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- Ko Evasive About New Political Party Rumors (2018-08-20)
(Taipei Times, By Lee I-chia) At a memorial ceremony to mark the 90th birthday of former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Huang Hsin-chieh and to commemorate his fight for Taiwan's democracy and human rights, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je denied the rumors about his plans to form a new political party. Ko further added that he strives to follow Huang's footsteps by being pratical and getting along with all parties. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Volunteer Military a 'Bad Idea' Former AIT Director Says (2018-08-19)
(Taipei Times, By Sean Lin) Speaking at a forum on Taiwan-US-China relations, William Stanton, former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) director, expressed concern for Taiwan's proposal for an all-volunteer military recruitment system. Stanton instead asked Taiwan to mirror Switzerland and Israel's military recruitment plans, whereby both nations have a large reserve force that is ready to defend the country. He further suggested that Taiwan should diversity its trade to be less dependent on China. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Feature: Taiwan Improving Missiles to Counter China (2018-08-19)
(Taipei Times/CNA) According to defense experts, Taiwan is seeking to develop its own missiles and interceptors to counter China's increasing superior military technology. Alexander Huang, a strategic studies professor at Taiwan's Tamkang University, stated that since both nations' military power differs significantly, Taiwan could only invest in military technologies that would deter Chinese attacks. Meanwhile, Collin Koh, a maritime security research fellow at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, remarked that China is focusing on developing its land-based military capabilities. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Novelist Insisted on Name Change to Sound 'Voice from Taiwan' (2018-08-19)
(CNA, By Tai Ya-chen and Joseph Yeh) Taiwanese novelist Wu Ming-Yi protested against the name change of his national identity and has urged the organizers of the Man Booker International Prize to change it back to Taiwan instead of Taiwan, China. Wu courageously voiced his hope for greater respect, tolerance, and acceptance of all cultural identities, especially in light of Taiwan being isolated internationally. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Tsai Arrives in Houston for Stopover on Return Leg of Trip to Allies (2018-08-19)
(CNA, By Sophia Yeh and Elizabeth Hsu) President Tsai Ing-wen stopped over in Houston after completing her nine-day trip to Paraguay and Belize. During her stopover in Houston, the president attended a dinner with Taiwanese expatriates, U.S. political dignitaries and congressmen. Tsai is also scheduled to visit the NASA's Johnson Space Center, making her the first Taiwan president to visit a U.S. federal building. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Tsai Calls on Taiwan Expats to Support Her Transformation Agenda (2018-08-19)
(CNA, By Sophia Yeh, Chiang Chin-yeh and Elizabeth Hsu) During a welcome dinner in Houston after her nine-day trip to Paraguay and Belize, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen urged Taiwanese expatriates to support her administration's efforts in transforming the nation. The president also expressed confidence in a greater Taiwan-U.S. relations in light of the passing of the Taiwan Travel Act and America's decision to continue selling weapons to Taiwan. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - Military to Buy Tanks, Missile Boats for US$11.2bn (2018-08-19)
(Taipei Times, By Lo Tien-pin and Jake Chung) According to a ministry official from Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry has allocated a budget of US$11.2 billion to improve the nation's military capabilities. The budget will include the purchase of American M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and the construction of 60 missile attack boats. The official further remarked that the missile attack boats which is the size of a fishing boat, would provide easy navigation along the coast and thus could operate well for a surprise attack. <Accessed 2018-08-20> - SEF Seeks to End Stalemate with China: Chairwoman (2018-08-18)
(CNA, By Chai Sze-chia and Ko Lin) Chang Hsiao-yueh, the Chairwoman for the Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), said that the SEF is prepared to act as a bridge to ease the growing tension between Taiwan and China. Cross-strait relations have been stiff due to President Tsai Ing-wen's refusal to recognize the "1992 consensus". Chang further urged for more open dialogue between both nations. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Taiwanese in China Warned of Surveillance (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Sherry Hsiao) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has asked Taiwanese living in China to be vigilant as the Chinese government is using its "Skynet Project" to track and surveil people and vehicles in China. MAC's warning came amid Beijing's recent decision to allow Taiwanese, Hong Kongers, and Macanese the option to apply for a residence permit in China. MAC also remarked that this decision could be one of China's "united front" strategies to win Taiwanese over. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Politicians Lay Blame in Wake of 85°C Remark (2018-08-17)
