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

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

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

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

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People’s Daily: China Launched Satellite to Influence Bolivia’s Telecommunications

People’s Daily reported that the first communication satellite Túpac Katari that China launched has affected the role that Bolivia plays in its ability to broadcast such issues as education and tele-medicine. The article quoted Ivan Sambra, the director of the Bolivian Space Agency, who said that from January to April 2019, the commercial services provided by Bolivia brought about US$ 8 million in economic income to the Bolivian government. Over the past five years, the satellite has helped Bolivia accumulate more than $100 million in revenue.

On December 21, 2013, Túpac Katari was successfully launched at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China, making Bolivia the sixth country in Latin America to have satellites after Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. The satellite was named after the national hero of Bolivia’s 18th century anti-colonial ruler. The China Academy of Space Technology which is affiliated with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation developed it. It used the Dongfanghong-4 satellite platform with a design life of 15 years. Túpac Katari provides coverage for at least 26 radio stations and 30 local TV channels for the Bolivian people free of charge. At present, the utilization rate of the satellite has reached 70 percent. According to the plan of the Bolivian Space Agency, by the end of this year, Túpac Katari will be running at full capacity. It is reported that the service scope of Túpac Katari has also extended to Colombia.

Ivan Sambra also stated that in the future, Bolivia will also launch a second satellite for Earth observation, and China will be the preferred partner.

Source: People’s Daily, May 11, 2019
http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2019-05/11/nw.D110000renmrb_20190511_4-03.htm

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China Times: Top Ten Mainland Export Categories Impacted by the New Tariffs

Major Taiwanese newspaper China Times recently published an article with an analysis of the Mainland China export categories that would be most impacted by the newly raised tariff rate (from 10 percent to 25 percent). The estimates were based on the ITC (United States International Trade Commission) 2018 statistics. The top ten categories (in terms of export value) are: electronic communications equipment (US$19.1 billion), computer circuit boards (US$12.5 billion), processing components (US$5.6 billion), metal furniture (except chairs, US$4.1 billion), computer parts (US$3.1 billion), wooden furniture (US$2.9 billion), static converters (US$2.7 billion), plastic flooring (US$2.5 billion), wooden framed seats (US$2.5 billion), and auto parts (US$2.3 billion). In the meantime, undisclosed sources expressed the belief that the Chinese counter-tariffs will most likely include US exports in the following categories: chemical products, agricultural products, whisky, and soybeans. The Trump administration has already started the preparations for the additional tariffs against the rest of all Chinese goods.

Source: China Times, May 10, 2019
https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20190510002119-260410?chdtv

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources US-China Relations

China Mobile Denied after Eight Years of Waiting

Well-known Chinese news site Sohu recently reported that the U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) unanimously rejected the application that China Mobile submitted in 2011 for it to become a communications service provider. The excuse was still the old-fashioned national security concern. In fact, in July of 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce had already recommended that the FCC refuse China Mobile’s application. The FCC Chairman pointed out that China Mobile was owned by the Chinese government and it could collect U.S. intelligence for the Chinese government. He identified this as an unacceptable risk. However, in 2011, the China Mobile application only filed for the service scope of international telecommunications, instead of U.S. domestic communications. The U.S. government has since been dragging its feet on the review and approval process. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the matter and recommended that the U.S. government give up its Cold War mentality. It appears that this latest development is yet further evidence that shows the Trump administration is trying to make China’s entry into the U.S. market harder.

Source: Sohu, May 10, 2019
http://www.sohu.com/a/313048474_115479

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

Beijing Daily: 4th Cross-Strait Media Summit Held in Beijing; Media Told to Promote Development of Cross-strait Relations

Xinhua reported that Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, spoke during the 4th Cross-Strait Media Summit held in Beijing. Wang Yang reiterated the key messages that were expressed in Xi Jinping’s speech at the 40th anniversary of the publication of the “Taiwan Compatriots.” Xi made some major policy proposals such as adhering to the “1992 Consensus,” exploring the “two systems” for Taiwan, and enriching the practice of peaceful reunification. Wang also stated that it is unreliable to engage in “Taiwan independence” and rely on foreign forces. He stated that the pattern of cross-strait relations is developing and it is impossible for anyone to block it. The cross-strait media bear the social responsibility of safeguarding and promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

In the speech that Liu Jieyi, Director of the Central Taiwan Affairs Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council gave, Liu quoted Xi’s speech given on January 2 during the 40th anniversary of the publication of the “Taiwan Compatriots” as well. Liu further stated that cross-strait media workers are participants and promoters of the development of cross-strait relations. The media shall “reflect the voices and demands of the people on both sides of the strait to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, to guide Taiwan compatriots to think about their status and role in national rejuvenation, and constantly to consolidate the foundation of public opinion. The media must resolutely oppose Taiwan independence.”

The Beijing Daily Newspaper Group organized the media summit and the Want Want China Times Media Group from Taiwan co-hosted it. Close to 70 news media were present at the summit.

Source: Beijing Daily Group, May 11, 2019
http://www.bjd.com.cn/jx/toutiao/201905/11/t20190511_11101030.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Xi Jinping’s National Public Security Conference

A Radio France International article commented on the national public security (police) conference that was held in Beijing on May 7th and 8th. “This was actually a very rare meeting. Not only was it the first time that Xi Jinping, as the head of Chinese Communist Party (CCP). called for such as meeting, but it was also the first time in 16 years for senior CCP officials to hold such a meeting. The timing was the moment when the Sino – US (trade) negotiations were on the brink of breaking down.”

“At the beginning of the year at a study session of the first secretaries of the provincial CCP committees, Xi Jinping delivered a speech on the prevention of major risks. He used the ‘black swan’ and ‘gray rhinoceros’ as a metaphor to warn of unforeseen events that may occur in China. Later, in his interpretation of Xi Jinping’s speech, Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, issued serious warnings about preventing the worse-case scenario.”

“The public security (police) organs have always been the most powerful dictatorship tools for the CCP on the issue of how to prevent major risks. This may be an important consideration for Xi Jinping to have convened the 21st National Public Security Work Conference in China, especially at the critical juncture of Sino-US trade negotiations. Either a successful or an unsuccessful negotiation could trigger unexpected incidents.”

“Why did Xi Jinping choose to hold a public security conference at this point in time? In addition to the Sino-US trade war, some analysts believe it may have something to do with many ‘risky’ anniversaries this year. In the Internet era, a situation could occur unexpectedly and news could spread rapidly. Being is in a state of high nervousness; the authorities may be concerned about danger developing after even the slightest incident.”

Source: Radio France International, May 10, 2019
http://rfi.my/40×8.T

Briefings | | |   Social Stability

“Belt and Road” Alliance for Music Education

The Central Conservatory of Music, China’s leading music school, recently held the conference of the “Belt and Road” Alliance for Music Education. The events included three sessions: “The Dean’s Forum,” “The ‘Belt and Road’ Music Art Exhibition,” and “The Music Academic Workshop.” Deans and musicians from music schools or art schools from 30 countries and regions, including Russia, Italy, and Korea, attended the conference.

In May 2017, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, the Central Conservatory of Music held the inaugural conference for the “Belt and Road” Alliance for Music Education. At present, the Alliance has 61 member institutions, including 37 foreign members and 24 domestic members. Zhao Min, secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Conservatory of Music, believes that with the mechanism of the “Belt and Road” Alliance for Music Education, China can proactively meet the demands from the alliance partners, build more exchange platforms for culture, art, education, and training, and carry out humanitarian exchanges and cooperation.

Source: People’s Daily, May 10, 2019
http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2019-05/10/nw.D110000renmrb_20190510_6-14.htm

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China’s Ministry of Education to Strengthen the Training of Ideology and Politics Teachers

As the Chinese regime continues to focus on the ideological work of students and of the young generation, the Chinese Ministry of Education has recently issued a document to strengthen the training of those who teach ideology and politics in colleges and universities. It even set the goal of creating dozens of “influential ideology and politics master teachers.”

The Xinhua News Agency reported that the document is titled, “The 2019 to 2023 Training Program for Teachers of Ideological and Political Theory Courses in Colleges and Universities.” The program proposes to build a strong team of teachers of ideology and politics using a number of channels, such as rotational theoretical training sessions, demonstration programs, specially funded projects, propaganda, and promotions. This plan clearly states that it is necessary “to train and create dozens of master teachers of ideology and politics who have extensive nationwide influence, hundreds of leaders with talent in teaching ideology and politics, and tens of thousands of outstanding teaching staff in the field.”

In addition, the Ministry of Education will also cooperate with other government authorities to set up a number of “research bases for college and university teachers of ideology and politics in the new era” in the infrastructure sector, such as high-speed rail, bridges, and ports, as well as the scientific and technological sectors, such as space and deep sea exploration. Within the next five years, ideology and politics teachers in all colleges and universities may be required to attend sessions in these bases.

Source: Central News Agency, May 6, 2019
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/201905060302.aspx

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Guangdong Police Found Massive Invasive Mobile Apps

Well-known Chinese news site Sohu recently reported that, in a recent focus investigation, the police from Guangdong Province discovered a large number of Chinese mobile applications that have stolen customer’s private information. In the first quarter of this year, Guangdong Province identified over 1,670 mobile apps that exceeded the proper scope and collected user information without permission. Key categories of these invasive apps were in the areas of TV and entertainment, the stock market, free novels, and money management. The apps collect user information like phone call logs, text messages, contacts lists, and other accounts. Abuse of the microphone and of video cameras is also a common practice. The Guangdong police activities are a part of a campaign that the Central Government Internet Information Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the General Administration of Market Supervision lead jointly.

Source: Sohu, April 30, 2019
https://www.sohu.com/a/311163491_120027127?sec=wd

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology