China
Anti-China witch-hunt targets former Australian foreign minister
By Peter Symonds, 28 September 2016
The attack on Carr, an establishment figure with strong ties in Washington, is a sign that nothing less than full support for the US war drive against China will be tolerated.
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.
China completes majority purchase of Greece Piraeus port
By John Vassilopoulos, 2 September 2016
The sale of the port is part of the wider privatisation programme imposed by the EU and the IMF to raise funds towards the repayment of the country’s vast mountain of debt.
War clouds overhang Obama’s Asian trip
By Peter Symonds, 1 September 2016
Obama will attend international summits in China and Laos amid escalating geo-political rivalries, particularly between Washington and Beijing.
Australian establishment discusses prospect of US-China war
By James Cogan, 1 September 2016
ASPI began with the question “under what circumstances would Australia join in a war against China?”
Nepal’s Maoist prime minister walks a tightrope between India and China
By W.A. Sunil, 24 August 2016
The political turmoil in the small landlocked country has been fuelled by rising US-driven geo-political tensions across Asia.
US-South Korean war games inflame Asian tensions
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2016
While nominally aimed against North Korea, the exercises consolidate Washington’s military alliance with Seoul as it makes preparations for conflict with China.
Japan plans missile deployment in East China Sea
By Ben McGrath, 19 August 2016
Tokyo intends to design and construct its longest-range missile to cover the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, further risking clashes with Beijing.
Chinese-South Korean tensions rise over THAAD anti-missile deployment
By Ben McGrath, 15 August 2016
South Korea is lining up more explicitly with Washington and its war drive in the region, using North Korea’s nuclear tests as a pretext.
Chinese power plant explosion kills 21
By John Braddock, 15 August 2016
The incident at a coal-fired plant is the most recent of the industrial disasters that kill and maim thousands of workers and residents in China each year.
Australian government blocks Chinese bids for electricity grid
By Mike Head, 13 August 2016
The decision highlights the dilemma facing the Australian ruling elite, which depends heavily on China economically but relies on the US militarily.
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos travels to China to conduct negotiations
By Joseph Santolan, 11 August 2016
Ramos’s trip highlights the contradictory nature of the current Philippine President Duterte’s attempt to balance between Washington’s “pivot to Asia” and trade ties with China.
Australian government faces “test” over Chinese bid for electricity grid
By Mike Head, 10 August 2016
Sharp differences have erupted over the Turnbull government’s looming decision on whether to permit State Grid to operate Sydney’s electricity supply.
“Thinking Through the Unthinkable”
RAND Corporation lays out scenarios for US war with China
By Peter Symonds, 5 August 2016
The RAND Corporation study provides further evidence that a US war against China is being planned and prepared in the upper echelons of the American military-intelligence apparatus.
China issues warning to Australia over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2016
The state-owned Global Times newspaper suggested that Australia would be “an ideal target for China to warn and strike” if it intruded in South China Sea disputes.
Anger mounts over government handling of floods in China
By John Braddock, 30 July 2016
With widespread media and internet reports accusing officials of negligence, Beijing is increasingly nervous about deepening social opposition.
US-China underwater rivalry in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 July 2016
While submarines play an important part in conventional warfare, the preoccupation of China and the United States is their role in a nuclear war.
US stokes divisions over South China Sea at ASEAN summit
By Peter Symonds, 25 July 2016
The Philippines and Vietnam are at loggerheads with Cambodia over a reference in the final communiqué to the recent UN-backed court ruling negating China’s maritime claims.
US vice president’s trip triggers debate on US-China conflict
By Mike Head and James Cogan, 23 July 2016
A full-scale US assault on China would almost certainly escalate into a nuclear war, in which millions would die.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan take opposed stands on Hague court’s anti-China ruling
By Deepal Jayasekera, 22 July 2016
While India has lined up behind Washington in supporting the provocative ruling issued in The Hague, Pakistan has backed China’s rejection of it.
US admiral holds “frank” talks in Beijing over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 20 July 2016
The Chinese regime is playing directly into Washington’s hands by resorting to its own reckless military measures that heighten the danger of conflict.
Manila responds to South China Sea ruling
By Joseph Santolan, 15 July 2016
The Duterte government has reacted to the ruling with caution, seeking to placate Washington and Beijing, while the Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines has escalated its attacks on China.
The Hague ruling: A dangerous step toward war
By Peter Symonds, 14 July 2016
The court decision on the South China Sea will heighten tensions and the risk that a minor incident spirals out of control and triggers a conflict between the US and China.
