Crisis Chronology

CHINA

12/06/2023

Italy withdraws from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

11/26/2023

China, Japan, and South Korea agree to resume annual trilateral meetings.

11/16/2023

US President Biden and China President Xi meet. It is said to be amicable and restores military communication between the two countries.

11/03/2023

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is in Manila for a summit with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Tokyo attempts to draw closer to partners in Southeast Asia to hedge against China.

10/24/2023

Chinese media report that Li Shanfu was fired.

10/22/2023

Philippine officials say a Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military supply boat in the South China Sea in waters that Beijing claims. The Chinese coast guard claimed the Philippine vessels “trespassed” “without authorization” despite several radio warnings and blamed the Philippines for the collisions.

09/26/2023

South Korea hosts representatives from Japan and China in an effort to reassure China that US ties do not threaten China.

09/11/2023

US President Biden visits Vietnam as part of a new “comprehensive strategic partnership” to counter the influence of China in the region.

09/08/2023

Heaviest rainfall since records have been kept, 140 years, in Hong Kong and nearby Chinese city of Shenzhen.

08/31/2023

China issues new map showing its claims to territory contested by India, causing new rupture in their relationship.

07/25/2023

Government announces that foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed, after only seven months in office, and replaced by former foreign minister Wang Yi. Qin, who rose very speedily through the hierarchy, was known for his advocacy of an aggressive foreign policy, which became known as the “wolf warrior” diplomacy. Wang is considered moderate, and is also head of the policy-making committee, which perhaps suggests that his tenure is interim. The cause of the change remains opaque.

07/17/2023

EU and Mercosur countries attempt to agree on trade agreement. It is stalled by clauses on deforestation and the environment, although other economic issues may be at play, as the Mercosur countries will have meats and other goods at lower prices than EU countries. The EU has not paid sufficient attention to Chinese trade growth with South America and wants to increase it.

07/09/2023

Solomon Islands and China sign an agreement on police cooperation, upgrading their security agreement.

06/22/2023

Beijing records its hottest day on record.

06/22/2023

China and Zambia agree on debt relief regarding loans to Zambia.

06/13/2023

Mohamad Abbas of the Palestinian government begins four-day state visit to China. It is his fifth visit, and he is expected to meet with Xi.

05/21/2023

French President Macron visits Mongolia and affirms closer cooperation on the extraction of rare minerals needed for high-tech construction.

05/21/2023

US and Papua New Guinea sign new security pact as buffer against China.

05/09/2023

China expels Canadian diplomat.

05/08/2023

Canada expels Chinese diplomat for allegedly putting pressure on a Canadian member of parliament about a vote.

05/01/2023

Philippines President Marcos meets US President Biden in Washington, DC, in what is probably meant by the US to be a signal to China. However, the Philippines is deeply involved with China in economic matters.

04/29/2023

China donates a patrol boat to Sierra Leone to help its military prevent illegal fishing and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Countries in the region have expressed concern about Chinese trawlers overfishing the area.

04/26/2023

China President Xi and Ukraine President Zelenskyy talk by phone. Xi says a China is advocating a political end to the war. Zelenskyy says the call strengthens the relationship of the two countries.

04/14/2023

Uruguay pursuing a free trade agreement with China, to the dismay of some of its neighbors, especially Paraguay, which continues to recognize Taiwan. Others are concerned about China’s increasing involvement in Southern American economy and government.

03/28/2023

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou begins visit to China, in an effort to reduce tensions.

03/26/2023

Honduras establishes diplomatic relations with China. Taiwan ends diplomatic relations with Honduras.

03/24/2023

China says that a US destroyer was driven out of waters that it considers its own in the South China Sea. The US Navy disputed China’s version of events, saying the destroyer left the area on conclusion of a “routine operation.”

03/24/2023

Chinese authorities raid US firm’s office in Beijing, detaining five employees, all Chinese, and closing the office. The company, Mintz Group, carries out investigations for companies dealing with allegations of fraud, corruption and workplace misconduct as well as background checks of new hires and clients.

03/20/2023

Chinese President Xi begins state visit to Russia and President Putin, showing support for Russia’s war in Ukraine while also calling for an end to fighting and a start on negotiations. A recent US report said that China is shipping arms and ammunition to Russia.

03/14/2023

Honduras investigating recognizing China and ending its relations with Taiwan.

03/11/2023

Belgium bans Tik Tok from all government phones.

03/10/2023

In an agreement facilitated by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to normalize relationships. The process was known to the West and is possibly a new way to bring Iran into the larger international community. It is also a sign of China’s increasing influence in the Middle East, which it is also exerting throughout Africa and South and Southeast Asia in different ways.

03/06/2023

South Korean government announces a plan to compensate Koreans who were forced to labor in Japan during Japan’s colonial rule during World War II. Victims of the forced labor protest and the opposition calls the plan humiliating. It is seen as a gesture of conciliation toward Japan, which has asserted that all compensation was made following a 1965 treaty. The enmity between the two countries has complicated US and western efforts to present a unified front against Chinese expansionism. Japan approves of the plan.

03/05/2023

At National People’s Congress, government announces a target growth rate of 5%, the lowest in decades.

02/28/2023

Belarus President Lukashenko visits China and will meet with Chinese President Xi.

02/28/2023

EU bans Tik Tok app on all EU government devices, out of concern that the Chinese-owned company can acquire and use users’ data.

02/24/2023

China issues a peace plan for Ukraine. It calls for an end to fighting, renewed peace talks, an end to sanctions on Russia, and no use of nuclear weapons. Ukraine hopes to prevent this plan, advantageous to Russia, from being brought up at the UN.

02/22/2023

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang meets with Russian President Putin, affirming their shared interests without specifics. Putin says that Chinese President Xi will visit later in the year.

02/18/2023

The US says that that China is considering providing arms to Russia and warns against doing so. China condemns the remarks and says the US has no right to interfere in such decisions anyway.

02/16/2023

Population fell in 2022, due to COVID-19 deaths. Economy grew by 3% in the year, a near-historic low. It fell even more in 2020, also due to COVID-19.

02/14/2023

Iran President Raisi begins three-day visit to China, meeting China President Xi.

02/05/2023

US shoots down Chinese high-altitude spy balloon that had traversed the country. China protests, saying the balloon was conducting weather research.

02/02/2023

Philippines allows US military access to four additional bases, speeding up the imposition of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in response to Chinese expansionism.

01/30/2023

US Marines to reactivate a base on Guahan as part of the strategic realignment in the face of Chinese aggressiveness.

01/26/2023

China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula experience heavy snowfall and the coldest temperatures in a decade.

01/10/2023

Philippine Supreme Court nullifies a contract with China and Vietnam as unconstitutionally allowing a foreign country to develop Philippine resources.

12/26/2022

China sends record number of fighter jets and warships toward Taiwan in what China calls a “strike drill.”

12/21/2022

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong visits China in an attempt to repair relations between the two countries.

12/20/2022

Russia and China hold joint naval exercises.

12/20/2022

The government has essentially dropped its zero-COVID policy, but not replaced it with other guidance. There are fears of a massive wave of infections.

12/20/2022

India moves a large number of troops to border with China.

12/12/2022

Clashes between Chinese and Indian troops on the border between the two countries.

12/07/2022

Chinese leader Xi visits Saudi Arabia to “bolster ties” and mark further economic agreements. Mohammed Bin Salman met with Xi in China in 2019.

12/07/2022

Government officially loosens COVID-19 restrictions substantially throughout the country.

12/05/2022

Protests moderate.

12/04/2022

Major cities relax COVID-19 restrictions.

11/27/2022

China agrees to restructure Cuban debt and provide new trade credits.

11/26/2022

Vocal anti-government protests in Beijing. The COVID-19 restrictions, coupled with a deadly fire in Xinjiang that was exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions, has fueled anti-government resentment.

