China
Canada rules out overture to China, vows to extradite Huawei CFO to US
By Roger Jordan, 19 June 2019
The Trudeau government has curtly dismissed the suggestion of former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien that Ottawa use its legal prerogative to block Meng’s extradition.
Millions march in Hong Kong against extradition law
By Ben McGrath, 17 June 2019
The huge demonstration on Sunday is an indication of widespread anger in Hong Kong, not only over democratic rights, but the city’s worsening social crisis.
Police crackdown against Hong Kong protesters opposing extradition bill
By Ben McGrath, 13 June 2019
Beijing fears the spread of the protests into China, as social inequality and tensions rise in both Hong Kong and the mainland.
US gears up for World War III with largest defense contract in history
By Andre Damon, 13 June 2019
The Pentagon announced Monday its single largest arms purchase ever, agreeing to buy nearly 500 F-35 fighter aircraft at a total cost of $34 billion.
Democratic candidates demand the US prepare to fight the “wars of the future”
By Andre Damon, 12 June 2019
As former Vice President Joe Biden called for a “united front” against the “threat” of China, Pete Buttigieg declared that “our military capabilities exist for a reason… we stand ready to use force.”
Trump threatens immediate imposition of China tariffs if Xi does not attend G20
By Nick Beams, 11 June 2019
In an interview with CNBC, Trump attacked opponents of his tariff measures within US business groups and renewed his offensive against the Federal Reserve on interest rates and monetary policy.
Mass protests erupt in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 10 June 2019
The fight for democratic rights in Hong Kong will go forward only to the extent that it turns to and champions the struggles of the Chinese workers for their democratic and social rights.
The Tiananmen Square massacre, 30 years on
By Peter Symonds, 8 June 2019
What was lacking in the 1989 protests was not determination, audacity and courage, nor numbers, but revolutionary leadership—the essential problem facing the international working class in the 20th century.
From the archives
Ten years since the Tiananmen Square massacre
Political lessons for the working class
By James Cogan, 7 June 2019
The article confirms the essential analysis of the ICFI in 1989 that the terror unleashed by the Stalinist bureaucracy was above all directed against the working class that had risen in revolt against its policies of capitalist restoration.
From the archives:
Trotskyism and the Chinese Revolution
By Editorial of the Fourth International magazine, 6 June 2019
The following editorial in the January-June 1989 edition of the Fourth International magazine on the Tiananmen Square massacre is an indictment of Stalinism and its opportunist apologists from the standpoint of orthodox Trotskyism.
From the archives:
Stop Stalinist Terror Against Chinese Workers
Statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, 5 June 2019
The ICFI statement entitled “Stop Stalinist Terror Against Chinese Workers” was issued on June 22, 1989, as the scope of the police dragnet and repression against workers and students expanded following the Tiananmen Square massacre.
As China-FedEx row heats up
Warnings mount that trade war could bring recession
By Nick Beams, 4 June 2019
Morgan Stanley said a global recession could start within nine months if the Trump administration goes ahead with its threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese goods and Beijing retaliates.
WSWS republishes ICFI statements on Tiananmen Square massacre on June 4, 1989
4 June 2019
Thirty years after the brutal military crackdown on unarmed workers and students in Beijing, these documents contain the essential political lessons for the revolutionary struggles ahead.
From the archives:
Victory to the Political Revolution in China
Statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, 4 June 2019
The following statement was published on June 8, 1989, just four days after the Chinese government’s brutal military crackdown on students and workers in Tiananmen Square.
The US and China on a collision course
By Andre Damon, 3 June 2019
The “cold war” between the United States and China took a major step toward becoming a “hot” war over the weekend at the annual Shangri-La defense summit in Singapore.
US defense secretary issues military threat against China
By Nick Beams, 3 June 2019
Over the past month the US has hiked tariffs on hundreds billions of dollars of Chinse goods, threatened the imposition of new imposts on all Chinese imports and virtually black banned the telecoms giant Huawei from the supply of US-made components.
China considering “rare earths” retaliation in conflict with the US
By Nick Beams, 30 May 2019
An editorial published in the state-owned People’s Daily warned that the US should not underestimate China’s ability to fight a trade war.
