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Top U.S. Diplomat for East Asia Decribes China as a "Lawless Bully"
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell said U.S. competition with China does not have to lead to conflict, and that the United States sought to cooperate with Beijing where interests aligned, for instance on North Korea.
However, there had been "particularly egregious examples of Beijing's conduct including issues with India, the South China Sea, Taiwan, and in waters China disputes with Japan recently.
US wants the world to stand up against China's "malignant" behavior. For example, the "wiping out" of the Mongolian and Tibetan language and culture, and the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.
Stilwell said that Washington will continue to advance engagements with Taiwan, which China views as a rogue province, and provide them with necessary military support.
#US #China #Taiwan #InternationalRelations
Source: Reuters #Sep17
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell said U.S. competition with China does not have to lead to conflict, and that the United States sought to cooperate with Beijing where interests aligned, for instance on North Korea.
However, there had been "particularly egregious examples of Beijing's conduct including issues with India, the South China Sea, Taiwan, and in waters China disputes with Japan recently.
US wants the world to stand up against China's "malignant" behavior. For example, the "wiping out" of the Mongolian and Tibetan language and culture, and the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong.
Stilwell said that Washington will continue to advance engagements with Taiwan, which China views as a rogue province, and provide them with necessary military support.
#US #China #Taiwan #InternationalRelations
Source: Reuters #Sep17
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US Undersecretary of State Visits Taiwan, Attends Service for Lee Teng-hui in Preparation for Future Economic Talks, Says Expert
The US undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy, and the environment Keith Krach has visited Taiwan to attend the memorial service for former president Lee Teng-hui. He was the highest-level US state department official to have visited Taiwan since the diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan were terminated in 1979. With the US also planning on large-scale arms sales to Taiwan, it is believed that tensions between China and US will rise further.
The US state department announced earlier that Krach would attend former president Lee Teng-hui’s memorial service on 19 September. “The United States honors President Lee’s legacy by continuing our strong bonds with Taiwan and its vibrant democracy through shared political and economic values,” it said.
Krach arrived in Taiwan on 17 September. Besides attending Lee’s memorial service, he also met with the current president Tsai Ing-wen, premiere Su Tseng-chang, and other senior officials.
When asked about Krach’s plan to visit Taiwan on 14 September, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Wang Webin said China was strongly opposed to exchanges between the US and Taiwan, warning that this action would severely damage the Sino-US relations. In August, the US health secretary Alex Azar visited Taiwan, becoming the highest-level US official to have visited Taiwan since the US cut ties with Taiwan in 1979.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
#US #Taiwan #China #KeithKrach #LeeTengHui #Diplomacy
https://bit.ly/332CRVs
The US undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy, and the environment Keith Krach has visited Taiwan to attend the memorial service for former president Lee Teng-hui. He was the highest-level US state department official to have visited Taiwan since the diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan were terminated in 1979. With the US also planning on large-scale arms sales to Taiwan, it is believed that tensions between China and US will rise further.
The US state department announced earlier that Krach would attend former president Lee Teng-hui’s memorial service on 19 September. “The United States honors President Lee’s legacy by continuing our strong bonds with Taiwan and its vibrant democracy through shared political and economic values,” it said.
Krach arrived in Taiwan on 17 September. Besides attending Lee’s memorial service, he also met with the current president Tsai Ing-wen, premiere Su Tseng-chang, and other senior officials.
When asked about Krach’s plan to visit Taiwan on 14 September, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Wang Webin said China was strongly opposed to exchanges between the US and Taiwan, warning that this action would severely damage the Sino-US relations. In August, the US health secretary Alex Azar visited Taiwan, becoming the highest-level US official to have visited Taiwan since the US cut ties with Taiwan in 1979.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
#US #Taiwan #China #KeithKrach #LeeTengHui #Diplomacy
https://bit.ly/332CRVs
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India Sets up Expert Committee to Investigate Chinese Firms' Involvement in Personal Data Collection, Demands the Participation of Chinese Ambassador to India.
As tensions continue to mount between China and India, the Indian government set up an expert committee on Wednesday, to investigate the alleged collection of personal data by Chinese firm Zhenhua Data and asked the Chinese ambassador to India to participate.
