China
Chinese authorities launch probe into financial system fearing “Lehman moment”
By Nick Beams, 24 June 2017
The Beijing government is concerned about purchases of overseas assets using financial mechanisms outside their control.
US demands “much greater” Chinese pressure on North Korea, or else
By Peter Symonds, 22 June 2017
While continuing to press China over North Korea, the Trump administration is warning that the US will resort to other measures—including military action—if there are no results.
Australian intelligence agency demands sweeping powers to suppress Chinese “interference”
By James Cogan, 22 June 2017
ASIO asserts that political opposition to Australian and US policy toward China could be the result of “foreign influence.”
Australian prime minister ridicules Trump as a buffoon and Russian stooge
By James Cogan, 16 June 2017
Malcolm Turnbull wanted his resentment of, and contempt for, the American president made public.
China, Japan take tentative steps to revive relations
By Kurt Brown, 14 June 2017
China’s top foreign policy official held three days of talks with senior Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Australian media widens campaign against Chinese “influence”
By James Cogan, 14 June 2017
A witch-hunt against alleged Chinese interference in the country is assuming ever-more anti-democratic and sinister dimensions.
India and Pakistan admitted to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 14 June 2017
Despite India and Pakistan becoming full SCO members, there has been no de-escalation of war tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian rivals.
Tensions between US and China threaten catastrophe for Africa
By Eddie Haywood and Thomas Gaist, 8 June 2017
China’s expansion of economic investment in Africa is part of its “One Belt, One Road” initiative, through which Beijing seeks to revive a modern day Silk Road connecting China and Asia with Europe.
Australian establishment falls into line with anti-China allegations
By James Cogan, 7 June 2017
Fears about growing anti-war sentiment motivate efforts to develop suspicion and hostility towards China.
Political lessons of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China
By James Cogan, 5 June 2017
Each year, the Stalinist regime mobilises its police state apparatus to prevent any commemoration of the massacre, which was aimed at suppressing a potentially revolutionary movement of the Chinese working class.
As tensions with US mount, Germany reaffirms “strategic partnership” with China
By Johannes Stern, 2 June 2017
The cooperation between Berlin and Beijing on economic and foreign policy issues is bound up with fraying Transatlantic relations, a cornerstone of German foreign policy for 70 years.
Germany turns to Asia
By Johannes Stern, 1 June 2017
In the midst of a historic crisis in transatlantic relations, Berlin is working systematically to expand political and economic ties with Asia.
US anti-missile test sends warning to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2017
The successful interception of a dummy ICBM demonstrates to North Korea and also China that the US can launch a nuclear attack and counter any attempt to retaliate.
India’s boycott of China’s Belt and Road summit highlights deepening tensions
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 29 May 2017
New Delhi, acting in concert with the US, is aggressively seeking to block Beijing’s activities.
US warship carries out “freedom of navigation” exercise in Chinese-claimed waters
By James Cogan, 26 May 2017
China’s foreign ministry said the move “undermined China’s sovereignty and security,” and risked causing “unexpected air and sea accidents.”
Moody’s downgrades China’s debt rating
By Nick Beams, 26 May 2017
The sharp reaction of the Chinese finance ministry to the Moody’s downgrade decision signifies that that economic and political contradictions facing the Xi Jinping regime are increasing.
Sri Lanka in a balancing act over China’s One Belt, One Road project
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 25 May 2017
At last week’s Beijing forum, Sri Lanka’s prime minister Wickremesinghe tried to appease Washington and New Delhi by declaring that Colombo is only interested in the project’s “economic benefits.”
Another undercover report of super-exploitation in China’s iPhone factories
By Robert Campion, 22 May 2017
A student exposes some of the horrendous working conditions enforced by the Beijing regime, on behalf of conglomerates such as Apple.
China hosts international launch of One Belt, One Road initiative
By Nick Beams, 16 May 2017
In launching the initiative, Chinese president Xi Jinping emphasised the need for “win-win co-operation,” but there are significant tensions surrounding the project.
