Displaying items by tag: China

A group of 47 prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, including activists, journalists, and former lawmakers, have been sentenced to prison terms of up to ten years on subversion charges. This marks the largest prosecution under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Among the defendants was Joshua Wong, a well-known student leader, who shouted ‘I love Hong Kong’ before he left the dock. The group had been involved in organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which the government labelled a subversive attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The crackdown, which follows the violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, shows the severe erosion of political freedoms in the city. Western governments and human rights groups condemned the trials as politically motivated. With many opposition leaders either imprisoned or in exile, Hong Kong’s once vibrant pro-democracy movement is all but silenced. This transformation has prompted widespread international concern over Hong Kong’s future autonomy.

India and China have agreed to resume patrols along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, signalling a potential reduction in tensions following their 2020 clash in Galwan Valley in which twenty Indian soldiers were killed. Both nations have longstanding territorial claims in this region. However, a day after this agreement was announced, Indian army chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that significant trust issues remain, and restoring confidence between the nations is crucial for further progress. He said that both nations need to be reassured before carrying out a disengagement process: patrolling along the border would help that process, as ‘we will be able to see each other and check that we are not creeping into buffer zones’.

Sri Lankan police have arrested more than 230 Chinese nationals suspected of executing online scams targeting international banks. They seized 250 computers and 500 mobile phones involved in the fraudulent activities, with investigations continuing into the scale of the financial theft. They were helped by a special team sent from China; the biggest raid, on 12 October, netted 126 Chinese men. China’s crackdown on cybercriminals at home may have driven some to seek illegal activities abroad. The Chinese embassy expressed its readiness to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka, which has had advanced 5G  telecommunications infrastructure since 2019. In June the police arrested over two hundred suspects, primarily from India, for similar financial fraud operations.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has sharply criticised Hungary's foreign policies, accusing Viktor Orban of endangering European security. In a speech to the European parliament, she took aim at Hungary's reluctance to support Ukraine in its war with Russia and its growing relationships with Russia and China. She said that Orban's government is weakening EU unity by easing visa restrictions for Russians and Belarusians, and allowing Chinese police to operate in Hungary. Von der Leyen also stressed the dangers of Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian energy and its failure to align with EU energy security measures. Orban, in response, defended his policies, calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and rejecting any comparison between Ukraine's current situation and Hungary’s 1956 uprising against Soviet rule.

After a five-month standoff with China over Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippines have had to withdraw a coastguard vessel from the area because of bad weather, crew health issues and  damage due to a collision with a Chinese vessel in August. Some commentators have warned that China could seize control of the shoal, repeating an incident in 2012 at Scarborough Shoal, but not everyone agrees. Manila insists it hasn’t abandoned Sabina, which is vital for resupplying troops at Second Thomas Shoal. Analysts have urged the Philippines to maintain a consistent presence, given its limited patrol capacity. Though tensions remain high, both nations are working to de-escalate the situation. The Philippines have said they are planning to send a replacement vessel, but have not given details.

Liu Yuxi, China’s special envoy for African affairs, says China and Africa are set to strengthen their partnership in response to global challenges, particularly hegemonism and Cold War-era attitudes. He has outlined plans for this week’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, which will enhance collaboration in global governance, security, trade, and investment. There will be mutual benefits from this partnership, with Africa's natural resources and growing population complementing China's capital, technology, and development experience. African leaders have gathered in Beijing for the summit, hosted by Xi Jinping, at which China, Africa's largest trading partner, will focus on further cooperation. Liu rejected the idea of Africa being a battleground for major powers, urging the international community to consider Africa’s perspective and support its peace and development.

Linda Sun, a former senior aide to two New York governors, has been charged with acting as a secret agent for the Chinese government. She and her husband face multiple charges including visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering. Both have pleaded not guilty and are out on bail. Sun allegedly used her political position to further Chinese interests, blocking Taiwanese representatives from meetings and altering official messaging to favour China, especially during the Covid pandemic. She ensured public praise for China’s ventilator shipments while blocking an effort by Taiwan to get a public acknowledgement for giving masks. Authorities claim she facilitated millions in business deals for her husband’s Chinese-connected company, which funded their luxurious lifestyle. China’s embassy dismissed the charges, pointing out that previous cases against alleged Chinese agents have collapsed. There are growing tensions between the two countries over espionage claims.

This week has seen intensified Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and steady Russian advances in the Donbas region, balanced by Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region. Diplomatically, both sides continue to show a lack of willingness to compromise. China has reaffirmed its support for Russia through a high-profile visit by premier Li Qiang and a military delegation to Moscow. Meanwhile, India's prime minister Narendra Modi has made a significant visit to Kyiv, signalling India's complex position between its historical ties with Russia and growing relationships with Western nations. Although India has not condemned Russia's actions, Modi's visit to Ukraine and his emphasis on dialogue indicate a potential shift in India's stance. The USA also announced a new military aid package and additional sanctions targeting entities supporting Russia. The diplomatic landscape remains fluid, with all parties manoeuvring for strategic advantage on the global stage.

IG, a Nigerian missionary in China for two decades, faced immense hardship during his first two years, often going without food and shelter. Despite these challenges, his determination to fulfill God's call kept him going. He had a transformative experience in Nigeria, where he found faith during high school, initially attending Bible studies to impress a girl but eventually feeling a deep conviction to give his life to Jesus. At 18, after his spiritual awakening, he pursued a path of outreach and ministry. Feeling called to be a missionary, he initially attempted to go to Korea but ended up in China after a layover in Hong Kong. There, he struggled with homelessness and hunger but persevered, eventually connecting with other Nigerians and finding stability. IG began ministering in Guangzhou, where he married a Chinese translator and had three children. His work faced instability due to government crackdowns, leading him to rebuild his ministry multiple times. Despite these challenges, he continues to lead two churches, noting the Chinese appreciation for African preachers, who are seen as having "God's fire."

The Philippines and Japan have agreed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to enhance defence cooperation. Aiming for an independent foreign policy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr is aiming to diversify the country’s security partnerships. Both countries have considerable concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness in the area. Once ratified, the pact will pave the way for large-scale joint exercises and defence equipment transfers. Although it is not a defence treaty, it is an effort to further ‘promote security and defence cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the region’. It focuses on enhancing readiness for potential contingencies, particularly around Taiwan. Japan's favourable standing in the Philippines, coupled with its role as a major trade partner and investor, underscores the strategic importance of this pact.