11/24/2022

Widespread bans on leaving apartment complexes and opening businesses in Beijing due to new COVID-19 outbreak. Zhengzhou, home to the world’s largest iPhone factory, shuts down until 11/29.

11/23/2022

Violent protests responding to new lockdowns erupt, notably in Guangzhou but also elsewhere, as a record wave of COVID-19 infections spreads.

11/14/2022

US President Biden and China President Xi meet at the G20 meeting and attempt to ally fears of tensions between the two countries. They say the two countries will resume climate discussions and Xi supports negotiations to stop the fighting in Ukraine. However, there seems to be no progress on economic disputes or Taiwan.

11/02/2022

On a visit to China, Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong assures China that it will not host any foreign military bases. The two countries agree to try to manage the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

10/28/2022

There are reports of large protests against COVID-19 lockdown by Chinese workers in Tibet.

10/27/2022

Rights group asserts that China has opened more police stations in Europe.

10/26/2022

Netherlands investigating reports of two Chinese police stations having been opened in the country, which would be illegal.

10/24/2022

Chinese economic data is released after an unaccounted delay. It shows an upturn in economy, though Xi’s speech signaling a return to state control of the economy causes widespread selloff of Chinese stocks.

10/23/2022

Xi concludes party congress with a militant speech about world prospects and severely criticizing recent past leadership. In the middle of the speech, former president Hu Jintiang is forcibly removed from the dias. Later it is announced that he was feeling ill and was recovering offstage, though the clear humiliation of him is a more likely reason.

10/17/2022

Xi’s keynote speech moves China toward more economic self-reliance and asserts Chinese military and political power.

10/16/2022

Twentieth Communist Party Congress begins. Xi even further entrenched as supreme leader. However, other positions are in flux.

09/22/2022

China calls for a “ceasefire through dialogue” in the war in Ukraine, a significant shift away from support of Russia’s invasion.

09/19/2022

Ecuador reaches agreement on restricting its debt with China.

09/08/2022

Chinese and Indian troops disengaging from confrontation on the western border of the Himalayas, two years after conflict began. Xi and Modi are to meet in Uzbekistan next week.

08/30/2022

Taiwan military fires warning shots at a Chinese drone flying over Taiwan.

08/27/2022

At the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, hosted by Tunisia, Kishida pledges $30 billion in aid to counter Chinese influence in the continent.

08/05/2022

As its aggressive military exercises continue around Taiwan, China cuts off discussions with the US on military cooperation and climate.

08/04/2022

China holds live-fire military exercises on all sides of Taiwan, including firing missiles. Chinese media describes it as a rehearsal for “reunification operations.”

08/02/2022

Pelosi lands in Taiwan. Taiwan government offices have been hit by a massive cyberattack that shut them down for a time. US has deployed warships east of Taiwan, in the Philippine Sea.

07/31/2022

After Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives announces a trip to Southeast Asia that would include a visit to Taiwan, China warns of serious consequences if she does visit Taiwan. China suggests that they will take action, possibly including military action, because the tript suggests that the U.S. supports Taiwanese independence.

07/22/2022

Severe heat waves across the country.

06/14/2022

COVID-19 breakouts continue to occur in Beijing and Shanghai and other cities, causing substantial discord, though little actual threat to the government, national or local.

06/06/2022

There is a report that China is breaking ground on a new military facility in Cambodia, which would give it closer access to the South China Sea and the busy Strait of Malacca. China has long denied this.

05/30/2022

Discussions about a large-scale security and trade deal between China and ten Pacific Island nations fail to reach agreement. The Pacific nations include: the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Niue. The FSM protests that the agreement would be highly beneficial to all concerned. China protests that the island nations are too fearful of Chinese influence.

05/23/2022

US President Biden launches new economic agreement to counter China’s influence in Asia. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity focuses on trade; supply chains; clean energy and infrastructure; and tax and anti-corruption and would boost ties through common standards in different economic sectors. It initially includes South Korea, Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In total, the countries account for about 40 percent of global economic output.

05/23/2022

On a visit to Asia, US President Biden asserts that the US would defend Taiwan if it were attacked. He and US government say this is not a change in policy after China protests.

05/20/2022

Philippine government says it has established three military bases on the Spratly Islands.

05/09/2022

Cities throughout China tighten COVID-19 restrictions as China’s export earnings drop significantly, causing financial declines around the world.

04/26/2022

Zambia President Hichilema thanks China for joining with other nations in the IMF for Zambia’s debt restricting.

04/26/2022

China protests patrol by US warship through the Taiwan Strait.

04/26/2022

Chinese company DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, suspends business with Russia and Ukraine.

04/25/2022

Government requires all residents of Beijing to be tested for COVID-19.

04/19/2022

China and the Solomon Islands sign security treaty. Details remain unclear.

04/06/2022

Shanghai widens shutdown and anger at its restrictions mounts. Citizens are unable to get food and medicine and families are forcibly separated if one member has COVID-19.

03/27/2022

Shanghai goes into lockdown in response to a surge in COVID-19 infections.

03/25/2022

Australia criticizes a proposed agreement between China and the Solomon Islands that would allow China to place a military base on the islands. The agreement must be approved by the Solomon Islands government cabinet.

03/15/2022

New breakout of COVID-19 variant, government shuts down three large cities, following Xi’s “zero-COVID” policy.

03/09/2022

Iran and Afghanistan meet to discuss resuming construction of the Khaf-Herat rail link, part of the Five Nations Railway Corridor in the Belt and Road project. It was halted when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. It would link China, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Iran and provide China with a rail link to Turkey.

02/28/2022

China issues a statement asserting that it is on the side of peace in regard to Ukraine, in contrast to its early support of Russia. The government has also insisted that Taiwan involves a completely different situation.

02/25/2022

Chinese President Xi counsels Russian President Putin to halt the fighting and negotiate. Putin says that he is willing to talk with Ukraine as long as it involves Ukraine “demilitarizing and denazifying.”

02/25/2022

A vote to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN Security Council fails, but Russian is the only negative vote. Surprisingly, China abstains from the vote.

02/24/2022

Several Chinese jets enter Taiwan airspace on the same day that Russia invades Ukraine.

02/03/2022

China announces full support for Russia about NATO expansion amid crisis over Ukraine.

01/24/2022

Dozens of Chinese warplanes violate Taiwan airspace.

01/17/2022

Population falls for the fifth straight year, reaching the lowest since 1949 and causing concerns that growth will slow further, jeopardizing its senior population support as well.

01/03/2022

Evergrande suspends trading of its shares pending an announcement.

01/03/2022

China, France, Russia, UK, and US issue statement pledging not to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and to ensure no nuclear war is ever fought.

12/13/2021

Australia increases purchases of weapons from South Korea as it builds up to counter Chinese threat.

12/10/2021

US imposes wide-scale sanctions on individuals and entities related to Bangladesh, China, North Korea, and Myanmar for human rights violations.

11/29/2021

Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK begin talks to restore the JPCOA. Iran continues to require lifting of US sanctions before substantive talks can begin, but says it seeks a “fair deal.”

11/21/2021

China downgrades diplomatic relations to Lithuania.

11/11/2021

China and the US agree to work on concrete plans to reduce carbon emissions.

11/11/2021

Communist Party, elevating Xi to the level of Mao and Deng, ensures that he will be able to rule until 2027.

10/21/2021

China tests second hypersonic missile successfully, surprising the West.

10/17/2021

Economy slowing, and officials say the recovery will be unstable and uneven.” Xi calls for a redistribution of wealth to grow the middle class and create what he calls “common prosperity.”

10/11/2021

Talks on the military situation between India and China end without progress.

10/09/2021

China reasserts its desire for a peaceful unification of Taiwan and criticizes a speech by Taiwan President Tsai about Taiwan bolstering its defenses.

10/07/2021

US confirms that about twenty US special forces troops have been in Taiwan to train the military there, which both countries had previously denied. China protests.

