China
Following Jiang Death Rumors, China’s Rivers Go Missing
China’s longest river, the Yangtze, has been at the heart of historic floods this summer that have killed dozens of people and laid waste to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland. But to users of one of China’s most popular social media sites, it no longer exists. Searches for the Yangtze’s Chinese name – Chang Jiang (长江)—on Sina.com’s Weibo microblogging platform came up empty on Wednesday, as did searches for a number of other Chinese rivers, yielding instead the service’s standard censorship notice: “According to the relevant laws, regulations and policies, the results of this search cannot be displayed.” Why the sudden aversion to flowing bodies of water? The likeliest explanation is a torrent of rumors circulating online since Tuesday that former president Jiang Zemin is either gravely ill or has already died. Mr. Jiang’s surname means “river.” The Chinese rumor mill has wrongly predicted Mr. Jiang’s death before. But the latest round of speculation comes just days after the 84-year-old former leader conspicuously failed to show up at celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. He would be the longest-serving and in many ways most significant Chinese leader to have died since Deng Xiaoping in February 1997. Regardless of whether the rumors are true, Sina is taking no chances. In addition to “river,” the company has also blocked searches for “death” in various iterations as well as “301 Hospital,” a reference to the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing where top leaders are often treated. Beyond blocking searches, the service’s human censors have also been busy hand-deleting posts that mention the former leader. Chinese microbloggers have employed a variety of tricks in an apparent attempt to get around the blocks. With Weibo censors blocking searches the word for “hung” (挂了), a common Chinese euphemism for death, users have been circulating an image showing an empty set of clothing hanging out to dry, pants hiked up to chest level the way Mr. Jiang preferred. It’s not the first time China’s censors have gone to great lengths to prevent Internet users searching out information on the country’s top leaders. At various times, Chinese language searches for “carrot” on Google have been blocked , apparently because one of the three characters in the word matches the surname of current Chinese president Hu Jintao. There are some inconsistencies in Sina’s apparent effort to quash the speculation surrounding Mr. Jiang. While “myocardial infarction” is blocked, “heart attack” mysteriously is not. Searches for “301 Hospital” that use Chinese characters for the numbers instead of Arabic numerals likewise produce results. As always, it remains unclear whether the censorship effort has managed to calm speculation about Mr. Jiang’s death or encouraged it further. Jiang-related rumors and commentary remained rife Wednesday night on Twitter, which is blocked in China but can be accessed by means of firewall circumvention software. And while Sina’s content police have gotten wise to the image of the empty suit of clothing, it remains available on Google+ . – Josh Chin. Follow him on Twitter @joshchin
China’s longest river, the Yangtze, has been at the heart of historic floods this summer that have killed dozens of people and laid waste to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland. But to users of one of China’s most popular social media sites, it no longer exists. Searches for the Yangtze’s Chinese name – Chang Jiang (长江)—on Sina.com’s Weibo microblogging platform came up empty on Wednesday, as did searches for a number of other Chinese rivers, yielding instead the service’s standard censorship notice: “According to the relevant laws, regulations and policies, the results of this search cannot be displayed.” Why the sudden aversion to flowing bodies of water? The likeliest explanation is a torrent of rumors circulating online since Tuesday that former president Jiang Zemin is either gravely ill or has already died. Mr. Jiang’s surname means “river.” The Chinese rumor mill has wrongly predicted Mr. Jiang’s death before. But the latest round of speculation comes just days after the 84-year-old former leader conspicuously failed to show up at celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. He would be the longest-serving and in many ways most significant Chinese leader to have died since Deng Xiaoping in February 1997. Regardless of whether the rumors are true, Sina is taking no chances. In addition to “river,” the company has also blocked searches for “death” in various iterations as well as “301 Hospital,” a reference to the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing where top leaders are often treated. Beyond blocking searches, the service’s human censors have also been busy hand-deleting posts that mention the former leader. Chinese microbloggers have employed a variety of tricks in an apparent attempt to get around the blocks. With Weibo censors blocking searches the word for “hung” (挂了), a common Chinese euphemism for death, users have been circulating an image showing an empty set of clothing hanging out to dry, pants hiked up to chest level the way Mr. Jiang preferred. It’s not the first time China’s censors have gone to great lengths to prevent Internet users searching out information on the country’s top leaders. At various times, Chinese language searches for “carrot” on Google have been blocked , apparently because one of the three characters in the word matches the surname of current Chinese president Hu Jintao. There are some inconsistencies in Sina’s apparent effort to quash the speculation surrounding Mr. Jiang. While “myocardial infarction” is blocked, “heart attack” mysteriously is not. Searches for “301 Hospital” that use Chinese characters for the numbers instead of Arabic numerals likewise produce results. As always, it remains unclear whether the censorship effort has managed to calm speculation about Mr. Jiang’s death or encouraged it further. Jiang-related rumors and commentary remained rife Wednesday night on Twitter, which is blocked in China but can be accessed by means of firewall circumvention software. And while Sina’s content police have gotten wise to the image of the empty suit of clothing, it remains available on Google+ . – Josh Chin. Follow him on Twitter @joshchin
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Following Jiang Death Rumors, China’s Rivers Go Missing
Business
Gordonstoun Severs Connections with Business Led by Individual Accused of Espionage for China
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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
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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
![](https://img.thailandchina.net/2024/12/China-Expands-Nationwide-Private-Pension-Scheme-After-Two-Year-Pilot-Program.jpg)
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. |
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