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Last Notes

2024-09-01 16:28:21

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Bullet points of China-focused ‘Red Ventures’ pilot brings tech gaps message for next US president: analyst
- The Red Ventures program aims to form an 'innovation pipeline' to fix US vulnerabilities to China
- The program provides a single list of challenge problems for innovation communities
- The US is seeking to intensify its battle against China's industrial upgrades and technological advances
- China is focusing on economic and technological self-reliance and state-led innovation

2024-09-01 09:17:52

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Bullet points of No 2 US diplomat ends Pacific tour to bolster regional ties as Taiwan flap rankles Beijing
- US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell concluded his Pacific tour with a focus on tensions in the South China Sea and boosting Nato's ties in the Indo-Pacific amid controversy over support for Taiwan at a regional gathering.
- Campbell expressed 'grave concern' about China's actions in the South China Sea and welcomed the deepening coordination among Nato and Indo-Pacific partners.
- The US and China are locked in a contest to gain access to prime maritime routes and rich mineral deposits lining the Pacific floor.
- The issue of Taiwan's status emerged as a flashpoint at the Pacific Islands Forum, with a regional Chinese official demanding revisions to the group's language on the island's partner status.
- Taiwan has been a 'development partner' with the Pacific Islands Forum, a status initially established in 1992 and reaffirmed in 1999 and 2010.
- Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary, while the US is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
- The US and its allies have sought to bolster ties with Pacific island nations to counter Beijing's rising influence in the region.
- The US has prioritised increased aid, coastguard support, and diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific to counter Beijing's advances, and has announced plans to allocate more than $10 million in additional funding to enhance Pacific Island countries' efforts to adapt to climate change and their disaster resilience.

2024-08-20 23:17:46

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Summary of Joe Biden touts policies for US middle class, says Chinese economic dominance not assured
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The article discusses President Joe Biden's speech at the Democratic National Convention, where he emphasized his economic and foreign policies, including his efforts to create opportunities for the American middle class, support unionized manufacturing jobs, and promote clean energy. He also drew contrasts with his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, on issues such as China, trade, and national security.

2024-08-20 23:17:27

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Summary of In China, visiting Russian diplomat pushes for ‘peace and security’ amid Ukraine incursion
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The article highlights the growing partnership between RUSSIA and CHINA amidst the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing mutual commitment to global peace. Diplomatic meetings and cooperation through platforms like Brics showcase their strategic collaboration. China's increasing involvement includes talks with Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a mediator. Despite tensions, both countries reaffirm strong bilateral ties, with leaders describing relations as in a "golden age." This demonstrates the EASTERN-BLOC perspective of enhancing regional stability and promoting cooperation amid escalating conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe. The article underscores the importance of solidarity among emerging markets in navigating geopolitical challenges.

2024-08-20 23:17:27

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Bullet points of In China, visiting Russian diplomat pushes for ‘peace and security’ amid Ukraine incursion
- The article highlights the growing partnership between Russia and China amidst the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing mutual commitment to global peace.
- Diplomatic meetings and cooperation through platforms like BRICS showcase their strategic collaboration.
- China's increasing involvement includes talks with Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a mediator.
- Despite tensions, both countries reaffirm strong bilateral ties, with leaders describing relations as in a "golden age."
- This demonstrates the Eastern-Bloc perspective of enhancing regional stability and promoting cooperation amid escalating conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe.
- The article underscores the importance of solidarity among emerging markets in navigating geopolitical challenges.

2024-08-20 23:13:45

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Summary of China’s post-Gaza war ambitions will have to include Israel eventually: experts
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Diplomatic efforts between China and Israel have strained due to the former's pro-Arab stance in the Israel-Gaza war, causing China to avoid stops in Israel during shuttle diplomacy. There is skepticism about significant state-level rapprochement, with China's growing support for the Palestinian cause potentially affecting its ties with Tel Aviv. Despite being Israel's second-largest trading partner and a major investor, tensions heightened as Israel aligned more closely with the US, prompting scrutiny on technological cooperation with China. Efforts to maintain commercial ties may be pivotal in easing the strained relations.

2024-08-20 22:15:25

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Bullet points of Why China is looking to vocational training to build bridges with the Global South
- The Luban workshops offer training in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing technologies to Chinese cuisine and medicine.
- There are now 33 Luban workshops spread across 29 countries, offering vocational training to over 22,000 students.
- The program has been deemed a national project under the supervision of the Education Ministry.
- The Ethiopian Luban Workshop has been designated as a high-quality skills training center for the entire African continent by the African Union headquarters.

2024-08-20 22:15:25

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Summary of Why China is looking to vocational training to build bridges with the Global South
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China is expanding its soft power through a network of vocational training centers across Africa and Asia, offering training in various fields and fostering ties with Global South countries. The program, known as the Luban workshops, has been deemed a national project under the supervision of the Education Ministry and has already seen over 10,000 students graduate with degrees from affiliated universities.

2024-08-20 22:02:45

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Summary of How China and Japan’s brotherhood of steel – forged by Deng Xiaoping – ultimately corroded
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China's shift in manufacturing has led to a decline in Japanese car sales, with Chinese brands dominating the market. Nippon Steel has ended its 20-year joint venture with Baosteel, marking the end of a golden era in Sino-Japanese economic ties. China has grown into the world's largest steel producer and is now charting its own path, expanding overseas and seeking opportunities abroad.

2024-08-20 22:02:45

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Bullet points of How China and Japan’s brotherhood of steel – forged by Deng Xiaoping – ultimately corroded
- The streets of China have undergone significant changes, with sleek electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese brands dominating the roads, while Japanese models have seen a decline in sales.
- Nippon Steel has announced the end of its 20-year joint venture with Baosteel, marking the end of a relationship that began nearly 50 years ago and reflects China's rapid growth in manufacturing.
- China has surpassed Japan in areas like trade and automobile exports, and has transformed itself from the 'world's factory' to the 'world's market'.
- Chinese carmakers are now highly formidable and capable of iterative innovation, while Japanese carmakers have been slow to respond to growth in the EV market, resulting in poor performance in China.
- The Nippon Steel break-up shows China and Japan's economic relationship has shifted from one of teacher and student to a more equal or competitive footing.
- China has become the world's largest steel producer and consumer, and is now charting its own path and expanding overseas, with Baosteel targeting overseas markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- The country's Belt and Road Initiative aims to establish international 'green steel' plants, including a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, and has invested US$1 billion to acquire a 50% stake in the project.
- The expansion of Chinese manufacturing supports the continuation of globalisation, but foreign investors are increasingly choosing to depart due to geopolitical tensions and complex security measures.

2024-08-20 21:53:44

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Bullet points of Joe Biden approved secret nuclear strategy focusing on Chinese threat: New York Times
- The US has updated its nuclear strategy to address China's growing nuclear arsenal and potential collaboration with Russia and other countries.
- The revised guidance explicitly mentions deterrence strategies aimed at China's rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal.
- The document addresses the potential for coordinated attacks involving China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
- The US is considering expanding its arsenal to counter the offensive capabilities of its adversaries.

2024-08-20 21:53:44

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Summary of Joe Biden approved secret nuclear strategy focusing on Chinese threat: New York Times
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The US has updated its highly classified nuclear strategy to address China's growing nuclear arsenal and potential collaboration with Russia and other countries. The revised guidance explicitly mentions deterrence strategies aimed at China's rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal and addresses the potential for coordinated attacks involving China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

2024-08-20 18:34:04

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Bullet points of China promises to help Fiji tackle climate change as Beijing seeks greater Pacific role
- China is supporting Fiji's development and efforts to address climate change, offering assistance in economic and social development.
- Fiji is interested in learning from China's experiences in poverty alleviation and infrastructure development.
- Rabuka's visit signifies China's aim to strengthen relationships in the Pacific region.
- However, concerns arise over China's security involvement and economic ties with Pacific nations.
- Fiji has faced scrutiny for its cooperation with China, especially in terms of loans and influence.
- The geopolitical landscape in the region is evolving due to the involvement of various global powers.

2024-08-20 18:34:04

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Summary of China promises to help Fiji tackle climate change as Beijing seeks greater Pacific role
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China is supporting Fiji's development and efforts to address climate change, offering assistance in economic and social development. Fiji is interested in learning from China's experiences in poverty alleviation and infrastructure development. Rabuka's visit signifies China's aim to strengthen relationships in the Pacific region. However, concerns arise over China's security involvement and economic ties with Pacific nations. Fiji has faced scrutiny for its cooperation with China, especially in terms of loans and influence. The geopolitical landscape in the region is evolving due to the involvement of various global powers.

2024-08-20 12:33:25

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Bullet points of Taiwan’s military holds live-fire missile drill at sensitive test site
- Taiwan's military conducted a live-fire drill to demonstrate its missile firepower, simulating the interception of potential air and sea attacks from the People's Liberation Army.
- The exercise, held at the Jiupeng base, featured the launch of at least three types of missiles, including US Patriot PAC-II surface-to-air missiles and a Tien Kung-III land-based surface-to-air missile.
- The drills were open to the media for the first time in 12 years and showed the effectiveness of Taiwan's weapon systems, with all missiles hitting their targets.
- Taiwan's military also test-launched an extended version of the Hsiung Feng II-E surface-to-surface cruise missile, which has a range of at least 1,000km and could reach the Yangtze River and Pearl River deltas in mainland China.
- The exercise is part of Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy to deal with the much larger PLA, which has ramped up pressure on the self-ruled island in recent years.
- Taiwan's military will continue the annual exercise in the east of the island over the next two days, with more drills planned for the first week of September.
- The drills come amid increased military intimidation from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory that will eventually be brought under its control.
- The US has committed to supplying weapons for Taiwan's defence, and Washington opposes any attempt to take control of the island by force.

2024-08-20 12:33:25

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Summary of Taiwan’s military holds live-fire missile drill at sensitive test site
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Taiwan's military conducted a live-fire drill to demonstrate its missile capabilities, simulating the interception of potential attacks from the People's Liberation Army. The exercise, held at the Jiupeng base, featured the launch of at least three types of missiles, including US Patriot PAC-II surface-to-air missiles and a Taiwanese-made Tien Kung-III land-based surface-to-air missile. The drills are part of Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy to counter the PLA's military pressure and potential attacks.