China
Chinese journalists mourn cutting-edge Caixin editor who died under Beijing lockdown
Journalists working in China’s tightly controlled media industry are mourning the loss of a leading news and investigative editor who is believed to have taken his own life after helping others suffering from depression through his work.
Zhang Jin, former deputy editor-in-chief of Caixin Media and founder of Dogo, a social media platform for people suffering from mental illness, died on Dec. 5 at the age of 56, Caixin Global reported.
“Today we are deeply saddened. … Dogo has lost the founding father who laid the basis for our mission and business, and a leader in exploring ecological healing systems for depression,” the report quoted Zhang’s obituary on Dogo’s WeChat account as saying.
Neither the Caixin report nor the Dogo obituary said how Zhang died, but journalists told RFA he had committed suicide.
His last WeChat Moments post was dated Oct. 12 and read: “Life is like an ocean, and depression is just a vortex within that ocean, which we experience together, and go through together.”
One comment described Zhang as “a light who brought countless people out of darkness.”
A friend of Zhang’s told Radio Free Asia that he had taken his own life at a time when harsh zero-COVID restrictions in Beijing prevented him from getting the medical treatment he needed following surgery for lung cancer.
“Harsh and twisted restrictions” cut off Zhang’s access to medical treatment, leaving him with “nowhere to go to seek help,” the friend said.
“It’s heartbreaking that such a strong person who had fought this for 10 years and worked so hard to save countless lives finally chose out of a sense of helplessness and despair to end his own life,” the friend said through tears.
One of many
An industry insider said Zhang had “had a relapse into depression” but declined to be more specific.
“His funeral is being arranged by Caixin and his team,” the person said. “It has been tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday. There will be an offline memorial service, and his team will make an announcement.”
A senior journalist in Beijing who requested anonymity also said Zhang’s death had come during lockdown restrictions at his home.
“A while back in Beijing he wasn’t allowed to go anywhere, nor to go outside,” the journalist said. “But this is all basically forbidden to talk about in China.”
The friends said Zhang was one of many people in China who have struggled with mental illness under lockdown.
“There has been a big increase in people suffering from depression in China in the past three years,” the journalist said. “But there are no statistics of any kind on this kind of thing.”
In November, China’s Health Ministry said statistics on suicides under the country’s zero-COVID policy of rolling lockdowns and electronic tracking “are not for release,” following reports that a woman had killed herself in the northern region of Inner Mongolia. A former Red Cross official said such figures are regarded by the ruling Chinese Communist Party as a “state secret.”
Calls to the National Health Commission in Beijing on Thursday seeking comment on Zhang’s death and lockdown mental health issues in general had met with no response by the time of writing.
Exposing ‘China’s Enron’
A senior investigative reporter said many former investigative journalists had posted condolences, remembering him as the kind of editor who protected reporters who investigated sensitive stories.
Zhang’s former employer, Caijing, was among the first Chinese media organizations to send journalists to report from the disaster zone during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which left around 87,500 people dead.
Zhang had also presided over investigative reports on the SARS crisis of 2003, as well as corporate governance scandals at Yinguangxia, which was dubbed “China’s Enron,” the investigative reporter said.
Under Zhang’s leadership, Caixin also published a number of hard-hitting reports on the suppression of press freedom and purges at the Guangzhou-based Southern media group in 2012.
“We’ve lost one of the best people of our time,” the Caixin report quoted a WeChat user and former student as saying.
“I came out of the darkness only through the light of Mr. Zhang, and I am forever grateful,” it cited another comment as saying.
A ‘beloved’ editor
Zhang graduated in Chinese literature from Nanjing University before enrolling in a highly regarded graduate journalism program at Renmin University in 1988.
He worked after graduation for the trade-union newspaper, the Workers’ Daily, before joining Caijing in 2000. He co-founded Caixin in 2009.
“As an editor, Zhang was beloved by reporters for his professionalism, modesty and low profile,” the Caixin report said. “He was well known for patiently taking the time to teach junior reporters how to structure their articles, use materials, and start and finish their stories.”
He was known as a soft-spoken, studious man with messy hair and glasses, who never spoke harshly to subordinates, it said.
His articles on the WeChat platform Dogo were based on his own experiences in fighting depression, and aimed to clear up public misconceptions and prejudices about mental illness, helping depressed people understand their condition better, the report said.
Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
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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
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