North Korea under siege
By Peter Symonds, 6 May 2017
Trump’s reckless brinkmanship has created a tinderbox on the Korean Peninsula, where a miscalculation or provocation could quickly escalate into a disastrous war.
Trump again warns North Korea against nuclear testing
By Peter Symonds, 1 May 2017
Washington is, in effect, blackmailing Beijing, warning that if China does not bring North Korea to heel, the US will do so through military means.
US warns of “catastrophic consequences” if North Korea is not brought to heel
By Peter Symonds, 29 April 2017
Tillerson’s speech to the UN is, in effect, an ultimatum to the world: the only way to avoid war is to accept US diktats and compel North Korea to capitulate.
Tense standoff continues on Korean peninsula
By Peter Symonds, 22 April 2017
The media is fueling tensions with speculation that North Korea could conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark its Military Foundation Day next Tuesday.
US threats of war against North Korea continue
By Peter Symonds, 17 April 2017
The Trump administration is continuing to warn that military force could be used in response to any nuclear or missile test by Pyongyang.
China appeals to US to back down from war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 15 April 2017
Amid media claims that North Korea is on the verge of another weapons test, the US military is continuing its provocative operations in North East Asia.
US media reports Trump preparing “preemptive strike” on North Korea
By James Cogan, 14 April 2017
The pretext for a US attack would be to prevent Pyongyang from carrying out another nuclear weapons’ test.
The Coming War on China: A pacifist appeal
By Richard Phillips, 14 April 2017
Pilger’s documentary exposes something of Washington’s escalating war plans against China but suggests that protests can prevent a nuclear conflagration.
China offers plan to ease trade tensions with US
By Nick Beams, 11 April 2017
Trump officials struck a conciliatory tone following discussions on trade with Chinese president Xi Jinping, but Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said he expected “tangible results.”
China fears US military attack on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 April 2017
The state-owned Global Times warned that “a military strike on the North will very likely evolve into large-scale bloody war on the Peninsula.”
US aircraft carrier deployed in direct threat to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2017
Following its attacks on Syria, the US, in a “show of force,” dispatched the Carl Vinson strike group to waters near the Korean peninsula.
US strikes on Syria dominate Trump-Xi talks
By Peter Symonds, 8 April 2017
The unprovoked act of aggression sent a menacing warning to Chinese President Xi that the US was prepared to use military force without warning to achieve its ends.
Australian opposition parties block extradition treaty with China
By James Cogan, 3 April 2017
With shameless cynicism, China is labelled both a totalitarian state and a threat to the US-dominated global rules-based order.
Japan’s ruling party calls for military to have offensive weapons
By Peter Symonds, 1 April 2017
Using the North Korean “threat” as a pretext, the LDP defence policy committee proposed the armed forces acquire a “counter-attack” capability.
Tensions erupt between the Philippines and China over disputed island
By Joseph Santolan, 30 March 2017
Sharp divisions emerged in the Duterte administration after a Chinese official announced plans for an environmental monitoring station on the Scarborough Shoal.
China makes overtures amid strategic uncertainty in Australia
By James Cogan, 29 March 2017
Behind the scenes, frank exchanges undoubtedly occurred on Canberra’s stance towards growing tensions between China, its largest trading partner, and the US, its strategic ally.
Growing debate in Beijing over North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 28 March 2017
Sections of the Chinese ruling elite are growing increasingly frustrated with Pyongyang and the danger it represents to China’s security interests.
Saudi Arabia pivots to China
By Jean Shaoul, 28 March 2017
On the first day of his Beijing visit, Saudi King Salman presided over the signing of deals worth $65 billion.
China warns US strategic bomber in East China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 25 March 2017
The war plane was one of two B-1Bs deployed from Guam to join massive war games underway in South Korea amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump, Tillerson press China for action against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 20 March 2017
Despite his muted public remarks in Beijing, the US secretary of state had already made clear that “all options,” including military ones, were on the table to deal with Pyongyang.
