Chinese President Xi Jinping Vows To Go After ‘Ants And Flies’ In New Anti-Corruption Drive

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) on Jan. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)  

CNA: China's Xi vows intensified crackdown on corruption  

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to step up a crackdown on corruption in key sectors, including finance, energy and infrastructure, state media reported. 

Xi, who began his second decade as China's top leader in 2022 in a break with longstanding political norms, has waged a fierce campaign against corruption since taking power. 

Proponents say the campaign promotes clean governance, though critics counter that it serves as a vehicle for Xi to purge political opponents. 

In a speech to the ruling Communist Party's anti-graft agency, Xi ordered "greater efforts" to fight corruption in "finance, state-owned enterprises, energy, medicine and infrastructure", state news agency Xinhua reported late on Monday (Jan 8).  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like another purge is under way .... 'No one is safe': China’s war on corruption sees record purge of senior officials in 2023 (First Post). 

Chinese President Xi Jinping Vows To Go After ‘Ants And Flies’ In New Anti-Corruption Drive  

Xi stresses winning tough, protracted battle against corruption -- Xinhua  

Xi Jinping to go after ‘ants and flies’ as he intensifies his crackdown on firms -- CNN  

Xi Vows ‘No Mercy’ as He Deepens Graft Fight in Key Sectors -- Bloomberg

China's Spy Balloons Are Back

A suspected Chinese spy balloon moments after being shot down over South Carolina in February 2023. Randall Hill/Reuters  

Business Insider: China's back at it with its balloons 

* More Chinese spy balloons appear to be drifting around. 

* This time, Beijing is flying the balloons over neighboring Taiwan. 

* Last year, China sparked a diplomatic crisis when it floated a spy balloon over the US. 

China's high-altitude balloons are back. 

And this time Beijing is flying the balloons over neighboring Taiwan, possibly as an ominous warning message before the self-governing island's high-stakes elections. 

Last year, China floated a spy balloon above the continental United States, sparking a diplomatic crisis before the device was shot down by a US fighter jet. 

Since last month, Taiwan's defense ministry has reported more than a dozen sightings of balloons from China floating over the Taiwan Strait and into the island's airspace before ultimately disappearing.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Chinese are targeting Taiwan .... Taiwan slams Chinese balloons as safety threat, psychological warfare (Reuters). More here .... Taiwan slams Chinese balloons as aviation safety threat and 'cognitive warfare' (France 24).

Chinesed President Xi Urges China's Foreign Ministry To Create A 'Diplomatic Iron Army'

China's President Xi Jinping speaks at the "Senior Chinese Leader Event" held by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/Pool/File Photo  

Reuters: Xi urges Chinese envoys to create 'diplomatic iron army' 

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged Chinese ambassadors to forge a "diplomatic iron army" loyal to the Communist Party, reviving the abrasive "Wolf Warrior" rhetoric propagated by some diplomats as a sign of China's increasingly assertive foreign policy. 

"Dare to be good at struggle and to become defenders of the national interest. It is necessary to... resolutely safeguard the interests of national sovereignty, security and development with a posture of readiness and a firm will to defy strong powers," Xi told Chinese overseas envoys gathered in Beijing, state broadcaster CCTV reported. 

His remarks harked back to a more brash, confrontational style of rhetoric adopted by Chinese diplomats since 2020, which had been less prominent this year as China sought to attract foreign investment for its weakened economy.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Xi says China must fight ‘escalating oppression’ from West with ‘diplomatic iron army’ -- FOX News  

Update #2: China’s Leaders Seek to Raise Global Clout to ‘A New Level’ -- Bloomberg News  

WNU Editor: President Xi is signaling an aggressive foreign policy in 2024.

Chinese President Xi Tells The Coast Guard To Enforce Maritime Law

President Xi Jinping's visit to the coast guard base was reported by Chinese state television. (Photo taken from CCTV)  

SCMP: Xi Jinping calls on coastguard to enforce law and ‘resolutely defend’ China’s territorial sovereignty 

* Chinese president makes the remarks in visit to command office for East China Sea 

* He says they must crack down on criminal activities and safeguard maritime economy 

President Xi Jinping has called on the coastguard to enforce China's laws and "resolutely defend" its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. 

Xi made the remarks when he visited the coastguard's command office for the East China Sea in Shanghai on Wednesday. 

