John Ai

This is the GDP target set for 2024 at the conclusion of the Chinese Communist Party's economic conference. At the centre of the proceedings are fears over the real estate sector and obstacles to recovery. The propaganda is functional to the recovery attempt after the post-Covid clouds. Over 8.5 million people on the 'blacklist' for not having repaid bank loans, another 19 million without medical assistance.

A practice used as a tool of class struggle during the Cultural Revolution. The president has decided to revive the old model of social governance promoted by Mao 60 years ago, mobilising the masses to 'solve problems at the local level'. In reality, it is a way to control discontent and the economic crisis. Fears of strengthening surveillance.

The troubles of a Henan couple have been trending on Chinese social media. After paying a hefty down payment for an unfinished apartment, they were roughed up when they complained while their social media videos were censored. They eventually decided to return to their hometown. The “most diligent, law-abiding, and optimistic citizens do not deserve the Chinese dream” reads one, bitter online comment, echoing a political slogan proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Beijing is reportedly planning a greater role in the Middle East, as part of its global military challenge to US dominance in the Persian Gulf. So far, senior government officials have not commented. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is accelerating plans to build a blue-water navy.

A few hours before the deadline to register candidates for the January election, the pro-China Kuomintang and the party of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je reached an agreement that appeared highly unlikely for a long time that could have a major impact on the election. During the ongoing campaign, Vice President Lai Ching-te has been in the lead for the pro-autonomy Democratic Progressive Party. Both Beijing and Washington are following the election with apprehension.

Renewed military-to-military talks was the main outcome of the summit between the US and Chinese presidents in San Francisco. Both want to avoid conflict by resuming communications. No joint statement was made after their four-hour meeting. Xi's supporters and people protesting for human rights in China clashed in the California city.

For the first time since 1998, the figure has fallen, while the capital outflow linked to the de-risking strategy adopted by Washington and Brussels continues. Business uncertainty persists, some international companies withdraw from the Chinese market. There is criticism of the China International Import Expo, which is regarded as a 'political showcase' and is declining in trade.

Heavy snow caused the collapse of the roof of the Yuecheng Fitness Gymnasium, in Jiamusi. Seven people were inside at the time, including children. Two were hospitalised. In July, a similar incident occurred in another school in the same province, killing at least 11 people.

Young people celebrated this rare occurrence in China. Masks are an opportunity for satire and dissent, without crossing red lines. Security forces and police were deployed across the city, taking some young people into custody. Videos and photos showing people in disguise popped up all over social media, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to express discontent.

Expressions of condolence in Hefei, Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Hundreds of people laid bouquets of flowers and messages, some of which have since disappeared from the Internet. Some people who had disguised themselves in a way that could be read as discontent with Xi Jinping were also arrested. In the obituary released by the authorities, the president's name appears five times, marking the centrality of the current leadership.

Premier until last spring, Li died of a heart attack at the age of 68, relatively young for Communist leaders. Conspiracy theories abound online, but above all regrets over his economic policy. He was close to former President Hu Jintao, who was removed in the last party congress. Meanwhile, in China's official media today, Li's death is less prominent than Xi's speeches.

Zeng Yuxuan, 23, was jailed for six months over a drawing of the "Pillar of Shame", a statue that honours the victims of the massacre. Repatriated in Shenzhen as an unwelcome person, she is now missing; her mother has suffered the same fate. This case is the latest in a long list of repressive acts against activists. The young woman’s supporters have set up a Facebook page open to anyone concerned about her fate.