Taipei Times, By Chien Hui-ju, Chen Hsin-yu and Jake Chung) Taiwanese politicians expressed different views regarding the recent incident whereby, international bakery chain 85°C was pressured to pronounce support for the "1992 consensus" after being accused for being pro-Taiwanese independence when one of its branches in Los Angeles gave a gift bag to President Tsai Ing-wen. KMT blamed the DPP for its poor handling of cross-strait relations, while the DPP faulted the KMT for failing to stand up for Taiwan. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je stated that China did not handle the matter well. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Taiwan's Military Advantages Vs. China Waning: U.S. Report (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Elizabeth Hsu) According to a recent 2018 China Military Power Report released by the U.S. Department of Defense, Taiwan's military capability is at a disadvantage compared to China's military power. The Report stated that China's defense budget, which is currently 15 times more than Taiwan, has equipped its People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces with the capability to coerce Taiwan into a reunification with China. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - President Tsai Decorated in Belize (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Flor Wang) Belize Governor-General Colville Young honored President Tsai Ing-wen for her leadership and efforts in developing good cooperation and relationship between Belize and Taiwan. President Tsai thanked Governor-General Young for the honor and support of Taiwan's participation in the international community. President Tsai also expressed hope that both nations will continue to cooperate closely. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - President Tsai Arrives in Belize, Receives Warm Welcome (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping, Joseph Yeh and Frances Huang) Belize warmly welcomed President Tsai Ing-wen with a military salute and the Republic of China's (Taiwan) national anthem. Belize released a statement commenting that Tsai's visit to Belize will foster greater mutual understanding, exchanges, and progress on the fields of agriculture, education, information and communication technology, medical care and vocational training. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Beijing Urged to Cherish Peace in Taiwan Strait (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Claudia Liu and Elizabeth Hsu) In light of the recent 2018 China Military Power Report released by the U.S. Department of Defense, Taiwan has urged China to treasure the peace and stability that both nations have strived to achieve to ensure peaceful cross-strait relations. According to Presidential Office spokesman Sidney Lin, Taiwan's military is committed to protect Taiwan's security by closely monitoring Beijing's military actions, particularly since China has never renounced to use military force against Taiwan. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - German Parliamentarians Back Taiwan in Youth Games Row (2018-08-17)
(CNA, By Lin yu-li and Flor Wang) China came under strong criticism from two German parliamentarians for putting pressure on the East Asian Olympic Committees (EAOC) to cancel Taichung's rights to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games. Klaus-Peter Willsch, chair of the Germany-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressed concern that China would continue to isolate Taiwan globally and called democratic nations to appeal to the EAOC not to give in to China's pressure. Taichung mayor Lin Chia-lung stated that the city's government is contemplating of bringing a lawsuit against the EAOC. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - President Tsai Attends Paraguayan President-Elect Inauguration (2018-08-16)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Romulo Huang) Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Paraguay President-elect Mario Abdo Benitez and Vice President-elect Hugo Adalberto Velazquez Moreno during the inauguration ceremony. Tsai is scheduled for a three-day visit to Belize on Thursday before returning to Taiwan on August 20. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Taiwan Still Pushing Japan on 'Comfort Women' Issue: MOFA (2018-08-16)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) A bronze statue was erected in Tainan to commemorate Taiwanese women who were forced to serve the Japanese Imperial Army as "comfort women" during World War II. While the statue was not erected by the Taiwanese government, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesman Andrew Lee assured the public that Taiwan will continue to establish communication with Japan and press Japan to confront the issue. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Taiwan Thanks U.S. for Tsai’s Transit Breakthroughs (2018-08-14)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that the MOFA had expressed gratitude to the United States for the high treatment President Tsai Ing-wen received while on her stopover in the U.S. While in the U.S., Tsai had the opportunity to give her first public address in the U.S. and visit the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office’s Culture Center. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - New AIT Director Lauds Taiwan as Reliable Law Enforcement Partner (2018-08-14)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh)
Brent Christensen, the new director of the American Institute of Taiwan, spoke at a crime-fighting workshop in Taipei Tuesday, where he praised Taiwan’s law enforcement capabilities. He said that Taiwan’s reliable law enforcement made it a great partner for helping the U.S. combat international crime. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - Taiwan Thanks U.S. for Defense Bill Signing (2018-08-14)
(CNA, By Yu Kai-hsiang, Rita Cheng, and Elizabeth Hsu)
Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the national defense authorization, President Tsai Ing-wen and the Ministry of National Defense both expressed appreciation for the United States. The new national defense authorization includes provisions which will help boost Taiwan’s armed forces. The U.S. has reportedly also offered to increase arms sales and other military exchanges. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - 85℃ Cafe Incident ‘Worst Kind of Bullying’: Ex-AIT Head (2018-08-16)
(CNA, By Chou Hui-ying and Y.F. Low)
Former AIT chairman Richard Bush said Thursday that the recent incident regarding Chinese netizens demanding international cafe chain 85℃ release a statement in support of the “1992 Consensus” was the “worst kind of bullying”. He also called the incident and the logic leading up to it ridiculous. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Premier OKs 2019 Central Government Budget Proposal (2018-08-16)
(CNA, By Ku Chuan and Flor Wang)
On Thursday, Premier Lai Ching-te approved the central government budget plan for 2019. The budget will mainly be allocated for social welfare programs, edcuation, science, and culture, national defense, and economic development. A large focus will be put on the national Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. Later this month, Legislative Yuan will review the proposal. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Tsai Promises to Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation with Honduras (2018-08-16)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Flor Wang)
During talks on Wednesday, President Tsai ing-wen and Honduran Vice President Olga Alvarado discussed furthering bilateral agricultural cooperation. Tsai reportedly promised to assist Honduras in avocado cultivation and distribution specifically, in addition to helping small scale coffee farmers. Alvarado said she looks up to Tsai as a role model for female political figures and is eager to keep learning from Tsai. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - U.S. DEA Plans to Open Office in Taipei: Official (2018-08-16)
(Taipei Times, With CNA)
Phillip Esch, a U.S. narcotics official, said Tuesday that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration hopes to establish an office in Taipei to further promote exchanges on local law enforcement. There are not yet any official plans for an office, but he said the DEA’s goal with the office would be to enhance cooperation addressing cross-border crime. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Taiwan Deserves Respect: Christensen (2018-08-15)
(Taipei Times, By Stacy Hsu) During the opening ceremony of the US-Taiwan Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) conference, Brent Christensen, the new American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) director, praised Taiwan for setting a good example as a nation that has achieved great strides in developing its democratic values. Christensen further stated that Taiwan will be a good partner to build stronger law enforcement networks and cooperation due to Taiwan's law enforcement capability in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the nation. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Policy on Taiwan Unchanged by Tsai's Public Address: U.S. Official (2018-08-15)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Hsu Hsiao-ling) The U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert stated that the U.S. continues to adhere to the 'one China policy' under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Nauert further explained that facilitating Taiwanese representatives and authorities to transit in the U.S. is not an indication that America's policy toward Taiwan has changed, but that the U.S. is still adhering to the 'one China policy' to ensure the safety and comfort of the travelers. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Taiwan Condemns Chinese Netizens Pestering of 85℃ Cafe (Update) (2018-08-15)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping, Lu Hsin-hui and Flor Wang) 85℃ Bakery Cafe, an international cafe chain, was pressured into issuing a public statement that the company supports the 1992 consensus which indicates that there is only "one China". The statement was issued amid Chinese netizens accusing the company for being pro-Taiwan independence after a visit by President Tsai Ing-wen to its Los Angeles branch and threatening to boycott the company. Meanwhile, the Presidential Office critized China for obstructing free speech and forcing its ideology on the global community. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - U.S. Scholar Calls for U.S.-Taiwan Military Drills to Counter China (2018-08-15)
(CNA, By Rita Cheng and Evelyn Kao) June Teufel Dreyer, a political science professor at the University of Miami and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Asia Program, recently published an article calling for a joint military exercise between the U.S. and Taiwan to counteract China. June described China's growing aggression towards Taiwan as an "anaconda strategy", one that uses diplomatic, economic and military means, including causing instability within the Taiwanese society to pressure Taiwan to yield to China. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - President Tsai Meets President-Elect of Paraguay in Asuncion (2018-08-15)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Flor Wang) During the meeting with Paraguay's President-elect Mario Abdo Benitez, both President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Benitez agreed to further Taiwan-Paraguay bilateral cooperation in investment, infrastructure, and trade. Hugo Saguier, President-elect Benitez's foreign affairs advisor, remarked that Paraguay will continue relations with Taiwan as both nations have similar diplomatic values. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - President Tsai Meets Taiwanese Technical Staff in Paraguay (2018-08-15)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Hsu Hsiao-ling) During her visit to Paraguay to attend the inauguration of President-elect Mario Abdo Benitez, President Tsai Ing-wen took the opportunity to meet with Taiwanese staff of technical missions. In the meeting, Tsai announced that the Taiwan government will increase the expatriate technical staff's subsidies for accommodation and education. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - EAOC Rejects Taichung's Appeal Against Cancellation of Youth Games (2018-08-14)