It comes after the Chinese coastguard has had several run-ins with neighbouring countries over disputed waters in the South China Sea, putting its activities in the region in the international spotlight.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Xi vows to protect China's maritime interests in coast guard visit (Nikkei Asia)  

Update #2: China's Xi tells coast guard to enforce maritime law (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: It looks like the Chinese President has just given the green light to his Coast Guard to confront any vessel that they feel is trespassing on Chinese sovereignty.

China Becoming Involved In The Israeli - Hamas War

China says Israel has gone ‘beyond self defense’ https://t.co/f00dGkRgbl via @YouTube

— War News Updates (@WarNewsUpdates) October 17, 2023

Politico: China says Israel has gone too far 

China’s official news agency reported on a diplomatic conversation with Saudi Arabia. 

China’s foreign minister said Saturday that Israel has gone too far in responding to last week’s invasion by Hamas, China’s official news agency reported. 

Speaking to Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Israel’s actions have extended beyond self-defense.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is positioning itself to play a major role in the Middle East after the Israeli - Hamas war has run its course. I am already seeing the alliance that China is building. An alliance that will include Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the Persian Gulf states. 

China Becoming Involved In The Israeli - Hamas War  

China says Israel's actions in Gaza are 'beyond self defense' as U.S. races to avert wider conflict -- CNBC  

In claiming neutrality, China picks a side in Israel-Hamas war -- Axios 

China Says Israel Has 'Gone Beyond Self-Defense' In Response To Hamas Attack -- Zero Hedge/Epoch Times  

China and Russia harden positions on Gaza as war stirs geopolitical tensions -- The Guardian

Chinese Defence Minister Under Investigation For Corruption

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu (far left) attends the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June. | REUTERS  

Reuters: Exclusive-Chinese defence minister under investigation for corrupt procurement 

Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who has been missing from public view for more than two weeks, has been placed under investigation by Chinese authorities, according to 10 people familiar with the matter. 

The investigation into Li relates to procurement of military equipment, according to a regional security official and three people in direct contact with the Chinese military. 

Reuters was unable to obtain details on which equipment purchases were under scrutiny.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There has been no confirmation from the Chinese government or media on the whereabouts of Defence Minister Li Shangfu. But this definitely does not look good. 

Chinese Defence Minister Under Investigation For Corruption  

China's defence minister under investigation for corrupt procurement, being removed from post: Reports -- CNA 

Missing Chinese defense chief signals turmoil in Xi's government -- Japan Times  

Li Shangfu: Top US envoy questions China defence minister’s absence -- BBC  

Speculation grows over whereabouts of China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu -- CNN

Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Not Attend The G20 Summit

 

The Guardian: China signals Xi Jinping will not attend G20 summit in India  

Analysts say absence could be snub to Delhi or part of apparent push by Beijing to elevate blocs not regarded as US-dominated 

Xi Jinping’s attendance at the G20 this weekend has been all but ruled out after China’s foreign ministry announced the team would be led by the country’s premier, Li Qiang. 

It will be the first time a Chinese leader has not attended the G20 leaders’ summit since the first was held in 2008, although Xi attended only virtually in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. 

The US president, Joe Biden, said last week that he hoped Xi would attend the summit in Delhi, but US officials played down the chances of the two leaders meeting after reports that Xi’s attendance was in doubt.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The G20 summit will still be important even though China and Russia will not be present .... Xi just handed the mic to Modi at the G20. But without Russia, China, it’s now a sideshow (The Print), but an alternative non-Western economic/political bloc like BRICS is President Xi's priority.  

Update: This was the message two days ago .... “Looking forward”; says White House on possible Biden-Xi meet at G20 (The Print). This is the message today .... Biden Says Disappointed China's Xi Will Not Attend G20 Summit (Reuters). 

 Chinese President Xi Jinping Will Not Attend The G20 Summit 

Xi to skip G20 summit in India, China to send Li instead -- Reuters  

China's Xi to Skip G20 Summit in India During Period of Soured Bilateral Relations -- VOA/AP 

China's President Xi to skip G20 summit in India -- France 24

China Removes Qin Gang As Foreign Minister

 

CNBC: China removes Qin Gang as foreign minister after one-month absence 

* Qin Gang, 57, made his last public appearance in Beijing on June 25, when he held talks with counterparts from Vietnam, Sri Lanka and key trade partner Russia. 

* He progressively rose up the ranks of Beijing’s diplomatic service, including a two-year stint as ambassador to the United States, before being promoted to lead the foreign ministry in December. 

