John Ai

The new rules will come into effect in August. Web service providers will display users’ IP addresses and the geographic location of online posts. Authorities will also impose harsh restrictions on data flowing abroad. China’s largest academic journal database is under state security inspection.

Home buyers do not want to pay mortgages for unfinished housing projects. Authorities are urging banks to offer loans to builders to finish homes. Dangers also for the banking system: an explosive mix that threatens the communist leadership.

Personal data is a strategic asset for the regime. Massive leaks of information reveal the ambition of global surveillance of society, but when data are controlled by the leaders’ enemies, it could constitute a danger.

The situation has been dragging on for some time due to a scam worth US$ 6 billion. Plainclothes agents indiscriminately attacked the victims. Footage of the incident was censored on social media. At least 4,000 small Chinese banks have an opaque structure.

The high rate of youth unemployment does not concern graduates in Marxist ideology. Since Xi Jinping came to power, Party membership has grown rapidly. Recent graduates now prefer employment in the public sector and state-owned enterprises rather than foreign firms.

Lu Ke used children in Malawi to make videos for profit. Chinese social media carry videos of Africans sending messages of good wishes, but some have racist content. The case sparked protests in Malawi. Racism is a new area that could wreck relations between China and Africa.

Under the zero-Covid policy, without a health code it is impossible to travel or access public places. Current account holders at four banks in Henan have filed complaints after discovering they cannot withdraw their money. Many uarantined after their Qr code turned red. However, antigen tests show they are negative for the virus.

At the Singapore security summit, US cand Chinese defence ministers take a tough stance. The US promises to maintain Taiwan’s defence capabilities and the status quo along the Taiwan Strait. China is ready to response militarily in the event of a declaration of independence. The Ukrainian war is cited as an example.

The authorities tighten restrictions in various parts of the country, as requested by paramount leader Xi Jinping. Censors remove online criticism. US companies in China are also critical of Beijing's zero-COVID policy.

The former police chief was the sole candidate to replace the criticised Carrie Lam. Nominated by Beijing, he was voted in by a restricted election committee loyal to the central government. He promises to revive the city's financial role and solve the city's long-standing housing problem. He also announced a new law on national security.

The design of the pocket text is reminiscent of those distributed during the Mao era. It is part of the propaganda ahead of the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which will most likely grant Xi his third term in office. Authorities censor online debate on CCP history.

Economic growth at 4.8% in the first quarter; unemployment at 6% in March, the highest since 2018. In preparation for the 20th Communist Party Congress, the Chinese president's line doesn't change. Lockdowns spark citizen protests. Companies struggle to survive.