China
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.
Mass eviction of rural migrant workers from Chinese capital
By Robert Campion, 11 December 2017
With some given as little as 15 minutes notice, migrant workers are being expelled from Beijing in droves and their homes demolished behind them.
Trudeau fails to launch free trade talks with China as divisions rage within Canadian ruling elite
By Roger Jordan, 8 December 2017
The real reason for the stalled trade talks is a bitter dispute within Canadian ruling circles over its China policy.
US initiates trade war investigation into Chinese aluminium imports
By Nick Beams, 1 December 2017
The aggressive content of the last US move is indicated by the fact that it is the first “self-initiated” trade measure by the Commerce Department in more than a quarter of a century.
China invests billions in Eastern Europe, heightening tensions with Germany
By Peter Schwarz, 30 November 2017
Chinese investments in Eastern Europe have met with strong criticism from the European Union. Berlin in particular increasingly views China as a rival rather than a partner.
Behind the anti-China witch-hunt against Australian senator
By Peter Symonds, 30 November 2017
The denunciations of Sam Dastyari are aimed at intimidating all anti-war opposition as the US intensifies its war drive against North Korea and China.
US sanctions against North Korea target China
By Peter Symonds, 23 November 2017
Washington is determined to exploit the confrontation with Pyongyang to undermine China economically and strategically.
Trump’s Asia tour leaves region on brink of trade war and military conflict
By James Cogan, 15 November 2017
President Trump’s bellicose rhetoric, on both North Korea and trade, cannot obscure the fact that his trip marks a new nadir in the strategic position of US imperialism.
US, Japan, Australia, India “Quadrilateral” alliance takes shape against China
By James Cogan, 14 November 2017
Trump’s continual references to the economic woes of the US speak to the real motivations for an anti-China coalition.
Trump sets out economic war in address to Asia-Pacific summit
By Nick Beams, 11 November 2017
In his diatribe, the US president cast aside the multilateral framework put in place by the United States itself in the aftermath of World War II.
“Time is quickly running out”
Trump threatens China over North Korea and trade
By James Cogan, 10 November 2017
Three aircraft carrier battlegroups are positioned off the coast of the Korean Peninsula and will rehearse for war this weekend.
In wake of US threats against North Korea, China heaps honors on Trump
By James Cogan, 9 November 2017
The strategic orientation of the Chinese regime is to avoid an open clash with Washington for as long as possible.
President Xi presides over brittle Chinese regime
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2017
Xi has emerged as a Bonapartist figure, who, confronted with huge challenges at home and abroad, serves to maintain party unity and ward off an internal crisis.
Xi Jinping consolidates grip over Chinese Communist Party apparatus
By Peter Symonds, 25 October 2017
The elevation of Xi to supreme leader is a sign of crisis of the CCP regime, which is beset with irresolvable internal and external problems.
China faces growing debt problems, says central bank governor
By Nick Beams, 24 October 2017
The use of the term “Minsky moment” could be an indication of how serious the bank chief regards the situation.
Japan’s Stalinists seek to head off anti-war movement ahead of election
By Ben McGrath, 21 October 2017
By blaming Pyongyang for the current crisis, the JCP is effectively lining up behind Japan’s ruling elite and the US in their confrontation with North Korea and China.
Chinese leader calls for “strong nation” and “strong military”
By Peter Symonds, 21 October 2017
Confrontation is inevitable as US imperialism regards China as the chief challenge to its global hegemony, and Chinese capitalism strains against the restrictions of the current world order.
Chinese Communist Party congress meets amid gathering crises
By Peter Symonds, 17 October 2017
Xi is being elevated to the status of supreme leader as the regime confronts a slowing economy, rising social tensions and the growing US threat of trade war and war.
China’s billionaires rapidly expand their fortunes
By Mike Head, 16 October 2017
President Xi’s five-year reign, due to be extended next week, has accelerated a vast accumulation of corporate wealth.
IMF report points to financial dangers lurking beneath global growth
By Nick Beams, 14 October 2017
Central banks confront an acute contradiction: attempts to normalise monetary policy may trigger a financial crisis, but continuing the flow of easy money is creating unsustainable debt levels.
Sri Lankan government enforces UN sanctions against North Korea
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 14 October 2017
Colombo has increasingly integrated Sri Lanka behind Washington’s war preparations against China and North Korea.
US pushes for closer Sri Lankan involvement into war drive against China
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 3 October 2017
The US is planning to slash foreign aid to Sri Lanka this year apparently to underscore its displeasure about the Colombo government’s recent investment deals with China.
India, China attempt to reset relations after border crisis
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 12 September 2017
India and China sought to use last week’s BRICS heads of government summit to “reset” their relations after almost coming to blows during a 73-day border standoff.
Sri Lanka’s port deal with China increases concerns in US and India
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 30 August 2017
The US has been pursuing a military and strategic buildup against China and wants Sri Lanka kept in its orbit.
Amid high tensions, North Korea fires intermediate-range missile over Japan
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2017
US and South Korean military commanders reportedly agreed to an early, tough response, including “military measures,” to demonstrate “the alliance’s strong will.”
India, China pull back from clash over Himalayan ridge
By Keith Jones, 29 August 2017
The principal factor in the deterioration of Indo-Chinese relations is India’s integration into Washington’s military-strategic offensive against China.
US threatens Pakistan as part of new Afghan war drive
By Keith Jones, 24 August 2017
Trump’s threats include closer cooperation with Pakistan’s arch-rival India, which has repeatedly boasted of its readiness to mount military raids inside Pakistan even if they risk provoking all-out war.
US hits China, Russia with punitive sanctions over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2017
The targeting of Chinese companies makes clear that Washington is exploiting the tense standoff with North Korea as part of its wider confrontation with Beijing.
US takes major step toward trade war with China
By Nick Beams, 21 August 2017
Stephen Bannon has been forced out as Trump’s chief strategist, but his agenda of economic warfare against China has been taken up by the administration.
Amid India-China war crisis, Washington boosts strategic ties with New Delhi
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 19 August 2017
Washington’s intervention in the conflict heightens the danger that an Indo-China border clash could draw in the US and other powers, with catastrophic consequences.
IMF sharpens its warning on “dangerous” Chinese debt growth
By Nick Beams, 18 August 2017
According to the IMF, the increased Chinese debt, resulting from government efforts to stimulate the economy, could lead to a financial crisis.
China accelerates privatisation of state-owned enterprises
By Gary Alvernia, 18 August 2017
The conversion of SOEs to joint-stock companies is a form of back-door privatisation that will intensify the attacks on Chinese workers’ jobs and conditions.
Earthquake in China kills 25
By Robert Campion, 18 August 2017
Since the devastating quake in Sichuan Province in 2008, little has been done to address the quality of building materials in the countryside.
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.
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