10/06/2021

US Pres Biden and China Pres Xi discuss Taiwan. Biden says they agreed to adhere to the One China policy, which asserts that Taiwan is part of China but has the right to govern and defend itself.

10/05/2021

Malaysian government protests Chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone.

10/05/2021

China has flown more than fifty warplanes over Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (a region outside the island’s airspace) in recent days.

10/04/2021

There are reports that Evergrande will sell $5 billion of its real estate to a rival, Hopson. Trading halted on Evergrande and Hopson on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The real estate company is deeply in debt, and fears that it would default on that debt has rattled stock exchanges around the world. The government is likely to keep it solvent but has been letting it flounder as an example to other companies.

09/27/2021

Government reduces access to abortion for non-medical reasons. The population of China is shrinking, and the younger age groups are much smaller than the older ones. In many ways, the government is encouraging larger families as a means to economic growth

09/24/2021

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is released in Vancouver after a negotiated deal with the US in which she admits some wrongdoing. China releases two Canadians who had been detained for spying. Critics say that China Wangzhou’s release by holding the Canadians hostage.

09/22/2021

At UN general meeting, Xi says that China will no longer invest in coal-fired power plants overseas.

09/15/2021

Australia, the UK, and the US announce a new strategic defense pact that will give Australia nuclear submarines. China denounces the pact. New Zealand says it will not allow the submarines in its territorial waters. France feels betrayed, having been negotiating a submarine deal with Australia, which Australia has now cancelled.

09/12/2021

Japan and Vietnam sign mutual defense pact to increase cooperation.

09/12/2021

Russia and China independently promise humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. UN plans conference on aid.

09/11/2021

China tells Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh that both countries should refrain from unilateral actions in the South China Sea.

08/30/2021

Government prohibits anyone under 18 from playing video games more than three hours a week.

08/10/2021

China and North Korea complain about US-South Korea military exercises.

08/10/2021

China and Russia hold large military exercises.

08/10/2021

China recalls Lithuanian ambassador.

07/20/2021

Torrential rains in central China cause widespread flooding.

07/19/2021

US, EU, and many nations in addition accuse China of backing multiple attacks of malicious ransomware.

05/27/2021

Hong Kong legislature gives China more power to appoint and remove members of the legislative council and reduces the number of seats elected by popular vote.

05/05/2021

In a further deterioration of relations, China cuts off economic discussions with Australia. Australia banned Chinese tech company Huawei from its 5g network in 2018 and called for investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 virus in China.

03/30/2021

China limits the number of elected members of the Hong Kong legislative council and delays elections until 12/21.

03/27/2021

China and Iran sign long-term agreement on military and economic cooperation.

03/27/2021

Philippines sends out air force patrols over Chinese militia ships in Philippine waters, the Whitsun Reef.

03/23/2021

China sanctions EU individuals and corporations in response to foreign sanctions about Uighurs.

03/22/2021

US, the EU, Canada, and the UK sanction some Chinese officials over human rights violations of Uighurs.

03/21/2021

The Philippines demands that China remove a massive fleet of armed maritime militia masquerading as fishing boats from waters where the Philippines has exclusive economic rights. There were 220 boats carrying what are called “little blue men” in reference to their uniforms. China denies any governmental involvement. However, Duterte has been soft on China, arguing that the Philippines cannot anger such a powerful country, so there is little likelihood he will confront China on the issue.

03/08/2021

China announces changes to Hong Kong’s election laws that would reduce the possibility of independence advocates to be elected. Only “patriots” will be allowed to run for office, among other changes.

02/11/2021

India and China announce that they will be withdrawing troops from the disputed Ladakh area.

01/26/2021

Sporadic fighting between Chinese and Indian troops on the Himalayan border continues.

11/27/2020

Amid an ongoing trade war with Australia, China increases wine tariff by 200%.

11/17/2020

Japan and Australia sign mutual defense agreement, partly in response to Chinese expansion in eastern Pacific.

11/15/2020

Fifteen Asia-Pacific nations sign the world's largest free-trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Vietnam. It replaces the Trans-Pacific Partnership, from which the US withdrew the United States in early 2017. The countries are: Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

10/19/2020

Chinese and Taiwanese diplomats fight at Taiwan celebration in Fiji.

10/13/2020

US continues plans to sell weapons to Taiwan, angering China.

10/12/2020

Chinese imports soar.

09/25/2020

Taiwan says China has flown warplanes in Taiwanese airspace 46 times in the last nine days.

09/23/2020

India and China agree to stop sending more troops to the border.

09/20/2020

Canada ends free trade discussions with China, which has frozen talks since the court case against the chief finance officer of Huawei.

09/19/2020

China warns that any attempt to block supplies of critical technologies from Chinese companies will result in retaliation against at least one US firm.

09/19/2020

While US Undersecretary of State is visiting Taiwan, China flies bombers over the island.

09/18/2020

US orders social media aps TikTok and WeChat not to operate in US, on national security grounds, and bars downloads of WeChat. Oracle of the US is attempting to buy TikTok.

09/15/2020

US issues sanctions on Union Development Group, a state-owned Chinese company that is building part of the Belt and Road Project. The company seized land in Cambodia for the project.

09/14/2020

US orders sanctions on Chinese companies said to be using Uighurs as slave labor.

09/14/2020

US issues travel warning for Hong Kong because of new Chinese national security law.

09/11/2020

India and China agree to work to reduce tensions on the border.

09/08/2020

Papua offers to let US build military installations in its archipelago.

09/08/2020

China accuses Indian troops of crossing the Line of Actual Control on the border and firing on Chinese troops. India denies this and accuses the Chinese of firing on Indian troops, though they did not cross the LAC.

09/07/2020

US Pres Trump again threatens to cut back US economic ties with China. Chinese exports rise substantially in August and trade surplus with the US increases.

09/05/2020

India and China agree to reduce tensions along their common border. China simultaneously says that India was responsible for the violence.

09/05/2020

India and China agree to reduce tensions along their common border. China simultaneously says that India was responsible for the violence.

08/26/2020

China confirmed to have launched several missiles into the South China Sea.

08/25/2020

US and China resume trade talks that China calls “constructive.”

08/18/2020

US increasing “freedom of navigation” patrols in South China Sea.

07/26/2020

China orders closure of US consulate in Chengdu.

07/24/2020

US orders closure of Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas, after people in the consulate were seen burning papers.

07/21/2020

US accuses China of attempting to steal COVID-19 research cybernetically.

07/20/2020

UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong, meant as a rebuke t to China.

07/20/2020

China makes record buy of US corn, attempting to move beyond tensions.

07/16/2020

US restricts visas for officials of Huawei and other Chinese tech firms.

07/14/2020

UK announces that the country's mobile providers will be barred from buying 5G equipment from Huawei starting December 31 and will be required to remove it from their networks by 2027.

07/13/2020

The US rejects China’s claims of territory in the South China Sea, supporting a UN ruling of 7/12/16.

07/13/2020

In response to the US sanctions on Chinese officials for their roles in the internment of Uyghurs, China announces it will place sanctions on several American politicians, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz for "wrong actions."

07/10/2020

China says it will respond to US sanction about human rights abuses in regard to Uighur minorities.

07/10/2020

Russia and China veto a UN resolution to continue aid to Syria via Turkey. A second resolution passes after removing one of the two access points for aid, as demanded by Russia.

07/10/2020

Kazakhstan rejects Chinese claim that a form of pneumonia being tracked there is more dangerous than COVID-19.

07/09/2020

China reports that Kazakhstan is seeing cases of a new virus more dangerous than COVID-19 causing high number of deaths from pneumonia.

06/30/2020

China passes new law restricting anti-government activity in Hong Kong.

06/22/2020

US and Russia hold talks on arms control. China abstains from participation.

06/19/2020

China returns 10 Indian soldiers captured during the recent attacks.

06/17/2020

China calls for an end to clashes along the India-China border.

