China
China records lowest growth in 24 years
By Will Morrow, 21 January 2015
China’s economy is racked by mounting debt and productive overcapacity, resulting from the stimulus measures adopted by the Chinese regime since the 2008 crash.
Japanese government boosts military spending
By Will Morrow, 16 January 2015
The government left no doubt that the increase is part of preparations for war with China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping targets CCP party factions
By Ben McGrath, 14 January 2015
In the name of fighting corruption, Xi Jinping is going after political rivals in order to pursue more pro-market restructuring.
Japan: New laws to loosen restrictions on the military
By Ben McGrath, 5 January 2015
If passed, the legislation will give the government far broader scope to go to war in the name of “collective self-defense.”
New Year’s Eve stampede in Shanghai kills 36
By Will Morrow, 5 January 2015
The government’s refusal to take basic safety precautions for the New Year celebrations created the conditions for the tragedy.
US imposes new sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2015
The entire Sony hacking affair has the character of a US concoction deliberately designed to heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Vietnam backs Philippine case against Chinese maritime claims
By John Roberts, 30 December 2014
Hanoi rejected China’s claims in the South China Sea and called on the court to take Vietnam’s interests into consideration.
China challenges US economic war against Russia
By Alex Lantier, 23 December 2014
In a move that will intensify tensions between the United States and China, top Beijing officials pledged to extend credit and economic aid to Russia.
Chinese president visits New Zealand
By Tom Peters, 10 December 2014
Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit was part of Beijing’s efforts to counter the US “pivot to Asia.”
Former Chinese security chief arrested on corruption charges
By Peter Symonds, 8 December 2014
President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign is part of his pro-market agenda of opening up the Chinese economy as well as a means to remove key factional rivals.
UK and China clash over Hong Kong
By Julie Hyland, 4 December 2014
A significant section of the ruling elite in Washington and London are using the dispute over Hong Kong’s status to encourage the dismemberment of China.
Dozens killed in separate Chinese mine explosions
By Ben McGrath, 1 December 2014
The latest tragedies make a mockery of Beijing’s claim it is working to improve conditions for miners.
The Australian Greens and “human rights” imperialism
By James Cogan, 29 November 2014
At the recent G20 summit, the Greens singled out Chinese President Xi Jingping to present a protest letter on “human rights”—in line with Washington’s confrontational stance towards Beijing.
Police crack down on Hong Kong protest site
By Peter Symonds, 27 November 2014
Police cleared protestors from Mong Kok with a massive show of force that resulted in the arrest of at least 148 people.
Chinese and Indian leaders hold competing visits to Fiji
By Tom Peters, 27 November 2014
The two high-profile visits to the Pacific island country came amid increasing geo-political rivalry, fuelled by US imperialism’s “pivot to Asia” against China.
US intervenes in South China Sea dispute
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2014
Washington’s posturing as an honest broker in the longstanding, competing claims involving China and its neighbours is completely cynical.
Markets rise as global economic outlook worsens
By Nick Beams, 25 November 2014
The Chinese central bank’s decision to cut interest rates and a speech by the European Central Bank president point to deteriorating conditions in the world economy.
Russia and China expand economic cooperation
By Clara Weiss, 21 November 2014
An alliance between Russia and China is emerging in response to the US-led Pacific and Atlantic trading blocs and the Russia-NATO confrontation over Ukraine.
Chinese president seeks to use trade to counter US “pivot”
By James Cogan, 18 November 2014
Xi’s speech in the Australian parliament yesterday was a carefully-crafted response to President Obama's bellicose reaffirmation of the “pivot” last Saturday.
Huge growth in China’s shadow banking system
By Douglas Lyons, 15 November 2014
China’s shadow banking sector now ranks as the third largest in the world, according to a report by the Financial Stability Board.
Harper’s Beijing trip highlights Canadian-Chinese tensions
By Keith Jones, 13 November 2014
Harper, himself a neoconservative ideologue, and his Conservatives have repeatedly voiced suspicions over “Communist China’s” intentions.
ASEAN summit opens in Myanmar
By Joseph Santolan, 13 November 2014
The summit’s first day was marked by an avoidance of the question of the South China Sea.
Japanese and Chinese leaders hold first meeting in Beijing
By Ben McGrath, 11 November 2014
Abe’s brief talks with Xi are not a sign of an easing of Tokyo’s agenda of reviving Japanese militarism.
India criticises Chinese submarine visits to Colombo
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 10 November 2014
By objecting to Chinese vessels docking in Sri Lanka, the Indian government is clearly acting with Washington’s support.
New warnings of war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 5 November 2014
A report released this week draws details scenarios that could trigger a conflict in the East China Sea.
US blocks Australian participation in China-backed bank
By Nick Beams, 4 November 2014
Washington’s intervention, objecting to the bank on strategic grounds, points to the escalating military drive against China.
Chinese Communist Party plenum pushes pro-market agenda
By Ben McGrath, 27 October 2014
The Chinese leadership used the plenum to tighten its grip on power and to continue the drive for more extensive pro-market restructuring.
US and China clash over infrastructure bank
By Nick Beams, 27 October 2014
The US is campaigning against participation by Australia and other regional powers in an Asian infrastructure bank set up by China.
German business demands further opening of Chinese market
By Gustav Kemper, 23 October 2014
The third round of German-Chinese government consultations took place in Berlin on October 10.
Hong Kong protests continue after televised debate
By Peter Symonds, 22 October 2014
The discussion between government officials and protest leaders reached no agreement on the framework for the 2017 election for chief executive.
Police clash with Hong Kong protesters
By Peter Symonds, 15 October 2014
Having taken no action against the protests last week, the Hong Kong government is now seeking to dismantle the protest sites, step by step.
Hong Kong protests swell after talks called off
By Peter Symonds, 11 October 2014
Protest leaders threaten to escalate their actions unless the government responds to their demand for full and open elections in 2017.
Hong Kong protests dwindle ahead of talks
By Peter Symonds, 9 October 2014
Talks tomorrow are unlikely to reach any agreement, but have already served the government’s purpose in defusing the protests.
Growth estimates revised down ahead of IMF-World Bank meetings
By Nick Beams, 8 October 2014
Such reductions have been a regular occurrence since the eruption of the global financial crisis in 2008.
Hong Kong government issues ultimatum to protesters
By Peter Symonds, 6 October 2014
While refusing to end the protests, the student leaders eased the blockade of government buildings and held initial talks with administration officials.
Hong Kong protests ebb
By Peter Symonds, 4 October 2014
Protesters came under attack from thugs who took advantage of growing public frustration over the disruption to daily life.
SEP (Sri Lanka) to hold antiwar meetings in Galle, Gampaha and Hatton
4 October 2014
SEP/IYSSE meetings will discuss the threat of a third world war and the international socialist program to fight it.
Hong Kong chief executive seeks to defuse protests
By Peter Symonds, 3 October 2014
In his effort to end the protests, Leung had the support of sections of the official opposition that are just as fearful as Beijing of spiralling social unrest.
Washington partially lifts ban on the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam
By Joseph Santolan, 3 October 2014
The announcement marks a significant escalation of Washington’s war drive against China.
Student leaders threaten to escalate Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 2 October 2014
The pressing social issues facing working people in Hong Kong find no expression in the demands advanced by the parties and organisations dominating the protests.
Mass protests continue in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 1 October 2014
The tense standoff continues after Hong Kong’s chief executive ruled out any compromise and protesters ignored his demand to clear the streets.
Protests in Hong Kong continue after riot police withdraw
By Ben McGrath and Peter Symonds, 30 September 2014
The attacks on peaceful protesters, far from breaking up the crowds, only provoked broader anger and prompted others to join in.
Hong Kong police crackdown on protests
By Ben McGrath, 29 September 2014
The Occupy Central organization has stepped in to ensure that the protests remain limited to the narrow demand for open chief executive elections.
Chinese president visits Sri Lanka to strengthen strategic ties
By Deepal Jayasekera, 20 September 2014
President Xi’s South Asian tour is an attempt to counter aggressive moves by the US and Japan to line up countries in the region behind the US “pivot” against China.
Malaysia offers its military facilities for US spy planes
By Peter Symonds, 16 September 2014
If US military aircraft do begin to operate from Malaysia, the move would mark a significant shift by Kuala Lumpur toward Washington.
Hong Kong protests denounce Beijing’s anti-democratic plans
By Ben McGrath, 3 September 2014
While granting “one person, one vote,” Beijing will retain effective control of the 2017 election for Hong Kong’s chief executive by closely vetting candidates.
Fears of “a new cold war” and conflict in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 26 August 2014
The increasingly volatile situation in Asia is provoking a degree of nervousness in Washington, including among those directly responsible for creating it.
Australia: Clive Palmer advised on the civil way to demonise China
By James Cogan, 25 August 2014
For all the sound and fury against Palmer, the reality is that the US-led pivot has, from the beginning, been justified by falsely denouncing China as a danger.
US condemns China over close aerial encounter
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2014
The Chinese intercept of a US spy plane took place 200 kilometres from Hainan Island, home to sensitive Chinese air and naval bases.
Philippine Supreme Court controversy: A revealing glimpse into Washington’s machinations
By Joseph Santolan, 22 August 2014
The entire Jardeleza affair reveals the colonial-level control which Washington exercises over Philippine politics, over Manila’s legal case against China in particular.
Major dip in China’s property market
By Nick Beams, 20 August 2014
If the fall in Chinese house prices continues, it will have a major impact on the financial system and the broader economy.
Australian mining magnate’s outburst against “Chinese mongrels”
By Peter Symonds, 20 August 2014
Palmer was declaring openly and crassly what is being discussed behind closed doors as part of the preparations for war against China.
US war drive in Asia continues apace
By Peter Symonds, 16 August 2014
Even as the US engages in provocations against Russia and in the Middle East, the Obama administration is proceeding with its “pivot to Asia” against China.
New Zealand opposition parties campaign on anti-Chinese xenophobia
By Tom Peters, 16 August 2014
Labour and other opposition parties are campaigning against Chinese land purchases to divert attention from pressing social issues and to align with the US war drive against China.
Signs of serious problems in Chinese and Japanese economies
By Nick Beams, 15 August 2014
The sharp slowdown in credit expansion in China and the contraction in Japan will impact on the world economy.
Earthquake in southern China leaves nearly 400 dead
By Ben McGrath, 5 August 2014
Eyewitnesses described the scenes as resembling a battlefield after bombardment.
Deadly auto parts plant explosion in China
By Ben McGrath, 4 August 2014
A blast at an aluminum plant in eastern China on Saturday morning has left 71 dead and nearly 200 injured.
Influential Washington think tank pushes US war drive in the South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 2 August 2014
The worsening tensions in the South China Sea have been fueled at every turn by Washington, with the CSIS think tank playing a leading role.
China’s former security chief Zhou Yongkang investigated for corruption
By Joseph Santolan, 30 July 2014
Zhou, an ex-member of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top leadership body, is the highest-ranking official ever to be brought up on corruption charges.
BRICS bank decision highlights growing divisions among major powers
By Nick Beams, 19 July 2014
The move by the BRICS summit to set up a development bank and emergency fund reflects dissatisfaction with US dominance of the global financial system.
Chinese president seeks closer ties with South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 9 July 2014
The developing relationship between China and South Korea has led to questions about Seoul’s relations with Washington.
German chancellor makes her seventh visit to China
By Ulrich Rippert, 9 July 2014
As on previous visits, the chancellor was accompanied by a business delegation.
Socialism and the Fight Against Imperialist War
Statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International
3 July 2014
One hundred years after the outbreak of World War I and 75 years after the start of World War II, the imperialist system is once again threatening humanity with a catastrophe.
UK’s People’s Assembly stages anti-austerity protest
By Paul Mitchell, 24 June 2014
The purpose of the People’s Assembly protest was to sow illusions in the trade unions, which have not lifted a finger to fight austerity.
China’s premier signs major trade deals with Greece
By John Vassilopoulos, 24 June 2014
A total of 271 private meetings were held between the Greek delegation and Chinese investors.
China-Vietnam talks fail to end tensions over oil rig
By Ben McGrath, 24 June 2014
As part of its “pivot to Asia,” the US has deliberately stoked territorial disputes between China and its neighbours, including Vietnam.
China seeks to woo India’s new right-wing government
By Deepal Jayasekera, 14 June 2014
Beijing is trying to counter US and Japanese attempts to draw India more tightly into their campaign to isolate and militarily encircle China.
Washington drives escalating tensions in South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 13 June 2014
As part of its “pivot to Asia”, the US is pressing Vietnam and the Philippines to challenge China in the South China Sea.
Thai junta holds talks with Chinese military, investors
By Tom Peters, 13 June 2014
The Thai delegation to Beijing will be closely watched by Washington, which considers Thailand a key ally in its “pivot to Asia” against China.
Australian Senate committee discusses threat of US-China war
By Mike Head, 11 June 2014
Behind the backs of the public, a discussion is taking place about the likelihood of Australia being involved in a US war for domination over the Asia-Pacific.
Close encounter between Japanese and Chinese military planes
By Ben McGrath, 28 May 2014
China scrambled fighters in response to Japanese planes monitoring a joint Chinese-Russian naval exercise in the East China Sea.
Russian president forges stronger ties in China
By Peter Symonds, 23 May 2014
It is precisely Washington’s confrontation strategy in Asia as in Eastern Europe that is driving China and Russia into a closer relationship.
US pushes cyber-war confrontation with China
By Patrick Martin, 20 May 2014
The Justice Department indicted five officers of the Peoples Liberation Army on 31 counts of computer hacking and economic espionage.
Anti-Chinese protests erupt in Vietnam’s industrial zones
By Peter Symonds, 16 May 2014
The protests follow Hanoi’s xenophobic campaign against a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea.
Further warnings on Chinese property markets
By Nick Beams, 14 May 2014
The “housing construction frenzy” in China has reached its “highest peak in human history” over the past three years.
Vietnam and Philippines escalate maritime disputes with China
By Mike Head, 13 May 2014
Continuing clashes between Vietnamese and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea highlight the potential for a wider conflict.
Leaked plans highlight China’s fear of a new Korean war
By Ben McGrath, 12 May 2014
The contingency plans detail the Chinese response to the collapse of the North Korean regime and a US-led invasion.
Tensions flare between China and Vietnam in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 8 May 2014
The positioning of a Chinese oil rig in disputed waters has been the immediate trigger for a confrontation between Vietnamese and Chinese vessels.
A bombing in China’s Xinjiang province
By Peter Symonds, 6 May 2014
There are growing fears in Beijing that the US will exploit separatist movements among China’s ethnic minorities to destabilise the country.
Strike by Chinese footwear workers shut down
By Alan Leigh, 1 May 2014
State-controlled trade unions, local officials and the police worked to pressure striking Yue Yuen workers back to work.
Wall Street Journal outlines US military options against China
By Tom Peters, 30 April 2014
The Pentagon has drawn up plans to deploy nuclear-capable bombers and aircraft carriers off the Chinese coast.
Forty thousand workers strike at shoe manufacturer in southern China
By Joseph Santolan, 19 April 2014
The Yue Yuen strike is described by China Labor Watch as “likely one of the largest Chinese worker strikes in recent history.”
Australian PM pushes for free trade deal with China
By Peter Symonds, 15 April 2014
The trip was generally praised in the Australian media, simply because Abbott managed to avoid any diplomatic rows with Beijing.
US defence secretary’s provocative tour of Asia
By Peter Symonds, 12 April 2014
Hagel’s trip has been an emphatic declaration that the US will not back away from its “pivot to Asia” against China, even as its confrontation with Russia over Ukraine intensifies.
US defence secretary clashes with Chinese counterpart
By Peter Symonds, 9 April 2014
The public display of hostility is another warning of the dangerous tensions that the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia” has provoked throughout the region.
Growing danger of Chinese credit collapse
By Nick Beams, 4 April 2014
China experienced an expansion of credit unprecedented in world economic history—equivalent to the size of the entire US banking system.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits France
By Kumaran Ira, 2 April 2014
Despite the massive trade deals signed between China and France, relations between the two countries are dominated by rising geo-strategic tensions.
More signs of a weakening Chinese economy
By Nick Beams, 25 March 2014
The fall in a key manufacturing index points to a continuing slowdown in China.
Edward Snowden exposes NSA spying against Chinese telecom firm Huawei
By Tom Carter, 24 March 2014
The NSA has been doing to the Huawei telecommunications firm exactly what the US government has routinely accused the Chinese company of doing.
Provocative remarks by US Pacific fleet commander fuel disputes with China
By Nick Beams, 21 March 2014
A senior US admiral invokes the Crimea crisis to accuse China of expansionism.
Chinese real estate developer on brink of collapse
By Nick Beams, 20 March 2014
Concerns about the property market point to wider problems in China’s economy and financial system.
Concerns mount over Chinese growth and financial stability
By Nick Beams, 17 March 2014
Is the Chinese financial system heading for a “Lehman moment”—the equivalent of the US investment bank failure that triggered the 2008 global financial crisis?
Iron ore price slump points to mounting Chinese economic problems
By Nick Beams, 12 March 2014
A sharp drop in the price of iron ore this week cast a shadow over global financial markets amid concerns about the state of the Chinese economy.
China: IBM workers strike against sale of business to Lenovo
By Tom Peters, 7 March 2014
Workers at IBM-owned factory in Shenzhen fear that the new owner will reduce wages and conditions and cut staff.
China treads cautiously after pro-US coup in Ukraine
By James Cogan, 5 March 2014
The response of China to the US- and European Union-backed coup in Ukraine, and Russia’s subsequent intervention to maintain control over the Crimean peninsula, is being closely monitored by political leaders and strategic analysts around the world. Any decision by Beijing to openly support Moscow’s actions would dramatically escalate the global tensions that now exist.
China: Uighur separatists blamed for railway station killings
By Peter Symonds, 4 March 2014
Attackers armed with long knives killed 29 travellers and employees at Kunming railway station in southwestern China.
US and Japanese troops train for war against China
By Peter Symonds, 28 February 2014
US imperialism, following its wars of aggression in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, is preparing for a new and more terrible conflict against China.
Australian government eyes purchase of Triton drone aircraft
By James Cogan, 25 February 2014
Triton drones would vastly expand the area of the Indian and Pacific Oceans under surveillance by the Australian military.
Another US provocation: Obama meets the Dalai Lama
By Peter Symonds, 24 February 2014
The meeting was designed to reinforce US support for the Tibetan government-in-exile and the threat to China of Tibetan separatism.
UN report on North Korea targets both Pyongyang and Beijing
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2014
The UN’s catalogue of horrors is designed to stampede public opinion behind stepped-up US provocations against Pyongyang and intensify the pressure on China.
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