(CNA, By Su Mu-chun and Evelyn Kao) Taichung city's Mayor Lin Chia-lung announced that the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) has rejected Taichung city government's petition to change the Committee's decision to revoke Taichung's rights to host the East Asian Youth Games in 2019. Lin stated that EAOC has refused to change its decision due to China's pressure. However, Lin informed the public that the government is not giving up and is planning to file a lawsuit against EAOC, as well as trying to garner support from the global community. <Accessed 2018-08-14>
- New Pentagon Report Highlights Chinese Military Developments: First Takeaways (2018-08-18)
(The Diplomat, By Ankit Panda) The U.S. Department of Defense recently released the 2018 report on Chinese military power, and the report this year was released much later in the year than normally released. Several interesting points of the report include that the PLA Air Force has a nuclear mission again, the militarily relevant dimensions of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Doklam Plateau. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Uyghurs’ Present Is the Future for Most Chinese (2018-08-18)
(The Diplomat, By Chauncey Jung) Evidence suggests that over 1 million Uyghurs are currently held in detention and re-education centers throughout Xinjiang. The Chinese government has invested heavily in surveillance technology to keep a watchful eye over the Uyghurs. However, there is little in place systematically to stop the Chinese government from extending this surveillance to all Chinese citizens, even those abroad. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - The Dark Side of the China Dream: Erasing Ethnic Identity (2018-08-17)
(The Diplomat, By Nicholas Bequelin) Xi Jinping's "Chinese Dream" describes a resurgence in Chinese power and restoring China to its place as a world superpower as it has held throughout human history. However, the CCP's approach to this is to create a homogenous country, free of ethnic diversity and under one culture and identity. China's approach is not the path to take if China wants to increase its power, since creating ethnic strife will only lead to chaos. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - China’s ‘New Type of Party System’: A ‘Multiparty’ System for Foreign Consumption? (2018-08-17)
(The Diplomat, By Julia Bowie and Nathanael Callan) In March, President Xi Jinping rebranded China's "multiparty cooperation system" as a "new type of party system." This reflects that, despite CCP domination of Chinese politics, there are eight minority parties recognized by the PRC, often used to align non-communist parts of China along with the goals of the CCP. The rebranding of the system may come as an attempt for China to demonstrate to developing nations, many of whom rely on Chinese investment, China's governance structure as China increasingly offers to share its experience. <Accessed 2018-08-19> - A Quiet Solution for the East China Sea Territorial Dispute (2018-08-16)
(Pacific Forum, By Dennis Hickey and Eric Huang) Using quiet diplomacy, Washington should inform Tokyo that, while the US security commitment remains firm, Japan ought to acknowledge the fact that a dispute over the SDD islands exists, and that the time has arrived to open negotiations. Tokyo should be reminded that Taipei’s sensible approach to this quarrel has a track record of success in Northern Europe and could be applied to this dispute. <Accessed 2018-08-16> - Xinjiang and the Stability Paradox (2018-08-16)
(The Diplomat, By Stefanie Kam) Given how strategically Xinjiang fits into the Belt and Road Initiative, the CCP desperately needs the political situation in Xinjiang to be stable. However, the CCP promotes stability through increasing pressure on Xinjiang, including through political suppression and surveillance. China's willingness to sacrifice its human rights record for stability may be more for the benefit of the Han than for actual suppression of Uyghurs. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - China’s Europe Policy Poses a Challenge to EU Cohesion (2018-08-16)
(The Diplomat, By Jan Weidenfeld) Before the 16+1 meeting in Sofia, Premier Li Keqiang emphasized that the new forum for regional cooperation was not meant to undermine the cooperation held by the European Union. While this goes in line with Beijing's actions in Europe, recent cooperation projects have brought to question whether Beijing's view for Europe in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative has changed. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - The South China Sea: Freedom of Overflight or ‘Unlawful Activities’? (2018-08-16)
(The Diplomat, By Yinan Bao) A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane flew over parts of the Spratly Islands on August 10. It is unclear whether the plane flew within 12 nautical miles of any territorial claims, but the pilot and the United States both claim that they were within the limits of international law and were exercising freedom of overflight. However, China and the United States disagree on how to interpret "Freedom of Overflight" when considering exclusive economic zones (EEZs). <Accessed 2018-08-18> - China Takes Revenge for Tsai Ing-wen's US Trip – Via a Taiwanese Cafe Chain (2018-08-16)
