Shehbaz Sharif’s five-day trip will include crucial meetings with the top leadership in Beijing…reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has departed to China with ambitious hopes of more loans, infra deals and to speed up the ongoing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Shehbaz Sharif’s five-day trip will include crucial meetings with the top leadership in Beijing. He will visit Beijing, Xi’an and Shenzhen. Pakistan is increasingly reliant on its important alliance with China and looks towards inking more investment agreements, speeding up delayed projects under the CPEC and seeking more loans to stabilise Islamabad’s crippling economy.
CPEC remains a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The $62 billion project was formally launched in 2015 and was termed as a game changer for the cash-strapped Pakistan’s economy. The project includes the flagship Gwadar Port, power plants and road networks across Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif aims to expedite the stalled and delayed projects during his visit to China and look for more linked initiatives of investments.
“An important aspect of the Prime Minister’s visit will be meetings with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies dealing in oil and gas, energy, ICT and emerging technologies. In Shenzhen, he will address the China-Pakistan Business Forum with leading businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries,” read a press release of the Pakistan Foreign Office.
Landed in Shenzhen on the first leg of my official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese leadership. Impressed by the city’s skyline and development that symbolizes modern day China. Looking forward to my engagements with the provincial authorities, business community… pic.twitter.com/UbtzmRDOyV
“The two sides will undertake discussions to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership; upgrade the China – Pakistan Economic Corridor; advance trade and investment; enhance cooperation in security and defence, energy, space, science and technology, and education; and promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts, thus setting the future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship,” the statement added.
A day before the Prime Minister’s visit to China, a bullet payment to Chinese power plants was ensured, aimed at reducing the outstanding dues to the Chinese companies, with an aim to break the ice and also be in a better position to seek more financing for infrastructure projects along with a commercial loan of $600 million.
In order to provide room for making payments to the Chinese power plants, the Ministry of Finance released a total of Rs 225 billion to the Energy Ministry out of the budgeted subsidies.
Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward towards making progress in various projects related to energy, including the Mainline project of the CPEC, Kohala Hydropower Project, Azad Pattan Hydropower project and Kakarkoram Highway expansion.
Pakistan is also aiming to get at least $600 million in commercial loans from China. Notably, China had previously refused the loan amount to Pakistan due to Islamabad’s failure to honour the energy framework agreement.
Shehbaz Sharif aims to give complete assurance to the Chinese leadership on the safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan and affirms that incidents like the Besham attack, claiming the lives of five Chinese nationals will not be allowed to happen again.
The massacre remains a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history and a reminder of the cost of the struggle for democracy and human rights….reports Asian Lite News
The people of Chinese descent and their supporters across the world commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
This tragic event, which unfolded in Beijing in 1989, saw the Chinese government violently suppress pro-democracy protests, resulting in hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths. The massacre remains a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history and a reminder of the cost of the struggle for democracy and human rights.
In a significant show of solidarity, the World Uyghur Congress posted a message on X, stating: “The World Uyghur Congress commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and honours the memory of those who lost their lives striving for freedom, democracy, and human rights. Events like the Tiananmen Square Massacre set a dangerous precedent for the further dramatic erosion of freedom of speech and assembly throughout China.”
It added, “The Chinese government will not hesitate to violently suppress peaceful demonstrations advocating for democratic rights.” The organization also highlighted the global implications of China’s repressive regime, warning of the threat it poses to international stability and the rules-based order”.
In Canada, the Canadian Friends of Hong Kong organized a memorial event in North York, Ontario, where over 1,000 people gathered at Mel Lastman Square.
The attendees condemned Beijing’s ongoing political persecution and the brutal suppression of democracy in Hong Kong.
In a post on X, Canadian Friends of Hong Kong stated, “Over 1,000 gathered in the Mel Lastman Square in North York, Ontario for the 35th memorial of the #Tiananmen Square Massacre and to condemn Beijing’s political persecution & brutal suppression of democracy in HongKong.”
Meanwhile, a commemoration event took place at the iconic Scott Monument in Scotland’s Edinburgh. Participants gathered to honour the victims and reflect on the continuing struggle for democracy and human rights in China.
The event underscored the global resonance of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and the solidarity among international communities in remembering those who lost their lives.
In addition to these events, various other commemorations occurred worldwide, including vigils, memorial services, and public discussions aimed at raising awareness about the massacre and its enduring impact.