Xi Jinping’s Beijing administration appointed China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to replace Qin Gang as foreign minister, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday, after the latter’s one-month absence. 

 No reason was given for the dismissal. 

Qin, 57, made his last public appearance in Beijing on June 25, when he held talks with counterparts from Vietnam, Sri Lanka and key trade partner Russia. 

He progressively rose up the ranks of Beijing’s diplomatic service, including a two-year stint as ambassador to the United States, before being promoted to lead the foreign ministry in December.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: He has been replaced by his predecessor, Wang Y. No reasons why he has been removed have been made public. 

As to what is my take. 

My gut told me last week that something was wrong. Chinese Foreign Ministers do not disappear like he did. 

 If it was due to family or health issues, the Chinese government would say so. Because they are silent tells me that he was removed because of a scandal or over a difference on a key Chinese foreign policy issue. 

Chinese media is only reporting on his removal, not on the reason why .... China's top legislature adopts a decision of removing Qin Gang as foreign minister, appoints Wang Yi as foreign minister (Global Times). 

China Removes Qin Gang As Foreign Minister  

China removes its outspoken foreign minister, fueling rumors of rivalries within the Communist Party -- AP  

China replaces foreign minister Qin after one-month absence -- Reuters  

China replaces foreign minister with predecessor amid speculation over weeks-long absence -- France 24  

Qin Gang: China removes foreign minister after unexplained absence -- BBC  

Xi Jinping’s foreign minister ousted after month-long unexplained absence from public view -- CNN  

China ousts foreign minister who has been missing for a month -- FOX News  

China removes its outspoken foreign minister, fueling rumors of rivalries within the Communist Party -- The Hill  

Still no sign of Qin Gang as China says foreign minister has been replaced -- The Guardian  

China sacks foreign minister not seen in public for weeks -- DW  

China replaces missing foreign minister Qin Gang with Wang Yi -- ABC News Australia  

China replaces Foreign Minister Qin Gang with Wang Yi -- Al Jazeera

Where Is China's Foreign Minister?

Qin Gang's sudden prolonged absence has sparked suspicions among netizens. China's opaque political system makes it hard to guess the reasons. pic.twitter.com/Mja2b7F8Ni

— DW Asia (@dw_hotspotasia) July 20, 2023

DW: What happened to China's missing foreign minister?  

Qin Gang has not been seen at any diplomatic events for over three weeks, just months after taking on the role. His mysterious absence has underlined the secrecy of Beijing’s top-level politics. 

As of Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been absent from the public eye for 24 days, marking more than three weeks since his last reported diplomatic meetings on June 25. 

At the relatively young age of 57, he became one of the youngest foreign ministers in Chinese history when he assumed office in December. He was, at the time, widely regarded as a trusted confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

His disappearance has brought up difficult questions for Beijing, both inside and outside of China.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This is not normal. Something is wrong. Some are speculating this is the reason why .... Top Chinese envoy vanishes amid rumours of an affair with well-known TV presenter (Daily Mail). 

Where Is China's Foreign Minister?  

Where Is China's Foreign Minister? Beijing Won't Clear Up the Mystery. -- New York Times  

Qin Gang: China's 'missing' foreign minister sparks guessing game -- BBC 

Where is Qin Gang? China’s foreign minister has not been seen in public for three weeks -- The Guardian 

Suspicion deepens as absence of China's foreign minister persists -- Reuters 

China foreign minister vanishes from public eye for 3 weeks -- Nikkei Asia  

China's missing Foreign Minister causing concern as speculation mounts over absence from key diplomatic events -- SKY News

Chinese President Xi Tells The military To Deepen War And Combat Planning

Xi Jinping delivers a message to the troops from the Eastern Theatre Command. Photo: Xinhua  

Reuters: China's Xi Tells Military to Deepen War, Combat Planning - Xinhua 

BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged the military to deepen war and combat planning to increase the chances of victory in actual combat, Xinhua news agency said, renewing his call to troops to safeguard China's sovereignty and territory. 

Xi said the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change and China's security situation has become more unstable and uncertain, according to state-run Xinhua, in comments he made to troops while on an inspection tour of the Eastern Theater Command.  

Read more ....  

Update: China’s Xi vows to step up war planning (RT)  

WNU Editor: China's relations with the U.S. over Taiwan are clearly going from bad to worse .... China accuses the US of turning Taiwan into a powder keg with its latest sales of military equipment (AP). And talk of war is increasing .... China is preparing for war (The Telegraph). 

As to what is my take. 

China is sending a message to the U.S. .... Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to military base puts concern over US intervention in Taiwan conflict in spotlight (SCMP). And to make their point they are doing this during United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to Beijing .... Keeping up pressure, China sends warships and fighter jets near Taiwan during Yellen's Beijing visit (AP).

China Continues To Stockpile Oil

OilPrice.com: Oil Prices Rise As China’s Crude Imports Jump 

Oil prices rose early on Wednesday as Chinese data showed crude imports into the world’s top oil importer jumped in May, recovering from a weak April. 

As of 8:13 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, ahead of the EIA weekly inventory report, WTI Crude prices were up by 0.99% at $72.45. The international benchmark, Brent Crude, traded at $76.98, up by 0.94% on the day. Following a slump on Tuesday, oil prices recovered some of the losses early on Wednesday, as China’s data showed crude oil imports jumped in May by 12.2% year-on-year and by 17.4% compared to April. 

China imported a total of 12.11 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in May, data from the General Administration of Customs showed, as refiners returned from maintenance and moved to stockpile crude. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is also stockpiling on gold and food thereby raising a lot of speculation on why .... Is China preparing for war? Soaring food, gold stockpiles an ominous sign (AsiaMarkets).

China Halts Plan To Build Floating Nuclear Power Plan In The South China Sea Over Security Fears

Computerised images show a proposed dock-based floating nuclear power plant. Photo: National Energy Offshore Nuclear Power Platform Technology Research Centre  

SCMP: China suspends plan to build floating nuclear reactors in the South China Sea 

* Final approval has been withheld for a mega platform intended to power remote islands and infrastructure in the region 

* After 10 years in development, ‘safety and feasibility’ remain top concerns for authorities, project scientists say 

The future of an ambitious Chinese plan to build a fleet of nuclear power reactors that would float on the waters of the South China Sea remained uncertain after authorities expressed security concerns, according to engineers involved in the project. 

With construction ready to begin, regulators have withheld final approval to build the nation’s first floating nuclear power plant, which was intended to generate electricity for critical marine infrastructure, some of it far from the mainland. “Floating nuclear power plants have various natural advantages and the technology to build them is ready. 

Both China National Nuclear Corporation and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation have been actively conducting research and development work. However, construction of China’s first floating nuclear power plant demonstration project has yet to be approved,” said a team led by senior engineer Wang Donghui from the National Energy Offshore Nuclear Power Platform Technology Research Centre. 

“Safety and feasibility are still the main concerns of the regulatory authorities,” Wang and his colleagues said in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Nuclear Power Engineering on May 25.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Nord Stream pipeline attacks has been a wake-up call for many countries, China included. 

China Halts Plan To Build Floating Nuclear Power Plan In The South China Sea Over Security Fears  

China halts floating nuclear power plan over security fears -- Global Construction Review 

China suspends plans to build floating NPP after Nord Stream explosions — newspaper -- TASS 

China delays nuclear plan over sabotage fears – media -- RT

President Xi Tells China’s National Security Chiefs To Prepare For ‘Worst Case’ Scenarios

A large image of Xi is seen on a screen at the opening of China's National People's Congress in Beijing on March 5, 2023 (Reuters). 

CNN: Xi Jinping tells China’s national security chiefs to prepare for ‘worst case’ scenarios

Hong Kong CNN — Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called on his top national security officials to think about “worst case” scenarios and prepare for “stormy seas,” as the ruling Communist Party hardens efforts to counter any perceived internal and external threats. 

“The complexity and difficulty of the national security issues we now face have increased significantly,” Xi said Tuesday at a meeting of the party’s National Security Commission, state news agency Xinhua reported. 

“We must adhere to bottom-line thinking and worst-case-scenario thinking, and get ready to undergo the major tests of high winds and rough waves, and even perilous, stormy seas,” he added.  

Read more .... 

