China
Japan steps up campaign against Chinese air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 10 December 2013
The Japanese government is intensifying the pressure on China by soliciting support in South East Asia to oppose Beijing’s ADIZ and convene an international meeting on the issue.
South Korea declares air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 9 December 2013
Tensions continue to flare between US allies—Australia, Japan and South Korea—and China over disputed air defence zones in North East Asia.
China’s neo-Maoists hail North Korea’s nuclear program
By John Chan, 9 December 2013
China’s leading neo-Maoist web site Utopia falsely proclaimed the bankrupt North Korean regime as a “bastion against imperialism.”
New Zealand calls for “constructive dialogue” on Chinese air defence zone
By Tom Peters, 7 December 2013
The government’s response reflects the dilemma facing the ruling class as it seeks to balance between its chief trading partner, China, and its longstanding ally, the US.
Biden lectures Chinese leaders on “human rights”
By John Chan, 6 December 2013
Biden’s hypocritical invocation of “human rights” will only compound the tensions between the US and China over the latter’s air defence zone in the East China Sea.
As tensions in Asia mount, danger of world war emerges
By Nick Beams, 6 December 2013
With the centenary of the outbreak of World War I approaching, the prospect of a third world war is increasingly being raised in the establishment media.
Biden-Xi meeting fails to resolve East China Sea crisis
By John Chan and Peter Symonds, 5 December 2013
High tensions over the Chinese air defence identification zone in the East China Sea continue after yesterday’s meeting between the US vice-president and Chinese president produced no agreement.
US vice president backs Japan over China’s air defence zone
By Peter Symonds, 4 December 2013
The US seized on the Chinese ADIZ to strengthen its alliances with Japan and South Korea, as part of its “pivot” to Asia.
US vice-president to lay down law to China
By Peter Symonds, 3 December 2013
The prime responsibility for last week’s flare-up of tensions in the East China Sea lies with Obama’s “pivot to Asia” aimed at undermining China economically and militarily.
US vice-president begins Asian tour as tensions with China continue
By John Chan, 2 December 2013
China’s declaration of an air defence zone will top the agenda during Biden’s trip to Japan, China and South Korea.
Tensions escalate over Chinese air defence zone
By John Chan, 29 November 2013
Miscalculations in the current situation could quickly lead to a clash involving Chinese warplanes with those from Japan, the US or South Korea.
Chinese officials downplay stand-off with US in East China Sea
By John Chan, 28 November 2013
Chinese officials said there should not be a “fuss” after Washington flew B-52 bombers into an air defence zone China established in the East China Sea.
US sends B-52s to China’s air defence zone
By John Chan, 27 November 2013
Far from being a “routine” flight, the B-52 mission was a risky challenge to China that threatened to trigger a military clash.
Heightened tensions over China’s air defence zone
By John Chan, 26 November 2013
Beijing’s creation of a new zone in the East China Sea is a response to Washington’s “pivot to Asia” and Japan’s rearmament.
China announces “air defence identification zone” in East China Sea
By John Chan, 25 November 2013
The Obama administration criticised the Chinese air defence zone and reiterated that the US-Japan Security Treaty will apply if war breaks out between China and Japan over the disputed Senkaku islands.
China releases sweeping market reform blueprint
By John Chan, 23 November 2013
Global financial markets have responded with enthusiasm to the 60-point agenda that will open up lucrative business opportunities.
American think tank envisages blockading China with missiles
By Mark Church, 23 November 2013
The Rand Corporation report points again to the advanced preparations for war as part of the US pivot to Asia.
China creates new National Security Committee
By John Chan, 20 November 2013
The body will bring China’s military, intelligence, public security, and foreign policy agencies under President Xi Jinping’s direct control.
Chinese Communist Party unveils pro-market “Reform 2.0”
By John Chan, 13 November 2013
There will be further privatisations and millions more jobs lost, while divisions remain in the top party leadership over the future of the largest state firms.
Chinese Communist Party plenum to unveil “free market” blueprint
By John Chan, 8 November 2013
Beijing is desperately seeking to lift economic growth, presently 7.5 percent a year, by boosting foreign investment.
China and Japan hold rival military exercises
By John Chan, 6 November 2013
Massive exercises, staged not far from the disputed Diaoyu/Senkakus islands, have become the focal point for a war of words between Tokyo and Beijing.
Chinese court rejects Bo Xilai’s appeal
By Peter Symonds, 28 October 2013
The trial of the CCP Politburo member was bound up with sharp differences within the state bureaucracy over economic policy.
Chinese premier visits Vietnam
By John Roberts, 28 October 2013
The trip was part of a diplomatic offensive by the Chinese leadership in South East Asia aimed at countering the US “pivot to Asia.”
US stages show of naval force in the South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 26 October 2013
The presence of an aircraft carrier battle group was designed to shore up the US diplomatic position in Asia after Obama’s no-show at key regional summit meetings.
Taiwan’s ruling party mired in political crisis
By John Chan, 16 October 2013
Underlying the political infighting is Taiwan’s deteriorating economy and differences over the Cross-Strait Services Trade Agreement with China.
US-China tensions flare over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 11 October 2013
The Chinese premier and US secretary of state traded verbal blows over the South China Sea at yesterday’s East Asia Summit.
US-Japan talks escalate war preparations against China
By Peter Symonds, 5 October 2013
The talks announced deployments of hi-tech US weaponry to Japan and a green light for Japanese remilitarisation, in the framework of “a more robust alliance”.
Staggering growth of billionaires in China
By John Watanabe, 3 October 2013
The staggering growth in the worth of these ultra-wealthy individuals testifies to the widening social gulf between rich and poor.
China protests British and US interference in Hong Kong
By John Chan, 28 September 2013
Britain and the US are provocatively exploiting the issue of democratic rights in the territory to exert pressure on China.
China: Ex-CCP Politburo member Bo Xilai given life sentence
By John Chan, 24 September 2013
Bo was given a life sentence for accepting millions of dollars of bribes from two businessmen.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation warns against US-led war on Syria
By John Chan, 19 September 2013
The Russian- and Chinese-led summit reflects mounting geo-political tensions with the US, first and foremost over Syria and Iran.
Sino-Japanese tensions flare over disputed islands
By John Chan, 16 September 2013
Both Japan and China engaged in risky military manoeuvres on the anniversary of Tokyo’s nationalisation of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
Volkswagen opens plant in Chinese province of Xinjiang
By Philipp Frisch, 16 September 2013
Concern is mounting in Germany about Volkswagen's over-reliance on the Chinese car market.
China’s former security chief under investigation
By John Chan, 11 September 2013
The decision to target Zhou Yongkang is bound up with the new stage of pro-market restructuring being pushed through by the Chinese leadership.
China warns against a repeat of the Iraq war in Syria
By John Chan, 31 August 2013
While Beijing has officially called for caution, sections of the Chinese media are calling for active opposition to a US war on Syria.
Bo Xilai denies corruption charges
By John Chan, 27 August 2013
The state media sought to portray the trial as an example of China’s “rule of law,” rather than a political prosecution against a major factional figure.
China: Bo Xilai trial signals new wave of market “reform”
By John Chan, 22 August 2013
Fearing public discussion about the corrupt character of the entire “red” aristocracy, the CCP has kept the scale of the charges against Bo relatively small.
Chinese security analyst questions “no first use” nuclear policy
By John Chan, 15 August 2013
In response to a growing US military threat, Professor Shen Dingli argued that China should not rule out a first nuclear strike.
No maritime agreement at ASEAN meeting
By John Chan, 8 August 2013
China is resisting US pressure for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
China to audit government debt “black hole”
By John Chan, 6 August 2013
As a result of Beijing’s 2008 stimulus package, unsustainable local government debts could destabilise the world’s second largest economy.
The revival of Japanese militarism
By Peter Symonds, 3 August 2013
Japanese militarism has been deliberately encouraged by the Obama administration as part of its “pivot to Asia”, aimed at encircling China militarily.
Japan scrambles fighters against Chinese plane in East China Sea
By John Chan, 26 July 2013
Japan scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday after a Chinese military aircraft flew between the main island of Okinawa Prefecture and Miyako Island, south of Japan.
IMF warns of growing risks to China’s financial system
By John Chan, 25 July 2013
The IMF pointed to the widely-cited fears over China’s total loan issuance.
US-China dialogue in shambles
By John Chan, 20 July 2013
Despite China’s concessions on economic issues, the talks descended into disagreement.
China and Russia hold naval exercise in Sea of Japan
By Ben McGrath, 16 July 2013
Naval drills between China and Russia, monitored by nearby US and Japan aircraft, highlight the growing tensions in North East Asia.
Tighter Chinese credit policy threatens financial instability
By John Chan, 11 July 2013
Economists estimate that the cut in credit will be equivalent to the size of the Vietnamese economy, further slowing growth.
South Korean president conducts “charm offensive” in China
By Ben McGrath, 3 July 2013
The South Korean and Chinese presidents discussed North Korea’s nuclear programs as well as boosting economic relations.
Chinese workers detain US businessman for a week
By Oliver Campbell, 29 June 2013
The incident provides a glimpse into the social tensions being generated by the slowdown of the Chinese economy.
US-China tensions flare over Snowden’s revelations
By John Chan, 27 June 2013
The anger in Beijing over the security implications of NSA hacking has been compounded by US threats following Snowden’s departure from Hong Kong.
Credit crunch hits China
By John Chan, 22 June 2013
The dramatic credit tightening in China since early June points to an emerging financial crisis with global implications.
China uses NSA revelations to highlight US hypocrisy on cyber security
By John Chan, 20 June 2013
Beijing will quickly dump Edward Snowden if his presence in Hong Kong begins to threaten China’s own police-state measures.
Edward Snowden reveals US computer hacking aimed at China
By John Chan, 14 June 2013
Former CIA employee Edward Snowden has revealed that the US has been hacking targets within Hong Kong and China.
Relatives protest over Chinese poultry factory fire deaths
By John Chan, 11 June 2013
In response to rising public anger over workers’ deaths, the Chinese authorities are implementing “Weiwen” (“maintain stability”) measures to silence protests.
China’s president visits Mexico and Central America seeking economic ties
By Don Knowland, 10 June 2013
Chinese President Xi arrived following a similar tour by US Vice President Joseph Biden.
Chinese president appeals to Obama for “new type of great power relations”
By John Chan, 10 June 2013
Xi Jinping tried to reassure Washington that China has no intention of challenging US global dominance.
US, Chinese presidents hold two-day discussion in California
By Joseph Santolan, 8 June 2013
Washington is ratcheting up the pressure on Beijing, demanding significant economic and geo-strategic concessions.
Chinese strategic review warns of “big power competition” in Asia-Pacific
By John Chan, 6 June 2013
A new Chinese military think tank points to the “uncertainty” of China’s strategic environment in the face of the aggressive US “pivot” to Asia.
Global capitalist crisis drives China’s pro-market reform
By John Chan, 5 June 2013
The third round of “market reform” will drive the Chinese regime into an explosive confrontation with the Chinese working class.
Chinese poultry slaughterhouse fire kills more than 100 workers
By Mike Head, 4 June 2013
More than 300 workers were inside the Baoyuan plant in northeastern China when the fire broke out.
US defence secretary outlines military build-up in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 3 June 2013
Obama’s “pivot” involves strengthening US military ties, as well as restructuring military forces, throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Visiting Europe, Chinese premier demands Japan return “stolen” territories
By John Chan, 29 May 2013
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang used the Potsdam Declaration to challenge Japanese sovereignty over the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands.
Washington steps up hacking allegations against China
By Niles Williamson, 29 May 2013
On Monday the Washington Post published a list compiled by the Pentagon’s Defense Science Board of US military systems allegedly compromised by Chinese hacking.
Armed stand-off, mounting tensions, in the South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 29 May 2013
A new confrontation is rapidly developing between the Philippines and China over a dispute involving a shoal in the Spratly Islands.
China tells North Korea to resume talks on nuclear program
By Ben McGrath, 28 May 2013
Fearing a pretext for even more aggressive US policies against China, Chinese officials told North Korea to resume the six-party talks.
Chinese Premier Li signals new pro-market reforms before European tour
By John Chan, 25 May 2013
The reforms aim to force productivity increases and reduce the size of the state sector, moves that will inevitably further impoverish the Chinese working class.
Washington’s hacking charges escalate pressure on China
By Alex Lantier, 21 May 2013
The New York Times on Monday published a front-page article reiterating unsubstantiated allegations that the Chinese military is carrying out cyberwarfare against US corporations.
China challenges Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa
By John Chan, 18 May 2013
China’s state-owned People’s Daily published a provocative article last week implicitly asserting Chinese claims over Okinawa.
Canada’s NDP denounces China, signals support for Obama’s “Asia Pivot”
By Graham Beverley, 18 May 2013
The NDP has mounted its campaign against Chinese investment in Canada to convince the US ruling elite that they will find in it a reliable ally in their war preparations against China.
Taiwan stages naval drills as tensions mount with Manila
By Joseph Santolan, 17 May 2013
Diplomatic relations between Taipei and Manila have rapidly worsened in an escalating war of words, sanctions and military exercises.
At least 40 killed in two coal mine explosions in China
By John Watanabe, 15 May 2013
The latest disasters underscore the continued absence of basic safety protections for Chinese mining workers amid the relentless drive by the government and companies for higher profit and output.
Thousands protest over migrant worker’s death in Beijing
By John Chan, 13 May 2013
The suspicious death of a young female migrant worker sparked demonstrations in the Chinese capital.
Growing signs of a financial crisis in China
By John Chan, 10 May 2013
There are growing concerns about China’s slowing economy and the fragility of its financial system.
Pentagon accuses China of cyber attacks
By John Chan, 9 May 2013
The 2013 annual Pentagon report on the Chinese military depicts China as an aggressor threatening global cyber security and regional stability in Asia-Pacific.
California governor Brown travels to China
By Julien Kiemle and Marc Wells, 6 May 2013
Governor Brown’s recent trip to China aims at attracting Chinese capital with promises of poverty wages in California.
Tensions rise in India-China border stand-off
By Deepal Jayasekera, 4 May 2013
The current border stand-off between India and China reflects the explosive political tensions unleashed by the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia.”
Border tensions between India and China escalate
By Deepal Jayasekera, 27 April 2013
India has alleged that a platoon of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intruded 10 kilometers into Indian territory.
China uses Boston bombing to appeal to US for unity
By John Chan, 26 April 2013
The Chinese media has appealed for a joint “war on terror” with the US as means of convincing Obama to ease up on his “pivot to Asia.”
Chinese defence paper warns of US “hegemonism”
By John Chan, 20 April 2013
Confronted by Obama’s aggressive “pivot to Asia” aimed at encircling China, Beijing has been forced to rethink its military doctrine.
Taiwan holds military exercises amid rising US-China tensions
By John Chan, 18 April 2013
Taiwan launched live-fire exercises this week, based on the premise of countering a Chinese attack on islands in the Taiwan Strait.
US Secretary of State blackmails China over North Korea
By John Chan, 15 April 2013
Kerry made clear that the US would continue to deploy advanced weapons in the region, unless Beijing “put some teeth” into forcing North Korea to denuclearise.
China confronts dilemma over Korean crisis
By John Chan, 10 April 2013
A debate has opened up in Chinese ruling circles over its longstanding alliance with North Korea.
Former Australian PM urges US-China rapprochement
By Patrick O’Connor, 10 April 2013
Rudd’s international tour reflects concerns in ruling circles about the growing danger of war between China and the US.
Australian PM’s China trip prepared by top-level, secret committee
By Peter Symonds, 6 April 2013
The committee’s purpose is to refocus all aspects of the Australian state apparatus on China as an integral part of Washington’s confrontational policies toward Beijing.
China: Suicide and strike at Foxconn
By John Chan, 4 April 2013
Amid China’s economic slowdown and falling exports, sharpening social tensions have been expressed in several strikes by workers.
A week of human carnage in China’s mines
By John Chan, 3 April 2013
Each of the three latest disasters occurred in a large enterprise directly owned and operated by the national government.
New Chinese president courts Africa
By John Chan, 28 March 2013
Xi declared that China would treat Africa as an “equal” partner, in contrast to the former colonial powers.
Chinese president’s “historic visit” to Russia
By John Chan, 26 March 2013
Mutual concern over US militarism is driving China and Russia into closer military and economic ties.
US intensifies pressure on China over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 March 2013
China has warned that the US boosting of anti-ballistic missile systems in the Asia Pacific will only intensify geo-political antagonisms.
China’s new premier to enforce “painful” market restructuring
By John Chan, 20 March 2013
Premier Li Keqiang has now joined the new CCP leadership as it prepares to implement a sweeping pro-business agenda.
China’s NPC installs new leadership
By John Chan, 18 March 2013
The two top leaders—President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang—set out their economic and foreign policy orientation in broad terms.
China’s new leadership signals more assertive foreign policy
By John Chan, 16 March 2013
While seeking to avoid any immediate confrontation with the US, China’s new president has emphasised the need to defend the country’s core interests.
Mounting economic instabilities loom over Chinese congress
By John Chan, 8 March 2013
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, as he stepped down, warned of an “unbalanced” and “unsustainable” economy.
Former top Obama official warns of “powder keg” in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 27 February 2013
Ex-assistant secretary of state Kurt Campbell described the escalating tensions between China and Japan as the most difficult situation he had faced.
Pakistan transfers strategic Gwadar port to China
By Sampath Perera, 26 February 2013
Indian opposition to the transfer of the Pakistani port to China points to the explosive geo-political tensions triggered by the US “pivot to Asia.”
US preparations for cyber war against China
By Peter Symonds, 23 February 2013
The demonisation of China as a global cyber threat follows a well-established modus operandi: it is to establish the pretext for new US acts of aggression.
US uses hacking allegations to escalate threats against China
By Barry Grey, 21 February 2013
The anti-China propaganda offensive is part of an aggressive expansion of US military capabilities, both conventional and cyber-based.
China presses Burma for Kachin peace deal
By John Roberts, 19 February 2013
Beijing has intervened to shore up its relations with Burma and to prevent the ethnic conflict from spilling into southern China.
Local government debts expose China’s financial instability
By John Chan, 16 February 2013
The surge of debt during 2012 is a sign of financial distress, as local governments struggle with a slowing economy, and borrow to repay existing loans.
Foxconn stages union elections: A trap for Chinese workers
By John Chan, 13 February 2013
The move—backed by the Chinese regime and Western corporate giants—is an attempt to avert a social explosion.
Tokyo accuses Chinese navy of “locking onto” Japanese targets
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2013
The latest Japanese claims come on top of months of escalating friction between the two countries following Tokyo’s “nationalisation” of the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
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