China Monitor Articles

CCP’s Sixth Plenary Session. Xi forever?
On Monday, November 8, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCCPC) commenced its sixth plenum in Beijing. During the meeting, which ended on Thursday, about 300 members of the Party, led by Xi Jinping, adopted a resolution which glorifies the Party’s achievements over the past century, especially those under Xi’s leadership.

Wang Yi Visits Four European Countries
On October 27-29, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Wang Yi, visited four European countries: Italy, Greece, Albania and Serbia . His visit to the Old Continent was preceded by a meeting with representatives of the Taliban government in Qatar.

Security a Priority During Talks Between Wang Yi and the Taliban in Doha
The withdrawal of US military forces from Afghanistan has been widely commented around the world, and has also raised speculation about the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) deeper involvement in the region. Beijing maintains relations with the new Afghan government, but this should not be perceived as a sign of a major change in China’s approach towards the country. Ensuring stability in the region remains a priority.

Josep Borrell’s Speech, Challenging Issues of Lithuania and Taiwan
The relations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with both the European Union (EU) and Taiwan have become complicated recently. These difficult events were summarized in a speech delivered at the Plenary of the European Parliament by Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, on behalf of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

China, Russia Hold Joint Naval Maneuvers
China-Russia military drills Naval Interaction-2021 began on Thursday, October 14, near Russia’s Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. This is another rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow, which might lead to an alliance. Moreover, it highlights the need to respond to aggressive actions of the West, as China and Russia perceive them.

Yang-Sullivan Meeting
Yang Jiechi, a Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, met with Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, in Zurich, Switzerland on October 6. The summit was widely regarded as successful. Chinese experts note that bilateral relations are improving, but are also aware of the long-standing rivalry between the two countries.

Chinese Industry and Global Supply Chains Hit by Energy Shortages
In recent weeks, China has been facing a severe electricity shortage, which affected millions of households and manufacturing companies. The problem is particularly grave in the northeastern provinces of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Mounting Tensions Between Taipei and Beijing Mark the Anniversary of the 1911 Revolution
Relations between the governments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) have been, from a geopolitical standpoint, one of the hotspots in the Asia-Pacific region since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The administration of the incumbent President of the PRC Xi Jinping is emphasizing the special role of the island in Chinese policy and strategy.

Japan’s New Prime Minister and China
On September 29, 2021, Fumio Kishida won the vote for the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He took office as the country’s Prime Minister on October 4. Chinese media note that he is known for a moderate stance, but during the election campaign he made accusations against China. Nevertheless, a change in Beijing’s foreign policy to an even more confrontational one should not be expected.

Polish Support for Taiwan
In early September 2021, Polish authorities donated 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, which was enthusiastically welcomed by Taipei. However, this does not translate to a deterioration of relations between Warsaw and Beijing and a sudden strong support for Taiwan in its efforts to be recognized as an independent state.

Chinese Journalists Report on Meng Wanzhou Case
The conclusion of a deferred prosecution agreement between the US Department of Justice and Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s CFO in Canada, allowed her to return to China and end the house arrest she had been under since December 2018. At that time, Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of US authorities on suspicion of helping to violate sanctions on the Iranian government. The case of Huawei’s CFO has been widely reported by Chinese media.

Is China’s Strategy of Mass Mobilisation Effective Way to Fight the Covid-19 Pandemic?
In 2020, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) notched up a crushing victory when swiftly containing the Covid-19 pandemic in China, which was used for propaganda purposes both at home and abroad. The Chinese model of fighting the pandemic is based on the CCP’s strategy of mass mobilization.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Makes Tour of East Asian Countries
In the first half of September 2021, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a trip to East and Southeast Asia, visiting Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea.

Is Chinese Ambassador to UK Persona Non Grata?
The Chinese ambassador to Britain has been banned from attending an event in the British parliament, according to a decision made in mid-September. The reason for that was that Beijing imposed sanctions on some British lawmakers. China condemned the move and pledged retaliatory measures.