06/16/2020

Twenty Indian soldiers killed in a fight on northern border in the Galwan River valley. India says that Chinese soldiers were injured. China accuses India of crossing the border. It seems that no weapons with ammunition were used, however.

06/16/2020

Government issues stay-at-home order for Beijing in new COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

06/08/2020

India and China agree to “peacefully resolve” their border dispute.

06/04/2020

India and Australia sign military agreements in response to Chinese expansion in the South China Sea.

06/03/2020

UK PM Johnson offers British visas and refuge to all Hong Kongers who qualify, nearly three million. The visas could provide a path to citizenship.

06/03/2020

After China refuses to allow US carriers to resume flights to China, US bans Chinese carriers from US.

06/03/2020

Philippines decides not to leave defense pact with the US due to China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea.

06/01/2020

Government tells state-owned firms to stop importing soybeans and pork from the US.

05/29/2020

EU calls for “open dialogue” with China about Hong Kong.

05/29/2020

EU calls for “open dialogue” with China about Hong Kong.

05/27/2020

US Sec of State Pompeo says that Hong Kong is no longer an autonomous region and should lose the trading concessions it received in a 1990s US law. This would make it less attractive for US companies to reside there, a blow to China.

05/27/2020

US legislature passes a law that would sanction Chinese officials over the reeducation camps for Uighurs.

05/27/2020

India says that thousands of Chinese troops have massed on it border, as many as 10,000 in areas India considers its territory: Pangong Tso Lake, Galwan Valley and Demchok in Ladakh, and Nathu La in Sikkim. India sends sends several battalions to the area. There is widespread concern about the possibility of conflict.

05/27/2020

Canadian judge refuses to throw out the US request for the extradition of Meng Wanzhou.

05/27/2020

US Sec of State Pompeo says that Hong Kong is no longer an autonomous region and should lose the trading concessions it received in a 1990s US law. This would make it less attractive for US companies to reside there, a blow to China.

05/27/2020

US legislature passes a law that would sanction Chinese officials over the reeducation camps for Uighurs.

05/27/2020

India says that thousands of Chinese troops have massed on it border, as many as 10,000 in areas India considers its territory: Pangong Tso Lake, Galwan Valley and Demchok in Ladakh, and Nathu La in Sikkim. India sends sends several battalions to the area. There is widespread concern about the possibility of conflict.

05/27/2020

Canadian judge refuses to throw out the US request for the extradition of Meng Wanzhou.

05/21/2020

Chinese official says that China will revise Hong Kong’s Basic Law by fiat and also criminalize “foreign interference,” secessionist activities, and subversion of state power at the Communist Party Congress . The change will bring Hong Kong largely under control of China.

05/18/2020

China, under attack from more than 120 countries about its COVID-19 transparency, pledges $2 billion to fight the pandemic.

05/18/2020

US says it will bar any US company from supplying China’s Huawei with any intellectual property of any kind without special exemption.

05/14/2020

Wuhan will test all its residents for the COVID-19 virus, after an outbreak in April. Russia has more than 250,000 cases and more than 2300 deaths.

05/12/2020

New cases in Wuhan confirmed.

05/06/2020

China considering cutting US debt holdings over the next several months. There have been reports that the US is considering cancelling some of its $1.1 trillion debt to China. Both reports may be a part of the war of words between the two countries, as the US continues to suggest that the Chinese government labs allowed the novel coronavirus to move into the general population, though few scientists believe this. The US needs to borrow $3 trillion to pay for its COVID-19 economic stimulus programs.

05/04/2020

Widespread anger at China in the wake of its actions on COVID-19. US, Australia calling for an investigation of how the virus originated. Germany and the UK now rethinking use of Huawei electronics.

05/04/2020

Widespread anger at China in the wake of its actions on COVID-19. US, Australia calling for an investigation of how the virus originated. Germany and the UK now rethinking use of Huawei electronics.

05/04/2020

Internal document says that China is being more criticized than at any time since Tiananmen Square.

05/01/2020

China announces annual ban on fishing above the 12th parallel to conserve stocks.

04/24/2020

Head of Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that a vaccine for COVID-19 may be ready for emergency use by 9/20 and for general use early in 2021.

04/19/2020

Vietnam protests after China opens two administrative districts on islands in the South China Sea under control of Sansha City and called that. Vietnam calls it a violation of Vietnamese sovereignty.

04/07/2020

Government lifts restrictions on Wuhan, origin city of the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/28/2020

Hubei province, first center of the COVID-19 outbreak, begins to lift its social restrictions.

03/28/2020

Hubei province, first center of the COVID-19 outbreak, begins to lift its social restrictions.

03/26/2020

China announces it will suspend travel to China for most foreigners.

03/24/2020

Spain becomes the second-hardest hit country from COVID-19, after Italy. China, where the virus seems to be somewhat controlled, is third. China president Li Keqiang says domestic spread of the virus is controlled.

02/23/2020

Government cancels annual meeting of the legislature, due to COVID-19 virus.

02/21/2020

For the third time, government it will change the way it counts COVID-19 cases.

02/21/2020

South Korea reports hundreds of cases of COVID-19, sparking fears of a larger epidemic. New cases in China continue to decrease.

02/18/2020

Government offers evidence that the rate of new COVID-19 infections is decreasing.

02/13/2020

Coronavirus, now named COVID-19, continues to spread.

02/12/2020

After a day in which officials thought the coronavirus epidemic was slowing, a new report adds thousands of cases.The change is largely due to a change in how the disease is diagnosed. The government takes over control of Hubei province and fire its governor.

02/11/2020

New coronavirus cases reported to have fallen.

02/05/2020

China cuts tariffs on US products.

02/05/2020

Coronoavirus now infecting 28000 cases, with more than 500 deaths.

02/05/2020

2/5/20. Equatorial Guinea gives China $2 million to help combat coronavirus.

01/29/2020

As the coronavirus continues to spread, airlines around the world restrict travel to and from China. Over 7700 cases are now reported.

01/29/2020

EU says it will allow Huawei to supply its network, following the UK against US policy.

01/28/2020

Palau President Thomas Remengesau Jr. bans charter flights from China and suspends charter flights from Hong Kong and Macau indefinitely because of the coronavirus outbreak.

01/28/2020

Hong Kong government restricts travel from China, including all rail travel.

01/28/2020

Three far west Russian provinces block travel to and from China.

01/27/2020

German government confirms case of coronavirus, contracted from a visitor from China.

01/27/2020

UK says it will allow Chinese electronics company Huawei to supply parts of its new 5g network despite US opposition to any use of Huawei.

01/26/2020

Samoan government bans travelers from China due to coronavirus outbreak

01/23/2020

Government locks down Wuhan, the epicenter of the new coronavirus outbreak. Two other nearby cities are subsequently quarantined, bringing a total of about 36 million people under travel restrictions at the busiest travel season in the country.

01/20/2020

Extradition trial to US for Hauwei executive Wang Menzhou begins.

01/20/2020

US officials confirm a case of coronavirus, resembling Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus in the US. The virus first occurred in China, where more cases are being confirmed. There are concerns of a larger epidemic.

01/17/2020

Xi visits Myanmar, expecting to sign various agreements related to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which will link China to the Indian Ocean from Kyaukphyu in central Rakhine state. A port and a high-speed rail link are also part of the plan.

01/17/2020

Economy in 2019 recorded its slowest growth since 1990.

01/13/2020

US removes China from list of currency manipulators.

01/02/2020

China injects $110 billion into its economy.

01/02/2020

China temporarily suspends crosslink between London and Shanghai stock exchanges in retaliation for the UK’s support of Hong Kong protestors.

12/16/2019

Russia and China propose lifting some UN sanctions on North Korea, but US demurs. The proposal may still go before the Security Council, but a US veto would stop it.

12/16/2019

Russia and China propose lifting some UN sanctions on North Korea, but US demurs. The proposal may still go before the Security Council, but a US veto would stop it.

