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Japan to Strengthen Student Visa Screening Against CCP Tech Theft

Japan is reportedly considering joining the UK and the US in tightening visa access for foreign students to keep out CCP tech spies. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported that for economic safety reasons, Japan will strengthen visa screening for international students and foreign researchers starting next year. This measure is to prevent high-end technology and information relating to national security from leaking into China or other countries.

Costing 220 million yen (about 2 million US dollars), the new gatekeeping mechanism will be a coordinated effort involving departments including the National Security Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Defence. Information about suspicious persons will be shared among these agencies.

While some officials noted that the measure might not be as strict as that of the US, they are worried that Japan will be the next target for Chinese students rejected by America. They are also worried that a lack of a mechanism preventing the outflow of sensitive technology will impede research cooperation between Japanese students and American institutions. Just this July, four Chinese expats under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were exposed to have forged their identities to obtain visas for conducting research in American universities.

As world powers race to gain a foothold in artificial intelligence and laser weaponry, the Ministry of Defence is also considering engaging an economic security intelligence officer. Working at the Bureau of Defence Policy, they will be tasked with analyzing developments of cutting-edge technology around the world and taking measures to protect Japan’s high-end technology. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will spend 1.87 billion yen (about 17.7 million US dollars) to encourage companies and universities to better manage cutting-edge technology and prevent sensitive military technology from leaking.

As it becomes clearer that the CCP is stealing sensitive technology across the globe, it is also clear that the tech war between the US and China has spread to countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan. With the ‘Made in China 2025’ strategic plan failing amid the trade war and the CCP pushing for domestically manufactured chips, it is only natural that the world steps up screening to prevent tech theft by China through mergers and espionage.

Source: Stand News #Oct06

#Japan #China #Visa #Screening #Technology #TechWar

https://bit.ly/3iJkv0d
Hong Kong National Security Law: Joint Statement by 39 Nations Urges China to Protect Hong Kong’s Autonomy, Claudia Mo Says the Law Obviously "Went Too Far"

Source: Apple Daily #Oct07

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Hong Kong National Security Law: Joint Statement by 39 Nations Urges China to Protect Hong Kong’s Autonomy, Claudia Mo Says the Law Obviously "Went Too Far"

On Tuesday (Oct 6), Germany delivered a joint statement on behalf of 39 countries, including the US, the UK and France, at the Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, raising their deep concerns over China’s human rights records and the erosion of freedom in Hong Kong. The signatories of the statement rose from 23 countries to 39 this year, which Human Rights Watch welcomed. A Hong Kong Legco member opined that the statement reflected that the CCP’s forced implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong seriously trampled the universal values of democratic countries. The Hong Kong government’s direct denial of the separation of power earlier also prompted democratic countries to re-evaluate Hong Kong’s status as an international society.

Christoph Heusgen, Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN, issued a joint statement on behalf of allies during the 75th UN General Assembly Third Committee General Debate, a session dedicated to social, humanitarian and cultural issues. The countries expressed deep concerns over the Hong Kong national security law. They also called on Beijing to protect the autonomy, rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and to respect the independence of the Hong Kong judiciary. In the statement, the countries raised concerns over China’s establishment of “re-education camps” in Xinjiang and suppression of Uyghur Muslim minorities as well. It pointed out that “Widespread surveillance disproportionately continues to target Uyghurs and other minorities and more reports are emerging of forced labour and forced birth control including sterilization”, and urged Beijing to “allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers”.

The signatories include Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, the US and Germany. Former Permanent Representative of the UK to the UN Karen Pierce issued a similar statement on behalf of 23 countries at the Third Committee in the previous year. The signatories rose to 39 countries this year, which was welcomed by human rights organisations. Louis Charbonneau, the United Nations director at Human Rights Watch, said, “The 39 states took a stand despite China’s persistent threats and intimidation tactics against those who speak out.”

Source: Apple Daily #Oct07

#China #HongKong #Xinjiang #Germany #UN #UnitedNations #JointStatement #HumanRights #Uyghurs #HumanRightsWatch #NationalSecurityLaw #GeneralAssembly #ThirdCommittee

https://bit.ly/3dIslXe
CCTV said the NBA continued to Release Goodwill after the Suspension, Rebroadcasting from Tomorrow

Source: Stand News #Oct09

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#Kowtow
China's CCTV said the NBA continued to Release Goodwill after the Suspension, Rebroadcasting from Tomorrow

NBA Team Houston Rockets Director Daryl Morey supported Hong Kong democracy on Twitter, causing dissatisfaction from China. At that time, CCTV announced that they would stop broadcasting events and “would investigate all cooperation and exchanges involving the NBA”. After a year, CCTV indicated today that they would rebroadcast NBA from tomorrow (10th October). The spokesperson stated that he noted NBA continued to show their goodwill, including “expressed holiday blessings to Chinese fans” on National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival and “Put active efforts in areas including supporting the Chinese people to fight COVID-19 pandemic”.

CCTV stated today (9th October), “Basketball has a broad mass base and viewing demand in China”. As a result, the CCTV Sports Channel would resume broadcasting the NBA competitions as “normal broadcast arrangement” on the morning of 10th October, Hong Kong time. The NBA 19/20 season has reached the finals, and it would be the fifth game by the time of rebroadcasting. For the time being, Los Angeles Lakers led the Miami Heat with 3:1 games, only one victory away from the championship.

The NBA team Houston Rockets Director Daryl Morey posted a “Stand with Hong Kong” photo on Twitter, indicating his support for Hong Kong democracy. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver showed his support for Morey to exercise freedom of speech. CCTV first announced the suspension on broadcasting the competitions of Houston Rockets, then issued a statement about the immediate ban for NBA preseason broadcasting and would investigate all NBA-related cooperation and exchanges.

Source: Stand News #Oct09

https://bit.ly/37f45KR

#China #NBA #DarylMorey #HoustonRockets #LosAngelesLakers #MiamiHeat #CCTV #HongKong #HKdemocracy #StandWithHongKong
BTS Makes Award Speech in Remembrance of Shared History in Korean War. Mainland Netizens Say Award Commemorates US Army in the War, Decry Speech as Insulting and Ask BTS to Leave China

Source: Stand News #Oct11

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BTS Makes Award Speech in Remembrance of Shared History in Korean War. Mainland Netizens Say Award Commemorates US Army in the War, Decry Speech as Insulting and Ask BTS to Leave China

Bangtan Boys (BTS), a world-famous K-pop boy band with a huge following, received the James A. Van Fleet Award last Wednesday (Oct 7) for their contributions to promoting US-Korea relations. In their award speech, members mentioned the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War, saying, “We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared together and the sacrifices of countless men and women.” The speech attracted criticisms from mainland netizens, who stated through Weibo that it insulted China, some even commented, “Go away, BTS has died”. The post in question received 1.66 million likes and 36 thousand comments.

The James A. Van Fleet Award was organised by US non-profit organisation The Korea Society and established in 1995 in commemoration of James A. Van Fleet, Commander of the US Eighth Army during the Korean War and Founder of the organisation. The award is mainly given to persons or organisations that promoted US-Korea relations. The award ceremony this year was held online last Wednesday, during which the BTS was given the award for their musical achievements, influence on fans globally and promotion of US-Korea relations. During the award speech, the group’s leader Kim Nam-joon (RM) mentioned that this year marked the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, which gave special significance to the organisation’s annual gala this year. “We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared together and the sacrifices of countless men and women. After 70 years, the world we are living in is much closer than before, and boundaries in many aspects are getting more blurred.” Kim’s speech did not specify the two nations mentioned.

Source: Stand News #Oct11

#Korea #US #China #Weibo #BTS #AwardCeremony #TheKoreanSociety #JamesAVanFleetAward

https://bit.ly/2GVLPLM
#Banner on Hong Kong's #BeaconHill: "National Security Law, Total Loss of Freedom"

On the evening of October 20, 2020, a gigantic black banner which reads "National Security Law, Total Loss of Freedom" appeared on Hong Kong's Beacon Hill.

The National Security Law has been enforced in Hong Kong for nearly 4 months. Several people including Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai and former Demosisto member Agnes Chow had been arrested. Meanwhile, a growing number of countries had suspended their extradition treaty with Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the Hong Kong Government insisted that the National Security Law has "safeguarded Hong Kong's stability".

Source: Stand News #Oct20
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/3572558446163083/

#NationalSecurityLaw
#RadicaliItaliani
Italian Activists Send Paper Boats Calling to #Save12HKYouths

Radicali Italiani, a liberal party in Italy, has initiated a 12-day campaign demanding China to release the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers who have been detained for nearly 60 days.

#PatriziaDeGrazia is taking part in a hunger strike on the 6th day on Oct 20, 2020. On the same day, De Grazia, vocalist #StefanoLodola and others made 12 paper boats with the name of the 12 detainees and set them free on River Po in Italy, hoping for the return of the 12 pro-democracy Hongkongers.