The Tiananmen Square Massacre remains a heavily censored topic in China, with the government continuing to suppress any attempts to discuss or remember the events of June 4, 1989.
However, the international community’s commitment to commemorating this anniversary highlights the enduring significance of the struggle for democratic freedoms and the importance of remembering historical injustices. (ANI)
China takes steps to suppress commemorations
The Chinese administration has orchestrated several arrests of activists who sought to organise the commemoration ceremonies of the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre in China and Hong Kong, a report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Sunday.
Additionally, the administration has also rejected all acknowledgement of the mass killings during the same incidents, and any redressal being given to the families of the victims.
Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch the report mentioned that “The Chinese government is seeking to erase the memory of the Tiananmen Massacre throughout China and in Hong Kong. But 35 years on, the government has been unable to extinguish the flames of remembrance for those risking all to promote respect for democracy and human rights in China.”
The HRW report, On April 3, Xu Guang, a student leader from 1989, was sentenced to four years in prison for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” after he demanded that the government must acknowledge the Tiananmen Massacre holding a sign calling for redressal against the local police station in May 2022. Xu was reportedly tortured, shackled, and mistreated while in detention by the defence personnel.
In another case, a group called Tiananmen Mothers consisting of relatives of victims of the 1989 massacre, claimed in the HRW report that Zhan Xianling one of their founders was put under severe surveillance outside her house. Additionally, Pu Zhiqiang a human rights lawyer and Ji Feng a student leader from Guizhou, were put under serious police surveillance.
Moreover, on May 28 and 29, Hong Kong police arrested seven people, including the already detained lawyer-activist Chow Hang-tung, and her 65-year-old mother, for alleged “seditious” posts regarding an “upcoming sensitive date.” Chow was amongst the organizers of Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen vigil being organized by the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
These were the first arrests under the city’s recently adopted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, known as “Article 23,” which punishes peaceful speech and civil society activism with heavy prison sentences. In January this year, a Hong Kong Court overturned Chow’s acquittal plea, all when she had been released in December 2022 of the charge of “inciting others to take part in an unauthorized assembly”. Raising its voice against the concern the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Chow’s arrest was arbitrary and has called for her immediate and unconditional release.
The HRW report claimed that the members of the Hong Kong Alliance face a probable life sentence on the charges of “inciting subversion” under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, awaiting a trial date. In November 2023, Hong Kong authorities did not renew the work visa of a Canadian-Chinese history professor, Rowena He. The Chinese University of Hong Kong subsequently fired her. She is the author of Tiananmen Exiles: Voices of the Struggle for Democracy in China, which the authorities removed from Hong Kong public libraries in May 2023.
The Chinese government has long ignored domestic and international calls for justice for the Tiananmen Massacre. Some of the sanctions that the European Union and United States imposed at the time have over the years been weakened or evaded. The repeated pressure exerted by the international community has caused a severe increase in human rights violations in China, the HRW report added. (ANI)
The greatest threat from bellicose China was reserved for democratic Taiwan at the Shangri-La Dialogue. “We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan’s independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.”…reports Asian Lite News
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international defence and security conference held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun declared, “We will not allow hegemonism and power politics to undermine the interests of Asia-Pacific countries. We will not allow anyone to bring geopolitical conflicts or any war, whether hot or cold, to our region. We will not allow any country or any force to create conflict and chaos in our region.”
This was fighting talk from China, which has already created immense security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region. Indeed, these words formed a sharp juxtaposition as China Coast Guard personnel, just days earlier, fired water cannons, harassed a medical evacuation and stole and destroyed supplies airdropped to Philippine troops aboard a beached ship guarding Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
However, the greatest threat from bellicose China was reserved for democratic Taiwan. “We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan’s independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.”
Worryingly, Beijing’s rhetoric at this annual Singapore conference that attracts defence ministers from all over the world reached a new level of intimidation. No other country at the Shangri-La Dialogue issues such blatant threats, and one wonders why China is given an international platform to air violent rhetoric.
Such toxic comments also underscored how Chinese officials have locked themselves in a self-imposed echo chamber sustained by a constant diet of false propaganda and nationalistic jingoism. A Chinese delegate even went as far as saying that recent military drills against Taiwan were designed to “punish separatists” and not the Taiwan people. He added that “Taiwan people call on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to protect them”.
Such notions are sheer idiocy. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to fervently spout such nonsense, seemingly believing its own delusions and thinking the rest of the world somehow agrees with it.
