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.
How much will China come to Russia’s aid? / February 26, 2022
China is the only friend that might help Russia blunt the impact of economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, but President Xi Jinping’s government is giving no sign it might be willing to risk its own access to U.S. and European markets by doing too much.
Hong Kong battles covid / February 25, 2022
Hong Kong launched a vaccination requirement to enter shopping malls, restaurants and a host of other places on Thursday as it battles an expanding omicron outbreak and tries to overcome vaccine hesitancy in parts of its population. Everyone aged 12 and over must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter these places. Beginning April 30, those aged 18 and above will be required to have two doses. Booster shots will be required for some starting June 30.
China Plans to Feed 80 Million People With ‘Seawater Rice’ / February 19, 2022
China has developed new salt-tolerant rice strains in the hope of ensuring food security that’s been threatened by rising sea levels, increasing grain demand, and supply chain disruptions.
BYD zooms past Tesla in China's electric-car market / February 23, 2022
Chinese automaker BYD sold more electric and hybrid vehicles in China last year than Tesla, new industry figures show, with a surge of growth that puts it on track to double sales in 2022.
The Latest: China blasts US over approach to Ukraine crisis / February 23, 2022
China is accusing the United States of creating “fear and panic” over the crisis in Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Wednesday that the U.S. was fueling tensions by providing weapons to Kyiv in response to Russia’s large troop deployment around Ukraine’s borders and fears of an invasion.
“A New Form of Human Civilization”: A New Dangerous Slogan / February 22, 2022
“A new form of human civilization” (人类文明新形态) is a concept increasingly mentioned in documents of the Chinese Communist Party, says an editorial in Bitter Winter. The comment shows that the claims of the CCP for its own role in the larger picture of human history are increasingly grandiose. They should not be ignored, however, as they have practical consequences.
Businesses monitor workers for signs they are about to quit / February 15, 2022
China’s employees have the length of their bathroom breaks monitored, may be barred from entering their offices unless they smile, and may be publicly shamed for using entertainment apps during the workday. Now a new surveillance tool predicts which employees are about to quit their jobs.
50 years ago: Nixon and Mao meet / February 20, 2022
A stunned world watched as the U.S. president met dictator Mao Zedong, whose rule had killed millions of Chinese.
A woman in chains: what the true story / February 19, 2022
The story of a woman chained in a small out-building in freezing temperatures is competing for attention with the Chinese Olympics. The story started with a video of a woman with a chain around her neck. People who saw the video on social media began to ask questions. Was the woman a victim of human trafficking? Was she abused? Why could she not move freely? What was her story? So far the answers to those questions have been contradictory and troubling.
China silences trafficking debate sparked by ‘chained woman’ scandal / February 21, 2022
Chinese woman found shackled in a shed was sold as a bride TWICE by traffickers authorities say as they arrest six and punish 17 low-ranking officials following online outcry / February 23, 2022
US Accuses China of Backing Away From Free-Trade Commitments / Feb. 16, 2022
The United States has accused China of failing to meet its commitments to the World Trade Organization and says it is exploring new ways to combat aggressive Chinese trade practices. In its annual report on Chinese compliance with WTO rules, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Wednesday that China isn’t keeping the promises it made to open its markets to foreign competition when it joined the 164-country Geneva-based agency in 2001.
Hong Kong is “overwhelmed” by COVID / February 15, 2022
A surge in COVID cases has strained the city’s emergency resources. Several public hospitals are pushed over their operating capacities. Daily infections have risen by about 20 times over the past two weeks, with 1,619 reported infections on Tuesday. Last week, the city recorded its first deaths from COVID since last September.