China
Jiang Zemin Appears, Squelching Death Rumors
Jiang Zemin, the former Chinese president and Communist party chief, made a surprise appearance in public Sunday for the first time since he was reported to be seriously ill– and possibly dead –three months ago. Mr. Jiang, who is 85 years old, took a seat on stage among other Chinese leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty imperial government in 1911. State-run China Central Television showed Mr. Jiang, who retired as party chief in 2002 and as president in 2003, waving and listening to speeches during the ceremony, although his hair seemed to have thinned and at one moment he appeared to be falling asleep. Mr. Jiang, who came to power after the military crackdown on pro-democracy protests around Tiananmen Square in 1989, failed to appear at a similar ceremony in July to mark the 90th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party’s founding, sparking widespread rumors that he was either dead or at the point of death. The Chinese government is extremely secretive about the health of its leaders, not least because the deaths or funerals of previous party chiefs have often been triggers for political unrest, including the Tiananmen demonstrations in 1989. Chinese censors suppressed the rumors about Mr. Jiang’s health online and forbade state media from reporting them, but at least one media outlet in Hong Kong –a former British colony which is allowed greater media freedom–reported that he had actually died in early July. The state-run Xinhua news agency eventually published a rare denial, quoting “authoritative sources” saying the reports were “pure rumor.” Although Mr. Jiang hasn’t played an active role in day-to-day decision-making since his retirement, he has still been consulted on major party decisions, copied in on many important internal documents, and permitted to write notes alongside them, according to Chinese and Western political analysts. Those observers say he and other retired leaders also have a say in the selection of the next Party Politburo Standing Committee – the top decision-making body – which is due to see seven of its nine members retire next year in the biggest shakeup in a decade. 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 and will be decided through horse-trading and maneuvering between various interest groups. Mr. Jiang helped to promote several key allies to the 25-person Politburo and the Standing Committee to preserve his political influence after he was succeeded as party chief by Hu Jintao in 2002, according to political analysts. – Jeremy Page
Jiang Zemin, the former Chinese president and Communist party chief, made a surprise appearance in public Sunday for the first time since he was reported to be seriously ill– and possibly dead –three months ago. Mr. Jiang, who is 85 years old, took a seat on stage among other Chinese leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty imperial government in 1911. State-run China Central Television showed Mr. Jiang, who retired as party chief in 2002 and as president in 2003, waving and listening to speeches during the ceremony, although his hair seemed to have thinned and at one moment he appeared to be falling asleep. Mr. Jiang, who came to power after the military crackdown on pro-democracy protests around Tiananmen Square in 1989, failed to appear at a similar ceremony in July to mark the 90th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party’s founding, sparking widespread rumors that he was either dead or at the point of death. The Chinese government is extremely secretive about the health of its leaders, not least because the deaths or funerals of previous party chiefs have often been triggers for political unrest, including the Tiananmen demonstrations in 1989. Chinese censors suppressed the rumors about Mr. Jiang’s health online and forbade state media from reporting them, but at least one media outlet in Hong Kong –a former British colony which is allowed greater media freedom–reported that he had actually died in early July. The state-run Xinhua news agency eventually published a rare denial, quoting “authoritative sources” saying the reports were “pure rumor.” Although Mr. Jiang hasn’t played an active role in day-to-day decision-making since his retirement, he has still been consulted on major party decisions, copied in on many important internal documents, and permitted to write notes alongside them, according to Chinese and Western political analysts. Those observers say he and other retired leaders also have a say in the selection of the next Party Politburo Standing Committee – the top decision-making body – which is due to see seven of its nine members retire next year in the biggest shakeup in a decade. 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 and will be decided through horse-trading and maneuvering between various interest groups. Mr. Jiang helped to promote several key allies to the 25-person Politburo and the Standing Committee to preserve his political influence after he was succeeded as party chief by Hu Jintao in 2002, according to political analysts. – Jeremy Page
Original post:
Jiang Zemin Appears, Squelching Death Rumors
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
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