#OneCountryTwoSystems
Loss of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
The Hong Kong SAR government revised a statement on April 18 and issued a new one on April 19, reversing an earlier position that appeared to be at odds with Beijing over whether Article 22 of the Basic Law applies to China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong.
#Apr18 18:25
HK Government announced that Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong and its staff are required to abide by the laws of Hong Kong as set out in Article 22 of the Basic Law.
#Apr18 23:36
Government revised the earlier statement and removed parts related to Basic Law Article 22.
The government, however, did not indicate that the post has been revised.
#Apr19 00:27
The government claims that the Liaison Office is an office set up in Hong Kong by the Central People's Government, not "offices in the HKSAR set up by departments of the Central People's Government" which applies to Article 22.
Source: RTHK; Apple Daily
Loss of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
The Hong Kong SAR government revised a statement on April 18 and issued a new one on April 19, reversing an earlier position that appeared to be at odds with Beijing over whether Article 22 of the Basic Law applies to China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong.
#Apr18 18:25
HK Government announced that Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong and its staff are required to abide by the laws of Hong Kong as set out in Article 22 of the Basic Law.
#Apr18 23:36
Government revised the earlier statement and removed parts related to Basic Law Article 22.
The government, however, did not indicate that the post has been revised.
#Apr19 00:27
The government claims that the Liaison Office is an office set up in Hong Kong by the Central People's Government, not "offices in the HKSAR set up by departments of the Central People's Government" which applies to Article 22.
Source: RTHK; Apple Daily
#OneCountryTwoSystems #Authoritarianism
Beijing: Liaison Office in Hong Kong is not subject to Basic Law
Beijingās Liaison Office in Hong Kong declared on April 17 that it is not subject to Basic Law restrictions that bar central government departments from interfering in local affairs, as indicated in Article 22.
The statement claimed that the PRC State Councilās Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and the Hong Kong Liaison Office are bodies authorised by Beijing to supervise happenings in Hong Kong including the ācorrectā implementation of the Basic Law and the ānormal functioningā of the political system.
āHow else can these two bodies push forward the implementation of āone country, two systemsā in Hong Kong?ā the office asked.
Source: RTHK; Stand News #Apr17
#Beijing #Article22
High Degree of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19607
Beijing: Liaison Office in Hong Kong is not subject to Basic Law
Beijingās Liaison Office in Hong Kong declared on April 17 that it is not subject to Basic Law restrictions that bar central government departments from interfering in local affairs, as indicated in Article 22.
The statement claimed that the PRC State Councilās Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and the Hong Kong Liaison Office are bodies authorised by Beijing to supervise happenings in Hong Kong including the ācorrectā implementation of the Basic Law and the ānormal functioningā of the political system.
āHow else can these two bodies push forward the implementation of āone country, two systemsā in Hong Kong?ā the office asked.
Source: RTHK; Stand News #Apr17
#Beijing #Article22
High Degree of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19607
#Court #RuleofLaw #MassArrest
Barrister Margaret Ng After Arrest: When the Rule of Law is Endangered, Will the Legal Professionals Walk Out or Stand and Fight?
Former legislator and barrister Margaret Ng spoke to the press as she walked out of the Central Police Station in the evening of April 17. She was arrested by the police with more than ten pro-democracy figures.
Ng, aged 72, said it was her first time being arrested and it is important to reflect on whether human rights are respected in the existing public order ordinance.
When asked to comment on the rule of law in Hong Kong, Ng expressed that it has never been easy to safeguard the rule of law, since she practiced law.
Rather than arguing for the death of rule of law or not, Ng believes that what matters the most is whether the legal professionals are willing to "walk out or stand and fight".
Source: Stand News #Apr18
#MargaretNg Brings China's National Security: Endangering Hong Kong's Rule of Law?
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19598
Barrister Margaret Ng After Arrest: When the Rule of Law is Endangered, Will the Legal Professionals Walk Out or Stand and Fight?
Former legislator and barrister Margaret Ng spoke to the press as she walked out of the Central Police Station in the evening of April 17. She was arrested by the police with more than ten pro-democracy figures.
Ng, aged 72, said it was her first time being arrested and it is important to reflect on whether human rights are respected in the existing public order ordinance.
When asked to comment on the rule of law in Hong Kong, Ng expressed that it has never been easy to safeguard the rule of law, since she practiced law.
Rather than arguing for the death of rule of law or not, Ng believes that what matters the most is whether the legal professionals are willing to "walk out or stand and fight".
Source: Stand News #Apr18
#MargaretNg Brings China's National Security: Endangering Hong Kong's Rule of Law?
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19598
#PoliceState
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barrister Margret Ng, the āfather of democracyā Martin Lee, Labour Party vice-chair Lee Cheuk-yan, Civil Human Rights Front vice-convener Figo Chan, legislators and activists Leung Kwok-hung, Au Nok-hin, Ho Chun-yan, Yeung Sam, Tsoi You-cheong, Raphael Wong Ho-ming and Ng Man-yuen...
According to Apple Daily, the mass arrest was in connection with the protests organised in 2019...
Source: Apple Daily #Apr18
#PoliticalRepression #PoliticalPersecution #MassArrest
Continue Reading
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19615
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barrister Margret Ng, the āfather of democracyā Martin Lee, Labour Party vice-chair Lee Cheuk-yan, Civil Human Rights Front vice-convener Figo Chan, legislators and activists Leung Kwok-hung, Au Nok-hin, Ho Chun-yan, Yeung Sam, Tsoi You-cheong, Raphael Wong Ho-ming and Ng Man-yuen...
