News that caught our eye / The week ending January 10, 2025
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NOTE: The news reports below are not in chronological order. There is often a time lag in their reaching the US and in gaining our attention. These reports reflect the opinions of a variety of news sources.
Curated by James Getka.
What is HMPV? China reportedly monitoring surge in respiratory virus cases / January 4, 2025
Photos and videos online showing crowded hospitals in China sparked concern last week as HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) cases in China have spiked, even though, generally, HMPV cases are relatively mild. The virus usually strikes children, but the elderly and immune-compromised people should be cautious (Fox News).
HMPV cases in India: Is it a new virus? How is it similar to Covid-19? / January 7, 2025
Despite the global concern of another pandemic possibly emanating out of China, specialists in India, while being cautious, nevertheless state that HMPV is a common seasonal virus, and as of January 6th, there were only 5 cases of the virus in all of India (Mint).
China says 126 dead after 7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Tibet / January 6, 2025
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in a mountainous region in Tibet, killing 126 and injuring another 130 people. Firefighters, medical workers, and disaster relief supplies were dispatched to the area by the government. The area is prone to earthquakes. More serious quakes struck the Himalayan region in 2008 and 2015, killing 70,000 and 9,000 people respectively (NBC News).
Direct high-speed train links northwest China's Shaanxi with Hong Kong / January 5, 2025
A new high-speed train began to run service between Xi’an, the capital of China’s northwest Shaanxi Province, and Hong Kong. A trip to either destination takes 11 hours (Xinhua News).
China's Xi Jinping says corruption is the 'biggest threat' to the Communist Party / January 6, 2025
Addressing the Congress of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the country’s top anti-graft watchdog, President Xi declared that corruption was the greatest threat to the Communist Party. The speech, President Xi’s corruption campaign, and the Congress were all meant to drive home the message that the government will increase its efforts to root out corruption from all of Chinese society (NBC News).
How China's national liquor greased the wheels of corruption among Communist elites / January 8, 2025
Moutai is China’s premier alcoholic drink, a favorite among government officials and businessmen. But the expensive liquor is also used to favor those seeking to obtain an executive position. Once in that seat, it is expected that one aids those supporters make money or achieve an agenda. Thus, the corruption sinks in (VOA).
China: Jailed human rights lawyer’s failed appeal highlights fear of dissent / January 6, 2025
In mid-April of 2023, human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, Xu Yan, were taken into custody for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” but the charges were changed to “inciting subversion of state power” in October of that year. Since then, they have been imprisoned as their health deteriorates from the conditions and potential abuse. Yu’s appeal was rejected this month. The case reveals the CCP’s fear of dissent and the freedom of expression (Amnesty International).
The 'new China' in Thailand: ‘If you want hope, you have to leave’ – video / January 7, 2025
Chinese artists, the avant-garde, and those seeking alternative lifestyles, fed up with the stresses of competitive capitalism and the increasing authoritarianism of the CCP, are finding new lives abroad in places like Chang Mai, Thailand. They are returning to farming and simpler lifestyles, and eschewing the drive for money. With China’s economic uncertainty, others may join them (The Guardian).
China hurries to shore up sliding yuan and stock markets / January 6, 2025
China’s stock markets and Central bank sought to keep the yuan from weakening on Monday, all because President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Chinese imports unless the Chinese government halts the flow of fentanyl base products to the US and meets other demands from the coming Trump administration. On Monday, the yuan fell to its weakest value in 16 months (Reuters).
China bets on kitchen appliances to boost economy / January 9, 2025
In an effort to boost the economy in China, the government has offered “trade-in schemes” for people to purchase new items, like TVs, phones, and even cars, at a discount. Now, people can trade in new microwaves and other kitchen appliances, as well. Some economists say, however, that even this may not be enough to get the economy running again (BBC).
China's tumbling bond yields intensify 'Japanification' risks / January 8, 2025
China’s long-term bond yields recently sank below Japan’s Government Bond Yield, marking yet another sign that China’s economy is in serious straits, and is risking “Japanification.” Japan is currently crawling out of a decades-long economic disaster, and China may be falling into one (Reuters).
A Xi appearance at Trump’s inauguration would give China the upper hand / January 7, 2025
The Hongmen Banquet, a Chinese legend from 206 B.C., could serve as a historical example for President Xi to consider attending President-elect Trump’s inauguration, not to subdue the host as the legend goes, but to turn the tables and gain the upper hand, according to this SCMP editor. Even if Xi doesn’t gain the upper hand, if he can work out a deal for peace with Trump, the world would win (CNA).
U.S. Defense Dept. says Tencent, other Chinese companies have ties to China's military / January 7, 2025
Chinese companies Tencent, SenseTime, and battery producer CATL were all added to a list of companies that supposedly are involved with the Chinese military, according to the US Defense Department, meaning that they cannot have business deals with the Defense Dept. beginning in June of 2026. Tencent’s stock value fell over 7% on Tuesday due to the announcement (CBS News).
China Deals Blow to Putin's 'Shadow Fleet' / January 8, 2025
The State-owned Shandong Port Group prohibited some Russian oil tankers from docking at its ports in the eastern Shandong Province in response to sanctions placed on those ships by the US. To subvert those sanctions, Russian President Putin created a “Shadow Fleet,” but even some of those ships made the list and were not allowed to dock (Newsweek).