(The Diplomat, By Charlotte Gao) Following President Tsai Ing-wen's transit through the United States, several Chinese media outlets have published that the Taiwanese chain 85C Cafe, popular in Mainland China, supports Tsai and Taiwanese independence. The Cafe immediately published online that they have never done anything to suggest a differing interpretation of the 1992 Consensus and that they would keep upholding cross-strait stability and working towards peace. However, the statement has not stopped criticism in the media. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Botched CIA Communications System Helped Blow Cover of Chinese Agents (2018-08-15)
(Foreign Policy, By Zach Dorfman) Now, nearly eight years later, it appears that the agency botched the communication system it used to interact with its sources, according to five current and former intelligence officials. The CIA had imported the system from its Middle East operations, where the online environment was considerably less hazardous, and apparently underestimated China’s ability to penetrate it. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - South Korea’s Leader Proposes Broad Economic Cooperation With the North (2018-08-15)
(New York Times, By Choe Sang-Hun) President Moon Jae-in has taken a more assertive stand than the United States in offering inducements for the North to relinquish its nuclear weapons. <RSS, Accessed 2018-08-15> - Trump’s Trade War Is Rattling China’s Leaders (2018-08-14)
(New York Times, By Keith Bradsher and Steven Lee Myers) While President Xi Jinping remains firmly in charge, friction with the Trump administration and troubles at home have dented his political dominance. <RSS, Accessed 2018-08-15> - Talk on Hong Kong Independence Goes Ahead, Despite Criticism (2018-08-14)
(New York Times, By Austin Ramzy) Officials had criticized the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong for hosting a talk by the founder of a party the government wants to ban. <RSS, Accessed 2018-08-15> - Why Is the U.S. Wary of a Declaration to End the Korean War? (2018-08-13)
(New York Times, By Edward Wong) Both North Korea and South Korea want to start the process toward a peace treaty in the decades-long war, but Washington is standing in the way. <RSS, Accessed 2018-08-15> - String of Chinese Satellites to Keep Real-Time Watch on South China Sea to Protect ‘National Sovereignty’ (2018-08-16)
(South China Morning Post, By Liu Zhen) China will next year start launching a series of satellites to track water conditions and traffic, and reinforce “national sovereignty” throughout the South China Sea, according to state media. In all, six optical satellites, two hyperspectral satellites and two radar satellites will keep a real-time daily watch on the contested waters and monitor key areas several times a day as part of the Hainan satellite constellation system, China News Service reported on Monday. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - China Accused of Pressuring Taiwanese Bakery as It Bows to Mainland Backlash over Gift Bag for Taiwanese President (2018-08-15)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) The Taiwan government has spoken out in defence of a Taiwanese bakery chain that came under pressure from the mainland after one of its US outlets presented a gift to Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, during her stopover in Los Angeles on Sunday. Following demands for a boycott on its mainland stores, 85C Bakery Cafe said it supported the 1992 Consensus, a political term embodying the “One China” policy, which says that there is only one China, but that Beijing and Taipei can have their own interpretations as to who is rightfully in charge. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Warm, High-Profile Welcome for Taiwanese President in the United States (2018-08-14)
(South China Morning Post, By Lawrence Chung) Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen underscored her administration’s focus on “freedom and democracy” during her two-day stopover in the United States, shrugging off mounting pressure from Beijing to return to its fold. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Beijing ‘Strongly Dissatisfied’ as Donald Trump Signs Defence Act Upping US Support for Taiwan and Scrutiny of Foreign Companies (2018-08-14)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) Beijing has condemned US President Donald Trump for signing an act committing to stronger military support for Taiwan and placing Chinese companies under closer scrutiny, saying the move will damage the countries’ ties. In a statement released on its website, the foreign ministry said Beijing was “strongly dissatisfied” with Trump signing the defence act. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Senior US Politician Calls for Taiwan’s President to Be Granted Trip to Washington (2018-08-13)
(South China Morning Post, By Zhenhua Lu and Lawrence Chung) A trio of pro-Taiwan US House representatives in California joined Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen during her stopover in Los Angeles with one of them calling on the US government to grant her an unprecedented visit in the US capital. The three US House lawmakers, including Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Ed Royce, the committee’s Asia and Pacific subcommittee ranking member Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Judy Chu, greeted Tsai in Los Angeles, the first transit stop during her nine-day trip to the island’s two South American allies. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Why Europe Is Not Ready to Take Sides in the US-China Trade War (2018-08-11)
