Author: Dewey Sim

Over the past decade, Britain made a grave mistake by shifting from courting China to avoiding it, according to a British Labour Party veteran. He emphasized that boycotting Beijing was not an option for Britain and that a strategic relationship with China was necessary for cooperation when needed. A “full audit” of Sino-UK ties is now underway as the new Labour Party government seeks to reset bilateral relations with China. The focus is on clarity and continuity in engaging with China, without normalizing the relationship due to the competition and challenges involved. Under successive Conservative governments, Britain’s relationship with China…

China’s President Xi Jinping is meeting with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Beijing to potentially pave the way for a third summit between Xi and President Joe Biden. Sullivan is the first White House national security adviser to visit China in eight years, focusing on managing the frayed relations between the two countries. Discussions have included a range of issues such as the Ukraine war, trade tariffs, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. Sullivan’s visit, ahead of the US presidential election, is seen as groundwork for a potential summit, with speculation that Biden may visit China before leaving…

In the world of artificial intelligence (AI), China and Western countries have starkly different approaches. While Western tech firms focus on market dominance, China’s government plays a more active role in AI development. This stems from Beijing’s goals of mass surveillance and reducing dependence on Western technology. The symposium highlighted these contrasting views, with China emphasizing domestic control over AI for societal benefit and the West prioritizing civil liberties and individual rights. Experts foresee challenges in achieving global AI regulations due to these ideological divides. Despite these differences, there are areas for potential cooperation, such as AI safety and energy…

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for Canada to reflect on their recent actions, stating that there is no fundamental conflict of interest between the two countries. Wang highlighted the importance of maintaining and developing relations, citing common interests and friendly exchanges. Issues between China and Canada, such as tit-for-tat arrests and accusations of interference, have strained the relationship. Despite this, Wang urged mutual respect, seeking common ground, and deepening cooperation for the improvement of bilateral relations. The Chinese and Canadian delegations discussed bilateral issues as well as global ones like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, according…

Recent tensions between the EU and China have escalated, with the EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars and criticism of Beijing’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. EU-China ties have become strained, with European officials expressing disappointment over China’s absence at the Ukraine peace summit. Despite economic cooperation, concerns about stability in the relationship remain due to shifts in national security, geopolitics, and ideological differences shaping EU policy towards China. Former Chinese ambassador Shi Mingde emphasized the importance of improving mutual trust and resolving differences through dialogue to prevent further escalation. The EU’s view of China as a…

The United States is facing a potential scenario where China, Russia, and Iran form a coalition to deal with American pressure, according to experts. Li, citing Brzezinski, warned of the dangers of this alignment, urging the US to reassess its narrative. Kuok criticized the flawed US narrative that deepened tensions and pushed authoritarian countries together. She emphasized the need for cooperation on common challenges like climate change and AI safety. Allison highlighted the mutual interest in avoiding a nuclear war between the US and China, while Niblett expressed concerns about ideological competition affecting the relationship. Despite zero-sum dynamics, areas of…

During a panel discussion on climate leadership at the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, Liu China’s former vice-minister for foreign affairs, addressed the issue of China’s industrial overcapacity. This comes as the US and EU imposed higher tariffs on Chinese goods like EVs and solar panels due to alleged unfair subsidies causing distortion in the market. Liu emphasized the global demand for renewable energy products and China’s role in leading innovation and manufacturing in this sector. Despite Western pressures, China aims to maintain current production capacities to transition to clean energy and support national deployment. He highlighted the…

In 2022, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 broke through China’s defenses, leading to failed lockdowns and a departure from zero-Covid policies. This, along with strained US-China relations, has hindered China’s economic recovery. Despite efforts to stabilize ties, the situation remains tense. The Chinese economy is struggling, with focus on advanced manufacturing and technology. However, consumption lags behind, leading to unbalanced growth. Incremental measures have been taken to restore confidence, but a bolder approach is needed. China is increasingly reliant on exports for growth. Perceptions between the US and China have hardened due to nationalism. Efforts to improve mutual understanding include…

Recently, Beijing decided not to attend an international peace summit, citing concerns about equality and fairness. This move has sparked a debate, with some supporting China’s decision as “fair and just”, while others question its implications. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China’s decision not to attend the summit in Switzerland was “fair and just”. Photo: Kyodo While China stresses its neutrality in facilitating peace talks, its close ties with Russia raise eyebrows. The absence of Russia at the summit may shift the focus to condemning Moscow or aiding Kyiv, without addressing the root issue. Experts are divided on…

In a recent statement, the US expressed the need for more nuclear weapons to deter adversaries and ensure national security. This sparked a response from China, urging the US to reduce its nuclear arsenal and act responsibly for global welfare. The US currently has 3,708 nuclear warheads, while Russia possesses around 4,489, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. An agreement between the US and Russia limits deployed strategic intercontinental warheads to 1,550 each. During discussions, the US urged China to increase transparency in nuclear matters. In response, the Chinese embassy stated that their nuclear capabilities are kept at…