US Media: Senior German Official Stopped the Publication of an Internal Report on Chinese Influence due to Worries of Possible Damage to German-Chinese Relations
American media company, Axios exclusively reported that a senior German official suppressed the publishing of an intelligence report document as officials worry that it would possibly damage the economic relationship between Germany and China. The report described China’s expansion of influence in Germany.
The exclusive report quoted two former US intelligence officials, they stated that this report is highly-confidential report has been completed since 2018. The content of the report examines China’s intention to influence Germany government, their community and business market. However, a senior German official stopped the report circulating within the German government. It was reported that only the German Chancellor Markel and several officials had read the report. When Axios asked the spokesperson of the German Federal Government, the spokesperson said that the German government would not comment on intelligence discovery or the activity of an intelligence company, as a matter of principle. The Federal Intelligence Service in Germany had also not commented on it yet.
The German policies towards China have been affected by economic factors, and sometimes, this would influence the perspective of the German government on the human right and national security issues. A former German Ambassador in China Volker Stanzel said in an interview that “Germany depends on exports to a high degree, and that gives the business a large influence. Business representatives talk to the government and are used to being listened to. The Chinese Communist Party succeeded in globalising its economy because it was able to join itself to foreign business interests.”
Businesses tend to discourage their local government from implementing policies that would harm China’s economic relations. However, Beijing authorities increasingly conflict commercial trade with politics, including threats in order to implement punitive economic measures on companies which criticised the human rights in China. As a result, Peter Altmaier, a German Businessman and the Economy Minister, is incentivised to fade out the seriousness of the human rights violation and security challenges in China.
#China #Germany #Axios #Economy #GermanChinaRelation #Business #Export #Politics
Source: Apple Daily #Oct07
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201007/XG2SEAX2FZCTDDDU6ODB6A3SMA/
Axios #Oct06
https://www.axios.com/exclusive-top-german-official-hushed-up-report-on-chinas-influence-8c6aeef3-0f71-405f-a902-a215399f2068.html
American media company, Axios exclusively reported that a senior German official suppressed the publishing of an intelligence report document as officials worry that it would possibly damage the economic relationship between Germany and China. The report described China’s expansion of influence in Germany.
The exclusive report quoted two former US intelligence officials, they stated that this report is highly-confidential report has been completed since 2018. The content of the report examines China’s intention to influence Germany government, their community and business market. However, a senior German official stopped the report circulating within the German government. It was reported that only the German Chancellor Markel and several officials had read the report. When Axios asked the spokesperson of the German Federal Government, the spokesperson said that the German government would not comment on intelligence discovery or the activity of an intelligence company, as a matter of principle. The Federal Intelligence Service in Germany had also not commented on it yet.
The German policies towards China have been affected by economic factors, and sometimes, this would influence the perspective of the German government on the human right and national security issues. A former German Ambassador in China Volker Stanzel said in an interview that “Germany depends on exports to a high degree, and that gives the business a large influence. Business representatives talk to the government and are used to being listened to. The Chinese Communist Party succeeded in globalising its economy because it was able to join itself to foreign business interests.”
Businesses tend to discourage their local government from implementing policies that would harm China’s economic relations. However, Beijing authorities increasingly conflict commercial trade with politics, including threats in order to implement punitive economic measures on companies which criticised the human rights in China. As a result, Peter Altmaier, a German Businessman and the Economy Minister, is incentivised to fade out the seriousness of the human rights violation and security challenges in China.
#China #Germany #Axios #Economy #GermanChinaRelation #Business #Export #Politics
Source: Apple Daily #Oct07
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201007/XG2SEAX2FZCTDDDU6ODB6A3SMA/
Axios #Oct06
https://www.axios.com/exclusive-top-german-official-hushed-up-report-on-chinas-influence-8c6aeef3-0f71-405f-a902-a215399f2068.html
Pompeo: US to Have Economic Dialogue with Taiwan, Supply Chain and 5G Security on Agenda
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that his deputy Keith Krach, who had visited Taiwan in September, was hosting an economic conversation with Taiwan on Friday, 20 November. Items on the agenda included supply chain and 5G network security. Pompeo said the dialogue, which marks the “strong and growing” economic relationship between Taiwan and the US, will help enhance their corporation in such aspects as health and safety, supply chain security and clean 5G networks. He added that Taiwan is a “vibrant democracy” and “reliable partner”.
According to Pompeo, the dialogue would be hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
As the pandemic continues, Taiwan representatives in Washington said the conversation would have both face-to-face and online components. Physical meetings would be held in Washington and joined by a delegation led by Chen Chern-Chyi, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs. The other officials involved would join the conversation by means of video calls. The dialogue was expected to last for one day.
