The central focus of the discussions was the escalating human rights violations in Tibet, particularly those perpetuated by China….reports Asian Lite News
A delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), led by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and accompanied by parliamentarian Dawa Tsering, continued their official visit to the United Kingdom where they engaged with key political leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Commons, Members of Parliament (MPs), and prominent figures from the House of Lords, an official statement said.
The meetings provided the delegation with valuable insights into the UK’s legislative processes, including how ideas evolve into political party policies, the navigation of these policies through the House of Lords, and the steps required to pass legislation, as per the statement.
However, the central focus of the discussions was the escalating human rights violations in Tibet, particularly those perpetuated by China.
During their engagements, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel drew attention to the dire and ongoing repression faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule.
He highlighted the Chinese government’s increasingly aggressive assimilation policies, which have led to systematic attempts to erode Tibetan culture, religion, and identity. Speaker Tenphel raised alarm over the forced boarding school policy, where Tibetan children are separated from their families and indoctrinated in Chinese state ideology.
He also emphasized the disturbing mass DNA collection program, which is being used to track and control the Tibetan population, along with the deliberate closure of Tibetan schools and the destruction of monasteries actions that are not only an assault on Tibet’s cultural heritage but also a violation of basic human rights, as per the statement.
The delegation also met with Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, who reiterated the importance of resuming dialogue with China to address the Sino-Tibet issue. Speaker Tenphel, however, urged the UK to adopt a stronger stance by supporting policies like the US Resolve Tibet Act, which calls for concrete actions to support Tibet’s political and cultural autonomy, the statement added.
As per the statement, in these discussions, the delegation underscored the critical need for the international community to hold China accountable for its oppressive policies in Tibet. They also highlighted the shared responsibility of global parliaments, including the UK, to actively address human rights abuses, and to work towards ensuring that Tibetans are not silenced or erased in the face of these relentless assaults on their culture and freedom.
Today, the Tibet-China issue remains unresolved. While the Chinese government maintains strict control over Tibet, Tibetans in exile continue to advocate for their rights, including through the work of the CTA, which functions as the Tibetan government-in-exile. Despite international pressure, the Chinese government continues to reject any form of independence or autonomy for Tibet. (ANI)
The expanded list also includes companies linked to the mining industry, such as Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Industry Group and its subsidiaries…reports Asian Lite News
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on behalf of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), added 29 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, a statement by the DHS said.
This brings the total number of entities on the list to 107, as part of the US government’s efforts to combat forced labour in global supply chains, particularly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China.
The UFLPA, which went into effect in 2022, aims to prevent the importation of goods produced using forced labour, especially from regions linked to human rights abuses, such as Xinjiang. DHS Secretary Alejandro N Mayorkas emphasized that the US will continue to aggressively enforce the act, holding accountable companies that engage in forced labour practices and safeguarding US markets from the exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities.
The 29 newly listed entities are primarily involved in the agricultural, manufacturing, and electronics sectors. The companies are suspected of either sourcing material from Xinjiang or working with the Chinese government to exploit Uyghur labour.
Among them are Tianjin Tianwei Food Co, which sources tomatoes from Xinjiang, and Xinjiang Zhonghe Co, which allegedly collaborates with local authorities to recruit Uyghurs for forced labour programs.
The expanded list also includes companies linked to the mining industry, such as Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Industry Group and its subsidiaries, which are accused of using coerced labour in the extraction of valuable metals like lithium and gold. These actions follow ongoing investigations that have uncovered substantial evidence of forced labour operations within the region, the statement said.
As per the statement, in line with the new measures, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by the listed companies will be prohibited from entering the US unless the companies can provide clear evidence that their products were not made using forced labour. This initiative reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to upholding human rights and ethical sourcing in global trade.
Since the enactment of the UFLPA, CBP reviewed over 10,000 shipments valued at more than USD 3.6 billion, marking significant progress in preventing goods made through forced labour from entering US markets.
Mayorkas and Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy and Chair of the FLETF, both stressed the importance of industry accountability, urging companies to thoroughly vet their supply chains and adopt ethical practices.
