China
A Notable No-Show at Communist Party’s 90th Birthday
China’s Communist Party does not generally like surprises – especially not during minutely choreographed ceremonies like the one held Friday to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its founding. So tongues quickly began wagging when Jiang Zemin, the 84-year-old former Party chief and President, failed to appear alongside other retired leaders at the anniversary celebrations, screened live on state television. Most of the other big guns were there, including 82-year-old former Premier Zhu Rongji, now sporting a mop of grey hair instead of the standard dye-induced black favored by incumbent leaders. Li Peng, another ex-Premier, was also there, although he appears to be still using the dye, boasting a full head of glossy black hair despite being just a few weeks younger than Mr. Zhu. But as the China Central Television camera lingered on each of the elders, there was no sign of Mr. Jiang, who was succeeded as Party chief by Hu Jintao in 2002 and stood alongside him at a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic in 2009. Mr. Jiang’s surprising, and very obvious, absence is now certain to fuel rumors circulating in Beijing in recent months that he may be severely unwell, and therefore losing his ability to influence key Party decisions – including a once-a-decade leadership change next year. The official People’s Daily reported in May that Mr. Jiang was among current and former leaders who sent condolences on the death of former Vice Premier Chen Muhua, but his name was not listed among those who actually attended the cremation. His no-show at the 90th anniversary ceremony is much more significant, however, especially given the presence of retired leaders who were junior to him in ranking. Whatever the actual reason, his absence creates the perception within the Party that whatever influence he wields behind the scenes is diminishing relative to other current and retired leaders, each of whom represents their own interest group. Mr. Jiang does not have any formal power, but is consulted on major Party decisions, copied in on many important internal Party documents, and permitted to write notes alongside them, according to Chinese and Western political analysts. Retired leaders are also thought to have a say in the selection of the next Politburo Standing Committee – the top decision-making body – which is due to see seven of its nine members retire next year. Vice President Xi Jinping, 58, has already been anointed as the next Party chief and president through his promotion to a key military post last year, but other seats on the Standing Committee are up for grabs. The final lineup will not be known until the 18th Communist Party Congress in autumn next year, but the Party’s Organization department is expected to circulate a list of a dozen or so potential candidates amongst the Party elite some time this year. So the maneuvering has begun as current leaders try to promote proteges to secure their legacies, vested interests and continued influence, while candidates for promotion seek to burnish their credentials and out-flank potential rivals. Bo Xilai, the 61-year-old Party chief of Chongqing, has been the most brazen in his power play, overseeing a high-profile campaign to revive the spirit of Chairman Mao Zedong, mainly through revolutionary singing pageants . He even roped in Henry Kissinger , the former U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the re-opening of diplomatic ties with China, to attend a red singing contest in Chongqing this week. Wang Yang, the 56-year-old Party chief of the southern province of Guangdong, has had a tougher time of late with a series of incidents of labor unrest on his patch, but he appeared to hit back this week with what some analysts say was an oblique attack on Mr. Bo’s “red” campaign. “For a mature ruling political party, it’s more important to study and review its history and strengthen a sense of anxiety than to just sing the praises of its brilliance,” he was quoted as saying by the People’s Daily web site. There has also been fresh talk this week that Li Keqiang, who is 56 and currently a vice premier, might not be the clear frontrunner for the premiership. Mr. Li – who studied law — was once considered Mr. Hu’s preferred successor, and was thereafter tipped to take over as premier, overseeing the entire Chinese economy. But Wang Qishan, another vice premier responsible for the financial system, has been persistently discussed in business circles as a stronger candidate to guide the world’s second largest economy — even though, at age 63, he would only be allowed to serve one five-year term. “A powerful personality, Wang has the potential to press for more decisive reforms, albeit within the considerable constraints of China’s collective leadership,” wrote the Eurasia Group in a research note Thursday. – Jeremy Page
China’s Communist Party does not generally like surprises – especially not during minutely choreographed ceremonies like the one held Friday to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its founding. So tongues quickly began wagging when Jiang Zemin, the 84-year-old former Party chief and President, failed to appear alongside other retired leaders at the anniversary celebrations, screened live on state television. Most of the other big guns were there, including 82-year-old former Premier Zhu Rongji, now sporting a mop of grey hair instead of the standard dye-induced black favored by incumbent leaders. Li Peng, another ex-Premier, was also there, although he appears to be still using the dye, boasting a full head of glossy black hair despite being just a few weeks younger than Mr. Zhu. But as the China Central Television camera lingered on each of the elders, there was no sign of Mr. Jiang, who was succeeded as Party chief by Hu Jintao in 2002 and stood alongside him at a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic in 2009. Mr. Jiang’s surprising, and very obvious, absence is now certain to fuel rumors circulating in Beijing in recent months that he may be severely unwell, and therefore losing his ability to influence key Party decisions – including a once-a-decade leadership change next year. The official People’s Daily reported in May that Mr. Jiang was among current and former leaders who sent condolences on the death of former Vice Premier Chen Muhua, but his name was not listed among those who actually attended the cremation. His no-show at the 90th anniversary ceremony is much more significant, however, especially given the presence of retired leaders who were junior to him in ranking. Whatever the actual reason, his absence creates the perception within the Party that whatever influence he wields behind the scenes is diminishing relative to other current and retired leaders, each of whom represents their own interest group. Mr. Jiang does not have any formal power, but is consulted on major Party decisions, copied in on many important internal Party documents, and permitted to write notes alongside them, according to Chinese and Western political analysts. Retired leaders are also thought to have a say in the selection of the next Politburo Standing Committee – the top decision-making body – which is due to see seven of its nine members retire next year. Vice President Xi Jinping, 58, has already been anointed as the next Party chief and president through his promotion to a key military post last year, but other seats on the Standing Committee are up for grabs. The final lineup will not be known until the 18th Communist Party Congress in autumn next year, but the Party’s Organization department is expected to circulate a list of a dozen or so potential candidates amongst the Party elite some time this year. So the maneuvering has begun as current leaders try to promote proteges to secure their legacies, vested interests and continued influence, while candidates for promotion seek to burnish their credentials and out-flank potential rivals. Bo Xilai, the 61-year-old Party chief of Chongqing, has been the most brazen in his power play, overseeing a high-profile campaign to revive the spirit of Chairman Mao Zedong, mainly through revolutionary singing pageants . He even roped in Henry Kissinger , the former U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the re-opening of diplomatic ties with China, to attend a red singing contest in Chongqing this week. Wang Yang, the 56-year-old Party chief of the southern province of Guangdong, has had a tougher time of late with a series of incidents of labor unrest on his patch, but he appeared to hit back this week with what some analysts say was an oblique attack on Mr. Bo’s “red” campaign. “For a mature ruling political party, it’s more important to study and review its history and strengthen a sense of anxiety than to just sing the praises of its brilliance,” he was quoted as saying by the People’s Daily web site. There has also been fresh talk this week that Li Keqiang, who is 56 and currently a vice premier, might not be the clear frontrunner for the premiership. Mr. Li – who studied law — was once considered Mr. Hu’s preferred successor, and was thereafter tipped to take over as premier, overseeing the entire Chinese economy. But Wang Qishan, another vice premier responsible for the financial system, has been persistently discussed in business circles as a stronger candidate to guide the world’s second largest economy — even though, at age 63, he would only be allowed to serve one five-year term. “A powerful personality, Wang has the potential to press for more decisive reforms, albeit within the considerable constraints of China’s collective leadership,” wrote the Eurasia Group in a research note Thursday. – Jeremy Page
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A Notable No-Show at Communist Party’s 90th Birthday
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
Gordonstoun school severed ties with Hampton Group over espionage allegations against chairman Yang Tengbo. He denies involvement and claims to be a victim of political tensions between the UK and China.
Allegations Lead to School’s Decision
Gordonstoun School in Moray has cut ties with Hampton Group International after serious allegations surfaced regarding its chairman, Yang Tengbo, who is accused of being a spy for the Chinese government. Known by the alias "H6," Mr. Tengbo was involved in a deal that aimed to establish five new schools in China affiliated with Gordonstoun. However, the recent allegations compelled the school to terminate their agreement.
