The Latest Breaking News from Beijing

G7 issues condemnation of China as it intensifies response to Beijing

China hits out at G7 over joint statement which criticised Beijing’s ‘economic coercion’

Evening Standard · May 20, 2023

G7 urges China to ‘play by the rules’ citing ‘economic coercion’

Western officials are becoming increasingly vocal about Beijing’s use of trade restrictions in political disputes.

Al Jazeera · May 20, 2023

No joke: China's backlash against stand-up stirs fear of comedy clampdown

One joke by a Chinese comedian about the nation's military has spurred online uproar, a $2 million fine, a police probe, a sweep of cancelled shows and fears for the survival of Chinese stand-up comedy, a rare refuge for somewhat free speech.

Reuters · May 20, 2023

Chinese police detain woman for supporting comedian who joked about military

Comic Li Haoshi made joke about soldiers that Beijing authorities deemed insulting

The Guardian - UK · May 19, 2023

Opinion: Political Economy — Reverse CFIUS and Investments in China

Under a new paradigm, investors have no choice but to navigate between global investment fundamentals and national policy ambiguities

Caixin Global · May 19, 2023

US Lawmakers Issue Dire Warnings on China Competition

In the space of 24 hours this week, a pair of U.S. House committees held hearings exploring measures to counter Beijing’s aggressive use of economic power against the U.S. and its allies.

The News Lens · May 19, 2023

Why the WHO Needs Taiwan

Taiwan is again blocked from attending the World Health Assembly amid a sustained campaign by Chinese officials to deny it a seat at the table.

The News Lens · May 19, 2023

Macao further restricts political freedoms with revisions to national security law

Echoing the crackdown on freedoms in neighboring Hong Kong, the former Portuguese colony of Macao has revised its legal system to face "new adverse challenges in terms of national security."

The Independent UK · May 19, 2023

China's Xi meets Central Asian leaders, calls for trade, energy development

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has promised to build more railway and other trade links with Central Asia and proposed jointly developing oil and gas sources at a meeting with the region’s leaders that highlighted Beijing’s growing influence

The Independent UK · May 19, 2023

Hong Kong court dismisses pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai's legal bid to fight for UK lawyer

A Hong Kong court has dismissed a jailed pro-democracy publisher’s legal bid in his fight to use a British lawyer in his landmark national security trial

The Independent UK · May 19, 2023