According to Apple Daily, the mass arrest was in connection with the protests organised in 2019...
Source: Apple Daily #Apr18
#PoliticalRepression #PoliticalPersecution #MassArrest
Continue Reading
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19615
#PoliceState
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis in Hong Kong
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barrister Margret Ng, the āfather of democracyā Martin Lee, Labour Party vice-chair Lee Cheuk-yan, Civil Human Rights Front vice-convener Figo Chan, legislators and activists Leung Kwok-hung, Au Nok-hin, Ho Chun-yan, Yeung Sam, Tsoi You-cheong, Raphael Wong Ho-ming and Ng Man-yuen.
The police also went to the residence of Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, at 10am, with an intent to arrest him. Since Lai was not at home, the officers waited in the police car till around 12:30. Separately, they also went to the residence of renowned barrister Margret Ng for arrest.
According to Apple Daily, the mass arrest was in connection with two protests organized last year on 18 August and 1 October.
On 18 August 2019, a large group of civilians first gathered at Victoria Park and later dispersed in the direction of Causeway Bay and Central, by paralysing the roads nearby. Arrested activists like Lee Cheuk-yan, Jimmy Lai and Ho Sau-lan were being video-taped walking in neighboring area.
On 1 October, Hong Kong protesters called the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China a "national day of mourning". In defiance of a police ban on a march planned by Civil Human Rights Front, four democrats Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan, Leung Kwok-hung and Figo Chan, called for civilians to join the rally, in their personal capacity. On that day, riot police brutally suppressed protest activities that sprang up around Hong Kong, including shooting a live-round at a secondary school student at close distance.
Source: Apple Daily #Apr18
Image: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19614
#PoliticalRepression #PoliticalPersecution #MassArrest #HongKongProtests #Aug18 #Oct10
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis in Hong Kong
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barrister Margret Ng, the āfather of democracyā Martin Lee, Labour Party vice-chair Lee Cheuk-yan, Civil Human Rights Front vice-convener Figo Chan, legislators and activists Leung Kwok-hung, Au Nok-hin, Ho Chun-yan, Yeung Sam, Tsoi You-cheong, Raphael Wong Ho-ming and Ng Man-yuen.
The police also went to the residence of Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, at 10am, with an intent to arrest him. Since Lai was not at home, the officers waited in the police car till around 12:30. Separately, they also went to the residence of renowned barrister Margret Ng for arrest.
According to Apple Daily, the mass arrest was in connection with two protests organized last year on 18 August and 1 October.
On 18 August 2019, a large group of civilians first gathered at Victoria Park and later dispersed in the direction of Causeway Bay and Central, by paralysing the roads nearby. Arrested activists like Lee Cheuk-yan, Jimmy Lai and Ho Sau-lan were being video-taped walking in neighboring area.
On 1 October, Hong Kong protesters called the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China a "national day of mourning". In defiance of a police ban on a march planned by Civil Human Rights Front, four democrats Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan, Leung Kwok-hung and Figo Chan, called for civilians to join the rally, in their personal capacity. On that day, riot police brutally suppressed protest activities that sprang up around Hong Kong, including shooting a live-round at a secondary school student at close distance.
Source: Apple Daily #Apr18
Image: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19614
#PoliticalRepression #PoliticalPersecution #MassArrest #HongKongProtests #Aug18 #Oct10
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š”Guardians of Hong Kong
#PoliceState
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barristerā¦
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights During Coronavirus Crisis
On April 18, Hong Kong Police arrested over 10 pro-democracy legislators and activists on charges of illegal assembly. The arrested include barristerā¦
#Newspaper
Agnes Chow applies for judicial review of search warrant that allowed police to obtain data of Facebook pageās subscribers
(16 Apr) Demosisto members including Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were arrested on suspicion of āinciting others to participate in an unauthorized assemblyā outside Legislative Council on 12 June 2019. In February 2020, they were informed that the police had obtained 3 court warrants to inspect the data in their phones now kept in the police headquarters. Subsequently, the police had even obtained a warrant to inspect data of Agnes Chowās Facebook page subscribers at the Facebook headquarters. Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow applied for judicial review in High Court yesterday to overturn these warrants. A Facebook spokesperson said that Facebook had not passed any details of Agnes Chow to the police, and that the police had not been to Facebookās Hong Kong offices.
Agnes Chow said that she received a call from Facebookās Hong Kong offices earlier in the evening, informing her that at the beginning of this year, the police had requested numerous times for data from her Facebook page, but since the data of those users are held by Facebookās American company and protected by American law, outside of the jurisdiction of Hong Kong courts, Facebook had denied such requests and not handed over anything.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Agnes-Chow-applies-for-judicial-review-of-search-warrant-that-allowed-police-to-obtain-data-of-Facebook-pages-subscribers-04-18
Source: Apple Daily
https://s.nextmedia.com/realtime/a.php?i=20200416&s=6996647&a=60837874
Translation done by:
https://t.me/internationalfuckccp54321
Proofreaded by: Guardians Of Hong Kong
#Demosisto #JoshuaWong #AgnesChow #WhiteTerror #Facebook #Privacy #PoliceState
Agnes Chow applies for judicial review of search warrant that allowed police to obtain data of Facebook pageās subscribers
(16 Apr) Demosisto members including Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were arrested on suspicion of āinciting others to participate in an unauthorized assemblyā outside Legislative Council on 12 June 2019. In February 2020, they were informed that the police had obtained 3 court warrants to inspect the data in their phones now kept in the police headquarters. Subsequently, the police had even obtained a warrant to inspect data of Agnes Chowās Facebook page subscribers at the Facebook headquarters. Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow applied for judicial review in High Court yesterday to overturn these warrants. A Facebook spokesperson said that Facebook had not passed any details of Agnes Chow to the police, and that the police had not been to Facebookās Hong Kong offices.