The Indian Express, a local media outlet, revealed that Shenzhen Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co (ZDIT) had collected the personal data of over ten thousand Indian politicians and celebrities to build a database in preparation for a "hybrid warfare" with India. The newspaper also quoted the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as saying in a written response that the government has appointed the Chief Commissioner for Cyber Security, retired Army Lieutenant General Rajesh Pant, to head an expert committee. The committee will investigate and assess whether ZDIT was involved in any illegal activities and the implications thereof. The committee will submit its recommendations and report to the government within 30 days.
ZDIT, the company under investigation, was suspected of links with the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. Jaishankar stressed that the Indian government took the protection of Indian citizens’ privacy and personal data very seriously. He also said that the government was deeply concerned with foreign organisations that access or seek access of citizens’ personal data without their consent.
Source: Apple Daily #Sep17
#ZhenhuaData #ChinaIndiaConflict #India #PersonalData #CyberSecurity #CCP #ZDIT #Jaishankar
https://bit.ly/3cCQs8V
As tensions continue to mount between China and India, the Indian government set up an expert committee on Wednesday, to investigate the alleged collection of personal data by Chinese firm Zhenhua Data and asked the Chinese ambassador to India to participate.
The Indian Express, a local media outlet, revealed that Shenzhen Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co (ZDIT) had collected the personal data of over ten thousand Indian politicians and celebrities to build a database in preparation for a "hybrid warfare" with India. The newspaper also quoted the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as saying in a written response that the government has appointed the Chief Commissioner for Cyber Security, retired Army Lieutenant General Rajesh Pant, to head an expert committee. The committee will investigate and assess whether ZDIT was involved in any illegal activities and the implications thereof. The committee will submit its recommendations and report to the government within 30 days.
ZDIT, the company under investigation, was suspected of links with the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. Jaishankar stressed that the Indian government took the protection of Indian citizens’ privacy and personal data very seriously. He also said that the government was deeply concerned with foreign organisations that access or seek access of citizens’ personal data without their consent.
Source: Apple Daily #Sep17
#ZhenhuaData #ChinaIndiaConflict #India #PersonalData #CyberSecurity #CCP #ZDIT #Jaishankar
https://bit.ly/3cCQs8V
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The European Parliament’s Report Mentioned Macau Legislative Assembly DQ Incident, Urging China to Respect the Basic Law and the Joint-Declaration
The European Parliament passed the “A New EU-China Strategy” yesterday (16th) with 570 votes in favour, 61 against, and 40 abstentions. The report indicates that Macau, one after another, banned the hosting of Candlelight Vigil for the June 4 Massacre, media being forced to adopt pro-China editorial guidelines, disqualified a large amount of pro-democracy candidates in the Macau Legislative Assembly Election. The European Parliament urged China to respect “Macau Basic Law”, which is effective till 2049, and the “Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration”, which prohibit interference in an election and the operation of media.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3EYjRZd
#China #Macau #EuropeParliament #ForeignAffairs #Diplomacy #NewEUChinaStrategy #June4th
The European Parliament passed the “A New EU-China Strategy” yesterday (16th) with 570 votes in favour, 61 against, and 40 abstentions. The report indicates that Macau, one after another, banned the hosting of Candlelight Vigil for the June 4 Massacre, media being forced to adopt pro-China editorial guidelines, disqualified a large amount of pro-democracy candidates in the Macau Legislative Assembly Election. The European Parliament urged China to respect “Macau Basic Law”, which is effective till 2049, and the “Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration”, which prohibit interference in an election and the operation of media.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3EYjRZd
#China #Macau #EuropeParliament #ForeignAffairs #Diplomacy #NewEUChinaStrategy #June4th
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6 Chinese-funded Companies Involved in Illegal Mining in the Republic of Congo, Beijing ordered to Evacuate
The government of Sud-Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa ordered 9 mining companies to suspend operations earlier, involving 6 Chinese-funded companies. The reason is that those companies have illegally mined and caused environmental pollution. The violated Chinese companies ignored the issues and continued their operations, causing the local citizens to protest in mining areas last month. The police, therefore, used tear gases for dispersing. Beijing government requested the relevant companies to stop operating and leave the place.
Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, indicated that they have already finished the investigation on the incident. He ordered those companies to respect the local government - stop the operation and leave Sud-Kivu as soon as possible. Wu has also stated that those companies will be punished. “We would not allow Chinese companies to violate local laws.” “We support the Democratic Republic of Congo to buffet illegal economic activities”. South China Morning Post described it is very rare for Beijing to stop overseas companies’ operations. At the same time, the local government requested a review of China’s large-scale local project contracts.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/39Hqv7z
#DemocraticRepublicOfCongo #Congo #China #Beijing #Mining #Pollution #Protest #TearGas #Illegal #Oversea #Africa
The government of Sud-Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa ordered 9 mining companies to suspend operations earlier, involving 6 Chinese-funded companies. The reason is that those companies have illegally mined and caused environmental pollution. The violated Chinese companies ignored the issues and continued their operations, causing the local citizens to protest in mining areas last month. The police, therefore, used tear gases for dispersing. Beijing government requested the relevant companies to stop operating and leave the place.
Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, indicated that they have already finished the investigation on the incident. He ordered those companies to respect the local government - stop the operation and leave Sud-Kivu as soon as possible. Wu has also stated that those companies will be punished. “We would not allow Chinese companies to violate local laws.” “We support the Democratic Republic of Congo to buffet illegal economic activities”. South China Morning Post described it is very rare for Beijing to stop overseas companies’ operations. At the same time, the local government requested a review of China’s large-scale local project contracts.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/39Hqv7z
#DemocraticRepublicOfCongo #Congo #China #Beijing #Mining #Pollution #Protest #TearGas #Illegal #Oversea #Africa
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Independent Investigation: World Bank’s Seniors Put Pressure on Staff to Improve China's Business Environment Ranking for a Good Impression
An independent investigation stated that former and current seniors of the World Bank put pressure on employees, asking them to improve the ranking of China in “Doing Business 2018” by the Bank of the World. World Bank then made a statement to announce the suspension on publishing “Doing Business 2018”. The seniors include former President, who is also the Korean American Medical Professor, Jim Yong Kim, and current International Monetary Fund President, Kristalina Georgieva.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that the Chinese government attached importance to optimising the business environment with an excellent result. They also hope the World Bank will conduct a comprehensive investigation under internal review procedures on relevant issues based on facts, rules, professionalism and objectivity. As a result, they can maintain the professionalism and credibility of the Global Business Environment Report and the reputation of the World Bank and member states.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3lrB71i
#WorldBank #China #BusinessEnvironment #EthicalIssues #Credibility #Professionalism #ZhaoLijian #ForeignMinistry #DoingBusiness2018
An independent investigation stated that former and current seniors of the World Bank put pressure on employees, asking them to improve the ranking of China in “Doing Business 2018” by the Bank of the World. World Bank then made a statement to announce the suspension on publishing “Doing Business 2018”. The seniors include former President, who is also the Korean American Medical Professor, Jim Yong Kim, and current International Monetary Fund President, Kristalina Georgieva.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that the Chinese government attached importance to optimising the business environment with an excellent result. They also hope the World Bank will conduct a comprehensive investigation under internal review procedures on relevant issues based on facts, rules, professionalism and objectivity. As a result, they can maintain the professionalism and credibility of the Global Business Environment Report and the reputation of the World Bank and member states.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3lrB71i
#WorldBank #China #BusinessEnvironment #EthicalIssues #Credibility #Professionalism #ZhaoLijian #ForeignMinistry #DoingBusiness2018
立場新聞 Stand News
獨立調查：為討好中國 世銀高層施壓修改營商環境排名計分法 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
【18/09/2021 01:50 新增中國外交部回應】一獨立調查指，世界銀行前任及現任高層曾向職員施壓，要求...
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Japanese Defence Minister: Firmly Defend Senkaku Islands Territory, Taiwan is Important in Japan’s Energy Supply Lifeline
Japanese Minister of Defence Kishi Nobuo indicated in an interview with CNN that the Senkaku Islands, China-called “Diaoyu Islands”, is “undoubtedly the land of Japan”, and Japan would resolutely defend the territory while facing threats from China. He also said Taiwan is very important to Japan -- anything happening in Taiwan could directly affect Japan. The Japanese government will closely monitor Taiwan’s issues in a crisis management mode.
CNN: Kishi's speech is like preparing for a potential Sino-Japanese showdown
Kishi indicated that when facing China's actions in Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands) and in the East China Sea, the Japanese government has already stated their determination to maintain the territory, and the number of Coast Guard ships dispatched is also more than that of Chinese ships. He stated there is no dispute of the Senkaku Islands problem existing between Japan and other countries.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3Bu8x4U
#Japan #China #CNN #SenkakuIslands #DiaoyuIslands #Territory #Taiwan #EastChinaSea #KishiNobuo
Japanese Minister of Defence Kishi Nobuo indicated in an interview with CNN that the Senkaku Islands, China-called “Diaoyu Islands”, is “undoubtedly the land of Japan”, and Japan would resolutely defend the territory while facing threats from China. He also said Taiwan is very important to Japan -- anything happening in Taiwan could directly affect Japan. The Japanese government will closely monitor Taiwan’s issues in a crisis management mode.
