#DailyUpdate #Apr14 #COVID19
COVID-19 Updates (14/4)
At the time of writing, 1,939,694 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 120,897 deaths worldwide. The US, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK continue to be the worst affected by the pandemic.
China identified 89 new cases of novel coronavirus on Monday.
Singapore reports 386 new coronavirus cases.
Iran reports smallest increase in coronavirus-related deaths in a month.
Spain surpasses 18,000 coronavirus deaths, but records Europe’s first fall in active cases.
Japan reports 311 new coronavirus patients.
Hong Kong reported a rise of 3 cases today bringing the total to 1013.
Nearly 600 sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt test positive for coronavirus.
New York governor says "phased reopening" of the state will take months.
There won't be a decision on extending UK restrictions until Thursday.
Italy cautiously eases some lockdown measures.
India considers relaxing lockdown rules in parts of the country.
China lifts restrictions after African nations complain of discrimination.
1.4 million people in the United Kingdom have applied for welfare support.
France's finance minister thinks the country's economy will contract by 8% this year.
The IMF has approved a debt-relief plan for 25 countries battling the coronavirus pandemic.
China is giving cash to car buyers to revive sales crushed by the pandemic.
India will extend its nationwide lockdown until May 3.
New Zealand extends its state of emergency for another 7 days.
South Korea is holding an election during the coronavirus crisis.
Malaysia's health ministry says it will run out of personal protective equipment in 2 weeks without donations.
Trump says he will ask for a delay to the 2020 census.
Source: CNN, Worldometer
COVID-19 Updates (14/4)
At the time of writing, 1,939,694 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed with 120,897 deaths worldwide. The US, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK continue to be the worst affected by the pandemic.
China identified 89 new cases of novel coronavirus on Monday.
Singapore reports 386 new coronavirus cases.
Iran reports smallest increase in coronavirus-related deaths in a month.
Spain surpasses 18,000 coronavirus deaths, but records Europe’s first fall in active cases.
Japan reports 311 new coronavirus patients.
Hong Kong reported a rise of 3 cases today bringing the total to 1013.
Nearly 600 sailors on USS Theodore Roosevelt test positive for coronavirus.
New York governor says "phased reopening" of the state will take months.
There won't be a decision on extending UK restrictions until Thursday.
Italy cautiously eases some lockdown measures.
India considers relaxing lockdown rules in parts of the country.
China lifts restrictions after African nations complain of discrimination.
1.4 million people in the United Kingdom have applied for welfare support.
France's finance minister thinks the country's economy will contract by 8% this year.
The IMF has approved a debt-relief plan for 25 countries battling the coronavirus pandemic.
China is giving cash to car buyers to revive sales crushed by the pandemic.
India will extend its nationwide lockdown until May 3.
New Zealand extends its state of emergency for another 7 days.
South Korea is holding an election during the coronavirus crisis.
Malaysia's health ministry says it will run out of personal protective equipment in 2 weeks without donations.
Trump says he will ask for a delay to the 2020 census.
Source: CNN, Worldometer
#Court #PoliceState #Judicary
Police Wins New Injunction Despite Losing A Court Challenge on the Same Issue
//The Junior Police Officers' Association has been granted a fresh injunction to prevent members of the public from inspecting the electoral register, despite losing a court challenge to block the sharing of information on voters.
The Court of First Instance last week rejected a challenge from the Junior Police Officers' Association to bar election authorities from publicly disclosing voters' details amid fears they could be used for the unlawful release of personal information, a practice known as "doxxing".
However the police union launched an appeal on April 14 and was granted a fresh injunction by the Court of Appeal.//
Source: RTHK; Apple Daily #Apr14
news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520622-20200415.htm
#RuleofLawisDead
Police Wins New Injunction Despite Losing A Court Challenge on the Same Issue
//The Junior Police Officers' Association has been granted a fresh injunction to prevent members of the public from inspecting the electoral register, despite losing a court challenge to block the sharing of information on voters.
The Court of First Instance last week rejected a challenge from the Junior Police Officers' Association to bar election authorities from publicly disclosing voters' details amid fears they could be used for the unlawful release of personal information, a practice known as "doxxing".
However the police union launched an appeal on April 14 and was granted a fresh injunction by the Court of Appeal.//
Source: RTHK; Apple Daily #Apr14
news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520622-20200415.htm
#RuleofLawisDead
#Authoritarianism #StateTerrotism
Beijing Intervenes Hong Kong Local Affairs, taking avantage of the pandemic to flout "One Country Two Systems"
On April 13, Beijing's top offices overseeing Hong Kong affairs, namely the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, have hit out at pro-democracy lawmakers, claiming that their behavior could have violated lawmaker’s oaths and breached the council's regulations.
