Chinese borrowers are taking on record amounts of debt to repay interest on their existing obligations, raising the risk of defaults and adding pressure on policy makers to keep financing costs low. The amount of loans, bonds and shadow finance… Read More ›
In its report “Beijing says Hong Kong top leader is above legislature, judiciary” today, Reuters quotes Zhang Xiaoming, Beijing’s chief liaison officer in Hong Kong, as saying “The dual responsibility of chief executive to the central government and Hong Kong… Read More ›
The conflict is already here. As it seems, China always planned to invade Taiwan and upset the teetering Pacific balance. Myanmar and India won’t have any more. Declassified notes (last week) suggest China was lying about their intentions with Hong… Read More ›
A thorough and thoughtful article catches wind, documenting China’s threats against Great Britain over Hong Kong. Based on records declassified in 2013, the Crown wanted independence for Hong Kong long ago, but Beijing threatened invasion. The Hong Kong we know… Read More ›
By September 29 2014, peaceful protesters had been clogging Hong Kong’s downtown for less than a day, but to the Chinese Communist Party this already smacked of ingratitude. Here’s an excerpt from an editorial that ran that day (link in… Read More ›
Propaganda turn of the tide. For years, Chinese have attended international circles, promulgated their talking points, and convinced others to unwittingly do the same. But, recent reports explain that having traffic lights and convincing drivers to stop at them are… Read More ›
In its report titled “Zhang Xiaoming: Dissemination of views on Hong Kong independence not tolerated”, Hong Kong’s Oriental Daily says that Zhang Xiaoming, Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office, summed up for the first time the 79-day Occupation Movement…. Read More ›
Hong Kong is back at it, this time marching on local elections. Japan is outraged over Muslims beheading one of their own, Asia is watching. Taiwan’s President is ever less popular and now with more proof than ever. Little news… Read More ›
When it comes to Chinese-speaking pastors and the Chinese government, the Chinese are very non-communicative. It’s a shame and a sham, literally—a shame because of the “Shame” culture that can’t man-up to face hard talks and a sham because it’s… Read More ›
Taiwan hit headlines again this week. More popular than New York, London, and Paris for New Years Eve. Home to a just-finished military head quarters after an 18-year construction project. An ever unpopular President facing oil-food scandal bribery allegations. And,… Read More ›
Taiwan’s landslide election was more historic than the Democrats’ whompping early November. The vote didn’t reject Taiwan’s KMT-Nationalist party as much as it rejected Beijing. One big factor ignored by media: Clearing HK demonstrators in Mong Kong two days before… Read More ›
The week of deliberation, choices, and ring around the rosy. Someone sets an unpopular policy, someone else finds a way around. World leaders came together. Rhetoric repeats, “China can grow; China must learn.” Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement continues to wane… Read More ›
One of the most profoundly disappointing responses to the events in Hong Kong has been Britain’s silence – or its weak words that have sometimes been worse than silence. At the very least, Britain should act honourably: it has a… Read More ›
China’s Communist Party has warned of “unimaginable consequences” if demonstrations by pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong continue. The threat, made in the party-run People’s Daily, came as China’s government appeared to be losing patience with the protesters, who have threatened… Read More ›
Recent events in Hong Kong present the Chinese Communist Party with an unprecedented opportunity to consolidate power in the territory. After the teargas used on the first night backfired, figuratively and at least once, literally, it’s time to reassess your options…. Read More ›
Since the National People’s Congress decided in 2007 to allow Hong Kong’s chief executive to be elected via universal suffrage in 2017, pro-democracy camps in the SAR have been excitedly debating how the process will work. However, when the UK… Read More ›
Australia’s Foreign Minister Senator Bob Carr today began a 10-day visit to boost bilateral ties and economic links with China. Senator Carr will have a series of high-level meetings in China, including in Hong Kong, Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian…. Read More ›
