Sep 16, 2019

Beijing as the new Davos? Inside Bloomberg’s plan

Margaret Talev

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivers a speech at the High-level Dialogue on U.S.-China Economic Relations in New York in 2017. Photo: Xinhua/Wang Ying via Getty Images

Amid President Trump's trade war with China, billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is putting on a major global economic event this November — in Beijing.

The big picture: Bloomberg's New Economy Forum, in partnership with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, on Nov. 20–22 will draw about 500 business and technology leaders, academics and government officials from dozens of countries.

  • A preview of some of the big names involved: Bill Gates, Henry Kissinger, Hank Paulson, Zeng Peiyan, Sultan Al Jaber, Ajay Banga, Gary Cohn, Chang Zhenming, Li Xiaopeng and Xie Zhenhua.
  • Expect some top Trump administration and Chinese government officials to attend.

What they're saying: Justin B. Smith, CEO of Bloomberg Media, said China has welcomed the project "despite the geopolitical challenges" and that "one of the most important things we can do is plant a flag in the future."

  • While Davos with its Western focus is becoming a "legacy gathering," Smith said the gathering in Beijing can become the most influential convening of business and government leaders focusing on ascending economies and the changing nature of the global economy.

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Alex Kliment of GZERO Media

China builds influence at U.N. as U.S. cuts back

Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Two of U.S. President Donald Trump's least favorite things in the wider world these days are the United Nations, which he sees as an expensive nuisance, and China, which he views as a major rival. But in neglecting one, he might be helping the other.

The backdrop: The Trump administration said it will cut back on U.S. funding for the U.N., in part because Trump — like many conservatives in Washington — sees it as an inefficient, and in some ways illegitimate, encroachment on America's ability to do what it wants in the world.

Go deeperArrowSep 25, 2019
Erica Pandey

China's vise grip on corporate America

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The NBA’s swift apology to Chinese fans for a single tweet in support of Hong Kong protestors is part of a troubling trend: The Communist Party in Beijing is setting boundaries for what Americans more than 7,000 miles away are willing to say on sensitive issues.

Why it matters: This isn't a covert operation. It's China using its market power to bully American companies and organizations in broad daylight — and muzzle free speech.

Go deeperArrowOct 8, 2019
Sara Fischer, Dave Lawler

2020 misinformation threats extend beyond Russia

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Security officials and social media giants are warning that new countries, specifically Iran and China, could pose a misinformation threat to U.S. elections in 2020 similar to Russia's interference in 2016.

Why it matters: As President Trump faces off with Iran and China on the international stage, there is growing fear they could try to influence the next U.S. election right under his nose.

Go deeperArrowSep 17, 2019