China
Available: Chinese Tech for Putting Down Protests
To get an idea of how well-equipped China is to prevent mass anti-government protests, you need only look at some of the security equipment that was being touted by Chinese companies at this week’s IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi. When China’s leaders crushed pro-democracy protests around Tiananmen Square in 1989, they sent in the army with tanks and live ammunition. These days, they would have many other ways of dispersing such crowds – or preventing them forming in the first place. Chinese companies are now producing advanced surveillance, crowd control and other security equipment – some of it modeled on U.S. technology developed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — and are starting to sell it around the world. Among the Chinese firms advertising their wares at IDEX were several offering counter-terrorism and public security equipment, according to National Defense Magazine’s blog post on the exhibition. The products ranged from body armor, riot shields and armored vehicles, to sniper detection devices, explosives scanners and – perhaps most importantly in this age of tech savvy trouble makers — mobile telephone and Internet jamming equipment. One of the Chinese companies at the exhibition was CETC International, which was founded in 2002 and now says it supplies several Chinese government agencies, as well as exporting to dozens of foreign countries. Under “Anti-terrorism and Security Products”, the company’s website lists jamming devices, surveillance drones, 360 degree cameras and command and control systems, some of which, it proudly claims, were used during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It also advertises what it calls “ Directed High-intensity Acoustic Low-lethal Weapons for Police , ” a sound-based crowd-control device that appears similar to the sonic weapon more conventionally known as a long range acoustic device (or LRAD ). “Strong noise weapons are used to converge certain audible noise into high-intensity sounds to achieve long-distance spread of sound energy,” it says. “At the same time, by stimulating the human hearing sense, internal organs and central nervous system and other organs, it can weaken or destroy the mobs hearing effectiveness so as to control the sitnation (sic).” (See video explaining LRADs, which have been used by the U.S. military, here ) CETC International, whose mission is to “Dedicate to the Motherland, Contribute to the Society, Serve the Customers” according to its website, is the export arm of the state-run China Electronics Technology Corp and notched up foreign sales of $1.2 billion in 2009, according to state media. Neither its website nor state media give many details about those sales – and none appear to have been made public at IDEX — but the company seems to have identified the most likely potential foreign customers. According to its web site, it has overseas branches in the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Angola, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, Syria, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. – Jeremy Page
To get an idea of how well-equipped China is to prevent mass anti-government protests, you need only look at some of the security equipment that was being touted by Chinese companies at this week’s IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi. When China’s leaders crushed pro-democracy protests around Tiananmen Square in 1989, they sent in the army with tanks and live ammunition. These days, they would have many other ways of dispersing such crowds – or preventing them forming in the first place. Chinese companies are now producing advanced surveillance, crowd control and other security equipment – some of it modeled on U.S. technology developed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — and are starting to sell it around the world. Among the Chinese firms advertising their wares at IDEX were several offering counter-terrorism and public security equipment, according to National Defense Magazine’s blog post on the exhibition. The products ranged from body armor, riot shields and armored vehicles, to sniper detection devices, explosives scanners and – perhaps most importantly in this age of tech savvy trouble makers — mobile telephone and Internet jamming equipment. One of the Chinese companies at the exhibition was CETC International, which was founded in 2002 and now says it supplies several Chinese government agencies, as well as exporting to dozens of foreign countries. Under “Anti-terrorism and Security Products”, the company’s website lists jamming devices, surveillance drones, 360 degree cameras and command and control systems, some of which, it proudly claims, were used during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It also advertises what it calls “ Directed High-intensity Acoustic Low-lethal Weapons for Police , ” a sound-based crowd-control device that appears similar to the sonic weapon more conventionally known as a long range acoustic device (or LRAD ). “Strong noise weapons are used to converge certain audible noise into high-intensity sounds to achieve long-distance spread of sound energy,” it says. “At the same time, by stimulating the human hearing sense, internal organs and central nervous system and other organs, it can weaken or destroy the mobs hearing effectiveness so as to control the sitnation (sic).” (See video explaining LRADs, which have been used by the U.S. military, here ) CETC International, whose mission is to “Dedicate to the Motherland, Contribute to the Society, Serve the Customers” according to its website, is the export arm of the state-run China Electronics Technology Corp and notched up foreign sales of $1.2 billion in 2009, according to state media. Neither its website nor state media give many details about those sales – and none appear to have been made public at IDEX — but the company seems to have identified the most likely potential foreign customers. According to its web site, it has overseas branches in the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Angola, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, Syria, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. – Jeremy Page
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Available: Chinese Tech for Putting Down Protests
Business
Business Update: Southern Sun Reports Earnings Growth; China Stimulates Property Market – News24
Southern Sun reports increased earnings, attributed to growth in the hospitality sector, while China’s property market receives a boost, reflecting economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
Southern Sun Earnings Surge
Southern Sun has reported a significant increase in its earnings, showcasing solid financial performance amid evolving market conditions. This growth highlights the company’s resilience and adaptability to changing consumer demands, positioning it well for future opportunities in the hospitality industry.