“The United States will not tolerate forced labor in the goods entering our markets,” said Silvers. “The UFLPA is a powerful tool, and we are using it to its full potential,” the statement quoted him as saying.
As DHS continues to target companies involved in human rights violations, the expansion of the UFLPA Entity List underscores the US government’s commitment to eradicating forced labour and promoting a fairer, more responsible global trade system, the statement added. (ANI
Washington making contingency plans for Taiwan
The United States is drawing up contingency plans for military deployments in Japan and the Philippines in case of an emergency over Taiwan, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported Monday, November 25. They will be incorporated in a first joint operation plan to be formulated in December, according to sources familiar with Japan-US relations, Kyodo said late Sunday.
A US Marine regiment which possesses the multiple-launch HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) would be deployed along Japan’s Nansei island chain stretching from Kyushu to Yonaguni near Taiwan, Kyodo said.
From an early stage, if a Taiwan contingency becomes highly imminent, temporary bases will be set up on inhabited islands based on US military guidelines for dispatching marines in small formations to several locations, the report added.
Japan’s military is expected to mainly engage in logistical support for the marine unit, including supplying fuel and ammunition, it said. Kyodo added that the US Army would deploy Multi-Domain Task Force long-range fire units in the Philippines, Kyodo said.
The Japanese and the Philippines defense ministries were not immediately available for comment. The US embassy in Manila declined to comment while the Chinese embassy in Manila “noted” the Kyodo report.
China is building up its military capacity while ramping up pressure on self-governed Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.
Washington has been strengthening alliances in the region, while infuriating Beijing with regular deployments of ships and fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported an increase in Chinese military activity around the island, detecting five People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and one official ship operating in the vicinity of Taiwan as of 6am on Tuesday.
Four of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, the Taiwanese MND said, “5 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
In recent times, Chinese incursion has increased in Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has stepped up security on its maritime borders.
On Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected 12 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, and seven PLAN vessels operating in the vicinity of Taiwan.
Eight of the detected aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, the MND stated, “12 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
The former president noted the frequent reaffirmations that regional stability is essential to global peace and prosperity in G7 and EU summits…reports Asian Lite News
Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen called for continued support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on Saturday (local time), Taiwan News reported, quoting CNA.
While addressing Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), Tsai thanked the democratic community for its contributions and consistent support for peace in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported, quoting CNA.
The former president noted the frequent reaffirmations that regional stability is essential to global peace and prosperity in G7 and EU summits. Tsai also thanked nations that are in favour of upholding freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Such actions are crucial for Taiwan’s safety and the broader international free trade system, she said.
Tsai reflected on Taiwan’s resilience over the past half-century amid challenges posed by China.
“Provocations and changing information environments have only made Taiwanese society more pragmatic,” she said.
As Taiwan strengthens its defence, it remains committed to working with regional stakeholders to find peaceful solutions and establish long-term stability, Taiwan News.
The former president announced that the next HISF would be held in Taiwan next year. Taiwan looks forward to collaborating with all who share our vision and values, she said.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the US, Japan, and Australia for their joint statement calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported.
This statement followed the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting (TDMM) in Darwin, Australia, where defence ministers from the three nations, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III reaffirmed their commitment to regional security.
Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson shared the joint statment on X, and wrote, “Presidential Office responds to joint statement following trilateral meeting of US, Japanese, and Australian defence ministers.” (ANI)
Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti suffers from chronic bronchitis and is reportedly in serious health danger due to inadequate medical care in Wusu Prison, where he is being detained…reports Asian Lite News
An international outcry has erupted over the case of Yashar (Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti), a 26-year-old Uyghur songwriter and musician, who is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in China’s Xinjiang region.
Yashar was convicted on 20 June 2024, for “promoting extremism” and “illegally possessing extremist materials” due to his music and possession of Uyghur-language books.
