China
China growth slows to lowest level since financial crisis
By Nick Beams, 22 October 2018
While the trade war launched by the US has yet to make a significant impact on growth, the official Chinese statement referred to what is called the “severe international situation.”
Trump administration accelerates war drive against China
By Peter Symonds, 19 October 2018
Since Vice President Mike Pence’s denunciations of Beijing two weeks ago, the anti-China drumbeat from top US officials has increased.
Australia backs Trump as US ramps up anti-China drive
By Peter Symonds, 17 October 2018
There is an intense discussion in Australian think tanks and military and intelligence circles over the need to accelerate preparations for regional and global war.
US places alleged “Chinese spy” on public trial
By Mike Head, 12 October 2018
The timing of the unprecedented extradition points to a new stage in the US drive to prevent China from becoming an economic or military threat to US global hegemony.
US ambassador to New Zealand continues public attacks on China
By Tom Peters, 12 October 2018
Scott Brown, the ambassador appointed by Trump, is escalating the anti-Chinese campaign in New Zealand to align the country more closely with US war preparations.
Pompeo visit heightens US-China rift
By James Cogan, 10 October 2018
Testifying to the fraught state of relations, China’s foreign minister publicly lambasted the United States.
Key provision of USMCA trade deal aimed at China
By Nick Beams, 9 October 2018
A clause in the US trade deal with Canada and Mexico is aimed at nothing less than a “reset” of global trade relationships.
US vice president issues bellicose diatribe against China
By Bill Van Auken, 5 October 2018
Pence’s speech came amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing massive and provocative military exercises as a show of force against China.
US and Chinese warships narrowly avoid collision in South China Sea
By Patrick O’Connor, 3 October 2018
Any misstep or accident in East Asia’s sea and airspace now threatens to trigger a full-scale war between the rival nuclear-armed powers.
After North America trade deal, Trump to escalate trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 3 October 2018
In a manner recalling a Mafia don, Trump made clear that the threat of auto tariffs was central in securing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Beijing university threatens Marxist student society
By Peter Symonds, 1 October 2018
The university has reacted to fears that not only politically radicalised students, but also China’s exploited working class, could threaten the CCP’s police-state regime.
Beijing cancels trade talks with Washington after US sanctions China for weapons purchases
By Nick Beams, 22 September 2018
The moves mark a further escalation of trade and military tensions between the US and China.
China retaliates against US trade war measures
By Peter Symonds, 19 September 2018
The escalating trade war is heightening economic instability and fueling geo-political tensions, not only between the US and China, but internationally.
China’s $60 billion in aid and loans to Africa in context
By Gabriel Black, 18 September 2018
While China’s role in Africa has grown significantly in the past two decades, the United States and its allies remain the principal issuers of debt.
China and Russia strengthen ties to counter US threats
By Peter Symonds, 13 September 2018
After their meeting, neither Xi nor Putin named Trump but they left no doubt that their closer ties are a reaction to Washington’s punitive measures.
Washington bullies Central American countries for adopting “One China” policy
By Andrea Lobo, 12 September 2018
Having respected the “One China” policy since 1979, US measures against countries pursuing the same course constitute a remarkable level of imperialist bullying and hypocrisy.
Duterte deepens economic ties with China
By Joseph Santolan, 11 September 2018
Manila is seeking funding from Beijing for the most ambitious infrastructure campaign in Philippine history.
US set to escalate trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 10 September 2018
Trump’s threat of further tariffs means that Chinese exports into the US would be subject to increased tariffs if China carries through on its threat of retaliatory measures.
Japan and China improve relations in face of US trade war measures
By Ben McGrath, 10 September 2018
The apparent thaw in what has been a frigid, and at times hostile, relationship underscores the destabilizing impact of Trump’s aggressive America First drive.
Police suppress protest over schools in debt-ridden Chinese city
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 10 September 2018
The immediate reason for the protest was a local government decision to cut costs in government schools by relocating all fifth and sixth grade students to private schools.
China denies establishing military base in Afghanistan
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2018
Afghanistan is another key strategic arena for intensifying geo-political rivalry between the major powers.
US push for sanctions of China over treatment of Uyghur minority
By Peter Symonds, 4 September 2018
Washington’s spotlighting of abuses has nothing to do with defending democratic rights but is aimed at stirring anti-Chinese sentiment and encouraging separatist movements in China.
Trump hits out at China over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 September 2018
Trump’s criticism of China comes amid growing signs that talks over Pyongyang’s nuclear programs, following his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, have stalled.
US and Japan increase efforts to undercut Chinese influence in Sri Lanka
By Rohantha De Silva, 3 September 2018
The US, Japan and India are continuing to publicly voice their concerns over Colombo’s relations with Beijing.
Foxconn dramatically alters plans for Wisconsin facility
By Jacob Crosse, 31 August 2018
A smaller, robotic-based factory will be built, swindling the working class of Wisconsin for billions of dollars.
Malaysian PM in China criticises “new colonialism”
By Peter Symonds, 28 August 2018
Prime Minister Mahathir has suspended key Chinese-based infrastructure projects, dealing a significant blow to China’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China-US trade talks: The divisions deepen
By Nick Beams, 27 August 2018
The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated there were “constructive and frank” talks, but gave no indication of any further discussions in the future.
Pentagon report targets China’s “expanding global influence”
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2018
While the report focusses on China’s growing military capabilities and international reach, its build-up is dwarfed by the US military and its world-wide system of alliances and bases.
China-US talks but trade war set to escalate
By Nick Beams, 20 August 2018
The basic conflict centres on the US demand that China not only lessen the trade deficit but also significantly pull back on its plan to boost its industrial and technological base.
Google employees protest plans to build censored search engine in China
By Andre Damon, 18 August 2018
Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed Thursday that the company has worked to develop a censored version of its search engine in collaboration with the Chinese state.
Australian prime minister delivers an anxious speech on relations with China
By Mike Head, 13 August 2018
There is evident alarm that the Trump administration’s protectionism could have flow-on effects for Australian exporters and throw into doubt Washington’s global reliability.
Faulty vaccines spark public outrage in China
By Gary Alvernia, 8 August 2018
The scandal is the result of cost-cutting measures aimed at boosting profits and subordination of healthcare to the capitalist system.
China threatens tariffs on $60 billion of US goods
By Nick Beams, 4 August 2018
Coming on top of the tariffs already imposed on $34 billion worth of US goods, the new measures would mean that around 85 percent of US exports to China would be covered.
Chinese president under pressure over trade war with US
By Peter Symonds, 4 August 2018
Just months after constitutional changes enabling him to stay in office indefinitely, Xi Jinping is reportedly facing internal criticism from party elders and factional rivals.
Trump set to hike tariff threat against China
By Nick Beams, 2 August 2018
The US is actively considering escalating proposed tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 percent up from the initial level of 10 percent.
Qualcomm deal scuttled: China hits back at US in trade war
By Nick Beams, 27 July 2018
The collapse of the takeover has far-reaching implications for other high-tech companies that had been waiting for the outcome of the Qualcomm-NXP deal before proceeding with their own plans.
New Zealand Labour-aligned Daily Blog posts pro-war, anti-China tirade
By John Braddock, 20 July 2018
The on-line blog hails the government’s military upgrade in preparation to join US-led aggression against China.
Ultra-nationalist US demagogue Stephen Bannon hails Australia’s new foreign interference laws
By James Cogan, 11 July 2018
The legislation is particularly admired by America’s far right, the Trump administration and the US military-intelligence establishment.
US provocatively sends two warships through Taiwan Strait
By Peter Symonds, 10 July 2018
The naval transit coincided with the escalating trade war between the US and China, marked by the implementation of the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Trade war and the political independence of the working class
By Nick Beams, 7 July 2018
On the eve of World War II, Leon Trotsky wrote that that the bourgeoisie “toboggans with closed eyes towards an economic and military catastrophe.” Eighty years on, his words have a profound resonance.
