#DailyUpdate #Mar16 #COVID19
COVID-19 Updates (16/3)
At the time of writing, 174,075 cases of the coronavirus have been reported with 6,684 deaths. China, Italy, Iran, and Spain are the 4 most affected countries of the pandemic.
The coronavirus is affecting 160 countries and territories.
Mainland China reported only 36 new infections. China has reported 80,880 cases and 3,213 deaths since the outbreak began last December. More than 67,000 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. However, there are still no scheduled dates for the delayed Lianghui (annual Chinese communist party meetings)
An interview posted online with a Chinese doctor, Ai Fen, was deleted on Chinese websites. Ai Fen tried to warned people about the new coronavirus in December 2019 and told reporters the lack of transparency in Chinese medical systems.
China provides temporary flights between Wenzhou and Italy to evacuate its Wenzhou population.
In China, Beijing announced all entrants without symptoms would be put onto observation for 14 days. The process is not funded. Those who hide their symptoms would be recorded by the social credit system.
Spain has 1,203 new found cases today, it is now the fourth most case country, surpassing South Korea.
The Spanish government ordered corporates and individuals to give out surgical masks, medical gloves and spectacles. Spain is also cooperating with Hungary to limit travels between the two countries.
7 new cases were confirmed in Hong Kong, raising the total to 155. Most of the new patients have outbound travel records.
The HKSAR is sending the second batch of chartered planes at 24 Mar the earliest to retrieve residents in Hubei.
Medical supplies are insufficient in Italy; some doctors were forced to selectively treat patients.
More Italian officials have contracted the virus. Chairman of Varese Medical Association, Roberto Stella died from the coronavirus contraction.
Czech Republic bans citizens from heading out except for work and necessities purchases.
Restaurants, bars and cafes in New York only provide take-away food starting on Tuesday. Nightclubs, movie theaters, opera houses and musical halls are closed. Classes are suspended until 20 April.
The Philippines extended the social quarantine measures to the whole Luzon.
First cases found in Somalia, Tanzania, Liberia, Bahamas, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles, Namibia, Eswatini and Guadeloupe.
Sources said terrorist group ISIS warned its followers not to go to Europe.
Iraq suspends flights to and from Baghdad airport from 17 Mar to 24 Mar over coronavirus fears
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa declares state of disaster over COVID-19.
Slovakia and Kazakhstan announced state of emergency in their countries.
In Australia, Canberra and State of Victoria announced state of emergency.
Israel announced the use of anti-terror tech against the coronavirus outbreak, follow similar methods used by Taiwan.
Thailand is considering delaying the traditional Thai New Year holidays next month.
Multiple airlines are cutting flights and cost. Scandinavian Airlines temporarily lay off 90% of its employees.
Starting from today, Germany implemented borders control in borders across France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Luxemburg. People without valid travel reasons would not be allowed to enter or exit Germany.
France is holding district elections as usual. Crowd control measures are implemented.
Source: Now News, Reuters, World Meter, CAN, CCTV, Beijing Daily, Stand News
COVID-19 Updates (16/3)
At the time of writing, 174,075 cases of the coronavirus have been reported with 6,684 deaths. China, Italy, Iran, and Spain are the 4 most affected countries of the pandemic.
The coronavirus is affecting 160 countries and territories.
Mainland China reported only 36 new infections. China has reported 80,880 cases and 3,213 deaths since the outbreak began last December. More than 67,000 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. However, there are still no scheduled dates for the delayed Lianghui (annual Chinese communist party meetings)
An interview posted online with a Chinese doctor, Ai Fen, was deleted on Chinese websites. Ai Fen tried to warned people about the new coronavirus in December 2019 and told reporters the lack of transparency in Chinese medical systems.
China provides temporary flights between Wenzhou and Italy to evacuate its Wenzhou population.
In China, Beijing announced all entrants without symptoms would be put onto observation for 14 days. The process is not funded. Those who hide their symptoms would be recorded by the social credit system.
Spain has 1,203 new found cases today, it is now the fourth most case country, surpassing South Korea.
The Spanish government ordered corporates and individuals to give out surgical masks, medical gloves and spectacles. Spain is also cooperating with Hungary to limit travels between the two countries.
7 new cases were confirmed in Hong Kong, raising the total to 155. Most of the new patients have outbound travel records.
The HKSAR is sending the second batch of chartered planes at 24 Mar the earliest to retrieve residents in Hubei.
Medical supplies are insufficient in Italy; some doctors were forced to selectively treat patients.
More Italian officials have contracted the virus. Chairman of Varese Medical Association, Roberto Stella died from the coronavirus contraction.
Czech Republic bans citizens from heading out except for work and necessities purchases.
Restaurants, bars and cafes in New York only provide take-away food starting on Tuesday. Nightclubs, movie theaters, opera houses and musical halls are closed. Classes are suspended until 20 April.
The Philippines extended the social quarantine measures to the whole Luzon.
First cases found in Somalia, Tanzania, Liberia, Bahamas, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles, Namibia, Eswatini and Guadeloupe.
Sources said terrorist group ISIS warned its followers not to go to Europe.
Iraq suspends flights to and from Baghdad airport from 17 Mar to 24 Mar over coronavirus fears
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa declares state of disaster over COVID-19.
Slovakia and Kazakhstan announced state of emergency in their countries.
In Australia, Canberra and State of Victoria announced state of emergency.
Israel announced the use of anti-terror tech against the coronavirus outbreak, follow similar methods used by Taiwan.
Thailand is considering delaying the traditional Thai New Year holidays next month.
Multiple airlines are cutting flights and cost. Scandinavian Airlines temporarily lay off 90% of its employees.
Starting from today, Germany implemented borders control in borders across France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Luxemburg. People without valid travel reasons would not be allowed to enter or exit Germany.
France is holding district elections as usual. Crowd control measures are implemented.
Source: Now News, Reuters, World Meter, CAN, CCTV, Beijing Daily, Stand News
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#TikTok #Nonsense #WuhanPneumonia
Toilet Seat Licking Video Shared on China-owned TikTok to "Challenge" the Coronavirus
A TikTok user in the US started what she called a "Coronavirus Challenge" in March 15. She uploaded a video of herself licking an airplane toilet seat.
The video sharing app TikTok is owned by China. Since 2019, it has been accused of secretly gathering user data and sending it to China illegally.
Source: CNET; Mirror #Mar16
Toilet Seat Licking Video Shared on China-owned TikTok to "Challenge" the Coronavirus
A TikTok user in the US started what she called a "Coronavirus Challenge" in March 15. She uploaded a video of herself licking an airplane toilet seat.
The video sharing app TikTok is owned by China. Since 2019, it has been accused of secretly gathering user data and sending it to China illegally.
Source: CNET; Mirror #Mar16
5 Months after 9.21 “Liberate Tuen Mun” March:
2 Voluntary First Aiders Charged with Illegal Possession of Walkie- Talkie
During the “Libreate Tuen Mun Park” event on September 21, 2019, protesters set up roadblocks in areas nearby. During dispersing operation, the police stopped and searched 2 voluntary first aiders, and found 2 walkie- talkies. Five months after the incident, they were charged with possessing a radio apparatus without a valid licence as well as failure to show their identity cards.
Editor's Note: The Office of the Communication Authority of the Hong Kong SAR Government encourages citizens to bring their own walkie-talkies when going for hike. The double stand makes one wonder whether the Authority has 'incited' citzens to offend the 'law', or the police is defining the law in their favour.
Source: InMedia #Mar16
#PoliceState #Protests
2 Voluntary First Aiders Charged with Illegal Possession of Walkie- Talkie
During the “Libreate Tuen Mun Park” event on September 21, 2019, protesters set up roadblocks in areas nearby. During dispersing operation, the police stopped and searched 2 voluntary first aiders, and found 2 walkie- talkies. Five months after the incident, they were charged with possessing a radio apparatus without a valid licence as well as failure to show their identity cards.
Editor's Note: The Office of the Communication Authority of the Hong Kong SAR Government encourages citizens to bring their own walkie-talkies when going for hike. The double stand makes one wonder whether the Authority has 'incited' citzens to offend the 'law', or the police is defining the law in their favour.
Source: InMedia #Mar16
#PoliceState #Protests
#Court #1C1S
The Times: British Judges in Hong Kong should resign together in demand for judicial independence
On March 15, 2021, The Times published an editorial titled “British Judges should resign from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal”.
The editorial states that Beijing is suppressing Hong Kong’s freedom and is demanding that “patriots rule Hong Kong”. The UK has explicitly said that China has violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
According to the editorial, the reason why China has not removed the British judges in Hong Kong is only because Beijing wanted to maintain the status quo. They believe that the current judicial system provides a welcome gloss of legitimacy, so that Hong Kong can continue to serve as an international financial centre.
“With the illusion that they can deliver change from within the new system exploded, they should instead adopt a common position and resign together. They should insist, with one voice, that they will no longer lend their authority to a compromised system, and demand that independent justice be restored to Hong Kong.”
In a report published on the same day, The Times mentioned that Lord Neuberger’s agreement to remain a judge in Hong Kong for 3 more years brought controversy over “the role of the ten British judges on Hong Kong's court of final appeal”. The report quoted senior figures saying that the UK can protest against Beijing’s changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system by withdrawing the British judges serving in Hong Kong.
According to the published report, Lord Neuberger previously said that the time would come when it would be right for all foreign judges to quit the Hong Kong bench. In 2017, he spoke at the University of Hong Kong, saying that foreign judges are the “canaries in the mine”, harbinger of a crisis.
“So long as they are happy to serve on the court, then you can safely assume that all is well with the judicial independence and impartiality in Hong Kong.” He said, “but if they start to leave in droves, that would represent a serious alarm call.”
Source: Stand News; The Times #Mar16
#TheTimes #Editorial #BritishJudges
#JudicialIndependence #PoliticalOppression #Beijing
The Times: British Judges in Hong Kong should resign together in demand for judicial independence
On March 15, 2021, The Times published an editorial titled “British Judges should resign from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal”.
The editorial states that Beijing is suppressing Hong Kong’s freedom and is demanding that “patriots rule Hong Kong”. The UK has explicitly said that China has violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
According to the editorial, the reason why China has not removed the British judges in Hong Kong is only because Beijing wanted to maintain the status quo. They believe that the current judicial system provides a welcome gloss of legitimacy, so that Hong Kong can continue to serve as an international financial centre.
“With the illusion that they can deliver change from within the new system exploded, they should instead adopt a common position and resign together. They should insist, with one voice, that they will no longer lend their authority to a compromised system, and demand that independent justice be restored to Hong Kong.”
In a report published on the same day, The Times mentioned that Lord Neuberger’s agreement to remain a judge in Hong Kong for 3 more years brought controversy over “the role of the ten British judges on Hong Kong's court of final appeal”. The report quoted senior figures saying that the UK can protest against Beijing’s changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system by withdrawing the British judges serving in Hong Kong.
According to the published report, Lord Neuberger previously said that the time would come when it would be right for all foreign judges to quit the Hong Kong bench. In 2017, he spoke at the University of Hong Kong, saying that foreign judges are the “canaries in the mine”, harbinger of a crisis.
“So long as they are happy to serve on the court, then you can safely assume that all is well with the judicial independence and impartiality in Hong Kong.” He said, “but if they start to leave in droves, that would represent a serious alarm call.”
Source: Stand News; The Times #Mar16
#TheTimes #Editorial #BritishJudges
#JudicialIndependence #PoliticalOppression #Beijing
China Signal Users Report Difficulty Accessing Messaging App
Signal have been blocked in China. On Mar 15, Signal users reported difficulties using the app in China without the help of a virtual private network, or VPN, which allows users to mask their location and access banned foreign communication services like Gmail and Twitter.
Signal has been a popular tool among political dissidents and journalists seeking a communication method that minimizes the risk of messages being intercepted by government censors and bad actors. In particular, the app has gained traction among China’s mainly Muslim Uyghur diaspora.
Signal recently surged in popularity when some WhatsApp users balked at changes in its privacy policies. Tesla Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk also gave Signal a boost when he recommended it in a tweet.
Source: Bloomberg #Mar16
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-16/signal-users-in-china-report-difficulty-accessing-messaging-app
#Signal #ChinaBanSocialMedia #VPN
Signal have been blocked in China. On Mar 15, Signal users reported difficulties using the app in China without the help of a virtual private network, or VPN, which allows users to mask their location and access banned foreign communication services like Gmail and Twitter.
Signal has been a popular tool among political dissidents and journalists seeking a communication method that minimizes the risk of messages being intercepted by government censors and bad actors. In particular, the app has gained traction among China’s mainly Muslim Uyghur diaspora.
Signal recently surged in popularity when some WhatsApp users balked at changes in its privacy policies. Tesla Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk also gave Signal a boost when he recommended it in a tweet.
Source: Bloomberg #Mar16
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-16/signal-users-in-china-report-difficulty-accessing-messaging-app
#Signal #ChinaBanSocialMedia #VPN
NATO Senior Officer Calls Upon the USA to Repair Relationship Against China's Diplomatic Bullying
Source from: The Stand News #Mar16
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Source from: The Stand News #Mar16
Read more
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NATO Senior Officer Calls Upon the USA to Repair Relationship Against China's Diplomatic Bullying
Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) calls upon the USA and the European Union to repair the relationship as soon as possible to respond to the “more aggressive” and “threatening” risk.