Agnes Chow said that she received a call from Facebookās Hong Kong offices earlier in the evening, informing her that at the beginning of this year, the police had requested numerous times for data from her Facebook page, but since the data of those users are held by Facebookās American company and protected by American law, outside of the jurisdiction of Hong Kong courts, Facebook had denied such requests and not handed over anything.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Agnes-Chow-applies-for-judicial-review-of-search-warrant-that-allowed-police-to-obtain-data-of-Facebook-pages-subscribers-04-18
Source: Apple Daily
https://s.nextmedia.com/realtime/a.php?i=20200416&s=6996647&a=60837874
Translation done by:
https://t.me/internationalfuckccp54321
Proofreaded by: Guardians Of Hong Kong
#Demosisto #JoshuaWong #AgnesChow #WhiteTerror #Facebook #Privacy #PoliceState
Telegraph
Agnes Chow applies for judicial review of search warrant that allowed police to obtain data of Facebook pageās subscribers
(16 Apr) Demosisto members including Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were arrested on suspicion of āinciting others to participate in an unauthorized assemblyā outside Legislative Council on 12 June 2019. In February 2020, they were informed that the police hadā¦
#DistrictCouncil #HongKongPolice
Yau Tsim Mong District Council Passes Motion Calling For Reforming the Police despite Governmentās Obstruction
In a meeting on April 16, the Yau-Tsim-Mong District Council tabled a motion calling for restructuring of the Police Force. The Home Affairs Commissioner from the government, however, refused to provide secretariat services and denounced the motion as outside the remit of the Council.
The Commissioner, Police Representatives and three pro-establishment councilors left the meeting venue abruptly. In the absence of the secretariat, the motion was passed unanimously by 17 pro-democracy councilors.
During the meeting, the police commander refused to admit police excessive use of the force. He claimed that it was evident that "innocent protesters" were beaten by "violent protesters". Meanwhile, the government commissioner spoke to the media in an intimidating manner when he stormed out.
Source: Now News; InMedia
#Apr16 #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
Yau Tsim Mong District Council Passes Motion Calling For Reforming the Police despite Governmentās Obstruction
In a meeting on April 16, the Yau-Tsim-Mong District Council tabled a motion calling for restructuring of the Police Force. The Home Affairs Commissioner from the government, however, refused to provide secretariat services and denounced the motion as outside the remit of the Council.
The Commissioner, Police Representatives and three pro-establishment councilors left the meeting venue abruptly. In the absence of the secretariat, the motion was passed unanimously by 17 pro-democracy councilors.
During the meeting, the police commander refused to admit police excessive use of the force. He claimed that it was evident that "innocent protesters" were beaten by "violent protesters". Meanwhile, the government commissioner spoke to the media in an intimidating manner when he stormed out.
Source: Now News; InMedia
#Apr16 #PoliceState #PoliceBrutality
Act now to shape a better world:
the choice is ours
Our generation is facing the biggest global crisis. The decisions that people and governments take in the next few weeks will probably shape our healthcare, economic, political, and cultural systems for years to come.
In this time of crisis, we have two particularly important decisions to make. The first is between totalitarian surveillance and citizen empowerment. The second is between nationalist isolation and global solidarity.
To stop the pandemic, some governments rely heavily on totalitarian surveillance to ensure that entire populations comply with certain guidelines. For instance, by closely monitoring peopleās smartphones and making use of hundreds of millions of face-recognising cameras, the Chinese authorities can not only quickly identify suspected coronavirus carriers, but also track their movements and identify anyone they came into contact with.
However, we can and should enjoy both health and privacy, not by instituting totalitarian surveillance regimes, but by empowering citizens. South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore rely far more on extensive testing, on honest reporting, and on the willing co-operation of a well-informed public. To achieve an effective level of compliance and co-operation, we need people to have trust in science, in public authorities, and in the media.
The second important choice we confront is between nationalist isolation and global solidarity. Has Mainland China downplayed the number of COVID-19 cases? Is it wise to exclude Taiwan from the WHO and the U.N.? Countries should be willing to share information openly and seek advice humbly, and data and insights they received have to be trustworthy. We also need a global effort to produce and distribute medical equipment, and to pool medical personnel. Countries should also reach a global agreement on travel.
Source:
https://www.media-marketing.com/en/opinion/yuval-noah-harari-world-coronavirus/
https://time.com/collection/finding-hope-coronavirus-pandemic/5820596/taiwan-coronavirus-lessons/
https://time.com/5813628/china-coronavirus-statistics-wuhan/
#pandemic #COVID19 #China #Taiwan #totalitarian
the choice is ours
Our generation is facing the biggest global crisis. The decisions that people and governments take in the next few weeks will probably shape our healthcare, economic, political, and cultural systems for years to come.
In this time of crisis, we have two particularly important decisions to make. The first is between totalitarian surveillance and citizen empowerment. The second is between nationalist isolation and global solidarity.
To stop the pandemic, some governments rely heavily on totalitarian surveillance to ensure that entire populations comply with certain guidelines. For instance, by closely monitoring peopleās smartphones and making use of hundreds of millions of face-recognising cameras, the Chinese authorities can not only quickly identify suspected coronavirus carriers, but also track their movements and identify anyone they came into contact with.
