Biden Flags Chinese Cars as National Security Risk

"Artificial Sun" Project Gets Chinese Boost: Vacuum Vessel Assembly Contract Awarded | Tourism in Thailand and China is thriving after visa exemption

Hello from Shanghai, China. Here’s our pick for today’s news：

• Biden Flags Chinese Cars as National Security Risk

• "Artificial Sun" Project Gets Chinese Boost: Vacuum Vessel Assembly Contract Awarded

• Tourism in Thailand and China is Thriving after Visa Exemption

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1. Biden Flags Chinese Cars as National Security Risk

In a recent statement made on February 29, U.S. President Joe Biden raised concerns over the potential influx of Chinese automobiles into the American market, suggesting such a scenario could pose a risk to national security. He announced that the United States would take "unprecedented actions" in response to these concerns. He mentioned that he had instructed the Commerce Secretary to investigate connected vehicles that utilize technology from concerned countries and to take actions to mitigate risks.

Reuters reported that White House officials have stated it is too early to discuss the specific actions that might be taken and that no decision has been made regarding banning or restricting Chinese-connected cars.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo claimed that the government is taking steps to prevent Chinese-made light vehicles from flooding the U.S. market, which could pose potential threats to privacy and national security.

In 2023, China emerged as the world's largest automobile exporter. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that China's automobile production and sales reached 30.161 million and 30.094 million vehicles, respectively, marking an 11.6% and 12% increase yearly, achieving a historic high and double-digit growth for 15 consecutive years. Vehicle exports from China totaled 4.91 million units, up 57.9% from the previous year, including 1.203 million new energy vehicles, a 77.6% increase. This growth, driven by new energy vehicles, propelled China's auto exports beyond Japan's for the first time, making it the world leader in the sector.

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2. "Artificial Sun" Project Gets Chinese Boost: Vacuum Vessel Assembly Contract Awarded

The ITER project, aiming to build the world's largest "artificial sun," has signed a crucial contract with China's CNEC for assembling the giant fusion reactor's core component: the vacuum vessel.

This marks China's continued contribution to the project, following the successful installation of its "heart" equipment. The intricate, 35-month assembly process will involve integrating thermal shields and field coils, akin to dressing the massive vacuum chamber.

This collaboration is a significant step towards ITER's 2025 fusion experiment goal, paving the way for a clean and limitless energy future.

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3. Tourism in Thailand and China is thriving after visa exemption

On March 1st, the permanent visa-free policy between China and Thailand came into effect. Last year, Thailand announced visa-free entry for Chinese tourists. Since then, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand has rapidly increased during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays. In the first two months of this year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand exceeded one million, reclaiming its position as the top source of inbound tourism for Thailand. The implementation of this reciprocal visa exemption policy will ensure that Thailand continues to be a popular outbound destination for Chinese tourists. According to Ctrip data, on March 1st, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand increased by over 30% compared to the same day last year, and Thai tourists visiting China tripled in comparison to the previous year.

At the same time, the reciprocal visa exemption will attract more Thai tourists to visit China. According to Ctrip data, on March 1st, Thai tourist bookings for travel to China have tripled compared to last year, with an increase of over 160% compared to 2019. The most popular Chinese cities among Thai tourists include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and others. On March 1st, Trip.com's Thai website experienced a more than threefold increase in search volume for China-related keywords compared to the previous year, and a more than 10% increase compared to a month ago.

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Here’s a quick recap of the week:

02.27

• China Responds After Ukrainian Politician Claimed to Help US Fight Against China

• South Korean Tourists to China Increases Over 900% as Travel Demand Rebounds

• China Vows to Enhance Fire Safety after Recent Catastrophe in Nanjing Killed 15

02.28

• Qin Gang Resigns from National People's Congress Delegation

• China's Space Station Enters Regular Operational Mode

• National Political Advisor Proposes Measures to Improve Maternity Services and Build a Birth-Friendly Society

02.29

• Chinese Chipmaker Vindicated after Being Accused of Stealing US Technology

• Taiwanese Scholars: Biden’s China-aiming Chip Act is Harming TSMC

• Beijing Wins Bid for 2027 World Athletics Championships

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