12/02/2019

China bans US military ships from Hong Kong and sanctions five US NGOs after Pres Trump signs a law in support of Hong Kong democracy.

12/02/2019

US House passes bill in support of Uighurs, calling for sanctions on Chinese politburo. Chinese protests.

11/21/2019

China says it wants a trade agreement but is not afraid to continue the fight with the US.

11/21/2019

China says it wants a trade agreement but is not afraid to continue the fight with the US.

11/21/2019

US legislature passes a law requiring measures supporting Hong Kong independence. China protests.

11/17/2019

Chinese aircraft carrier group sails through Taiwan Strait, and Taiwanese fighters fly over it. In the presidential campaign, Pres Tsai had just named William Lai to be her running mate. Lai angered the Chinese last year with his pro-independence stand on Taiwan. The election will be held 1/11/20.

11/06/2019

France and China agree to $15 billion in new trade contracts.

11/01/2019

China says that it will change how the Hong Kong leader is appointed and removed.

10/23/2019

Russia-Africa summit meeting held in Russia, as Russia attempts to catch up to China’s widening influence in Africa. All fifty-four African countries sent representatives.

10/18/2019

Chinese economy is at its lowest growth in twenty-seven years.

10/12/2019

Indian PM Modi and Xi conclude two days of informal discussions, though there seems to have been no substantive results. The border dispute continues.

10/12/2019

Indian PM Modi and Xi conclude two days of informal discussions, though there seems to have been no substantive results. The border dispute continues.

10/11/2019

US and China reach agreement on some aspects of trade. US removes threat of increasing tariffs more in the coming week.

10/10/2019

Trade talks resume between the US and China. China is said to be willing to agree to some aspects of US demands.

09/25/2019

China resumes purchases of pork and soybeans from the US ahead of new trade talks.

09/25/2019

China threatens to “hit back forcefully” if a law in the US congress that would require sanctions on officials who limit Hong Kong’s “basic freedoms,” among other things.

09/19/2019

Kiribati cuts diplomatic ties to Taiwan and establishes them with China.

09/16/2019

Solomon Islands recognizes China, abandoning Taiwan, after China offers $8.5 million in investments.

09/15/2019

Hong Kong protestors call on the UK to take a stronger stance against China.

09/13/2019

Fearful of price increases during Christmas sales season, US delays tariffs on some Chinese products.

09/11/2019

US delays the imposition of some new tariffs on Chinese goods from 10/1 to 10/15.

09/11/2019

China lifts tariffs on some goods to US.

09/06/2019

China cuts reserve requirements for banks in an effort to boost the economy.

09/05/2019

US and China resume negotiations on the trade war.

09/03/2019

Hong Kong chief executive Lam reported willing to resign but will stay on though she believes her ability to calm the situation is limited. China says it can declare an emergency to end the crisis.

09/01/2019

New round of US tariffs on China formally takes effect.

08/31/2019

During the month, US major US chip makers ended ties with Chinese entities and the US Department of Commerce substantially reduced the number of licenses that allow US companies to assign Chinese nationals to sensitive projects.

08/30/2019

Hong Kong protest leaders arrested, but protests continue. China insists that there will be no concessions to the protestors.

08/28/2019

Hong Kong police reported to be preparing to ban weekend protest, citing threat of gasoline bombs and escalation of violence.

08/26/2019

Yuan falls to its lowest level in eleven years.

08/23/2019

Protests in Hong Kong continue.

08/23/2019

China raises tariffs on US goods. After US Pres Trump attacks China and US Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell on Twitter, stock markets falls 600 points. US subsequently increases tariffs on Chinese goods.

08/14/2019

Hong Kong airport reopens, though protests continue and China masses troops on the border with Hong Kong.

08/13/2019

Fearful of price increases during Christmas sales season, US delays tariffs on some Chinese products.

08/13/2019

China halts all agricultural imports from US and will buy from Russia.

08/12/2019

Hong Kong closes its airport as the protest there stops all business. China increasingly dissatisfied with the situation and has threatened to intervene.

08/05/2019

Chinese yuan falls below a previously benchmark point, 7 yuan to the dollar. US accuses China of manipulating currency, a violation of international agreements. US stock market plunges 3%.

08/05/2019

Hong Kong protests increase in intensity. China warns of undefined consequences.

08/01/2019

US increases tariffs and imposes them on all goods imported from China. US stock markets drop precipitously.

07/24/2019

China says it could deploy troops in Hong Kong and rejects the suggestion that it was behind the Yuen Long attacks.

07/24/2019

Russia apologizes to South Korea for the incident during military exercises with China.

07/23/2019

South Korean jets fire numerous warning shots at Russian reconnaissance plane on patrol on new Russia-China exercises.

07/22/2019

Renewed protests in Hong Kong anger China. Protestors fight with security police, and men dressed in white shirts and black pants beat some protestors in the town of Yuen Long. Some believe they were organized by China.

07/08/2019

China demands that US cancel proposed $2.2 billion arms deal with Taiwan.

06/30/2019

US and China agree to a halt in tariff escalation and further negotiations. All tariffs remain in place.

05/12/2019

The Balochistan Liberation Army bombs luxury hotel in Balochistan Province, killing five. The hotel is part of a Chinese project there, as a protest against Chinese investments.

05/10/2019

US increases tariffs on Chinese products after US deadline for a trade agreement passes. China subsequently retaliates.

04/24/2019

China cancels interest-free loans to Ethiopia made in 1/19 without further explanation. Ethiopia has received about $12 billion in loans from China since 2000, and there has been increasing concern about China’s economic colonialism in the Third World.

03/26/2019

Xi, Macron, Merkel and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meet to discuss multilateralism.

03/25/2019

Xi meets with Macron, offering partnership in the Silk Road initiative.

03/22/2019

Pres Trump reverses new sanctions established by his Treasury Department on Chinese companies suspected of dealing with North Korea.

03/21/2019

US Treasury Department adds new sanctions on two Chinese companies thought to be dealing with North Korea.

03/18/2019

Italy reported to be opening four ports to Chinese investment as part of the Belt and Road Project.

03/04/2019

Huawei sues Canadian government for violating Meng Wanzhou’s constitutional rights.

03/01/2019

Two resolutions on Venezuela fail in the UN. Russia and China veto a US resolution calling for “the restoration of democracy.” A proposal by Russia that calls for a peaceful resolution to the crisis but also warns against military intervention fails to receive more than four votes.

02/24/2019

US says it will delay increasing tariffs against China beyond 3/1 date formerly proposed.

02/22/2019

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and China agree on joint venture facility in northeast China.

02/19/2019

Mohammed bin Salman begins trip to India, Pakistan, and China to build support.

02/13/2019

Trump says he may delay new tariffs on China.

02/07/2019

As economy slows, there are sporadic protests and strikes by workers.

01/29/2019

US charges Huawei with criminal attempt to steal trade secrets and to bribe US employees of high-tech companies. It also brings formal charges against Meng Wenzhou.

01/23/2019

US and other countries recognize Guaidó as the legitimate executive of Venezuela. Maduro cuts diplomatic relations with US. There are large protests in Caracas and elsewhere. Russia, China, and Turkey denounce US interference in Venezuela affairs and support Maduro.

01/22/2019

China forgives a portion of Cameroon’s debt, $7.8 million of $5.7 billion.

01/22/2019

US preparing to request that Canada extradite Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei. Canada protests the effort and China demands that US drop its efforts.

01/14/2019

Chinese court sentences accused Canadian drug trafficker Robert Schellenberger to death. He can appeal.

01/14/2019

China allows foreign institutional investors to buy more on the stock market, a concession to US in the trade war. Both imports to and exports from China dropped in 12/18.

01/07/2019

Kim visits China again.

01/04/2019

Central bank cuts reserve rate for banks, which could add up to US$210 billion to the economy.