Beijing particularly named pro-democracy legislator Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, who had presided in 14 meetings without any success in electing the House Committee’s chairperson.
In a press conference on April 14, pro-democracy legislators condemmed Beijing for taking advantage of Coronavirus Outbreak to influence the local affairs of Hong Kong. The violation of One Country Two Systems was equivalent to declaring war to the people of Hong Kong.
Wu Chi-wai of Democratic Party criticized Beijing for being "completely inappropriate" and trampling on the "one country, two systems" policy. Beijing's statement also reflected that the Central Government has long been disrespected by the people and will ultimately resort to political repression to sustain its governance.
Pro-democray legislator Claudia Mo explained that filibustering is the last option of every legislator with conscience to veto evil laws that bring injustice, “if the Government does not push through controversial legislations such as the National Anthem Law and Article 23 of the Basic Law, no one in the legislature would ever filibuster.
Pro-democracy Chan Chi-chuen of People’s Power denounced Beijing's action as a “self-directed political storm”, showing that China is stepping up their interference on Hong Kong against the will of the local population: “China is taking advantage of the spread of Wuhan Pneumonia around the world, as other countries are probably too busy to comment on these nasty doings.” Chan called for Hong Kong people to stand firm and resist.
Pro-establishment legislators defended that it was obstruction of legislative Council’s operation that courted intervention from China. They will urge the Council’s Chairman to investigate and they will explore all possible ways to follow-up, including suing Kwok for violating the lawmaker’s oath.
Source: InMedia; Now News
https://bit.ly/2y8U4j8
#Apr14 #Filibuster #FreedomofSpeech #OneCountryTwoSystems
Beijing Intervenes Hong Kong Local Affairs, taking avantage of the pandemic to flout "One Country Two Systems"
On April 13, Beijing's top offices overseeing Hong Kong affairs, namely the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, have hit out at pro-democracy lawmakers, claiming that their behavior could have violated lawmaker’s oaths and breached the council's regulations.
Beijing particularly named pro-democracy legislator Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, who had presided in 14 meetings without any success in electing the House Committee’s chairperson.
In a press conference on April 14, pro-democracy legislators condemmed Beijing for taking advantage of Coronavirus Outbreak to influence the local affairs of Hong Kong. The violation of One Country Two Systems was equivalent to declaring war to the people of Hong Kong.
Wu Chi-wai of Democratic Party criticized Beijing for being "completely inappropriate" and trampling on the "one country, two systems" policy. Beijing's statement also reflected that the Central Government has long been disrespected by the people and will ultimately resort to political repression to sustain its governance.
Pro-democray legislator Claudia Mo explained that filibustering is the last option of every legislator with conscience to veto evil laws that bring injustice, “if the Government does not push through controversial legislations such as the National Anthem Law and Article 23 of the Basic Law, no one in the legislature would ever filibuster.
Pro-democracy Chan Chi-chuen of People’s Power denounced Beijing's action as a “self-directed political storm”, showing that China is stepping up their interference on Hong Kong against the will of the local population: “China is taking advantage of the spread of Wuhan Pneumonia around the world, as other countries are probably too busy to comment on these nasty doings.” Chan called for Hong Kong people to stand firm and resist.
Pro-establishment legislators defended that it was obstruction of legislative Council’s operation that courted intervention from China. They will urge the Council’s Chairman to investigate and they will explore all possible ways to follow-up, including suing Kwok for violating the lawmaker’s oath.
Source: InMedia; Now News
https://bit.ly/2y8U4j8
#Apr14 #Filibuster #FreedomofSpeech #OneCountryTwoSystems
#FailedState
Responding to Population's Fear of Beijing's Intervention and Suppression, Carrie Lam: 'High autonomy doesn't mean Beijing has no power'
Pro-Democracy Faction, Bar Association and SeniorJudges among others have condemned Beijing for intervening Hong Kong affairs in China's stark criticism of Hong Kong's legislature and the pro-democracy politicians.
Three of Hong Kong's most senior judges told the Reuters News Agency that the independent judiciary, the cornerstone of the city's broad freedoms, is in a fight for its survival.
One example includes how the PRC-controlled press has warned Hong Kong judges not to "absolve" protesters arrested during anti-extradition law protests in 2019.