Despite South China Sea crisis, EU deepens relations with China
By Alex Lantier, 14 July 2016
EU officials are pointedly refusing to endorse US and Filipino claims against China in the South China Sea, as laid out in Tuesday’s court ruling in The Hague.
UN court to deliver decision on South China Sea disputes
By Peter Symonds, 11 July 2016
With a ruling imminent, the US has cranked up its propaganda apparatus and military activity in the South China Sea, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation with China.
US and South Korea agree on THAAD anti-missile system
By Ben McGrath, 11 July 2016
The installation will likely inflame tensions while continuing to stoke an arms race in East Asia.
Widespread destruction in China following floods
By Ben McGrath, 9 July 2016
At least 186 people have been killed, dozens remain missing and 32 million people have been affected overall.
Chinese Walmart workers engage in wildcat strikes
By Linda Tenenbaum, 8 July 2016
The strike has spread rapidly, with Walmart workers determined to reach out to their national and international co-workers.
US planners prepare air war on China
By Peter Symonds, 7 July 2016
The Mitchell Institute report released last week reveals the detailed character of the Pentagon’s preparations and plans for a conflict with China.
Chinese military drills ahead of South China Sea court ruling
By Peter Symonds, 6 July 2016
The military exercises are meant as a warning to the US, which has deliberately inflamed territorial disputes in the sea over the past six years.
China grapples with implications of Brexit vote
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2016
The British vote to leave the EU has undermined China’s strategy of using the UK as a stepping stone to Europe and has broader geopolitical ramifications.
Russian president seeks closer economic and strategic ties in Beijing
By Peter Symonds, 28 June 2016
The two countries are being driven closer together by fears of the growing danger of war posed by the United States.
Indonesian naval vessels clash with Chinese fishing boats
By John Roberts, 24 June 2016
Indonesia’s aggressive fisheries enforcement regime has been encouraged by Washington as it prepares to step up military and diplomatic pressure on China.
Two US aircraft carriers in war games in western Pacific
By Peter Symonds, 21 June 2016
The show of force is a sign that the US intends to ramp up its confrontation with China following an imminent ruling on the Philippine legal challenge to Beijing’s maritime claims.
US-China tensions rise amid major naval exercises
By Peter Symonds, 16 June 2016
The Malabar war games involving the US, Japanese and Indian navies are “complex, high-end, war-fighting exercises” aimed against China.
German unions call for steel trade war against China
By Jan Peters and Dietmar Henning, 16 June 2016
In a new burst of reactionary economic nationalism, the Social Democratic Party and German trade unions are calling for US-type trade war measures against China.
Chinese defence minister seeks to boost ties with Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 16 June 2016
In line with Washington’s “pivot” to Asia, India and Japan are attempting to undermine Chinese influence in Bangladesh and throughout the region.
IMF issues warning over growing Chinese debt problems
By Nick Beams, 14 June 2016
The IMF has described rising corporate debt in China as the key “faultline” in its economy, amid concerns it could have major “spillover” effects internationally.
US and Chinese military aircraft in second close encounter in East Asia
By Peter Symonds, 9 June 2016
The incident took place amid Washington’s increasingly aggressive stance toward Beijing over maritime disputes in the East China and South China Seas.
US confronts China over trade, investment in Beijing talks
By Peter Symonds, 7 June 2016
US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew set the tone for the annual dialogue with imperious demands that China slash overcapacity in steel and aluminium.
Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
Washington and Beijing draw battle lines over South China Sea
By James Cogan, 6 June 2016
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter threatened that China “could end up erecting a Great Wall of self-isolation.”
Union of Concerned Scientists warns of US-China nuclear war
By Peter Symonds, 1 June 2016
While graphically warning of the danger of nuclear conflict, the UCS has no proposal to prevent it—other than a vain hope in a diplomatic solution.
China prepares to send nuclear submarines into Pacific Ocean
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2016
Chinese submarines will be deployed in an effort to prevent Beijing’s nuclear arsenal being wiped out in an American nuclear first strike.
The danger of nuclear war between the US and China
By Peter Symonds, 30 May 2016
A conspiracy of silence reigns over the preparations for war, aimed at deadening the consciousness of the population to the rising risks of nuclear conflict.
Indian warships enter South China Sea
By Deepal Jayasekera, 28 May 2016
While aggressively pursuing New Delhi’s own strategic ambitions, the Indian naval patrol is in line with the US “pivot to Asia” and preparations for war against China.
Obama seeks Vietnam military ties amid rising tensions with China
By Bill Van Auken, 23 May 2016
Part of the discussions in Hanoi will involve the pre-positioning of US military hardware at bases used four decades ago to wage war on the Vietnamese people.
Spy plane “intercept” highlights US push for South China Sea confrontation
By Mike Head, 20 May 2016
Allegations that Chinese aircraft “unsafely” intercepted a US surveillance plane underscore Pentagon calls for a “trigger” for conflict with China.
Growing warnings over Chinese debt
By Nick Beams, 18 May 2016
The IMF has reported that one sixth of Chinese business loans are on the books of companies earning less revenue than their interest payments.
The queen’s China “gaffe”
By Robert Stevens, 16 May 2016
The state visit by China’s Xi Jinping to Britain last year proceeded despite trenchant complaints from sections of the military and intelligence apparatuses.
US official stokes border tension between India and China in the Himalayas
By Kumaran Ira, 7 May 2016
The US Consul in Kolkata provocatively endorsed India’s territorial claims against China to a strategic Himalayan region.
India opens talks with US on waging war on Chinese submarines
By Deepal Jayasekera, 7 May 2016
The US-India talks on anti-submarine warfare mark an important further step in realizing Washington’s aim of making India a “frontline” state in its military-strategic offensive against China.
US-backed Chinese separatists, dissidents meet in Dharamsala, India
By Kumaran Ira, 6 May 2016
American sponsored dissident groups held a conference last weekend in the midst of escalating war threats against China.
Under Chinese pressure, India cancels visa to Uyghur separatist Dolkun Isa
By Kumaran Ira, 28 April 2016
India canceled a visa for US-backed Uyghur separatist Dolkun Isa to attend a conference in Dharamsala.
US warplanes sent near disputed South China Sea reef
By Peter Symonds, 27 April 2016
The use of American ground attack aircraft and special forces helicopters near a Chinese-claimed islet was designed to send a menacing message to Beijing.
China debt levels reach record high
By Nick Beams, 26 April 2016
China’s debt levels have risen rapidly since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, with some analysts warning that the country may experience a “Lehman” disaster.
Indian air chief calls growing Chinese influence a strategic threat
By Kanda Gabriel, 22 April 2016
India’s alignment with Washington’s anti-China “pivot” is inflaming explosive military and national-ethnic tensions across South Asia.
US defence secretary sends menacing message to China
By Peter Symonds, 16 April 2016
Carter used his visit to the Philippines to unveil the basing of US military forces in the country and again blame China for mounting tensions in the South China Sea.
Australian prime minister skirts controversy in China
By James Cogan, 16 April 2016
Turnbull carefully avoided any contentious public remarks on the US-China confrontation in the South China Sea.
Stimulus measures ease slowdown in Chinese growth
By Nick Beams, 16 April 2016
While government stimulus measures helped to ease the slowdown in Chinese growth, trade figures continued to slump, reflecting stagnation in the world economy as a whole.
The US to further expand its military presence in the Philippines
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2016
As US-China tensions mount, Defence Secretary Carter signalled Washington’s intention to seek access to more Philippine military bases.
India-US military cooperation “robust and deepening”
By K. Ratnayake, 14 April 2016
India has “agreed in principle” to allowing the US military to make routine use of its bases and ports—a major step in making it a “frontline state” in Washington’s preparations for war with China.
US defence secretary’s trip to Asia sets stage for new provocations against China
By Peter Symonds, 13 April 2016
Carter arrives in the Philippines to send a message to Beijing that the South China Sea is “a core American strategic interest.”
Australia’s prime minister to make state visit to China
By James Cogan, 13 April 2016
Despite the hype about exciting economic opportunities in China, Turnbull faces fraught issues on trade and Australia’s involvement in the US military buildup in Asia.
CSIS report argues for strong US-Japan-Australia alliance against China
By Peter Symonds, 9 April 2016
The Washington think tank’s proposed “federated defence” is nothing but a system of military alliances to prepare for war with China—akin to the alliances that preceded the previous two world wars.
US provocations against China threaten world war
By Andre Damon, 8 April 2016
The United States has sharply escalated its standoff with China, leading the New York Times to conclude that a “confrontation seems increasingly likely.”
Panama Papers highlight nexus between wealth and power in China
By Peter Symonds, 7 April 2016
Family members of current and former Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, have set up offshore companies in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands.
Obama’s nuclear summit underscores danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 2 April 2016
The aim of US “non-proliferation” policy is not to rid the world of nuclear bombs but to ensure the US retains its nuclear dominance over any potential rival.
Chinese mineworkers arrested after protest on unpaid wages
By John Ward, 1 April 2016
The police crackdown points to Beijing’s fears of social unrest amid a slowing economy and plans for mass sackings across basic industry.
Arrests follow call for Chinese President Xi’s resignation
By Peter Symonds, 26 March 2016
An open letter by “loyal Communist Party members” called on President Xi to resign all positions and blamed him for China’s “unprecedented problems and crises.”
Chinese government’s phony anti-poverty plan
By John Ward, 25 March 2016
The announcement at the National People’s Congress of a 43 percent increase in poverty alleviation funds is to deflect attention from growing social inequality.
Indonesia accuses China of encroaching on its territory
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 23 March 2016
Last weekend’s incident involving Chinese and Indonesian vessels is a sign of the acute tensions being generated by Washington’s intervention in South China Sea disputes.
Argentina sinks Chinese fishing vessel
By Bill Van Auken, 17 March 2016
The attack on the Chinese ship has triggered the first foreign policy crisis for Argentina’s new right-wing president.
China: Thousands of coal miners protest over unpaid wages
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2016
The protests are a sign of the acute social tensions building up as the economy slows and the government prepares to axe millions of jobs.
As Chinese exports plunge
IMF issues new warning on global economy
By Nick Beams, 10 March 2016
The sharp fall in Chinese exports reflects a decline in global trade that has been expressed as well in US trade data.
Chinese finance minister calls for easier dismissals under labour laws
By Peter Symonds, 10 March 2016
With the Chinese government planning to sack millions of workers, Finance Minister Lou Jiwei complained that the legal system made it too difficult to dismiss employees.
US-South Korean militaries rehearse pre-emptive strikes on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2016
This year’s joint war games are based on a new operational plan that includes pre-emptive attacks on North Korean missile and nuclear sites and “decapitation” raids to kill its leaders.
US moves to harness India to anti-China “pivot”
By Keith Jones, 8 March 2016
Washington is determined to make India a “frontline state” in its drive to strategically isolate, encircle and potentially wage war against China.
Chinese premier outlines plans for accelerated pro-market restructuring
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2016
The Chinese Communist Party’s only “plan” is to further open the economy for private investment, both foreign and domestic, in the hope that it will drive economic growth.
US sends aircraft carrier to challenge China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 5 March 2016
The dispatch of a US carrier strike group is part of a wave of provocations over China’s alleged militarisation of the South China Sea.
China and Brazil: Two expressions of the deepening capitalist breakdown
By Nick Beams, 4 March 2016
As the “BRICS model” of economic growth disintegrates, conditions are emerging for another financial crisis.
UN Security Council imposes harsh US-sponsored sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 4 March 2016
The punitive new measures will intensify North Korea’s economic and social crisis and greatly heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
Chinese government prepares to sack millions of workers
By John Ward and Peter Symonds, 3 March 2016
The emergence of huge overcapacities in China’s basic industries is intimately bound up with the continuing worldwide economic slump.
Australian Greens cover up Defence White Paper plans for war on China
By Mike Head, 3 March 2016
The Greens, who once postured as an anti-war party, have sent another signal of their readiness to support the US-led military build-up against China.
Imperialism intensifies pressure on Russia and China
By Andre Damon, 2 March 2016
Leading strategists of US imperialism increasingly see the fomenting of national secessionist movements as a means to destabilize and subjugate the Eurasian land mass.
Ex-Australian PM calls for “freedom of navigation” challenge to China
By Peter Symonds, 2 March 2016
Abbott’s comments are part of growing demands for the Australian government to mount a military intrusion into Chinese-claimed territory in the South China Sea.
Chinese slowdown continues amid plans for major job cuts
By Nick Beams, 2 March 2016
Fears of where the global economy is heading led former British Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls to warn of “echoes of the 1930s.”
US, China agree to new UN sanctions on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2016
The draft resolution contains measures reportedly the strictest in 20 years and will further heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
Pentagon inflates “China threat” to justify massive build-up in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 27 February 2016
The only conclusion that can be drawn is that advanced preparations are being made for war with China.
Strike at Chinese steel plant points to impact of global slump
By John Ward, 27 February 2016
A stoppage at a Guangzhou stainless steel factory highlights the mounting resistance of Chinese workers to deepening attacks on jobs, wages and conditions.
Mounting US pressure on China over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 24 February 2016
The Chinese foreign minister’s visit to Washington was preceded by planted media stories grossly exaggerating the threat of Chinese “militarisation.”
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