He suffers from chronic bronchitis and is reportedly in serious health danger due to inadequate medical care in Wusu Prison, where he is being detained. His condition requires regular medication, but there are widespread concerns that he is not receiving the necessary treatment. Yashar’s plight comes amid increasing global attention on the treatment of Uyghur cultural figures in China.
Human rights advocates argue that these charges are part of a broader crackdown on Uyghur cultural expression under the guise of countering terrorism and extremism.
Yashar’s case highlights the increasing risks faced by Uyghur artists, many of whom are targeted simply for expressing their ethnic identity through music, literature, and other cultural outlets.
The musician was arrested on August 11, 2023, by municipal authorities in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, after participating in the White Paper Movement, a series of protests against China’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns following a deadly fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang.
During these protests, Yashar joined others in holding blank sheets of paper to symbolize opposition to censorship.
The charges against Yashar primarily relate to his Uyghur-language music, which he shared online, and his possession of books written in the Uyghur language–materials that many Uyghurs view as vital to understanding their cultural history. These materials, however, have been labelled “extremist” by the Chinese authorities, fueling concerns over the criminalization of cultural expression.
Since 2017, China has launched an extensive crackdown on the Uyghur population, labelling their cultural and religious practices as signs of extremism.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned these actions, which are considered by many to be crimes against humanity. More than a million Uyghur Muslims are believed to have been detained in Xinjiang’s internment camps, where they have faced torture, forced labor, and various forms of abuse.
Yashar’s case is a stark example of the broader repression faced by Uyghur artists and intellectuals. Many in the Uyghur community live in constant fear of arrest for expressing their cultural identity, leading to widespread self-censorship.
In response to Yashar’s arrest and detention, human rights advocates are calling for his immediate release, along with the provision of urgent medical care. An international action appeal has been launched, urging global leaders and organizations to press the Chinese government for Yashar’s release and to ensure his health and safety. Additionally, there are calls for an end to the persecution of Uyghur cultural figures and the removal of arbitrary restrictions on Uyghur cultural practices. (ANI)
The lack of independent checks and balances means that corruption investigations can be conveniently weaponized to eliminate political rivals, writes Dr Rakul Sharma
Recent news of the death sentence handed to a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official for corruption has reignited debates on the efficacy and intentions of Beijing’s much-publicized anti-corruption drive. While Chinese President Xi Jinping’s crusade against corruption was initially seen as a promising step to clean up the Party, the increasing frequency of high-profile cases among the Party’s own ranks suggests a deeper, systemic issue that cannot be eradicated simply by imposing harsher punishments. Instead, the anti-corruption campaign appears to be a double-edged sword used only to address cases that can consolidate political power and instil fear.
Since assuming power in 2012, Xi Jinping has been on aggressive anti-corruption campaign under the slogan of targeting both ‘tigers’ (high-ranking officials) and ‘flies’ (low-level bureaucrats). The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the CCP’s top anti-corruption watchdog, has investigated thousands of officials across different levels of government. The campaign has led to the downfall of numerous prominent figures, including Zhou Yongkang, a former security czar, and Bo Xilai, a once-powerful Politburo member.
On the surface, these actions have been framed as part of a broader effort to restore public trust in the CCP and enhance its legitimacy. However, the fact that even top Party officials are not immune to corruption charges raises questions about the internal dynamics of the Party. The execution order for a high-ranking official further highlights the campaign’s severity, yet also exposes its limitations.
An Inherent Contradiction: The Party Policing Itself
One of the most significant criticisms of the anti-corruption drive is that it remains fundamentally flawed because it lacks transparency and accountability. The CCP operates within a closed system where the same Party that polices corruption is also the one committing it. As a result, there is no independent judicial oversight, leaving room for selective targeting based on political motivations rather than genuine concerns over ethical governance.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at the New Year gathering held by the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ju Peng/IANS)
The lack of independent checks and balances means that corruption investigations can be conveniently weaponized to eliminate political rivals. This has led many analysts to argue that the anti-corruption campaign is not just a tool for governance reform but also a mechanism for Xi Jinping to consolidate power. For instance, many of those targeted in the early phases of the campaign were either part of opposing factions or seen as potential threats to Xi’s leadership.