Former Trump adviser lays out plan for all-out economic war against China
By Nick Beams, 25 May 2019
Steve Bannon has called for Huawei, the Chinese telecoms firm, to be driven out of US and Europe, declaring this is ten times more important than any trade deal.
Amid worsening trade war, Chinese president calls for new “Long March”
By Peter Symonds, 24 May 2019
Xi Jinping’s remarks were a rallying cry to the Chinese bureaucracy as it confronts global economic instability, US trade war measures and rising social unrest.
The Huawei shock
By Nick Beams, 23 May 2019
The actions by the Trump administration against the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei have sent shock waves through the global economy and the international trading system.
Over 240,000 people back Chinese tech worker protest
By Mike Ingram, 22 May 2019
Chinese tech workers protesting inhumane working conditions have received massive international support.
US warships provocatively challenge China’s claims in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 21 May 2019
The so-called freedom of navigation operation underscores the danger that trade war with China will escalate into military conflict as the US seeks to ensure its global domination.
080 US-Chinese tech workers
21 May 2019
Democrats back trade war with China
By Patrick Martin, 18 May 2019
The main criticism of Trump’s trade policy by congressional Democrats and most presidential candidates is that the president should focus exclusively on China and enlist Canada, Mexico and the European Union in an anti-China coalition.
In another escalation of trade war against China
Trump issues executive order directed at Huawei
By Nick Beams, 16 May 2019
The latest US action is an escalation in what could be described as a drive to “weaponise” all arms of the state in the economic confrontation against China.
A new stage in the US-China trade war
By Nick Beams, 14 May 2019
The fundamental and irresolvable contradiction of world capitalism, between world economy and the nation-state system, lies at the root of the accelerating US-China trade war.
No agreement at US-China trade talks as positions harden
By Nick Beams, 11 May 2019
A week ago, a deal had been expected, but that scenario was blown up when the Trump administration accused Beijing of backtracking on its commitments.
US tariff hike against China goes ahead
By Nick Beams, 10 May 2019
Trump said talks with Chinese representatives would proceed, but “I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
The social crisis and the global eruption of US imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 9 May 2019
Washington’s brazen and reckless military threats and provocations on a world scale are driven by deep-going social and political crises within the US itself.
The New York Times and its Uyghur “activist”
By Peter Symonds, 9 May 2019
The promotion of Rushan Abbas by the New York Times is a classic example of its role in pushing the bogus “human rights” issues used by US imperialism to prosecute its interests.
230 NYT and Uiughrs
8 May 2019
Greetings to Chinese workers and youth on the centenary of the May 4 movement
By Peter Symonds, 7 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 Online International May Day Rally delivered by Peter Symonds.
215 NYT and Uighurs
6 May 2019
One hundred years since the May 4 movement in China—Part Two
By Peter Symonds, 6 May 2019
The Chinese Communist Party today distorts the significance of the events of May 4, 1919. It has long ago repudiated the democratic principles of the New Culture movement and the socialist internationalism upon which the party was founded.
Bernie Sanders attacks Biden from the right on China trade
By Ben McGrath, 4 May 2019
In criticizing the former vice president, Sanders echoed Trump's anti-China demagogy and economic nationalism.
US-China trade talks enter final phase
By Nick Beams, 4 May 2019
One of the main sticking points is agreement on the procedure by which US tariffs imposed on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods would be lifted if a trade agreement is reached.
One hundred years since the May 4 movement in China—Part One
By Peter Symonds, 4 May 2019
The May 4 movement which erupted in 1919 was part of a broader intellectual ferment, profoundly influenced by the Russian Revolution, that led to the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921.
US threatens UK over Huawei involvement in 5G network
By Robert Stevens, 1 May 2019
After it was leaked that Huawei could help build the British 5G network, the Trump administration is threatening to shut Britain out of “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing.
China hosts second Belt and Road Initiative forum
By Peter Symonds, 30 April 2019
Chinese President Xi was anxious to use the BRI event to counter mounting US criticism of the infrastructure plan and strengthen ties across Eurasia and with Africa.
New round of US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 19 April 2019
Among the most contentious issues that remain unresolved are which US tariffs would continue force and the establishment of an enforcement mechanism.
Ash is the Purest White: Finding one’s way in “the new ‘capitalist’ China”
And Working Woman from Israel
By David Walsh, 13 April 2019
Jia Zhangke has demonstrated a concern with the fate of workers and others whose lives have been turned upside down by the full integration of China into the global capitalist economy.
“Four Corners” broadcasts further claims of “Chinese interference” in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2019
The “Four Corners” program signals a push to enforce the draconian “foreign interference” laws, passed last year with bipartisan support.
US-China trade deal pushed back
By Nick Beams, 6 April 2019
Trump emerged from a meeting with chief Chinese trade negotiator Liu He to say it would take at least four weeks to reach an agreement as he declined to set a date for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Confrontation between Chinese and Taiwanese fighter jets
By Peter Symonds, 3 April 2019
The incident highlights the dangers of a war in Asia fueled by the Trump administration, which has deliberately inflamed the region’s volatile flashpoints.
Xi signs strategic EU-China deals amid growing EU-US tensions
By Alex Lantier, 29 March 2019
Rome’s endorsement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the face of explicit US disapproval points to deep tensions between US and European imperialism.
Xi Jinping tours Europe amid growing divisions between America and EU
By Alex Lantier, 29 March 2019
As bitter tensions erupt between Washington and the European Union over China’s policies in Eurasia, European imperialism is furiously rearming.
US defence secretary takes aim at China
By Peter Symonds, 19 March 2019
Shanahan’s focus on China as the chief “threat” parallels the Trump administration’s trade war measures, aimed at shoring up US global dominance.
VW, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia
Jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry
By Jerry White, 15 March 2019
Recently announced cuts by VW are part of an ongoing jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry, aimed at satisfying the rapacious appetite of the financial oligarchy.
Auto workers in China face job losses and closures
By Gary Alvernia, 15 March 2019
A slowing Chinese economy and lower car sales, compounded by US trade war measures, has resulted in domestic and foreign auto manufacturers closing factories and laying off workers.
Chinese premier warns of grave risks and challenges ahead
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2019
Addressing this week’s National People’s Congress, Li Keqiang referred to “public dissatisfaction in many areas,” amid a slowing Chinese economy and rising geo-political tensions.
US-China trade deal reported to be in the making
By Nick Beams, 5 March 2019
The Trump negotiators are insisting that the US retain the right to impose tariffs if it considers a deal has been abrogated and China should not impose any retaliatory measures.
Canada gives go-ahead for Huawei executive’s extradition to US
By Nick Beams, 2 March 2019
A statement from Meng’s defence lawyers objected to the Canadian decision in the face of what it called “the political nature of the US charges.”
Enforcement and technology key issues in China trade deal, Lighthizer tells US Congress
By Nick Beams, 1 March 2019
The US Trade Representative made it clear the fundamental question is “structural reforms” in the Chinese economy.
Despite talk of “progress” in trade negotiations
Deep divisions remain between US and China
By Nick Beams, 26 February 2019
The key point in US demands on any agreement is that China opposes a unilateral decision on compliance by Washington, insisting it must be determined by a joint evaluation.
Reports disclose super-exploitation of Chinese technology workers
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 26 February 2019
Some 85 percent of white-collar employees in China have to work overtime, with more than 45 percent reporting overtime of more than 10 hours a week.
Trump announces delay in China tariff deadline
By Nick Beams, 25 February 2019
Trump said that if “additional progress” were made in the negotiations, he would plan a summit meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Further blows to US anti-Huawei campaign
By Nick Beams, 23 February 2019
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the German government is “leaning towards letting Huawei … participate in building the nation’s high-speech internet infrastructure.”
China retaliates over New Zealand government’s Huawei ban
By John Braddock, 22 February 2019
The retaliation by Beijing has revealed divisions over how to maintain business ties with China while strengthening NZ’s alliance with US imperialism.
US anti-Huawei campaign suffers a blow
By Nick Beams, 20 February 2019
According to a report in the Financial Times, the UK National Cyber Security Network has concluded that “it is possible to mitigate the risk from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.”
Alleged hacking of Australian parliament feeds anti-China frenzy
By Peter Symonds, 20 February 2019
The hacking claims are bound up with Australia’s alignment with the escalating US confrontation with China over trade and economic issues, and the military build-up in the Indo-Pacific for war.
