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#SmallCircleElection #CCPInfluence
Ex-police officer oversees crackdown on pro-democracy protests is sole candidate in Hong Kong's #ChiefExecutiveElection

#JohnLee, a career police officer turned hardline security official, is running unopposed to take over the Chief Executive job in Hong Kong’s elections next month.

As the sole candidate with #Beijing’s blessing, he is all but guaranteed to become the next chief executive.

Hongkongers have not had a direct say in who serves as their chief executive since the handover in 1997. Instead, the post is selected by a small committee of society stakeholders called the Election Committee.

In March, 2021, Beijing overhauled the city’s electoral process, expanding the committee to 1,500 members but also tightening the criteria for candidates. New measures included a two-step national security screening process to ensure all members were loyal to the CCP.

Sources: InmediaHK, Reuters #Apr15

#PoliceState #Regime
Uyghur torchbearer for 2008 Beijing Olympics serving 14-year sentence in Xinjiang

A Uyghur who served as a torchbearer in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and was a loyal Chinese government official is serving a 14-year jail sentence for watching counter-revolutionary videos, caught in a crackdown on the ethnic minority group, officials in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi said.

Adil Abdurehim, a member of the Chinese Communist Party and a former employee of the Culture and Sports Bureau of Saybagh district in Urumqi (in Chinese, Wulumuqi) has been in prison for five years, said a local police officer.

Source: RFA #Feb11

https://t.co/w66jkKQ4ro

#Uyghur #Beijing #Olympics #Xinjiang
#PoliceState #SmallCircleElection
Hong Kong small-circle leadership race: Meet John Lee – the ex-police officer #Beijing trusts

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #May8

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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32676
#PoliceState #SmallCircleElection
Hong Kong small-circle leadership race: Meet John Lee – the ex-police officer #Beijing trusts

[On May 8, 2022, #JohnLee, the sole candidate in the election, was selected by an election committee with 1,000 or so members to be the next Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR, after the end of #CarrieLam's term. Lee received 1,416 votes to become the political leader of a city of more than seven million people. Read: https://hongkongfp.com/2022/05/08/breaking-sole-candidate-john-lee-selected-as-hong-kongs-next-leader/]

//As a former beat cop who rose to become Hong Kong’s security chief, John Lee is the one person China’s leaders trust to run the city as their loyal lieutenant, analysts and insiders say.

Lee, 64, is expected to be anointed Hong Kong’s next chief executive by a small committee on Sunday, the culmination of a choreographed, Beijing-blessed race with no other candidates...

It also places a security official in the city’s top job for the first time, a man who played a key role in the suppression of huge democracy protests and Beijing’s subsequent political crackdown.

Insiders say Lee’s unwavering commitment to that role won China’s confidence at a time when other Hong Kong elite were seen as insufficiently loyal or competent...

Given his security background, it seems unlikely Lee — already sanctioned by the United States — will reverse Beijing’s campaign against dissent.

Where he will enter less familiar territory is the world of business, an area where Hong Kong is suffering...//

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #May8

#Regime #ChiefExecutiveElection
#InternationalRelations
#SouthKorea’s Intelligence Agency Has Joined NATO’s Cyber Defense Unit; #China Isn’t Happy

//On Thursday, May 5, 2022, South Korea’s spy agency became the first in Asia to join #NATO’s Cyber Defense Group in a move that risks inflaming tensions with regional superpower China.

In response, #HuXiJin, the strident editor of Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) mouthpiece The #GlobalTimes, tweeted that the move was an affront to Beijing and even lays the groundwork for war in Asia. “If South Korea takes a path of turning hostile against its neighbors, the end of this path could be a #Ukraine,” he wrote.

Despite hosting some of the world’s top tech companies, like #LG and #Samsung, South Korea has been a surprising laggard regarding cybercrime and only launched a National Cybersecurity Strategy under the #MoonJaeIn administration in 2018.

This is despite South Korea being the principle target of increasingly frequent cyberattacks from across the DMZ. A crack squad of 6,800 North Korean agents are engaged in fraud, blackmail and online gambling that together generate some $860 million annually, according to the Korea Institute of Liberal Democracy in Seoul. Many attacks originate from inside China.//

Source: Time #May6

#Cyberattack #Seoul #Beijing #ChinaThreat
#WarOnUkraine
China Messaging On Ukraine Shows Support For Russia’s Invasion: U.S. State Department

//China’s uncritical amplification of Kremlin views on #Moscow’s invasion of the #Ukraine demonstrates #Beijing’s support for Russia in the war, the #USStateDepartment said in a statement on May 2, 2022.

“Government officials and state and party media from the People’s Republic of China (#PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) routinely amplify Kremlin propaganda, conspiracy theories, and disinformation,” the statement said.

“This amplification rationalizes President Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine while undermining trust in the United States and other countries, democratic institutions, and independent media,” the State Department said.

