Geo-Strategic Trend - 5. page

Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong announced plans to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officers and “deploy police advisors and workstations to countries in need” over the next year. Wang’s announcement was made at the 2024 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province.

This initiative by Beijing aims to “improve law enforcement capabilities abroad, guide joint patrols and investigations, and address border crimes.” China also pledged “continued financial and operational support” to Interpol and UN peacekeeping missions. The initiative follows China’s “police cooperation agreement” with the Solomon Islands in 2023, which upgraded the relationship between China and the Solomon Islands to one of “comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Wang emphasized China’s willingness to “deepen cooperation with other countries to promote a fairer, more rational, and more efficient global public security governance system.” The move is seen as part of China’s strategy to strengthen its overseas influence and build relationships with foreign countries.

The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, in its third year, saw increased participation with over 2,000 attendees from 122 countries, regions, and international organizations. It featured 12 sub-forums covering topics such as tourism safety, traffic management, international police education, and urban public security.

A “Global Public Security Cooperation Concept Document” was released outlining ten “cooperation measures” including “the deepening of a multilateral security cooperation mechanisms, combating transnational crime, strengthening global anti-terrorism efforts, and addressing potential risks posed by artificial intelligence.”

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), September 10, 2024
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202409100063.aspx

Deutsche Welle Chinese Edition recently reported that the German military has so far maintained a low-key attitude regarding news that the German frigate Baden-Württemberg may transit the Taiwan Strait. The frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt are performing patrol missions in the Pacific Ocean and are currently visiting South Korea. The two German warships have previously participated in United Nations supervision missions on the implementation of sanctions against North Korea. German Rear Admiral Axel Schulz said during a visit to South Korea’s Port of Incheon that safe and reliable maritime routes, especially from Southeast Asia to Europe and North America, are a prerequisite for economic prosperity for all countries. He said, “we are here to maintain freedom of navigation in international waters.” Schulz also emphasized that broadcasting the ship’s sailing plan would violated mission safety regulations. He said that he has “no reason to disclose the route of the voyage.”

The German fleet’s next stop is Manila. If the German frigate passes through the Taiwan Strait, it will be the first time since 2002 that a German warship has sailed through this narrow strait between mainland China and Taiwan. Earlier in May this year, Berlin stated that it would not rule out the possibility of a German naval frigate passing through the Taiwan Strait. Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China firmly opposes any country provoking or threatening China’s sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. Schulz also said in Incheon that, “the overall goal of this deployment is to reaffirm Germany’s commitment to upholding the rules-based international order.”

Source: DW Chinese, September 7, 2024
https://p.dw.com/p/4kO7B

There has been another collision between a Chinese ship and a Philippine vessel at the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, the third such collision in less than two weeks. Drone footage released by the Philippine government showed multiple Chinese Coast Guard ships surrounding a Philippine Coast Guard ship, with one of the Chinese vessels repeatedly ramming the Philippine vessel.

Initially, the China Coast Guard charged that, on August 31, Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 (called the Magbanua) had “illegally remained” at Sabina Shoal, dropped anchor, and continued to maneuver provocatively within the lagoon. The coast guard further alleged that the Philippine vessel had intentionally collided with a Chinese Coast Guard ship in an “unprofessional and dangerous manner,” placing full responsibility for the collision on the Philippines.

The Philippine Coast Guard, in a video press conference held on the same day, released drone footage of the collision. The footage showed that China had deployed multiple government and militia vessels to surround the Philippine Magbanua, that Chinese Coast Guard ship 5205 had rammed into the left side of the Philippine ship, and that the Chinese vessel then made several turns to further ram the Philippine ship, causing damage to Magbanua. The Philippine ship ended up with multiple holes in its side. No injuries were reported by the Philippines.

The Philippines reported that the Magbanua had been stationed so as to to prevent China from taking over the Sabina Shoal. The Philippine government expressed that it would not withdraw the boat.

This marks at least the third collision incident between China and the Philippines at Sabina Shoal in less than two weeks. When asked if the Philippine Navy would seek assistance from other countries, the Philippine National Maritime Committee stated that the Philippine Coast Guard would manage the issue and that the Philippine Navy would not be involved.

Course: Radio France International, August 31, 2024
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/中国/20240831-中菲船舰南海2周3次碰撞-菲律宾-不因中方-霸凌-撤离

Radio France Internationale (RFI) Chinese Edition recently reported that the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation’s latest poll results showed that more than 70 percent of Taiwanese people surveyed oppose cross-strait reunification with Mainland China. Around 67 percent of the respondents opposed the idea of a “cross-strait community with a shared future (relationship established by blood)”, and 76.5 percent opposed China’s proposed “unification of the motherland.” Compared with the same survey six years ago, the opponents of these two options increased by 4.9 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively. The Foundation expressed that Taiwanese people’s feelings towards China are currently in an “extremely cold” state.

The foundation’s chairman said that “the vast majority of Taiwanese people are extremely disgusted with the Chinese Communist Party. This phenomenon crosses the boundaries of political parties, generations, genders, education backgrounds, provincial ethnic groups, social classes and geographical regions.”

Chosun Ilbo reported that a 1996 survey showed that 44.8 percent of Taiwan residents supported cross-strait reunification at the time.

Many analysts believe that, given such negative sentiment among Taiwanese people, China will increase military pressure across the Taiwan Strait in order to maintain its influence over Taiwan. Meanwhile Taiwan will likely avoid provoking China in the short term.

It is reported that President Lai Ching Te will visit Central and South America in early September but has canceled his original plan to visit the United States during that trip.

Source: RFI Chinese, August 28, 2024
https://tinyurl.com/5j9fbvky

According to LobbyControl, a non-government organization that monitors lobbying in Germany and other parts of Europe, China’s Huawei spends €3 million annually on lobbying in Brussels and has 12 full-time lobbyists in the EU. Their focus has been on gaining access to 5G network construction, especially in Germany. Huawei has also implemented “youth sponsorship and scholarship” programs to improve its image.

TikTok spends €1.25 million on lobbying in Brussels, employing five full-time lobbyists. In Germany, they spend about €200,000 and have three full-time representatives. TikTok has invested heavily in advertising and sponsorships to enhance its reputation.

Both companies are members of various professional associations in the EU and Germany, aiming to expand their influence. Relationships with think tanks and friendship associations also play crucial roles in their lobbying efforts.

LobbyControl concludes that Chinese tech companies are intensifying their lobbying efforts in the EU, creating complex networks that sometimes lack transparency. While not as aggressive as American tech companies, Chinese firms are becoming increasingly active and influential. They receive support from official institutions within China as well as from German industry.

The report predicts that more Chinese tech companies will enter the European market in the coming years, potentially leading to large-scale lobbying activities if EU policies conflict with their interests. LobbyControl pledges to monitor these developments and push for increased transparency and anti-corruption measures.

Source: Deutsche Welle, August 20, 2024
https://p.dw.com/p/4jgTv