US-China Relations
US-China Tensions Persist Despite Biden-Xi Call
Pamir observes that US and Chinese official readouts indicate that fundamental disagreements on priority issues – Taiwan, the South China Sea, trade, and technology –continue to strain the relationship. US-China relations are likely to remain turbulent for the rest of 2024.
China’s Position on Hamas-Israel War
On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a major terrorist attack against Israel. Israel retaliated with massive military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in huge civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. As the Hamas-Israel war escalated, China took a seemingly neutral position by refusing to denounce Hamas but stating instead that China opposes attacks on civilians by any party.
Pamir's Dr. Mercy Kuo podcast interview with China in Context, SOAS China Institute
Did you catch this latest podcast interview with Dr. Mercy Kuo from China in Context, China Institute, London?
South China Sea Tensions Rising
Amid escalating China-Philippines tensions in the South China Sea (SCS), regional concerns that rising SCS tensions could trigger a US-China military conflict are growing. Pamir assesses that although the probability of a military conflict remains low, persistent tensions may increase the risks of maritime miscalculations and mishaps.
Pamir's John W. Tai interview with Morning Shot podcast
Did you hear our expert discuss US-China tensions on the Morning Shot podcast?
The U.S. is building a homegrown synthetic graphite supply chain for EV batteries
The U.S. is building a homegrown supply chain for synthetic graphite for use in the manufacture of EV batteries to minimize the risk from China’s global dominance in natural graphite production and its recent export ban on certain graphite products.
China Criticizes SpaceX Starshield Program
The Chinese military has responded critically to the report that SpaceX is developing a space-based espionage network for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). China is actively developing its space assets with Chinese military involvement.
US and Japan To Upgrade Defense Pact
The US and Japan are expected to announce an upgrade to their defense pact at the April 10 meeting between President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington.
South China Sea Disputes Strengthen US-Philippine Ties
As confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea increase in frequency, US-Philippine ties are strengthening militarily and economically, signaling a growing US presence in the region that is likely to elicit negative Chinese reactions.
Apple Maintains Top China Market Position Despite Declining Sales
Apple continues to maintain market dominance in China, despite the decline in iPhone sales in the first weeks of 2024. The iPhone is likely to maintain its technological superiority amid intensifying competition with Chinese rivals.
China Update - Chinese experts see no likelihood of major improvements in US-China relations - 13 December 2023
Chinese government propaganda hailed the meeting between presidents Biden and Xi in San Francisco on 15 November as a “historical milestone” in Sino-US relations, claiming that Xi reached at least three objectives.
US Targets Risks From Chinese Cranes in US Ports
Pamir assesses that the primary risk from maintaining a Chinese crane presence in US ports is China’s exploitation of data acquired through the monitoring of commercial inputs for a trade advantage. Although Chinese cranes can shut down port operations, barring a crisis situation, it is unlikely that China would resort to blunt measures that would impede trade flows.
China-Philippines Maritime Dispute Intensifies
Chinese and Philippine naval and coast guard maritime maneuvers around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea are heightening regional tensions. Pamir assesses that the intensifying maritime dispute is steadily increasing the likelihood of accidents that may negatively impact commercial shipping lanes and supply chains.
USTR Report Details Beijing’s Non-Market Practices
Two decades of participation in the World Trade Organization have failed to alter China’s centralized approach of pursuing trade policies and practices that advantage Chinese economic interests.
US Congress Affirms Security Support for Taiwan
Pamir assesses that China's immediate reactions to US Congressional support for Taiwan, the latest US arms sales package, and an ongoing US-Japan military exercise directed against a potential “China threat” suggest greater concern for growing US-Taiwan security cooperation than with what has become routine US-Japan military coordination.
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