This spirit of willful ignorance – and arrogance – was evidenced by PLA officers who used formal question-and-answer sessions at the Shangri-La Dialogue not to ask genuine questions, but to reemphasize Chinese talking points and solidify accusations. Indeed, this is China’s profound difficulty. It wants to come across as a responsible power that cares about others, but it cannot refrain from bullying. For example, Dong said in his speech, “Despite problems and differences that have occurred from time to time, dialogue and consultation have always been our favourite choices for resolving differences and disagreements.”
Furthermore, China’s defence minister said his nation, “As a responsible major country, is ready to share its practices that have proved successful and work together with other countries to embrace a bright future”.
Dong said that Chairman Xi Jinping’s “vision and initiatives echo the trend of history and respond to the longing of people around the world for a better life”. Of course, its “successful” model features authoritarianism, one-party rule, tight surveillance of the populace, mass incarcerations and militarism. Ignoring the glossy language for a moment, very few would like to embrace this future promulgated by Beijing.
Its efforts at statesmanship are continually undermined by threats against any who disagree with it, and nor do its actions match its words. In almost the same breath, Dong warned of the danger of being drawn in as pawns into blocs by hegemonic powers. In other words, China’s neighbours cannot be trusted to make their own choices.
After listening to Dong’s speech at the three-day Dialogue, Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at the Australian National University, could only conclude, “That was the most consistently intimidating speech we’ve heard from China at a Shangri-La Dialogue. Defence Minister Dong Jun warned of ‘resolute’ military action against Taiwan’s ‘fanatical’ forces, then said ‘there is a limit to our restraint’ against the Philippines.”
The overwhelming sense emanating from Chinese delegates is one of tone deafness – only China’s interests matter and everybody else is to blame if their interests do not coincide. This kind of historical blinker is dangerous and echoes the historical “grievances” that Vladimir Putin used as the raison d’etre for attacking Ukraine.
Thus, the Shangri-La Dialogue has become an annual occasion where China can lay out its historically inaccurate and spurious claims, and harangue and threaten others with violence unless they concede to Chinese narratives.
In his keynote address, Dong made five key points. Each highlighted the uncomfortable and increasingly glaring paradox between Chinese word and deed. The first theme was that “China’s strategic culture is anchored on universal love and non-aggression”. Unfortunately, this is difficult to reconcile with its actions in the South China Sea or along the Indian border, nor its insistence on supporting warmonger Putin and refusing to attend a Ukrainian peace summit in Switzerland.
Dong said Beijing has been promoting peace talks, has never provided weapons, and has never done anything to fan the flames in Ukraine. “We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue.” However, in a surprise visit to Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he did not meet a single Chinese official despite his efforts to set up meetings. So much for standing on the side of dialogue! Zelensky lamented: “With China’s support for Russia, the war will last longer. And that is bad for the whole world.”
Dong also addressed China’s spectacular build-up of its nuclear-weapon stockpile. “China’s nuclear policy is a highly stable, consistent and predictable one.” China has embarked upon the most dramatic build-up of nuclear weapons the world has ever seen, but this is brushed aside as being “stable, consistent and predictable”! No other explanation is necessary, according to China.
Ironically, Dong said China “advocates settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation and despises the law of the jungle. When addressing border and maritime disputes, we have never provoked incidents or easily resorted to the use of force.”
However, video footage released by the Philippine government and media shows this claim is utterly unfounded, as Chinese law enforcement vessels resort to growing levels of recklessness and violence. It seems only a matter of time before Filipino seamen are killed.
In fact, the Philippines copped high criticism from Beijing. “…A certain country, emboldened by outside powers, has broken bilateral agreements and its own promises, made premeditated provocations and created false scenarios to mislead the public.”
He warned Manila, “China has exercised great restraint in the face of such infringements and provocations, but there is a limit to our restraint. We hope this country could see where its true interests lie, return to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and work with other countries in the region to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.”
Moving on to the Chinese defence minister’s second point, he said his regime is “committed to pursuing common security. China champions a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.” He added, “Seeking bloc confrontation can only exacerbate tension and provoke war and conflict.”
His third point was that China is “committed to equality and mutual respect”. “China hopes that all countries are equal regardless of their size, and all militaries are equal regardless of their strength … The Chinese military never acts from the so-called position of strength in its relations with foreign militaries.” With all seriousness, Dong said, “On international and regional security issues, China has never coerced others into taking sides or interfered in the internal affairs of other countries.”
