TAIPEI, Taiwan — Vickie Wang calls Jamie Wang her “mirror sister.”
No, they are not related, but they share an inverse history. NPR
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How the U.S. Is Derailing China’s Influence in Africa |Michael M. Phillips, WSJ
LUENA, Angola—In 2012, a Chinese state company finished building the train station in this central Angolan town and installed an illuminated computer-controlled board to show departure times and ticket prices. WSJ
China’s rapidly dwindling future | Linette Lopez, Business Insider
The country’s growth has been treated like an inevitability for decades. Everything was getting bigger — its cultural influence, geopolitical ambition, population — and seemed poised to continue until the world was remade in China’s image. Business Insider
China’s population time bomb is about to explode |Matthew Henderson, The Telegraph
No amount of state censorship can hide its contracting birth rate and economic fragility – The Telegraph
Brazil backs Beijing’s ‘One China policy,’ | Anthony Boadle, Reuters
BRASILIA, Jan 19 (Reuters) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday welcomed Brazil’s recent support for Beijing’s “One China policy” that states Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, in a sign of stronger bilateral ties with South America’s largest country. Reuters
Businesses reluctant to derisk from China | Rob Schmitz, NPR
GÜNZBURG, Germany — The glowing finger at the end of a robotic arm blazes across a ribbon of aluminum, welding holes in one of 2,000 ladder parts that will be constructed at an assembly line run by the Munk Group in southern Germany. NPR
China’s Strongest Ally Is Weaker Than Ever | Chun Han Wong, WSJ
TAIPEI—Beijing’s closest political partner in Taiwan is fighting to remain relevant in an island democracy where voters increasingly see a future that is detached from an authoritarian China. WSJ
Taiwan’s Democracy Draws Envy and Tears | Li Yuan, NY Times
People with personal ties to China, on a tour to see Taiwan’s election up close, learned of the island’s path to democracy — messy, violent and, ultimately, inspiring. NY Times
Chinese military planes, vessels detected in Taiwan waters
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan said 34 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were detected near the island nation around 3 a.m.
“Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities,” the ministry tweeted. FoxNews
Chinese cities are struggling to pay their bills
Analysts estimate China’s outstanding government debts surpassed 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) last year, of which nearly $10 trillion is so-called “hidden debt” owed by risky local government financing platforms that are backed by cities or provinces. CNN Business