【The “Desperate Alliance” of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea: an Expedient Measure】
In Washington, it is becoming increasingly common to view various conflicts around the world as part of a larger narrative. During the Cold War, ideology at least nominally pitted the communist bloc against the West. Now, countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are joining forces as a practical measure among many different nations. However, the driving force behind these alliances is not just seeking advantage, but also desperation.
The port of Hong Kong, which was the world’s largest container port for most of the time between 1987 and 2004, has seen a continuous decline in recent years. In 2023, it fell out of the global top ten for the first time, now ranking as the 11th largest port globally.
The inherent inertia of authoritarian politics aims to display and wield power, rather than simply possess and enjoy power. Following the centralization of political power and military reforms and mobilization in China (under the CCP), Xi Jinping is inevitably expected during his tenure to push for strategic actions against Taiwan. This is the inherent inertia of authoritarian politics, as demonstrated by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as the most recent proof of this momentum. – @Kunluntalk
Xi Jinping still doesn’t trust Wang Qishan. Fan Yifei, who was in charge of finances at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, stood trial today (18th), accused of embezzling nearly 400 million yuan over 29 years. Wang Qishan, a key figure during Xi Jinping’s first term as the leader of the CCP’s anti-corruption campaign, has seen several of his former subordinates fall from grace one after another with substantial sums involved. Fan Yifei served under Wang Qishan when he was in charge of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. During Wang Qishan’s term as President of the bank from 1994 to 1997, Fan Yifei served in various positions. He was promoted in 2015, two years after Xi Jinping took office, to become a member of the CCP Central Bank Committee and a Deputy Governor, with Zhou Xiaochuan serving as the Governor at the time. – With several of Wang Qishan’s subordinates facing trouble, Wang Qishan’s once powerful position has been greatly weakened, yet Xi Jinping still doesn’t trust him.
Tesla, the American electric car company, is cutting more than 10% of its global workforce, affecting around 14,000 employees. The severance packages offered by Tesla China are more generous, with insider sources revealing a significant number of job cuts in China, particularly in the sales department. The compensation package ranges from N+1 to N+3, with terminated employees receiving compensation equivalent to three months’ average salary after leaving. Even employees who have worked at the company for less than six months will receive 40,000 to 50,000 RMB. “N” signifies that for every year an employee works, the employer must pay an additional month’s salary. For those who have worked for less than six months but more than half a year, a year’s salary is considered; for those employed for less than six months, half a month’s salary is paid. “+1” refers to a notice payment, where if a company wishes to terminate an employee, they must give 30 days’ notice or pay an additional month’s salary for immediate termination. The “N+3” compensation plan involves compensating employees with three months’ average salary based on their years of service. This has left many netizens within domestic enterprises feeling hurt. – @a_free_cat00: Tesla’s actions could be considered malicious compensation and deliberate disruption of the socialist labor market order and could even be called “provocation”.
If personal bankruptcy were allowed in mainland China, and unfinished real estate was handed over to banks, there would be 783 cases every hour. Bankruptcy is meant to provide debtors with a way out, an opportunity to start anew. Refusing even this opportunity, and still having the audacity to claim that the People’s Bank and the People’s Government are there to serve the people? – @BingLiu34173809