China
How to fight for democratic rights in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 22 August 2019
Hong Kong workers and youth need to reach out to their class brothers and sisters in China who confront the same class enemy—the Stalinist regime in Beijing that defends the interests of the corporate elite and the super-rich.
Australia’s US Studies Centre advocates war-footing against China
By James Cogan, 22 August 2019
The policies that the pro-US think tank proposes could not be implemented without the suppression of widespread political opposition.
Twitter purges 200,000 accounts “originating from China”
By Oscar Grenfell, 21 August 2019
The company’s actions are part of a campaign, in collaboration with the US government and intelligence agencies, to censor unfavourable or adverse political content on social media.
Australian prime minister elevates pro-US militarists to top cabinet, intelligence positions
By James Cogan, 20 August 2019
Shearer’s role will be to advise Morrison and other ministers on how to publicly promote the US-led preparations for war with China.
As China masses troops on border, Trump calls for end to Hong Kong “problem”
By Mike Head, 16 August 2019
The US president solidarised himself with his Chinese counterpart in the “tough business” of dealing with social unrest.
Australia: Pro-US ideologue brands student groups as China’s “useful idiots”
By Oscar Grenfell, 15 August 2019
Clive Hamilton’s comments are a warning that Australia’s involvement in the US drive to war with China will be accompanied by political repression domestically.
Hong Kong protests met with denunciations and threats
By Peter Symonds, 14 August 2019
The muted response to the threats of Chinese intervention reflects fear in ruling circles internationally that events in Hong Kong could be replicated in cities around the world.
Protest sit-in shuts Hong Kong international airport
By Peter Symonds, 13 August 2019
The closure of the world’s eighth biggest airport, following on from last week’s general strike, marks a significant deepening of the political crisis in Hong Kong.
Concerns grow over global financial stability
By Nick Beams, 13 August 2019
There is now a historically unprecedented situation in bond markets where it is estimated that some $15 trillion worth of government bonds are trading at negative yields, meaning an investor who purchased the bond and held it to maturity would make a loss.
Establishment figures welcome renewed anti-China hysteria in Australia
By James Cogan, 13 August 2019
The ruling elite requires Australia’s incorporation into US war preparations to be accompanied by slandering any public opposition as the product of “Chinese interference.”
UK growth contraction caps week of economic turbulence
By Nick Beams, 10 August 2019
The British GDP data ended a week of deepening uncertainty in financial markets and growing fears of a recession in major areas of the global economy.
Following AUSMIN talks, Australian politician compares China to Nazi Germany
By James Cogan, 10 August 2019
Andrew Hastie falsely compared the purported failure of Australia to respond to the threat posed by China with France’s lack of response to the “German advance in 1940.”
Canada’s ruling elite whipping up anti-China hysteria to pave way for repression, rearmament and war
By Roger Jordan, 10 August 2019
All the organs of Canadian bourgeois propaganda—government institutions, political parties and corporate media outlets—have united to cast Ottawa as a beleaguered David confronting a Chinese Goliath.
Currency war: A new stage in capitalist breakdown
By Nick Beams, 8 August 2019
A global currency conflict will take the economic warfare being waged by the US against “strategic competitors” such as China as well as its nominal allies to a new level.
General strike signals entry of working class into Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 7 August 2019
The mass protests in Hong Kong, which have continued for more than two months, are part of the resurgence of the working class internationally.
Tens of thousands of workers strike throughout Hong Kong
By Ben McGrath, 6 August 2019
The ruling class throughout the world is deeply fearful of the spread of social discontent as the working class moves into open struggle for its democratic and social rights.
US-China trade conflict escalates to currency war
By Nick Beams, 6 August 2019
Stock markets fell sharply around the world yesterday, amid fears of a currency war, after China allowed its currency, the renminbi, to pass through the benchmark of 7 to the US dollar.