US rejects talks over North Korea, declaring “all options on table”
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2017
China’s foreign minister warned that the US and North Korea are like “accelerating trains” on a collision course “with neither side willing to give way.”
US steps up military exercises in South Asia
By Saman Gunadasa, 9 March 2017
Billed as a humanitarian operation, Washington’s Pacific Partnership is part of its military buildup against China.
As US deploys anti-missile system, China warns of nuclear arms race
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2017
Using North Korean missile tests as a pretext, the US has begun deploying its THAAD anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea.
India becomes “frontline” state in US war plans against China
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 7 March 2017
After decades of “non-alignment,” India has become a service hub for the US Seventh Fleet, marking a new stage in its integration into US imperialism’s military-strategic offensive against China.
China lowers economic growth target
By Nick Beams, 6 March 2017
The Chinese government has cut its target in an attempt to address growing problems in the country’s financial system.
Australian government flags “foreign policy reset” in response to Trump
By James Cogan, 4 March 2017
The Trump administration’s “America First” agenda has produced consternation within the political and strategic establishment.
US, South Korea mount massive joint military exercises
By Peter Symonds, 2 March 2017
This year’s war games take place amid an already tense stand-off with North Korea over its nuclear and missile testing and alleged assassination of Kim Jong-nam.
South Korea demonises North Korea over Malaysian murder
By Peter Symonds, 1 March 2017
The South Korean government is exploiting the killing of Kim Jong-nam to demand North Korea’s suspension from the UN and criminal charges against its leadership.
US officials accuse China of building missile bases in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 23 February 2017
Media reports have declared the latest claims to be “an early test of US President Donald Trump.”
US conducts show of force in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 20 February 2017
The USS Carl Vinson’s operation is being mounted amid a sharp escalation in US trade war and military threats against China since the inauguration of Trump.
The bizarre murder of North Korean leader’s half-brother
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2017
If Kim Jong-un did order the assassination, it can only further undermine North Korea’s relations with China.
US-backed UN statement condemns North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 16 February 2017
The UN warned of “further significant steps” if Pyongyang did not halt its testing and called on UN members “to redouble their efforts” to implement existing sanctions.
Chinese foreign minister warns against war with the US
By Peter Symonds, 9 February 2017
Trump’s top adviser Steve Bannon declared last March there was “no doubt” that the US would go to war with China over the South China Sea in “five to ten years.”
China protests US sanctions on Iran
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2017
The Trump administration blacklisted three Chinese individuals and two Chinese companies in retaliation for Iran’s missile test.
Trump browbeats Australian “ally”
By Mike Head, 4 February 2017
Just two weeks in office, Trump’s aggressive “America First” economic nationalism and militarism are sending political shockwaves around the world.
Senior Chinese military official warns of rising danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 31 January 2017
The remarks reflect growing concerns in the Chinese regime over the bellicose remarks of Trump and his advisers toward Beijing.
US and India sharing intelligence on Chinese submarine and ship movements
By Keith Jones, 26 January 2017
The head of the US Pacific Command likened the Indo-US military partnership to a war axe that needs to be “razor sharp,” “because we never know when events will force us to use it.”
Former US ambassador advocates American military bases on Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 19 January 2017
Bolton is among those militarist layers who regard conflict with China as inevitable.
Chinese President Xi Jinping warns of trade war in speech to Davos forum
By Alex Lantier, 18 January 2017
Xi delivered a keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland hailing free trade and implicitly criticizing Trump’s call for protectionism.
Trump again threatens to tear up One China policy
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2017
China rejected Trump’s remarks declaring that the “One China” principle was the political foundation of China-US relations and was “non-negotiable.”
Trump’s China policy threatens nuclear war
By James Cogan, 13 January 2017
President-elect Donald Trump and the cabal of billionaires and ex-generals who will comprise his cabinet have signaled they will substantially intensify the United States’ conflict with China.