Similar to the pro-Beijing camp that defends Beijing's stance and urges for penalising the opposition politicians, Chief Executive Carrie Lam on April 14 rejected claims that Beijing has interfered in local affairs.
The city's unelected head of the government even denied the "high degree of autonomy" that the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law entitle Hong Kong to. Lam said a high degree of autonomy for the SAR doesn't mean the "central government has given up its power and authority on Hong Kong affairs".
Source: RTHK #Apr14
Read Further:
Top HK judges: 'judicial independence under assault'
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520605-20200414.htm
Carrie Lam: "High autonomy doesn't mean Beijing has no power'
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520538-20200414.htm
Responding to Population's Fear of Beijing's Intervention and Suppression, Carrie Lam: 'High autonomy doesn't mean Beijing has no power'
Pro-Democracy Faction, Bar Association and SeniorJudges among others have condemned Beijing for intervening Hong Kong affairs in China's stark criticism of Hong Kong's legislature and the pro-democracy politicians.
Three of Hong Kong's most senior judges told the Reuters News Agency that the independent judiciary, the cornerstone of the city's broad freedoms, is in a fight for its survival.
One example includes how the PRC-controlled press has warned Hong Kong judges not to "absolve" protesters arrested during anti-extradition law protests in 2019.
Similar to the pro-Beijing camp that defends Beijing's stance and urges for penalising the opposition politicians, Chief Executive Carrie Lam on April 14 rejected claims that Beijing has interfered in local affairs.
The city's unelected head of the government even denied the "high degree of autonomy" that the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law entitle Hong Kong to. Lam said a high degree of autonomy for the SAR doesn't mean the "central government has given up its power and authority on Hong Kong affairs".
Source: RTHK #Apr14
Read Further:
Top HK judges: 'judicial independence under assault'
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520605-20200414.htm
Carrie Lam: "High autonomy doesn't mean Beijing has no power'
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1520538-20200414.htm
news.rthk.hk
Top HK judges: 'judicial independence under assault'
The independence of Hong Kong's judicial system is under assault from the Communist Party leadership in Beijing according to senior judges in the SAR. Three of Hong Kong's most senior judges told the Reuters News Agency that the independent judiciary, the…
#WhiteTerror #FailedState #FreedomofSpeech
Government's Suppression Tactic Brings Civil Servants' Morale to Historic Low
An ex-Information Officer at Chief Executive’s Office committed suicide six days after he left his position. The incident aroused immense public concern, particularly among civil servants.
Recently, several internal emails
from the Government Information Services office were purportedly leaked out. One of the emails involved a Chief Information Officer admonishing to the head of the Division.
In one of these emails, Chief Officer, Katherine Kwong, pointed out that the Division’s morale has reached a historical low and the crux of the problems lies in the management. The existing mechanism needs to be reviewed urgently by a third party to prevent the tragedy from happening again. The government declined to comment on the issue.
According to Honorary Director of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute Prof. Chung Kim-wah, the Hong Kong SAR Government is using the same suppression tactic internally as they stifle opposition in the society.
Prof. Chung elaborated further that in case of conflict, the front-line staff do not necessarily support the department head. If a decision clashes with the core values of staff, the staff will naturally make a moral choice. Prof. Chung said, “if their voices are not heeded internally, channelling out is probably an alternative to make their opinion heard.”
Source: Apple Daily
#Apr14
Government's Suppression Tactic Brings Civil Servants' Morale to Historic Low
An ex-Information Officer at Chief Executive’s Office committed suicide six days after he left his position. The incident aroused immense public concern, particularly among civil servants.
Recently, several internal emails
from the Government Information Services office were purportedly leaked out. One of the emails involved a Chief Information Officer admonishing to the head of the Division.
In one of these emails, Chief Officer, Katherine Kwong, pointed out that the Division’s morale has reached a historical low and the crux of the problems lies in the management. The existing mechanism needs to be reviewed urgently by a third party to prevent the tragedy from happening again. The government declined to comment on the issue.
According to Honorary Director of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute Prof. Chung Kim-wah, the Hong Kong SAR Government is using the same suppression tactic internally as they stifle opposition in the society.
Prof. Chung elaborated further that in case of conflict, the front-line staff do not necessarily support the department head. If a decision clashes with the core values of staff, the staff will naturally make a moral choice. Prof. Chung said, “if their voices are not heeded internally, channelling out is probably an alternative to make their opinion heard.”
