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US-China Relations - 22. page

Global Times: U.S. Revoked Chinese Telecom Companies’ Licenses Again

Global Times recently reported that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to target Chinese telecommunications companies,and revoked the operating licenses of two Chinese companies in the United States on the grounds of “national security.” The FCC officially decided on March 16th to terminate the licenses of Pacific Networks and its wholly-owned subsidiary ComNet for providing interstate and international communication services in the United States. In its announcement, the FCC offered a range of reasons for the action. The FCC indicated that Pacific Networks and ComNet belong to Chinese state-owned enterprises and are exploited, influenced and controlled by the Chinese government. They are likely to be compelled to implement the Chinese government’s demands without adequate legal procedures under independent judicial oversight. China’s national security environment has changed since the FCC authorized the companies to provide communications services in the United States. Their ownership structure gave them, their parent companies and affiliates, and the Chinese government the opportunity to access, store, disrupt and mislead the U.S. in its communications, allowing them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States, thereby greatly increasing the U.S. national security and law enforcement risks. Earlier this year, the FCC also revoked the licenses of China Unicom, China Telecom and China Mobile. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both responded by stating that the United States continues to generalize the concept of national security, abuses government power, and maliciously suppresses Chinese telecommunications companies without a factual basis. China firmly opposes this.

Source: Global Times, March 18, 2022
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/47EcXX8ntB9

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

Global Times Editorial: Washington Cannot Expect China’s “Cooperation” while Suppressing China

China’s state-run media Global Times published an editorial following a meeting of Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee with Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, in Rome, Italy on March 14. Below is an excerpt from the article:

“We noted that the White House’s statements both before and after the meeting mentioned the Ukraine issue and ‘maintaining open channels of communication between the United States and China.’ Some analysts believe that it is more likely that the United States offered to meet. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, it is the United States who has demands for China.”

“In any case, if the U.S. really wants to make “continuous efforts” to maintain “open communication channels” between the two sides, it should at least show a sincere attitude first. However, just a day before this meeting, the U.S. played a lot of disgraceful tricks, all of which are related to the Ukraine issue. For example, the U.S. media reported the news through a so-called “anonymous senior U.S. official,” saying that after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Russia asked China to provide “military assistance,” including drones. In another example, Sullivan himself also said on the same day that if Beijing assists or supports Russia to evade sanctions on a large scale, “there will definitely be consequences.” The threat is obviously expressed in words. Using rumors and intimidation to seek favorable conditions for negotiation is an old means of American diplomacy, China never buys this strategy.”

“These actions also show from another aspect that Washington is really anxious about the Ukraine issue. It wants China to dance with its own pace. What the United States hopes is to weave a big net to strangle Russia all over the world, so that all countries can become a node in this net, and no ‘loopholes’ are allowed. The United States is the initiator in the Ukraine crisis. But it wants the world to be a ‘tool man’ for its expansion of strategic interests. It makes one wonder, where does the United States get its confidence? Have you been dominating the world for so long that you even think that the joystick that turns the earth is in your hands? If Washington wants to forcibly tie Sino-U.S. relations to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, it obviously has ‘deviated’ from the path, and it will definitely be disappointed.”

“Last year, U.S. leaders and some senior officials successively stated that the U.S. does not seek a ‘new Cold War,’ does not seek to change China’s system, does not seek to strengthen alliances against China, does not support ‘Taiwan independence,’ and has no intention of confronting China. But these ‘four does nots and one no intention” are still only on the lips. Just two days ago, the U.S. Congress passed a bill to use the so-called map of the Taiwan region to engage in political manipulation, creating ‘two Chinas’ and ‘one China, one Taiwan.’ This is not only a blatant provocation against China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also another proof of Washington’s disloyalty toward its commitments. There are many more such things. Under such circumstances, why does the U.S. think that China should ‘cooperate’ with it?”

Source: Global Times, March 15, 2022
https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/47CLWUTMWQN

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Duowei News: China’s Retort to NATO’s Call to Condemn Russia: “We Will Never Forget the Embassy Bombing Incident”

Duowei News, a Chinese news media based in North America and a major media portal of China’s “great overseas propaganda” network, reported that, in a press conference on March 15, NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed that China has an obligation as a member of the UN Security Council actually to support and to uphold international law and join the rest of the world in condemning Russia’s invasion.
In response, the spokesperson for the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union retorted, “We have taken note of the relevant remarks. The Chinese people can fully relate to the pains and sufferings of other countries because we will never forget who bombed our embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.[ [ ] We need no lecture on justice from the abuser of international law. As a Cold War remnant and the world’s largest military alliance, NATO continues to expand its geographical scope and range of operations. What kind of role has it played in world peace and stability? NATO needs to do some good reflection.”
[ [ ] Referring to the bombing of its embassy in Yugoslavia by Nato forces decades ago

Source: Duowei News, March 17, 2022
 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3170821/china-harks-back-belgrade-embassy-bombing-after-nato-cites-its?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article&campaign=3170821 https://www.dwnews.com/全球/60282371/北约呼吁中国谴责俄罗斯中方强硬回击永不会忘炸馆事件

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics US-China Relations

Duowei News: Reflections on the Ukraine War: This Is a Period of Strategic Opportunity for China

Duowei News, a pro-Beijing Chinese News media stationed in North America, published an article stating that the Russia-Ukraine war is giving China another golden development opportunity. The following are excerpts  from the article.

“China’s rise can be attributed to a number of reasons, but there is one thing upon which everyone generally agrees. That is the fortune of the country. Take the  China-U.S. relationship as an example. At the beginning of the millennium, when George W. Bush took office, the U.S. had already vaguely felt the momentum of China’s rise. Bush gradually changed China’s position from a partner to a competitor. During his campaign, George W. Bush also made it clear that if there were a war in the Taiwan Strait, he would help defend Taiwan.”

“Given China’s level of technological and economic development at that time, if the United States had started to contain China with all its strength, encouraged Taiwan independence, forced China to attack Taiwan, and then intervened on a large scale to conduct political, diplomatic and economic blockades, it is not difficult to imagine what China would look like now.“

“However, the 9/11 incident suddenly occurred. All the focus of the U.S. military diplomacy turned to the war on terrorists. China also quickly showed its sympathy and support for the United States. As a result, during Bush’s tenure, Sino-U.S. relations not only did  not decline. The relationship entered one of the most stable and peaceful periods in history.”
……
“The Ukrainian war broke out and all the development plans (of containing China) that were planned according to the wishes of the United States were disrupted. Although the United States has gained a lot of military-industrial and economic benefits from this war, the Biden administration’s most important strategic appeal to win over Russia and unite Europe and other Western societies to contain and isolate China with all its strength can no longer be achieved.” “At least for the next 10 to 20 years, Russia’s economy will be in shambles, plunged into its worst isolation since World War II, further deepening its economic and diplomatic reliance on China.”

“At the same time, due to the military pressure from Russia, the United States has also begun to show goodwill toward China. Since the war, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has taken the initiative to call the Chinese Foreign Minister twice to discuss the Ukraine issue, hoping that China can play a constructive role during the war. In addition, on issues such as the economy;  trade, Taiwan, and others, the United States has also begun to make concessions and adjustments covertly but slowly.”

“Because the contradiction between China and the United States is structural, and associated with strong cultural, ideological and power conflict factors, it is impossible for China-U.S. relations to return to the past. However, at least for the next 5 to 10 years, there will be a period of a relatively easy time. This is a very rare opportunity for China’s development. During this period, China must focus its energy on development and seize this rare opportunity to develop and strengthen itself as soon as possible.”

“Of course, there is a premise here. That is, the Taiwan issue. The next 5 to 10 years will also be a window for China to solve the Taiwan issue. How China and the United States will deal with this issue will especially test the political wisdom of both sides. That is to not only resolve China’s core concerns of accomplishing national reunification, but also not to embarrass the United States. At the same time, it also depends on the fortune and wisdom of Tsai Ing-wen and the next Taiwan government (which is likely to continue to be the DPP). Maybe, what is happening in Ukraine today will be repeated in Taiwan tomorrow. The fight that Russia and the United States and Europe are going through will also be the fight that China and the United States and Japan will experience in the future.”

Source: Duowei News, March 6, 2022
https://www.dwnews.com/中国/60281141/乌克兰战争随思录这是送给中国的战略机遇期?itm_source=universal_search&itm_campaign=universal_search&itm_content=这是送给中国的战略机遇期&itm_medium= web

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Optimism of U.S. Companies in China is Declining

The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) recently published its 24th annual edition of the China Business Climate Survey (BCS) Report.

According to the 2022 BCS Report, In 2021, US companies in China reported a declining level of optimism due to multiple challenges. These included sustained air travel disruptions, an increasingly uncertain regulatory environment, difficulty attracting and retaining talent, and the strained US-China relationship.

US companies operating in China faced mounting pressure and risks  on politically sensitive issues as well. One example is navigating US-China bilateral tensions, which remains a top challenge and concern for companies. 42 percent of companies have been facing mounting pressure to speak out and make (or not make) statements on politically sensitive issues. This has often caused them problems in both the U.S. and Chinese markets.

More than twice as many companies feel “much less welcome” in China compared to last year. One-third of respondents report that foreign companies are treated unfairly versus domestic competitors.

Most believe labor costs will increase in 2022, in line with fears that labor costs and wages are a growing HR challenge.

47 percent of the over 300 respondents report they are confident or very confident that the Chinese market will open up more to foreign investment over the next three years. This figure is down 14 percentage points from last year.

Optimism is down across almost all aspects of business operations in China and pessimism up more than 10 percentage points with regard to the regulatory environment and economic growth. 37 percent of members see China’s investment environment improving, a 13 percentage point decrease from last year and the lowest in four years. Concerns about an uncertain Chinese policy environment is the most-cited reason for declining investment.

Source: AmCham China, March 2022.
https://www.amchamchina.org/2022-china-business-climate-survey-report/

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Duowei News: Chinese Netizens Show Support for Russia; China Will Continue Normal Trade with Russia

Recently, many Chinese netizens have chosen to shop at the “Russia National Pavilion,” the only e-commerce platform in China that is authorized by the Russian embassy. Many items such as snacks  and teas were sold out. The number of fans of the store is also skyrocketing.

On March 2, a thank-you video appeared on the homepage of the store. The commercial ambassador of the Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce in China said that, at this difficult time, he would like to thank his Chinese friends for their support to Russia and the Russian National Pavilion.  He said he will remember this deep friendship and, at the same time, call on his Chinese friends to consume rationally.

Regarding whether China would continue to carry on trade with Russia while Western countries sanctioned Russia one after another, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, on March 2, “China firmly opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions. Sanctions have never been the fundamental and effective way to solve a problem. It will only bring serious difficulties to the economy and to people’s livelihoods in the relevant countries, and further aggravate division and confrontation. China requires relevant parties not to damage the legitimate rights and interests of China and other parties when handling the Ukraine issue and relations with Russia. China and Russia will continue to carry out normal trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, “The Chinese government’s position is that sanctions are never a fundamental and effective way to solve problems and China always opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions. According to the US Treasury Department’s own published data, in the past 20 years, the number of sanctions imposed by the United States has increased by 10 times.  . . . Since 2011, the United States has imposed sanctions on Russia more than 100 times but everyone can calmly think about it or discuss it. Have the U.S. sanctions solved the problem? Has the world changed for the better because of the U.S. sanctions? Will the Ukrainian problem be solved naturally because of the U.S. sanctions on Russia? Will the security of Europe be more secure because of the U.S. sanctions on Russia?”

Guo Shuqing, Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said at a news conference that as far as financial sanctions are concerned, China does not agree with the sanctions because it has a bad effect and has no legal basis. China will not participate in the sanctions.

Source: Duowei News, March 3, 2022
https://www.dwnews.com/中国/60280809/中国网友敏感时刻买爆俄罗斯国家馆商品?itm_source=universal_search&itm_campaign=universal_search&itm_content=买爆俄罗斯国家馆商品&itm_medium=web

 

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations

Global Times: “Sanctioning Cats” Is a Satire on the Radicalization of Sanctions

Global Times, China’s state media, published a commentary on the U.S. and other Western countries’ sanctions against Russia. The author of the article was the deputy Chief editor of Securities Daily (Chinese), Dong Shaopeng. The article said:

“At present, the sanctions against Russia by the United States and Western countries have not only increased in scope, but also showed a trend of “crossing the border” and even cats in Russia are sanctioned . The International Federation of Feline Animals (FIFe) has announced that any cats raised in Russia will not be allowed to register on the official pedigree of FIFe outside of Russia. Pet exhibitors from Russia are not allowed to participate in the FIFe Pet Show outside of Russia.”

“The essence of the sanctions is unilateral punishment . . .  Under certain conditions, as a means to correct imbalances in the political and economic fields, sanctions are justified.”

“However, in the context of power politics and hegemonism, the rationality of sanctions has been largely eliminated, and sometimes sanctions and oppression have been mixed together. The United States and Western countries often initiate sanctions out of self-interest, rather than upholding international law or international morality. They have wantonly expanded the scope of the so-called sanctions, not only habitually bullying the weak, but even making up excuses to abuse sanctions, which has radicalized the “sanction culture.” In this Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States and Western countries and entities have imposed sanctions on the use rights of transnational financial infrastructure, public communication tools, international sports competitions, cultural exchange projects, and more, and they have imposed sanctions in areas that belonged to friendly exchanges. The instrumentalization of these domains and platforms has completely distorted the normal communication mechanism between people and countries, violated the norms of international relations and general political principles, and fully exposed the ugliness of its hegemony and power.”

Source: Global times, March 2, 2022
https://opinion.huanqiu.com/article/471UMdqcRVV

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations