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THIS WEEK:

TikTok on the clock, Japan hosts Chinese military delegation, China-UK economic dialogue resumes, South Korean tourists make waves, and Premier Li Qiang on Xi’s anticorruption campaign

1. TikTok on the Clock

What Happened: The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating a law requiring TikTok’s China-based owner, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban starting January 19, 2025, citing national security risks. TikTok users are flocking to Xiaohongshu (RedNote), another Chinese social networking platform.

Why It Matters: Congress’s TikTok ban highlights U.S.-China tensions over digital security and governance. TikTok contributed $24 billion and 200,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in 2023. Forcing ByteDance to divest to a non-Chinese company could preserve these benefits while addressing security concerns, though that outcome is unlikely.

By Lizzi C. Lee, Fellow on Chinese Economy, Center for China Analysis (@wstv_lizzi)

The law bans only new downloads and updates from app stores, but the ensuing injury to users and businesses who lose TikTok followers could pressure Congress to reconsider. – Qiheng Chen, Affiliated Researcher on Technology and Economy, Center for China Analysis (@QihengC)

Learn More: Leading China experts discussed TikTok’s legal position in this ChinaFile Conversation.

2. Japan Hosts Chinese Military Delegation

What Happened: A delegation from the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army visited Japan this week, meeting with members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and senior defense officials. This marks the first troop exchange between the two countries in five years.

Why It Matters: Despite ongoing historical and territorial disputes, Japan-China relations have warmed in recent months. With Donald Trump set to take office and the potential for the United States to devalue its alliances in the region, tangible efforts such as military delegations can help stabilize the uncertain future of power dynamics in the area.

By Ian Lane Smith, Research Associate, Center for China Analysis

Learn More: Read CCA Fellow Andrew Chubb’s article, “The East China Sea Dispute: China’s and Japan’s Assertiveness from Mao to Xi.”

3. China-UK Cooperation Boosts Climate Action Possibilities

What Happened: On January 11, Vice Premier He Lifeng and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves co-chaired the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, the first in six years. The talks delivered 69 outcomes centered on building an open global economy and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Why It Matters: The resumption of the dialogue signals that China and the United Kingdom may be looking to strengthen ties amid geopolitical uncertainties. Both countries are poised to deepen cooperation on climate change through a new memorandum of understanding, a climate dialogue, and an extant clean energy partnership, which could contribute to global climate action and bolster their leadership in the field.

By Taylah Bland, Fellow on Climate and the Environment, Center for China Analysis (@Taylahbland)

Learn More: Watch CCA Fellow Kate Logan discuss China’s climate policy in her spotlight presentation at the China 2025: What to Watch launch event.

4. South Korean Tourists Make Waves

What Happened: Shanghai residents’ social media accounts are flooded with posts about the rave reviews that Korean visitors are giving their city. China reported that in December 2024, tourist arrivals from South Korea rose 150% year-over-year as Koreans took advantage of a new policy introduced the previous month allowing them to stay up to 15 days without a visa.

Why It Matters: Beijing hopes to boost its tourism industry by expanding visa-free access to more countries. The enthusiastic response from Korean visitors shows that these policies could also help China burnish its reputation.

By G.A. Donovan, Fellow on Chinese Society and Political Economy, Center for China Analysis (@GA_DonovanASPI)

Learn More: Explore how perceptions of China have evolved in South Korea and around the world using CCA’s newest interactive website, Global Public Opinion on China.

5. Premier Li Qiang on Xi’s Anticorruption Campaign

What Happened: At a January 10 State Council meeting, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to uphold Xi Jinping’s leadership and enhance the government’s ability to fulfill its duties by ensuring that regulations effectively govern power, money, and personnel.

Why It Matters: While Xi’s anticorruption efforts may foster political loyalty and deter wrongdoing, his followers are struggling to meet governance expectations amid mounting social and economic pressures. Consequently, China’s aspirations may ultimately have to be adjusted to align with Xi’s vision and the actual capabilities of his subordinates, potentially frustrating Chinese elites and entrepreneurs.

By Lobsang Tsering, Senior Research Associate, Center for China Analysis

Learn More: CCA’s interactive website Decoding Chinese Politics provides an interactive visualization of the links between China’s formal institutions, informal networks, key decision-makers, and major policy trends.