The activist and former trade unionist spoke at his subversion trial regarding his role in the Hong Kong Alliance, which organised vigils in memory of the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He faces up to 10 years in prison. In his defence, he quoted Mao Zedong and former Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang opposing one-party rule.
The price of a coconut in Thailand, which was 20 baht before 2020, has now dropped to as low as 2 baht, putting small farmers out of business. According to local producers, a few companies with Chinese capital now control much of the supply chain, imposing extremely low prices and distorting the market.
According to popular tradition in China, the year of the two opposing fire elements heralds great social upheavals. The last time this occurred was in 1966, the start of the Cultural Revolution. Two incidents during the New Year period, the sudden interruption of the Henan TV Gala and the messages about the "Red Moon" during the Lantern Festival, confirm how deeply rooted the idea of a connection between heaven and earth remains in times of intense social pressure.
Iran is blocking with missiles and mines the strait through which 20 per cent of global crude oil transits. After China, India and Bangladesh are trying to get Iran’s approval for their ships to avert a crisis. According to EIA data, up to 82 per cent of oil going through Hormuz reach Asian markets. Starting 16 March, Tokyo intends to release part of its oil reserves on its own.
Approved today by the National People's Congress, the legislation turns the president's views on the "sinicisation" of the 56 officially recognised groups into law. Han identity is defined as the "trunk”, while other cultures are compared to "branches and leaves." Putonghua, standard Chinese, will be taught starting in preschool. Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians fear that their identity will be further repressed.
Presented as a "tax measure”, the requirement further tightens digital surveillance in a country torn by civil war for more than five years following a military coup. By tracking devices, the regime is not only repressing dissent, but also undermining people’s daily survival thanks to high-tech tools made available by Chinese firms.
