14 July 2020 - China Special Weapons News

Majority of mask producers could wind down, as COVID19 fades in China Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Mask prices in China are down 80-90 percent from the peak in early February with production capacity far exceeding demand.
HK residents surge into Shenzhen to avoid widening COVID-19 epidemic Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Ports in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province that are adjacent to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have seen a spike of travelers from the city as many Hong Kong residents have chosento enter the Chinese mainland to avoid new COVID-19 outbreak.
China's Hubei reports no new COVID-19 cases People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- No new confirmed, asymptomatic or suspected cases of COVID-19 were reported in central China's Hubei Province on Monday, the provincial health commission said Tuesday.
Beijing cleared of COVID-19 high-risk areas People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Beijing on Monday lowered its COVID-19 risk level of more areas as the Chinese capital city was cleared of high-risk areas for the disease, according to local authorities.
Chinese mainland reports no new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Chinese health authority said Tuesday that it received reports of three new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Monday, and all of them were imported.
Chinese mainland reports 3 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese mainland reported three new imported COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 1,982, the National Health Commission said Tuesday.
Beijing reports no new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases for 8th day People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Beijing reported no new confirmed domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases Monday, the municipal health commission said Tuesday.
Hong Kong resumes stringent measures amid record COVID-19 local infections People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Hong Kong decided on Monday to tighten anti-epidemic measures again, such as mandatory mask-wearing and closures of entertainment venues, as a record number of local COVID-19 cases were reported after loosening of such policies.

South China Sea Tensions Rise as Militaries Conduct Regional Drills VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- China reacted strongly Tuesday to the Trump administration's rejection of China's broad territorial claims in the South China Sea, calling Washington "a troublemaker and a disruptor of regional stability."
Senior US Official Hints at Sanctions on Chinese Firms in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- The United States may level sanctions against Chinese state-owned enterprises that are involved in land reclamation, dredging, and illegal oil exploration in the South China Sea, a senior U.S. diplomat said Tuesday.
Philippines Welcomes Forceful US Statement on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- The Philippines on Tuesday backed Washington's tougher stance on the South China Sea while Indonesia described it as "normal," a day after America's top diplomat declared that the world would not allow Beijing to treat the contested waterway as "its maritime empire."
Taiwan backs U.S. opposition to use of force in South China Sea CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday indicated its support for a statement issued by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opposing attempts to use coercion or force to settle disputes in the South China Sea.
US Navy Warship Navigates Through Contested Waters in South China Sea, Statement Says Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The US Navy destroyer Ralph Johnson on Tuesday navigated through contested waters in the South China Sea, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement.
Philippines Strongly Supports US Position on South China Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The Philippines has expressed strong support for the latest position voiced by the United States regarding the territorial claims in the South China Sea, the country's Department of National Defence said in a statement on Tuesday.
Inciting confrontations in S.China Sea part of US 'isolate China' strategy Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Following a rare move to send two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea, the US threw down the gauntlet to China again by issuing a statement on Monday that alleged most of Beijing's claims in the sea are "completely unlawful," in an apparent attempt to sow discord between China and littoral countries, and undermine the hard-won stability in the region.
US the peace destroyer, South China Sea troublemaker: Chinese FM Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China has never sought to establish a "maritime empire" in the South China Sea, and has always treated its neighbors in the region equally and exercised maximum restraint in safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, following the US State Department's statement on South China Sea.
US is largest manipulator, biggest threat to stability in South China Sea: analysts Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- While China is working with ASEAN members to advance consultations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and has made visible progress, the US has been flexing its muscles in the region with despicable moves aimed at sowing discord between China and ASEAN members and undermining the hard-won stability in the region, Chinese analysts said, following the US State Department's latest statement on the South China Sea.
US' statement on South China Sea distorts facts, aims to sow discord in the region: Chinese embassy Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China is firmly opposed to the US State Department's statement on the South China Sea, which deliberately distorted facts, exaggerate the situation in the region and attempted to sow discord between China and other littoral countries, the Chinese Embassy in the US said.
US threatens China with sanctions over South China Sea claims Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The United States has threatened to slap sanctions on China over accusations of Beijing's exploitation of offshore resources in most of the South China Sea.
U.S. accusation on South China Sea issue "completely unjustified": Chinese embassy People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. accusation against China on the South China Sea issue is "completely unjustified," and the Chinese side is "firmly opposed to it," a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in the United States said on Monday.
PM China rejects Japan's accusation of using pandemic to advance interests Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has dismissed an accusation by Japan that it is using the COVID-19 pandemic to advance its interests, including territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.
Beijing 'Firmly Opposes' US Statement on South China Sea, Accuses DC of 'Distorting Intl Law' Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The response comes after the US State Department rejected the maritime claims of Beijing in the South China Sea, labeling them "unlawful" and asserting that these territories cannot be legally claimed by any nation.

Cross-strait military balance tilting in China favor: Tokyo report CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- The military balance in the Taiwan Strait is tilting in China's favor, and the gap is widening as the Chinese military modernizes its arsenal, according to an annual defense white paper released by Japan's defense ministry Tuesday.
Taiwan condemns China over threat to sanction U.S. arms dealer CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned China after Beijing earlier in the day threatened to impose sanctions on a U.S. company over its involvement in selling weapons to the country.
Lockheed Martin faces China's sanctions over Taiwan deal Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China will impose sanctions on US-based arms producer Lockheed Martin, the main contractor of the recertification of its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) air defense missiles of the island of Taiwan.
China to slap sanctions on Lockheed Martin over Taiwan arms sale Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China says it will slap sanctions on major US military contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. in response to a deal to sell weapons to the self-ruled Chinese territory of Taiwan.
China Threatens Sanctions on Lockheed Martin Amid Planned US Arms Sales to Taiwan Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- On Thursday, the United States approved a $620mln recertification package to Taiwan for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 air defence missiles. The deal comes less than two months after the US approved a sale of torpedoes to the breakaway province.

'Imminent Threat': Tokyo's Defense White Paper Frets at Rising DPRK, Chinese Military Power Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- A new defense white paper published by the Japanese Ministry of National Defense takes aim at Chinese expansionism and North Korean weapons tests, claiming they pose major threats to Tokyo. The paper claims Beijing is taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to further its regional ambitions.
Japan Notes Advancing Military Cooperation Between Russia, China in Fresh Defence Paper Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Japan's 2020 Defence White Paper published on Tuesday contains assessments of growing Russian-Chinese military cooperation, highlighted in a separate chapter.

UK to deploy new aircraft carrier to the Far East to 'counter' China Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- In the latest sign the UK is determined to adopt a belligerent approach against China, it is being reported that military chiefs have drawn up plans to deploy one of Britain's new aircraft carriers to the Far East.
UK Reportedly Plans to Send Aircraft Carrier to Asia Pacific as Tensions With China Rising Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK military intends to send new aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth to the Asia Pacific as tensions with Beijing continue to rise, The Times newspaper reported, citing sources.

Britain's Huawei Ban Resets Relations With China VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British officials are bracing for fierce Chinese government reaction and possible retaliation to Britain's decision Tuesday to block Chinese tech giant Huawei from playing any role in the development of Britain's next generation 5G phone network.
UK Bans Huawei From 5G Rollout, Risking China's Wrath Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- Britain on Tuesday announced it has banned Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G telecom network, a sharp policy shift that angered Beijing and was seen as a win for the Trump administration, which has argued that the company threatens national security.
Britain Bans China's Huawei from New 5G Network VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The British government has banned China's Huawei telecommunications equipment company from playing a limited role in Britain's new high-speed mobile phone network.
Welcoming the United Kingdom Decision To Prohibit Huawei From 5G Networks US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2020 -- "We welcome news that the United Kingdom plans to ban Huawei from future 5G networks and phase out untrusted Huawei equipment from existing networks."
UK orders all mobile providers to cut ties with Huawei by 2027 Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- As widely expected, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to end the Chinese technology giant Huawei's role in the development of the UK's 5G network.
London's Huawei decision 'turning point' for China-UK ties: analyst Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK's move to ban Huawei may further sour strained China-UK political ties, largely reduce personnel exchanges, and most likely prompt Beijing to take reciprocal measures against London's discriminatory policy, Chinese observers said.

China: World must stop US push to reinstate Iran sanctions, kill JCPOA Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has reaffirmed its firm support for the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and five other world states, calling on the international community to put pressure on the US – which left the deal in 2018 – to abandon a hostile push to reinstate sanctions against Tehran and deal even more blows to the multilateral accord.
China presents its own draft for 25-year co-op plan based on Iran's draft: Zarif ISNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on Tuesday that Foreign Ministry will form a working committee with the industry commission of the parliament to encourage non-oil exports.
Oman, China cooperating on blocked funds belonging to Iran: Zarif Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif say his department would exhaust all means to have the country's blocked funds released, adding that China and Oman have been the most supportive in this regard.
Iran Drops India From Railway Project As China's Shadow Looms In Background Radio Farda 14 Jul 2020 -- The media in India say Iran has dropped India from a railway project that will connect Chabahar, a would be trading hub in southern Iran to Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan Province.
India fully removed from Iranian railway project: Report Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- An Indian newspaper says Iran has decided to remove India from a partnership on a key railway project that is being constructed southeast of Iran along the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Spox: China attaches importance to developing ties with Iran IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying described Iran as a friendly country, saying China attaches importance to deepening relations with Iran.