However, we can and should enjoy both health and privacy, not by instituting totalitarian surveillance regimes, but by empowering citizens. South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore rely far more on extensive testing, on honest reporting, and on the willing co-operation of a well-informed public. To achieve an effective level of compliance and co-operation, we need people to have trust in science, in public authorities, and in the media.
The second important choice we confront is between nationalist isolation and global solidarity. Has Mainland China downplayed the number of COVID-19 cases? Is it wise to exclude Taiwan from the WHO and the U.N.? Countries should be willing to share information openly and seek advice humbly, and data and insights they received have to be trustworthy. We also need a global effort to produce and distribute medical equipment, and to pool medical personnel. Countries should also reach a global agreement on travel.
Source:
https://www.media-marketing.com/en/opinion/yuval-noah-harari-world-coronavirus/
https://time.com/collection/finding-hope-coronavirus-pandemic/5820596/taiwan-coronavirus-lessons/
https://time.com/5813628/china-coronavirus-statistics-wuhan/
#pandemic #COVID19 #China #Taiwan #totalitarian
Media Marketing
Yuval Noah Harari: the world after coronavirus | Media Marketing
Yuval Noah Harari is author of āSapiensā, āHomo Deusā and ā21 Lessons for the 21st Centuryā.
#Environment #HumanImpact
Images of Venice from space show how coronavirus has changed the city's iconic canals
The European Space Agency has released two images of Venice, taken one year apart, which highlight the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on its famous waterways.
The images, one taken on April 13 and the other on April 19, 2019, show how dramatically the number of boats within the Italian city's main thoroughfare has reduced since the Covid-19 crisis began.
Source: CNN #Apr17
#CarbonFootprint #Venice #Italy #Lockdown
Images of Venice from space show how coronavirus has changed the city's iconic canals
The European Space Agency has released two images of Venice, taken one year apart, which highlight the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on its famous waterways.
The images, one taken on April 13 and the other on April 19, 2019, show how dramatically the number of boats within the Italian city's main thoroughfare has reduced since the Covid-19 crisis began.
Source: CNN #Apr17
#CarbonFootprint #Venice #Italy #Lockdown
#Newspaper
Poor quality masks from Mainland China flood Hong Kong as overseas manufactured goods. Mainland China manufacturer: You can print anything on the box
(10 Apr) Many countries banned the export of masks last month. The Korean KF-94 and made-in-Japan masks Hongkongers have been fighting for are becoming scarce. On the contrary, since the export of masks resumed in Mainland China in the same month, Hong Kong local media Apple Daily inspected pharmacies in different districts and found large number of masks claiming to be imported from America, Japan and Indonesia etc. The supply of these masks appeared to be stable. However, the origin labels on these masks were unclear, and the pharmacy staffs revealed that they were all made in China. The journalist randomly selected 5 boxes at the pharmacy, and after testing, 4 boxes were found to have varying qualities and are unsuitable for use in crowded space and public transport. An agent admitted that the boxes were deliberately printed with Japanese to ālet people have the misconception (that they are made in Japan)ā, but in fact, the masks were collected from China through distributors.
China is the āglobal mask factoryā, and since COVID-19 hits Europe and America last month, there has been a surge in the number of mask factories in Mainland China. According to statistics from the Mainland China, as of 22 March, there are about 52,000 mask factories nationwide, which recorded a sharp increase of 6,000 compared to February, and a 16-fold increase over the same period last year, of which over 17,000 have import and export businesses and were competing to export masks for profit. However, the mask qualities have been repeatedly criticized by the international communities for being substandard and useless in combating the virus. The Netherlands and Australia have returned 600,000 and 800,000 masks from China respectively. The situation raises concerns on the quality of masks made in China.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Poor-quality-masks-from-Mainland-China-flood-Hong-Kong-as-overseas-manufactured-goods-Mainland-China-manufacturer-You-can-print--04-18
Source: Apple Daily
https://bit.ly/2RKip5C
#Masks #China #MadeInChina #Fake #PoorQuality
Poor quality masks from Mainland China flood Hong Kong as overseas manufactured goods. Mainland China manufacturer: You can print anything on the box
(10 Apr) Many countries banned the export of masks last month. The Korean KF-94 and made-in-Japan masks Hongkongers have been fighting for are becoming scarce. On the contrary, since the export of masks resumed in Mainland China in the same month, Hong Kong local media Apple Daily inspected pharmacies in different districts and found large number of masks claiming to be imported from America, Japan and Indonesia etc. The supply of these masks appeared to be stable. However, the origin labels on these masks were unclear, and the pharmacy staffs revealed that they were all made in China. The journalist randomly selected 5 boxes at the pharmacy, and after testing, 4 boxes were found to have varying qualities and are unsuitable for use in crowded space and public transport. An agent admitted that the boxes were deliberately printed with Japanese to ālet people have the misconception (that they are made in Japan)ā, but in fact, the masks were collected from China through distributors.
China is the āglobal mask factoryā, and since COVID-19 hits Europe and America last month, there has been a surge in the number of mask factories in Mainland China. According to statistics from the Mainland China, as of 22 March, there are about 52,000 mask factories nationwide, which recorded a sharp increase of 6,000 compared to February, and a 16-fold increase over the same period last year, of which over 17,000 have import and export businesses and were competing to export masks for profit. However, the mask qualities have been repeatedly criticized by the international communities for being substandard and useless in combating the virus. The Netherlands and Australia have returned 600,000 and 800,000 masks from China respectively. The situation raises concerns on the quality of masks made in China.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Poor-quality-masks-from-Mainland-China-flood-Hong-Kong-as-overseas-manufactured-goods-Mainland-China-manufacturer-You-can-print--04-18
Source: Apple Daily
https://bit.ly/2RKip5C
#Masks #China #MadeInChina #Fake #PoorQuality
Telegraph
Poor quality masks from Mainland China flood Hong Kong as overseas manufactured goods. Mainland China manufacturer: You can printā¦
(10 Apr) Many countries banned the export of masks last month. The Korean KF-94 and made-in-Japan masks Hongkongers have been fighting for are becoming scarce. On the contrary, since the export of masks resumed in Mainland China in the same month, Hong Kongā¦
#Newspaper
Sharp increase in demand for raw materials to make melt-blown nonwoven fabric for face masks, pushing up prices; Multiple cottage industry derivatives pop up
People's Daily report: production equipment for melt-blown nonwoven fabric lags behind the rest of the world
(18 Apr) Since the outbreak of the epidemic, masks have been flying off shelves. In a few months, raw material costs for melt-blown nonwoven fabric used in mask production also soared by over 30 times. Many manufacturers switched to producing melt-blown nonwoven fabric. In Yangzhong, Jiangsu alone, more than 860 melt-blown nonwoven fabric factories were newly registered in the past few months. The entire city was invested in melt-blown nonwoven fabric production. WeChat Moments [social networking friend group] circulated advertisements relating to melt-blown nonwoven fabric and its market price that day.
One after another, family-run workshops invested hundreds of thousands on cottage industry* to produce melt-blown nonwoven fabric for the manufacture of masks all over the country. But is the melt-blown nonwoven fabric up to standard? Some Shenzhen merchants bought a batch of masks from a recently registered company in Guizhou. After inspection, they found that their virus-filtering ability did not meet standards. The issue was suspected to be with the melt-blown nonwoven fabric.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Sharp-increase-in-demand-for-raw-materials-to-make-melt-blown-nonwoven-fabric-for-face-masks-pushing-up-prices-Multiple-cottage--04-19
Source: ICable News
https://www.facebook.com/265944843550009/posts/2512162518928219/?vh=e&d=n
#meltblownnonwovenfabric #rawmaterial #Guizhou #Yangzhong #Jiangsu #CottageIndustry
Sharp increase in demand for raw materials to make melt-blown nonwoven fabric for face masks, pushing up prices; Multiple cottage industry derivatives pop up
People's Daily report: production equipment for melt-blown nonwoven fabric lags behind the rest of the world
(18 Apr) Since the outbreak of the epidemic, masks have been flying off shelves. In a few months, raw material costs for melt-blown nonwoven fabric used in mask production also soared by over 30 times. Many manufacturers switched to producing melt-blown nonwoven fabric. In Yangzhong, Jiangsu alone, more than 860 melt-blown nonwoven fabric factories were newly registered in the past few months. The entire city was invested in melt-blown nonwoven fabric production. WeChat Moments [social networking friend group] circulated advertisements relating to melt-blown nonwoven fabric and its market price that day.
One after another, family-run workshops invested hundreds of thousands on cottage industry* to produce melt-blown nonwoven fabric for the manufacture of masks all over the country. But is the melt-blown nonwoven fabric up to standard? Some Shenzhen merchants bought a batch of masks from a recently registered company in Guizhou. After inspection, they found that their virus-filtering ability did not meet standards. The issue was suspected to be with the melt-blown nonwoven fabric.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Sharp-increase-in-demand-for-raw-materials-to-make-melt-blown-nonwoven-fabric-for-face-masks-pushing-up-prices-Multiple-cottage--04-19
Source: ICable News
https://www.facebook.com/265944843550009/posts/2512162518928219/?vh=e&d=n
#meltblownnonwovenfabric #rawmaterial #Guizhou #Yangzhong #Jiangsu #CottageIndustry
Telegraph
Sharp increase in demand for raw materials to make melt-blown nonwoven fabric for face masks, pushing up prices; Multiple cottageā¦
Sharp increase in demand for raw materials to make melt-blown nonwoven fabric for face masks, pushing up prices; Multiple cottage industry derivatives pop up People's Daily report: production equipment for melt-blown nonwoven fabric lags behind the rest ofā¦
#Newspaper
Incident of the Chinese Ambassador's Fake Apology
Image source: Twitter
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19624
Incident of the Chinese Ambassador's Fake Apology
Image source: Twitter
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19624
#Newspaper
Incident of the Chinese Ambassador's Fake Apology
(13 Apr) "China finally has its day of reckoning." China's counter-epidemic inspection measures have targeted African residents in Guangzhou. In the past week, this became an intercontinental diplomatic issue. Although the Chinese government emphasised that isolation measures for foreigners were non-discriminatory, expats from various African countries continually reported back home the collective discrimination they experienced. Even international students who "have not left China in the past two years" were forced into isolation. These events sparked protests from many African countries. The Speaker of Nigeriaās House of Representatives summoned the Chinese Ambassador and demanded an "official explanation". Unexpectedly, Nigerian news media took a screenshot from the meeting and titled it "The Chinese Ambassador bowed in apology". The image started trending rapidly online in Africa. However, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tersely issued a clarification, stating that the Chinese Ambassador was merely looking down at the cell phone. "Any other interpretation of the scene does not conform with what was actually there during the meeting."
//The scene in the screenshot gives the odd impression that the Chinese Ambassador was "bowing 90 degrees while being lectured".