The recent death sentence of a CCP official underscores the extreme measures Beijing is willing to take to portray itself as tough on corruption. Yet, while high-profile cases create headlines, they do little to address the root causes of corruption which are deeply embedded in the Party’s structure. The very nature of China’s one-party system, characterized by a lack of political competition and judicial independence is somewhat a template where corruption can thrive.
For instance, the CCDI reported that over 1.5 million officials have been disciplined since the anti-corruption drive began, with more than 170,000 facing criminal charges. However, this has not deterred others from engaging in corrupt practices. The recurrence of such cases, even at the highest levels of the Party, suggests that corruption is not merely an anomaly but a feature of the system itself. The incentives for corruption remain too high, and the mechanisms for accountability are too weak to produce meaningful change.
The Impact on China’s Global Perception
The anti-corruption campaign has also had unintended consequences for China’s business climate. The crackdown has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, where business leaders, both domestic and foreign, are wary of becoming collateral damage in the CCP’s political manoeuvres. High-ranking officials in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have often been targets, leading to disruptions in critical sectors.
Internationally, China’s anti-corruption drive has been met with scepticism. Critics argue that the campaign is part of a broader narrative that seeks to portray the CCP as the ultimate guardian of social and moral order, even as it quashes dissent and tightens its grip on power. The lack of transparency in how investigations are conducted, coupled with the absence of a fair judicial process, has led to accusations of human rights violations.
Xi Jinping arrives for the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Xinhua/Ju Peng/IANS)
If the CCP is genuinely committed to combating corruption, it needs to move beyond the current model of selective targeting and secretive investigations. The focus should be on institutional reforms that increase transparency and accountability. This would include establishing an independent anti-corruption body that operates outside the influence of the CCP. However, given the Party’s reluctance to cede any control, such changes seem unlikely in the near future. Moreover, the anti-corruption drive needs to be decoupled from the CCP’s broader political agenda. By focusing solely on high-profile cases that serve political purposes, Beijing continues to risk alienating not only its officials but also its citizens, who may perceive the campaign as yet another form of authoritarian control.
Furthermore, the very fact that so many Party members are implicated in corruption cases underscores the need for a systemic overhaul, something that the CCP is unlikely to undertake as long as it remains focused on maintaining its grip on power. Ultimately, the anti-corruption campaign showcases the broader contradictions of China’s political system: a People’s Republic that claims to serve the public good but operates without the checks and balances that characterize a truly free and fair society.
The buoy was discovered in July near Okinotorishima, a remote atoll which lies 1,730 km south of Tokyo and is among the southernmost feature claimed by Japan..reports Asian Lite News
China has told Japan it intends to remove a buoy it installed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, local media said citing diplomatic sources.
The buoy was discovered in July near Okinotorishima, a remote atoll which lies 1,730 km south of Tokyo and is among the southernmost feature claimed by Japan. Though China and others have argued that the coral reef does not qualify as an island under UN definitions, Japan insists it can use the outpost to extend its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Okinotorishima is strategically positioned in the Philippine Sea approximately 875 nautical miles southwest of Tokyo.
The Japanese government has repeatedly called for the removal since the buoy’s presence was confirmed in July near the uninhabited, Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed islets, Kyodo news reported.
According to the sources, as per the Japanese news outlet, China told Japan through diplomatic channels in the summer that it would remove the buoy, with Japan welcoming the move and closely monitoring the situation to make sure Beijing follows through.
Officials from both countries during high-level consultations on maritime affairs in Tokyo in October, Kyodo reported.
The Japanese news agency reported that Chinese Foreign Ministry has said the buoy was installed to monitor ocean currents and weather. Some observers said the data including water temperature has been collected and used by the Chinese military.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in Peru last week, where he expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and the increased activity by the Chinese military. (ANI)
company’s CEO, Li Chunjian, expressed frustration over unresolved issues at the Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa….reports Asian Lite News
Century Steel Group, a Chinese steel producer, has threatened to pull out its investment and shut down its operations in Pakistan unless its concerns are addressed, Geo News reported.
In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the company’s CEO, Li Chunjian, expressed frustration over unresolved issues at the Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The company had reached the decision to wrap up its business and withdraw investment from the country as the government departments, responsible for handling foreign direct investment (FDI) in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, failed to resolve multitude of their problems,” said CEO Li Chunjian.
“This will be our last notice to the Government of Pakistan; if the problems are not resolved immediately, we will start dismantling the plant from the RSEZ,” the company said.
Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee under Federal Minister for Communications, Privatisation and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan to address all of the company’s complaints, according to a senior official statement.
The News reported citing a senior government official, that the prime minister has constituted a committee under Federal Minister for Communications, Privatisation and Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan to address all of the company’s complaints.
The committee includes members from both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments.
According to the steel group, they arrived in Pakistan with big goals and intended to build up the country’s biggest steel mill in three stages in the first RSEZ of CPEC in KP.
Century Steel Group has invested over USD 30 million in the first phase of its steel project in Pakistan, with plans to produce 500,000 tonnes of steel products annually, as reported by Geo News.
The company had planned to invest an additional USD 200 million in the next two phases of the project, which would involve the transfer of advanced steel technology from China to Pakistan.
This investment would have enabled the production of downstream steel products in Pakistan.
Within five years, the final capacity for steel products would be 1.5 million tonnes, China’s steel giant said.
“We aimed to contribute to the GDP of Pakistan and also to create thousands of jobs as well as build exports of steel products to the regional markets. However, due to the following unresolved issues for over five years, we have finally decided to exit from Pakistan and report this matter to the Chinese government/embassy and the international press as a last resort,” it stated in the letter.
“We have been waiting for the last five years at RSEZ and maintenance of our staff and expenses has caused us big losses to the tune of USD 7.5 million,” the letter added. (ANI)
This brings the total number of entities on the list to 107, as part of the US government’s efforts to combat forced labour in global supply chains…reports Asian Lite news
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on behalf of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), added 29 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, a statement by the DHS said.
This brings the total number of entities on the list to 107, as part of the US government’s efforts to combat forced labour in global supply chains, particularly in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China.
The UFLPA, which went into effect in 2022, aims to prevent the importation of goods produced using forced labour, especially from regions linked to human rights abuses, such as Xinjiang. DHS Secretary Alejandro N Mayorkas emphasized that the US will continue to aggressively enforce the act, holding accountable companies that engage in forced labour practices and safeguarding US markets from the exploitation of vulnerable populations, particularly Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities.
The 29 newly listed entities are primarily involved in the agricultural, manufacturing, and electronics sectors. The companies are suspected of either sourcing material from Xinjiang or working with the Chinese government to exploit Uyghur labour.
Among them are Tianjin Tianwei Food Co, which sources tomatoes from Xinjiang, and Xinjiang Zhonghe Co, which allegedly collaborates with local authorities to recruit Uyghurs for forced labour programs.
The expanded list also includes companies linked to the mining industry, such as Xinjiang Nonferrous Metals Industry Group and its subsidiaries, which are accused of using coerced labour in the extraction of valuable metals like lithium and gold. These actions follow ongoing investigations that have uncovered substantial evidence of forced labour operations within the region, the statement said.
As per the statement, in line with the new measures, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply a rebuttable presumption that goods produced by the listed companies will be prohibited from entering the US unless the companies can provide clear evidence that their products were not made using forced labour. This initiative reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to upholding human rights and ethical sourcing in global trade.
Since the enactment of the UFLPA, CBP reviewed over 10,000 shipments valued at more than USD 3.6 billion, marking significant progress in preventing goods made through forced labour from entering US markets.
Mayorkas and Robert Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy and Chair of the FLETF, both stressed the importance of industry accountability, urging companies to thoroughly vet their supply chains and adopt ethical practices.
“The United States will not tolerate forced labor in the goods entering our markets,” said Silvers. “The UFLPA is a powerful tool, and we are using it to its full potential,” the statement quoted him as saying.
As DHS continues to target companies involved in human rights violations, the expansion of the UFLPA Entity List underscores the US government’s commitment to eradicating forced labour and promoting a fairer, more responsible global trade system, the statement added. (ANI)
The measures include expanded export credit insurance, additional financing for international trade businesses, and enhanced support for cross-border e-commerce….reports Asian Lite News
China’s Commerce Ministry on Thursday revealed a nine-point plan to bolster its export sector as the country braces for potential tariff hikes of up to 60% under incoming US President Donald Trump.
The initiative seeks to counter anticipated trade pressures and ensure the resilience of Chinese exports amid growing global trade tensions.
The measures include expanded export credit insurance, additional financing for international trade businesses, and enhanced support for cross-border e-commerce.
Other provisions aim to boost exports of specialty agricultural products and critical commodities while promoting the import of essential equipment and energy resources.
China also plans to ease personnel exchanges through expanded visa-free entry policies and stabilize foreign trade by addressing “unreasonable restrictions” on exports.
The move comes as concerns rise over Trump’s renewed focus on China, with a potential escalation of tariffs reminiscent of his earlier trade policies.
Despite tariffs imposed during his previous term, China’s exports to the US amounted to $427.2 billion last year, far surpassing imports of $147.8 billion.
Zhang Zhiwei, an economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, described the measures as preemptive, not only addressing US tariffs but preparing exporters for rising trade barriers globally.
Sino-US ties deteriorated sharply during Trump’s previous presidency, as he instigated a trade war. His position has not changed this time around, with accusations of intellectual property rights theft and unfair trade practices continuing.
Trump’s 2017 National Security Strategy declared Beijing a revisionist power bent upon long-term strategic competition with the USA. His 2017-21 presidency emphasized hub- and-spokes architecture, such as US-Japan-Australia- India cooperation.
Biden’s subsequent approach of “invest, align and compete” built upon this, but his was more of a latticework of trilateral and multilateral coalitions like AUKUS, the Quad and Japan-US relations and South Korea.
American awareness has grown of Beijing’s desire to turn international norms on their head, and the USA has gone too far down the competitive track to turn back.
Therefore, the USA will continue to discourage regional conflict with China, will promote Western values and “abiding by the rules”, counter Chinese government influence campaigns, maintain a technological and innovation edge, and fight unfair Chinese trade practices.
One method in Trump’s toolbox is trade sanctions and tariffs. During campaigning, Trump said of the Biden administration, “They allowed Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and others to unite. I want to break them up.”
While there are questions over whether Trump will exact a price on China for its constant harassment of Taiwan, there is nonetheless likely to be continuity in US support for Taipei.
Yet Trump will surely demand that Taiwan do far more to boost its own defences rather than using the USA as an insurance policy.
Looking at Trump’s picks for key positions, he has already selected well-known hawks with track records of criticising China.
Mike Waltz will be the national security adviser, Pete Hegseth’s defence secretary and Marco Rubio secretary of state.
Indeed, the latter is sanctioned by Beijing, so officials will not be able to meet him unless China rescinds its sanction.
Such a concentration of hostile people at the top of Trump’s government may signal the direction that bilateral relations will go.
Yet Trump’s unpredictability, fickleness and brashness are good at rubbing other countries up the wrong way too, so some Chinese analysts think another Trump presidency could weaken US ties and introduce fault lines with allies like Japan, the Philippines and South Korea.
Reduced American involvement in Asia would help advance Chinese interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally…reports Asian Lite News
Before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Brazil on November 20, the Brazilian government has abandoned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Brazil is now the second BRICS nation to reject this multi-billion dollar project, following India.
Back in December 2023, Italy, the sole G7 country to join the BRI, also withdrew from this extensive infrastructure scheme. Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally.
Under President Lula da Silva, Brazil aims to enhance its relationship with China while avoiding formal commitments to the BRI. Brazilian officials are seeking Chinese investments without formally joining the BRI, reflecting a desire for strategic autonomy. Celso Amorim, Brazil’s special presidential adviser for international affairs, told O Globo that Brazil wants to “elevate its relationship with China to a new level without signing an accession contract.”
