Key takeaways: Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Russia to show support for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid rising tensions between East and West. US…
Posts tagged as “Beijing”
China is reopening its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in three years, allowing travelers with multi-year visas issued before March 28, 2020 to use them. The country has implemented a number of safety measures, including face masks, temperature checks, and contact tracing, as well as a “green channel” for travelers from certain countries. It is hoped that this move will help to revive the country’s tourism industry and boost the economy.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties and reopen embassies after seven years of hostility, mediated by China and attended by representatives from both countries and China's top diplomat. It is hoped that the agreement will help to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen and bring peace to the region, as well as further cooperation between the two countries.
Xi Jinping has been reappointed as president of Communist China for a third five-year term, solidifying his control and making him the longest-serving head of state since 1949. His reappointment was largely seen as a formality, after he secured a norm-shattering third term as head of the Chinese Communist Party in October. His move to stay in power for life has been seen as a sign of increasing authoritarianism, but his leadership has been credited with bringing stability and economic growth to the country.
At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Avril Haines and Christopher Wray discussed the risks posed by China, including the potential for the Chinese government to use TikTok to control data and shape public opinion in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Haines noted that Beijing still believes it benefits from a more stable relationship with the U.S., despite recent tensions.
US Government Takes Action to Remove TikTok from Government Devices in Response to Security Concerns
US Government Takes Action to Remove TikTok from Government Devices in Response to Security Concerns
The White House has issued guidance to all federal agencies to remove the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from all government devices within 30 days due to security concerns. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that any effort by China to send lethal aid to Russia would be met with serious consequences. The US government has expressed concerns about the app’s potential to be used for disinformation campaigns and is taking steps to protect its citizens from the potential risks posed by the app.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting Beijing for a three-day state visit to upgrade their countries' ties to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership". This visit has raised concerns from US officials that Beijing may be considering aiding Moscow in its ongoing assault on Ukraine. During the visit, the two leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, and sign a number of cooperation documents. The visit is expected to further strengthen the two countries' ties and could lead to increased economic cooperation.
China has accused the United States of "disinformation" and a "double standard" for considering sending Russia artillery and ammunition for its war in Ukraine. The US 7th Fleet has flown a P-8A Poseidon over the waterway that separates China and Taiwan, which Beijing has seen as "deliberately disrupting the regional situation" and jeopardizing peace and stability. China has released a peace plan Friday on the war's first anniversary and is actively promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue.