CHINA – POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

No lap of honour as Xi loses his hero status

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Original article by Robert Gottliebsen
The Australian – Page: 20 : 5-Oct-22

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears to have the numbers to be given a third term at the Communist Party’s upcoming 20th National Congress. However, nothing has gone right for Xi in the last year, and he no longer has hero status. Xi made a serious mistake in not making it very clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately prior to the Beijing Winter Olympics that China would oppose an invasion of Ukraine; Putin delayed the invasion until after the Olympics. The invasion will also dash Xi’s grand vision to link the Pacific to the Atlantic via fast rail; the rail line would have to pass through both Russia and Ukraine, and Putin had almost certainly assured Xi that victory would come quickly. Meanwhile, China’s property industry is in crisis and COVID-19 lockdowns are hitting the economy.

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China accuses Australia of violent interference in Five Eyes response to Hong Kong election

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Original article by Daniel Hurst, Vincent Ni
The Guardian Australia – Page: Online : 22-Dec-21

Australia’s relationship with major trading partner China have become further strained in the wake of the recent election in Hong Kong. Australia and other members of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance issued a joint statement expressing concern about the outcome of the election, which will result in Hong Kong’s new legislature being dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. China has responded by strongly condemning the joint statement; it has also accused Australia of "violently" interfering in China’s internal affairs, while noting that Australia has in turn been highly critical of other countries for alleged foreign interference.

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China price blitz raises iron ore threat

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Original article by Michael Smith
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 1 & 10 : 25-May-21

The price of iron ore futures fell on 24 May after Chinese authorities announced plans to crack down on commodity price speculation by domestic traders and firms. The crackdown is also seen as an attempt to curb inflation, with China’s producer price index having risen 6.8 per cent year-on-year in April, compared to 4.4 per cent growth recorded in March. Traders expect the clampdown on commodity price speculation will impact on futures trading, but it is not expected to undermine strong demand for iron ore, which is being driven by "tight supply". The share prices of Australian iron ore producers also fell sharply.

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FORTESCUE METALS GROUP LIMITED – ASX FMG, RIO TINTO LIMITED – ASX RIO, BHP GROUP LIMITED – ASX BHP

China accuses Australia of playing the victim and politicising trade, says coal ban is responsible act

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Original article by
abc.net.au – Page: Online : 16-Dec-20

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to growing criticism of its sanctions against some imports from Australia. Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the ministry, has used a press conference in Beijing to stress that the recent action taken by the nation’s authorities is in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, as well as international practice. He has also described it as a "responsible act" for Chinese industries and consumers. Coal appears to be the latest commodity to be hit by Chinese restrictions, which have also affected products such as wine, beef, timber and barley.

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CHINA. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE

China to halt key Australian imports in sweeping retaliation

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Original article by
Bloomberg – Page: Online : 4-Nov-20

Sources have indicated that Chinese traders have been ordered to cease buying at least seven categories of Australian commodities, amid growing tensions between the two nations. Traders are said to have been verbally told to stop buying Australian coal, barley, copper ore and concentrate, sugar, timber, wine and lobster from 6 November. However, iron ore is not believed to be included in the list of barred commodities at present. Chinese media reports have also suggested that a ban on Australian wheat will also be imposed.

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Beijing’s bully diplomacy mushrooming

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Original article by Ben Packham
The Australian – Page: 2 : 1-Sep-20

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has identified 152 examples of non-military coercion by the Chinese Communist Party in the last 10 years, of which 17 were directed at Australia. The ASPI found that state-issued threats were the most common form of coercion, with trade and tourism restrictions being the second most common. The ASPI notes that the federal government’s call in April for an investigation into the origins and handling of COVID-19 was the ‘trigger’ for a number of coercive actions by the CCP, including a state-based threat of economic retaliation by Chinese ambassador Cheng Jingye, and trade restrictions on barley and beef.

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AUSTRALIAN STRATEGIC POLICY INSTITUTE LIMITED, COMMUNIST PARTY (CHINA)

Australian TV presenter Cheng Lei detained in China

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Original article by Andrew Tillett
The New Daily – Page: Online : 1-Sep-20

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has confirmed that Australian television journalist Cheng Lei has been detained by Chinese authorities. Payne says official notification of Cheng’s detention was received on 14 August, and that Australian officials spoke to her via video link at a detention centre on 27 August. The Australian citizen works for Chinese state-run broadcaster CGTN. The reason for her detention and the charges she faces are not yet known.

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AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, CGTN

China issues upgraded travel warning for Australia

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Original article by Matthew Doran
The New Daily – Page: Online : 14-Jul-20

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ramped up its travel warnings for Chinese citizens planning to travel to Australia. It claims that Australian law agencies have been "arbitrarily" searching Chinese travellers and seizing their property. The Ministry states that there have been increased levels of racial discrimination and violence in Australia, and the nation’s media has been inciting anti-China sentiment. The warning is a further sign of China’s increased hostility towards Australia.

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CHINA. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Don’t go, Beijing warns students

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Original article by Richard Ferguson, Tim Dodd
The Australian – Page: 1 & 2 : 10-Jun-20

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has rejected the Chinese government’s claim that Australia is not a safe destination for international students. China’s Ministry of Education has advised the nation’s students against studying in Australia, claiming that people of Asian appearance have been targeted in ‘discriminatory attacks’ during the coronavirus pandemic. Shadow education minister Tanya Plibersek has supported Tehan’s comments, stating that Australia is one of the safest countries for international students. Beijing also recently advised Chinese tourists against visiting Australia due to allegations of racist attacks.

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AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, CHINA. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

Xi backs down on virus inquiry, pledges $3bn to recovery

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Original article by Will Glasgow, Simon Benson
The Australian – Page: 1 & 4 : 19-May-20

Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed to support an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus after it is brought under control. China was under growing pressure to back an inquiry after some 121 of the World Health Organization’s 194 member countries agreed to back a resolution calling for such an inquiry. Xi has also indicated that China will provide $US2bn ($3.1bn) to help with the global response to the pandemic and said that China will ensure that any vaccine it develops is made available globally.

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WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION