Stories about China
Forty-five Hong Kong pro-democracy activists jailed up to 10 years in landmark national security case
The U.S government said the 45 were punished for peaceful participation in political activities under the protection of Basic Law while the HK government insisted on the severity of the crime.
The second scramble for Africa: The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy
The EU is looking to offer an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But will it's Global Gateway Strategy be a boon for the continent or perpetuate colonial patterns?
China's impact on the Rogun Dam Project in Tajikistan
Tajikistan's Rogun Dam Project is one of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Do the ballooning costs, environmental concerns, and human rights abuses outweigh the potential benefits?
Chinese police ban ‘weird’ costumes and round up partygoers ahead of Halloween
Shanghai police were deployed in full force over the weekend to crack down on Halloween activities amid concerns that revelers might appear in politically sensitive costumes. They continued celebrating regardless.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences triggers debates on China’s economic growth
A few critical voices are using three Nobel laureates' research to argue for institutional reform in China. Critics say change is essential to address the country's economic woes.
What is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan?
As pointed out by many China observers, the unprovoked drills aim at manifesting China’s ability to strangle or choke, if not takedown, Taiwan in a swift manner.
Taiwan’s presence in Somaliland: Interview with Ambassador Allen Lou
Taiwan and Somaliland, two unrecognized states, form a unique diplomatic partnership based on democratic values, countering China's influence in Africa through sustainable development initiatives and mutual recognition of sovereignty.
Lone candidate Sam Hou Fai is now Macau’s designated Chief Executive
Sam Hou Fai was is the Casino hub's first executive leader to be born in Mainland China. The former judge has vowed to regulate the development of Macau’s gaming industry
A Chinese mining company relocated a whole Peruvian town. Now, they are struggling to survive
In 2013, a Chinese mining company forcibly relocated a community of 5,000+ people in Peru. Ten years later, the community is living in poverty and the company has failed to honor its promises.
French museums participate in Beijing’s erasure of Tibetan identity
Two Paris museums have stopped using the word “Tibet” to describe collections of Tibetan cultural artifacts, thereby bowing to Beijing’s political and diplomatic pressure.
X overtakes WeChat in spreading Chinese disinformation about the 2024 US presidential elections
Many mainland Chinese influencers have migrated away from WeChat thanks to China’s censorship policies and resettled on X in recent years. They're turning their attention to the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
Seeking independence from Chinese exports, Brazil enters bid to explore rare earths
Rare earths are essential for the green energy transition, however, they are also difficult to mine and harmful to the environment, leading to the “rare earth paradox.”
The impact of China's fishing policies on West Africa
Climate pressure and overfishing have reduced domestic fish output in China, forcing Chinese fishing vessels into overseas waters. Fishermen in West Africa are paying the price.
A Japanese schoolboy was killed in China, raising concerns about increasing xenophobia
As anti-Japanese sentiment spreads in China, the second hate-crime in two months is raising questions about the country’s nationalistic education and how it is spreading xenophobia.
Fueling China's EV expansion: The green revolution and its environmental demands in Central Asia
China is looking to increase its electric vehicle exports in Central Asia, however, the region's coal-based energy grid and increasing EV-related mining projects could stunt the benefits of this green vehicle transition.
Does ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ conquer the game world with its free spirit or China’s soft power?
Some believe that China's desire to promote its soft power has contributed to the game's popularity, others see the creating team's will to confront the destiny of the gaming sector.
China’s top nationalist influencer Hu Xijin silenced for over a month, but very few miss him
Hu Xijin, the former chief editor of the Chinese-state-funded Global Times and a prominent nationalist commentator, has been quiet on social media for over one month, since he critiqued party policy.
Pacific leaders’ statement removes Taiwan reference after China complaint
China intervened in the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), insisting Pacific leaders remove any mention of Taiwan from their communique on the forum.
Turkey is committed to undermining NATO
"Hesitation to hold Turkey accountable is partially understandable. NATO was created to counter the systemic threat posed by the Soviet Union. It has no developed mechanisms to counter internal threats ..."
China helped Cameroon build drinking water infrastructure. Is it a debt crisis or developmental aid?
Cameroon has built up it's clean water infrastructure thanks to access to Chinese loans. However, what are the long-term consequences of the resulting debt?
Hong Kong secondary students may soon be schooled in ‘Xi Jinping Thought’
Among topics for patriotic education in Hong Kong were: Xi Jinping Thought, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and national security and national defence.