In The News

China’s Missing Million: New Statesman

Morgan Meaker August 31, 2019
China has been accused of detaining as many as 3 million Uyghurs and other Muslims, most from Xinjiang province, including the highly educated and even members of the Chinese Communist Party, in reeducation camps. China targets the Uyghurs out of insecurity over any separatist movement and ideological competition from religion. “During the past decade, Uyghurs have reported ongoing human rights...

China's Social Credit System: DW

August 29, 2019
China already ranks its companies and citizens on social reputation, and plans to extend rankings to individuals and firms with China operations by 2020. Large firms can expect to be ranked on about 30 categories and as many as 300 requirements including licensing, tax payments, environmental protections, billing, logistics and more. China’s government regards the system as a prerequisite for...

Gambling Dilemma: Rappler

Bob Herrera-Lim August 28, 2019
The global gambling industry is worth about $500 billion, with online gaming on the rise. China has asked the Philippines to shut down its online gambling sites that target mainland Chinese players. The Philippines president is expected to support the POGOs – operations that hire Chinese speakers and target the mainland. “[T]he rise of the POGOs is also a lesson for the Philippine government and...

Hong Kong Protests Turn Violent: Reuters

Twinnie Siu August 27, 2019
After 11 weeks, mostly peaceful protests in Hong Kong have turned into violent with petrol bombs, destruction of surveillance cameras and injuries. Police responded with water cannons, teargas, gunfire and more than 80 arrests. The protests began in June over an extradition bill allowing Hong Kong people to be sent to China for trial. “But the demonstrations have evolved over 12 straight weeks...

Global Rosewood Crisis: EIA

August 24, 2019
Rosewood, or Hongmu, refers to 29 species that produce durable beautiful wood used for antique furniture reproduction. “The insatiable demand for scarce hongmu resources has caused the expansion of supply chains from Southeast Asia to new frontiers in Africa and Central America,” reports Environmental Investigation Agency. “Prior to the surge in international demand, domestic markets in Africa...

Death of Pigs in Luzon: Rappler

Ralf Rivas August 21, 2019
Refusing to acknowledge a health problem can contribute to its spread. Pig farmers in Luzon, the biggest and most populated island of the Philippines, report pigs falling ill with loss of appetite, vomiting and sudden death, reports Ralf Rivas for Rappler. The Department of Agriculture reports that a number of government units “vigorously conduct joint monitoring of the movement of pigs, pork,...

Hong Kong Protests Draw 1 Million Plus: BBC

Stephen McDonell August 18, 2019
As many as 1.7 million protesters of all ages bearing colorful umbrellas marched peacefully in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park and other parts of the city. “China, which has built up security forces in nearby Shenzhen, has likened the protests to terrorist activity,” notes a BBC News report. China has warned the city’s leaders not to lose control after recent violent clashes with police and disruptions...