China Reform Monitor No. 1484

Related Categories: Arms Control and Proliferation; Energy Security; Science and Technology; Global Health; China; India

INDIA DEPLOYS U.S., ISRAELI WEAPONS SYSTEM ALONG CHINA BORDER
After fighting last year led to the deaths of dozens of Indian and Chinese soldiers, India is deploying U.S. and Israel weapons to bolster its forces on the Tawang Plateau, which adjoins Bhutan and Tibet and is controlled by India but is claimed by China. U.S.-made Chinook helicopters, as well as ultra-light towed howitzers and rifles, acquired in the past few years as defense ties between Washington and New Delhi have strengthened are now part of the Indian arsenal. Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicles relay real-time pictures of Chinese troops around the clock to the Indian aviation brigade, which uses the Chinooks to ferry light howitzers and troops over mountains. "The Chinook are a game changer. They offer mobility and maneuverability like never before — troops and artillery guns can be carried from one mountain ridge to other quickly," says Major Kartik, a pilot in the new brigade. (Taipei Times, November 3, 2021)

CHINA'S CARBON EMISSIONS SET TO SURPASS PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS
This year, China’s carbon emissions rose about 4% over 2020 levels, according to the Global Carbon Project (GCP), a team of nearly 100 researchers in 17 countries who used energy statistics and cement production data to make their forecasts. After dropping by 5.4% last year due to COVID-19 lockdowns, in 2021 global carbon emissions returned to 2019 levels (36.4 billion metric tons). However, China’s emissions rose in both 2020 and 2021, and are now 5.5% above pre-pandemic levels. "China is moving a huge stimulus package to get the economy going and the rest of the world is asking for China for a lot of products, which has pushed the industry to really require so much energy," said GCP executive director Pep Canadell. Last year, China emitted 31 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide, followed by the U.S. at 14 percent, the EU at 7 percent, and India also at 7 percent. (South China Morning Post, November 4, 2021)
 

NORTHERN CHINA SEES HEAVY SMOG AND COAL PRODUCTION SPIKE
As world leaders gathered for COP26, a thick haze of smog blanketed northeastern China. In Beijing, schools were ordered to stop gym classes and outdoor activities due to the heavy pollution. Highways from Beijing to major cities including Shanghai, Tianjin and Harbin were closed due to poor visibility. The U.S. embassy monitoring station for small particulate matter said levels reached 220, or "very unhealthy" levels; the WHO’s recommended limit is 15. The tiny particles penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses. China is increasing daily coal production by more than 1 million tons to ease an energy shortage brought on by strict emissions targets and high energy prices that has forced factories to close in recent months. China generates about 60 percent of its energy from coal. (Jakarta Post, November 5, 2021)

CHINA'S $440 BILLION NUCLEAR BUILDOUT
Over the next 15 years, China will build 150 new reactors at a cost of $440 billion to generate 200 gigawatts, enough energy to power more than a dozen cities the size of Beijing. The expansion would prevent 1.5 billion metric tons of annual carbon emissions; more than what is now generated by the UK, Spain, France, and Germany combined. China can build nuclear plants for about $2500 to $3000 per kilowatt, about one-third of the cost in the U.S. and France, and wants to woo more potential overseas buyers. Since 1993, China has built five nuclear reactors in Pakistan, including one that came online this year and another next year. Yet others have been more hesitant. Last year, Romania canceled a deal for two Chinese reactors and opted to work with the U.S. instead. A 2015 agreement with Argentina has been stalled, and MoUs with both Kenya and Egypt remain unfulfilled. (Taipei Times, November 6, 2021)

AS NEW LAW TAKES EFFECT, YAHOO AND LINKEDIN LEAVE CHINA
In early November, just as China's new Personal Information Protection law came into effect, Yahoo pulled out of China, citing an "increasingly challenging" operating environment. Last month, Microsoft pulled the plug on LinkedIn in China, marking the retreat of the last major U.S.-owned social network from the country. LinkedIn also cited a "more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements in China" as the reason for its cessation of operations there. Chinese laws stipulate that companies must hand over data and censor content and keywords which Chinese authorities deem politically sensitive. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, November 2, 2021)