Source: Apple Daily
#Apr14
Disney's new movie starring pro-Beijing actress did not enjoy a head start
Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan, plagued by the #BoycottMulan scandal after starring actress Liu Yifei vocally supported HK Police during anti-ELAB protests last year, may be seeing its final undoing at the box office due to the global Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Costing USD $200 million for production, the film only managed to gross $874 over the first two weeks, with the opening day's sale only $83. Due to quarantine measures around the world, the film has only managed to premiere in Norway.
Originally expected to be a blockbuster, Disney has announced that the movie's release would be delayed due to the pandemic. However, it is hard to tell if it will premiere in other countries due to the ongoing outbreak.
Source: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt4566758/ #Apr14
Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan, plagued by the #BoycottMulan scandal after starring actress Liu Yifei vocally supported HK Police during anti-ELAB protests last year, may be seeing its final undoing at the box office due to the global Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Costing USD $200 million for production, the film only managed to gross $874 over the first two weeks, with the opening day's sale only $83. Due to quarantine measures around the world, the film has only managed to premiere in Norway.
Originally expected to be a blockbuster, Disney has announced that the movie's release would be delayed due to the pandemic. However, it is hard to tell if it will premiere in other countries due to the ongoing outbreak.
Source: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt4566758/ #Apr14
#CoronavirusPandemic #Impact #PublicExam
Poll Shows 94% of Students Worry About the Spread Coronavirus in Public Exam in Hong Kong
Secondary Student Strike Preparation Platform conducted an online poll in early April, and interviewed 15,000 secondary students, among which 70% are standing in the DSE examination, a public exam for university admission in Hong Kong.
Findings of the online poll show that
• 90% of the respondents opposed of having the examination next Friday as scheduled, among them 94% were concerned about the spread of the Coronavirus.
• Over 60% of the respondents stressed that they would be confident to take examination when no new confirmed cases are found in two weeks’ time.
• 70% of the respondents supported the postponememt of the examination.
Source: Now News #Apr14 #DSE #Students #EducationBureau
Poll Shows 94% of Students Worry About the Spread Coronavirus in Public Exam in Hong Kong
Secondary Student Strike Preparation Platform conducted an online poll in early April, and interviewed 15,000 secondary students, among which 70% are standing in the DSE examination, a public exam for university admission in Hong Kong.
Findings of the online poll show that
• 90% of the respondents opposed of having the examination next Friday as scheduled, among them 94% were concerned about the spread of the Coronavirus.
• Over 60% of the respondents stressed that they would be confident to take examination when no new confirmed cases are found in two weeks’ time.
• 70% of the respondents supported the postponememt of the examination.
Source: Now News #Apr14 #DSE #Students #EducationBureau
#Judiciary #Justice #RuleofLaw
Hong Kong judges battle Beijing over rule of law as pandemic chills protests
//Hong Kong’s judicial system is under increasing duress as signs grow that the Communist Party leadership in Beijing wants to bring the city’s courts to heel. Three senior judges told Reuters the independence of the judiciary is now under threat...
A retired senior judge, speaking on condition of anonymity, said while the mainland is clearly trying to pressure Hong Kong’s judiciary, it doesn’t amount to an existential threat to the rule of law. The test, the former judge said, would be if the legal system succumbed to these pressures. “I have not seen that.”
...Some people close to [current Chief Justice Geoffrey] Ma say that while he hasn't been pushed to leave, the constant battle to safeguard the judiciary has worn on him. His job includes dealing with visiting mainland judges and briefings from locally based Chinese officials, which can be tough going, these people say.
While they apparently know better than to meddle in individual cases, say the people close to Ma, the Chinese judges and officials constantly seek to push Beijing's “patriotic” agenda by stressing the importance of the judiciary in defending China's sovereignty and national security...
Another of the justices told Reuters he is concerned that a generational shift underway on the bench could leave it starved of judges strong enough to withstand meddling in the years ahead.
“Pressures will build on the new judicial leaders,” the judge said. “Some of us doubt that they will be able to withstand those pressures as previous generations have done. We just have to hope they can,” the judge said. “The rule of law will depend on it.”//
Source: Reuters #Apr14
Read the Full Article:
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/hongkong-politics-judiciary/
Hong Kong judges battle Beijing over rule of law as pandemic chills protests
//Hong Kong’s judicial system is under increasing duress as signs grow that the Communist Party leadership in Beijing wants to bring the city’s courts to heel. Three senior judges told Reuters the independence of the judiciary is now under threat...
A retired senior judge, speaking on condition of anonymity, said while the mainland is clearly trying to pressure Hong Kong’s judiciary, it doesn’t amount to an existential threat to the rule of law. The test, the former judge said, would be if the legal system succumbed to these pressures. “I have not seen that.”
