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China Reader Daily Wire | 22 April 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 62

US House of Representatives approve TikTok ban bill

Taiwan discusses the US funding assistance | Chinese researchers face increasing interrogations and deportations in the US

HIGHLIGHTS
CHINA & THE AMERICAS
US House of Representatives approve TikTok ban bill
On 20 April, the US House of Representatives approved a bill that would impose a ban on TikTok if it does not divest from Chinese parent company ByteDance. The Straits Times mentions the growing popularity among young Americans, allowing Beijing to spy on them. The bill was passed with strong bipartisan support by a margin of 360 to 58. The bill comes after the US President Biden expressed on TikTok to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The ultimate to TikTok was mentioned in the legislation that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Under the bill, ByteDance would have to sell the app within a year or be excluded from Apple’s and Google’s app stores in the US. However, many critics, including the owner of X, Elon Musk, said that the ban would be contrary to the Freedom of Expression in the US. (“Bill to ban TikTok in US moves ahead in Congress,” The Straits Times, 21 April 2024)

EAST ASIA
Taiwan discusses the US funding assistance
On 21 April, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said that the country is discussing with the US the legislative funding assistance included in the USD 95 billion package. The request comes as Chinese warplanes fly closer to Taiwanese airspace. The ministry thanked the US for ensuring “rock solid” support for Taiwan. The Straits Times reports multiple complaints made by Taiwan to the US regarding delayed weapons deliveries. Wang Ting-yu of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party said that Taiwan was able to detect the incoming warplanes using its aircraft and land-based missile systems. (“Taiwan to discuss new funding with US as Chinese warplanes get close to island,” The Straits Times, 21 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Chinese researchers face increasing interrogations and deportations in the US
On 20 April, The Guardian reported that Chinese researchers are facing increased interrogations and deportations in the US despite possessing valid visas for scientific research. This comes as the Chinese embassy in Washington mentioned 70 deportation cases since July 2021 despite possessing valid documents. Professor Win Yan of Yale School of Medicine said that the impact is significant and will have a significant impact on future Chinese students. He also mentioned straining US-China people-to-people exchanges. The interrogation is linked to the 2020 US rule that barred Chinese postgraduate students with links to China’s “military-civil fusion strategy,” which aims to leverage civilian infrastructure to support military development. (Amy Hawkins, “Chinese students in US tell of ‘chilling’ interrogations and deportations,” The Guardian, 20 April 2024)

CHINA READER DAILY WIRE
INTERNAL
High alert in China flooding in the southern city of Guangdong
On 21 April, the South China Morning Post reported flooding alerts in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong with local authorities warning of once in 100 years floods. The provincial flood and disaster prevention department said that floodwaters in the Bei River were expected to peak at 37.3 metres (122 feet) by 1am, or about 5.8 metres above the warning line. The department also reported intense rainstorms hitting Northern and western Guangdong since 19 April. According to the National Meteorological Centre, most of the affected areas have reported 200-350mm of rain since April. Local officials announced that they would ensure to set up monitoring and early warnings, flood control dispatch, flood diversion, patrol duty, and emergency rescue. (Xinlu Liang, “China issues ‘once in a century’ flood warning for Guangdong’s Bei River zone,” South China Morning Post, 21 April 2024)

EXTERNAL
Western Pharma companies warn of supply chain disruption, says an Opinion in Financial Times
On 22 April, according to an opinion in the Financial Times, Western pharmaceutical companies warns of potential supply chain disruption due to certification issues for manufacturing sites in China. It also reports fears over arrest for spying and denying access to the facilities. This comes as China’s anti-espionage laws continue to target foreign citizens as spies. According to the German Medicines Manufacturers’ Association (BAH), the fear of arrest led to the refusal of a visit by Germany to China. Fatima Bicane of BAH mentions the pending certifications of Chinese sites, which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The US FDA’s data mentions the 150 refusals by China in 2021. Jim Miller notes China’s critical role in supplying important ingredients and active ingredients for antibiotics. (Arjun Neil Alim, Oliver Barnes, Ian Johnston, “Pharma groups warn of supply crunch over China spying law,” Financial Times, 22 April 2024)

