Chinascope – Page 516

Major General Jin Yinan: China Will Not Stand on the Sidelines If Trump Starts a War on the Korean Peninsula

Chinese Major General Jin Yinan was a guest at the military forum “National Defense Space” on The Voice of China {a radio station} talking about the recent North Korean intercontinental missile launch and the US-Korea joint military exercises. Jin stated that China’s “double suspension” proposal {suspending nuclear testing and suspending U.S. military exercises} is still the most effective way to solve the North Korean nuclear issue.

Jin said, “The pressure for war is getting more and more intense, but the reasons for a war show it is not as imminent as those who control the situation may believe. … The double suspension is the best way for both parties to cool down first, lowering the temperature first, and then starting to negotiate. A good initiative is not accepted by everyone at once. With the passage of time, it’s more apparent that the “double suspension” that China proposed is the only clear-cut way to solve the issue of the Korean Peninsula peacefully.”

Jin also repeated Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi‘s statement that, ‘China will never allow anyone to fight at the door of China and will never allow anyone to mess up Asia.” He said, “This is not just because of our attitude, but also because of the maintenance of regional security for which we must be responsible, which is backed by our strength. Therefore, this war is by no means an issue of whether we should stand on the sidelines; it is by no means a matter of persuading the other side not to fight. You (think) you can strike according to your wishes. If you start the war I can tell you that we will never just stand by.”

Source: Wenxuecity, December 7, 2017
http://www.wenxuecity.com/news/2017/12/07/6797584.html

Briefings | | December 7, 2017 | Defense/Military

Duowei: The World Has Undervalued the Big World Event: Chinese Communist Party “Meeting” Global Political Dignitaries

Duowei, a Beijing controlled Chinese media based overseas, published a report discussing the “High-level Dialogue between the CCP and the World’s Political Parties” that was held in Beijing. The article stated that the meeting is undoubtedly of vital importance to both China and the rest of the world. From a historical perspective, this will be a hallmark of the modernization of China’s politics. (It signals that) China has once again entered a historic period of disseminating political civilization to the outside world, (just like what took place) in the advanced and prosperous history of China in eras such as the Han and Tang Dynasties.

The article claimed, “In the phrase ‘High-level Dialogue between the CCP and the World’s Political Parties,’ the ‘Communist Party of China’ is in parallel with the ‘world’s political parties,’ indicating that this is a platform where the CCP serves as the main player to connect with global politics. The first CCP and World Dialogue was held in September 2014, when more than 60 former dignitaries, experts, and scholars from more than 30 countries participated in the conference with Chinese representatives. This time, more than 200 leaders of political parties and political organizations from more than 120 countries signed up for the conference. This is the first multilateral diplomatic event that the CCP has organized since the 19th National Congress of the CCP. It is the first time that the CCP has held high-level dialogues with all kinds of political parties in the world. It is also the most attended dialogue meeting to include the leaders of global political parties. Although the Western media have not given the event enough attention, the positive response of many countries and politicians clearly shows that the achievements of the CCP’s administration, especially in the past few years, have been recognized very widely. This will be an event that will be written into the book of world history.”

Source: Duowei, December 2, 2017
http://news.dwnews.com/china/news/2017-12-02/60027197.html

Briefings | | December 7, 2017 | Government/Politics

CRN: US-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue Halted

China Review News (CRN) recently reported that the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury David Malpass commented in a press interview on the status of the US-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue (CED). Malpass stated that the CED is stalled and it does not appear that there are any plans for a resumption. Since China “has not taken the path towards a market-oriented economy,” there has not been any on-going discussion or communication on potentially restarting a similar dialog. The original idea of having the CED was to focus on the issues between China and the United States in terms of trade and investments. The U.S. had a trade deficit with China at the level of US$274 billion in the first nine months of this year. More and more officials in the Trump administration have doubted the usefulness of having the CED with China, especially when China’s state-owned enterprises are obtaining more controlling power in the Chinese economy. Very recently, the United States started an anti-dumping investigation against China’s aluminum sheet exports to the U.S. This is in addition to the global steel overcapacity debate, as well as the U.S. position against China’s Market Economy Status under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.

