THREAD: china

NEW FIGHTER JET Program Aims to Counter China and Russia Threats

20 October 2024 — Japan, the U.K., and Italy are teaming up to create a new combat aircraft by 2035 under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This project aims to strengthen defense against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The advanced stealth fighter will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced the creation of the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) by year’s end. GIGO will manage aircraft development from its base in the U.K., led by a Japanese official. This announcement came after a meeting with his U.K. and Italian counterparts at the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Italy.

Private companies like Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Britain’s BAE Systems PLC, and Italy’s Leonardo are part of this effort. Nakatani confirmed that GIGO is on track to sign its first contract next year despite leadership changes in Japan and the U.K. This partnership highlights a commitment to boosting military capabilities amid global security concerns.

US DEMANDS TOUGH Sanctions on China for Fentanyl Crisis

19 October 2024 — A group has filed a petition with the U.S. Trade Representative, urging action against China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This section allows the U.S. to impose sanctions on countries that violate trade agreements or harm American commerce. Attorney Nazak Nikakhtar emphasized that sanctions are within legal rights and necessary to pressure China economically.

The opioid crisis cost the U.S. nearly $1.5 trillion in 2020, according to a House Joint Economic Committee report from September 2022. An investigation by Reuters revealed that Chinese companies openly sell fentanyl ingredients online and ship them easily to the U.S., contributing significantly to this crisis. These suppliers often send shipments to Mexican cartels, which then manufacture synthetic opioids like fentanyl, worsening the problem further.

In May 2023, the CDC reported that synthetic opioids caused over 81,000 American deaths in one year, mainly due to fentanyl overdoses. The ongoing crisis highlights an urgent need for effective measures against foreign suppliers fueling this epidemic affecting countless American families daily.;

CHINA’S Moon Landing: A Bold Step in Space Race

04 June 2024 — China’s space program reached a major milestone by landing a module on the moon’s far side. The lander touched down at 6:23 a.m. Beijing time in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, according to the China National Space Administration. This mission is China’s sixth in its moon exploration program, aiming to compete with the United States, Japan, and India.

The mission involves using a mechanical arm and drill to gather up to 2 kilograms of surface and underground material over two days. An ascender will then transfer these samples to another module orbiting the moon, which will return them to Earth by June 25. The samples are expected to land in China’s Inner Mongolia region.

Landing on the far side of the moon presents unique challenges due to lack of direct communication and difficult terrain. Neil Melville-Kenney from the European Space Agency noted that automation is particularly challenging at high latitudes because long shadows can confuse landers. Despite these difficulties, China continues its ambitious plans with an eye on putting a person on the moon by 2030, making it only the second country after America to achieve this feat.

CHINA’S Failed Nicaragua Canal: A Symbol of Lost Ambitions

10 May 2024 — The Interoceanic Grand Canal, also known as the Nicaragua Canal, was a bold initiative intended to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via Central America’s largest lake. Daniel Ortega’s government in Nicaragua promoted this $50 billion project as a competitor to the Panama Canal. It also risked boosting China’s influence in the region with a 50-year lease given to HKND Group, led by Chinese tycoon Wang Jing.

Despite breaking ground in December 2014 amid much celebration, no substantial progress ensued. Wang Jing saw his wealth plummet by 85% shortly thereafter. By 2021, he and his company were ousted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange due to unethical practices, signaling a sharp fall from their lofty ambitions.

Following these setbacks, Nicaragua’s National Assembly enacted legal reforms at Ortega’s behest. They annulled previous laws that had granted canal concessions and declared these changes essential for “strengthening” Nicaragua’s legal framework for improved national governance. Critics suggest these actions were mere attempts to recover dignity following an embarrassing failure

In sum, while initially seen as a strategic geopolitical move and economic boon for Nicaragua, the failed canal project has instead become emblematic of overreach and mismanagement under Ortega’s rule.

AUSTRALIAN Activist’s SHOCKING Sentence in China Sparks Global Outrage

05 February 2024 — Yang Hengjun, an Australian pro-democracy activist and former Chinese government worker, faces a surprising sentence in China. Born as Yang Jun in 1965, he served the Chinese government before moving to Australia in 2002. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at Columbia University.

Yang was arrested during a family trip to China in 2019. His arrest happened during the height of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement and amidst tense relations between Australia and China. The Australian government and human rights groups have consistently condemned his detention, calling him a political prisoner.

The trial has been slammed for its secrecy, with claims of torture and forced confessions emerging. Yang reportedly faced a secret trial on vague espionage charges three years ago. In August 2023, he voiced fears of dying from an untreated kidney cyst while waiting for his verdict

The sentencing has ignited international outrage with Australia condemning it as an “appalling” obstacle to better relations with China. Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson labelled Yang’s treatment as making a mockery of legal proceedings.

NASA’S Moon Landing POSTPONED While China Races Ahead: A New Space Race?

10 January 2024 — NASA has revised its moon landing timeline. The pioneer astronauts are now slated to touch down near the moon’s south pole with Artemis III in September 2026, a delay from the initial plan of December 2025.

On the other hand, China pursues its deep space exploration dreams without hindrance, targeting a manned Moon landing by 2030. This could potentially place China ahead of the US in this renewed space race.

Artemis IV, NASA’s inaugural mission to the Gateway lunar space station, is still set for 2028. NASA is currently addressing some safety concerns including a battery glitch and an issue with a circuitry component that controls air ventilation and temperature regulation.

Despite these hurdles, NASA emphasizes that “safety is our top priority.” With America’s space agency wrestling with technical challenges, it remains uncertain how this postponement will affect America’s position in global space exploration.

PROJECT DYNAMO Gears Up for Heroic Rescues in Taiwan and China Amid Rising Tensions

01 January 2024 — Project Dynamo, a nonprofit dedicated to saving endangered Americans overseas, is gearing up for possible rescue missions in Taiwan and mainland China. The move comes as worries intensify over Beijing’s military upgrades, nuclear growth, and aggressive stance towards Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as a rebellious province and has made threats of forceful annexation.

Established by former U.S. military and intelligence officers in August 2021, Project Dynamo initially concentrated on rescuing Americans stranded in Afghanistan after the U.S. military pullout. Since then, the organization has broadened its reach globally to assist Americans who were not part of the U.S. military’s rescue plan.

Bryan Stern, a combat veteran and founder of Project Dynamo conveyed that while it’s unclear if they’ll conduct rescue operations in both mainland China and Taiwan, they are ready for any scenario. Stern stressed that there are more Americans living in China than Taiwan, making their safety just as crucial.

Project Dynamo has named potential rescues in Taiwan and China “Marco Polo”. Operating solely on donations without government support, the group has saved over 6,000 people from various worldwide crises within less than three years of operation.

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

US-CHINA Economic Reset PROPOSED: Will Higher Tariffs Be the New Norm?

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee in the House has put forth a proposal for a complete overhaul of US economic ties with China. This includes the suggestion of implementing higher tariffs. The pivotal recommendations were released in an extensive report by the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

The report posits that since its induction into the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing has been engaged in an economic conflict against both the US and its allies. It outlines three key strategies: revamping America’s economic relationship with China, limiting U.S. capital and technological inflow into China, and strengthening U.S. economic resilience with allied support.

One notable recommendation is to shift China to a new tariff column to enforce more robust tariffs. The committee also suggests imposing tariffs on essential semiconductor chips used in everyday devices like phones and cars. This move aims to prevent Chinese domination in this sector from granting Beijing undue control over global economy.

ITALY’S Bold Exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Triumph for Western Independence

06 December 2023 — Italy recently declared its departure from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signifying a major shift in Western attitudes towards Beijing’s economic clout. After four years of involvement, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that nations not participating in the initiative have seen superior results.

The official withdrawal notice was issued by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration this week, well before the initial agreement expires next year. This decision sets the stage for an upcoming summit hosted by China with European Union leaders who have lately adopted a more wary stance towards Beijing.

In response to mounting skepticism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocated for mutually beneficial relationships between Europe and China to boost global development. However, such views are increasingly met with suspicion in Europe as Western societies strive to steer clear of economic connections that might give Beijing an upper hand during political upheavals.

Stefano Stefanini, former Italian Ambassador, underscored an official G7 policy termed “de-risking”, spotlighting U.S.'s opposition against Italy’s participation in BRI. Despite U.S warnings labeling it as a “predatory” lending scheme aimed at controlling strategic infrastructure, Italy joined the initiative back in 2019.

