Keeping score of who China is fighting now
The China Letter: October 4, 2022
For the latest review of news from and about China, we’ve scanned the headlines to consider some newsworthy feuds, and where global tensions might be heading this fall—especially since Beijing has been caught running police stations around the world. Share this newsletter and let you friends know they can receive free roundups every week.
China vs. the United States
White House comments about China are increasing in intensity as tensions build between Beijing and Taipei, with the U.S. further promising to defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion. Joe Biden unveiled the first Pacific Partnership Strategy during a summit at which his administration reinforced its intent to counter the influence of China on every level.
China vs. Canada’s internet
CrowdStrike, an American cybersecurity firm, said it discovered malicious software from Chinese hackers tampering with the Comm100 chat program. It’s among a growing number of cyberattack stories that include a Taiwanese official in Canada having her account show up as liking items on Facebook supporting China.
China vs. Australia, etc.
Polling of what Australians think of China is consistent with a global view of how relationships have deteriorated under Xi Jinping—as he prepares to accept a third term as president. But foreign ministers of Australia and China met at the United Nations, reflecting the possibilities of a thawing relationship.
China vs. the Russian army
Chinese social media has shown increasing skepticism about Russia’s military might based on the Ukraine war debacle, and the “weak goose” meme is reflecting those sentiments. In fact, former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger believes Xi Jinping will be friendlier to America based on how allusions of supporting Vladimir Putin have played out.
China vs. Everybody Else
There’s been more global attention for the report detailing how China has opened 54 policing operations in 30 countries, which have promoted 230,000 Chinese nationals to “voluntarily” return home. It’s led pundits in Canada to ask how it was allowed to happen, and raised even more questions about why nothing is being done to stop it.