Media Report
The Washington Post reports that China's government has trimmed this year's economic growth target to a relatively robust 6 to 6.5 percent amid a tariff battle with Washington and a slowdown in global growth. The growth target announced Tuesday at the opening of the ceremonial national legislature is down slightly from 2018's three-decade low growth of 6.6 percent. But it would be among the world's strongest expansions if achieved. The announcement comes amid a tariff battle with Washington and slowing global demand for Chinese exports. The finance ministry also said the country's defense budget this year will rise 7.5 percent. Chinese authorities are expected to use the congress to highlight measures intended to support economic growth. Legislators also are due to endorse a change in rules on technology in response to U.S. and European pressure.
- Reuters reports, "The lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou are suing the Canadian government, its border agency and federal police, alleging their client was detained, searched and interrogated for three hours in violation of her constitutional rights. Canada arrested Meng in Vancouver on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States, which has brought sweeping charges against her and China's Huawei Technologies Co that portray the company as a threat to U.S. national security. Meng was charged with bank and wire fraud to violate American sanctions against Iran. In a civil lawsuit filed in the British Columbia Supreme Court on Friday, Meng's lawyers said the manner in which officers obtained evidence and information from Meng constituted serious violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Meng is the daughter of Huawei's founder."
- The Wall Street Journal reports, "President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party in an effort to stifle simmering dissent. In recent weeks, Mr. Xi has put members of the ruling party on notice. He summoned senior officials from across China to warn them about 'major risks' to the world's No. 2 economy, reminding them to shoulder responsibility for solving problems. His administration issued a slew of new party directives demanding 'unity and concerted action.' Last week, state media publicized that the rest of the party leadership submitted self-evaluations for Mr. Xi's review, in a recently revived ritual designed to portray him as the ultimate authority. While Mr. Xi remains undisputedly in charge, party watchers say his maneuvers point to disquiet within the government and political elite."
Calendar
- 2019-03-03 Huawei CFO suing Canada over December arrest
- 2019-03-01 Pompeo says North Korea not clear on scope of closing Yongbyon facility
- 2019-02-28 Trump says China has been 'a big help' in US dealings with North Korea
- 2019-02-27 Trump Undermines Top Trade Adviser as He Pushes for China Deal
- 2019-02-26 Chinese stocks rocketed higher on Trump's trade tweet, but a deal isn't a sure thing
- 2019-02-25 Trump Delays a Tariff Deadline, Citing Progress in China Trade Talks
- 2019-02-24 Trump Delays a Tariff Deadline, Citing Progress in China Trade Talks
- 2019-02-22 Saudi Arabia strikes $10 billion China deal, talks de-radicalisation with Xi
- 2019-02-21 U.S., China sketch outlines of deal to end trade war - sources
- 2019-02-20 Trump Eases Off Hard Deadline for China Tariffs
News
- The New York Times He Needed a Job. China Gave Him One: Locking Up His Fellow Muslims.
- Reuters Huawei CFO is suing Canada over December arrest
- The Wall Street Journal Xi Jinping Works to Stifle Dissent Amid Concerns About China's Economy
- The New York Times He Needed a Job. China Gave Him One: Locking Up His Fellow Muslims.
- The Washington Post Stocks slide as investors wait for details on trade talks
- The New York Times China Accuses Two Canadians of Spying, Widening a Political Rift
- Reuters Easier for China to face tariffs than bend to U.S. pressure
- The New York Times U.S. and China Near a Trade Deal to Drop Tariffs
- The Washington Post China is blocking joint World Bank report that calls for state-owned enterprise reform
- The New York Times China Law Responds to U.S. Investment Demands. Critics Say It's Not Enough.
- Bloomberg Crop Traders Take Trump's China Tariffs Tweet With Grain of Salt
- The New York Times Murder Case Poses Dilemma for Hong Kong on Sending Suspects to China
- Washington Examiner Taiwan turns to Japan for help in 'defending shared values'
- Bloomberg Eskom Deceived Central Bank About China Huarong Loan, Probe Told
- CNBC Here's what to expect from China's key government meeting which kicks off this week
- Variety China Aims to Become 'Strong Film Power' Like U.S. by 2035, Calls for More Patriotic Films
- Quartz China's annual political meeting "inspired" a rap song about "Chinese miracles"
Commentary
- WashingtonPost China sets 2019 economic growth target at 6 to 6.5 percent
- Politico 'The risk paid off': How Apple prevailed in the U.S.-China trade war
- Financial Times China gains the upper hand over Germany
- The Wall Street Journal The U.S. Is Ceding the Pacific to China
- The Washington Post Why is China refusing to stop the flow of fentanyl?
- Bloomberg What's Wrong With China's Champions
- Financial Times China, India and the rise of the 'civilisation state'