Stefano Lodola has been a supporter of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. He was known for singing the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong" and songs like "Can you hear the people sing?" in Cantonese during the 2019 protests. During the 2014 Umbrella Movement, Lodola had performed "Do You Hear the People Sing" at the occupy zone in Admiralty.

Source: Patrizia De Grazia's Facebook #Oct20

https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/3571309352954659/
#Attack
Attacker Spreads Manure at Pro-democracy, Pro-Hong Kong Restaurant in #Taiwan

A masked assailant dashed into a restaurant in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Oct 16, 2020 and spattered chicken manure over kitchen equipment and the staff.

The restaurant announced on Facebook that it will close for 1 week for necessary cleaning work.

The restaurant #Aegis was launched in 2020. It offers assistance to young people from Hong Kong who have been relocated to Taiwan after participating in last year’s pro-democracy protests.

Taipei’s city government condemned the attack and ordered the police to use “full resources” in hunting down the assailant.

A suspect was swiftly arrested in less than 12 hours. 3 more suspects masterminding behind the scene were also arrested on Oct 17, 2020.

Source: Stand News #Oct16
#CrossStrait
Entry Denial for a Taiwan military chartered flight into Hong Kong Flight Information Region

As the tension across the strait continue to heat up, a Taiwan military chartered flight heading for Dongsha Island Airport was reportedly denied entry into Hong Kong Flight Information Region.

The plane was requested to return to Kaohsiung Xiaogang Airport in Taiwan.

The Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department responded to media inquiry that upon receiving Taiwan's civil aviation authorities’ request for the passage of a military chartered flight into the Hong Kong flight region. It stated the required minimum safety altitude was not met.

The Hong Kong authorities added that prior approval and coordination is required for any flight to enter Hong Kong’s flight information region when using the flight path concerned. The Deparrment stressed that they have acted in accordance with established mechanism and procedure.

Source: Stand News #Oct16
#Taiwan #FlightInformationZone #PratasIslands
#Story #USsanctions #Iran

[Travel Reflections] Iranian friend worried for Hongkongers facing US sanctions

“I heard that Hong Kong is sanctioned by the United States. Is it true?” On the other side of the telephone was the voice of my Iranian friend in a worried tone.

I was caught off guard by the question, hesitated for a few seconds and then responded, “Probably yes...”

“What to do then? It’s no joking being sanctioned by the United States. Just look at our situation…. Do you need help?”

https://telegra.ph/Travel-Reflections-Iranian-friend-worried-for-Hongkongers-facing-US-sanctions-10-20
Canadian Consulate allowed to Visit Two China-Detained Canadian Citizens Online, Trudeau to discuss with Trump, Seeking for their Release

Source: Stand News #Oct11

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Canadian Consulate allowed to Visit Two China-Detained Canadian Citizens Online, Trudeau to discuss with Trump, Seeking for their Release

After detention of Meng Wenzhou, the daughter of Huawei founder, by Canada in December 2018. China arrested and prosecuted two Canadian citizens, a former diplomat Michael Kovrig and a businessman Michael Spavor. The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs said today (October 11) that the ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, was granted virtual consular access to the two men on Friday and Saturday respectively, for the first time since January. Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed this matter with the US President Donald Trump on a phone call and thanked Trump for U.S. support in seeking the immediate release of the two Canadian citizen.

The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada issued a statement, deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities, saying that the last consular access was on January 13 and 14, and calling on China for the immediate release of two persons. The minister also said although it has no direct access to them, it would keep on assisting them and their families. Due to privacy concerns, it cannot not provide further information.

Source: Stand News #Oct11

https://bit.ly/3lHrWXH

#China #Canada #ArbitraryDetention #MichaelKovrig #MichaelSpavor #DominicBarton #JustinTrudeau #Trump #ConsularAccess
The World Against China - Chinese Embassy Instructs Indian Media to Follow One-china Principle, Indian Media Responds “India Is Free” in Editorial

Source: Apple Daily #Oct12

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The World Against China - Chinese Embassy Instructs Indian Media to Follow One-china Principle, Indian Media Responds “India Is Free” in Editorial

Previously, the Chinese Embassy in India instructed Indian media to follow the One-China principle when reporting on Taiwan and Double Ten celebrations and was met with much dissent. Hindustan Times published an editorial on Monday reminding China that it should not consider putting pressure on media in democratic India and calling on China to change its behaviours.

The Hindustan Times editorial on Monday was entitled “A reminder for China: India is free”. The article pointed out that on the eve of Taiwan’s National Day, the Chinese Embassy in India sent many Indian media agencies “suggestions” requesting them to report in compliance with the "Indian government's position on the Taiwan issue" and not to violate the One-China principle. The move incurred the enmity of the Indian press. India’s Ministry of External Affairs replied in a statement emphasising that Indian media may freely report on any topic as they please.