India at the BRICS summit-Exercise of Strategic Autonomy in difficult circumstances.(photo:IN)
Amorim clarified that Brazil does not see Chinese trade and infrastructure projects as “an insurance policy,” stating, “We are not entering into a treaty.” He explained that Brazil has identified priority projects that may not align with Chinese interests, emphasizing the importance of Brazil’s own priorities.
In an intriguing turn of events, Brazilian officials, including Celso Amorim and President Lula da Silva’s chief of staff, Rui Costa, visited Beijing last year to explore the BRI. However, they came back unconvinced by China’s proposals, pointing to the increasing hurdles and evolving views on the initiative’s long-term benefits among partner nations. Both Brazil’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy have voiced doubts about the BRI’s practical advantages, casting uncertainty on its strategic importance for Brazil’s national interests.
Like India, Brazil aims to stay out of the superpower rivalry and keep its strategic autonomy. Concerns are growing that joining the BRI could strain future U.S. relations, especially if Donald Trump returns to power. Trump’s past opposition to China heightens the stakes for BRI participants. Given these shifting geopolitical dynamics, Brazil is focusing on its infrastructure projects and seeking flexible partnerships with Chinese investors that align with its development goals, avoiding entanglements that could threaten its autonomy.
On the evening of June 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Summit.(Photo:Xinhua/IANS)
Brazil, the world’s eighth-largest economy, has the US as its second-largest trading partner. In 2023, trade with the US reached $74.8 billion, with exports at $37.9 billion (down 26% from 2022) and imports at $36.9 billion (down 2%). US exports to Brazil made up 2.3% of total US exports, while imports from Brazil accounted for 1.2%. In May 2024, Brazil and the US agreed to boost trade and investment.
China, Brazil’s largest trading partner for 14 years, saw bilateral trade hit $181.53 billion in 2023, up 6.1% year-on-year. China’s exports to Brazil were $59.11 billion (down 4.3%), while imports from Brazil rose to $122.42 billion (up 11.9%).
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, later welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. The coalition addresses political, economic, and cultural issues. China, contributing 70% of BRICS’ GDP, leads economically but the BRI remains its independent venture. This doesn’t affect BRICS+ unity, as members engage China while safeguarding national interests. Brazil exemplifies this by maintaining a strategic stance, focusing on economic growth and diversifying partnerships to uphold its foreign policy independence.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a massive infrastructure project often seen as Xi Jinping’s hallmark effort. It aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through an extensive network of railways, highways, ports, and airports, reviving the ancient Silk Road. Spanning over 150 countries, including 22 in Latin America, the BRI seeks to boost global trade and investment.
However, unmet promises, environmental concerns, and China’s lending practices have raised doubts, with many nations reconsidering their involvement due to potential debt traps.
India’s BRICS involvement balances its ties with Western-led and Global South platforms. This strategy strengthens its U.S. relations while engaging with Russia and China. India, the first to express BRI reservations, consistently opposes the initiative, citing an unequal playing field for its businesses and has refused to join the BRI.
Tense Indo-China relations, marred by trade imbalances and border disputes, have deepened India’s negative view of the BRI. India opposes the initiative, particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), seen as infringing on its territorial integrity.
India also perceives the BRI as a form of Chinese neo-colonialism, entrapping smaller nations in debt, damaging ecosystems, and disrupting communities. The controversial 99-year lease of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port highlights such financial crises, raising concerns about sovereignty and Chinese influence.
Brazil and India’s shift away from the BRI underscores the mounting unease over China’s global infrastructure ambitions. India has been vocal in its criticism, pushing for international norms, governance, and transparency. The BRI is often seen as China using its advantages to build political ties. Acknowledging this, Brazil’s move mirrors India’s stance, marking a strategic decision to assert its geopolitical interests while managing global partnerships.( The article was published in DIRECTUS)