China’s Property Market Recovery
In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, China has introduced measures to boost its property market. These initiatives aim to stabilize real estate prices and encourage investment, which is crucial for maintaining economic momentum. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector reflects its understanding of the industry’s importance in overall economic health.
Broader Economic Implications
The rise in Southern Sun’s earnings and China’s proactive approach to revitalizing its property market indicate broader economic trends. Investors and stakeholders are keenly observing these developments, as they may signal recovery and growth opportunities in both the hospitality and real estate sectors. The collaboration between local businesses and governmental actions will be pivotal in shaping future economic landscapes.
Source : Business brief | Southern Sun sees earnings rise; China boosts its property market – News24
China
Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy seeks a balance of cooperation and struggle with China, focusing on strengthening ties while resisting encroachments in the South China Sea through military enhancements and regional partnerships.
Vietnam’s Diplomatic Strategy
Vietnam’s diplomatic approach seeks to maintain a delicate balance between cooperation and struggle with China. While concerned about China’s growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea, Hanoi focuses on strengthening its economic and political ties. This effort involves military enhancements, fostering relationships with regional powers, and engaging in frequent political dialogues. By skillfully navigating relations with major powers, Vietnam aims to protect its sovereignty and foster stability amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Recent Developments and Implications
Hanoi’s diplomatic maneuvering has drawn attention, particularly regarding key visits like Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s August 2024 trip to China. Although there are apprehensions about a potential shift in Vietnam’s alignment due to To Lam’s background in public security and his anti-corruption initiatives, it is premature to predict any significant changes in policy. Vietnam’s leaders must continuously seek a balance between peaceful coexistence with China and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Economic Interdependence and Military Modernization
Vietnam’s strategy involves fostering economic interdependence with China while simultaneously resisting encroachments. This paradigm of “cooperation and struggle” enables Hanoi to cultivate beneficial ties in economic, political, and security domains. By leveraging its geographical advantage and connections, Vietnam enhances its economic ties while countering threats through military modernization and cooperation with regional partners. This nuanced approach allows Vietnam to welcome trade, particularly amidst shifting dynamics from the US-China trade war, ensuring continued foreign direct investment and growth in key sectors.
Source : Cooperation and struggle define Vietnam’s approach to China
China
2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
China’s 2025 public holiday schedule increases holidays by two days, with an 8-day Spring Festival and a 5-day Labor Day. Adjustments address public frustration, though long work periods persist. Notably, weekends are often designated as workdays to balance extended breaks.
China has released its 2025 Public Holiday schedule. Compared to 2024, the number of public holidays for all citizens has increased by two days, specifically for Lunar New Year’s Eve and May 2nd.
The announcement also clarifies the adjusted holiday arrangements, stating that the continuous work period before and after statutory holidays generally should not exceed six days, except for certain special circumstances.
According to the notice, in 2025, the Spring Festival will have an 8-day holiday, the Labor Day holiday will last 5 days, and the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival will jointly have 8 days off.
China has long been considered one of the least generous countries in terms of public holidays. Additionally, people have expressed frustration over the complicated adjustments to holiday and working days that are meant to create longer breaks. The newly introduced changes are expected to address these concerns to some extent.
Beyond the newly introduced changes, China’s 2025 public holiday schedule still features two major week-long holidays: Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) and the National Day holiday (often called ‘Golden Week’).
In 2025, the Spring Festival falls between January 28 and February 4, and the National Day holiday, together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, fall between October 1 and 8.
Foreign human resource managers should note that Saturdays and Sundays are often marked as additional official workdays in China to compensate for long holiday breaks. For example, January 26 (Sunday) and February 8 (Saturday) are designated as workdays to partially offset the eight days off for the Spring Festival.
This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
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