01/03/2019

Slower growth in Chinese economy continues stock market slide in the US and elsewhere. With the uncertainty about the tariff war and US government partial shutdown over the building of a physical barrier on the southern border of the US, stock markets hit twenty percent drop in US, although domestic economy remains solid.

01/02/2019

The Kuomintang seconds Taiwan President Ling’s dismissal of Xi’s comments, suggesting “one state, two-systems” policy.

01/01/2019

In his annual address at the party congress, Xi says that Taiwan should be reunified with China, and that military force is a possibility to effect that.

12/13/2018

A second Canadian is arrested in China on suspicion of spying.

12/04/2018

US stock markets plunge as uncertainty grows about US-China agreement and Pres Trump tweets that he will impose tariffs as he sees necessary.

12/01/2018

US and China draw back from further moves in trade war. US agrees to delay further tariff increases and China agrees to increase purchases of American products. Chinese and US accounts of the agreement, which was not written, differ and it is not clear what the results will be.

12/01/2018

CEO Meng Wanzhou of Chinese telecom manufacturer is arrested on a trip to Canada on a US warrant. The US has requested she be extradited to the US. China protests and there is concern that it will disrupt trade negotiations.

11/26/2018

Indian intelligence agencies report a build-up of Chinese presence near the Line of Actual Control in Kashmir.

11/24/2018

Ruling Democratic Party suffers severe losses in local elections. The Nationalists campaigned as a pro-business party that would take a more conciliatory approach to China. Pres Tsai says she will resign as head of the party.

11/22/2018

China is said to be using social media to affect the upcoming vote in Taiwan for local offices.

11/19/2018

APEC conference ends without a joint statement due to lack of agreement. US calls for a strong statement about unfair trading practices and China wanted a statement about protectionism and unilateral actions.

11/15/2018

Fifteen Western ambassadors request meeting with China over human rights abuses of Uighurs. The United States is not among them, but most European countries, Canada, and Australia signed the letter.

11/14/2018

Report to US legislature says China has relaxed sanctions on North Korea.

11/14/2018

China reports progress with Southeast Asian countries (including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) on an agreement about the “code of conduct” in the South China Sea. The United States is not involved.

10/26/2018

PM Abe meets with Pres Xi for a state meeting, at which they agree to several business deals and promise to improve relations. China is hoping to mend relations with Japan as its trade war with the US continues. Japan is hoping to increase its investment in Asia.

10/25/2018

Xi tells South China Sea command to be prepared for war if necessary.

10/21/2018

US says it will pull out of 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia that intended to destroy all such missiles. US Pres Obama and Trump have accused Russia of violating the treaty. US has called for a new negotiation that would include China.

10/18/2018

Yuan falls further against the dollar, helping with the tariff barriers, but government has said it will not use “competitive devaluation” in the trade war without specifying how low it will allow the yuan to go.

10/15/2018

China admits that Uighurs are being sent to reeducation camps in Xinjiang, but defends the camps as humane and even comfortable.

10/10/2018

Accused Chinese spy arrested in Belgium and brought to the United States to face trial, a rare instance when a foreign national is brought to trial.

10/09/2018

Yuan drops rate against the dollar dropping, though China insists it will not devalue currency. However, stocks drop after government says it will reduce the required reserve rate for banks, a move that is often followed by devaluation because of looser money.

10/09/2018

Government admits that it has built internment camps for Uighurs in Xinjiang. Estimates of the number of inmates vary from thousands to hundreds of thousands.

10/07/2018

China announces that Meng Hongwei has been detained in his homeland China on charges of corruption. He resigns his position.

10/04/2018

Head of the Interpol, Meng Hongwei, is reported missing. Interpol queries China.

09/30/2018

China cancels meeting with US defense secretary James Mattis.

09/30/2018

Pakistan cuts Silk Road loan from China from $8 billion to $6 billion and suggests it could cut another $2 billion.

09/25/2018

China bars a US warship from docking in its territory near Hong Kong in October and cancels planned military talks with US.

09/25/2018

US announces substantial sale of military materiel to Taiwan, likely to anger China.

09/24/2018

EU, Russia, China, and Iran agree to create a “special vehicle” to convey payments for Iranian exports, a way of avoiding US sanctions.

09/22/2018

Catholic Church agrees to recognize seven bishops appointed by the government, who had been excommunicated. This is the first time China has recognized the authority of the Church in China. It is not clear who will have the authority to appoint new bishops. Pope Francis later says he will have the final say on the appointments after consultation with the Chinese government.

09/18/2018

Australia hosts largest naval exercise and China takes part for the first time.

09/17/2018

US imposes new sanctions on Chinese goods. About half of Chinese exports to the US are covered by sanctions. China retaliates, though it has fewer options now in terms of trade.

09/14/2018

Venezuela President Maduro meets with Chinese Prime minister Li Keqiang to discuss financial matters. Chinese is involved in substantial projects in Venezuela, but there is no indication that it will provide more money immediately.

09/11/2018

China sets up $20 billion fund to aid reconstruction in Syria and other Arab countries.

09/06/2018

Nauru demands that China apologize for the behavior of its senior diplomat at the Pacific Island Forum. The diplomat left the meeting after Nauru President Baron Waqa prevented him from presenting a speech on climate change. China is competing with Taiwan and Australia for influence with Nauru, which is one Taiwan’s last allies. All three countries have pledged billions of dollars of assistance for the island nation.

09/04/2018

China gives Gabon military $3 million.

09/01/2018

Cameroon asks China for $3 million for “humanitarian assistance” just as it recruits 2600 more troops.

08/28/2018

Russia prepares for largest war games, in Vostok, since the end of the Cold War. Some Chinese units will take part.

08/28/2018

China reported to be building an anti-terrorist training camp in a remote section of Afghanistan that touches the Chinese border, the Wakhan Corridor.

08/21/2018

El Salvador recognizes China and severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

08/21/2018

Indonesian Pres Matathir cancels two large projects with China.

08/16/2018

Tonga Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva holding talks with other Pacific island nations about approaching China to forgive debt amid mounting fears that China may start seizing assets. He point to China’s taking possession of a port in Sri Lanka and negotiating to build a military vase in Vanuatu. Both China and Vanuatu have denied the latter. Vanuatu has a $115 million debt with China.

08/14/2018

Turkey Pres Erdogan calls for a boycott of US electronic goods, though he doesn’t specify how or when. Lira stabilizes somewhat for the day. Erdogan may be looking for economic support from the IMF, Russia, China, or Qatar.

08/08/2018

China, Russia, and EU say that they will continue to trade with Iran despite US Pres Trump’s tweeted threat to end business with any entity that trades with Iran.

08/08/2018

After US imposes new tariffs on Chinese goods, China adds new tariffs on US goods equal to new US tariffs.

08/01/2018

China imposes tariffs on more than 150 US products, but implores the US not to engage in a prolonged trade war.

07/19/2018

China provides Cameroon with $8 million to buy more weapons. Cameroon is one of the largest buyers of weapons in Africa.

07/16/2018

US files trade disputes with the World Trade Organization against China, the EU, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey in response to tariffs imposed on US goods.

07/15/2018

Chinese economy slows, a result of reduced demand as well as tariff war with US.

07/10/2018

US threatens China with an additional $200 million in tariffs.

07/06/2018

US imposes massive tariffs on Chinese goods and China responds similarly, the beginning of an international trade war.

06/28/2018

Australia passes law regulating foreign interference, aimed at China. China condemns the law and may be limiting trade with Australia.

06/22/2018

China and Nepal agree to build rail link between Tibet and Kathmandu.

06/20/2018

Kim Jong-un visits China as US and North Korea spar over nuclear development in North Korea.

06/17/2018

China responds with new tariffs on US products.

06/14/2018

US formally institutes tariff increases on Chinese products, especially aerospace, technology, manufacturing and auto industries. Chinese vows to retaliate.

06/11/2018

US opens office in Taiwan which most take as a kind of embassy, to the dissatisfaction of China.