...Some people close to [current Chief Justice Geoffrey] Ma say that while he hasn't been pushed to leave, the constant battle to safeguard the judiciary has worn on him. His job includes dealing with visiting mainland judges and briefings from locally based Chinese officials, which can be tough going, these people say.
While they apparently know better than to meddle in individual cases, say the people close to Ma, the Chinese judges and officials constantly seek to push Beijing's “patriotic” agenda by stressing the importance of the judiciary in defending China's sovereignty and national security...
Another of the justices told Reuters he is concerned that a generational shift underway on the bench could leave it starved of judges strong enough to withstand meddling in the years ahead.
“Pressures will build on the new judicial leaders,” the judge said. “Some of us doubt that they will be able to withstand those pressures as previous generations have done. We just have to hope they can,” the judge said. “The rule of law will depend on it.”//
Source: Reuters #Apr14
Read the Full Article:
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/hongkong-politics-judiciary/
Reuters
Hong Kong judges battle Beijing on rule of law as virus halts protests
Hong Kong’s judicial system is under increasing duress as signs grow that the Communist Party leadership in Beijing wants to bring the city’s courts to heel.
District council newcomer calls on democrats to stand firm and wrestle against injustice and government oppression
Lam Chun is a typical post-90s. He worked in a local bank after grauduating from university. The Umbrella Revolution in 2014 altered the course of his life, forcing him to rethink his goals in life: “Living the life of the middle class, owning a car and property, might be the dream of many, but this is not what I want.”
Source: InMedia #Apr14
#Article23 #DistrictCouncil #UmbrellaRevolution #AntiELAB
Continue reading
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Lam Chun is a typical post-90s. He worked in a local bank after grauduating from university. The Umbrella Revolution in 2014 altered the course of his life, forcing him to rethink his goals in life: “Living the life of the middle class, owning a car and property, might be the dream of many, but this is not what I want.”
Source: InMedia #Apr14
#Article23 #DistrictCouncil #UmbrellaRevolution #AntiELAB
Continue reading
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
District council newcomer calls on democrats to stand firm and wrestle against injustice and government oppression
Lam Chun is a typical post-90s. He worked in a local bank after grauduating from university. The Umbrella Revolution in 2014 altered the course of his life, forcing him to rethink his goals in life: “Living the life of the middle class, owning a car and property, might be the dream of many, but this is not what I want.”
During the 79-day occupy movement in 2014, Lam took leave, ditched work and showed up at the demonstration site almost every day. As the Movement faded out and universal suffrage lost prospect, authoritarian governance augmented. “I questioned myself, did I miss anything? Why is there no reward?”
Witnessing the same scene in the same place on June 12 2019, Lam assisted volunteer medics in transporting the injured civilians from the orotest zone. At that moment, he decided to quit his job and dedicated to the protest work so that he won’t regret later.
Later on, Lam took part in the District Council election in his home district, Shui Wah, where he stumped out the incumbent councillor who was a member of the Liberal Party.
“It is important to make an outright political stance showing people that you would never forget where you started,” Lam explained. The most important thing of a politician is to make known of his viewpoint. “To be a liar or to be stupid?” He reiterated that under the authoritarian rule, showing a firm stance is to lead by example to stimulate public concern and buy-in. “Supporters of Article 23 should reflect on what has happened in Hong Kong. Many pro-establishment supporters do not understand the vile behind the Article. They risk betraying Hong Kong for some trivial benefits.”
Lam pointed out that politicians must stand up for their beliefs, no matter how much it costs to display ond's political stance. He said, “if all democrats stand up for their values and flaunt their stance, the Home Affairs [a government department overlooking district council affairs] won’t dare to disqualify them all.”
“Fight and wrestle! If one gives up wrestling, one is no different from a dead fish,” Lam cited a staunch statement made by Wu Lik-wai, a fitness trainer amidst the outbreak of Wuhan Pneumonia. Lam believed that “the Home Affairs Department has been reduced to the talon and teeth of the government, assisting and taking the lead to scrutinize political stance of district councillors.”
Source: InMedia
https://bit.ly/2yO2soh
#Apr14 #Article23 #DistrictCouncil #UmbrellaRevolution #AntiELAB #Fight
Lam Chun is a typical post-90s. He worked in a local bank after grauduating from university. The Umbrella Revolution in 2014 altered the course of his life, forcing him to rethink his goals in life: “Living the life of the middle class, owning a car and property, might be the dream of many, but this is not what I want.”
