China
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.
The Philippines takes South China Sea dispute to UN tribunal
By Joseph Santolan, 31 January 2013
The case represents a further ratcheting up of tensions between China and other regional claimants to the South China Sea.
Chinese media on war footing
By a correspondent from China, 28 January 2013
Chinese TV, newspapers and Internet blogs promote militarism and war.
US inflames island dispute between Japan and China
By Peter Symonds, 22 January 2013
Clinton’s comments were a thinly-disguised warning that the US could intervene if China continued to challenge Japanese control over the contested islands.
Further strikes in China as economy slows
By John Chan, 21 January 2013
China’s growth rate slowed to 7.8 percent in 2012, putting pressure on employers to cut costs.
Japanese government boosts military spending
By Peter Symonds, 17 January 2013
With Washington’s encouragement, Japan’s new government is pursuing an aggressive diplomatic and military strategy against China.
Chinese media censorship sparks protest
By Will Morrow, 14 January 2013
Southern Weekend journalists protested against the re-writing of the paper’s New Year’s Eve editorial by a local propaganda official.
Japan, Philippines boost ties as tensions with China escalate
By Joseph Santolan, 12 January 2013
The meeting was calculated to defuse long-standing historical objections to Japanese expansionism throughout the South East Asian region.
Island dispute continues to fuel China-Japan tensions
By Peter Symonds, 8 January 2013
While the latest incidents have not escalated into a dangerous diplomatic row, each had the potential to do so.
Chinese government imposes new Internet censorship law
By Will Morrow, 7 January 2013
The main purpose is to stifle online political discussion and the use of social media to organise protests.
China’s red aristocracy
By John Chan, 31 December 2012
Economic and political power in China is concentrated in the hands of a tiny super-rich elite associated with the Communist Party.
Unpaid wages spark strikes in China
By John Chan, 29 December 2012
Amid an economic slowdown, a number of strikes and protests have erupted.
New Chinese leader signals further pro-market restructuring
By John Chan, 18 December 2012
Xi’s trip to southern China replicated Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 “southern tour,” which accelerated the restoration of capitalism.
Air incident escalates Japan/China tensions over disputed islands
By Peter Symonds, 15 December 2012
Both countries have exploited the issue to stir up nationalism to divert attention from a worsening economic and social crisis at home.
Global tensions overshadow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
By John Chan, 14 December 2012
The push by China and Russia for greater Eurasian economic integration is coming into direct conflict with US interests.
Chinese leadership tries to revamp its corrupt image
By John Chan, 12 December 2012
The campaign seeks to dampen widespread public hostility to the regime’s endemic corruption and prepare the ground for a pro-market offensive.
South China Sea disputes flare up
By Peter Symonds, 5 December 2012
The Philippines and Vietnam have condemned new Chinese regulations to permit the boarding of foreign ships in what Beijing regards as its territorial waters.
Chinese journalist arrested for reporting homeless children’s deaths
By Oliver Campbell, 28 November 2012
Li Yuanlong’s arrest is a warning that the new Communist Party leadership will be ruthless in suppressing political dissent.
China’s leadership announces new anti-corruption campaign
By John Chan, 27 November 2012
The regime is not only fearful that corruption will fuel a working class rebellion, but is exploiting the issue to push through its pro-market agenda.
Twenty years since Deng Xiaoping’s “Southern tour”—Part 2
By John Chan, 27 November 2012
On his 1992 tour, Deng made no secret of his embrace of capitalism.
Twenty years since Deng Xiaoping’s “Southern tour”—Part 1
By John Chan, 26 November 2012
The tour became a key turning point in the process of capitalist restoration in China.
China: Homeless children found dead in rubbish bin
By Oliver Campbell, 24 November 2012
The gulf between circumstances of the children and the lavish surroundings of the recent Communist Party congress highlights the deep social divide in China.
A significant report on the global economy
By Nick Beams, 23 November 2012
China and India will not be able to provide the basis for a new period of global growth
Push for pro-market reform after Chinese Communist Party congress
By John Chan, 23 November 2012
International and local business elites are pressing for a new round of economic restructuring in China, especially targeting state enterprises.
China’s new leaders: Profiles of oligarchs
By John Chan, 21 November 2012
The seven Politburo members represent the new property-owning elite created by the regime’s program of restoring capitalism over the past 30 years.
China’s new leadership—a regime of crisis
By John Chan, 19 November 2012
The economy is markedly slowing and the US is waging an offensive to block China’s rise as a potential rival.
Chinese Communist Party unveils new leadership
By John Chan, 16 November 2012
All factions have agreed that the regime is heading for a confrontation with the working class.
Beijing’s phony campaign for social equality
By John Chan, 14 November 2012
The Chinese leadership is gearing up for a new round of privatisation and pro-market restructuring.
Chinese president’s speech points to uncertainty and crises ahead
By John Chan, 9 November 2012
Despite the show of unity at the CCP congress, deep divisions remain over domestic and foreign policy.
Asia Europe Meeting in Laos marked by economic and strategic tensions
By Joseph Santolan, 9 November 2012
The ASEM gathering was dominated by the worsening economic crisis in Europe and the growing US confrontation with China.
Chinese Communist Party congress: An oligarchic gathering
By John Chan, 8 November 2012
The wealth of the top CCP leaders is a carefully guarded secret, because of the mounting popular hostility toward these self-proclaimed “people’s servants.”
Chinese Communist Party congress preceded by expulsions
By John Chan, 7 November 2012
Despite the eventual agreement to expel Bo Xilai in order to allow the congress to proceed, enormous tensions remain within the leadership.
China’s leadership change
By John Chan, 5 November 2012
Whoever prevails in the Chinese Communist Party congress, their mandate is to carry out an onslaught on the living standards of the working class.
Protests in Chinese city halt multi-billion chemical project
By John Chan, 2 November 2012
Local residents are deeply concerned that pollution from the Ningbo Chemical Industrial Zone has led to rising rates of cancer and other diseases.
Corruption allegations hit Chinese premier on eve of Communist Party congress
By John Chan, 1 November 2012
Allegations like those that brought down disgraced official Bo Xilai have surfaced against Premier Wen Jiabao.
Island dispute between Japan and China grows more tense
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2012
By encouraging Japan to aggressively assert its interests, the Obama administration is responsible for the current tensions with China.
China’s economic growth slows to lowest level in three years
By John Chan, 19 October 2012
The latest growth figures underscore the fact that China is not immune from the breakdown gripping the world economy.
Economic fallout of Japan-China island dispute widens
By John Chan, 17 October 2012
The escalating diplomatic row between China and Japan led to a boycott of IMF/World Bank talks in Tokyo by top Chinese financial officials.
US stokes China-Japan dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu islands
By Alex Lantier, 16 October 2012
Washington is deepening its support for Japan in its standoff with China over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.
Foxconn strikes and the global class struggle
By John Chan, 10 October 2012
The unbearable conditions at Foxconn parallel those that fuelled the recent strikes by South African miners and Bangladeshi garment workers.
Growing world slump overshadows IMF-World Bank meeting
By Nick Beams, 9 October 2012
The annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank which starts in Tokyo today comes amid growing signs of a major economic downturn.
39 killed in Hong Kong ferry disaster
By Will Morrow, 8 October 2012
In the worst maritime disaster in Hong Kong for 40 years, a ferry boat rapidly sank after colliding with a privately operated vessel.
China’s Foxconn rocked by more labour unrest
By John Chan, 8 October 2012
Workers making the new iPhone at the Zhengzhou plant have been forced to work over 20 hours of overtime per week and to meet strict quality standards.
IMF chief warns: China-Japan dispute threatens world economy
By John Chan, 8 October 2012
The conflict between the governments in the world’s second and third largest economies over disputed islands in the East China Sea could compound global economic turmoil.
China’s sweatshops exploit students
By Louis Zou, 2 October 2012
Students are increasingly being exploited as a source of cheap labour for major corporations operating in China.
China: Bo Xilai expelled from the Communist Party
By John Chan, 29 September 2012
While an agreement in the top Chinese leadership has been made about Bo’s fate, none of the bitter inner-party factional differences have been resolved.
Japan and China face off in island dispute
By Peter Symonds, 26 September 2012
Despite talks between Chinese and Japanese officials, tensions remain high over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.
Thousands of Foxconn workers clash with security guards in China
By John Chan, 25 September 2012
In a sign of rising social tensions, the Chinese authorities deployed thousands of police to suppress the protest.
Amid rising tensions, US defense secretary visits China and Japan
By Peter Symonds, 22 September 2012
While appealing for calm between Japan and China, Panetta took further steps to bolster the US-Japan alliance, exacerbating an already tense standoff.
Oppose Chinese and Japanese nationalism
By John Chan, 21 September 2012
Both governments have seized on the dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands to whip up chauvinism to deflect attention from deepening social and economic crises at home.
Mounting anti-Japanese protests in China
By John Chan, 19 September 2012
Both the Chinese and Japanese governments have stirred nationalist “public opinion” to such levels that it could drive them into a military confrontation.
The strange absence of China’s vice president
By John Chan, 15 September 2012
The disappearance of the president-in-waiting, Xi Jinping, from public view points to bitter factional infighting within the Chinese Communist Party regime.
Chinese president’s top aide sidelined
By John Chan, 14 September 2012
The ousting of President Hu Jintao’s right-hand man, Ling Jihua, earlier this month is another indication of sharp factional infighting before the upcoming CCP congress.
Tensions between China and Japan flare over disputed islands
By Peter Symonds, 13 September 2012
The dispute has the potential to escalate into a dangerous confrontation between the world’s second and third largest economies.
Chinese military conducts long-range missile tests
By Mark Church, 12 September 2012
The Chinese missile tests are a response to the US military build-up in Asia and fears that China’s nuclear arsenal is vulnerable to an American “first strike.”
Clinton stokes up tensions with China on tour of Asia
By Peter Symonds, 11 September 2012
Far from being a voice of moderation, Clinton used her trip to further undermine and isolate China, stoking disputes particularly over the South China Sea.
More than 80 killed by earthquakes in southwestern China
By Oliver Campbell, 10 September 2012
The impact of the quakes has been magnified by shoddy building standards, poor transport infrastructure, and limited rescue and relief operations.
Open letter demands Chinese premier’s removal
By John Chan, 8 September 2012
The letter underscores the sharp factional differences within the Chinese Communist Party prior to its upcoming congress.
China: Sixty killed in two mine disasters
By Mark Church, 7 September 2012
Two mine explosions have claimed 45 and 15 lives respectively, once more demonstrating the dangerous conditions in Chinese mines.
Clinton pressures Beijing over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2012
The blunt reactions of Chinese officials and the media point to deepening resentment at the Obama administration’s aggressive intervention into the region.
Clinton intervenes at Pacific Islands Forum
By Tom Peters, 4 September 2012
Washington is asserting itself throughout the Pacific region and stoking tensions with China.
German chancellor visits China
By Stefan Steinberg, 1 September 2012
At the center of the latest Sino-German talks were appeals from Berlin for financial support by China to prevent a collapse of the euro zone.
China: Bo’s wife given suspended death sentence
By John Chan, 23 August 2012
The sentence was undoubtedly a political decision made at the top level in Beijing, amid sharp factional struggles prior to the upcoming 18th Chinese Communist Party congress.
New York Times backs reckless US intervention in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2012
The editorial cynically blames China for the dangerous tensions in the strategic waters that the Obama administration has deliberately stoked in the past two years.
China stirs anti-Japanese protests over disputed islands
By John Chan, 20 August 2012
Both governments are exploiting the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute to whip up chauvinist sentiment and divert from growing social tensions at home.
China slowdown deepens global crisis
By Nick Beams, 16 August 2012
Data showing a marked slowdown in the Chinese economy have a global significance for they make clear that the economic breakdown is deepening and extending to all parts of the world.
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