President Xi Tells China’s National Security Chiefs To Prepare For ‘Worst Case’ Scenarios  

Xi Jinping tells national security team to prepare for 'worst-case scenario' -- The Week 

Xi Warns Military ‘be Ready for Worst-Case Scenarios’ – Xinhua -- Asia Financial  

Xi tells China’s security chiefs to prepare for ‘dangerous storms’ -- RT  

China facing ‘more complex’ security challenges, President Xi Jinping says, warns of ‘worst-case’ situation -- SCMP

G7 issued Its Strongest Condemnation Yet Of China

G7 issues strongest condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing https://t.co/5tdvGKlFqa

— Financial Times (@FT) May 20, 2023

Evening Standard: G7 issues condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing 

The G7 issued its strongest condemnation yet of China on Saturday, criticising the country’s “economic coercion” and urged a “peaceful solution” to tensions across the Taiwan Strait. 

In a joint statement, the G7 countries said they were concerned about China’s actions in the South China Sea and that they “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” 

The communique, released at the start of the three-day summit in Japan, added that they were prepared to build “constructive and stable" relations with Beijing while reducing their dependence on trade with the world’s second largest economy. 

The joint statement drew a quick reaction from Beijing, which complained to Japan as the summit organiser.  

Read more .... 

Update #1: G7 leaders discuss China's 'economic coercion' threat (NBC)  

Update #2: G7 urges China to ‘play by the rules’ citing ‘economic coercion’ (Al Jazeera) 

Update #3: G-7 Leaders Respond To China’s Economic Bullying At Hiroshima Summit, Warn Of 'Consequences' (Zero Hedge/Epoch Times) 

Update #4: The G7 is accusing China of 'economic coercion.' Here's why. (Business Insider) 

WNU Editor: Beijing has responded .... Beijing blasts G7 for hyping up China-related issues, interfering in China's internal affairs (Global Times). More here .... China expresses 'strong dissatisfaction' with G7 communique (CNA).

Making Fun Of The People's Liberation Army In Beijing Carries A Heavy Price Tag

The Chinese well-known comedy firm, Xiaoguo Culture Media Co., issued an apology on Monday, apologizing to the public for the controversy caused by its stand-up comedian HOUSE (also known as Li Haoshi)'s inappropriate metaphor during an offline performance. Photo: Sina Weibo  

SCMP: Chinese comedy troupe hit with US$2 million penalty for making jokes about People’s Liberation Army 

* Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media has been given an indefinite ban on performing in Beijing after a stand-up made fun of the army at a show in the capital 

* The city's regulator says a joke mocking a PLA slogan was 'humiliating' to the army while the police are now investigating the performance 

A Chinese entertainment group has been had been given a heavy financial penalty and had performances in the capital suspended after a stand-up comic made fun of the People's Liberation Army last week. 

"The company and actor Li Haoshi wantonly tampered with the preapproved content of the performance," the notice said. 

"There was humiliating material against the People's Liberation Army in two performances in the afternoon and evening of May 13, causing very bad social effects."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: No surprise. Chinese official media is supporting the fine .... Comedy firm fined $1.9m after stand-up comedian insults soldiers (Global Times). 

Making Fun Of The People's Liberation Army In Beijing Carries A Heavy Price Tag  

China fines comedy troupe $2m for joke about the military -- BBC 

A costly joke: China slaps comedy firm with $2 million fine for military gag -- NBC/Reuters  

China Fines Comedy Company $2 Million Over Army Joke -- AFP  

The joke that cost $2 million: China imposes huge fine for comedian’s army-themed quip -- CNN 

China fines comedy firm £1.68m over standup’s stray dog joke -- The Guardian

All Roads Now Lead To Beijing

© Photo: REUTERS/Florence Lo  

Pepe Escobar: All Roads Lead to Beijing  

This is the tale of two pilgrims following the road that really matters in the young 21st century; one coming from NATOstan and another one from BRICS. 

Let’s start with Le Petit Roi, Emmanuel Macron. Picture him with a plastic grin in his face strolling alongside Xi Jinping in Guangzhou. Following the – long and gentle – sound of classic “High Mountain and Flowing Water”, they enter the Baiyun Hall to listen to it played by the 1000-year-old Guqin (a beautiful instrument). They taste the fragrance of 1000-year-old tea – and muse on the rise and fall of great powers in the new millennium. 

And what does Xi tell Le Petit Roi? He explains that when you hear this eternal music played by this eternal instrument, you expect to be in the company of a bosom friend; you are in synch as much as the high mountain and the flowing water. That’s the deeper meaning of the ancient tale of musicians Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi, 25 centuries ago in the Kingdom of Chu: bosom friendship. Only bosom friends can understand the music.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: If I voiced a year ago that Beijing would broker a truce between Iran and Saudi Arabia, I would have been laughed out of the room. The Russia - Ukraine war has changed the geopolitical landscape, and we are seeing it through the rapid rise of China.

