https://www.scmp.com/rss/508141/feed Rachel Zhang focuses on diplomatic reporting. She graduated with a Master’s degree in journalism from Boston University, and previously worked at an international relations think tank at Tsinghua University. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com US President Joe Biden’s coordinated approach with allies to counter China has seen America and Canada send warships through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, in a joint mission described by an analyst as a “breakthrough” for Washington. The move by the US and Canadian navies has prompted concerns about a possible clash in the geopolitically sensitive waterway, with the Chinese military condemning the transit as “seriously jeopardising peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait”. The operation... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152760/what-will-us-canada-warships-transit-slammed-china-mean-peace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152760/what-will-us-canada-warships-transit-slammed-china-mean-peace?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:00:11 +0000 Relations with Saudi Arabia are at the top of China’s Middle Eastern diplomacy efforts, the Chinese foreign minister told his Saudi Arabian counterpart in a call on Sunday. Wang Yi said China had always given priority to its relations with Saudi Arabia and was willing to be a long-term and reliable partner, according to a readout issued by the Chinese foreign ministry soon after his conversation with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Khashoggi’s fiancée urges US to hold Saudi liable 3 years after... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152704/saudi-arabia-top-chinas-middle-eastern-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152704/saudi-arabia-top-chinas-middle-eastern-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:20:56 +0000 A Chinese journalist has posted a video online that he suggested showed China’s troops escorting members of the Indian armed forces, following disputed reports that India detained Chinese soldiers during the border stand-off. A journalist from nationalistic tabloid Global Times posted the video on Twitter on Thursday with the hashtags “ChinaIndiaStandOff” and “IndiaChinaBorder”. It appeared to show Chinese troops escorting what the tweet implied were captured Indian soldiers, who were... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152495/chinese-media-returns-fire-information-war-video-captured?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3152495/chinese-media-returns-fire-information-war-video-captured?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:53:18 +0000 Beijing has accused Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen of reviving the “special state-to-state” theory that calls for mainland China and the island to be treated equally. In a speech on Sunday to mark the 110th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of China, the official title still used by the Taipei authorities, Tsai said that Taiwan and mainland China “should not be subordinate to each other”, comments Beijing and some observers on both sides of the strait interpreted as a revival of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3152177/beijing-accuses-taiwanese-president-tsai-ing-wen-demanding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3152177/beijing-accuses-taiwanese-president-tsai-ing-wen-demanding?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:00:28 +0000 An unmanned Chinese submersible has bettered its world record by diving one metre deeper into the depths of the western Pacific Ocean, according to the machine’s developer. The Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenyang Institute of Automation said on Monday that the Haidou 1 sub went down 10,908 metres (35,787 feet) to the sea bed of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench during an expedition. It did not specify when the record was broken. The dive not only improved on the world mark set by the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3152076/chinas-haidou-1-reaches-new-depths-exploring-pacific-ocean-floor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3152076/chinas-haidou-1-reaches-new-depths-exploring-pacific-ocean-floor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:00:21 +0000 The United States may provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan but the Taliban and the US remain far apart on core demands after talks in Doha, according to Chinese analysts. US representatives held talks with a Taliban delegation in the Qatari capital on the weekend in the first meeting between the two sides since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August as US and Nato troops withdrew. “The two sides also discussed the United States’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance directly... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3151952/first-us-taliban-meeting-doha-brings-degree-stability-not-much?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3151952/first-us-taliban-meeting-doha-brings-degree-stability-not-much?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:01:22 +0000 Afghanistan and a new Asia-Pacific security alliance will be high on the agenda in late October when China hosts its annual high-level military conference, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday that the two-day forum would be held from October 25 via video link, and would include a session on the fallout from Afghanistan on regional security. It comes in the aftermath of the US-Nato withdrawal from the Central Asian nation, allowing the Taliban to seize... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150770/afghanistan-agenda-chinas-xiangshan-security-forum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150770/afghanistan-agenda-chinas-xiangshan-security-forum?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:30:10 +0000 China has cautiously welcomed Fumio Kishida’s election as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democrats, a victory that paves the way for the former foreign minister to take over as prime minister next week. Kishida defeated former defence and foreign minister Taro Kono in the second round of the party vote to choose a successor to Yoshihide Suga, who announced his resignation earlier this month after a year in the post. The 64-year-old’s victory comes at a time when relations between China... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150616/china-willing-work-next-japanese-prime-minister-fumio-kishida?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150616/china-willing-work-next-japanese-prime-minister-fumio-kishida?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:00:25 +0000 The Chinese embassy in Washington has protested to the US over the deportation of a Chinese student, accusing law enforcement officers of “wantonly” interrogating him. The embassy said a Chinese student had been interrogated for more than two days and deported by US law enforcement at Houston Airport. “After being confined in a small room for more than 50 hours without proper food and rest, he was deported by the US side through a third country on trumped-up grounds. The US action seriously... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150549/chinese-student-held-over-two-days-us-then-deported-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150549/chinese-student-held-over-two-days-us-then-deported-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Sep 2021 06:13:10 +0000 China’s foreign ministry has thanked the public for a flood of bouquets delivered following the release of Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou on the weekend, but asked people not to send any more, saying the ministry had become a “sea of flowers”. The ministry said the flowers had been sent as expressions of national pride and of gratitude to the government for securing Meng’s release. “We greatly appreciate your kindness. And we sincerely suggest that you stop sending flowers, although... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150422/sea-flowers-chinas-foreign-ministry-flooded-bouquets-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150422/sea-flowers-chinas-foreign-ministry-flooded-bouquets-after?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:30:15 +0000 Beijing hopes that the new German leadership will continue its “pragmatic and balanced” approach towards China, as experts warned of possible headwinds in bilateral relations with the change of guard in Berlin. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday that China attached importance to developing ties with Germany and was willing to work with the new government to safeguard and further develop bilateral relations. “We hope that the new German government will continue its pragmatic... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150327/are-china-and-germany-poised-business-usual-after-merkel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150327/are-china-and-germany-poised-business-usual-after-merkel?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:42:25 +0000 The release of Huawei’s finance chief Meng Wanzhou has removed one of the most contentious issues bedevilling China-US relations, but Chinese analysts warned tensions were likely to continue in other areas. Meng, the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co’s founder Ren Zhengfei, reached a deal with American prosecutors on Friday that effectively ended the fraud case against her and allowed her to fly home from Canada. It also put an end to a three-year extradition drama between China and Canada,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150122/us-china-relations-what-comes-next-after-release-huaweis-meng?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3150122/us-china-relations-what-comes-next-after-release-huaweis-meng?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Sep 2021 14:20:20 +0000 The Chinese ambassador to France has said the two countries should strengthen cooperation following the announcement of the new US security alliance with Britain and Australia. “As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France shoulder the responsibility of maintaining international peace and stability, promoting global development and multilateralism. So we can and should strengthen our cooperation, which is in the interests of the whole world,” ambassador Lu Shaye told Russian... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149977/china-urges-france-boost-cooperation-wake-aukus-submarine-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149977/china-urges-france-boost-cooperation-wake-aukus-submarine-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:00:28 +0000 China has called for sanctions on Afghanistan to be lifted and says its foreign exchange reserves should not be frozen to exert “political pressure” on the Taliban. “Economic sanctions on Afghanistan must end,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during virtual talks with his Group of 20 counterparts on Thursday. “The various unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan should be lifted as soon as possible,” he said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. Wang also hit out at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149816/china-calls-end-sanctions-afghanistan-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149816/china-calls-end-sanctions-afghanistan-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:03:27 +0000 China is unlikely to oppose the Taliban’s request to appoint a new Afghan envoy to the United Nations, observers said, despite ongoing concerns over whether the group will stamp out terrorism as requested by Beijing. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres received a letter on Monday signed by Amir Khan Muttaqi, the new Taliban regime’s acting foreign minister, requesting to speak at the General Assembly, the UN’s main policymaking organ, which is meeting until Monday. The letter said the Taliban... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149711/talibans-proposed-un-envoy-may-not-be-opposed-china-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149711/talibans-proposed-un-envoy-may-not-be-opposed-china-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:04:09 +0000 Investing in mining projects in Afghanistan now entails weighing up security risks, poor infrastructure and potential sanctions against the Taliban. Despite the lure of the country’s considerable mineral reserves, the threats and obstacles may cool Chinese entities’ enthusiasm for involvement, observers and traders said. “The possibility of China investing in Afghan minerals is very low in the short term, although in the long run, if Afghanistan achieves stability and the international community... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149318/talibans-troubles-are-canaries-mines-chinese-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149318/talibans-troubles-are-canaries-mines-chinese-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:00:30 +0000 The unprecedented rift between the US and France over the new three-way alliance with Britain and Australia raises questions about Washington’s commitment to its transatlantic alliance and may offer Beijing a chance to improve ties with Europe, Chinese diplomatic observers have said. France, America’s oldest ally, recalled its ambassador to Washington for consultation for the first time since the US was established after the announcement of the new three-way Aukus pact. It also recalled its... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149277/french-fury-us-over-new-uk-australia-pact-chance-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3149277/french-fury-us-over-new-uk-australia-pact-chance-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Sep 2021 12:30:12 +0000 The turmoil in Afghanistan could improve Iran’s prospects of joining a China-backed security grouping but international sanctions on Tehran could mean continued caution from Beijing, according to observers. Iran has failed in its repeated efforts to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an issue that is again expected to come up for discussion at the group’s summit in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe on Thursday and Friday. Afghanistan would be the main focus of the talks and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148873/could-turmoil-afghanistan-give-iran-chance-join-sco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148873/could-turmoil-afghanistan-give-iran-chance-join-sco?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:00:15 +0000 China and Cambodia have vowed to resist pressure from outside their relationship, with Beijing calling for ties that are “harder than steel” amid tension with some Asean nations over the South China Sea. “Cambodia is willing to strengthen communication with China to prevent extraterritorial forces from disrupting regional affairs, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday. He said... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148529/china-and-cambodia-gun-harder-steel-ties-shutting-out-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148529/china-and-cambodia-gun-harder-steel-ties-shutting-out-pressure?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Sep 2021 06:24:26 +0000 Restoration of regular visa services outranked a meeting between the Chinese and US presidents as top priorities for businesses this year, according to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China. AmCham China said on Friday that in the survey of 125 companies late last month, 38 per cent of respondents said a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden this year was among their top priorities. More than 60 per cent named the resumption of regular visa... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148311/us-china-visa-services-xi-biden-meeting-among-top-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148311/us-china-visa-services-xi-biden-meeting-among-top-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:00:09 +0000 The Taliban has said many members of a militant group blamed by Beijing for separatist activities have left Afghanistan, and has renewed assurances that it will prevent terrorist groups operating there, according to a Chinese newspaper. But a Chinese diplomatic expert cast doubt on the reported claim by Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen, saying it could not be verified and that members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) may have moved to other nations to continue their... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148315/taliban-wont-allow-terrorists-thrive-chinas-concerns-remain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148315/taliban-wont-allow-terrorists-thrive-chinas-concerns-remain?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:02:24 +0000 The deadly terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, prompted an outcry from around the world: “We are all Americans.” Washington’s policies realigned around fighting terrorism and bilateral relationships strengthened or crumbled depending on where other governments stood. In the seventh in a series about the legacy of September 11, Rachel Zhang looks at why, 20 years after 9/11, Beijing is more worried than before about the situation in Afghanistan. China’s business... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148145/two-decades-after-9/11-china-more-concerned-ever-about?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148145/two-decades-after-9/11-china-more-concerned-ever-about?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:00:12 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to further develop ties with North Korea in a message congratulating top leader Kim Jong-un on the 73rd anniversary of the country’s foundation. As a friend, China was “sincerely glad” to see that North Korea’s socialist causes had enjoyed “vigorous development”, Xi said in his message to mark North Korea’s 73rd National Day on Thursday. “For the past 73 years since the founding of the DPRK, the Workers’ Party of Korea has led the DPRK people to make... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148136/chinas-xi-jinping-vows-take-valuable-friendship-north-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148136/chinas-xi-jinping-vows-take-valuable-friendship-north-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Sep 2021 08:24:58 +0000 The United States and China have traded accusations after an American warship sailed near a disputed South China Sea reef, in what an expert called the first challenge to Beijing’s new regulation aimed at strengthening its maritime claims. The Chinese military said the US guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold on Wednesday entered what it called China’s territorial waters near Mischief Reef, in the disputed Spratly Islands, without the approval of the Beijing government. The US Navy later accused... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3147975/south-china-sea-pla-protests-us-warship-sails-near-mischief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3147975/south-china-sea-pla-protests-us-warship-sails-near-mischief?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:13:35 +0000 China has called for increased vigilance against illicit arms transfers and – in an apparent reference to the US – urged all parties to a global arms trade treaty to stop selling weapons to “non-state actors”. “We support the international community to take all necessary measures to regulate the international arms trade and to combat the illicit transfer of conventional arms,” Li Song, China’s ambassador for disarmament affairs, told the United Nations’ Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) conference in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3147166/stop-arms-sales-non-state-actors-china-urges-un-treaty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3147166/stop-arms-sales-non-state-actors-china-urges-un-treaty?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:00:11 +0000 China and the US could work together to support the Taliban and deter extremism in the militant group but differences over Xinjiang are a stumbling block, according to Chinese observers. The Taliban took over the Afghan capital Kabul two weeks ago but is confronting an economic crisis that could spiral into a humanitarian disaster as international donors cut off foreign aid – a key contributor to the economy. The International Monetary Fund has blocked over US$370 million in assistance due to “a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146938/how-china-and-us-could-talk-taliban-together?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146938/how-china-and-us-could-talk-taliban-together?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Aug 2021 22:00:29 +0000 Yu Yong is at a business crossroads. The 48-year-old Kabul-based trader has been dealing in gemstones, medical supplies and stationery in the Afghan capital for the last four years and planned to stay for the long haul. But as one of the last dozen or so Chinese people in the country, Yu is wondering what the withdrawal of American troops and the Taliban’s takeover will bring. Amid the chaos sweeping the Central Asian nation and the fear of a return of Sharia law, Yu is calculating the risk of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146795/stay-or-go-tough-choices-chinese-businesspeople-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146795/stay-or-go-tough-choices-chinese-businesspeople-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:24 +0000 Russia has said it will hold joint maritime exercises with China and Iran in the coming months, in an announcement timed to show support from Moscow and Beijing to Tehran in its confrontations with Washington, an analyst said. Russia’s ambassador to Tehran, Levan Dzhagaryan, said the drills would be held in the Persian Gulf in late 2021 or early 2022. “The annual joint naval exercises CHIRU will be held in the Persian Gulf region,” Dzhagaryan was quoted by Russian Sputnik news agency as saying.... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146157/china-russia-iran-naval-drill-announcement-shows-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3146157/china-russia-iran-naval-drill-announcement-shows-support?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:16:30 +0000 India has denied being involved in the bus attack that killed nine Chinese nationals last month in Pakistan, rejecting the accusation made by the Pakistani authorities. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs rejected Pakistan’s allegation and called it an attempt at “peddling lies and propaganda”. “This is yet another attempt by Pakistan to malign India, in a bid to deflect international attention from its role as the epicentre of regional instability and a safe haven for proscribed... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145067/india-denies-involvement-bus-blast-killed-chinese-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145067/india-denies-involvement-bus-blast-killed-chinese-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2021 11:38:01 +0000 The United States will stand with Lithuania against China’s “coercive behaviour” after Beijing’s decision to recall its envoy to the Baltic state, according to US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman. In a phone call with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Friday, Sherman “reiterated the United States is resolute in our solidarity with our Nato ally and European Union partner Lithuania, including standing with them in the face of the People’s Republic of China’s recent... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145050/us-stands-lithuania-against-coercive-china-state-department?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145050/us-stands-lithuania-against-coercive-china-state-department?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2021 07:56:36 +0000 China may have to come up with a new approach to its changing relationship with Europe, analysts say, though that is not likely to include a softer stand on challenges to its “red lines”. They expect Beijing will keep pushing for more cooperation with the European Union, despite rising tensions with the bloc over issues including the pandemic and human rights. But it may have to do more to improve ties at a time of uncertainty, as Germany, France and Hungary all head towards elections. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145001/uncertain-times-china-needs-new-vision-europe-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3145001/uncertain-times-china-needs-new-vision-europe-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2021 07:00:11 +0000 The latest US air strikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan are a sign that it may not be easy for Washington to completely get out of the chaos in the war-torn nation, with China expected to pressure the US on the matter at an upcoming meeting in Qatar. Diplomatic observers said China will be pushing for the US to continue its role in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American and Nato troops this month. The meeting in Doha, starting on Wednesday, will include US special representative... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3144676/china-tipped-push-us-afghan-stability-doha-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3144676/china-tipped-push-us-afghan-stability-doha-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:46:09 +0000 China has ordered areas with populations of more than 5 million to be fully tested for Covid-19 within three days, while those with less than 5 million residents have two days to do the same. The National Health Commission notice on Tuesday came as the country recorded the highest daily totals of local and symptomatic cases during its latest coronavirus outbreak. “Once the decision is made to carry out mass testing, implementation plans must be put in place as soon as possible,” the NHC notice... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3144469/chinas-local-covid-19-cases-hit-highest-daily-total-latest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3144469/chinas-local-covid-19-cases-hit-highest-daily-total-latest?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Aug 2021 04:18:21 +0000 The biggest terminal on the Tibetan Plateau – at the region’s only international airport – went into operation over the weekend, boosting hopes of improved economic connections with South Asia and the domestic market. The new Terminal 3 at Lhasa Gonggar Airport completes the expansion and reconstruction of the region’s largest aviation hub, a key project for China’s 2016-2020 five-year plan, the country’s social and economic development blueprint. Built at an elevation of 3,570 metres (11,712... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3144416/china-opens-tibets-biggest-airport-terminal-analysts-eye-south?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3144416/china-opens-tibets-biggest-airport-terminal-analysts-eye-south?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Aug 2021 12:12:38 +0000 The US has said Afghanistan is one area that it can work with China to ensure peace and stability after its forces pull out. “When it comes to the PRC [People’s Republic of China], again, this is one of those areas where we do have an alignment of interests,” Ned Price, the US State Department’s spokesman, told a press conference when asked about the Taliban’s recent meeting with Chinese officials. “It is in no one’s interest to see an Afghanistan that lacks security, that lacks stability, that... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143967/us-says-it-can-still-work-china-bring-peace-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143967/us-says-it-can-still-work-china-bring-peace-afghanistan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:30:18 +0000 Twelve-year-old Hend Zaza, Syrian table tennis prodigy and youngest athlete at the Tokyo Olympics, has been invited to train in China and is expected to arrive as early as September, state media said. Zaza, also the youngest Olympian since the 1992 Barcelona Games, lost to Austria’s Liu Jia in straight sets in the opening round of the women’s singles – her Games debut over in 24 minutes. Despite being knocked out, Zaza was a “great talent” with good rhythm and instincts, Liu, 39, told Xinhua.... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143682/tokyo-olympics-syrian-table-tennis-prodigy-hend-zaza12-heads?