Answering a question following his speech, Dong said of Philippine efforts to defend its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea: “I think this is blackmail and hijacking rules because we are always talking about rules-based international order. I think this is not even morally right. And China’s law enforcement is very restrained and in accordance with our law … But I also want to say our tolerance for deliberate provocation, we have a limit.”
He reiterated Beijing’s desire to “build a more just and equitable international order”. Yet, while paying lip service to international law, Beijing continues to flagrantly break it in the South China Sea.
Collin Koh, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies in Singapore, said of China’s refusal to acknowledge the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s authority and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (of which China is a signatory): “[It’s] outright disinfo. Under the compulsory dispute settlement mechanism provisions of UNCLOS, Manila can unilaterally refer the case to arbitration. The tribunal convened under UNCLOS auspices satisfied itself that it could legally hear the case before it proceeded to do so.”
Fourthly, Dong said, China is dedicated to openness and inclusiveness, claiming that the PLA has military exchanges with more than 150 nations. He said, “We stay open to exchanges and cooperation with the US military. But this requires efforts from both sides.”
Dong met US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a 75-minute encounter on 30 June, their first meeting, but he failed to acknowledge that it was China who unilaterally suspended all communications between their respective defence departments for around 15 months until they were renewed last November.
Dong’s fifth point was a commitment to safeguard national core interests. “China always respects the legitimate concerns of other countries, and China’s core interests are sacred and inviolable. To safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the sacred mission of the Chinese military.” Naturally, what China sees as legitimate is typically completely different from others’ views, preventing any meaningful dialogue or agreement.
Taiwan is the number one core issue for China, and the Chinese defence minister accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party thereof “pursuing separation in a incremental way”. With gusto, he continued, “Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history.”
The USA came in for blame too. “At the same time, some external interfering forces keep hollowing out the One China principle with a salami-slicing strategy. They have cooked up Taiwan-related legislation and continued to sell arms to Taiwan and have illegal official contacts with it. In fact, what they are doing is emboldening Taiwan independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan. These malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.”
He described Taiwan as an entirely internal affair that brooks no foreign interference. “China stays committed to peaceful reunification. However, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan’s independence and foreign forces.
The danger of national division is still there.” He spoke as though Taiwan was once part of communist China, but it never has been. After his speech, Dong fielded questions from the audience, but he spent the vast majority of his time lambasting Taiwan.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. It is a province of China. I think this fact is very clear.” Rather than admitting that China was militarily coercing and intimidating Taiwan, he laid the blame for the PLA’s ongoing aircraft and naval incursions solely on Taipei.
“I think, facing the strong People’s Liberation Army, their efforts will be futile. And their efforts can only lead to accelerated demise and only undermine the interests of people in Taiwan. And that is the least thing we want to see in China.”
On the contrary, that is the top priority of the PLA, the armed wing of the CCP. Perhaps it is time to ban China from future editions of the Shangri-La Dialogue until it can learn to moderate its vindictive emotions and bullying threats. There would be many who would prefer to invite Taiwan next year instead. (ANI)
“Anyone daring to separate Taiwan from China will end up in self-destruction”: China’s Defence Minister warns at Shangri-La Dialogue…reports Asian Lite News
China’s Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun warned “external forces” for emboldening Taiwan Independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan and said that these malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.” He said that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will “end up in self-destruction.”
He accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of pursuing Taiwan’s separation in an incremental manner and added that they are bent on erasing the Chinese identity of Taiwan.
In his address at Plenary Session 5: China’s Approach to Global Security at Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Dong Jun said, “China always respects the legitimate concerns of other countries and China’s core interests are sacred and inviable to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial Integrity is the sacred mission of the Chinese military. The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and the one-China principle has long become a universally recognised norm governing International relations.”
“But what we are seeing now is that the DPP authorities in Taiwan are pursuing separation in an incremental way. They are bent on erasing the Chinese identity of Taiwan and severing social historical and cultural links across the Taiwan Strait. Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history,” he added.
Chinese Defence Minister said that some external forces keep “hollowing out” the one-China principle and continue to sell arms to Taiwan. He said that external forces were taking these actions to “Taiwan Independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan” and stressed that these intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.
Dong Jun said, “At the same time, some external interfering forces keep hollowing out the one China principle with a salami-slicing strategy they have cooked up Taiwan-related legislation and continued to sell arms to Taiwan and have illegal official contacts with it. In fact, what they are doing is to embolden Taiwan Independence separatists in attempt to contain China with Taiwan. These malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.”