Trump fires opening shot in trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 6 July 2018
The US president has already threatened to impose additional tariffs on up to $400 billion worth of Chinese goods if Beijing retaliates.
Escalating trade war starts to make economic impact
By Nick Beams, 3 July 2018
Chinese stock markets have continued the fall over the first six months of the year that has wiped some $2 trillion off market valuations.
Tensions deepen between Beijing and Taipei
By Robert Campion, 3 July 2018
The growing conflict over Taiwan is the result of a US campaign to step up direct economic and military pressure on Beijing.
New York Times restates Washington’s anti-China agenda in Sri Lanka
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 29 June 2018
The article is a warning to the politically divided Sri Lankan ruling elite not to deviate from Washington’s military-strategic script.
Tensions continue as US defence secretary visits China
By Peter Symonds, 28 June 2018
While both sides sought to put a positive spin on the trip, relations have deteriorated as a result of Washington’s confrontational stance toward Beijing.
Trump goes with Mnuchin plan on Chinese investment
By Nick Beams, 28 June 2018
The move appears to have been motivated to a considerable extent by Wall Street’s reaction to a more hardline proposal that prompted the Dow to fall at one point by 500 points on Monday.
Growing concern in Canberra over PNG links with China
By John Braddock, 25 June 2018
Claims of Chinese influence in Papua New Guinea are being ramped up ahead of November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Port Moresby.
Trump escalates trade war with new tariff threat against China
By Nick Beams, 20 June 2018
The latest moves by the US administration brought a fall in stock markets amid growing concerns that trade war will have a significant impact on investment and global supply chains.
Trump administration restricts visas for Chinese students
By Will Morrow, 20 June 2018
Statements by intelligence officials and the media have argued that over 2 million Chinese nationals residing in the US are a potential fifth column.
Washington launches trade war measures against China
By Ben McGrath, 16 June 2018
The decision by the Trump Administration to initiate a trade war between the world’s two largest economies will contribute to the already growing tensions and danger of military conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.
Report documents abuse of Chinese workers at Foxconn supplier plant for Amazon
By Alec Andersen, 16 June 2018
China Labor Watch has exposed the barbaric and illegal practices on which Amazon relies to boost its profits.
The Singapore summit and the growing war threat
By Bill Van Auken, 13 June 2018
The meeting between Trump and Kim heralds not a new era of peace in Northeast Asia, but rather the continuing shakeup of the global geopolitical order that is paving the way to war.
Japan’s ruling party calls for a doubling of military expenditure
By Kurt Brown, 9 June 2018
Tokyo’s agenda increases the danger of war and the suppression of democratic rights at home.
US ramps up threats to China and North Korea
By Mike Head, 4 June 2018
Whatever the outcome of a Trump-Kim summit, the US confrontation with China will escalate.
Trump sets out timetable for anti-China tariffs
By Nick Beams, 31 May 2018
The White House measures are aimed at China’s efforts to develop high-tech industries.
Bipartisan hostility to Trump deal on Chinese telecom firm ZTE
By Nick Beams, 28 May 2018
Moves are underway in the US Congress, supported by leading Republicans and Democrats, to extend bans on Chinese telecos regarded as a threat to “national security.”
Trump trade deal comes under anti-China fire
By Nick Beams, 24 May 2018
The delay in imposing tariffs on China has been condemned by both sides of the US Congress as giving in to Beijing.
Limited truce in US-China trade conflict
By Nick Beams, 22 May 2018
Despite the postponement of US tariffs, the threat of open trade war remains.
Inconclusive outcome of US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 21 May 2018
The vagueness of the final, brief communiqué, left the way open for both sides to offer their own interpretations on what had been agreed.
Little room for manoeuvre in US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 17 May 2018
A letter signed by 32 Democrats stated that “America’s national security must not be signed away as bargaining chip in trade negotiations.”
Hillary Clinton demands Australia and New Zealand act against “Chinese interference”
By Mike Head, 14 May 2018
Clinton’s whipping up of anti-Chinese sentiment in Australia and New Zealand was accompanied by her appeals to affluent feminist layers.