(South China Morning Post, By Teddy Ng) The European Union is not yet ready to join forces with the United States against China despite the recent rapprochement between Washington and Brussels, analysts have said. The assessment came after the EU and US reached a deal late last month to suspend new tariffs and expand European imports of US goods after high level talks and negotiations, an agreement that was seen as a worrying sign for China amid its trade war with Washington. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Beijing Blames Trade War on US Fears over ‘Unprecedented Opponent’ (2018-08-10)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) Beijing says the spiralling trade war with Washington is being driven by US fears over China challenging its global hegemony, and has rejected criticism that Chinese overconfidence is fanning the tensions. The message was delivered in a commentary in Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily on Friday, indicating the top leadership’s thinking on the dispute as they gather at coastal resort Beidaihe for an annual closed-door meeting to discuss domestic and foreign policies, including the trade war. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Florida University Latest to Cut Ties with China's Confucius Institute (2018-08-15)
(Reuters) The University of North Florida will close a campus branch of a Chinese-run cultural institute, the latest U.S. college to do so amid criticism from U.S. legislators that China uses the institute to influence American higher education. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Domestic Criticism May Signal Shrunken Belt and Road Ambitions (2018-08-10)
(Jamestown Foundation, By Matt Schrader) The public airing of such criticisms could indicate the existence of a emerging consensus that Beijing should scale back its BRI ambitions. And in fact, BRI lending has already begun to shrink, decreasingly dramatically since 2015. Were it to decrease further, it would have important strategic repercussions throughout the Eurasian landmass and Africa. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Xi’s Grip Loosens Amid Trade War Policy Paralysis (2018-08-01)
(Jamestown Foundation, By Willy Wo-Lap Lam) A spate of unusual reports in Hong Kong and overseas Chinese-language media lend credence to the idea that, while Xi Jinping remains China’s undisputed paramount, his authority seems somewhat diminished. A moratorium of sorts appears to have been called on the relentless personality cult constructed around Xi, while signs have emerged that China’s economic policymaking apparatus has been hamstrung by disagreements between Xi and his top economic policymaker over how to handle a deepening trade war with the United States. <Accessed 2018-08-15> - Zhengzhou and Luxembourg: An Improbable Partnership (2018-08-15)
(The Diplomat, By Bonnie Girard) Zhengzhou and Luxembourg have one of the most important air links within the entire Belt and Road Initiative between them. The two areas' commonalities lead credibility to cooperation between the two of them, especially through cargo shipping. In July 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to begin establishing a direct rail connection between Luxembourg and Zhengzhou. <Accessed 2018-08-18> - Chinese Experts Challenge Western Generalists in Diplomacy (2018-08-15)
(The Diplomat, By Sabine Mokry) China's ambassadors to its most important diplomatic posts rarely change; by international standards, they hold their positions for relatively long times. Given how important China considers regional experience and knowledge in selecting its diplomats, it is possible that younger diplomats simply do not possess the required expertise to fulfill the CCP's wishes. If Europe wants to counter China's advances in diplomacy, Europeans must select diplomats who know China as well as China knows their countries. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - What China’s Newly Inducted S-400 Means for the Balance of Power in the Taiwan Strait (2018-08-14)
(The Diplomat, By Abraham Ait) Ever since the People's Liberation Army acquired new S-400 missile systems, it has used them to strengthen one of the world's already most sophisticated air defense systems. The new missile system, with its considerable range, has the potential to greatly affect a cross-strait conflict. It could potentially enforce a no-fly zone throughout Taiwanese territory due to its ability to cover all of Taiwan's airspace. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - Tsai Ing-wen Made a Rare, High-Profile Stopover in the US (2018-08-14)
(The Diplomat, By Charlotte Gao) Prior to her visit with Belize and Paraguay, President Tsai Ing-wen made a scheduled transit stop in the United States for two days, stopping in Los Angeles. She said during her visit that anything can be negotiated except Taiwan's freedom and future. Washington offered Tsai high-level treatment as well, sending two high-level officials to greet her at the airport. <Accessed 2018-08-14> - Why Xi Jinping Thought Is a Threat to China's Future (2018-08-14)
(The Diplomat, By James A. Dorn) As President Xi Jinping rises in power, Deng Xiaoping's ideal of a China with loosened economic and political control rapidly fades. The idea of "Xi Jinping Thought" and Xi's related actions do not instill much confidence in the idea that China's increasingly changing CCP will do much to defend economic liberalization or human rights. China's institutional problems will hold back its future development and growth. <Accessed 2018-08-14>
