Beijing doubles down on security amid slowing economy
The Chinese Communist Party’s early response to China’s gloomy economic outlook was doubling down on regime security.
POLITICS

China’s Commerce Ministry Tightens North Korea Sanctions After Release of ‘Secret Document’
◎ The trade restrictions include a complete ban on steel, industrial machinery and vehicles exports to North Korea, as well as limited exports of crude oil and petroleum.

Personnel Watch: January Reshuffle Sees Once Vacant Key Provincial Posts Filled
◎ Xi has made sweeping personnel reshuffles like the recent one at least twice since he took office in 2012.

Elite Politics Watch: Decoding China’s ‘Secret Document’ on North Korea
◎ We’ve identified nine questionable points about the “secret document.”

Trump’s National Security Strategy a Timely Counter to China’s Expansionism
◎ Trump’s NSS correctly identifies the challenge posed by “competitor” China to America’s domestic security and global influence.

China in 2018: Seven Points to Watch
◎ There is a rising probability that China will face charging gray rhinos and encounter black swans in 2018.

Increasing Odds of War on Korean Peninsula Could Inspire Internal Action Against Kim Jong Un
◎ Kim Jong Un purging his former top advisor could unsettle his other senior officials.

Behind Trump and Xi’s ‘Great Chemistry’
◎ When talking about China, President Donald Trump usually brings up his cordial friendship with Xi Jinping.

What American Intervention in North Korea Means for Xi
◎ The relationship between China and North Korea is at its lowest point since the founding of both communist regimes.

Political Risk Watch: Dalian Gov’t Slammed for Not Fully Purging Bo Xilai’s ‘Poison’
◎ Liaoning Province is a base of operations for the Jiang faction.