“Using social media platforms banned within the PRC, PRC and CCP media and PRC ‘wolf warrior’ diplomats convey biased Kremlin talking points to audiences in multiple languages and regions across the world. Meanwhile, within the PRC, CCP and state-backed entities censor credible reporting on Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine while blaming #NATO and the United States for #Putin’s brutal war of choice,” the statement said.

“PRC and CCP media and officials’ further uncritical amplification of Moscow’s messaging demonstrates Beijing’s support for Russia,” even though China hasn’t offered its explicit public endorsement or condemnation of Russia’s invasion, the State Department said.//

Read the official statement:
https://www.state.gov/disarming-disinformation/prc-efforts-to-amplify-the-kremlins-voice-on-ukraine/

Source: Forbes #May2
https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2022/05/02/china-messaging-on-ukraine-shows-support-for-russias-invasion-us-state-department/
‘‘Pretty Gross’: How a Network of Retired Lawmakers Boosts CCP Influence in Washington

As Beltway institutions cut ties with Chinese Communist Party front groups, a group of former congressmen has kept a close relationship with a think tank that oversees Beijing’s foreign influence efforts.

The Association of Former Members of Congress, a networking hub for former lawmakers, has hosted multiple events since 2020 for the China-United States Exchange Foundation, the CCP’s leading foreign influence think tank. The Exchange Foundation sponsors the association’s annual awards gala, which will be held next month, and it has worked hand-in-glove with the Exchange Foundation’s lobbyist to host policy events where pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have been blamed on "foreign forces" and the United States has been accused of directing "vitriol" toward China.

Source: Washington Free Beacon #May06

https://t.co/sBRHo5wS5o

#CCP #Network #Beijing #China
#Beijing Attempts to Silence Consulates' June 4th Commemoration in Hong Kong

Source: Lady Liberty; Mingpao #June4


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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/32824
#Beijing Attempts to Silence Consulates' June 4th Commemoration in Hong Kong

On the eve of June 4th, Beijing's foreign affairs office in Hong Kong sent warning to different consulates, asking them not to "make any gesture" on June 4, 2022.

June 4th 2022 marks the 33 year-mark of the Tiananmen Massacre in Beijing, where the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) government brutally cracked down pro-democracy civilians in 1989.

Commemorative events such as candlelight vigil had been annually held in Hong Kong until the enforcement of the #NationalSecurityLaw in 2020.

Beijing's office claimed that the commemorative activities in Hong Kong were organized by "a small fraction of anti-China people with hostility towards the Chinese government". According to CCP, there is "no need to remember June 4th".

On June 4, 2022, the US consulate and the Australia consulate in Hong Kong posted the Pillar of Shame and a candlelight image on their social media platform respectively, in commemoration of the victims of the 1989 June 4th Tiananmen Massacre. The Polish Consulate-general fearured candles in their social media post. Both the US consulate-general and the #EuropeanUnion office in Hong Kong lit candles on their windows.

Source: Lady Liberty; Mingpao; InMedia #June4

https://bit.ly/3teumDA

https://www.facebook.com/LadyLibertyHongKong/photos/a.104843870902055/791906062195829/

https://bit.ly/3xlvEiA

#Remembrance #Censorship #PoliticalSuppression
#China fighter jet intercepts Australian plane - Canberra

// #Australia has accused the pilot of a Chinese fighter jet of carrying out a dangerous manoeuvre near one of its aircraft over the South China Sea.

It says the Chinese aircraft released flares and cut in front of the Australian surveillance plane.

The Chinese jet then released "chaff" - an anti-radar device which includes small pieces of aluminium which entered the Australian plane's engine.

Beijing claims most of the region as its own territory.

But the US, neighbouring countries and others, including Australia, dispute its claim.

In February, Australia accused a Chinese navy ship of shining a military grade laser towards one of its warplanes over the Arafura Sea off northern Australia.

Source: BBC #Jun4

Read the full article:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-61696973

#Beijing #WolfWarrior #Jet #AirSpace
Conservative leadership contender Patrick Brown wins support of Beijing-allied groups, senator

After their party lost another federal election last year, the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association (CCCA) made some striking comments about the Tory platform — and Canada’s relations with Beijing.

Spokesman Joe Li said the Conservative push for a tougher stance on China had alienated voters of Chinese descent and cost the party three ridings.

Source: National Post #Jun10

https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/conservative-leadership-contender-wins-support-of-beijing-allied-groups-senator

#Canada #Beijing #China #CCCA
#China Intervenes #UN Human Rights Report on Xinjiang

According to #Reuters report on July 22, 2022, China, through a letter written by the Chinese mission, has asked the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to halt the release of the report on the human rights situation in #Xinjiang. This has been confirmed by three diplomats who received the letter.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet was widely criticized for her tepid performance during her visit to China in May 2022. Bachelet has since announced that she will not be seeking a second term as High Commissioner, citing personal reasons. However, she has promised to release a human rights report on Xinjiang before her tenure ends at the end of August.

Source: SBS #Jul22

https://www.sbs.com.au/chinese/cantonese/zh-hant/china-wants-to-stop-a-report-on-human-rights-in-xinjiang-why-is-it-piling-pressure-on-the-un

#Beijing #Threat #InternationalSecurity
#China uses #coronavirus warning app to stifle #dissent

//China's #COVID19 warning app enables health authorities to move quickly against a virus outbreak. But it seems officials also use the app to stop perfectly healthy people from doing what Beijing doesn't want them to do. And the target is dissidents.//

Watch the video:
https://www.dw.com/en/china-uses-coronavirus-warning-app-to-stifle-dissent/av-62501253

Source: DW #Jul17

#HealthCode #MassSurveillance #Beijing #Authoritarianism
#China Targeted #US Federal Reserve system to Build Informant Network and Access #Data, Probe Finds

//China tried to build a network of informants inside the Federal Reserve system, at one point threatening to imprison a Fed economist during a trip to Shanghai unless he agreed to provide nonpublic economic data, a congressional investigation found.

The investigation by Republican staff members of the Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs found that Fed employees were offered contracts with Chinese talent-recruitment programs, which often include cash payments, and asked to provide information on the U.S. economy, interest-rate changes and policies, according to a report of the findings released Tuesday [July 26, 2022].//

Read more:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-targeted-fed-to-build-informant-network-access-data-a-probe-says-11658826000

Source: WSJ #Jul26

#Espionage #Beijing #Security #Infiltration #FED
#Court
Hong Kong court quashes decision to enforce reporting ban on activist’s national security case in landmark ruling

//Reporting restrictions on proceedings regarding the transfer of criminal cases to the High Court must be lifted if the defendant makes such a request, a Hong Kong court has ruled.

The landmark judgement, which could extend to cases prosecuted under the national security law, came after activist #ChowHangTung challenged a magistrate’s decision to retain reporting restrictions in a national security case.

In a ruling published on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, High Court Judge Alex Lee said that magistrates had no say in whether to lift reporting restrictions on committal proceedings if the accused had applied to do so.

Chow, along with the Alliance, and the group’s former leaders #LeeCheukYan and #AlbertHo, were charged under the Beijing-imposed #NationalSecurityLaw over alleged incitement to subversion.

The Alliance, before it was disbanded in September last year, organised Hong Kong’s annual candlelight vigils commemorating victims of the #TiananmenCrackdown, where it is estimated that hundreds, perhaps thousands, died when the People’s Liberation Army cracked down on protesters in #Beijing on June 4, 1989.//

Read the full article:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/08/02/hong-kong-court-quashes-decision-to-enforce-reporting-ban-on-activists-national-security-case-in-landmark-ruling/

Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Aug2

#Alliance #PoliceState #Censorship #JudicialReview #NSL
#China's ambassador to #France says #Taiwanese will be 'reeducated' after annexation

//China's Ambassador to France Lu Shaye (盧沙野) on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 claimed that Beijing would impose reeducation after it annexes Taiwan, drawing international criticism, including denouncements by Uyghur activists.

During an interview with French station #BFMTV to discuss U.S. House Speaker #NancyPelosi's visit to Taiwan, Lu described her trip as an “unnecessary provocation” that had “created a lot of danger." He claimed that China's live-fire drills were "responding to a provocation" — alluding to Pelosi's trip to Taiwan.

Referring to Taiwanese aversion to Chinese annexation, Lu said: “Ten years ago, 20 years ago, the majority of the population of Taiwan was for reunification, but why, now, are they against it? It’s because the Democratic Progressive Party has spread a lot of anti-Chinese propaganda."

However, according to the Election Study Center at National Chengchi University, there has never been a majority of Taiwanese who supported unification since polls began on the question in 1994.

Lu then said the possibility of a military invasion of Taiwan "is still there" but added the assault would "not be against the population of Taiwan." He then vowed that "after reunification, we will do reeducation."

The ambassador said the reeducation campaign would be peaceful and "not under threat." He then tried to reassure Taiwanese that it would not take the form of "mass" education.//

Read the full article:

Source: Taiwan News #Aug3

#CrossStraits #Beijing #Taiwan
Chinese delegation barred from viewing Queen Elizabeth’s coffin in parliament

A Chinese government delegation has been refused permission by the House of Commons authorities to attend the queen’s lying-in-state, opening a fresh diplomatic rift with Beijing.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has told colleagues he declined a request for Chinese officials to be allowed to access Westminster Hall, where the late queen will lie in state until her funeral on Monday, a senior parliamentary figure familiar with the matter told POLITICO. Hoyle’s office said it did not comment on security matters.

Source: Politico #Sep16

#Queen #Elizabeth #Chinese #Beijing #WestminsterHall

https://www.politico.eu/article/chinese-delegation-barred-from-viewing-queen-elizabeths-coffin-in-parliament/