MARITIME
“South Pacific region should not become an arena for major power rivalries,” says Chinese FM Wang Yi
On 20 April, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the “South Pacific region should not become an arena for major power rivalries,” and that “its assistance to countries there is free of political conditions.” His comments come during a joint press conference with his Papua New Guinea counterpart. He also said that confrontation attempts do not serve any purpose for the people of South Pacific Island countries. He mentions China’s regional engagement as mutual assistance without any “geopolitical self-interests.” He further mentioned China’s willingness to open free trade negotiations with Papua New Guinea. (“Major powers should avoid rivalry in the South Pacific, says China’s Foreign Minister,” The Straits Times, 21 April 2024)

CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
China warns against “gunboat muscle” flexing by US-Philippines joint drills
On 22 April, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia warned the countries against “gunboat muscle” flexing amid the ongoing US-Philippine joint drills in the South China Sea. On 22 April, the annual Balikatan, or “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills, began and will continue till 22 May outside of Philippines territorial waters with the participation of the Philippines Coast Guard. Defending the drills, the Philippines military said that the exercises were not linked to one country’s actions. Zhang also said that China would prefer to resolve the maritime disputes through dialogue. The tensions arise as Philippines President Marcos Jr tries to cement its ties with the US and its allies amid the escalation of maritime disputes with China in the region. (Helen Davidson, “Beijing warns against flexing of ‘gunboat muscles’ as US and Philippines begin military drills,” The Guardian, 22 April 2024)

Chinese FM Wang Yi arrives for a three-day trip to Cambodia
On 21 April, the Chinese Foreign Minister arrives for a three-day trip in Cambodia to boost bilateral relations. His trip comes after the three-nation tour to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Associated Press reports of his visit aiming to oversee the two ongoing Chinese-funded projects in Cambodia. At present, 40 per cent of USD 10 billion is owed to China in foreign debt. Wang Yi is set to meet Prime Minister Hun Manet, and his father, Hun Sen. Cambodia said that it is determined to proceed with the Chinese-financed 180-kilometer long, USD 1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal project, connecting Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. (Sophie Cheang, “Chinese foreign minister arrives in Cambodia, Beijing’s closest Southeast Asian ally,” Associated Press, 21 April 2024)

CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
Pro-China Muizzu’s party won the landslide elections
On 22 April, According to the Elections Commission of Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) won 66 of the first 86 seats, winning a greater majority in the 93-member parliament. The Guardian notes that the election victory is critical for Muizzu’s plan to boost ties with China. Despite winning the elections in September, his party, PNC, lacked a majority in the parliament. The main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), faced a massive defeat with few seats. (“Pro-China party wins landslide victory in Maldives parliamentary elections,” The Guardian, 22 April 2024)

“Pakistan rejects political use of export controls,” says Pakistan FM spokesperson
On 20 April, spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “Pakistan rejects political use of export controls.” The statement comes after the US imposed sanctions on four international companies aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The US Department of State said that it imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and one Belarus-based firm for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s long-range missile program. Baloch reiterated the need to end the arbitrary application of sanctions and the use of technology intended for socio-economic development. She also said Pakistan is ready to discuss the end-use and end-user verification mechanisms with the US. (Ayaz Gul, “Pakistan protests 'erroneous' US sanctions on Chinese firms over missile program allegations,” VOA, 20 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Chinese companies using Mexico to get access to the US market
On 22 April, according to a commentary on BBC, Chinese companies are using Mexico to manufacture final goods in Mexico and export directly to the US market to avoid tariffs and sanctions amid the ongoing trade war between the two countries. The nearshoring phenomenon has boosted the Mexican economy, with its total exports increasing by 5.8 per cent to USD 52.9 billion in June 2023. However, the trend has slowed down significantly. BBC reports that Mexico is displacing China as the largest trading partner of the US. However, some experts warn of Mexico being drawn into the US-China trade war. (Will Grant, “How Chinese firms are using Mexico as a backdoor to the US,” BBC, 22 April 2024)

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