//the screenshot may have been "intentionally" taken out of context. Speculations included that it was a "deliberate trap" for the Nigerian government to account for public grievances.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Incident-of-the-Chinese-Ambassadors-Fake-Apology-04-18
Source: Udn Global Facebook
https://bit.ly/2zf0oWV
#ZhouPingjian #Guangzhou #Africa #Apology #Nigeria #Kenya #Ghana #Africans #Racism
Incident of the Chinese Ambassador's Fake Apology
(13 Apr) "China finally has its day of reckoning." China's counter-epidemic inspection measures have targeted African residents in Guangzhou. In the past week, this became an intercontinental diplomatic issue. Although the Chinese government emphasised that isolation measures for foreigners were non-discriminatory, expats from various African countries continually reported back home the collective discrimination they experienced. Even international students who "have not left China in the past two years" were forced into isolation. These events sparked protests from many African countries. The Speaker of Nigeriaās House of Representatives summoned the Chinese Ambassador and demanded an "official explanation". Unexpectedly, Nigerian news media took a screenshot from the meeting and titled it "The Chinese Ambassador bowed in apology". The image started trending rapidly online in Africa. However, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tersely issued a clarification, stating that the Chinese Ambassador was merely looking down at the cell phone. "Any other interpretation of the scene does not conform with what was actually there during the meeting."
//The scene in the screenshot gives the odd impression that the Chinese Ambassador was "bowing 90 degrees while being lectured".
//the screenshot may have been "intentionally" taken out of context. Speculations included that it was a "deliberate trap" for the Nigerian government to account for public grievances.
Full translation:
https://telegra.ph/Incident-of-the-Chinese-Ambassadors-Fake-Apology-04-18
Source: Udn Global Facebook
https://bit.ly/2zf0oWV
#ZhouPingjian #Guangzhou #Africa #Apology #Nigeria #Kenya #Ghana #Africans #Racism
Telegraph
Incident of the Chinese Ambassador's Fake Apology
(13 Apr) "China finally has its day of reckoning." China's counter-epidemic inspection measures have targeted African residents in Guangzhou. In the past week, this became an intercontinental diplomatic issue. Although the Chinese government emphasised thatā¦
#Newspaper
China denies seeking virus praise from Germany
//Beijing denied on Monday (Apr 13) that it was soliciting praise for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic following a report that Chinese representatives tried to earn kudos from German officials.
//Citing a confidential foreign ministry document, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported on Sunday that senior officials and staff at German government ministries were invited "to speak in positive terms about China's management of the coronavirus".
//The German foreign ministry recommended that all governmental departments reject such approaches
Full Article: CNA, (13, Apr)
Further reading:
Chinese Consulate Asks Wisconsin State Senator For Praise In Resolution. He Gives Them A Resolution They Wonāt Forget.
https://bit.ly/2VCKAVo
Kazakhstan summons Chinese ambassador in protest over article
https://reut.rs/34Jsvcm
#Germany #China #Praise #Coronavirus
China denies seeking virus praise from Germany
//Beijing denied on Monday (Apr 13) that it was soliciting praise for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic following a report that Chinese representatives tried to earn kudos from German officials.
//Citing a confidential foreign ministry document, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported on Sunday that senior officials and staff at German government ministries were invited "to speak in positive terms about China's management of the coronavirus".
//The German foreign ministry recommended that all governmental departments reject such approaches
Full Article: CNA, (13, Apr)
Further reading:
Chinese Consulate Asks Wisconsin State Senator For Praise In Resolution. He Gives Them A Resolution They Wonāt Forget.
https://bit.ly/2VCKAVo
Kazakhstan summons Chinese ambassador in protest over article
https://reut.rs/34Jsvcm
#Germany #China #Praise #Coronavirus
CNA
China denies seeking virus praise from Germany
Beijing denied Monday that it was soliciting praise for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic following a report that Chinese representatives ...
#ChrisPatten #MassArrest
Chris Patten Calls on British Government to Speak Up on China's Breach of "One Country Two Systems"
Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong warned that Chinaās attempt to overrule the judicial system in Hong Kong is a threat to the city's autonomy.
Patten described the Beijing officialsā reasoning that they were right to weigh in on local affairs as āludicrousā, showing that China āis determined to abandon the policies pursued by his predecessors, even at the cost of destroying Hong Kongās way of life.ā
In his letter to the foreign secretary Dominic Raab more than four months ago, he said, āThe Chinese statement was in complete breach of the Sino-British joint declaration.ā
Sources: HK Free Press; The Guardian
#Apr19 #Authoritarianism #OneNationTwoSystem #PoliceState
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights on Apr 18
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19615
High Degree of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19607
Chris Patten Calls on British Government to Speak Up on China's Breach of "One Country Two Systems"
Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong warned that Chinaās attempt to overrule the judicial system in Hong Kong is a threat to the city's autonomy.
Patten described the Beijing officialsā reasoning that they were right to weigh in on local affairs as āludicrousā, showing that China āis determined to abandon the policies pursued by his predecessors, even at the cost of destroying Hong Kongās way of life.ā
In his letter to the foreign secretary Dominic Raab more than four months ago, he said, āThe Chinese statement was in complete breach of the Sino-British joint declaration.ā
Sources: HK Free Press; The Guardian
#Apr19 #Authoritarianism #OneNationTwoSystem #PoliceState
Mass Arrest and Political Repression of Pro-democracy Heavyweights on Apr 18
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19615
High Degree of Autonomy? Hong Kong Government Follows Beijing to Revise Stance on Basic Law #Article22
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/19607
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
14 reactions to Hong Kong's crackdown on democrats: 'This is not the rule of law,' says ex-governor Chris Patten | Hong Kong Freeā¦
Police arrested 15 high-profile pro-democracy figures on Saturday in connection with allegedly āorganising and participating in unlawful assembliesā last year, according to the security bureau. HKFP rounds up local and international reactions. Chris Pattenā¦
#DailyUpdate #Apr19 #COVID19
COVID-19 Updates (19/4)
At the time of writing, 2,359,332 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 161,949 deaths worldwide. 210 countries and territories are under effect of the virus. The US, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the UK continue to be the worst affected countries by the current pandemic.