Source: Stand News #Nov11
#US #Taiwan #Pompeo #Economy #5G #SupplyChainSecurity
https://bit.ly/36D55GL
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced that his deputy Keith Krach, who had visited Taiwan in September, was hosting an economic conversation with Taiwan on Friday, 20 November. Items on the agenda included supply chain and 5G network security. Pompeo said the dialogue, which marks the “strong and growing” economic relationship between Taiwan and the US, will help enhance their corporation in such aspects as health and safety, supply chain security and clean 5G networks. He added that Taiwan is a “vibrant democracy” and “reliable partner”.
According to Pompeo, the dialogue would be hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
As the pandemic continues, Taiwan representatives in Washington said the conversation would have both face-to-face and online components. Physical meetings would be held in Washington and joined by a delegation led by Chen Chern-Chyi, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs. The other officials involved would join the conversation by means of video calls. The dialogue was expected to last for one day.
Source: Stand News #Nov11
#US #Taiwan #Pompeo #Economy #5G #SupplyChainSecurity
https://bit.ly/36D55GL
Chinese Authorities Target Jack Ma's #Alibaba and #AntGroup in Anti-monopoly Probe
The Chinese authorities is currently placing Alibaba, a conglomerate owned by Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma, under "anti-monopoly investigation". It was reported that Ma would also be summoned.
Just right before Christmas, China's state-owned media including Xinhua Agency and Economic Daily published articles and commentaries, demanding Ant Group to "serve the people's needs and economic development".
Ant Group then released a statement earlier, claiming that it would "diligently study and strictly comply with regulatory departments' requests". Alibaba shares dropped by 7 percent when the news was heard by thr market.
On Dec 26, 2020, four state regulators in China, namely People's Bank of China (#PBOC), China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission and State Administration of Foreign Exchange, has conducted "supervisory and guidance" talks with Ant Group, a subsidiary of Alibaba offering financial services, with one of the goals to "realize the spirit of the Party leadership and the State Council".
According to People's Bank of China vice chairman Pan Gongsheng after the "talks" on Dec 26, Ant Group issues included "poor corporate governance, ignorance of regulatory demands, illegal regulatory arbitrary, the use of its market advantage to take oit competitors", and so on.
Source: Stand News; RTHK #Dec27
#CCPControl #JackMa #Economy
The Chinese authorities is currently placing Alibaba, a conglomerate owned by Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma, under "anti-monopoly investigation". It was reported that Ma would also be summoned.
Just right before Christmas, China's state-owned media including Xinhua Agency and Economic Daily published articles and commentaries, demanding Ant Group to "serve the people's needs and economic development".
Ant Group then released a statement earlier, claiming that it would "diligently study and strictly comply with regulatory departments' requests". Alibaba shares dropped by 7 percent when the news was heard by thr market.
On Dec 26, 2020, four state regulators in China, namely People's Bank of China (#PBOC), China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission and State Administration of Foreign Exchange, has conducted "supervisory and guidance" talks with Ant Group, a subsidiary of Alibaba offering financial services, with one of the goals to "realize the spirit of the Party leadership and the State Council".
According to People's Bank of China vice chairman Pan Gongsheng after the "talks" on Dec 26, Ant Group issues included "poor corporate governance, ignorance of regulatory demands, illegal regulatory arbitrary, the use of its market advantage to take oit competitors", and so on.
Source: Stand News; RTHK #Dec27
#CCPControl #JackMa #Economy
Australian Economy Is Too Dependent on China and Needs Diversification, Says Senate Opposition Leader
Under Australia's new foreign relations law, which allows the federal government to veto pacts between states and overseas governments or institutions, it is expected that agreements on the ‘Belt and Road’ (‘B&R’) initiative and Confucian Institutes between local governments and China will be voided. Penny Wong, leader of the opposition Labor Party in the Senate, said on 7 December that she hopes the federal and Victorian governments will have “sensible discussions” regarding the latter’s ‘B&R’ agreement. While stressing the need for a new economic strategy where Australia will work with other countries, Wong fell short of signalling a revocation of Victoria’s ‘B&R’ agreement.
As Victoria’s ‘B&R’ agreement with China faces the prospect of being suspended, Wong said in an interview with the ABC that she thinks the federal government “should try to resolve this in a way that respects engagement with the state government and that recognises that China will observe how this is handled carefully”.
Adding that the Labor Party supports the Liberal government in opposing Victoria’s ‘B&R’ initiative, Wong did not indicate specifically that the agreement will be unilaterally cancelled. Wong suggested that instead of considering how Australia can fix its relationship with China, it needs a strategy to diversify its economy and cooperate with other countries in the region given that it is now too reliant on China.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
#Australia #Victoria #China #OneBeltOneRoad #BeltAndRoad #PennyWong #Labor #Diplomacy #Economy #Trade
https://bit.ly/38ES1Sa
Under Australia's new foreign relations law, which allows the federal government to veto pacts between states and overseas governments or institutions, it is expected that agreements on the ‘Belt and Road’ (‘B&R’) initiative and Confucian Institutes between local governments and China will be voided. Penny Wong, leader of the opposition Labor Party in the Senate, said on 7 December that she hopes the federal and Victorian governments will have “sensible discussions” regarding the latter’s ‘B&R’ agreement. While stressing the need for a new economic strategy where Australia will work with other countries, Wong fell short of signalling a revocation of Victoria’s ‘B&R’ agreement.
As Victoria’s ‘B&R’ agreement with China faces the prospect of being suspended, Wong said in an interview with the ABC that she thinks the federal government “should try to resolve this in a way that respects engagement with the state government and that recognises that China will observe how this is handled carefully”.
Adding that the Labor Party supports the Liberal government in opposing Victoria’s ‘B&R’ initiative, Wong did not indicate specifically that the agreement will be unilaterally cancelled. Wong suggested that instead of considering how Australia can fix its relationship with China, it needs a strategy to diversify its economy and cooperate with other countries in the region given that it is now too reliant on China.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
#Australia #Victoria #China #OneBeltOneRoad #BeltAndRoad #PennyWong #Labor #Diplomacy #Economy #Trade
https://bit.ly/38ES1Sa
Chinese Authorities Attribute Power Shortage to ‘Rapid Industrial Production Growth’, No Mention of Australian Coal Boycott
As many provinces in China face power shortage, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has said in a statement that it was the result of economic recovery and a cold spell without mentioning the authorities’ boycott of Australian coal since last month, which commentators believe has exacerbated the crisis.
The Xinhua News Agency reported that power supply in Hunan and Jiangxi have been under pressure while rationing is in place in Zhejiang. The NDRC responded on 17 December that a rapid growth in industrial production and a cold spell had led to a more-than-expected increase in electricity demand. It further claimed that power supply had remained stable and residential consumption had not been affected, adding that it had been working with relevant departments and enterprises to ensure a steady electricity supply. The statement made no mention of the authorities’ earlier move to limit the import of Australian coal by such means as restricting high-priced coal purchases by power companies.
Source: Stand News #Dec19
#Australia #China #NDRC #PowerShortage #Coal #Boycott #Economy #Diplomacy
https://bit.ly/2WJZsSy
As many provinces in China face power shortage, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has said in a statement that it was the result of economic recovery and a cold spell without mentioning the authorities’ boycott of Australian coal since last month, which commentators believe has exacerbated the crisis.
The Xinhua News Agency reported that power supply in Hunan and Jiangxi have been under pressure while rationing is in place in Zhejiang. The NDRC responded on 17 December that a rapid growth in industrial production and a cold spell had led to a more-than-expected increase in electricity demand. It further claimed that power supply had remained stable and residential consumption had not been affected, adding that it had been working with relevant departments and enterprises to ensure a steady electricity supply. The statement made no mention of the authorities’ earlier move to limit the import of Australian coal by such means as restricting high-priced coal purchases by power companies.
Source: Stand News #Dec19
#Australia #China #NDRC #PowerShortage #Coal #Boycott #Economy #Diplomacy
https://bit.ly/2WJZsSy
#Newspaper
Fears of unemployment causing social unrest, Beijing re-ignites street vendor economy, official media denies "disorder"
(17 Oct) The boom of the street vendor economy first advocated by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in June 2020 quickly waned, with government officials immediately reproaching the method as impractical.
//Li had never encouraged “disorderly vending”. Government officials were deliberately tarnishing his name, rather.
//ever since Li’s advocacy for the “street vendor economy”, he had come under fire by state media. However, similar policies for the street vendor economy were maintained at the local level and included night markets and small storefronts.
//Economist Law Ka-chung indicated that the phenomenon of street-vending was proof of China’s struggling economy.
//He believed that “street-vending” would do little to help the Chinese economy because it was not part of its formal economy; there is no taxation or official records [of the businesses].
Full Translation Here: Hong Kong Echo
Source: Apple Daily
#Chinese #Economy #Struggle #StreetVendor #LiKeqiang #Premier
Fears of unemployment causing social unrest, Beijing re-ignites street vendor economy, official media denies "disorder"
(17 Oct) The boom of the street vendor economy first advocated by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in June 2020 quickly waned, with government officials immediately reproaching the method as impractical.
//Li had never encouraged “disorderly vending”. Government officials were deliberately tarnishing his name, rather.
//ever since Li’s advocacy for the “street vendor economy”, he had come under fire by state media. However, similar policies for the street vendor economy were maintained at the local level and included night markets and small storefronts.
//Economist Law Ka-chung indicated that the phenomenon of street-vending was proof of China’s struggling economy.
//He believed that “street-vending” would do little to help the Chinese economy because it was not part of its formal economy; there is no taxation or official records [of the businesses].
Full Translation Here: Hong Kong Echo
Source: Apple Daily
#Chinese #Economy #Struggle #StreetVendor #LiKeqiang #Premier
#FirstHand #Feb28
0% Positive Rate: Citizens and Local Busines Severely Affected by HK Government's #AmbushLockdown
The Hong Kong government ambushed citizens in the third compulsory lockdown in one week.
Following Jordan on Jan 23 and Yau Ma Tei on Jan 26, four buildings in North Point were under lockdown for the authorities to impose #COVID19 test on all civilians in the area on Jan 28, 2021.
Medical personnel wearing protective garments filled the street, disrupting local businesses. Other stores in nearby area post signs, explaining their abrupt closure due to the government's operation.
Meanwhile, among the supplies provided by the government, one can find boxes of bottled water, which is likely from a mainland Chinese brand, with simplified characters written on it.
At 7am on Jan 29, the government found no positive case among the 475 people tested.
#FailedState #Economy
===
HK Gov't Imposes Sudden #Lockdown in Yau Ma Tei: 1 Positive Case Found
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28193
0% Positive Rate: Citizens and Local Busines Severely Affected by HK Government's #AmbushLockdown
The Hong Kong government ambushed citizens in the third compulsory lockdown in one week.
Following Jordan on Jan 23 and Yau Ma Tei on Jan 26, four buildings in North Point were under lockdown for the authorities to impose #COVID19 test on all civilians in the area on Jan 28, 2021.
Medical personnel wearing protective garments filled the street, disrupting local businesses. Other stores in nearby area post signs, explaining their abrupt closure due to the government's operation.
Meanwhile, among the supplies provided by the government, one can find boxes of bottled water, which is likely from a mainland Chinese brand, with simplified characters written on it.
At 7am on Jan 29, the government found no positive case among the 475 people tested.
#FailedState #Economy
===
HK Gov't Imposes Sudden #Lockdown in Yau Ma Tei: 1 Positive Case Found
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/28193
British Think Tank: China Will Replace the United States as the World's Largest Economy in 2028, claimed to Have Rapid Recovery after Covid-19
A British think tank expects China to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy by 2028, five years earlier than last year's forecast. It also predicts that China, which per capita income exceeded US$10,000, is expected to become a "high-income economy" in the next five years.
The Guardian reported on 26 Dec, 20 that the British tank Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has made the above forecast. The report also said that a year ago, CEBR predicted that China would not overtake the U.S. until 2033, but now the prediction has been brought forward.
CEBR studies the economic growth rates of 193 countries around the world. In its review of China, the consultancy group said China would narrow the gap with its biggest rival as it rapidly recovers from the effects of Covid-19 while the U.S. gets dragged by the pandemic. CEBR expects China's economy to grow at an average annual rate of 5.7% from 2021 to 2025 and 4.5% from 2026 to 2030. The Center also expects a strong rebound from the U.S. in 2021, but growth is likely to slow to 1.9% per year from 2022 to 2024 and further to 1.6% thereafter.
#thinktank #Covid19 #China #US #economy #rivalry #TheGuardian #CEBR
Source: Stand News #Dec26
https://bit.ly/3ai2ULX
A British think tank expects China to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest economy by 2028, five years earlier than last year's forecast. It also predicts that China, which per capita income exceeded US$10,000, is expected to become a "high-income economy" in the next five years.
The Guardian reported on 26 Dec, 20 that the British tank Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has made the above forecast. The report also said that a year ago, CEBR predicted that China would not overtake the U.S. until 2033, but now the prediction has been brought forward.
