China’s trade halt with Lithuania over Taiwan ties sends warning to Europe
China’s use of trade as a weapon in diplomatic disputes appears to be now targeted at Lithuania, home to fewer than 3 million people, after the Baltic nation agreed to exchange diplomatic offices with Taiwan.
But Beijing’s unofficial halt to its already limited trade with Lithuania is more about sending a warning to the rest of Europe, analysts have said.
Lithuania and Taiwan have agreed to establish mutual representative offices as a sign of deepening ties between the two governments. In response Beijing recalled its ambassador from Vilnius and expelled Lithuania’s from Beijing.
Source: The Guardians #Aug26
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/26/chinas-trade-halt-with-lithuania-over-taiwan-ties-sends-warning-to-europe?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#China #Lithuania #Taiwan #Europe
China’s use of trade as a weapon in diplomatic disputes appears to be now targeted at Lithuania, home to fewer than 3 million people, after the Baltic nation agreed to exchange diplomatic offices with Taiwan.
But Beijing’s unofficial halt to its already limited trade with Lithuania is more about sending a warning to the rest of Europe, analysts have said.
Lithuania and Taiwan have agreed to establish mutual representative offices as a sign of deepening ties between the two governments. In response Beijing recalled its ambassador from Vilnius and expelled Lithuania’s from Beijing.
Source: The Guardians #Aug26
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/26/chinas-trade-halt-with-lithuania-over-taiwan-ties-sends-warning-to-europe?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#China #Lithuania #Taiwan #Europe
China schools: 'Xi Jinping Thought' introduced into curriculum
China will introduce the political ideology of the Chinese President in its national curriculum.
"Xi Jinping thought" will help "teenagers establish Marxist beliefs", said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in new guidelines.
The ideology will be integrated from primary school up to university.
This is the latest effort by Mr Xi to consolidate the ruling Chinese Communist Party's role in different areas of society.
Source: BBC #Aug25
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58301575
#China #XiJinping #MOE #CCP
China will introduce the political ideology of the Chinese President in its national curriculum.
"Xi Jinping thought" will help "teenagers establish Marxist beliefs", said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in new guidelines.
The ideology will be integrated from primary school up to university.
This is the latest effort by Mr Xi to consolidate the ruling Chinese Communist Party's role in different areas of society.
Source: BBC #Aug25
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58301575
#China #XiJinping #MOE #CCP
#FailedState
Strict Covid-19 curbs leave Hong Kong 'indefinitely trapped', #EUchamber says
Source: Straits Times #Aug20
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Strict Covid-19 curbs leave Hong Kong 'indefinitely trapped', #EUchamber says
Source: Straits Times #Aug20
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#FailedState
Strict Covid-19 curbs leave Hong Kong 'indefinitely trapped', #EUChamber says
//The European Chamber of Commerce (#ECC) in Hong Kong sent the letter to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday, Aug 19, 2020, calling the city's newly tightened quarantine rules a "significant setback" following a quickly abandoned attempt to relax some of the world's strictest requirements for inbound travellers.
The rules include mandatory quarantine hotel stays of as long as 21 days, as well as rigid testing and isolation policies that require infected people to be hospitalised and most close contacts sent to quarantine facilities. Most visitors, whether for business or tourism, are not allowed.
"We are of the view that Hong Kong must open itself sooner rather than later or this new quarantine regime could lead many in the international community to question if they want to remain indefinitely trapped in Hong Kong when the rest of the world is moving on," Mr #FrederikGollob, chairman of the chamber's board of directors, wrote.
"This concern amongst the international business community could pose, undoubtedly, a growing threat to Hong Kong's status as an international business centre."//
Source: Straits Times #Aug20
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/strict-covid-19-curbs-leave-hong-kong-indefinitely-trapped-eu-chamber-says
#Pandemic #Covid19 #Quarantine
Strict Covid-19 curbs leave Hong Kong 'indefinitely trapped', #EUChamber says
//The European Chamber of Commerce (#ECC) in Hong Kong sent the letter to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday, Aug 19, 2020, calling the city's newly tightened quarantine rules a "significant setback" following a quickly abandoned attempt to relax some of the world's strictest requirements for inbound travellers.