Japan, China and South Korea hold talks on North Korea and trade
By Ben McGrath, 11 May 2018
While North Korea dominated the summit, concerns over US protectionist measures may result in improved relations between the three Asian neighbors.
US trade war claims China’s ZTE as first victim
By Nick Beams, 11 May 2018
ZTE operates on a global scale, doing business in more than 160 countries with over 74,000 employees, and generating revenues of $17 billion last year.
North Korea releases American prisoners ahead of summit with Trump
By James Cogan, 10 May 2018
Trump hailed the release as another step forward in his administration’s push to bring North Korea under US influence.
US issues trade ultimatum to China
By Nick Beams, 7 May 2018
The list of measures is not intended as the basis for negotiations but to escalate economic conflict and military tensions.
US seizes on missile allegations to ramp up threats against China
By Mike Head, 7 May 2018
With military, geo-strategic and trade war tensions mounting, there has been a recent elevation of alarming accusations against Beijing.
Trade talks in Beijing: China says it won’t back down to US
By Nick Beams, 3 May 2018
The conflict is over more than the trade deficit numbers, with the overriding concern of the US being China’s moves to develop its high-tech capacities.
US and China to hold trade talks as tariff deadline looms
By Nick Beams, 26 April 2018
Trump said there was a “very good chance of making a deal,” but if not, the US would impose “very substantial tariffs” on Chinese imports.
Australian and Chinese navy ships reportedly face off in the South China Sea
By Gary Alvernia, 24 April 2018
International media outlets gave the incident prominent coverage, depicting it as a “Chinese challenge” to Australian warships.
Chinese military conducts exercises in South China Sea and Taiwan Strait
By Gary Alvernia, 20 April 2018
The Chinese naval drills are in response to Washington’s confrontational stance toward Beijing.
Australian media stokes fears of Chinese military base in Vanuatu
By John Braddock, 13 April 2018
The escalating propaganda war is another sign of deepening tensions across the Asia Pacific that threaten to embroil the entire region into a major war.
Trade war issues come into sharper focus
By Nick Beams, 12 April 2018
The key question is not primarily the Chinese trade surplus against which Trump rails, but Beijing’s plan to become a major source of high-tech development.
Top Trump aide lays out driving forces of trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 10 April 2018
Trump’s key trade adviser Peter Navarro declared that China’s move into high-tech development was a direct threat to US economic and military dominance.
Trump administration officials try to calm trade war fears
By Nick Beams, 9 April 2018
White House National Trade Council director Peter Navarro underscored the crucial importance of hi-tech development, both for US economic and military supremacy.
China prepares to strike back as US trade war intensifies
By Nick Beams, 7 April 2018
At a briefing with reporters in Beijing Friday evening, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said the US move was “extremely wrong” and China was preparing to retaliate.
US-China trade war intensifies
By Nick Beams, 5 April 2018
The driving force of the US action is Washington’s attempt to prevent China from developing its capacities in high technology sectors, including communications, robotics, aircraft and pharmaceuticals.
China imposes tariffs as trade war heats up
By Nick Beams, 3 April 2018
The Chinese moves appear to have had an impact on Wall Street, where the Dow was down by more than 450 points at end of yesterday.
US to launch trade measures against China
By Nick Beams, 22 March 2018
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said action would be taken outside the WTO, because China’s “state-dominated economy” rejects “market principles.”
Chinese president expounds on his nationalist “dream”
By Peter Symonds, 22 March 2018
Xi’s consolidation as China’s political strongman takes place amid growing US threats of trade war and war, as well as intense social tensions at home.
China’s NPC formally approves Xi’s indefinite rule
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2018
The constitutional change removing the term limits on China’s president establishes a Bonapartist leader presiding over a regime confronting crises at home and abroad.
China’s National People’s Congress to install Xi as political strongman
By Peter Symonds, 6 March 2018
The CCP rules through a police-state regime that is handing extraordinary powers to Xi, driven by fears it will confront mounting social unrest and the danger of war.