Signs of rising levels of workers’ struggles in China
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2019
China Labour Bulletin last year recorded more than 1,700 protests and strikes, up by 36 percent from 1,250 in 2017—a small fraction of the actual number of struggles.
No agreement on US-China trade with talks to continue
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2019
The next round will be virtually the last chance to reach a formal agreement before March 1, after which the US will increase tariffs—from 10 to 25 percent—on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
Trump to hold second summit with North Korean leader
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2019
By holding out the prospect that North Korea could become an “economic powerhouse,” Trump is seeking to entice Pyongyang out of China’s orbit and into closer ties with the US.
US navy challenges China in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2019
The intrusion by two US destroyers is designed to send a menacing message to China as trade talks begin in Beijing on a deal to avert escalating US trade war measures.
Chinese authorities extract forced confessions from student activists
By Navin Dewage, 11 February 2019
The crackdown reflects the fear in the Chinese ruling circles of a political movement of the working class for social and democratic rights that challenges the government itself.
US-China trade talks to resume as deadline nears
By Nick Beams, 8 February 2019
While the Trump administration put a degree of positive “spin” on last month’s discussions, little progress has been reported on the key US demands.
US-backed campaign for UN inquiry into China’s treatment of Uyghurs
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2019
While the Beijing regime is undoubtedly engaged in repressive activities in Xinjiang, the US has cynically seized on the issue as part of its aggressive campaign on all fronts to pressure, weaken and undermine China.
Chinese billionaire stripped of Australian residency as “foreign interference” campaign ramps up
By James Cogan, 7 February 2019
Huang’s banishment may well be the prelude to the first criminal charges laid against Australian citizens under the “foreign interference” laws.
No deal reached at US-China trade meeting
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
A statement issued by the White House at the conclusion of the discussions said Trump had reiterated that the US will increase tariffs unless an outcome is reached.
US “Worldwide Threat Assessment” takes aim at China
By Andre Damon, 1 February 2019
The annual report reflects a bipartisan escalation of US efforts to block China’s economic, military and technological development.
Australian political and media establishment intensifies anti-China campaign
By Oscar Grenfell, 31 January 2019
A coordinated political offensive is underway, aimed at legitimising Australia’s central role in the US confrontation with Beijing.
The drumbeat for war against China
Defense Intelligence Agency warns Chinese military is reaching “critical point of confidence”
By Gabriel Black, 30 January 2019
The DIA report aims to stoke fears of Chinese military expansion. However, by its own admission, China’s capacities, while growing, are dwarfed by the US.
US and China still miles apart as trade talks are set to begin
By Nick Beams, 29 January 2019
The US is demanding China scrap its program for future economic development by implementing so-called “structural” changes.
In broadside against China, White House levels criminal charges against Huawei
By Andre Damon, 29 January 2019
The move marks a major escalation of the United States’ economic, geopolitical and military offensive against China.
China-US rifts widen on eve of trade talks
By Nick Beams, 24 January 2019
The top-level meeting will be crucial in determining whether the US proceeds to impose a 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods when the March 1 deadline for negotiations expires.
China records lowest growth rate since 1990
By Nick Beams, 22 January 2019
National Bureau of Statistics head Ning Jizhe said the economy faced “downward pressure” and pointed to a “complicated and severe external environment” resulting from the US trade war.
Canada ramps up anti-China campaign as US threatens action against Huawei
By Roger Jordan, 19 January 2019
The Canadian government feels it can act so provocatively because its demonization of China is part of a broader offensive against Beijing led by US imperialism.
“Made in China 2025” at centre of US-China economic war
By Gabriel Black, 19 January 2019
The US regards the “Made in China 2025” initiative as a major threat to its own global economic and strategic domination.
Australian prime minister’s Pacific visit reinforces militarist line up against China
By Mike Head, 19 January 2019
The trip underscored the bullying nature of the turn by Canberra to reassert its predatory interests in the South West Pacific, and that of Washington, against Beijing.
Mine collapse in northern China leaves 21 dead
By Robert Campion, 14 January 2019
China is the largest producer of coal in the world and notorious for its poor safety record.
We The Workers: A limited documentary about labour rights groups in China
By Richard Phillips, 14 January 2019
The main problem of We The Workers is not the director’s stylistic approach but the film’s uncritical attitude towards the political agenda of the labour activists.
