Taking the high road: India infrastructure drive counters China

China’s renaming of the Indian frontier village of Zemithang, in the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked tension between the two Asian powers. The area remains disputed to this day, and both India and China have launched major construction drives to reinforce their positions. While India has increased its defence capabilities and invested in connectivity projects to boost civilian presence, Beijing has developed “xiaokang”, or well-to-do villages, along the Line of Actual Control, which New Delhi fears could be used for dual purposes in the event of a conflict.

US lawmakers query Shein, Adidas, Nike over Uyghur rights concerns

US lawmakers have sent letters to Adidas, Nike, Shein, and Temu seeking reassurances about their supply chains and compliance with US law. The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has cited witness testimony alleging that Nike and Adidas might be sourcing materials from China’s Xinjiang region, where human rights abuses are alleged to occur. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers urged securities regulators to require Shein to attest it does not use forced Chinese labour as a condition of a public offering.

China warns US and South Korea against ‘provoking confrontation’ with North Korea

China has warned the US and South Korea against provoking confrontation with North Korea, after President Biden and his South Korean counterpart warned that Pyongyang would face the end of its leadership if it uses its nuclear arsenal. China’s foreign ministry urged all parties to play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue, and not to deliberately stir up tensions or provoke confrontation. The ministry also condemned Washington’s decision to strengthen the US security shield for South Korea and warned that it could undermine regional peace and stability.

Chinese spirit maker ZJLD’s IPO raises HK$4.5 Billion despite rocky start to trading

ZJLD Group, the holding company for four of Wu Xiangdong’s liquor brands, has raised around HK$4.5 billion in Hong Kong’s largest IPO of the year. Despite falling short of the hoped-for HK$5.5 billion, the proceeds are still more than half of what the Hong Kong stock exchange generated from IPO offerings in Q1 2023. The popularity of baijiu in China has propelled demand, making it the most consumed spirit in the world, and its major producers the most valuable distilleries.

Why are the US and China fighting over chips?

The US has blocked China’s access to advanced semiconductors, citing national security. Semiconductors are crucial to the development of advanced technology and weapons, making them a key target. Chinese chip companies stockpiled components ahead of the US export controls, but the sanctions have started to hurt, drying up China’s talent pool and forcing companies to slash jobs and freeze expansion plans. China has reacted with defiance and vowed to accelerate its efforts to become self-reliant on semiconductors, but experts say it may take much longer to achieve its goal in the face of such curbs.

Taiwan to prepare for Chinese blockade in annual war drills

Taiwan’s military will hold annual war game simulations in July to practice intercepting warships and combating a Chinese blockade of the island, according to the defence ministry. The drills will include computer war games in May tackling “various possible actions of the enemy’s invasion of Taiwan” and partial live-fire exercises in July. The military will practice “joint anti-blockade on the main external waterways to maintain the safety of marine transportation routes and counter the enemy’s blockade,” said Major General Lin Wen-huang. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland.

China says Taiwan publisher under national security investigation

Taiwanese publisher Li Yanhe, who went missing during a visit to Shanghai, is under investigation for suspected national security crimes, according to Chinese authorities. Li’s Gusa Publishing has published books on history and politics critical of China’s ruling Communist Party, including a history of alleged Chinese oppression in the western region of Xinjiang and a title on Beijing’s global propaganda efforts. The case follows the formal pressing of secession charges against Taiwanese activist Yang Chih-yuan by Chinese authorities.

China charges Taiwanese man with ‘secession’

Taiwanese man Yang Chih-yuan, who was held by Chinese authorities for eight months, has been charged with “secession”, a move condemned by Taipei as a violation of rights aimed at creating fear. Yang is vice-chair of a minor political party that advocates Taiwan’s independence. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election and has arrested several Taiwanese people, including Yang. Taiwan’s government has urged China to release Yang and to “cautiously evaluate the risk” of going to China.

China approves coal power surge despite emissions pledge: Greenpeace

China’s surge in coal power approvals has raised concerns that it will backtrack on its emissions reduction goals, with local governments in energy-hungry provinces approving at least 20.45 GW of coal-fired power in Q1 2023, more than double the same period last year. Greenpeace warns that investing in fossil fuel plants to prepare for the spike in air conditioning will create a vicious cycle and accelerate climate change. The country is also the world’s largest producer of renewable energy, but the need for short-term economic growth is diverting investment away from renewable energy projects.

Scramble for public toilet paper in China leaves foreign netizens stunned

Chinese human rights activist Zeng Jinyan recently shared a video of people scrambling for toilet paper outside a public restroom in Chongqing. The viral footage left foreign netizens astonished, with some questioning the behavior and the practice of placing toilet paper outside restrooms in China.