06/10/2018

Chinese President Xi meets with Iran President Rouhani at the annual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Russian President Putin also meets both with Rouhani and Xi. The economic group of the SCO consists of eight full members (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, India, and Pakistan), four observers (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia), and six dialogue partners (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey). Iran is working to become a full member.

06/04/2018

UK and France pledge to continue to conduct naval operations in the South China Sea to put pressure on China and its militarization of disputed islands there.

06/03/2018

Trade talks with US end without progress.

05/29/2018

Australian commission reports that for the last ten years, China has worked to influence Australian elections by cultivating individuals important in government policy.

05/29/2018

After criticism that he was being too lenient with China, especially after a large investment by a Chinese bank in a Malaysia property that the Trump Organization is developing and new trademarks for Ivanka Trump’s business, Trump reinstates tariffs against China that had been put on hold.

05/24/2018

Trump cancels summit with North Korea, objecting to North Korea’s “tremendous anger and open hostility” expressed recently in objecting to Bolton’s reference to the Libya model and to Vice-president Mike Pence’s response that North Korea would end up like Libya “only if Kim Jong-un doesn’t make a deal” with the US. South Korea and is perplexed and concerned. There are reports that China sought to temper North Korea’s eagerness for the summit. China is assumed to be opposed to a unification of the peninsula.

05/23/2018

US reports that a US government employee in China has had health problems for several months similar to those that occurred in employees in Cuba that some have said were caused by “sonic attacks.”

05/23/2018

German Chancellor Merkel in China for discussions about improving relations overall and maintaining the JPCOA with Iran.

05/23/2018

US “disinvites” China from participating in annual Pacific Rim naval exercise, due to China’s development in the Spratley Islands.

05/19/2018

China says it will significantly increase imports from the US. US agrees to suspend new tariffs while the talks to continue.

05/15/2018

Continuing negotiations among Iran, Germany, France, Russia, China, and the UK about continuing the JPCOA.

05/11/2018

Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin agree to meet on 5/18 to discuss the JPCOA and the withdrawal of the US from it. They also agreed to work to have other signatories remain in the agreement, especially France, the UK, and China.

05/04/2018

US-China trade talks end inconclusively, but with plan to pursue more talks.

05/03/2018

Substantive trade talks begin between China and the US that may affect the global economy.

05/01/2018

South Korea, China, and Japan announce a summit meeting for next week.

05/01/2018

China and the Dominican Republic establish diplomatic relations. Only nineteen countries now recognize Taiwan as a separate diplomatic entity, mostly small nations in Asia and the Pacific.

04/27/2018

India and China conclude informal summit with pledges to work together.

04/17/2018

China adds anti-dumping measure that will affect US sorghum producers.

04/16/2018

US bans producers from selling to Chinese phone maker ZTE.

04/10/2018

Xi says China will reduce tariffs on automobiles and increase protection for intellectual property, without proposing any new measures specifically. Economists are skeptical, but stock markets respond positively.

04/03/2018

China invests in Brunei, which is being deserted by western banks because the country’s petroleum reserves are becoming depleted. Brunei also quietly gives up is small claim to territory in the South China Sea.

03/26/2018

Kim Jong-un visits China. There are reports he affirmed his commitment to denuclearization in return for Chinese support.

03/22/2018

US-China trade war

Government imposes tariffs on Chinese goods, especially electronics, machinery, and clothes, and restrictions on Chinese investment in US, in retaliation for Chinese theft of intellectual property and technology secrets. China says that it does not want a trade war, but will retaliate with similar tariffs on US products. US stock market falls in largest one-day drop owed to a single policy change.

03/19/2018

China warns that travel agreement between US and Taiwan could provoke it to bring “military pressure.”

03/18/2018

Le Keqiang is re-elected premier and appointed to head anti-corruption National Supervisory Council.

03/16/2018

US signs pact with Taiwan encouraging officials visits between the two countries. China objects.

03/05/2018

US aircraft carrier visits Vietnam, the first such visit since the Vietnam War. China has planned to erect an oil rig in waters contested by Vietnam in addition to its planned deployment of six new aircraft carriers and establishing military bases from Africa to Southeast Asia. Vietnam, increasingly wary of China and watching the Philippines closer relationship with China, is increasing its military ties to the US.

02/25/2018

Communist Party proposes constitutional amendment removing term limits for president.

02/25/2018

Communist Party proposes constitutional amendment removing term limits for president.

02/22/2018

US announces new sanctions on companies that ship to North Korea. They are registered in China, North Korea, and Hong Kong.

02/05/2018

China offers to bring Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic corridor. This would have significant consequences. China would have to be able to guarantee the security of the projects, and it has urged Taliban leaders in Afghanistan to negotiate peace. The United States would have significant interest in this. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained by the war in Afghanistan and Taliban and ISIS fighters taking refuge in Pakistan. India would be concerned about strengthening Pakistan in the region.

01/24/2018

US issues new sanctions on North Korean and Chinese shipping companies and trade representatives.

01/18/2018

India successfully tests ballistic missile capable to reaching any part of China. The disagreement about Doklam continues.

01/17/2018

China announces large new projects in Ukraine, which may diminish US influence now that its contributions have diminished.

12/19/2017

Ahead of talks with India about Doklam, China strengthens its military forces in the area.

12/19/2017

Ahead of talks with India about Doklam, China strengthens its military forces in the area.

12/05/2017

China protests Australian proposal for new legislation restricting foreign influence in elections, though China would not be singled out in the proposed law.

12/05/2017

Despite stated agreements to negotiate access to islands in the South China Sea, China continues to build up its forces there.

11/30/2017

US formally objects to China’s designation as a “market economy” in global trading. This follows US Pres Trump’s stated policy, but also may be related to US dissatisfaction with China’s stance toward North Korea.

11/28/2017

North Korea launches a missile believed to be an ICBM Kim Jong-un says it makes North Korea a fully nuclear state.

11/21/2017

China criticizes US listing of North Korea as a terrorist nation, suggesting that all parties try to negotiate. Air Chins suspends flights to North Korea for lack of demand.

11/20/2017

South Korea offers substantial aid to Philippines, as a counter to China and attempt to keep Philippines as part of alliance of Asia-Pacific countries.

11/19/2017

China proposes a three-step solution to Rohingya crisis, including a ceasefire and repatriation of Rohingya. Myanmar and Bangladesh reportedly support the plan.

11/17/2017

Chinese envoy reports that China and North Korea will seek cooperation, without discussion of nuclear issue.

11/15/2017

China announces it will send a high-level envoy to North Korea on 11/17.

11/14/2017

China and Japan seek improved relationship on trade and North Korea, among other mutual concerns.

11/03/2017

China announces agreement about a process of resolving disputes with Vietnam about South China Sea.

10/31/2017

South Korea and China agree to seek to improve relations upset by THAAD deployment.

10/31/2017

South Korea and China agree to seek to improve relations upset by THAAD deployment.

10/24/2017

President Xi elevated

China Pres Xi is elevated to the title given to Mao and Deng Xiaoping, written into the party constitution.

10/19/2017

At party congress, it is revealed that a coup against Xi, largely by those expelled for corruption, was foiled in 2016.

10/18/2017

At Nineteenth Communist Party Congress, Xi envisions a dominant China with greater centralized control of both the economy and the society.

10/11/2017

Two long-serving generals have been replaced, as Pres Xi moves to make military command younger and more responsive to his initiatives.

09/28/2017

China shuts down North Korean companies operating in China, as well as joint ventures between Chinese companies and North Korean companies as part of UN sanctions.

08/28/2017

China and India announce that troops in Doklam will stand down, without further detail.

08/28/2017

China and India announce that troops in Doklam will stand down, without further detail.

08/08/2017

China-India negotiations said to hit a roadblock.

08/04/2017

China demands that India remove troops from Doklam.

07/18/2017

China agains calls for India to remove troops from disputed region Doklam.

