Politics

The UK has launched a robust “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific. To its credit, it has executed a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements and military deployments to the region. The question, however, is not about London’s desire to engage with the dynamic region but whether this tilt can be sustained.

The US’s recent release of its new National Security Strategy (NSS) represents its vow to outcompete its rivals, especially China, on the international stage. Political commentator Jin Jian Guo says that the ideological tussle between China and the US is becoming a new Cold War and for the NSS to be released during the period of China’s 20th Party Congress, the starter’s pistol has been fired in a strategic competition where there can only be one winner.

The 20th Party Congress has closed and the CCP leadership has been set. Chinese President Xi Jinping has further consolidated his authority after removing rival factions and promoting those loyal to him. Furthermore, Xi will reign over party ideology with “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” and the “Two Establishes”. Nonetheless, Taiwanese commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that the system cannot thrive without different views or a self-correcting mechanism.

Li Qiang, the number two in China’s new Politburo Standing Committee, is poised to be China’s next premier. While his star fell after his management of Covid-stricken Shanghai was called into question, his credentials as Xi’s lieutenant may mean closer alignment between the State Council and the Central Committee in the Li Qiang era. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu has the details.

Even as the protests in Iran continue after more than a month with no sign of abating, all efforts seem futile as external support is not forthcoming. There looks to be little hope of permanent change as the current regime remains firmly in control. Meanwhile, as China expands its global influence, can it stay silent in dealing with the internal affairs of Iran and other countries? Or remove reports of protests from their state media?

Following the end of the 20th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), it is anticipated that the CCP will further consolidate its power and adopt a tougher stance in dealing with both internal and external challenges in its bid to rejuvenate the Chinese nation through Chinese modernisation. Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks to China experts and Taiwan-based analysts to find out more.

The 20th Party Congress has just ended, and the new Politburo and its Standing Committee members have been announced. State media Xinhua ran an article on how the new central leadership was formed, revealing telling details of the appointment discussion and consultation. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu unpacks the signals.

Top CCP officials from the Youth League faction such as Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Hu Chunhua and Lu Hao will step down by the National People’s Congress in March 2023. This marks a huge setback for the Communist Youth League (CYL), which was once deemed a “cradle” for senior cadres. While the CYL’s vast membership is still an important source of CCP members, the future of its cadres is now on shaky grounds. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan tells us more.

It seems that the longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the more dependent Russia will be on China. After more than three centuries of Russia-China relations, it seems that the situation is coming full circle and Russia is becoming increasingly subordinate to China.