John Ai

The latest report by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China laments the difficulties created by the increasing presence of politics in the economy. National security seems more important than China's growth. Xi Jinping is planning a visit to France in May to mend fences.

At least six people have been killed and many more injured in different attacks in Beijing, Shenyang, and at a school in Zhejiang province. The authorities have not released too many details, but images from the attacks have been widely shared online. Several commentators in social media blame anger against society created by economic issues.

The clash was triggered by the threat to ban the platform voted by the US House of Representatives. In response, the Chinese authorities have promised to defend its interests. American public opinion is also divided over the social network's popularity. Despite concerns, in the run-up to the vote in both the US and Europe many leaders (including Biden) have opened accounts.

The traditional premier’s press conference has been cancelled. Addressing the Two Sessions, Premier Li Qiang reiterated the government’s plans, despite the pessimistic outlook by the International Monetary Fund. The real estate crisis and local government debt have halted infrastructure projects in 12 provinces. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping's purges continue in the Party.

In large enterprises, units linked to the Chinese armed forces are again being formed. Private companies are also following the example of public ones. A way to manage potential unrest in the context of the economic slowdown and to strengthen the Communist Party's control over companies.

Chinese influencers are asking followers to be careful after the leaked information from a hacking firm with ties to Chinese authorities was released. Teacher Li, who documented the anti-lockdown protests on Twitter, saw the number of their followers drop from 1.6 million to 1.4 million. The data leak also shows the breadth of China's cyber activities, including against foreign governments.

Beijing intensified its military activities during the Lunar New Year. Balloons floated over the Taiwan Strait for two consecutive days. For experts, it is a warning, part of the mainland’s psychological warfare against the rebel island. For the first time, armed soldiers performed at the national Spring Festival gala.

Snowstorms disrupt travel plans for millions of families set to reunite, especially in central China. This has led to the cancellation of flights and train trips while thousands of vehicles are stuck in long traffic queues on motorways.

The geopolitical confrontation between the United States and China is having serious repercussions on academic research. The number of Chinese students enrolled in US universities is down for the fourth year in a row. Many projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum computing are dual use and can be exploited by the military.

China’s top communist leaders paid tribute to Mao. Celebrations included a large gathering in the Great Helmsman’s birthplace. An editorial in a magazine centred on reforms and openness is removed. Chinese authorities continue to be wary of Mao’s cult of the personality, which could lead to criticism of current leaders.

In a province where historically there is a strong presence of Catholics, authorities deployed massive "security" measures on Christmas night to discourage participation by the faithful. Objects with Christmas references banned in university dormitories. The Party's "official" wish to Christians for Dec. 25: "Continue to adhere to Xi Jinping's path and sinization."

The Ministry of State Security has a new task, that of protecting the economy amid slowing growth. The once-mysterious intelligence service is becoming more active on social media against “hostile forces" that might hinder development. At the same time, the authorities are censoring negative comments to boost investor confidence.