CNN: Kishi's speech is like preparing for a potential Sino-Japanese showdown
Kishi indicated that when facing China's actions in Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands) and in the East China Sea, the Japanese government has already stated their determination to maintain the territory, and the number of Coast Guard ships dispatched is also more than that of Chinese ships. He stated there is no dispute of the Senkaku Islands problem existing between Japan and other countries.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3Bu8x4U
#Japan #China #CNN #SenkakuIslands #DiaoyuIslands #Territory #Taiwan #EastChinaSea #KishiNobuo
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China Applies for Joining Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, Japan: Must Observe Whether they can Follow the Rules
Chinese Commence Ministry announced they had formally applied for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It is a free trade agreement involving 11 countries with approximately 5 billion population. However, it is still unknown whether China can successfully apply. According to Japanese media, Rotating Presidency Country Japan believed that they have to observe whether China can follow the strict rules of CPTPP.
Chinese Commence Ministry stated that Minister Wang Wentao submitted a CPTPP application letter to Damien O’Connor, New Zealand Minister of Trade and Export. The two ministers also held a conference call on the application.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3arq5Tn
#China #CPTPP #Japan #FreeTrade #NewZeland #Export #WangWentao #DamienOConnor
Chinese Commence Ministry announced they had formally applied for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It is a free trade agreement involving 11 countries with approximately 5 billion population. However, it is still unknown whether China can successfully apply. According to Japanese media, Rotating Presidency Country Japan believed that they have to observe whether China can follow the strict rules of CPTPP.
Chinese Commence Ministry stated that Minister Wang Wentao submitted a CPTPP application letter to Damien O’Connor, New Zealand Minister of Trade and Export. The two ministers also held a conference call on the application.
Source: Stand News #Sep17
https://bit.ly/3arq5Tn
#China #CPTPP #Japan #FreeTrade #NewZeland #Export #WangWentao #DamienOConnor
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IMF chief called out over pressure to favor China while at World Bank
World Bank leaders, including then-Chief Executive Kristalina Georgieva, applied "undue pressure" on staff to boost China's ranking in the bank's "Doing Business 2018" report, according to an independent investigation released Thursday.
The report, prepared by law firm WilmerHale at the request of the bank's ethics committee, raises concerns about China's influence at the World Bank, and the judgment of Georgieva - now managing director of the International Monetary Fund - and then-World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
Source: Reuters #Sep17
https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/world-bank-kills-business-climate-report-after-ethics-probe-cites-undue-pressure-2021-09-16/
#China #Bank #JimYongKim #Report #IMF
World Bank leaders, including then-Chief Executive Kristalina Georgieva, applied "undue pressure" on staff to boost China's ranking in the bank's "Doing Business 2018" report, according to an independent investigation released Thursday.
The report, prepared by law firm WilmerHale at the request of the bank's ethics committee, raises concerns about China's influence at the World Bank, and the judgment of Georgieva - now managing director of the International Monetary Fund - and then-World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
Source: Reuters #Sep17
https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/world-bank-kills-business-climate-report-after-ethics-probe-cites-undue-pressure-2021-09-16/
#China #Bank #JimYongKim #Report #IMF
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Probe finds World Bank changed data to boost China ranking
The World Bank is cancelling a prominent report on business conditions around the world after investigators found staff members were pressured by the bank’s leaders to alter data about China and some other governments.
The bank said on Thursday it would discontinue “Doing Business” following an investigation prompted by internal reports of “data irregularities” in its 2018 and 2020 editions and possible “ethical matters” involving bank staff.
Source: Aljazeera #Sep17
https://t.co/7A7y7sLyTF
#Bank #China #Ranking #Investigate
The World Bank is cancelling a prominent report on business conditions around the world after investigators found staff members were pressured by the bank’s leaders to alter data about China and some other governments.
The bank said on Thursday it would discontinue “Doing Business” following an investigation prompted by internal reports of “data irregularities” in its 2018 and 2020 editions and possible “ethical matters” involving bank staff.
Source: Aljazeera #Sep17
https://t.co/7A7y7sLyTF
#Bank #China #Ranking #Investigate