of relevant certification personnel was severely restricted.

In EU’s carbon emission reduction system, Upstream Emission Reductions (UER) projects can obtain corresponding carbon credits by implementing reduction measures in the upstream industrial supply chain, such as improving equipment energy efficiency. However, lack of necessary independence and transparency in the UER certification process allowed the same people to involve in the creation, validation and certification at the same time. They were very familiar with the UER system and used their professional knowledge and industry loopholes to enable fake projects to pass certification. The German investigation also found that a market for buying and selling UER certifications has formed in China.

So far, Chinese officials have not responded directly to the relevant investigations and fraud accusations launched by Germany.

Source: DW Chinese, September 22, 2024
https://p.dw.com/p/4kucQ

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

South Korean Study Reveals Organized Online Chinese Campaign to Manipulate Public Opinion in Competitive Industries

A South Korean research report indicates that Chinese netizens are systematically posting negative comments on news and posts related to industries where South Korea and China are in competition. These comments primarily disparage Korean products while praising Chinese ones, and this trend is increasing.

The report, titled “Cognitive Warfare in Korea-China Competitive Industries,” was released by a research team led by professors Kim Eun-young and Hong Seok-hoon. They analyzed comments on platforms like NAVER, YouTube, and NATE from July 2023 to August 2024.

The team identified 77 suspected Chinese accounts on NAVER, organized into two groups coordinated by core users. Similar negative comments have appeared in competitive sectors like electric vehicles and smartphones for several years, with increasing frequency recently.

The report categorizes these manipulative behaviors into three types: dismay, divide, and dismiss. Examples include comments suggesting the superiority of Chinese cars over Hyundai, or claiming that the U.S. will betray South Korea.

The researchers believe the 77 NAVER accounts are just the tip of the iceberg, with 239 similar accounts found on YouTube posting even more frequently. They call for establishing a database and analysis mechanism to counter this new form of cognitive warfare and urge the government to develop countermeasures.

Source: Yonhap News Agency, September 29, 2024
https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240929000800881?section=china-relationship/index

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China Tightens Grip on Data Security with New Regulations

China has unveiled its latest move in the realm of cybersecurity with the publication of the “Network Data Security Management Regulations.” Set to take effect on January 1st next year, these regulations signify a significant escalation in the government’s approach to data security oversight.

The new rules, signed into order by Premier Li Qiang, establish a comprehensive framework for managing network data security. They emphasize a system of data classification and graded protection while strictly prohibiting illegal data processing. Under these regulations, network data processors are required to implement robust security management systems and fulfill obligations related to risk reporting and security incident handling.

In a notable shift from the 2021 draft, the current version has softened its stance on certain controversial elements. The previously proposed comprehensive approval mechanism for data exports has been replaced with more flexible conditions for cross-border data transmission. Additionally, the regulations have streamlined algorithm review requirements for platforms, aiming to enhance transparency and social responsibility standards.

Personal information protection receives particular attention in the new regulations. They outline specific measures governing the use of automated collection technologies and clearly define the responsibilities of network data processors in ensuring lawful collection and processing of personal information.

For cross-border data transfers, the regulations stipulate that such transfers must comply with international treaties and agreements to which China is a party. Importantly, data not categorized as “important” will not require cross-border security assessments.

Despite these adjustments, concerns persist among foreign businesses operating in China. While some controversial elements have been removed, uncertainties remain regarding the practical implementation of these regulations. Foreign companies continue to face strict data control measures, as exemplified by Apple’s requirement to store Chinese user data on servers in Guizhou.

As China’s digital economy continues to grow, these new regulations underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining a firm grip on data security while attempting to balance domestic control with international business practices.

Source: Radio Free Asia, October 1, 2024
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/jw-china-online-data-security-management-regulations-10012024102348.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Europe’s Industrial Challenge: Balancing Chinese Dependency and US Pressure in the Automotive Sector

German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung argues that Europe must develop its own robust industrial policy in response to US actions and Chinese market strategies. The US has preemptively banned Chinese components and software in smart connected cars, and Europe should follow suit to avoid dependence on China and protect against product dumping.

Unlike US automakers who have largely abandoned the Chinese market, German manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW heavily rely on it. This dependency makes them vulnerable to potential retaliation from Beijing. Chinese firms are also investing billions in battery and car factories in Europe, making it costly for Europeans to suddenly exclude Chinese products.

The article warns that the US may pressure its allies to adopt similar restrictive measures, especially if Trump returns to power. Meanwhile, China is reportedly instructing its companies to avoid transferring technology to local firms when entering the European market, potentially creating a dependency similar to that in the solar energy sector.

The EU has begun developing strategies to reduce dependence and subsidize strategic industries like chips and batteries. It has also launched anti-dumping investigations. The article concludes by urging EU member states, particularly Germany, to actively support a unified EU strategy rather than pursuing individual, potentially conflicting policies.

Source: Deutsche Welle, September 28, 2024
https://p.dw.com/p/4lC1T

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend