Chinascope – Page 265

China Pushes the Launch of COVID 19 Vaccine

As COVID 19 spread from Wuhan to the world, countries around the world were in fierce competition to develop a vaccine. In June, China made high profile claims that it had made significant progress in vaccine deployment, but so far, there is still a lack of confidence in the vaccines that China has pushed forward due to the lack of data transparency and effectiveness.

Recently after China Kexing Biosciences abruptly delayed the release of the COVID 19 vaccine test results, Watson Bio announced that it will start producing 120-200 million doses of mRNA vaccine in 2021, even though the vaccine is still in the clinical trial I stage. A former official of China Red Cross criticized the premature release of the vaccine. He said that after Pfizer and Mederna successfully launched the COVID vaccine, China has been under pressure to introduce its own version. He accused China of disregarding the potential risk and of using the general public for human trials instead.
Another report that Caixin published showed that there are a number of other pharmaceutical companies involved in vaccine manufacturing. A couple of them were close to finishing the clinical trial stage III but had to delay the release of trial data due to a deficiency in trial results. For the vaccines that have been approved, there are restrictions imposed on who can receive the vaccine. According to an official notice issued by Qingyan City of Gansu province, the age group of the vaccine recipients is limited to 18-59 and to those with no chronicle illness. The same restriction was applied to the vaccines sold in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: Radio Free Asia, December 28, 2020
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/vaccine-12282020054255.html

Briefings | | January 6, 2021 | Information/Technology

China Could Dominate World’s New Energy Vehicle Industry

In the past 30 years, China had a tough time overcoming core technical difficulties in the domestic auto industry using the traditional internal combustion engines technology. However, with the rise of new energy led by electric vehicles, it might enable China to realize its dream to lead new energy vehicle manufacturing and the supply chain in the world.

China has become the world’s largest market for car sales. According to statistics from data service agency Statista, China registered 21.05 million new motor vehicles in 2019, followed by the United States, with 16.97 million new vehicles sold in 2019.

According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the International Energy Agency, China’s new energy vehicle sales in 2019 were 1.206 million, accounting for 55 percent of the total global sales of 2.21 million. By the end of 2019, China’s cumulative sales of electric passenger vehicles reached 3.66 million, accounting for 48 percent of the global total. In 2019, the number of electric vehicles in China was 2.58 million, compared with 970,000 in Europe and 880,000 in the United States.

In October of this year, the State Council issued a new energy vehicle industry development plan for 2021-2035, setting the new energy vehicle sales target for 2025 at 20 percent of total vehicle sales. The Plan also included a “full value chain” proposition in the battery industry while encouraging companies to gain access to key mineral resources such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and platinum. Currently China has 80 percent of the market share in the cobalt refining industry. Among the top six global cobalt refining companies, five of those are Chinese companies. Of the 14 largest cobalt mines in the Congo, eight are owned by Chinese companies.

To reach the new energy vehicle development plan, the Chinese government has given hundreds of billions in subsidies to the electric vehicle industry.

According to CSIS (the Center for Strategic and International Studies) statistics, in the past 10 years, the Chinese government has subsidized the new energy vehicle industry in various forms equivalent to 676 billion yuan (approximately US$100.9 billion). Although government subsidies were reduced in 2019, 30.7 percent of China’s new energy vehicle sales revenue still comes from government subsidies. In 2019, there were 119 active new energy vehicle manufacturers in China.

China’s electric vehicle industry is also alleged to have engaged in technology theft. In February 2020, William Evanina, director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, singled out two fields where China is putting a priority on technology theft: electric vehicles and aircraft. Evanina was one of many American officials speaking at a conference on “Chinese economic espionage” hosted by Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies. In a lawsuit Tesla filed in California in 2019, it claimed that a former engineer who worked at the company copied more than 300,000 files related to the source code of the autopilot before joining Xiaopeng Motors.

Facing the rise of China’s electric vehicle industry, improving the competitiveness of the United States in this field is a national security concern. In a recently published report, the organization “Protect the Future of America” recommended that the U.S. government restore subsidies for consumers to purchase electric vehicles, develop a mineral supply chain that does not rely on China, and encourage U.S. auto companies to cooperate with each other to resist China. Experts, however, also warn that since the United States has a solid foundation in the traditional automobile manufacturing industry and employs a large number of workers, the US automobile industry cannot rush to transition to new energy vehicles too quickly.

Source: Voice of America, December 28, 2020
https://www.voachinese.com/a/us-china-electric-vehicles-20201228/5715947.html

Briefings | | January 5, 2021 | Information/Technology

Epoch Times: China’s Provincial Authorities Set Quantitative Standards for Obtaining Overseas Advanced Technologies for Job Performance

Epoch Times obtained an internal document from the Hebei (Province) authorities. The document revealed that the provincial authorities set quantitative standards for obtaining advanced overseas technologies as job performance indicators. Moreover, institutions under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Communist Party of China are directly involved.
The document was the “Provincial Budget Project Performance Evaluation Form” (issued on November 17, 2020) by the Hebei International Talent Exchange Association. It shows that the organization’s “performance indicators” include four components: expanding at least 50 cooperation channels; organizing no less than four international scientific and technological cooperation activities; preparing no less than 50 foreign technology projects in reserve, achieving no less than five cooperation intentions; and adding 60-80 foreign technology experts into the reserve.

Its “output indicators” include: introducing foreign advanced scientific and technological innovations and realizing technology transfer, with the number being equal to or greater than 50; the introduction of 3 high-end talent teams in areas of information and communication, biotechnology, medicine and health, new materials, advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and artificial intelligence; signing at least five relevant agreements with friendly groups, expert organizations, research institutions, and universities in the world.

The Hebei International Talent Exchange Association (International Technology Transfer Center) was established in 1988. It has more than 200 technical projects and more than 300 experts, covering more than 10 categories including artificial intelligence, information communication, biotechnology, medicine and health, new materials, modern services and more.

In its “Application Report of Establishing the International Technology Transfer Center by the Hebei International Talent Exchange Association” on November 21, 2020, it is revealed that the focus of the association’s work is to “introduce advanced scientific and technological innovations from abroad and realize technology transfer.”

In its “Presentation of Achievements, it stated that the association and multiple institutions jointly initiated the “Alliance of International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation.”

So far, this alliance has won the Israeli agriculture project, the production of nanocarbons from waste plastics project, the Hungarian energy grass project, German industrial wastewater treatment technology, South Africa quinoa seed and planting technology, South Africa glaucoma treatment technology and more.

Source: Epoch Times, December 11, 2020
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/20/12/11/n12612099.htm

Briefings | | January 5, 2021 | Government/Politics

Xinhua: Shanghai Begins Vaccinations against New Coronavirus among High-Risk Personnel in Key Positions

According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that Shanghai has successively started vaccinations against the New Coronavirus (covid-19 virus), using vaccines of the inactivated whole virus.
　　
It is reported that this emergency vaccination in Shanghai mainly involves personnel in key positions with a higher risk of contracting the new coronary pneumonia. Specifically, the front-line customs inspection and quarantine personnel at the port involved in imported cold chain items, port loading and unloading, handling, transportation and other related personnel; international and domestic transportation personnel; personnel to work and study overseas; border port staff who are facing a higher risk from overseas epidemics; medical and health personnel; workers at government agencies and departments of public security, armed police, fire fighters, those in community service; water, electricity, gas and other related personnel; personnel at transportation, logistics, elderly care facilities, sanitation, funeral, communications and other related areas.
　　
In due course, Shanghai will launch the new coronavirus vaccination for people going abroad for private purposes.

Source: Xinhua, December 26, 2020
http://www.xinhuanet.com/local/2020-12/26/c_1126910999.htm

Briefings | | January 5, 2021 | Economy/Resources

Xinhua: UK Faces Major Challenges Even under the New Agreement with EU

Xinhua recently reported that the British government finally reached an agreement with the European Union, leaving the “No-Deal Brexit” cloud behind. However, the Brits may have several tough challenges ahead of them. At the top of the list of troubles is Scotland being unhappy with the new agreement and the call for Scotland’s independence has intensified. The second major issue is the agreement’s lack of coverage of financial services. Britain is currently the world’s largest net financial service exporter. Forty percent of its financial services serve the EU, including banking, finance, insurance and telecommunications. It appears the EU may not allow the UK to keep the EU single market benefits without assuming obligations. The third big problem for Britain is the difficulties it has on trade agreements with other countries. Other than Japan and Canada, the British government has made little progress with key trade partners like the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Simultaneous talks are still on-going but moving very slowly. According to the British Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), in the next 15 years, the British economic growth may be four percent less than would be the case if it stayed within the EU.

Source: Xinhua, December 26, 2020
http://www.xinhuanet.com/world/2020-12/26/c_1126911308.htm

Briefings | | December 29, 2020 | Geo-Strategic Trend

U.S. Report to Congress on Human Trafficking in the Seafood Supply Chain

A report to Congress, drafted by the Departments of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and State, addresses the issue of human trafficking in the seafood supply chain. The Report lists 29 countries that are most at risk for human trafficking in the seafood sector –documenting the quantity and value of seafood imports from each listed country, and discusses seafood traceability programs in each listed country.

“The fishing sector has an inherently high risk for human trafficking. The work is considered hazardous and often relies heavily on a low-skilled, migrant, easily replaced workforce, vulnerable to trafficking. Fishing is also inherently isolating, with vessels sometimes spending months to years at sea, which impedes individuals’ escape from or reporting of abuse. Emotional and physical abuse, sometimes resulting in death; excessive overtime; poor living conditions; deceptive or coercive recruiting practices; and lack or underpayment of wages are examples of the abuses sustained by human trafficking victims in the fishing sector. Countries with weak legal protections for civil liberties and workers’ rights; high levels of corruption, crime, violence, political instability, poverty; and immigration policies that limit employment options or movement are at an increased risk for human trafficking. Illicit recruiters, unscrupulous vessel captains, and human traffickers exploit such conditions to perpetrate fraud, deception, and violence.”

The report points out that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) is a significant offender in the use of forced labor in its fishing sector, with numerous reports known on Chinese-flagged and -owned vessels throughout the world. “China has the largest fishing fleet in the world and contains a wide variety of vessels that operate on the high seas and in foreign countries’ EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zone) throughout the world. The majority of the crews on board are migrant workers from Indonesia and the Philippines but have also been noted to be from Africa and other Asian countries. According to the media, governmental and non-governmental reports, there have been numerous incidents of forced labor reported on Chinese fishing vessels. Workers report excessive working hours, poor living conditions, isolation at sea for months to years, verbal and physical abuse, nonpayment of wages, document, and debt bondage. Deaths have occurred as the result of abuse on these vessels. Workers are sometimes recruited by agencies that use deceptive tactics regarding their wages and contracts, and they are often required to pay recruitment fees and sign debt contracts. The Chinese fishing fleet is a major player in global IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing; crew members forced to engage in IUU activities on board these vessels are also at high risk of undue penalization. Fishing observers report insufficient oversight of the PRC’s fishing industry, which leaves fishermen at increased risk of forced labor.”

The Report also discusses current U.S. government efforts to combat human trafficking in the seafood industry, including enforcement mechanisms and provides ten recommendations for legislative and administrative action to combat human trafficking in this sector. Recommendations include outreach to listed countries, promoting global traceability efforts and international initiatives to address human trafficking, and strengthening collaboration with the industry to address human trafficking in the seafood supply chain.

Source: State Department, December 23, 2020
https://www.state.gov/report-to-congress-human-trafficking-in-the-seafood-supply-chain/

Briefings | | December 29, 2020 | Economy/Resources

DHS Warns Businesses about Security Risks on Data Services and Equipment from China Linked Firms

On Tuesday December 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a business advisory to American businesses warning them of the risks associated with the use of data services and equipment from firms linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

According to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad F. Wolf, “For too long, U.S. networks and data have been exposed to cyber threats based in China which are using that data to give Chinese firms an unfair competitive advantage in the global marketplace.” “Practices that enable the PRC government to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data – both personal and proprietary – put the U.S. economy and businesses in the position of having a direct risk of exploitation. We urge businesses to exercise caution before entering into any agreement with a PRC-linked firm.”

This advisory highlights the persistent and increasing risk of PRC government-sponsored data theft due to newly enacted PRC laws that can compel PRC businesses and citizens – including academic institutions, research service providers, and investors – to take actions related to the collection, transmission, and storage of data even though these actions run counter to principles of U.S. and international law and policy.

The advisory lists six types of situations that pose risks to U.S. businesses or individuals when engaging in data sharing with PRC firms or entities: data centers owned or operated by PRC firms; foreign data centers built with PRC equipment, joint ventures, legally acquired data augmenting illicitly acquired data, software and mobile device applications owned or operated by PRC firms, fitness trackers and other wearable electronic devices.

The advisory recommended that “businesses and individuals that operate in the PRC or with PRC firms or entities should scrutinize any business relationship that provides access to data— whether business confidential, trade secrets, customer personally identifiable information (PII), or other sensitive information. Businesses should identify the sensitive personal and proprietary information in their possession. To the extent possible, they should minimize the amount of at-risk data being stored and used in the PRC or in places that PRC authorities can access.”

In particular, DHS provides a list of examples of the types of data that should be considered particularly sensitive:

1. Technology and other data in connection to export-controlled products.
2. Intellectual property, including trade secrets, relating to emerging technologies identified in China 2025 and other PRC plans.
3. Biotech, genomic data, and medical test data.
4. Personally-identifiable and other sensitive information.
5. Geolocation data.

Source: U.S. Department of Home Security, December 22, 2020
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2020/12/22/dhs-warns-american-businesses-about-data-services-and-equipment-firms-linked-chinese

Briefings | | December 29, 2020 | US-China Relations

Wu Guoguang: Xi Jinping’s Reversal of the Course, Will China’s Transition be Peaceful or Marked with Bloodshed?

Cheng Xiaonong: U.S.-China Strategic Relations Have Crystallized

Xinhua Commentaries: “Exposing the Three Major Political Deficits of the U.S.”

The CCP’s Performing Arts Troupes in the U.S.