Xi Jinping’s power grab: Bonapartism with Chinese characteristics
By Peter Symonds, 1 March 2018
The same social and economic processes that have led to Xi’s elevation in China—above all, the tensions produced by the enormous gulf between rich and poor—are also driving the ruling classes in so-called liberal democracies to autocratic forms of rule.
US admiral advocates war footing against China
By James Cogan, 20 February 2018
Admiral Harris’s statement left no doubt that he believes military spending must be ramped up by hundreds of billions of dollars.
China boosts censorship of social media
By Robert Campion, 15 February 2018
The Chinese regime justifies censoring the Internet in terms that are indistinguishable from those of the US government and corporate giants such as Google and Facebook.
Anti-China dossier highlights target of Australian “foreign interference” bills
By Mike Head, 10 February 2018
A parliamentary submission depicts Chinese Australians as participants in a subversive Chinese Communist Party network.
May’s China visit highlights UK’s post-Brexit dilemma
By Jean Shaoul, 6 February 2018
The US tied May’s hands, leading to her refusal to sign a memorandum of understanding officially endorsing China's Belt and Road Initiative.
CIA director brands China “as big a threat to the US” as Russia
By Peter Symonds, 1 February 2018
Pompeo’s warning signals the ramping up of a campaign on alleged Chinese interference in the US as Washington increases its trade war measures and military build-up against Beijing.
US destroyer intrudes into waters around Chinese-controlled islet
By Peter Symonds, 22 January 2018
The latest “freedom of navigation” provocation came on the eve of a meeting of top naval commanders in India where US Admiral Harry Harris condemned China as “a disruptive force.”
US takes aim at China over trade
By Nick Beams, 22 January 2018
The Trump administration has declared it was a mistake to admit China to the World Trade Organisation in 2001.
With Indo-Pacific tensions rising, Japan and Australia strengthen military ties
By Mike Head, 19 January 2018
Turnbull’s visit to Tokyo constitutes another warning that all the major powers in the region are preparing for war.
Australian minister lashes out at China over Pacific aid
By Peter Symonds, 11 January 2018
Fierravanti-Wells declared that China was “duchessing” politicians in the Pacific, lending funds on unfavourable terms and financing worthless construction projects.
Chinese president orders troops to be “ready to fight”
By Mike Head, 5 January 2018
Like the US and other governments around the world, the Chinese regime is resorting to nationalism and militarism.
US president accuses China of illegal oil transfer to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 December 2017
Trump’s tweet declaring Beijing was “caught RED HANDED” smacks of a contrived provocation aimed at ramping up tensions with China and North Korea.
US and India pressure Sri Lanka over port deal with China
By Saman Gunadasa, 30 December 2017
Mounting government debt has forced the Colombo government to turn to China for financial help.
UK Conservatives seek closer economic ties with China
By Jean Shaoul, 27 December 2017
The announcement points to the divergence between Britain’s commercial interests and those of its foremost ally, the United States.
Japan’s cabinet approves draft budget that boosts the military
By Ben McGrath, 23 December 2017
Tokyo’s buildup of weaponry further aligns it with the US in preparation for war with North Korea and China.
Maldives and China sign free trade agreement
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 December 2017
Maldives has become a focal point of geo-political rivalry between the US and India on one side and China on the other.
South Korean and Chinese leaders meet over North Korea, economic ties
By Ben McGrath, 21 December 2017
The summit between the two presidents will do nothing to alleviate the growing danger of war in Northeast Asia.
Beijing warns against Australia’s anti-China campaign
By Oscar Grenfell, 15 December 2017
The Chinese regime is fearful that the Australian government’s draconian “foreign interference” legislation could be used as a precedent by the US and its allies.
Anti-China witch-hunt in Australia escalates
By Peter Symonds, 11 December 2017
The campaign is being driven by the Australian intelligence agencies—backed to the hilt by Washington—amid the growing danger of a US war against North Korea and China.
Follow the WSWS