During the 79-day occupy movement in 2014, Lam took leave, ditched work and showed up at the demonstration site almost every day. As the Movement faded out and universal suffrage lost prospect, authoritarian governance augmented. “I questioned myself, did I miss anything? Why is there no reward?”
Witnessing the same scene in the same place on June 12 2019, Lam assisted volunteer medics in transporting the injured civilians from the orotest zone. At that moment, he decided to quit his job and dedicated to the protest work so that he won’t regret later.
Later on, Lam took part in the District Council election in his home district, Shui Wah, where he stumped out the incumbent councillor who was a member of the Liberal Party.
“It is important to make an outright political stance showing people that you would never forget where you started,” Lam explained. The most important thing of a politician is to make known of his viewpoint. “To be a liar or to be stupid?” He reiterated that under the authoritarian rule, showing a firm stance is to lead by example to stimulate public concern and buy-in. “Supporters of Article 23 should reflect on what has happened in Hong Kong. Many pro-establishment supporters do not understand the vile behind the Article. They risk betraying Hong Kong for some trivial benefits.”
Lam pointed out that politicians must stand up for their beliefs, no matter how much it costs to display ond's political stance. He said, “if all democrats stand up for their values and flaunt their stance, the Home Affairs [a government department overlooking district council affairs] won’t dare to disqualify them all.”
“Fight and wrestle! If one gives up wrestling, one is no different from a dead fish,” Lam cited a staunch statement made by Wu Lik-wai, a fitness trainer amidst the outbreak of Wuhan Pneumonia. Lam believed that “the Home Affairs Department has been reduced to the talon and teeth of the government, assisting and taking the lead to scrutinize political stance of district councillors.”
Source: InMedia
https://bit.ly/2yO2soh
#Apr14 #Article23 #DistrictCouncil #UmbrellaRevolution #AntiELAB #Fight
#CoronavirusPandemic #InternationalRelations
Russia, China and the European Union vie in Serbia
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, rival powers are deploying soft power and aid to advance their own foreign policy goals in Belgrade, major players are looking to use soft power and aid to fulfil their foreign policy goals.
//First, the Chinese came to Belgrade, with planeloads of equipment and six medical experts to help coordinate national coronavirus policy. An emotional Serbian president kissed the Chinese flag in gratitude and slammed Europe for its lack of assistance; For China, it is changing the narrative to present the country as the solution to COVID-19, not its cause.//
//For Russia, it is using more modest resources for maximum effect, with Russian military vehicles driving through Italy or a planeload of equipment dispatched to the US partly produced by a sanctioned company.//
//For the EU, it is trying to prove that talk of European values and solidarity is not just empty words.//
//The Americans, focused internally under US President Donald Trump’s administration, have largely been absent from the COVID-19 diplomacy game.//
// Serbian officials said the Chinese experts, who have remained in the country, are now running the government’s coronavirus policy. Serbia is following the Chinese model of isolating even mild cases of COVID-19 in large field hospitals, rather than trusting people to self-isolate.//
//A survey carried out in December last year showed that many Serbs believed Russia or China to be the country’s largest donor over the past two decades, while in fact the EU had given about 100 times more than either.//
Source: Taipei Times #Apr14
Full Article:
https://taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/04/14/2003734593
#Serbia #China #Russia #Coronavirus #MedicalSupplies
Russia, China and the European Union vie in Serbia
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, rival powers are deploying soft power and aid to advance their own foreign policy goals in Belgrade, major players are looking to use soft power and aid to fulfil their foreign policy goals.
//First, the Chinese came to Belgrade, with planeloads of equipment and six medical experts to help coordinate national coronavirus policy. An emotional Serbian president kissed the Chinese flag in gratitude and slammed Europe for its lack of assistance; For China, it is changing the narrative to present the country as the solution to COVID-19, not its cause.//
//For Russia, it is using more modest resources for maximum effect, with Russian military vehicles driving through Italy or a planeload of equipment dispatched to the US partly produced by a sanctioned company.//
//For the EU, it is trying to prove that talk of European values and solidarity is not just empty words.//
//The Americans, focused internally under US President Donald Trump’s administration, have largely been absent from the COVID-19 diplomacy game.//
// Serbian officials said the Chinese experts, who have remained in the country, are now running the government’s coronavirus policy. Serbia is following the Chinese model of isolating even mild cases of COVID-19 in large field hospitals, rather than trusting people to self-isolate.//
//A survey carried out in December last year showed that many Serbs believed Russia or China to be the country’s largest donor over the past two decades, while in fact the EU had given about 100 times more than either.//
Source: Taipei Times #Apr14
Full Article:
https://taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/04/14/2003734593
#Serbia #China #Russia #Coronavirus #MedicalSupplies
Taipeitimes
Virus Outbreak: Russia, China and the EU vie in Serbia - Taipei Times
First, the Chinese came to Belgrade, with planeloads of equipment and six medical experts to help coordinate national coronavirus policy. An emotional Serbian president kissed the Chinese flag in gratitude and slammed Europe for its lack of assistance.
Then…
Then…
Will Japan Confront China? A Visit to Washington May Offer a Clue.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is the first foreign leader to be invited to the Biden White House, where he is likely to be pressed to more fully address Beijing’s threat to stability in the region.
TOKYO — As he visits Washington this week, it would seem as if Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan could take a victory lap.
Mr. Suga is the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House by President Biden, who has vowed to reinvigorate alliances. Japan already had the distinction last month of being the first international destination for the new U.S. secretaries of state and defense. And Mr. Suga will not have to contend with threats of higher tariffs or the need for constant flattery that drove Mr. Biden’s mercurial predecessor.
Source: Times #Apr14
#Japan #China #Biden #WhiteHouse #Beijing
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/world/asia/suga-biden-japan-washington.html
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is the first foreign leader to be invited to the Biden White House, where he is likely to be pressed to more fully address Beijing’s threat to stability in the region.
TOKYO — As he visits Washington this week, it would seem as if Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan could take a victory lap.
Mr. Suga is the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House by President Biden, who has vowed to reinvigorate alliances. Japan already had the distinction last month of being the first international destination for the new U.S. secretaries of state and defense. And Mr. Suga will not have to contend with threats of higher tariffs or the need for constant flattery that drove Mr. Biden’s mercurial predecessor.
Source: Times #Apr14
#Japan #China #Biden #WhiteHouse #Beijing
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/world/asia/suga-biden-japan-washington.html
#Brainwash
Hong Kong hails ‘de-radicalisation’ #rehab programmes for 2019 protesters in custody
//Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has hailed the use of voluntary “de-radicalisation” programmes for demonstrators behind bars who were involved in the 2019 pro-democracy protests and unrest.
Since 2019, more than 10,000 people have been arrested and over 2,000 have been charged over the demonstrations.
Around 250 people in custody have taken part up until February 2022.
The Correctional Services Department’s rehabilitation programmes aim to help inmates “disengage from radical thoughts and behaviours, and re-establish correct values,” through lessons about Chinese history, the Basic Law and the national security law, the Bureau wrote.
Other initiatives include workshops to help persons in custody enhance their sense of national identity and law-abidingness...//
Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Apr14
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/04/14/hong-kong-hails-de-radicalisation-rehab-programmes-for-2019-protesters-in-custody/
Hong Kong hails ‘de-radicalisation’ #rehab programmes for 2019 protesters in custody
//Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has hailed the use of voluntary “de-radicalisation” programmes for demonstrators behind bars who were involved in the 2019 pro-democracy protests and unrest.
Since 2019, more than 10,000 people have been arrested and over 2,000 have been charged over the demonstrations.
Around 250 people in custody have taken part up until February 2022.
The Correctional Services Department’s rehabilitation programmes aim to help inmates “disengage from radical thoughts and behaviours, and re-establish correct values,” through lessons about Chinese history, the Basic Law and the national security law, the Bureau wrote.
Other initiatives include workshops to help persons in custody enhance their sense of national identity and law-abidingness...//
Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Apr14
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/04/14/hong-kong-hails-de-radicalisation-rehab-programmes-for-2019-protesters-in-custody/
Business connections of John Lee’s sons with CE electors revealed
Source: Factwire #Apr14
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Source: Factwire #Apr14
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#Solidarity #Conscience
Hongkongers flock to support pro-democracy bubble tea shop despite #NationalSecurityPolice Presence
Source: Inmediahk, #Apr14
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Hongkongers flock to support pro-democracy bubble tea shop despite #NationalSecurityPolice Presence
Source: Inmediahk, #Apr14
Read more
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#Solidarity #Conscience
Hongkongers flock to support pro-democracy bubble tea shop despite #NationalSecurityPolice Presence
In Hong Kong, two staff members of #RoyalTea, a bubble tea shop in Mong Kok that is known for its pro-democracy stance, were taken away by the police on April 11, 2022 to "assist with an investigation".
When the shop reopened on April 14, 2022, about 10 customers patronized it in the first 15 minutes.