The rules include mandatory quarantine hotel stays of as long as 21 days, as well as rigid testing and isolation policies that require infected people to be hospitalised and most close contacts sent to quarantine facilities. Most visitors, whether for business or tourism, are not allowed.
"We are of the view that Hong Kong must open itself sooner rather than later or this new quarantine regime could lead many in the international community to question if they want to remain indefinitely trapped in Hong Kong when the rest of the world is moving on," Mr #FrederikGollob, chairman of the chamber's board of directors, wrote.
"This concern amongst the international business community could pose, undoubtedly, a growing threat to Hong Kong's status as an international business centre."//
Source: Straits Times #Aug20
www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/strict-covid-19-curbs-leave-hong-kong-indefinitely-trapped-eu-chamber-says
#Pandemic #Covid19 #Quarantine
The Straits Times
Strict Covid-19 curbs leave Hong Kong 'indefinitely trapped', EU chamber says
The EU chamber called on Hong Kong to create and communicate a clear exit plan for the pandemic.
. Read more at straitstimes.com.
. Read more at straitstimes.com.
#Newspaper #ChineseYouth
#Xi Crackdowns Look to Whip China’s ‘Lying Flat’ Youth Into Shape
Source: Bloomberg #Aug28
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#Xi Crackdowns Look to Whip China’s ‘Lying Flat’ Youth Into Shape
Source: Bloomberg #Aug28
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#Newspaper #ChineseYouth
#Xi Crackdowns Look to Whip China’s ‘Lying Flat’ Youth Into Shape
//Piecing together President Xi Jinping’s recent speeches and a barrage of new regulations that have roiled markets, one savvy internet user this month created a satirical image of what passes for an ideal youth in today’s China.
“The socialist successor of the new era does not attend after-school tutoring, does not play video games, does not chase celebrities,” said the post, which was shared widely before it was censored.
“They finish all their homework at school, read President Xi’s selected works for one hour everyday, go to sleep before 10 p.m., take the initiative to do chores, urge their parents to have more children and help look after them.”
The description highlights how Xi’s push for “common prosperity” and wealth redistribution is about more than just reining in tech billionaires: The flurry of rules and state-media missives targeting industries from after-school tutoring to online gaming and entertainment are also aimed at ensuring the younger generation -- some of whom are starting to embrace a minimalist lifestyle known as “lying flat” -- turns into motivated, patriotic and productive workers.//
Source: Bloomberg #Aug18
Read more:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-18/xi-crackdowns-look-to-whip-china-s-lying-flat-youth-into-shape
#Xi Crackdowns Look to Whip China’s ‘Lying Flat’ Youth Into Shape
//Piecing together President Xi Jinping’s recent speeches and a barrage of new regulations that have roiled markets, one savvy internet user this month created a satirical image of what passes for an ideal youth in today’s China.
“The socialist successor of the new era does not attend after-school tutoring, does not play video games, does not chase celebrities,” said the post, which was shared widely before it was censored.
“They finish all their homework at school, read President Xi’s selected works for one hour everyday, go to sleep before 10 p.m., take the initiative to do chores, urge their parents to have more children and help look after them.”
The description highlights how Xi’s push for “common prosperity” and wealth redistribution is about more than just reining in tech billionaires: The flurry of rules and state-media missives targeting industries from after-school tutoring to online gaming and entertainment are also aimed at ensuring the younger generation -- some of whom are starting to embrace a minimalist lifestyle known as “lying flat” -- turns into motivated, patriotic and productive workers.//
Source: Bloomberg #Aug18
Read more:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-18/xi-crackdowns-look-to-whip-china-s-lying-flat-youth-into-shape
Bloomberg.com
Xi Crackdowns Look to Whip China’s ‘Lying Flat’ Youth Into Shape
Piecing together President Xi Jinping’s recent speeches and a barrage of new regulations that have roiled markets, one savvy internet user this month created a satirical image of what passes for an ideal youth in today’s China.