Reiterating that China’s handling of the Taiwan issue is entirely its internal affair, he said, “China’s handling of Taiwan-related issues in accordance with its laws is entirely an internal Affair of China which …. no foreign interference. China stays committed to Peaceful reunification. However, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan Independence and foreign forces.”
“The danger of national division is still there. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will remain a strong strong force for upholding National reunification. We will take Resolute actions to curb Taiwan Independence and make sure such a plot never succeed. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction,” he added.
In response to questions, Dong reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Dong’s remarks came a week after China launched a two-day military exercise surrounding Taiwan.
In his address, he also spoke on the South China Sea issue. Without naming a nation, Dong said that a country emboldened by outside powers have broken bilateral agreements and its pown promises. He said that the nation has ignored the overall interests of the region and violated the ASEAN charter.
He noted that China has exercised enough restraint in the face of infringements and provocations on the South China Sea and warned that “there is a limit.”
Chinese Defence Minister said, “I know you have followed closely the South China Sea issue. Thanks to concerted efforts made by countries in the region, the South China Sea has seen overall stability. However, a certain country emboldened by outside powers have broken bilateral agreements and its own promises made premediated provocations and created force scenario to mislead the public. Moreover, it has ignored the overall interests of our region and violated the ASEAN charter by allowing an outside country to deploy a mid-range missile system.”
“This act will endanger the security and stability of our region and it will eventually backfire. I’m sure that’s the International Community is clear-eyed about this. China has exercised a great restraint in the face of such infringement and provocations but there is a limit to our restraint. We hope this country could see where its true interests lies return to the right track of dialogue and consultation and work with other countries in the region to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” he added.
Dong’s remarks came amid ongoing tensions between China and Philippines in the South China Sea. Earlier in May, The Philippines’ national security adviser on Friday called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leaked telephonic conversation with a Filipino military official as territorial tensions continue to increase, Nikkei Asia reported.
This development came after China harassed and shot water cannons at a Filipino humanitarian mission headed to Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint in the region.
Eduardo Ano, the Philippines national security adviser, said, “The Chinese Embassy’s repeated acts of engaging in and dissemination of disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation — now releasing spurious transcripts or recordings of purported conversations between officials of the host country — should not be allowed to pass unsanctioned or without serious penalty.” (ANI)
A soldier looks through binoculars during combat exercises and training of the navy of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the waters around the Taiwan Island, Aug. 5, 2022. (Photo by Lin Jian/Xinhua/IANS)
Taiwan detects increased Chinese presence around nation
The Ministry of National Defence of Taiwan detected six Chinese naval vessels, four coast guard ships, and two military aircraft around the nation between 6 a.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, reported Taiwan News.
According to the MND, the two PLA aircraft breached the Taiwan Strait median line of the country’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the northern sector.
In retaliation, Taiwan responded by monitoring the PLA activity with planes, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems.
China has been using grey zone tactics more frequently since September 2020, gradually expanding the number of military planes and navy vessels in the region around Taiwan.
The grey zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”
This comes at a time when the tensions between China and Taiwan are at an all-time high.
Despite never having governed Taiwan, China’s governing Communist Party considers it part of its territory and has threatened to conquer it by force if necessary.
Earlier on May 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly opposed the recent visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan. Amid the ongoing visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing strongly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan, as well as any attempt of the nation to arm Taiwan.
The visit of the US lawmakers to the self-governing island of Taiwan comes days after China conducted ‘massive’ military drills near Taiwan. (ANI)
The news of Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records quickly spread across China’s heavily censored social media platforms…reports Asian Lite News
The historic conviction of Donald Trump on Thursday, marking the first time a former US president has been convicted of a felony generated significant interest and a fair amount of schadenfreude in China, CNN reported.
As an authoritarian superpower on the rise, China has long sought to portray its political system as superior to American democracy. Trump’s trial, while serving as a boon to China’s narrative, also presents a potential window into something previously unimaginable and dangerous to the ruling Chinese Communist Party: an elected leader held accountable by independent courts and prosecutors, and convicted by a jury of peers.
For months, Chinese propagandists have sought to leverage Trump’s legal challenges to bolster Beijing’s narrative of a declining United States, citing the prolonged legal battle as evidence of the polarisation and dysfunction in American politics.
The news of Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records quickly spread across China’s heavily censored social media platforms.
On Weibo, often referred to as China’s X-like platform, the verdict became the top trending topic, garnering over 120 million views by the afternoon.
Comments on the platform reflected a mix of reactions.
One top comment under a news brief by state news agency Xinhua urged Trump’s supporters to mobilise and storm the Capitol, while another referred to him as “Comrade Nation Builder Trump,” sarcastically suggesting his policies were inadvertently aiding China’s global ambitions.
Throughout his presidency, Trump earned the nickname “Chuan Jianguo,” or “Trump, the (Chinese) nation builder,” for his isolationist foreign policy and divisive domestic agenda, which some interpreted as beneficial to China’s rise.
Nationalist influencers on Chinese social media platforms gleefully mocked the verdict, with one blogger boasting 4 million followers suggesting, “It seems that in 2024, a civil war in America is not just a dream!”
“Although he is guilty, he can still run for president. A ‘criminal’ can become president – this is the ridiculous aspect of Western-style democracy,” said another.
Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of state-run nationalist tabloid Global Times, chimed in on Weibo, remarking that Chinese people were watching the spectacle with amusement.
“Naturally, Chinese people are watching the spectacle with amusement,” he said on Weibo. “Here’s what everyone is most concerned about: First, will Trump actually go to jail? Second, can he still run for president?”
However, analysts warn that Trump’s conviction could pose a delicate situation for Chinese state propagandists.
“On the one hand, it highlights a rotting and fracturing American democracy. On the other hand, it highlights that a former top leader can be arrested, put on trial, judged by jury of peers and convicted, for relatively small acts of corruption,” wrote Bill Bishop, a China watcher and author of the Sinocism newsletter.
The timing of Trump’s conviction, just days before the 35th anniversary of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, adds to the sensitivity of the issue, according to observers.
While Chinese state media outlets have refrained from publishing scathing commentaries, as seen in previous coverage of Trump’s legal troubles, analysts predict that the coverage in the days ahead is unlikely to attack Trump directly but rather highlight flaws in the US system.
Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, suggests that Chinese state media will tread cautiously in their coverage, aiming to showcase the shortcomings of the US system without directly attacking Trump.
“They don’t want to attack Donald Trump because if he becomes the president, they know the consequences. Instead, they’re likely to use it to showcase the problems of the US system,” said Wu, a former reporter in China, CNN reported. (ANI)
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced this historic milestone, marking the first-ever collection of samples from this mysterious lunar region…reports Asian Lite News
China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has achieved a historic feat by landing on the far side of the Moon and embarking on a groundbreaking mission to collect samples from this rarely explored terrain, Chinese State media reported on Sunday.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced this milestone, marking the first time in human history that samples will be gathered from this enigmatic region of the lunar surface.
With the support of the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, the Chang’e-6 lander-ascender combination successfully touched down at the designated landing site within the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin. This region, nestled on the far side of the Moon, presents a unique and challenging landscape for scientific exploration, as reported by Xinhua.
Comprising an orbiter, a returner, a lander, and an ascender, Chang’e-6 has undergone a meticulously planned journey since its launch on May 3 of this year. From the stages of Earth-Moon transfer to near-Moon braking, lunar orbiting, and finally, the descent to the lunar surface, each step has been executed with precision by the CNSA.
The chosen landing site, the Apollo Basin, holds immense scientific potential for exploration. Huang Hao, a space expert from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), explained that the decision to target the Apollo Basin was influenced by its scientific significance and favourable landing conditions.
Despite the rugged terrain characteristic of the far side of the Moon, the relatively flat surface of the Apollo Basin offers an ideal location for landing and subsequent sampling operations.
Following the successful landing, Chang’e-6 is poised to commence its sampling mission, scheduled to be completed within two days. Employing two distinct methods, the probe will collect samples both from the subsurface using a drill and from the lunar surface using a robotic arm.
Jin Shengyi, another esteemed space expert from the CASC, revealed the meticulous preparations undertaken by the Chang’e-6 development team to ensure the success of the sampling process.
A simulation lab was established in advance, replicating the lunar environment and conditions surrounding the landing site. Through this simulation, sampling strategies and equipment control procedures were meticulously crafted and verified, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the mission.
Despite the challenges posed by the Moon’s obstruction, which results in a shorter Earth-Moon communication window on the far side, the Chang’e-6 mission is poised to optimise efficiency through autonomous operations.
Jin elaborated on the intelligent capabilities incorporated into Chang’e-6, allowing the probe to execute instructions and make judgments autonomously, thus reducing the need for constant Earth-based intervention.