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143682/tokyo-olympics-syrian-table-tennis-prodigy-hend-zaza12-heads?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:00:13 +0000 Team China will face “extremely fierce” competition from the United States and Japan on the medal table during the second half of the Tokyo Olympics, according to the Chinese delegation’s spokesperson. Halfway through the games, China now leads the gold medal list and has no Covid-19 infections among its delegates. The United States currently tops the list of total medals won. The spokesperson told state news agency Xinhua on Sunday that the overall performance of Chinese team had been largely... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3143480/chinese-olympic-athletes-buoyed-leading-gold-medal-tally-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3143480/chinese-olympic-athletes-buoyed-leading-gold-medal-tally-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Aug 2021 09:30:14 +0000 No sooner had US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman left Tianjin after tense talks with Chinese officials last week, than a Taliban delegation arrived at the same hotel from Afghanistan. It was a clear message that Beijing will forge its own strategy with its neighbour after calling the US policy towards the war-torn country a failure. As the September deadline for the withdrawal of US troops approaches, relations between China and the resurgent group were elevated on Wednesday, with... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143125/common-interests-behind-china-and-talibans-talks-tianjin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143125/common-interests-behind-china-and-talibans-talks-tianjin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Aug 2021 14:30:13 +0000 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to keep a key military agreement with the United States will boost America’s goal of keeping China under pressure over the South China Sea and Taiwan, according to observers. Duterte had threatened to end the Visiting Forces Agreement last year after the US cancelled the visa of one of his political allies, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a former police chief, over his role in the country’s bloody war on drugs. The agreement, which came into effect in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143245/how-philippine-leaders-u-turn-over-us-forces-helps-keep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3143245/how-philippine-leaders-u-turn-over-us-forces-helps-keep?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:00:16 +0000 Five years ago, Beijing blithely dismissed an international tribunal’s landmark ruling that found its sweeping claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. Liu Zhenmin, China’s then foreign vice-minister, said the decision handed down at The Hague in July 2016 was “just a piece of waste paper” that China would not recognise or enforce. “You may chuck it in the bin, leave it on the shelf or put it in the archives,” he said. “It is null and void, and has no binding force.” Although the United... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142456/south-china-sea-calls-honour-hague-ruling-5-years-beijing-digs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142456/south-china-sea-calls-honour-hague-ruling-5-years-beijing-digs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jul 2021 14:00:05 +0000 Beijing has apparently not sent any senior Chinese officials to attend what is expected to be a subdued opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on Friday night. Asked directly on Thursday if China was sending any leaders to Tokyo, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian would not be drawn, saying only that “I can tell you that China supports Japan in hosting a successful Tokyo Olympic Games”. He confirmed that the Chinese delegation had arrived in Japan, led by Gou Zhongwen, head of the General... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142274/top-chinese-officials-likely-be-absent-tokyo-olympics-opening?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142274/top-chinese-officials-likely-be-absent-tokyo-olympics-opening?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:30:12 +0000 China has accused Japan of grossly interfering in its internal affairs after Tokyo for the first time raised concerns about the stability over Taiwan in an annual defence paper. “The Taiwan issue is entirely China’s internal affair and external forces cannot interfere. The Chinese military will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” China’s defence ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said the report “exaggerated the so-called Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141950/gross-interference-china-hits-back-japans-defence-take-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141950/gross-interference-china-hits-back-japans-defence-take-taiwan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jul 2021 08:34:34 +0000 The Pakistani Taliban could be responsible for last week’s bus attack in the country that killed 13 people including nine Chinese nationals, security analysts said. Both Pakistan and China have classified the explosion in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province as a terror attack, but so far no group has claimed responsibility. Security analysts said that based on available information and the location, the Pakistani Taliban could be involved. “The location was a region where the Pakistani... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141819/pakistani-taliban-may-be-behind-bus-attack-killed-9-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141819/pakistani-taliban-may-be-behind-bus-attack-killed-9-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jul 2021 04:53:25 +0000 On the eve of a visit to Mongolia by a senior US diplomat, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the China-Mongolia relationship to be strengthened by mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and he said China would buy more of its neighbour’s products. In a phone call with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on Friday, Xi said China and Mongolia shared an increasing number of common interests. “Both sides should respect each other’s independence, sovereignty,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141669/chinas-president-xi-calls-stronger-ties-mongolia-ahead-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141669/chinas-president-xi-calls-stronger-ties-mongolia-ahead-us?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jul 2021 09:05:01 +0000 China is sending its largest-ever delegation to the Tokyo Olympics, where it will be looking to take the lead in the battle for gold. This year’s Summer Olympics, which will run from July 23 to August 22, will be like no other, with spectators banned from the stadium and now-reluctant host Tokyo issuing its fourth Covid-19 state of emergency just days before the opening ceremony. But the unusual circumstances caused by the pandemic have not put a dampener on Chinese ambitions, with the country... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141372/china-has-big-dreams-tokyo-olympics-its-not-all-about-medals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3141372/china-has-big-dreams-tokyo-olympics-its-not-all-about-medals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jul 2021 12:00:18 +0000 China has pledged to support Japan as host of the summer Olympics and said it would send a big team to the Games, but called for measures to ensure participants’ safety. In a meeting with Tokyo Olympic Committee chairwoman Seiko Hashimoto on Monday, China’s ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou said the leaders of China and Japan reached an important consensus to support each other in hosting the Games. “China actively supports Japan in hosting the Tokyo Olympic Games and is willing to continue to... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140896/china-and-japan-pledge-support-each-other-olympic-hosts-during?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140896/china-and-japan-pledge-support-each-other-olympic-hosts-during?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:14:17 +0000 China’s Mars rover has been going in for a close look at rocks and sand dunes in the two months since it touched down on the red planet. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) said on Monday that the Zhu Rong rover was performing well and was continuing to send back images of the Martian surface. The CNSA said the device had covered more than 410 metres (1,345 feet) by Sunday night, taking photos of features along the way. The rover landed on Mars on May 14 on a large plain in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3140816/chinas-zhu-rong-rover-zooms-rocks-mars-space-mission?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3140816/chinas-zhu-rong-rover-zooms-rocks-mars-space-mission?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:00:10 +0000 China’s projects in Afghanistan and West Africa face growing security threats and require increased risk assessment and precautions following US and French military withdrawals, observers say. Beijing has been watching Afghanistan anxiously amid concerns that the end to the US military mission there could lead to a revival of terrorism, potentially endangering Chinese investment projects, border security and stability in the neighbouring Chinese region of Xinjiang. Observers have also warned of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140538/china-must-plan-growing-risks-afghanistan-and-africa-observers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140538/china-must-plan-growing-risks-afghanistan-and-africa-observers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jul 2021 14:30:22 +0000 China is promoting cooperation with the European Union in Africa on infrastructure and pandemic support as a way to find common ground and restore its damaged ties with the bloc – a move diplomatic observers said could ease pressure on Beijing from Washington’s efforts to woo its allies in Europe. In an online meeting with his German and French counterparts on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the three countries work together on infrastructure projects in Africa through the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140150/china-seeks-common-ground-europe-africa-through-infrastructure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3140150/china-seeks-common-ground-europe-africa-through-infrastructure?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:00:13 +0000 China and Ukraine have agreed to boost cooperation on infrastructure projects, days after Kiev withdrew from a joint call for Beijing to give the UN human rights chief access to its Xinjiang region. Kiev faces a challenge as it tries to balance its relations with Beijing and the West – it needs Chinese investment and access to its market but relies on the United States as its biggest military aid donor and is seeking to join Nato and the European Union, analysts said. China’s commerce ministry... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3139897/china-ukraine-agree-work-together-road-bridge-and-railway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3139897/china-ukraine-agree-work-together-road-bridge-and-railway?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:00:12 +0000