When a redline morphs into a massive sea of redlines
Carrie LAM (Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR) said the legal system in Hong Kong is as stable as a cornerstone. She’s right. Everything is under control: national security judges will be designated to try dissidents; the mouthpiece for law will readily weaponise legal oddities; Secretary for Justice will press to change the sentencing principles resulting in heavier sentences; the cast over joint enterprise in riots is ever expanding without checks; interpretation of the Basic Law by the National People’s Congress overruling any Court of Final Appeal flouting decisions is always a last resort. Judges succumb quicker than expected. Now that the government starts tampering with the qualification criteria of Senior Counsels, the legal system is indeed stable as a mountain.
Source: Stand News #Jun13
#AuKaLun #RedLine
Author: AU Ka-Lun
https://bit.ly/3xX38l3
https://telegra.ph/When-a-redline-morphs-into-a-massive-sea-of-redlines-07-24
Carrie LAM (Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR) said the legal system in Hong Kong is as stable as a cornerstone. She’s right. Everything is under control: national security judges will be designated to try dissidents; the mouthpiece for law will readily weaponise legal oddities; Secretary for Justice will press to change the sentencing principles resulting in heavier sentences; the cast over joint enterprise in riots is ever expanding without checks; interpretation of the Basic Law by the National People’s Congress overruling any Court of Final Appeal flouting decisions is always a last resort. Judges succumb quicker than expected. Now that the government starts tampering with the qualification criteria of Senior Counsels, the legal system is indeed stable as a mountain.
Source: Stand News #Jun13
#AuKaLun #RedLine
Author: AU Ka-Lun
https://bit.ly/3xX38l3
https://telegra.ph/When-a-redline-morphs-into-a-massive-sea-of-redlines-07-24
China bans celebrity rankings in bid to ‘rectify chaos in the fan community’
Chinese authorities have banned online lists ranking celebrities by popularity, as regulators continue a drive to “clean up” fame and fandom culture.
According to regulations published in state media, all existing lists that rank Chinese stars must also be removed from the internet.
Only lists that rank works such as songs, films and TV shows can be published but they must reduce the emphasis on likes and comments, and instead “increase the weight of indicators like work orientation and professional evaluation”.
Source: The Guardians #Aug27
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/27/china-bans-celebrity-rankings-in-bid-to-rectify-chaos-in-the-fan-community?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#China #Chaos #Fan #Culture
Chinese authorities have banned online lists ranking celebrities by popularity, as regulators continue a drive to “clean up” fame and fandom culture.
According to regulations published in state media, all existing lists that rank Chinese stars must also be removed from the internet.
Only lists that rank works such as songs, films and TV shows can be published but they must reduce the emphasis on likes and comments, and instead “increase the weight of indicators like work orientation and professional evaluation”.
Source: The Guardians #Aug27
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/27/china-bans-celebrity-rankings-in-bid-to-rectify-chaos-in-the-fan-community?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
#China #Chaos #Fan #Culture
UK should be concerned at Chinese gene data harvesting, lawmaker says
Britain should be concerned about the harvesting of genetic data from millions of women by a Chinese company through prenatal tests, a senior British lawmaker told Reuters.
A Reuters review of scientific papers and company statements found that BGI Group developed the tests in collaboration with the Chinese military and is using them to collect genetic data around the world for research on the traits of populations.
"I'm always concerned when data leaves the United Kingdom, that it should be treated with the respect and privacy that we would expect here at home, and the concern that this raises is that it may not be so," Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the British parliament's Foreign Affairs Select Committee, told Reuters.
Source: Reuters #Jul23
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-should-be-concerned-chinese-gene-data-harvesting-lawmaker-says-2021-07-22/
#China #UK #Genetic #Data
Britain should be concerned about the harvesting of genetic data from millions of women by a Chinese company through prenatal tests, a senior British lawmaker told Reuters.
A Reuters review of scientific papers and company statements found that BGI Group developed the tests in collaboration with the Chinese military and is using them to collect genetic data around the world for research on the traits of populations.
"I'm always concerned when data leaves the United Kingdom, that it should be treated with the respect and privacy that we would expect here at home, and the concern that this raises is that it may not be so," Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the British parliament's Foreign Affairs Select Committee, told Reuters.
Source: Reuters #Jul23
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-should-be-concerned-chinese-gene-data-harvesting-lawmaker-says-2021-07-22/
#China #UK #Genetic #Data
#FirstHand #PoliceState
HK Police sends undercover officer and interrupts private screening of #KiwiChow's movie
Source: First Hand, Citizen News; #Aug27
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HK Police sends undercover officer and interrupts private screening of #KiwiChow's movie
Source: First Hand, Citizen News; #Aug27
Read more
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#FirstHand #PoliceState
HK Police sends undercover officer and interrupts private screening of #KiwiChow's movie
A private screening of a Hong Kong romance movie "Beyond the Dream" was held on August 27, 2021 by a pro-democracy district councilor, Derek Chu Kong-wai, in his councilor's office in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.
The film's director, #KiwiChow, was invited to the screening to share his thoughts on its making.
The screening, however, was interrupted by a large group of police officers and officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
The officers, initially, stationed outside Chu’s office while some entered his office to take photograph and record the scene. Soon after Kiwi Chow began sharing his thoughts on the making of the movie, police officers forced their way into the office space, accusing the attendees for breaching the 599G gathering restriction. Fine tickets were immediately issued to the 40 some citizens in attendance.
Police also set up a cordon line and told reporters to leave the office, calling it a crime scene.
Kiwi Chow and Chu Kong-wai spoke to media that the screening was a private event among friends. They felt that the actions of the police were absurd and unacceptable. Both questioned the police's rationale for sending an “undercover officer” to the private screening, as well as their definition of "public places".
However, Chow said that he still enjoyed the experience of the evening, because he was only sharing about the movie, and he hadn't talked about "Beyond the Dream" for quite some time. He also enjoyed the dialogue with the audience, and regretted that certain people had interfered.
"I really enjoy sharing about the movie, and I treasure the time of the dialogue. I have no fear; sharing the movie is a joy to me."
Editor's note:
Kiwi Chow is also the director of the documentary "#RevolutionOfOurTimes", which made international headlines with its surprise showing at the 2021 Cannes Film festival. "Beyond the Dream", a romance movie, received widespread support by Hong Kong moviegoers, and was among the top 10 most profitable movies in the city in 2020. It went on to win Best Adapted Screenplay at Taiwan's Golden Horse Award, and was also nominated for multiple other awards in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
#Aug27 #HongKongCinema #Film #PoliticalSuppression
Source: First Hand, Citizen News
HK Police sends undercover officer and interrupts private screening of #KiwiChow's movie
A private screening of a Hong Kong romance movie "Beyond the Dream" was held on August 27, 2021 by a pro-democracy district councilor, Derek Chu Kong-wai, in his councilor's office in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.
The film's director, #KiwiChow, was invited to the screening to share his thoughts on its making.
The screening, however, was interrupted by a large group of police officers and officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
The officers, initially, stationed outside Chu’s office while some entered his office to take photograph and record the scene. Soon after Kiwi Chow began sharing his thoughts on the making of the movie, police officers forced their way into the office space, accusing the attendees for breaching the 599G gathering restriction. Fine tickets were immediately issued to the 40 some citizens in attendance.
Police also set up a cordon line and told reporters to leave the office, calling it a crime scene.
Kiwi Chow and Chu Kong-wai spoke to media that the screening was a private event among friends. They felt that the actions of the police were absurd and unacceptable. Both questioned the police's rationale for sending an “undercover officer” to the private screening, as well as their definition of "public places".
However, Chow said that he still enjoyed the experience of the evening, because he was only sharing about the movie, and he hadn't talked about "Beyond the Dream" for quite some time. He also enjoyed the dialogue with the audience, and regretted that certain people had interfered.
"I really enjoy sharing about the movie, and I treasure the time of the dialogue. I have no fear; sharing the movie is a joy to me."
Editor's note:
Kiwi Chow is also the director of the documentary "#RevolutionOfOurTimes", which made international headlines with its surprise showing at the 2021 Cannes Film festival. "Beyond the Dream", a romance movie, received widespread support by Hong Kong moviegoers, and was among the top 10 most profitable movies in the city in 2020. It went on to win Best Adapted Screenplay at Taiwan's Golden Horse Award, and was also nominated for multiple other awards in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
#Aug27 #HongKongCinema #Film #PoliticalSuppression
Source: First Hand, Citizen News
#BNO
Beware of Chinese spies: British Government Urges Hongkongers to Apply Visa Online
//The [British] government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres.
