Lawyer and pro-democracy activist Chow Hang-tung writes a “J’accuse” from her cell in a Hong Kong prison. “It is indisputable that the current international order is heavily dominated by the West, and thus still quite far from the ideal of law-as-values. But the way to improve it is not by giving more voice to the non-western dictators, which could only deepen the silence of the hitherto voiceless.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hunan Television, a popular TV channel, broadcasts a prime time show in which variety meets Communist Party ideology. The aim of the programme is to show that Marxism is compatible with traditional Chinese culture. A new last-ditch effort by the leadership to reinforce the ideology among the youth; but on the web there is also mockery of the initiative.
Deemed a “rebel province”, Taiwan is investigating four companies involved in the construction of a microchip plant in Shenzhen. Taiwanese authorities are also planning to establish a list of key technologies banned from export for its own national security.
Lawyer Lu Siwei - detained in July in Vientiane while trying to flee the People's Republic - is in a detention centre in Sichuan despite warnings from UN Human Rights Council officials. The same place where Beijing seeks re-election for a new three-year term on 10 October.
A computer programmer from Chengde had three years' salary confiscated by the police for using a VPN. The device makes it possible to circumvent the block on foreign websites imposed by the Chinese authorities. The affair is viewed with concern by professionals and companies operating in the internet services and foreign trade in China. Meanwhile, abroad, Beijing is very active in defending its narrative on the same social networks that are 'banned' at home.
Although some competitions have already started, the opening ceremony will take place in two days (without fireworks for environmental reasons). Alongside the Olympic disciplines there will be eSports and disciplines related to ancient Asian practices, such as traditional Dragon boat racing or Indian kabbadi. The coach of India's football team consulted an astrologer to decide which players to bring along. Beijing reopens to the region after the covid in the hope of racking up medals.
Many changes have occurred since 2013, University of Nottingham Professor Hongyi Lai told AsiaNews. The “New Silk Road" has expanded to new sectors but several infrastructure projects are being implemented at a slower pace. China’s economic woes will not end soon.
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.
At Johannesburg summit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates officially invited to join as member countries from Jan. 1, 2024. "Willing to explore opportunities" on the use of local currencies as an alternative to the dollar. Beyond the "photo opportunity" problems of distancing between Beijing and New Delhi persist.
The country's leaders are gathered at the traditional summer summit in the coastal town of Beidahe. A series of uncharacteristic changes among army leaders revives rumors of purges. The president remains aloof and has not yet visited the areas affected by the floods, which have also reached Beijing. Challenges of the economic situation and diplomatic relations.
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 huge debts of cities and provinces are hindering the recovery, reducing Beijing's chances of stimulating the economy. The emblematic case of Guizhou which has a debt rate of 61.8% after huge investments in tourist facilities that have remained empty. The Wuhan Municipal Finance Bureau published an advertisement in the newspaper asking government agencies to pay off outstanding tax debts.
The US$ 4.1 billion deal reached last week in Paris does not include private banks, in which the Beijing holds a majority stake. According to Chatham House, the debt of African countries has increased fivefold from 2000 to 2020, with 12 per cent held by Chinese banks. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is asking creditors for a 30 per cent cut, a demand always rejected by Beijing.
Vice-President William Lai, who made the announcement, is running to succeed Tsai ing-wen. Starting in the second semester of the next academic year, the government will pay part of the fees to stop the decline in university enrolment. For the opposition, this is just an electoral ploy, but the enrolment crisis is affecting the quality of the offer.
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.
No vigil in Victoria Park or even suffrage Masses for the victims of the Beijing crackdown 34 years ago. The authorities threaten an iron fist against 'acts that endanger national security'. Along with political freedom in Hong Kong, the hope and joy of the people has also been abrogated. The meeting in prison with Lee Cheuk-yan, who for years has been the soul of the commemorations: even behind bars he remains a free and strong man.
Even among the 67 officially recognised by the Beijing authorities, a dozen are under close surveillance, 13 'underground' held in custody or restricted in their ministry. But in today's confused climate there are also about 15 Chinese priests who have proclaimed themselves bishops, defying both the civil and the ecclesiastical authorities.
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.
The aim is to complete the programme and make it operational by 2030 thanks to high-resolution images. An 'ambitious and significant' plan to study distant celestial bodies in space. The economic and military challenge with the United States. Zhurong's Mars mission and the launch of the cargo spacecraft Tianzhou 6.
Visiting temples to ask for a job is becoming popular among young Chinese. Although the economy is recovering from the pandemic, one in five young people are currently out of work. As an alternative, Chinese authorities are encouraging new graduates to accept manual jobs.
China reiterates its views, offering to send its former ambassador to Ukraine Li Hui as a go-between with Moscow “for in-depth communication”. After a faux pas over former Soviet republics, China expresses its support for theirs and Ukraine’s territorial integrity to bolster its own claim over its borders. Pope Francis and Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal meet and discuss ways talk of "efforts to restore peace.”
Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan detained before the meeting. Two of them, Wang Quanzhang, Wang Yu and Bao Longjun, managed to turn up for the meeting at the EU embassy. The European authorities demand their immediate release and deplore the acts of repression. A few days ago, two other well-known human rights lawyers were sentenced.
Taiwan’s current and former presidents are on highly political and symbolic visits. Beijing is threatening to act “resolutely” if Tsai meets with leaders in Washington. Ma praises the founder of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen, and promotes peace between the mainland and the island, but is censored by the Chinese.