07/14/2017

Japan, overcoming previous reluctance, commits to Chinese economic development group called “One Belt, One Road,” intended to connect from Russia and the Middle East to Singapore.

07/14/2017

Indonesia renames part of the South China Sea, asserting its control of the area against China.

07/11/2017

China sends troops to Djibouti to set up military naval base, its first overseas base, to fight pirates and maintain security in the region.

07/06/2017

China asserts that it has a "basic consensus" with Bhutan about the status of Doklam.

07/06/2017

China agrees to buy 100 aircraft from Airbus during Pres Xi’s visit to Germany.

06/30/2017

China protests US bank sanctions and weapons sale to Taiwan.

06/30/2017

Tensions rise between China, India, and Bhutan over a disputed region, a Bhutanese enclave in Tibet, Doklam, among others.

06/29/2017

US imposes sanctions on Chinese individuals and business said to aid North Korean weapons development.

06/29/2017

US announces weapons sale to Taiwan.

06/28/2017

Fearing nonpayment, Chinese state oil company stops selling oil to North Korea.

06/25/2017

China attempts to ease relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

06/13/2017

Panama establishes diplomatic relations with China and breaks off relations with Taiwan.

05/04/2017

North Korea upbraids China's criticism and says nuclear program will continue.

04/26/2017

China launches first domestically constructed aircraft carrier, part of aim to control regional naval power.

04/16/2017

China and Nepal begin joint military exercises, in part due to Nepal’s desire to reduce its dependence on India.

04/16/2017

North Korean missile test fails, but tension high as US and North Korea remain in confrontational stances. China urges restraint.

04/13/2017

After meeting with Palestinian minister, China supports statehood for Palestine.

04/10/2017

China refuses shipment of North Korean coal, as part of implementing further sanctions on the country.

04/07/2017

Philippines says it will strengthen military facilities on islands in the South China Sea to counter Chinese build-up.

03/15/2017

Saudi Arabia signs $65 billion of deals with China. China became the Saudis largest trading partner in 2015.

03/06/2017

US agrees to send highly advanced anti-missile system, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to South Korea. China protests that it will alter the balance of power in the region.

02/17/2017

China says it will suspend all coal imports from North Korea as part of the UN sanctions.

02/09/2017

US President Trump, in conversation with Chinese premier Xi, affirms US support for one-China policy.

02/07/2017

First transnational electric railway in Africa, between Djibouti City and Addis Ababa, largely constructed and financed by China, begins service.

01/23/2017

President Donald Trump withdraws the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership by executive order. The legislature did not vote on the agreement. The TPP was created as a counterweight to the economic growth of China, and the US withdrawal constitutes a positive economic sign for it. The agreement continues in force in the other signatory countries, although they may reconsider.

01/15/2017

Government increasingly objecting to US president-elect Donald Trump’s suggestions and Taiwanese president Ing’s movements against the one-China policy regarding Taiwan.

01/09/2017

Ji will attend the World Economic Forun in Davos this year, the first time a Chinese president has done so.

01/03/2017

China’s aircraft carrier sails into South China Sea with supporting ships and planes.

12/31/2016

Mongolia says it will no longer have dealings with the Dalai Lama.

12/30/2016

Japan asks China and South Korea for summit meeting on trade and other regional issues.

12/26/2016

Government expresses concern about a meeting between Russia, China, and Pakistan that discussed a peace plan for Afghanistan but did not include any Afghan representatives.

12/19/2016

The drone is returned.

12/17/2016

China agrees to return drone.

12/16/2016

China seizes US drone submarine in the South China Sea. US says that it was collecting navigational information.

12/15/2016

China says that has placed weapons on the disputed islands in the South China Sea known in the West as the Spratlys, and that it will use them to repel threats.

12/01/2016

Taiwan President Ing-Wen speaks with president-elect Donald Trump. It is the first time since the US adopted the one-China policy and recognized the government of China in 1979 that the a United States president or president-elect has spoken to the president of Taiwan. China lodges protest.

11/20/2016

China says that it will “seriously” impose extended UN sanctions on North Korea, which exports much of its coal to China. Such exports would be limited by the new sanctions.

11/15/2016

Elections for local Party Congresses, the lowest level of the Chinese legislature. The slate of candidates is strictly controlled, and those who run from outside the system are often harassed. The Party Congresses themselves have little power within the system. All citizens older than 18 who do not have a criminal record are all allowed to vote.

11/13/2016

Report in a scientific journal says that global carbon emissions have dropped, in part at least due to China’s reduction in emissions.

11/06/2016

China rules that the two dissident Hong Kong legislators have given up their right to be seated. The National People’s Congress rules that their oaths were “invalid and cannot be retaken.”

11/02/2016

Hong Kong legislators still blocking the seating of elected pro-independence legislative councilors. Chief Executive Leung considers asking China for an interpretation of the basic law. Chinese state media severely criticizing the two pro-independence legislators.

10/31/2016

Malaysian President Razak, angered by US investigation into his finances, visits China with the intention of buying weapons. He follows Philippine leader Duterte in allying more closely with China.

10/28/2016

Xi is named “core leader,” a title that gives him special stature and support in the party.

10/25/2016

The Legislative Council blocks seating of two pro-independence elected legislators, Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching, because they altered the oath of office that they took, inserting an insulting word for the People’s Republic of China. The High Court is to hear the case on 11/3 as to whether they can legitimately retake the oath properly.

10/19/2016

In China on a state visit, Duterte signs trade agreement and aligns the Philippines with China in instead of the US. However, he has not suspended the treaty between the US and the Philippines, nor restricted US access to five military bases in the Philippines. In addition, China agrees to allow Philippine ships to fish in the disputed waters in the South China Sea, possibly an attempt by China to break up the united front of Southeast Asian nations and the US about the legality of China’s claim to these areas.

10/04/2016

Varying from recent tradition, Xi may delay choosing a successor until after the next party congress next year. He will remain in office for another term after that, ending in 2022. Some are concerned that he may try to hold on to power thereafter.

09/02/2016

Prior to G20 meeting in China, Xi Jinping and US President Obama announce plan to ratify Paris climate change agreement of 12/15.

08/29/2016

Li Jinbin becomes Communist Party Secretary.

07/13/2016

China reasserts its right to the marine territory it claims and sends two civilian airplanes to land on the newly created islands there.

07/12/2016

International Court of Justice rules against China in a case about the South China Sea brought by the Philippines, saying China’s claims violate the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, which both China and the Philippines have ratified. The court rejected China’s claim to historical sovereignty over about 90% of the South China, as well as its right to assert economic rights over the resources and the islands. There is no enforcement mechanism, however, and China rejects the standing of the court in its ruling. The ruling affects all the neighboring countries including, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China’s map of its marine territory is based on a map created in the late 1940s by the Nationalist government of China before it was driven out by the Communists and fled to Taiwan.

04/26/2016

China says it will not allow armed aggression on the Korean peninsula.

04/21/2016

Xi is given new title, commander in chief of the joint battle command center, that signals greater role in the military.

03/30/2016

The Indian company that owns most of the UK’s steel factories announces that it can no longer absorb the losses from the mills and will attempt to sell them, with approximately 15,000 jobs involved. An emergency cabinet meeting is called. The Indian company, Tata Steel is facing stiff competition from cheaper Chinese steel, and the EU is unable to agree on higher tariffs on Chinese steel.

03/14/2016

Protests by workers spread as economy slows.

03/03/2016

Xi to call for more “supply-side” economic measures to stimulate economy, 2/23/16. China building radar stations on islands in the South China Sea.

01/24/2016

China and Iran agree to increase trade.

01/11/2016

Discussions is Islamabad about opening up new discussions with the Taliban by the US, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, at least partially in response to the gains in territory in Afghanistan by the Taliban. However, the Taliban has has signaled any interest in the talks.

01/06/2016

China is critical of North Korean nuclear test, said to be a hydrogen bomb. UN security Council votes to impose additional sanctions on North Korea.