In a significant advancement, the Chang’e-6 mission aims to streamline operations by significantly reducing the number of instructions sent from ground control.
With an anticipated reduction from approximately 1,000 to 400 instructions throughout the sampling process, Chang’e-6 epitomises the advancements in autonomous space exploration, Xinhua reported. (ANI)
The US lawmaker committee claimed that American institutions have made billions in profits over investments in such companies…reports Asian Lite News
Republican lawmakers who are members of the House of Representatives’ China-focused committee on Friday urged the US to investigate six Chinese state-owned companies for allegedly helping Iran evade US sanctions, Nikkei Asia reported.
The Department of Treasury should provide an analysis on whether the activities of state-owned military, oil and shipping companies and their subsidiaries should be subject to secondary sanctions for assisting Iran’s energy sector and military, the lawmakers said in a letter sent that day, Nikkei Asia reported.
According to the same report, the six questioned companies were China North Industries Group, Aviation Industry Corp. of China, China Ocean Shipping, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), CRRC, and China Petroleum & Chemical (SINOPEC). The committee also stated that sister concerns of CNOOC are involved in projects with US-sanctioned National Iranian Oil. Whereas, SINOPEC has helped develop an oilfield.
“Many of these companies even appear to engage in activities that violate existing U.S. sanctions against Iran. As a result, U.S. retirees are likely indirectly funding activities that run counter to U.S. national security and international stability,” read the letter, signed by Chairman John Moolenaar and 11 Republican members.
The US lawmaker committee claimed that American institutions have made billions in profits over investments in such companies, in return bolstering China’s military capabilities and supporting the human rights abuses orchestrated by the government, the Nikkei Asia report claimed.
Moreover, the concerned committee in the House of Representatives was formed in January 2023 to tackle security threats from China, and combat Beijing’s influence and capabilities. (ANI)
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed said they have discussed ways to build upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between UAE and China….reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing yesterday.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed said they have discussed ways to build upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between UAE and China.
“As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, our enduring partnership continues to drive economic growth and development, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration in pursuit of our shared vision of prosperity and stability,” Sheikh Mohamed posted on social media.
Xi noted that the UAE is an important comprehensive strategic partner of China. In recent years, China-UAE relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, setting a good example for China-Arab states relations in the new era.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, Xi said, adding that it is an important juncture for China-UAE relations to build on past achievements and forge ahead.
He said China stands ready to work with the UAE to continue to grasp the general direction of bilateral relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, and ensure the vigorous development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi said that China supports the UAE in pursuing an independent development path and safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and is willing to consolidate political mutual trust and strengthen cooperation with the UAE to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
He said China stands ready to work with the UAE to continuously promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen synergy of development strategies, and take the establishment of a high-level committee on China-UAE investment and cooperation as an opportunity to push for more outcomes in bilateral cooperation.
Xi called on the two sides to consolidate cooperation in areas such as trade, energy and infrastructure, expand cooperation in high-tech fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy and new energy, and strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation.
Noting that at present the trend towards a multi-polar world is unstoppable, Xi said multi-polarization in essence should mean mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among different civilizations, systems and paths.
Countries in the Middle East are an important part of developing countries and an important force in the multi-polarization of the world, he said, adding that China supports countries in the region to continue to follow their development paths suited to their national conditions, firmly follow the path of unity and strength, peace and reconciliation, resolve differences through communication and consultation, and hold their future and destiny in their own hands.
Xi said China is ready to work with the UAE and other Arab countries to host the second China-Arab States Summit and promote the building of a community of shared future between China and Arab states.
China is willing to strengthen its strategic partnership with the UAE, expand multilateral cooperation and safeguard the common interests of countries in the Global South, he added.
Mohamed said that he was very happy to once again visit China, his second hometown, and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum together with President Xi.
He said the relations between Arab and Gulf countries and China boast a solid foundation. Deepening and developing relations with China conforms to the common aspiration and fundamental interests of the people of Arab and Gulf countries.
Mohamed said that UAE-China relations are based on mutual trust, mutual respect and common interests, and cooperation in various fields has reached an extraordinary level.
The UAE attaches great importance to developing relations with China, places China at the top of its diplomatic priority and regards China as a long-term and reliable strategic partner, he said, adding that the UAE is willing to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further deepen and expand cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, energy, science and technology, education and culture.