The US has more than 700,000 coronavirus cases.
Hong Kong has reported 2 new cases; one of them is a local case.
Hong Kong expert Dr David Hui believed social distancing measures would be prolonged.
Multiple Labor Unions in Hong Kong urged the government to include the Wuhan Pneumonia as an occupational disease. Secretary for Labor and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said supporting data has yet to be found.
Spain has reported 410 deaths, which is the lowest number in a month.
Spain is extending state of emergency to 9th May. But social controls would be loosen starting from 27th Apr.
Macau is resuming class by stages starting from 4th May.
China has reported 16 new cases, 9 of them are imported, according to the authority.
China denied the claim that the virus originated from a lab.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is criticized for insufficient preparation against the virus due to absent from epidemic conferences for 5 times.
Taiwan has reported 22 new cases, 21 of them are from the navy.
WHO said genders of COVID-19 patients are about 50-50.
Respirators are severely lacking in African countries, UN believes there are more than 300,000 coronavirus deaths in Africa.
Singers include Lady Gaga cooperated with WHO to hold an online concert to raise funds for WHO.
American President Donald Trump said it has to be investigated if China has to bear the responsibility for the pandemic.
America-Canada border closure would be prolonged for 30 days.
Singapore has reported 942 cases on Saturday, breaking the daily record.
Queen Elizabeth IIās birthday celebrations and traditional gun salutes are cancelled due to the epidemic.
Source: Worldometer, Now News
COVID-19 Updates (19/4)
At the time of writing, 2,359,332 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 161,949 deaths worldwide. 210 countries and territories are under effect of the virus. The US, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the UK continue to be the worst affected countries by the current pandemic.
The US has more than 700,000 coronavirus cases.
Hong Kong has reported 2 new cases; one of them is a local case.
Hong Kong expert Dr David Hui believed social distancing measures would be prolonged.
Multiple Labor Unions in Hong Kong urged the government to include the Wuhan Pneumonia as an occupational disease. Secretary for Labor and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said supporting data has yet to be found.
Spain has reported 410 deaths, which is the lowest number in a month.
Spain is extending state of emergency to 9th May. But social controls would be loosen starting from 27th Apr.
Macau is resuming class by stages starting from 4th May.
China has reported 16 new cases, 9 of them are imported, according to the authority.
China denied the claim that the virus originated from a lab.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is criticized for insufficient preparation against the virus due to absent from epidemic conferences for 5 times.
Taiwan has reported 22 new cases, 21 of them are from the navy.
WHO said genders of COVID-19 patients are about 50-50.
Respirators are severely lacking in African countries, UN believes there are more than 300,000 coronavirus deaths in Africa.
Singers include Lady Gaga cooperated with WHO to hold an online concert to raise funds for WHO.
American President Donald Trump said it has to be investigated if China has to bear the responsibility for the pandemic.
America-Canada border closure would be prolonged for 30 days.
Singapore has reported 942 cases on Saturday, breaking the daily record.
Queen Elizabeth IIās birthday celebrations and traditional gun salutes are cancelled due to the epidemic.
Source: Worldometer, Now News
#Research #HKU
HKU Study : SARS-COV-2 replicates 3 times faster than SARS-COV, capable of infecting without triggering immune responses
SARS-COV-2 (aka Wuhan Pneumonia or COVID-19) is harder to contain than SARS-COV from 17 years ago. The danger in SARS-COV-2 is marked by its efficient transmission and asymptomatic infection. However, very little is known about how SARS-COV-2 acquired such a rapid rate of transmission without triggering symptoms in some patients.
The viral transmission rate and symptoms can be linked to its replication rate and host immune responses respectively. Hence, a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) investigated the SARS-COV-2 replication rate and host immune responses. The study compared findings between SARS-COV-2 and SARS-COV. To ensure the results accurately reflect the condition in human lungs, the same amount of SARS-COV-2 and SARS-CoV were used to infect lung tissues extracted from human donors.
The study shows that SARS-COV-2 replicated 3.2 folds faster than SARS-COV in human lung tissues. The faster replication of SARS-COV-2 explains why SARS-COV-2 transmits faster than SARS-CoV.
Moreover, upon infection by SARS-COV-2, human lung tissues produced fewer interferons (molecules that activate a stronger immune response) and fewer cytokines (molecules that trigger symptoms such as inflammation) than when infected by SARS-COV. Hence, the results suggest SARS-COV-2 can infect but avoid triggering any noticeable immune responses.
In a follow-up press conference, Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung (leading expert in SARS) and two other HKU researchers described SARS-COV-2 as a āninjaā for being difficult to notice. Such "stealthiness", along with its rapid replication rate, allow SARS-COV-2 to quickly spread among human population with some patients being difficult to identify due to the lack of symptoms.
In addition, the HKU researchers also highlighted a few important points in the press conference:
1. The findings suggest one potential treatment for SARS-COV-2 by supplementing patients with interferons. Ongoing trials are testing the possibility of using interferons supplements as anti-SARS-COV-2 drugs.
