Author: Xinlu Liang
Hu Youping, a Chinese woman who sacrificed her life to stop a knife attack on a Japanese school bus, has been recognized as a “righteous and courageous role model” by her local government in Suzhou. The city’s leadership presented a certificate of “selfless heroism” to her family and honored three civilians who helped detain the suspect. Hu’s actions have inspired admiration from both Chinese and Japanese citizens, leading Suzhou to establish the “[Hu] Youping Selfless Hero Fund” to commemorate her bravery. Despite some extreme nationalist views online, efforts are being made to promote peace and unity. Hu’s courageous act saved…
The proposed draft amendment in China that initially included vague and contentious language regarding actions that could attract detention has been revised following feedback from legal scholars and citizens. The clause, which previously included phrases like “harmful to the spirit of the Chinese nation”, has been altered to focus on promoting or glorifying aggressive behavior. This move has been praised by experts as a positive step towards clarity in laws and enforcement. Amid concerns of potential abuse and extreme nationalism, the revision aims to prevent ambiguity and ensure that personal freedoms are not compromised by government enforcement. By eliminating vague…
In a shocking turn of events, a senior Chinese propaganda official, Zhang Jianchun, has come under investigation by the country’s top anti-corruption agency. The 59-year-old deputy head of the Central Publicity Department is facing scrutiny for suspected serious disciplinary and legal violations, a common way to refer to corruption and political misconduct. This investigation comes at a critical time for the Chinese Communist Party, as they are gearing up for their much-anticipated third plenum, where they reveal their economic strategy for the next decade. Zhang’s case is particularly noteworthy as it is rare for high-ranking members of the publicity department…
The Newly Released Guidelines on Personal Data Management in China: What You Need to Know China has recently released draft guidelines on personal data management, aiming to provide a reference for organizations processing sensitive information. These guidelines are part of China’s broader initiative to develop its digital economy while addressing national security concerns related to data leaks, cyberattacks, and data manipulation. The guidelines define sensitive personal information and list eight categories, including biometrics, financial accounts, and more. Companies must obtain specific consent for accessing this data, and platforms collecting information illegally can face penalties. The aim is to create a…
A senior health official in Guizhou, China, is under investigation for corruption in the medical sector. Yang Hui, the party chief of the Guizhou provincial health commission, faces allegations of violating laws and discipline. Last August, Beijing initiated a campaign against corruption in healthcare, targeting fund misuse, bribery, and unethical practices. Over 300 hospital leaders have been investigated for various offenses. In Guizhou, several senior officials have faced disciplinary actions for corruption. Yang’s case emerged shortly after a study tour and her advocacy for traditional Chinese medicine services. Yang, with a career in healthcare, rose to vice-ministerial level as the…
Proposed changes to the Public Security Administration Punishment Law aim to clear the records of individuals under 18, expunging minor infractions like cheating on exams and releasing sky lanterns. However, experts argue that the changes should extend to all adults to prevent job, marriage, or business opportunities from being hindered by minor violations. The Chinese government is currently reviewing the law with suggestions for more comprehensive changes to address the impact of legal infractions on individuals’ futures, according to Professor Luo Xiang. Experts highlight the need for specific, transparent criteria for recording legal infractions and propose a time-limit for retaining…
This report highlights the alarming state of Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China that faces numerous threats, ranging from illegal fishing and low dykes obstructing water systems to pollution and habitat destruction. The lack of enforcement of fishing bans and the presence of illegal structures like low dykes have adversely impacted the lake’s ecosystem, endangering species like the Yangtze finless porpoise and Siberian cranes. Additionally, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to water quality degradation, posing further risks to aquatic life. Similarly, Dongting Lake in central Hunan province is facing challenges from illegal sand mining and…
The development of new energy vehicles in China is not just about addressing domestic overcapacity; it represents the future of the global vehicle sector and contributes to environmental goals and human well-being. China is transitioning towards high-end, intelligent, and green manufacturing, which will impact global trade structures and landscapes. Allegations of overcapacity have strained China’s economic relations with the US and Europe. The EU has raised concerns about China’s subsidies leading to oversupply and unfair trade practices, resulting in an investigation into Chinese EV subsidies. Similarly, the US has imposed higher tariffs on Chinese goods, citing unfair trade practices. Academics…