Red Lanterns

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.

In 1999, Beijing reinterpreted Hong Kong’s Basic Law to deny children born in mainland China to Hong Kong parents the right to reunite with their families. Since then, the PIME missionary has been fighting to resolve an issue that touches 60,000 people. The denial goes against what the Chinese government itself has said.

Chinese authorities have banned the admission of new monks to Khyungbum Lura Monastery, which resisted the People's Liberation Army in the 1950s. While native Tibetans have expressed concern, China has boosted its repression in Tibet, adopting population data collection strategies as in Xinjiang.

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.

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.

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.

As people move from rural to urban areas in China in search of work, a high proportion of their children follow only to face a range of hardships, ranging from poor emotional support to limited access to public services. Despite some improvements, their full development is thus stunted by inadequate living conditions.

On a trial basis, the eastern Chinese province is scoring religious personnel to enhance their “ideological awareness". Meanwhile, in several provinces, Buddhists and Taoists are not allowed to celebrate the “superstitious" Ghost Month.

With youth unemployment officially jumping to 21.3%, the movement against social pressure is growing. According to a document from the Guangzhou administration, 10% of young people agree with the "four nos" of this form of nihilistic protest. But from the Beijing authorities only invitations to "adapt" and slogans on the strengthening of the private economy without concrete openings.

The “Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023” shows that Chinese tycoons are leaving in droves, giving China top spot for net outflow of high net worth individuals. After an economic boom that lasted between 2000 and 2017, China’s high-tech sector faces uncertainties because of Xi Jinping's policies. Singapore is the preferred destination in Asia. The quest for freedom and rights is a major factor behind the exodus.

Taiwan’s presidential race is still too close to call with just over six months to go. The DPP’s Lai Ching te is leading in the polls, but Taipei’s former mayor, Ko Wen-je, is closing in on the KMT candidate for second place. The island’s future is at stake, amid fears of war with China and “subservience” to the United States. Young voters and their unexpressed demands might tip the balance.

A joke about Xi Jinping's military motto has landed Li Haoshi in hot waters, possibly behind bars even though charges have not yet been laid. The production company he worked for has been fined almost two million dollars and has suspended its shows. China cracks the whip of censorship a bit harder around the anniversary of the start of the Cultural Revolution.