Mohamed added that the UAE highly appreciates and actively supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, will continue to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and is willing to work closely with China in multilateral communication and coordination to promote peace, development and prosperity of the region and the world at large.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Xi stressed that the top priority is a comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of fighting to ease the humanitarian crisis, and the international community should unanimously support an early negotiated settlement of the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-State solution.
Xi said China and the UAE have the same stance on the Palestinian issue and should work together to push for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the issue.
After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in various fields including investment, jointly building the Belt and Road, science and technology, peaceful use of nuclear energy, Chinese education, culture and tourism.
President Xi Jinping said China is ready to work with the Arab side to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future….reports Asian Lite News
The 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum adopted the Beijing Declaration on Thursday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said China is ready to work with the Arab side to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.
Xi made the remarks as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
At the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2022, Xi put forward “eight major cooperation initiatives” for practical cooperation.
Early harvests have been achieved in all the “eight major cooperation initiatives,” Xi said, adding that, moving forward, China is ready to work with the Arab side on that basis to put in place “five cooperation frameworks” to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.
The five frameworks consist of a more dynamic framework for innovation, an expanded framework for investment and finance cooperation, a more multifaceted framework for energy cooperation, a more balanced framework for mutually beneficial economic and trade ties, and a broader framework for people-to-people exchanges
China-Arab relations for world peace
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday said China will work with the Arab side to make China-Arab relations a model for maintaining world peace and stability, a fine example of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a paradigm of harmonious coexistence between civilizations, and a model for promoting good global governance.
Xi made the remarks as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
As changes unseen in a century unfold rapidly across the world, both China and Arab states strive to accomplish their historical missions of national rejuvenation and faster national development. Building a China-Arab community with a shared future is a strong statement of our common desire for a new era of China-Arab relations and a better future for the world, Xi said.
Xi Jinping announced in Beijing on Thursday that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, which will be another milestone in China-Arab relations,
Meanwhile, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (AL), emphasised that the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum symbolizes a mutual aspiration for robust relations, noting that the partnership is continually strengthening.
Speaking to Xinhua, Aboul-Gheit highlighted the forum’s role in fostering consistent ties through regular meetings. Held biennially at the foreign ministers’ level and annually at the deputy ministers and senior officials’ level, the forum underscores the deepening relationship.
Aboul-Gheit mentioned that China has invited numerous Arab leaders to this conference, enhancing bilateral relations. Reflecting on his participation in the 2020 forum in Beijing, he described the discussions as intense and warm, demonstrating a mutual commitment to building strong relations.
The forum, according to Aboul-Gheit, significantly bolsters China-Arab ties by enhancing political, economic, and cultural cooperation. He pointed to the increased dialogue initiatives and practical cooperation, exemplified by the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh in December 2022. He stressed the importance of Arab countries being more receptive to China’s developing economic power and technological advancements.
Highlighting the importance of periodic follow-ups, Aboul-Gheit noted that the forum’s executive program ensures the implementation of decisions and declarations. He emphasized the need for both sides to commit to their agreements for the forum’s future development.
In November 2023, China and Jordan signed a memorandum to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative, with all 22 Arab nations now part of this cooperation. Aboul-Gheit stated that the Belt and Road Initiative significantly enhances China-Arab cooperation.
Discussing efforts to build an Arab-China community with a shared future, Aboul-Gheit pointed to mutual trust and win-win cooperation. He praised the forum’s 19 working mechanisms, covering diverse sectors such as culture, women’s rights, trade, and production, which require innovation and expert collaboration.
To further people-to-people exchanges, he stressed translating books between Chinese and Arabic and hosting cultural activities to foster vibrant cultural relations.
The 16 pro-democracy activists were among 47 people charged with subversion in relation to an unofficial primary election for Hong Kong’s 2020 Legislative Council (LegCo)….reports Asian Lite News
Fourteen Hong Kong opposition figures were convicted on Thursday under Beijing’s controversial national security law, the South China Morning Post reported.
Meanwhile, former district councilors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun were acquitted, becoming the first to do so after trial since the legislation was implemented in June, 2020.
The 16 pro-democracy activists were among 47 people charged with subversion in relation to an unofficial primary election for Hong Kong’s 2020 Legislative Council (LegCo).
The 16, which include former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung and Helena Wong, had contested the charge while the remaining 31 pleaded guilty before the start of the four-month trial, the Post reported. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The landmark case saw the highest number of activists ever charged under the national security law at one time since it was imposed in response to mass pro-democracy protests.
The national security law has made it easier for the Chinese authorities to crack down on activists for behaviour they class as secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with a foreign power.
