Amid an increasingly tense political and economic environment in China, an increasing number of Chinese nationals are seeking refuge abroad, with Japan emerging as a favored destination. Recent figures indicate that Chinese residents now comprise 24.5 percent of Japan’s foreign population, with a notable concentration of 250,000 individuals in Tokyo alone. The Immigration Services Agency under Japan’s Ministry of Justice unveiled data on Oct. 13, indicating a surge to 3,223,858 foreign nationals residing in Japan by the end of June 2023. This marks a substantial increase of 4.8 percent, or over 140,000 people, from the previous year, setting a record high. Within this demographic, Chinese residents top the list at 788,495, accounting for nearly a quarter of the foreign population and reflecting a 3.5 percent increase or an additional 26,932 individuals from the previous year. The current figure represents a significant rise from a decade earlier in 2013, with an uptick of 150,000 people....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/chinese-nationals-become-predominant-foreign-residents-in-japan-amid-rising-emigration-5525385
China on Tuesday told traders to report real-time export information of rare earths, as part of its latest efforts to control the supply chain of critical minerals amid tensions with the West. Exporters of rare earth minerals will be mandated to immediately disclose details such as the destination, quantity, shipping particulars, and other transaction information, according to a statement published on the website of China’s Ministry of Commerce. The new restrictions will come into effect on Oct. 31 and last for two years. The new rules are Beijing’s latest efforts to tighten its grip on rare earths, a group of 17 elements used in many things from commercial technology like electric cars to military equipment. China, a monopoly supplier of rare earths in the world, has required exporters to obtain permits to ship the critical material.... 
News Analysis Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has wrapped up his visit to the Philippines, focused on solidifying a new military partnership. Concurrently, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines are forming an alliance to counter the Chinese regime’s growing aggression in the region. On Nov. 4, Mr. Kishida gave a speech to the Congress of the Philippines in the capital Manila. He called on Japan and the Philippines to step up their collaboration in preserving a global order grounded in the rule of law amid China’s ongoing maritime expansion efforts. “In the South China Sea, trilateral cooperation to protect the freedom of the seas is underway,” the prime minister said....
A new comprehensive study found that China is overhauling its decade-long Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure scheme that has invested billions of dollars into developing nations. According to AidData, a research lab at the university of William & Mary, Chinese leaders are looking to “de-risk” by adjusting the worldwide lending initiative to mitigate risks of not being repaid. Beijing also is attempting to limit its reputational damage in these developing markets, as a recent Gallup World Poll found that average disapproval ratings in low- and middle-income countries have soared since 2019. The report found that the Chinese government is addressing project performance risk and minimizing exposure to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) elements....