China
A temporary step back in US-North Korean tensions
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2017
The confrontation on the Korean Peninsula remains on a hair trigger and a mistake or miscalculation could plunge the world into war.
As Trump initiates hostile trade inquiry against China
US defence secretary threatens war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 August 2017
Mattis’s remarks came in the aftermath of bellicose threats by President Trump last week to engulf North Korea in “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
India and China heighten war readiness as Himalayan standoff continues
By K. Ratnayake, 14 August 2017
India and China have increased military deployments along their disputed border, increasing the danger that their eight-week-long standoff on the Doklam Plateau could cascade into war.
The world on the brink
By The World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 12 August 2017
The bellicose language coming from the man in charge of the most powerful military force on the planet is generating increasing shock and fear that nuclear war could break out at any moment.
Danger of India-China border war grows
By K. Ratnayake, 10 August 2017
The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam Plateau is continuing, amid growing warnings of an impending military clash.
Fire in Chinese workers’ dormitory kills 22
By Robert Campion, 7 August 2017
Houses and dormitories provided by employers are typically fire traps with cramped conditions and lacking fire exits or fire extinguishers.
Trump threatens trade war measures against China
By Peter Symonds, 4 August 2017
After criticising Beijing over the latest North Korean missile launch, the Trump administration is preparing to take action against China over intellectual property rights.
India-China border tensions continue unabated
By K. Ratnayake, 4 August 2017
The principal factor driving the dispute over a remote Himalayan ridge is India’s emergence as a veritable “frontline state” in Washington’s strategic offensive against China.
China rejects Trump’s accusations over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2017
Beijing’s determination not to be bullied into tougher action against North Korea sets the stage for an escalating US confrontation not only with Pyongyang, but also China.
The US sanctions drive and the danger of war
By Alex Lantier, 1 August 2017
Amid a mounting domestic political crisis and a breakdown of long-standing alliances, the United States is simultaneously escalating its military threats against nuclear-armed Russia and China.
US military declares “time is running out” before war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 28 July 2017
The situation is rendered even more volatile and dangerous by the besieged character of the Trump presidency.
US accuses China of unsafe mid-air encounter
By Peter Symonds, 26 July 2017
The incident involving a US spy plane and Chinese fighters highlights the acute tensions generated by Washington’s repeated threats to attack North Korea.
US-China trade talks conclude in acrimony
By Nick Beams, 22 July 2017
A former White House advisor said the meeting had “all the signs—no joint statement, or press conference, no outcomes—of serious and sustained tensions rapidly emerging due to deep differences.”
China-India border impasse enters sixth week
By Keith Jones, 22 July 2017
Beijing has sent strong signals to India that it must unilaterally withdraw its troops from a Himalayan ridge claimed by both China and Bhutan or face a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations, even war.
Top leadership contender in China abruptly ousted
By Peter Symonds, 20 July 2017
Sun Zhengcai was removed as party boss of Chongqing and replaced by a trusted protégé of President Xi Jinping.
India’s assertive moves in South China Sea fuel growing tensions with China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 19 July 2017
For “strategic” reasons, a state-owned Indian energy company has renewed a South China Sea oil-exploration lease in defiance of Beijing.
China establishes military base in Djibouti
By Peter Symonds, 17 July 2017
China’s military involvement in Africa takes place amid rising geo-political rivalries that threaten its considerable investment in, and trade with, Africa.
Mounting tensions between India and its nuclear-armed neighbors, China and Pakistan
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 14 July 2017
For the past month, Indian and Chinese troops have been arrayed against each other on a Himalayan ridge that is claimed by both China and Bhutan.
Tensions mount in India-China Himalayan border standoff
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 7 July 2017
New Delhi and Beijing are trading bellicose threats, with both insisting the other must stand down.
Xi’s visit to Berlin highlights growing US-EU conflicts before G20 summit
By Alex Lantier, 6 July 2017
As Trump arrived in Poland, Xi’s state visit in Berlin highlighted growing US-EU tensions over Asia.
China and Russia forge closer ties against US
By Peter Symonds, 6 July 2017
While Russia and China publicly opposed the aggressive US stance against North Korea, Xi’s visit to Russia also strengthened their economic and strategic relations.
Disputes sharpen in Canadian ruling elite over its China policy
By Roger Jordan, 6 July 2017
Canada’s “newspaper of record,” the Globe and Mail, is mounting an increasingly shrill campaign over the Liberal government’s China policy, accusing it of “doing Beijing’s bidding.”
North Korean missile launch intensifies war danger
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2017
Washington, not Pyongyang, is primarily responsible for creating the explosive situation on the Korean Peninsula.
India and China trade war threats amid border stand-off
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 4 July 2017
India and China have rushed troops to a remote border region, in what is widely being described as the worst stand-off between the two countries since they fought a war in 1962.
Trump’s frosty phone call with Chinese President Xi
By Peter Symonds, 4 July 2017
Trump is adopting a more confrontational stance toward China in an effort to pressure Beijing to force North Korea to bow to US demands.
US provocatively approves major arms sale to Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 1 July 2017
Together with US sanctions on Chinese entities, the arms deal signals a more aggressive stance toward Beijing.
Dalai Lama visits San Diego: US pivot to Asia cloaked in spirituality
By Norisa Diaz, 29 June 2017
The Dalai Lama travels the world stoking anti-Chinese and anti-communist sentiment under the banner of “peace and compassion.”
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.
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