Resource Library
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.
China Intensifies Focus on Developing Its “Air Silk Road”
The Civil Aviation Administration of China is seeking certification for its C919 passenger jet airline from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If successful it could mark the start of a new dynamic in the global civil aviation industry.
China Decries Being Named ‘Hypothetical Enemy’ in US-led Joint Military Exercises
Pamir assesses that despite China’s criticism of US-led joint military exercises with Japan and Australia, Beijing will not rashly initiate military conflict over Taiwan.
China Update - US-China high-level economic talks - 17 November 2023
Following extensive talks with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on 9-10 November, Chinese Vice Premier HE Lifeng said the two sides had reached “three important consensuses”.
Boeing’s Challenges Press China's Emerging Aircraft Industry
On 27 January a Boeing 737 MAX 8 ordered by China Southern Airlines touched down in Guangzhou. This was the first delivery of a 737 MAX to China following a nearly five-year import ban.
China-Philippines Discord Stokes South China Sea Tensions
As relations between China and the Philippines continue to deteriorate over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines is shoring up relations with other South China Sea claimants and striking agreements with regional allies to facilitate joint military operations.
US Congress Supports New Taiwan Administration
On 24 January a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs Representatives Mario Diaz Balart and Ami Bera arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit.
China Lifts Boeing 737 MAX Ban, but Scrutiny Increases
Boeing seemed poised to resume aircraft deliveries to China, but the recent Alaska Airlines incident and reported mechanical failures involving US Secretary of State Blinken’s 737 aircraft almost certainly will lead to greater technical scrutiny and possible delays.