Taiwanese president meets senior Republicans, fuelling US-China tensions
By Peter Symonds, 12 January 2017
To underline Beijing’s concerns about closer US ties with Taiwan, the Chinese navy sailed its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait.
Public anger in China as smog crisis continues
By Oscar Grenfell, 12 January 2017
The government fears that the air pollution disaster will become a focal point for broader discontent.
Trump’s coming confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 7 January 2017
No longer having the economic muscle to lay down the international trade rules, the US has begun a dramatic military build-up in Asia to assert its dominance, even if that leads to war with China.
New Indian army chief threatens Pakistan and China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 7 January 2017
As India conducts tests of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, its new army chief has warned of a possible “two front” war against China and Pakistan.
US think tank urges Trump to confront China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2017
Well aware of the dangers of full-scale war, the report nevertheless insists that the US and its allies must challenge China sooner rather than later.
Trump’s new White House office for trade war
By Peter Symonds, 24 December 2016
Trump’s decision to pull out of the TPP is not a retreat from Obama’s confrontational policy toward China but a marked intensification on all fronts.
China accuses US of using undersea drone to spy
By Peter Symonds, 19 December 2016
The incident intensifies the US-China tensions produced by the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia” that has transformed the South China Sea into a dangerous flashpoint.
Chinese vessel seizes US undersea drone in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 17 December 2016
With Washington issuing a formal protest, the incident could rapidly heighten the already tense standoff between the US and China in the strategic waters.
European powers criticize Trump’s threats against China
By Alex Lantier, 17 December 2016
A month before Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president, tensions are already emerging with the European powers over his “America first” program.
US admiral pledges to confront China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 15 December 2016
The aggressive remarks by Admiral Harry Harris, commander of US Pacific Command, were encouraged by Trump’s belligerent stance toward China during and since the election.
China reproaches Trump over Taiwan stance
By Peter Symonds, 13 December 2016
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned that US-China cooperation was “out of the question” if Trump interfered with the One China policy.
Trump threatens to overturn One China policy
By Peter Symonds, 12 December 2016
By placing a question mark over US-China relations, Trump is recklessly compounding rising uncertainty in Asia and around the world, as well as the threat of war.
Trump picks trusted go-between as ambassador to China
By Peter Symonds, 8 December 2016
Branstad’s support for the TPP and his unfamiliarity with key foreign policy issues indicate he will not play a significant role in determining US policy toward Beijing.
Indian defence minister visits Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 8 December 2016
The visit underscores India’s growing efforts—backed by Washington—to bring Bangladesh into its orbit, undercutting China’s influence.
Trump’s talk with Taiwanese president heightens US tensions with China
By Peter Symonds, 5 December 2016
The phone conversation—the first between US and Taiwanese leaders since 1979—undermines decades of protocols based on Washington’s acceptance of the “One China” policy.
Chinese fears about Trump and the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2016
A Chinese think tank director warned that “strategic rivalry between China and the US is likely to continue over the South China Sea.”
Construction scaffolding collapses, killing 74 at Chinese power plant
By Richard Phillips, 26 November 2016
The disaster was the tragic outcome of company demands for “hard work” speed-ups and cuts to basic safety procedures.
Trump’s win provokes nervousness and bravado in Beijing
By Mike Head, 16 November 2016
While the Beijing regime is clearly anxious to reach an accommodation with Trump, it is preparing for an historic collision.
Diplomatic row erupts between Sri Lanka and China
By W.A. Sunil, 12 November 2016
The public squabble between Colombo and Beijing over loans is another indication of rising geo-strategic tensions in the region.
Beijing bars two Hong Kong legislators from taking their seats
By Peter Symonds, 8 November 2016
The Chinese regime fears that advocacy of independence for Hong Kong will fuel separatist movements in other parts of the country including Tibet and Xinjiang.
Growing tensions in Chinese-German relations
By Ulrich Rippert, 7 November 2016
The visit to China this week by German economics minister Sigmar Gabriel is overshadowed by mounting tensions.
Chinese president’s visit to Bangladesh highlights growing rivalry in South Asia
By Sarath Kumara, 5 November 2016
Xi’s trip was aimed at countering the efforts of India, backed by the US, to undermine Chinese influence in Bangladesh.
Malaysian prime minister forges closer military ties with China
By Peter Symonds, 3 November 2016
During his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Najib wrote in the state-run media that former colonial powers should not lecture smaller countries over the conduct of their internal affairs.
Mine explosion in China kills 15 workers
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2016
The mine disaster in southwest China took place as President Xi exhorted a conference of safety inspectors to improve safety standards and reduce industrial deaths.
China: CCP plenum on tightening party discipline signals inner crisis
By Peter Symonds, 27 October 2016
The Chinese regime confronts a slowing economy, mounting social and class tensions and Washington’s aggressive “pivot to Asia” aimed at undermining and subordinating China.
China growth on target but debt concerns mount
By Nick Beams, 27 October 2016
Chinese firms are estimated to have about $18 trillion worth of debt, equivalent to 170 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
US “pivot to Asia” in disarray
By Peter Symonds, 26 October 2016
Far from making a retreat, Washington’s response to its setbacks will be to escalate its diplomatic intrigues and military provocations in the Asia Pacific.
US navy sends destroyer to challenge China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 22 October 2016
The latest US “freedom of navigation” operation came as Philippine President Duterte’s tilt to Beijing dealt a blow to Washington’s “pivot to Asia” strategy.
Public rifts erupt in Australian government
By Mike Head, 22 October 2016
The internal warfare wracking the Liberal-National Coalition cannot be explained by a dispute over gun laws.
Philippine president in China seeks to cement closer ties
By Peter Symonds, 19 October 2016
Duterte has signalled that he is open to closer military relations with China and Russia as he seeks billions of dollars in Chinese aid and investment.
Chinese soldiers protest over benefits in central Beijing
By our reporter, 14 October 2016
The Chinese Communist Party regime is clearly concerned that such protests could trigger wider unrest within the military, and more broadly with society.
Philippine President Duterte tilts toward China
By Peter Symonds, 12 October 2016
In advance of Duterte’s trip next week to China, his defence secretary announced a suspension of joint exercises with the US in the South China Sea.
France calls for its own “pivot to Asia” amid US war drive against China
By Kumaran Ira, 10 October 2016
French imperialism is laying out an aggressive military strategy in the Asia-Pacific as Washington intensifies its war drive against China.
Escalating war games in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 6 October 2016
Tensions have only worsened since the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favour of the US-backed Philippine challenge to Chinese maritime claims.
Japan scrambles fighter to intercept Chinese military aircraft
By Peter Symonds, 26 September 2016
While the Chinese planes were outside Japanese air space, the incident highlights the sharp tensions in North East Asia amid the ongoing US military build-up in the region.
US ambassador backs campaign against “Chinese influence” in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 15 September 2016
Berry’s intervention confirms American involvement in the anti-Beijing crusade, and highlights US determination to ensure Canberra’s support for its war drive against China.
Obama heightens antagonisms with China at East Asia Summit
By Joseph Santolan, 9 September 2016
Unable to enlist the Philippines or a reliable proxy from other ASEAN members, Obama was compelled to directly intervene.
Trudeau attempts balancing act in eight-day China visit
By Roger Jordan, 8 September 2016
The Canadian prime minister stressed Ottawa’s desire to “reset” relations with Beijing and avoided talking publicly about the mounting tensions between US imperialism and China.
Rising global tensions surface at G20 summit
By Nick Beams, 5 September 2016
It is a sure sign of the deepening malaise of the global capitalist economy, afflicted by lower growth and falling trade, that “overcapacity” in steel was at the very centre of the G20 economic agenda.
Intelligence agencies reportedly question Australian PM’s “stance” on China
By James Cogan, 5 September 2016
The question mark over Turnbull’s allegiance to the US alliance and anti-China agenda has been raised under conditions in which he holds office by a thread.
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