China news roundup / Nachrichten 2024-11-18

3 days ago

China's export tax bombshell rocks aluminium market

"The most likely outcome is a sharp drop in export volumes next year followed by some stabilisation as exporters adjust to the new financial reality. This is what happened to galvanized steel exports after the authorities eliminated the tax rebate for plate and sheet in 2020.
Much, though, will depend on Chinese processors' ability to operate without the VAT lifeline.
China's mid-stream aluminium processing sector is plagued by over-capacity with utilisation rates typically below 65% and as low as 40% in some sectors"

--- Looks like the CCP wants to get rid of the smaller producers to consolidate market power. But who knows?

China falsely accuses Philippines of escalating tensions in South China Sea

"“Every escalation between China and the Philippines — without exception — has been caused by Philippine provocations and violation of China’s sovereignty. Calm will return once the Philippines stops those activities.”"

Trump might nix America as a climate tech leader. 5 charts show China winning that race

"China is installing wind and solar power projects faster than any other country on the planet. As President-elect Donald Trump is likely to roll back on the US’ role as a global climate leader, experts say China will have to lead the charge."

--- Phhh... 5 charts & a lengthy article to show how gullible some people at CNN are.

"China’s post-Covid infrastructure boom has slowed"

--- Oh, yeah, that famous boom in China. Actually, the only reason why emissions in China this year might have decreased is the fact that the Chinese economy really is in a recession.

What is behind Starmer's meeting with China's president?

"Sir Keir Starmer is determined to improve relations"

--- Moron.

"What the prime minister really wants is more trade with China, to boost economic growth at home."

--- & that's what it's all about.

"Many in the US think the UK and the EU are trying to curry favour in Beijing by being less hostile than Washington."

--- Well, the UK most definitely is. The EU on the other hand seems to go for a more realistic approach. Some countries in the EU, though, ...

s.a.: We want 'strong' UK-China relationship, says Starmer

Chinese officials bundle British journalists out of Starmer-Xi meeting

"“We want our relations to be consistent, durable, respectful, and as we have agreed, avoid surprises where possible,” Starmer said from the room at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. “A strong U.K.-China relationship is important for both of our countries and for the broader international community.”
But the situation shifted as Starmer went on to raise human rights, Taiwan, Chinese sanctions on British parliamentarians and the case of Jimmy Lai — the British national pro-democracy media mogul who is facing trial in Hong Kong. The PM said he was “concerned” to hear of Lai’s “deterioration.”
At that point the two British reporters in the room were removed by Beijing’s officials."

--- That's how the CCP shows respect.

Who are the Hong Kong 47?

How much hidden debt do local governments in China carry?

--- China Uncensored: "The HORRIBLE Life of A Chinese Censor"

--- Bloomberg: China's Uphill Battle to Boost Population Growth

--- ABC News (AUS): Serbian tragedy sparks protest, questions over link to China's Belt and Road

--- C.W. Lemoine: Real or FAKE? China Unveils 6th Generation Fighter at Zhuhai Airshow

Baerbock droht China mit Konsequenzen

"Finnlands Außenministerin Elina Valtonen sagte, es könne kein "Business as usual" beim Handel mit China geben, wenn Peking die Sicherheit Europas mit beeinträchtige. Die Volksrepublik stehe dann in einer Reihe mit Ländern wie Iran und Nordkorea, die Russland militärisch unterstützten."

--- Steht China sowieso schon.

"China weist die Vorwürfe zurück. Im Hinblick auf Rüstungsexporte habe China stets eine verantwortungsvolle Haltung eingenommen und den Konfliktparteien niemals tödliche Waffen bereitgestellt, sagte ein chinesischer Außenamtssprecher. China habe Drohnen für militärische Zwecke und solche, die zivil und militärisch einsetzbar seien, streng nach dem Gesetz kontrolliert."