CEBR studies the economic growth rates of 193 countries around the world. In its review of China, the consultancy group said China would narrow the gap with its biggest rival as it rapidly recovers from the effects of Covid-19 while the U.S. gets dragged by the pandemic. CEBR expects China's economy to grow at an average annual rate of 5.7% from 2021 to 2025 and 4.5% from 2026 to 2030. The Center also expects a strong rebound from the U.S. in 2021, but growth is likely to slow to 1.9% per year from 2022 to 2024 and further to 1.6% thereafter.
#thinktank #Covid19 #China #US #economy #rivalry #TheGuardian #CEBR
Source: Stand News #Dec26
https://bit.ly/3ai2ULX
American Fashion Group VF to Relocate from Hong Kong to Shanghai and Singapore
American fashion group VF announced on January 11 that it will be moving its brand operations centre and Asia product supply hub from Hong Kong to Shanghai and Singapore respectively. The parent company of brands including North Face, Timberland, and Supreme stated that its relocation to Shanghai can help establish a closer relationship with Chinese consumers.
In its press release, VF said the transformation will take place over the next 12 to 18 months with the first stage of the plan commencing this April. Steve Rendle, VF’s chairman and CEO, said the company has built on the many opportunities in Asia since it began its expansion in the region 25 years ago. “Now,” he continued, “we’re further transforming our Asia operations so we can better serve this fast-moving, technology-driven market with increased speed and capabilities.”
VF added that it is seeking to establish closer relations with its Chinese consumers by moving its brand operations centre from Hong Kong to Shanghai. The relocation of its Asian product supply hub, on the other hand, is an effort to consolidate its global supply chain network, of which European and American hubs are key parts. Workforces and other resources will also be allocated to primary sourcing countries in the region to strengthen cooperation with suppliers and boost efficiency.
Source: Stand News #Jan12
#HK #Shanghai #Singapore #VFGroup #Supreme #NorthFace #Timberland #Economy
https://bit.ly/2Px6pGB
American fashion group VF announced on January 11 that it will be moving its brand operations centre and Asia product supply hub from Hong Kong to Shanghai and Singapore respectively. The parent company of brands including North Face, Timberland, and Supreme stated that its relocation to Shanghai can help establish a closer relationship with Chinese consumers.
In its press release, VF said the transformation will take place over the next 12 to 18 months with the first stage of the plan commencing this April. Steve Rendle, VF’s chairman and CEO, said the company has built on the many opportunities in Asia since it began its expansion in the region 25 years ago. “Now,” he continued, “we’re further transforming our Asia operations so we can better serve this fast-moving, technology-driven market with increased speed and capabilities.”
VF added that it is seeking to establish closer relations with its Chinese consumers by moving its brand operations centre from Hong Kong to Shanghai. The relocation of its Asian product supply hub, on the other hand, is an effort to consolidate its global supply chain network, of which European and American hubs are key parts. Workforces and other resources will also be allocated to primary sourcing countries in the region to strengthen cooperation with suppliers and boost efficiency.
Source: Stand News #Jan12
#HK #Shanghai #Singapore #VFGroup #Supreme #NorthFace #Timberland #Economy
https://bit.ly/2Px6pGB
#Mainlandization #Economy
The Times: "How #Beijing bought up #Britain"
//Chinese investors have amassed a portfolio of #UK businesses, infrastructure, property and other assets worth nearly £135 billion, almost twice as much as was previously suspected.
The swift and largely unnoticed buying spree includes at least £44 billion of purchases by Chinese state-owned entities.
More than 80 of the 200 investments uncovered by The Sunday Times have taken place since 2019. These include:
- Stakes in critical infrastructure providers including Thames Water, UK Power Networks and Heathrow airport
- Nearly £57 billion worth of shares in FTSE 100 companies according to exclusive research by the data provider Argus Vickers
- About £10 billion worth of property and at least 17 private schools.//
Read full article:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/revealed-how-china-is-buying-up-britain
Source: Times #May3
The Times: "How #Beijing bought up #Britain"
//Chinese investors have amassed a portfolio of #UK businesses, infrastructure, property and other assets worth nearly £135 billion, almost twice as much as was previously suspected.
The swift and largely unnoticed buying spree includes at least £44 billion of purchases by Chinese state-owned entities.
More than 80 of the 200 investments uncovered by The Sunday Times have taken place since 2019. These include:
- Stakes in critical infrastructure providers including Thames Water, UK Power Networks and Heathrow airport
- Nearly £57 billion worth of shares in FTSE 100 companies according to exclusive research by the data provider Argus Vickers
- About £10 billion worth of property and at least 17 private schools.//
Read full article:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/revealed-how-china-is-buying-up-britain
Source: Times #May3