The editorial stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Delhi spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga hung up posters celebrating Double Ten Day outside the Chinese Embassy in India, and was met by the disparagement of the Embassy. The posters were subsequently removed because they “have not been authorised yet”. The incident reflected the undemocratic nature of the Chinese Embassy, consistent with the nature of CCP’s dictatorship. Nevertheless, “India is a proud democratic country with free and vibrant media, as well as transparent and healthy foreign policy debates.”

Source: Apple Daily #Oct12

#India #China #ChineseEmbassy #DoubleTenDay #TaiwanNationalDay #Bagga #HindustanTimes #BJP #OneChina

https://bit.ly/3445EJQ
BTS Accused of Insulting China in a Speech that Mentioned the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War
 
Source: Now News #Oct12

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BTS Accused of Insulting China in a Speech that Mentioned the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War
 
South Korean boy band BTS made remarks on the Korean War recently, resulting in the accusation of insulting China by some Chinese netizens.  Some business brands immediately removed products endorsed by BTS from Chinese websites, according to reports.
 
BTS was recently granted the General James A. Van Fleet Award for their contribution in promoting Korea-US relations through their musical works.  Their acceptance speech kicked off the controversy.
 
RM, the leader of BTS, said that this year was the 70th anniversary of the Korean War and “we will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared together, and the sacrifices of the countless men and women”.  Chinese netizens accused this remark as insulting to China, claiming that BTS did not respect the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army who died heroically in the Korean War.  Some people even initiated a BTS boycott.
 
 
#Korea #US #China #ChineseNetizens #BTS #RM #KoreanUSrelation #VanFleetAward #KoreanWar
 
Source: Now News #Oct12

https://news.now.com/home/international/player?newsId=408791&refer=Share
Samsung, FILA and Hyundai Have Removed BTS-Related Posts and Ads from Chinese Websites and Social Media after the K-Pop Boy Band’s ‘Controversial’ Speech Outraged Chinese Netizens
 
Source: Stands News #Oct13

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Samsung, FILA and Hyundai Have Removed BTS-Related Posts and Ads from Chinese Websites and Social Media after the K-Pop Boy Band’s ‘Controversial’ Speech Outraged Chinese Netizens
 
Chinese netizens are outraged by BTS, the K-pop boy band global sensation, over the mentioning of the Korean War in an award-acceptance speech earlier.  Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department, stated that he was aware of the related reports and the responses from netizens.  The South Korean company Samsung has since removed products launched in conjunction with BTS from online stores in China.  The car manufacturer Hyundai and the sports brand FILA have also removed posts related to BTS on their Chinese social media accounts.
 
Samsung has launched a special edition series of mobile phones and earphones with BTS this July.  However, the products are no longer available on Chinese shopping websites JD.com, Tmall and Samsung’s official Chinese website after online dispute of BTS arose.   Hyundai and FILA, which have invited BTS to endorse their products, have also removed all BTS-related posts from their official Weibo accounts earlier.
 
When a journalist asked about the Chinese netizens’ outrage on BTS at a regular press conference hosted by Zhao Lijian, he answered, "I am aware of the related reports, as well as the responses from Chinese netizens.  We should learn from history, face the future, treasure peace and promote friendship.  These are the things that we should pursue together, worthy to strive for together."
 
During the acceptance speech of the General James A. Van Fleet Award, an award granted to those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of US-Korean relations, BTS’s leader RM said, “We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared together, and the sacrifices of the countless men and women.”  This single sentence had apparently outraged Chinese netizens, despite the fact that China was not mentioned in the speech at all.
 
#China #BTS #ChineseNetizens #ZhaoLijian #Samsung #Hyundai #FILA #SocialMedia
 
Source: Stands News #Oct13

https://bit.ly/3o0D8Ro
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#FirstHand
Police arrest protester for chanting pro-democracy slogan

1935 | #YohoMall, #YuenLong

15 months have passed since the 721 attack, where white-clad triad members, allegedly colluding with the Hong Kong Police Force, indiscriminately attacked civilians and passersby.

Since then, citizens gather in Yoho Mall every 21st of the month to remember the incident and protest the violence and police inaction at nearby Yuen Long Station last year.

A protester, usually seen dressed in the costume of “Captain America”, was arrested soon after he chanted pro-democracy slogans at Yoho mall. He was later seen being taken to a black 7-seater at the basement level of the mall.

#PoliceBrutality #NeverForget #NeverForgive #YuenLong721