Public Denial and Legal Action
In response to the spying claims, Mr. Tengbo publicly revealed his identity, asserting that he has committed no wrongdoing. A close associate of Prince Andrew and a former Gordonstoun student himself, Mr. Tengbo has strenuously denied the accusations, stating that he is a target of the escalating tensions between the UK and China. He has claimed that his mistreatment is politically motivated.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Responses
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, has faced additional challenges regarding his immigration status in the UK. After losing an appeal against a ban enacted last year, he reiterated his innocence, condemning media speculation while emphasizing his commitment to clear his name. Gordonstoun, on its part, stated its inability to divulge further details due to legal constraints.
Source : Gordonstoun cuts ties with business chaired by man accused of spying for China
Business
China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
The Chinese government demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Xinjiang, affecting Uyghur culture and commerce, prompting criticism from activists amid concerns over cultural erasure and human rights violations.
Demolition of a Cultural Landmark
The Chinese government recently demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang, a vital hub for Uyghur culture and commerce, as reported by VOA. This center, once inhabited by more than 800 predominantly Uyghur-owned businesses, has been deserted since 2009. Authorities forcibly ordered local business owners to vacate the premises before proceeding with the demolition, which took place without any public notice.
Condemnation from Activists
Uyghur rights activists have condemned this demolition, perceiving it as part of China’s broader strategy to undermine Uyghur identity and heritage. The event has sparked heightened international concern regarding China’s policies in Xinjiang, which have been characterized by allegations of mass detentions and cultural suppression, prompting claims of crimes against humanity.
Rebiya Kadeer’s Response
Rebiya Kadeer, the center’s namesake and a notable Uyghur rights advocate, criticized the demolition as a deliberate attempt to erase her legacy. Kadeer, who has been living in exile in the U.S. since her release from imprisonment in 2005, continues to advocate for Uyghur rights. She has expressed that her family members have suffered persecution due to her activism, while the Chinese government has yet to comment on the legal ramifications of the demolition.
Source : China Demolishes Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
China
China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
China’s private pension scheme, previously piloted in 36 cities, will roll out nationwide on December 15, 2024, enabling workers to open tax-deferred accounts. The initiative aims to enhance retirement savings, address aging population challenges, and stimulate financial sector growth.
After a two-year pilot program, China has officially expanded its private pension scheme nationwide. Starting December 15, 2024, workers covered by urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance across the country can participate in this supplementary pension scheme. This nationwide rollout represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to build a comprehensive pension system, addressing the challenges of a rapidly aging population.
On December 12, 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with four other departments including the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, the Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, announced the nationwide implementation of China’s private pension scheme effective December 15, 2024. The initiative extends eligibility to all workers enrolled in urban employee basic pension insurance or urban-rural resident basic pension insurance.
A notable development is the expansion of tax incentives for private pensions, previously limited to pilot cities, to a national scale. Participants can now enjoy these benefits across China, with government agencies collaborating to ensure seamless implementation and to encourage broad participation through these enhanced incentives.
China first introduced its private pension scheme in November 2022 as a pilot program covering 36 cities and regions, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Under the program, individuals were allowed to open tax-deferred private pension accounts, contributing up to RMB 12,000 (approximately $1,654) annually to invest in a range of retirement products such as bank deposits, mutual funds, commercial pension insurance, and wealth management products.
Read more about China’s private pension pilot program launched two years ago: China Officially Launches New Private Pension Scheme – Who Can Take Part?
The nationwide implementation underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and promoting economic resilience. By providing tax advantages and expanding access, the scheme aims to incentivize long-term savings and foster greater participation in personal retirement planning.
The reform is expected to catalyze growth in China’s financial and insurance sectors while offering individuals a reliable mechanism to enhance their retirement security.
| 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. |
Read the rest of the original article.
- Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
- China Dismantles Prominent Uyghur Business Landmark in Xinjiang – Shia Waves
- China Expands Nationwide Private Pension Scheme After Two-Year Pilot Program
- How a scandal over sanitary pads is shaping feminist activism in China
- Yakult Unveils Restructuring Plans for Its China Operations | ESM Magazine
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