Stoltenberg attended the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that NATO needs to co-operate with partners in the Asia-Pacific Regions. He pointed out that the rise of China and the following changes of global power balance have brought new threats and challenges to North America, Europe, and the whole world.
He believes that China has become more aggressive in the recent few years and engages in bullying behaviors. He specifically mentions China's aggression is threatening Taiwan and other countries. He criticizes the behavior of China destroys the Rule of Law and the international order. Stoltenberg emphasizes, “This is the reason why NATO alliances should unite and co-operate with partners.” Meantime, he pointed out, “If you worry about the rise of China and the enhancing military and economic power of China, then our unity is more important”.
Source from: The Stand News #Mar16
https://bit.ly/3sA1QtC
#NATO #JenStoltenberg #USA #China #Taiwan
Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) calls upon the USA and the European Union to repair the relationship as soon as possible to respond to the “more aggressive” and “threatening” risk.
Stoltenberg attended the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that NATO needs to co-operate with partners in the Asia-Pacific Regions. He pointed out that the rise of China and the following changes of global power balance have brought new threats and challenges to North America, Europe, and the whole world.
He believes that China has become more aggressive in the recent few years and engages in bullying behaviors. He specifically mentions China's aggression is threatening Taiwan and other countries. He criticizes the behavior of China destroys the Rule of Law and the international order. Stoltenberg emphasizes, “This is the reason why NATO alliances should unite and co-operate with partners.” Meantime, he pointed out, “If you worry about the rise of China and the enhancing military and economic power of China, then our unity is more important”.
Source from: The Stand News #Mar16
https://bit.ly/3sA1QtC
#NATO #JenStoltenberg #USA #China #Taiwan
Business worries intensify over China’s tightening grip on Hong Kong
For businesses and investors in Hong Kong, how much is too much?
First there was an extradition bill which would allow Hong Kong residents to be extradited to China if it was passed as planned in 2019
The Chinese government unilaterally imposed a national security law on the supposedly autonomous territory a year later. In the event of any conflict between the national security law and freedoms guaranteed by Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law, the former prevails.
That might be more difficult than the executive imagines, as recent events have shown that Beijing is determined to apply the law very broadly.
Source: FT #Mar16
https://www.ft.com/content/098017c2-1c83-4da3-ac2a-53e7ed7fac81
#HongKong #HKNationalSecurityLaw #NSL
For businesses and investors in Hong Kong, how much is too much?
First there was an extradition bill which would allow Hong Kong residents to be extradited to China if it was passed as planned in 2019
The Chinese government unilaterally imposed a national security law on the supposedly autonomous territory a year later. In the event of any conflict between the national security law and freedoms guaranteed by Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law, the former prevails.
That might be more difficult than the executive imagines, as recent events have shown that Beijing is determined to apply the law very broadly.
Source: FT #Mar16
https://www.ft.com/content/098017c2-1c83-4da3-ac2a-53e7ed7fac81
#HongKong #HKNationalSecurityLaw #NSL
#Censorship #ChinaInfluence
British publishers censor books for western readers to appease China
References to Taiwan and Hong Kong were reportedly deleted from works for Western readers, so that they can also be sold in China.
London-listed #Quarto, as well as #OctopusBooks, part of the literary empire #Hachette, have allowed the removal of sensitive content from books to be sold in the West on several occasions.
It is claimed the nationality of people mentioned in one book was also changed from Taiwanese to East Asian, while references to Tibet, a region annexed by China in 1951, were revised in two books to suggest it was Chinese territory.
Since 2020, Octopus has also reportedly removed references in at least two books to Taiwan, a democracy that the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own territory despite never having ruled there.
#CCP #Education
Source: RFA; #Mar16
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/al-03152022162948.html
British publishers censor books for western readers to appease China
References to Taiwan and Hong Kong were reportedly deleted from works for Western readers, so that they can also be sold in China.
London-listed #Quarto, as well as #OctopusBooks, part of the literary empire #Hachette, have allowed the removal of sensitive content from books to be sold in the West on several occasions.
It is claimed the nationality of people mentioned in one book was also changed from Taiwanese to East Asian, while references to Tibet, a region annexed by China in 1951, were revised in two books to suggest it was Chinese territory.
Since 2020, Octopus has also reportedly removed references in at least two books to Taiwan, a democracy that the Chinese Communist Party claims as its own territory despite never having ruled there.
#CCP #Education
Source: RFA; #Mar16
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/al-03152022162948.html