A regular customer who came to show support said that the bubble tea shop could be forced to close down for making known its pro-democracy stance.
"I would do whatever I can to show my support when the shop still opens."
A British student in Hong Kong, Sam visited RoyalTea for the first time. Sam said, althought he doesn't know the local political situation well, he has witnessed "a lot of political changes going on in Hong Kong" in the past year. Sam said that the community has been "oppressed".
Sam is hoping to show his support for those still clinging tight to their beliefs in Hong Kong.
Jessica, one of the two staff members being taken away by the police for "investigation" said she felt "terrified and lost" during police investigation.
However, she asked the supporters of the shop not to worry. She also wishes Hongkongers to stay blissful and hopeful for freedom.
Source: Inmediahk, #Apr14
https://bit.ly/3KKGK4H
#Oppression #ScareTactics #Regime #PoliceState
Hongkongers flock to support pro-democracy bubble tea shop despite #NationalSecurityPolice Presence
In Hong Kong, two staff members of #RoyalTea, a bubble tea shop in Mong Kok that is known for its pro-democracy stance, were taken away by the police on April 11, 2022 to "assist with an investigation".
When the shop reopened on April 14, 2022, about 10 customers patronized it in the first 15 minutes.
A regular customer who came to show support said that the bubble tea shop could be forced to close down for making known its pro-democracy stance.
"I would do whatever I can to show my support when the shop still opens."
A British student in Hong Kong, Sam visited RoyalTea for the first time. Sam said, althought he doesn't know the local political situation well, he has witnessed "a lot of political changes going on in Hong Kong" in the past year. Sam said that the community has been "oppressed".
Sam is hoping to show his support for those still clinging tight to their beliefs in Hong Kong.
Jessica, one of the two staff members being taken away by the police for "investigation" said she felt "terrified and lost" during police investigation.
However, she asked the supporters of the shop not to worry. She also wishes Hongkongers to stay blissful and hopeful for freedom.
Source: Inmediahk, #Apr14
https://bit.ly/3KKGK4H
#Oppression #ScareTactics #Regime #PoliceState
#AntiELAB #HKJudicature #Injustice
Being re-arrested after 3 years, Mr. Yeung laments living in shadows, and hopes the legal expenses can be covered by book selling
Mr Yeung Chi-Chun, the former teacher of Liberal Studies at a secondary school, whose eyesight was damaged by a bullet from the police on #Jun122019 at #Admiralty, was arrested yesterday (#Apr14) and charged with two crimes of unauthorised assembly.
After releasing from the bail, Yeung indicates on a Facebook post that he has prepared to be re-arrested due to the judicial review application on police identification number, showing his presence at Admiralty on June 12, 2019, but he will remain in Hong Kong despites living in the shadows. And that judicial review case has indeed become part of the evidence supplied by the prosecutors.
He is operating a publishing company, #HillwayCulture, and invites people to support his legal expenses by purchasing his book. The special edition of his book is expected to be published before July 21, the day before his trial. He said, "road is obstructed and long, but will eventually come to an end by perseverance".
Yeung describes the arrest process that he was informed about the charge against him and was asked to do a home search. He did not make a recorded statement but be on court on the same day with conditioned bail – 100,000 HK dollars, travel documents and reporting to the police three times a week.
Source: Inmedia #Apr15
https://bit.ly/37P5EBE
Being re-arrested after 3 years, Mr. Yeung laments living in shadows, and hopes the legal expenses can be covered by book selling
Mr Yeung Chi-Chun, the former teacher of Liberal Studies at a secondary school, whose eyesight was damaged by a bullet from the police on #Jun122019 at #Admiralty, was arrested yesterday (#Apr14) and charged with two crimes of unauthorised assembly.
After releasing from the bail, Yeung indicates on a Facebook post that he has prepared to be re-arrested due to the judicial review application on police identification number, showing his presence at Admiralty on June 12, 2019, but he will remain in Hong Kong despites living in the shadows. And that judicial review case has indeed become part of the evidence supplied by the prosecutors.
He is operating a publishing company, #HillwayCulture, and invites people to support his legal expenses by purchasing his book. The special edition of his book is expected to be published before July 21, the day before his trial. He said, "road is obstructed and long, but will eventually come to an end by perseverance".
Yeung describes the arrest process that he was informed about the charge against him and was asked to do a home search. He did not make a recorded statement but be on court on the same day with conditioned bail – 100,000 HK dollars, travel documents and reporting to the police three times a week.
Source: Inmedia #Apr15
https://bit.ly/37P5EBE