Source: China Review News, December 1, 2017
http://bj.crntt.com/crn-webapp/touch/detail.jsp?coluid=7&kindid=0&docid=104897868

Briefings | | December 4, 2017 | US-China Relations

SWIFT: RMB Global Presence Sliding Further Down

Well-known Chinese news site Sina recently reported that SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) mentioned in its October report that the global usage of the Chinese currency continues to decline. The report shows that the volume of RMB international transactions fell to 1.46 percent in October. The RMB is now ranked number seven among all currencies, down from number six in October 2016. This is the lowest point since April 2014. The top three most widely used currencies are the US Dollar (39.79 percent), the Euro (33.05 percent) and the British Pound (7.71 percent). The Chinese RMB is now between the Canadian Dollar (1.60 percent) and the Australian Dollar (1.43 percent). The US Dollar also reached its lowest point since November 2013.

Source: Sina, November 30, 2017
http://finance.sina.com.cn/stock/usstock/c/2017-11-30/doc-ifyphxwa7086317.shtml

Briefings | | December 4, 2017 | Economy/Resources

The Reason behind the Abdication of the Japanese Emperor

Well-known Chinese news site Sina recently summarized a discussion and a commentary that appeared on Chinese Central Television (CCTV) on the topic of the Japanese Emperor’s abdication. In addition to the typical age discussion, CCTV focused on the fact that the sitting Emperor may be in disagreement with Japanese Prime Minister Abe on the agenda for amending the constitution. The article mentioned that the Emperor has consistently talked about the “deep reflection” needed in Japanese society over many years and he has never set foot in the Yasukuni Shrine. The CCTV commentary quoted the “Japanese media” which called the Emperor a “strong protector of the constitution.” Prime Minister Abe is widely considered to be an “amendment advocate.” Given the strong influence the Emperor has, those who want to amend the constitution have tried very hard to push the Emperor to support their agenda. CCTV noted that, apparently, their agenda is against the will of the Emperor.

Source: Sina, December 1, 2017
http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2017-12-01/doc-ifyphtze3330440.shtml

Briefings | | December 4, 2017 | Geo-Strategic Trend

Deutsche Welle: Do not Force German Companies to Form a Communist Party Branch Office within the Company

Deutsche Welle recently published an article reporting that Delegations of the German Industry and Commerce {which represents the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce in China} is increasingly concerned that German companies in China are facing increased pressure from the communist party to form a party branch office within the company. The party branch office in the company is also expected to expand its influence in the company’s decision making process. The German Commerce also stated that it can’t rule out the possibility that German companies may consider leaving China or seek other investment options as a result of (the pressure).

On November 24, Delegations of German Industry and Commerce published an official statement on its website which stated that the Commerce Delegation has learned of an increasing number of cases in which the Chinese Communist Party intends to expand its rights in foreign investment companies in China. The Commerce believes that the foreign companies are not obligated and there are no legal grounds to form a party branch office and that whether to form a party branch office should be decided by the company. The company should not be required or actively promote the establishment of a party branch office. However according to article 19 within the “Company Law” in China, as long as there are over three party members in a company, a party branch office can be formed. The Company Law applies to State Owned Enterprises, Foreign Investment Companies, and joint venture companies operated in China. A Huanqiu article on November 30 reported about the topic and stated that, “If China continues to force a party branch to be within German companies, to infiltrate upper management, and to interfere with the company’s decision-making policy, German companies will Leave China.”

According to the statistics that the Ministry of Organization Department published, by the end of 2016, there were communist party branch offices set up in 70 percent of the foreign companies in China. The party claims that a party branch office can “assist the company to understand the Chinese government, resolve labor disputes, and provide positive energy for the company’s growth.” A Huanqiu commentary from October also denied that there have been reported incidents of conflict between the party branch and the company’s management.

Source: Deutsche Welle, December 1, 2017
http://www.dw.com/zh/ahk别逼德国在华企业成立党支部/a-41616925?&zhongwen=simp

Briefings | | December 4, 2017 | Government/Politics

Huanqiu Opinion: China has Fulfilled Its Responsibilities. It Is time for the U.S. and South Korea to Pay for Their Trouble

On December 2, Huanqiu published an opinion article about China’s role in dealing with North Korea. Below are some of the key points from the article.

China is still one of the few countries that, to date, has insisted on maintaining a friendly policy toward North Korea. Even though China has participated in the sanctions that the United Nations has imposed against North Korea, China remains as North Korea’s largest trade partner. During a number of UN Security Council debates, China has strongly opposed total economic sanctions against North Korea. China has stressed that the sanctions should only target the department or areas that are related to its nuclear projects and shouldn’t impact the livelihood of the North Korean people. In order not to make the North Korean people suffer from the sanctions, China has endured tremendous pressure from the U.S. and the western media.

China has done all it can for the U.S. The root cause of the North Korean nuclear crisis is the worsened hostile relationship between the U.S., South Korea, and North Korea. The mentality that (the remedy) is “China’s responsibility” is wrong. China has fulfilled its responsibility to impose sanctions against North Korea as defined in the UN Security Council resolution. As a result, we have sacrificed the relationship between China and North Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have not fulfilled their responsibility to ease the tension and promote a dialogue with North Korea. They put most of their hope on China to force North Korea to change its position.

For a period of time, the U.S. has somewhat threatened China to get China to increase sanctions against North Korea. China has done its best to excise patience in negotiating with the U.S. on our position. In the fierce conflicts between the U.S. and North Korea, China has played a key role which has prevented the situation from breaking down. As the U.S. is increasing its pressure on North Korea, it is unquestionable to believe that the loss that China will suffer will be tremendous.

As the Korean Peninsula conflict escalates to another level, most of the pressure will continue to shift to China. However, to the U.S. and South Korea: please be clear. You created this trouble so you must take the responsibility. China can’t bear that for you.

North Korea continues to violate the UN Security Council Resolution and launched a ballistic missile. It should be prepared for more sanctions. China has no reason to pay for their mistake and bear the responsibility for them. Regardless of what mistakes North Korea has made, it is wrong to impose complete economic sanctions or discontinue the diplomatic relationship and isolate North Korea. China has no responsibility to cooperate with the U.S. to fulfill this unrealistic plan. The U.S. has no command power over China and the UN Security Council.

Pyongyang should be more and more clear that, as long as it continues to conduct nuclear tests, China will not help it to be spared from future punishment. The chances that a war might break out in the Korean Peninsula are growing, but whether a war will start or not is not dependent on what China will do. The big policy for China is to maintain its independence, encourage the Security Council to come up with a reasonable policy and not give in to the excessive requests from the U.S. and South Korea.

If the situation suddenly gets even worse, China would have to deal with it.

Source: Huanqiu, December 2, 2017
http://opinion.huanqiu.com/editorial/2017-12/11417389.html

Briefings | | December 3, 2017 | Geo-Strategic Trend

VOA: Low-end Population – the Most Variable Factor in China’s Politics?

VOA published an interview with some guest speakers, who discussed Beijing’s sudden eviction of tens of thousands of its “low-end population” when the weather was very cold. The “Low-end population” refers to people who do work that requires low skills and who do not hold residence status in Beijing. Below is a selection from the guest speaker’s comments.

1) It is hard to accept the term “low-end population” because it grades people into different categories. Of course, in sociology, people are divided into different social classes: the bottom, middle, and upper classes. The Chinese Communist Party claims that the proletariat is the master of China but in reality the five percent who are the elite class in China are the real master. The party follows Social Darwinism, which seeks the end result but not the means. The elite can hurt others for their gain. As a matter of fact, their authority has completely deviated from the rule by law they have been promoting. The Party Secretary of Beijing knows how propaganda works and understands the impact the media has. Therefore it is not that he chose to issue the eviction order but he had no other option. He had to force the action and couldn’t wait. It could be that the party thinks that China’s economy will collapse in the next six to 12 months. If large numbers of people are unemployed and unable to survive, it is obvious that these people could pose a huge threat to their authority. These (low-end) people still have work right now. Even though they were evicted they wouldn’t rebel. If they were unemployed, however, it is very unlikely that they wouldn’t leave even if the authorities used guns to chase them out. This is the reason that the authorities do not want to disclose right now.

2) The real reason is that the highest leader became so powerful that he has lost his judgment. He has been successfully suppressing different voices in the past few years, including social group, rights lawyers or rights activists. He feels that he has invincible power now and that he can do anything. Therefore he used a radical approach in urban management and didn’t realize that he is facing fierce resistance from the international society and his own citizens.

Source: VOA Chinese, December 1, 2017
https://www.voachinese.com/a/voaweishi-20171201-pc-china-migrant-worker/4145303.html

Briefings | | December 3, 2017 | Social Stability

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.