2. The death rate in Hong Kong is lower than that in Europe for several reasons. For instance, patients in Hong Kong tend to receive earlier treatment, while European patients receive treatment much later after the infection.
Another reason is that most people in Hong Kong wear masks in public. Hence, an infected individual is less likely to pass on the virus to other members in the public. Masks also lower the amount of virus that could infect mask-wearers.
3. A vaccine is unlikely to be ready anytime soon, so expect to coexist with the virus in the coming months. Restrictions may be adjusted from time to time. Schools and universities may reopen, but that needs to be accompanied by increased testing capacity; continued practice of social distancing within the classroom; wearing masks and good hygiene.
4. The researchers pointed out a few limitations of this study. For instance, the lung tissues were extracted and grown outside human bodies. Hence data from extracted tissues may not completely reflect things that happen inside human bodies. Also, extracted tissues can only survive for about 48 hours. Such duration is not long enough for conducting vaccine trials.
Sources:
1 Research Paper - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32270184
2 Press conference
HKU Study : SARS-COV-2 replicates 3 times faster than SARS-COV, capable of infecting without triggering immune responses
SARS-COV-2 (aka Wuhan Pneumonia or COVID-19) is harder to contain than SARS-COV from 17 years ago. The danger in SARS-COV-2 is marked by its efficient transmission and asymptomatic infection. However, very little is known about how SARS-COV-2 acquired such a rapid rate of transmission without triggering symptoms in some patients.
The viral transmission rate and symptoms can be linked to its replication rate and host immune responses respectively. Hence, a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) investigated the SARS-COV-2 replication rate and host immune responses. The study compared findings between SARS-COV-2 and SARS-COV. To ensure the results accurately reflect the condition in human lungs, the same amount of SARS-COV-2 and SARS-CoV were used to infect lung tissues extracted from human donors.
The study shows that SARS-COV-2 replicated 3.2 folds faster than SARS-COV in human lung tissues. The faster replication of SARS-COV-2 explains why SARS-COV-2 transmits faster than SARS-CoV.
Moreover, upon infection by SARS-COV-2, human lung tissues produced fewer interferons (molecules that activate a stronger immune response) and fewer cytokines (molecules that trigger symptoms such as inflammation) than when infected by SARS-COV. Hence, the results suggest SARS-COV-2 can infect but avoid triggering any noticeable immune responses.
In a follow-up press conference, Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung (leading expert in SARS) and two other HKU researchers described SARS-COV-2 as a āninjaā for being difficult to notice. Such "stealthiness", along with its rapid replication rate, allow SARS-COV-2 to quickly spread among human population with some patients being difficult to identify due to the lack of symptoms.
In addition, the HKU researchers also highlighted a few important points in the press conference:
1. The findings suggest one potential treatment for SARS-COV-2 by supplementing patients with interferons. Ongoing trials are testing the possibility of using interferons supplements as anti-SARS-COV-2 drugs.
2. The death rate in Hong Kong is lower than that in Europe for several reasons. For instance, patients in Hong Kong tend to receive earlier treatment, while European patients receive treatment much later after the infection.
Another reason is that most people in Hong Kong wear masks in public. Hence, an infected individual is less likely to pass on the virus to other members in the public. Masks also lower the amount of virus that could infect mask-wearers.
3. A vaccine is unlikely to be ready anytime soon, so expect to coexist with the virus in the coming months. Restrictions may be adjusted from time to time. Schools and universities may reopen, but that needs to be accompanied by increased testing capacity; continued practice of social distancing within the classroom; wearing masks and good hygiene.
4. The researchers pointed out a few limitations of this study. For instance, the lung tissues were extracted and grown outside human bodies. Hence data from extracted tissues may not completely reflect things that happen inside human bodies. Also, extracted tissues can only survive for about 48 hours. Such duration is not long enough for conducting vaccine trials.
Sources:
1 Research Paper - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32270184
2 Press conference
PubMed
Comparative Replication and Immune Activation Profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in Human Lungs: An Ex Vivo Study With Implicationsā¦
Our study provides the first quantitative data on the comparative replication capacity and immune activation profile of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection in human lung tissues. Our results provide important insights into the pathogenesis, high transmissibilityā¦
#protestorletter
Farewell, Pik Uk - Chan Kin-man's Letter from Prison
When Sigmund Freud left Vienna, where he lived for many years and received many complaints (see note 1), he stated, "The feeling of triumph on being liberated is too strongly mixed with sorrow, for in spite of everything I still greatly loved the prison from which I have been released." It reminded me of Nelson Mandela. When he left the prison where he spent more than 20 years, he could not bear to part with the plants he grew there.
Read more:
https://telegra.ph/Farewell-Pik-Uk---Chan-Kin-mans-Letter-from-Prison-04-17
Farewell, Pik Uk - Chan Kin-man's Letter from Prison
When Sigmund Freud left Vienna, where he lived for many years and received many complaints (see note 1), he stated, "The feeling of triumph on being liberated is too strongly mixed with sorrow, for in spite of everything I still greatly loved the prison from which I have been released." It reminded me of Nelson Mandela. When he left the prison where he spent more than 20 years, he could not bear to part with the plants he grew there.
Read more:
https://telegra.ph/Farewell-Pik-Uk---Chan-Kin-mans-Letter-from-Prison-04-17
Telegraph
Farewell, Pik Uk - Chan Kin-man's Letter from Prison
When Sigmund Freud left Vienna, where he lived for many years and received many complaints (see note 1), he stated, "The feeling of triumph on being liberated is too strongly mixed with sorrow, for in spite of everything I still greatly loved the prison fromā¦