President Xi Jinping Says He Is Mobilizing China For A Large Scale War

Chinese President Xi Jinping during the closing session of the National People’s Congress, Beijing, March 2023. Noel Celis / Pool / Reuters 

 Foreign Affairs: Xi Jinping Says He Is Preparing China for War  

The World Should Take Him Seriously 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping says he is preparing for war. At the annual meeting of China’s parliament and its top political advisory body in March, Xi wove the theme of war readiness through four separate speeches, in one instance telling his generals to “dare to fight.” His government also announced a 7.2 percent increase in China’s defense budget, which has doubled over the last decade, as well as plans to make the country less dependent on foreign grain imports. And in recent months, Beijing has unveiled new military readiness laws, new air-raid shelters in cities across the strait from Taiwan, and new “National Defense Mobilization” offices countrywide. 

It is too early to say for certain what these developments mean. Conflict is not certain or imminent. But something has changed in Beijing that policymakers and business leaders worldwide cannot afford to ignore. If Xi says he is readying for war, it would be foolish not to take him at his word.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: To be fair. Chinese President Xi has been telling China to prepare for war for a very long time. From 2021 .... Xi Jinping orders China’s military to be ready for war ‘at any time’ (American Military News). 

But the mood in China is different this time. The U.S. and China have always had their differences, but House Speaker Pelosi's trip to Taiwan last year was IMHO the straw that "broke the camel's back". And what is worse is that I sense the lines of communication between Beijing and Washington are now being shut down, and the rhetoric only becoming more hostile and confrontational.

The Incredible Rise Of China As An Export Country

The unbelievable rise of China 🇨🇳!@Kanthan2030

pic.twitter.com/RBmmcG2NkY

— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) March 29, 2023

WNU Editor: Impressive.

Chinese Military-Linked Think Tank Foresees The End Of The Ukraine War This Summer

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Moscow, a trip Xi is still considering. © Reuters 

Zero Hedge: China Foresees End Of Ukraine War This Summer: Report 

A fascinating new report in Nikkei Asia has unearthed and detailed the findings of an elite Chinese state-linked think tank which reports directly to the People's Liberation Army. Nikkei in the context of examining the timing and motives behind China's 12-point peace plan said that Chinese military experts are predicting the Russia-Ukraine war will end this summer. 

To review, the 12-point plan urged implementation of a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations toward a permanent peaceful settlement, and was unveiled on the one-year Feb.24 anniversary of the war. But the Nikkei report asserts there's specific rationale driving Beijing: "The reason for China's sudden change can be traced back to a report issued two months earlier by a top think tank in Beijing."  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: I do not see the war winding down this summer. I actually see an escalation. But kudos to China for at least pushing a proposal to start negotiations .... U.S. And The EU Dismiss China's Peace Initiative To End The Ukraine War (February 24, 2023).

Chinese President Xi Elected By The National People's Congress For A Third Term

 

DW: China enters a new era as power centralizes around Xi  

Chinese President Xi Jinping cements his grip on power as parliament wraps up its legislative meetings. But Xi faces immense challenges in his third term. 

Chinese President Xi Jingping is cementing his power. After unanimously getting himself elected for an unprecedented third term on Friday, he has now installed another close confident in a key post; Li Qiang was elected by the National People's Congress (NPC) this Saturday as China's new premier. 

Li, best known as the enforcer of last year's coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai, is believed to have earned Xi's trust by sticking to the strict zero-COVID strategy despite months-long protests in China's biggest city.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China's new premier will be Li Qiang (see video below). 

 

Chinese President Xi Elected By The National People's Congress For A Third Term  

China Focus: Xi Jinping unanimously elected Chinese president, PRC CMC chairman -- Xinhua  

Xi awarded 3rd term as China’s president, extending rule -- AP  

Xi clinches third term as China's president amid host of challenges -- Reuters 

Xi Jinping handed historic third term as China's president -- France 24  

Xi Jinping officially begins norm-busting third term as president, tearing up modern China's political rule book -- ABC News Australia  

Xi Jinping secures unprecedented third term as China’s president in ceremonial vote -- CNN  

China's Xi sworn in for historic third term -- Axios