General strike by Hong Kong workers against extradition law
By Peter Symonds, 5 August 2019
The strike signals the entry of the working class, on a class basis, into the mass protest movement, pointing to the underlying social and economic issues driving the opposition.
Trump’s trade war measures hit the financial markets
By Nick Beams, 3 August 2019
In its analysis of the latest turn in the trade war, the South China Morning Post said China had to decide either to a walk away from the negotiations or make major concessions to the US.
Trump escalates trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 2 August 2019
The decision to impose a 10 percent tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, covering a wide range of consumer products, represents the most significant intensification of the more than year-long trade war to date.
Factory explosion in central Chinese city kills 15
By Robert Campion, 30 July 2019
Claims by authorities to address safety after such industrial accidents have proven to be empty words.
Protests in Hong Kong continue despite escalating police violence
By Ben McGrath, 29 July 2019
The participation of workers at Hong Kong’s airport on Friday is an indication of the broader support for the protests in the working class.
Beijing raises prospect of military intervention in Hong Kong
By Ben McGrath, 26 July 2019
Beijing ultimately fears that the growth of working class anger will fuel similar mass protests throughout China.
Dangerous encounter of warplanes from four nations over Sea of Japan
By Ben McGrath, 25 July 2019
While the US was not directly involved, its aggressive military buildup in Asia created the conditions for the aerial standoff.
Amid growing signs of global slowdown
US-China trade talks to resume next week
By Nick Beams, 25 July 2019
The conflict has become more fraught since the US Commerce Department decided to place Huawei on its entity list, effectively banning it from supplies of US components for its operations.
Gang members attack Hong Kong protesters
By Ben McGrath, 23 July 2019
Beijing and local authorities are fearful that the Hong Kong protest movement will spread to the mainland and are employing increasingly violent means against it.
Thousands protest in central China against proposed waste incinerator
By Robert Campion, 19 July 2019
The Wuhan protests are an expression of the growing social discontent throughout China, occurring at the same time as the mass demonstrations in Hong Kong.
As US senators deepen attack on Huawei
Trump’s trade war against China hits Asian economies
By Nick Beams, 18 July 2019
Because it functions as a transhipment hub for final destinations in the rest of Asia, a sharp decline in exports from Singapore last month points to an economic slowdown across the region.
China’s growth slows to lowest level since 1992
By Nick Beams, 17 July 2019
While the growth figure is still within the official target range, there are clearly growing concerns in Beijing that it could go lower in the months ahead.
US-China trade negotiations at virtual standstill
By Nick Beams, 15 July 2019
While Beijing continues to maintain that it is open to discussions, the evidence indicates it has all but given up on any prospect of reaching an agreement.
Hong Kong protesters appeal to mainland Chinese for support
By Ben McGrath, 9 July 2019
The unity of the Chinese working class as a whole is a prerequisite for the struggle for democratic rights and social equality.
Hong Kong protests continue amid Beijing’s veiled threats of military intervention
By Ben McGrath, 6 July 2019
In an unusual move, China’s military reported on drills the day after another mass rally.
Hundreds of thousands protest on the streets of Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2019
Mass protests have persisted, despite the suspension of the extradition legislation, pointing to a deeper social and political crisis.
The G20 Summit in Osaka: The war of all against all
By Andre Damon, 29 June 2019
World leaders gathered in Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit amid the relentless promotion of trade war, protectionism and militarism.
Chinese and North Korean leaders pledge closer links at Pyongyang summit
By Ben McGrath, 25 June 2019
The United States will not welcome closer relations between the two Stalinist regimes as it tries to pull the North into its own orbit.
US names Taiwan a “country,” stoking tensions with China
By Robert Campion, 21 June 2019
Washington deepens ties with Taipei in preparation for war against mainland 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
US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan delivered a 40-minute blast against China accusing it of seeking “Indo-Pacific hegemony in the near-term and, ultimately, global pre-eminence in the long-term.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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