EXPOSED: BIDEN and Elites’ Unsettling Alliance with China

22 November 2023 — President Joe Biden’s recent actions have stirred up a storm of controversy. His apparent dismissal of the idea of “decoupling” from China is causing concern among conservatives. These revelations come from a new book, Controligarchs: Exposing the Billionaire Class, Their Secret Deals, and the Globalist Plot to Dominate Your Life.

The book suggests that global elites and politicians like Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom are actively pushing for a closer resemblance between the U.S. and its Communist adversary. It alleges that these individuals view Beijing’s elites not as threats or rivals but as business partners.

Among those named in these claims are influential figures such as BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman. These business leaders were reportedly present at a dinner honoring Chinese Communist Party Leader Xi Jinping where they stood in applause for Chairman Xi.

This revelation comes at a time when concerns over China’s influence on global politics are growing. It highlights the urgent need for transparency in dealings between American leaders and foreign powers.

Marcos Jr STANDS UP to China: The Bold Challenge Over South China Sea Barrier

30 September 2023 — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a firm stance against China’s installation of a 300-meter barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This marks his first public opposition to this move, following his directive to dismantle the barrier. Marcos asserted, "We’re not seeking conflict, but we won’t back down from defending our maritime territory and our fishermen’s rights.”

This recent face-off between China and the Philippines follows Marcos’ decision earlier this year to increase U.S. military presence under a defense pact from 2014. This move has raised concerns in Beijing, as it could lead to an increased American military presence near Taiwan and southern China.

After the Philippine coast guard removed the Chinese barrier at Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishing boats managed to catch around 164 tons of fish in just one day. “This is what our fishermen miss out on... it’s evident that this area belongs to the Philippines,” stated Marcos.

Despite these efforts, two Chinese coast guard vessels were seen patrolling the shoal’s entrance by a Philippine surveillance aircraft on Thursday. According to Commodore Jay Tar

President Biden DISMISSES China Containment Theory During STRATEGIC Vietnam Visit

10 September 2023 — In a recent visit to Vietnam, President Biden dismissed the notion that the fortification of relations with Hanoi is an attempt to contain China. This rebuttal came in response to a question from a reporter regarding China’s doubts about the sincerity of the Biden administration’s pursuit of diplomatic discussions with Beijing.

The timing of Biden’s visit coincided with Vietnam elevating its diplomatic status with the United States to “comprehensive strategic partner.” This change underscores a significant shift in U.S.-Vietnam relations since the days of the Vietnam War.

Before his trip to Hanoi, President Biden attended the Group of 20 summit in India. While some perceive this broadened partnership across Asia as an effort against China’s influence, Biden asserted it was about creating a “stable base” in the Indo-Pacific region, not isolating Beijing.

Biden stressed his desire for an honest relationship with China and denied any intent to contain it. He also noted U.S. companies’ search for alternatives to Chinese imports and Vietnam’s aspiration for autonomy — subtly hinting at potential allies while attempting to defuse tensions with China.

2,952–0: Xi Jinping Secures THIRD Term as President of China

11 March 2023 — Xi Jinping has grabbed a historic third term as president with 2,952 votes to zero from China's rubber-stamp parliament. Shortly afterward, the parliament elected Xi Jinping's close ally Li Qiang as China's next premier, the second-highest ranking politician in China, behind the president.

Li Qiang, previously the Communist Party chief in Shanghai, received 2,936 votes, including President Xi — only three delegates voted against him, and eight abstained. Qiang is a known close ally of Xi and gained notoriety for being the force behind the tough Covid lockdown in Shanghai.

Since the reign of Mao, Chinese law prevented a leader from serving more than two terms, but in 2018, Jinping removed that restriction. Now, with his close ally as premier, his grip on power has never been firmer.

FOUR Balloons in ONE Week? US Shoots Down a Fourth High-Altitude Object

12 February 2023 — It started with one rogue Chinese surveillance balloon, but now the US government is going trigger-happy on UFOs. The US military has claimed its shot down another high-altitude object described as an “octagonal structure,” bringing the total to four objects shot down in one week.

It comes just a day after news broke of an object shot down off Alaska that reportedly posed a “reasonable threat” to civilian aviation.

At the time, the White House spokesperson said its origin was unknown, but officials are of the opinion that the first Chinese surveillance balloon was just one of a much larger fleet.