No deal reached in US-China trade talks
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2019
The negotiations consisted of US officials insisting that Beijing meet a long list of demands, but offering nothing in return other than not proceeding with higher tariffs.
US and Canadian elites demand Trudeau government toughen its anti-China stance
By Roger Jordan, 9 January 2019
Although Ottawa has been a key partner in Washington’s confrontation with Beijing, ruling circles want Trudeau to go even further and ban Huawei from Canada’s 5G network.
US-China trade talks extended, amid continuing obstacles
By Peter Symonds, 9 January 2019
Washington’s aggressive stance was underscored by the provocative dispatch of a US destroyer to challenge Chinese claims in the South China Sea on day one of the trade talks.
Foxconn workers stage protest in Zhengzhou, China
By Navin Dewage, 8 January 2019
Police violently suppressed a protest by hundreds of temporary workers over the non-payment of bonuses.
US Senate confirms top-level political “fixer” as ambassador to Australia
By Mike Head, 8 January 2019
Culvahouse’s appointment underscores Washington’s determination to ensure there is not the slightest deviation in Australia’s front line role in any conflict with China.
China’s moon landing to exacerbate tensions with US
By Peter Symonds, 7 January 2019
Like the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 and the first manned space flight in 1961, China’s landing of a probe on the moon’s far side has provoked consternation in Washington.
US-China tensions to rise over Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 4 January 2019
New US legislation calls for regular arms sales to Taiwan and urges top US officials to engage in exchanges with their Taiwanese counterparts.
Slowdown in China’s manufacturing growth sets tone for New Year
By Nick Beams, 3 January 2019
A key Chinese economic index has indicated lower growth as talks on US-China trade tensions are set to begin.
University authorities suppress student protest in China
By Peter Symonds, 29 December 2018
The CCP regime, which has all but abandoned its previous socialistic phrase-mongering, is terrified at the prospect of students politicizing the struggles of workers.
Japan plans for massive military build-up aimed at China
By Ben McGrath, 29 December 2018
In clear violation of Japan’s constitution, the Abe administration is proceeding with a pro-war agenda which will only further exacerbate tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
US steps up offensive against China with more “hacking charges”
By Mike Head, 21 December 2018
As part of an internationally-coordinated operation, the US Justice Department has published indictments of two Chinese men.
The New York Times targets McKinsey for doing business with China and Russia
By Peter Symonds, 20 December 2018
The article’s overriding purpose is not to expose the collusion of American companies with autocrats, but rather to ensure that they march in lockstep with the US war drive against China and Russia.
Canada’s media foments anti-China campaign after Meng arrest
By Roger Jordan, 19 December 2018
The Globe and Mail and National Post have welcomed the increased tensions with China that the arrest of the Huawei CFO has provoked.
China’s economic slowdown: The political issues confronting the working class
By Nick Beams, 15 December 2018
The China slowdown is part of a global process, exposing the fraudulent claim that the global economy had finally “turned the corner” after the deep recession produced by the financial crisis a decade ago.
“Five Eyes” intelligence agencies behind drive against Chinese telecom giant Huawei
By Nick Beams, 14 December 2018
An Australian Financial Review report details an “unprecedented campaign” by the members of the network to prevent Huawei supplying equipment for their next-generation wireless networks.
Limited movement in US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 13 December 2018
Trump’s first major public comment on the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has blown apart the pretence it had nothing to do with the US trade war against China.
Huawei executive’s arrest provokes anti-US protests in China
By Peter Symonds, 13 December 2018
Meng Wanzhou’s detention is part of a broader US campaign, under both the Obama and Trump administrations, aimed at undermining Huawei and other Chinese tech companies.
China summons American ambassador over detention of Huawei executive
By Peter Symonds, 10 December 2018
The highly provocative actions of the US are part of the Trump administration’s wider campaign to prevent Chinese corporate giants from challenging American technological supremacy.
Canada-China relations sour after Ottawa kidnaps Huawei executive
By Roger Jordan, 10 December 2018
At the express instructions of the federal Attorney-General, the Crown is arguing Meng Wanzhuo must remain in captivity pending the adjudication of her extradition to the US.
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