Maiden voyage of China's first amphibious assault ship coming soon: report Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 's first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is believed to be built to play a vital role in island seizing operations, is expected to soon make its maiden voyage, as outfitting work is progressing smoothly, media reported on Tuesday, at a time when Taiwan island is holding its annual Han Kuang exercises.
7,000 army soldiers deployed to fight floods in east China PLA Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Over 7,000 army soldiers have been deployed to the eastern part of China for flood control and emergency rescue operations, according to the Chinese military.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 14, 2020 PRC MofA 14 Jul 2020

Trump Signs Order to End Hong Kong Status over China-Imposed Security Law Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- President Donald Trump issued an executive order Tuesday ending Hong Kong's preferential trade treatment and signed a bill that would sanction individuals and banks who abet the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, in the latest U.S. response to a harsh new security law Beijing imposed on the city.
Statement by the President The White House 14 Jul 2020
Trump Signs Measures Holding China Accountable for 'Repressive' Hong Kong Actions Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump signed a bill and an executive order on Tuesday related to Hong Kong in the aftermath of Beijing passing a new national security law. The measures end the city's preferential treatment by Washington and levy sanctions against Chinese individuals responsible for implementing the security law.
On the Pan-Democratic Primary Election in Hong Kong US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2020 -- "I warmly congratulate Hong Kong's pan-democrats for their successful primary election. More than 600,000 Hong Kongers cast ballots in the first territory-wide, pan-democratic primary election."
China Warns Weekend Vote May Have Violated Hong Kong's New National Security Law VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- China is warning the recent vote by pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong to choose candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections there may have violated the new national security law imposed on the financial hub.
British Lawmakers Demand Sanctions on Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British lawmakers are asking that so-called "Magnitsky-style" sanctions be used against Chinese officials, including Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's chief executive, in response to Beijing's recent imposition of a security law on Hong Kong.
HK opposition 'primaries' challenge natl security law, illegal acts may become 1st major case on security in HK: analysts Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) on Tuesday accused the "primaries" organized by the opposition camp and extreme anti-government forces, as well as separatists in Hong Kong, of violating the law and said it will not tolerate any act of manipulating the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) elections of Hong Kong in September.
HK 'opposition camp primaries' 'a political farce' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The "Hong Kong pan-democracy camp" or opposition camp's so-called primary election is a political farce and mobilization for disrupting Legislative Council (LegCo) elections in September, mainland analysts said.
Central govt's liaison office condemns HK opposition camp for holding illegal 'primaries' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday condemned the Hong Kong opposition camp for orchestrating illegal "primaries," saying that such political activity is suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong and the local election rules.
EU's China measures only 'symbolic' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- In what seemed more like a move to "walk through pressure from the US and the UK," the EU announced on Monday it would take countermeasures against China over the new national security law for Hong Kong. Observers believe members of the bloc, divergent in views and interests, would find it hard to reach consensus in practice.
Opposition primary in Hong Kong may violate security law: China Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has described an official vote held by Hong Kong's opposition parties as a "serious provocation," warning that the campaign could be found illegal under the new national security law in the semi-autonomous city.
China Says Hong Kong Primaries Show Attempt at 'Color Revolution' Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday said last weekend's democratic primaries were an attempt at a "color revolution" in Hong Kong, citing a draconian security law recently imposed on the city by its National People's Congress.
Central govt's liaison office says HK opposition camp "primaries"suspected of violating natl security law Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday condemned the Hong Kong opposition camp for orchestrating illegal "primaries," saying that such political activity is suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong and the local election rules.

Think Tank and Researcher on Uighurs Condemn China for Lawsuit Threat Against Them VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- After China threatened to sue them for their research on the Uighur crackdown, a think tank and a scholar say they stand by their work on the human rights violations against the Muslim minority in China's northwest region of Xinjiang.
China issues five 'self-defense' countermeasures in two weeks amid US provocations Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday announced sanctions on US arms dealer Lockheed Martin Corp, the major contractor of US arms sales to the island of Taiwan, which is the fifth reciprocal countermeasure against the US since June 29 in response to US moves that took the initiative in deteriorating bilateral relations and escalating tensions.
Experts warn of further crackdown measures if US exits audit deal with China Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The US government reportedly plans to scrap a 2013 agreement between the US and Chinese auditing authorities, a move that could foreshadow a more direct crackdown on Chinese firms listed in US stock markets.
Beijing announces targeted countermeasures against anti-China US hawks Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- "Symbolic" US sanctions against several Chinese officials over Xinjiang-related issues may be harmless, but China's countermeasures directed at some of the US' most "rancorous" China hawk senators will "rain pain" upon them, Chinese experts said after China announced sanctions against certain US officials, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, and warned that more US officials may be targeted by further countermeasures if the wrestle continues.

China's Tsinghua University Fires Outspoken Lecturer Xu Zhangrun Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- Outspoken Chinese professor Xu Zhangrun has been fired from his post at Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University after being released from police detention, RFA has learned.

Private Chinese rocket firm Galactic Energy completes key engine test Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Private Chinese rocket firm Galactic Energy Co has successfully conducted a hydraulic test of the turbine pump of its liquid-fueled Welkin engine, domestic news portal thepaper.cn reported on Tuesday.

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14 July 2020 - China Special Weapons News