At the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in the first week of June, United States Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, accused the Chinese occupation in the South China Sea to be a militarization tactic aimed at intimidating and imposing its power in the region. Further, the Pentagon rescinded its invitation to China for the 2018 Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC). – Dillon Billingham
As of June 6th, images taken in the first week of June show that China has removed or relocated the surface-to-air missile systems from Woody Island, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. Beijing-based naval expert, Li Jie, said that the removal was temporary and for the purpose of maintenance. – Ziqing Zhang
As of May 30, Chinese construction firm, Gezhouba Group, acquired Brazilian water supply company Sistema Productor São Lourenço as part of the expansive the Belt and Road Initiative. The project is expected to help alleviate water shortage problems in Sao Paulo. Some experts are concerned that China is trying to expand its renewable energy influence in international markets by buying up foreign utility firms. – Ziqing Zhang
In the last week of May, the Canadian government announced that it was blocking a proposed $1.18 billion acquisition of the Canadian firm Aecon Group Inc. by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), citing national security concerns. Had the deal gone through, CCCC would have potentially received troves of documents from the Canadian government detailing government contracts, including nuclear reactors agreements.
On May 30, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that China’s GDP enjoyed a 6.8% growth in the first quarter. However, the IMF currently predicts decreasing growth, down to 6.6%, due to the Sino-American trade friction’s potential impact on the country’s trade. – Ziqing Zhang
As of May 21, Beijing announced that it would be purchasing additional American imports in the coming years after both the United States and China decided to “halt” the trade war — a conflict US President Donald Trump claims was sparked primarily by the large American deficit in their trade relationship. – Adriana Ray
As of May 29, following criticism over the recent years that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s administration had allowed Beijing too much influence in agreeing to China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Mahathir Mohamad of Pakatan Harapan, an opposition party, won the early May election in a huge upset. – Adriana Ray
As of May 21, Beijing announced that it would be purchasing additional American imports in the coming years after both the United States and China decided to “halt” the trade war — a conflict US President Donald Trump claims was sparked primarily by the large American deficit in their trade relationship. – Adriana Ray
In early May of this year, United States President Donald Trump’s announced that the U.S. would be withdrawing from the denuclearization deal with Iran and re-imposing sanctions, sending shock waves through the world. Amidst the ensuing confusion, China has made it clear they intend to increase trade with …. Read More Here. – Adriana Ray
In a partnership expected to be announced early May, Chinese ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing and Volkswagen (VW), the world’s largest car manufacturer, will be become equity partners in a joint venture focused on ride-sharing. The two companies plan on perfecting a fleet of green vehicles, special models specifically for ride-sharing are…..Read More Here – Adriana Ray
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