[British] Ministers have been given intelligence that [Chinese] undercover agents are spying on dissidents coming and going from two centres in Hong Kong.
It is feared that they are passing on names and photos of dissidents to the Chinese authorities in an attempt to block their departure.
The Times revealed last week that Chinese spies were posing as dissidents in an attempt to enter Britain through its Hong Kong visa scheme.//
Image: Stand News
Source: The Times #Aug17
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beware-of-chinese-spies-visa-applicants-told-thdz6g8hq
#ChineseSpy #VisaApplication #Doxxing #PoliticalSuppression #CCP
Beware of Chinese spies: British Government Urges Hongkongers to Apply Visa Online
//The [British] government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres.
[British] Ministers have been given intelligence that [Chinese] undercover agents are spying on dissidents coming and going from two centres in Hong Kong.
It is feared that they are passing on names and photos of dissidents to the Chinese authorities in an attempt to block their departure.
The Times revealed last week that Chinese spies were posing as dissidents in an attempt to enter Britain through its Hong Kong visa scheme.//
Image: Stand News
Source: The Times #Aug17
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beware-of-chinese-spies-visa-applicants-told-thdz6g8hq
#ChineseSpy #VisaApplication #Doxxing #PoliticalSuppression #CCP
www.thetimes.co.uk
Beware of Chinese spies, visa applicants told
The government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres. Ministers h
Chinese official media quoted from “Swiss scholar” on the traceability of the politicized virus in the United States; Swiss Embassy in China: no such person
Source: Stand News #Aug11
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Source: Stand News #Aug11
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Chinese official media quoted from “Swiss scholar” on the traceability of the politicized virus in the United States; Swiss Embassy in China: no such person
In the beginning of this month Chinese multiple official media including People Daily and Guancha, quoted a published article from Swiss biologist Wilson Edwards. In which, it stated there is a scholar being suppressed by United States as he supports the first virus traceability report which published by China and WHO, the article was criticizing WTO virus traceability work as political tool of the United States. However, Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing posted a statement in Twitter on Tuesday night (10August), cleared out there is no citizen in Switzerland called Wilson Edwards, and no relevant article was signed with his name in the biology community. The embassy claimed for Chinese press and netizens, who have retweeted that news take down the posts and post correction statement. They also called for, if “Wilson Edwards” really “exists”, please contact the embassy and they would like to meet him.
Now, many Chinese media have taken down those relevant posts, but people can still search the original links from Google by using the Chinese translated name of “Wilson Edwards”; those official media have not posted any correction statement and the relevant report is still available on Eposh Times.
Source: Stand News #Aug11
https://bit.ly/3Ds2eAk
#China #ChinaVirus #Beijing #Switzerland #WilsonEdwards #Suppression #UnitedStates #Biologist #Traceability #WHO
In the beginning of this month Chinese multiple official media including People Daily and Guancha, quoted a published article from Swiss biologist Wilson Edwards. In which, it stated there is a scholar being suppressed by United States as he supports the first virus traceability report which published by China and WHO, the article was criticizing WTO virus traceability work as political tool of the United States. However, Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing posted a statement in Twitter on Tuesday night (10August), cleared out there is no citizen in Switzerland called Wilson Edwards, and no relevant article was signed with his name in the biology community. The embassy claimed for Chinese press and netizens, who have retweeted that news take down the posts and post correction statement. They also called for, if “Wilson Edwards” really “exists”, please contact the embassy and they would like to meet him.
Now, many Chinese media have taken down those relevant posts, but people can still search the original links from Google by using the Chinese translated name of “Wilson Edwards”; those official media have not posted any correction statement and the relevant report is still available on Eposh Times.
Source: Stand News #Aug11
https://bit.ly/3Ds2eAk
#China #ChinaVirus #Beijing #Switzerland #WilsonEdwards #Suppression #UnitedStates #Biologist #Traceability #WHO