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Is China's Xi Jinping Shedding his Reformer Ways?

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:23:00 -0700

When China's new president Xi Jinping assumed office, he made waves for leaning towards reformist policies. Observers predicted considerable change as China continues to struggle with political corruption and freedom of opinion. LinkAsia's David Bandurski reports, however, that the president may be moving away from the role of a reformer.

Bursting the Bubble: China Curbs Real Estate Boom

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:27:00 -0700

China is worried about a real estate bubble. Housing prices have been rising by double digits in almost every Chinese city, and in Beijing alone have skyrocketed 22 percent in the past year. State-run CCTV News reports that the government is trying to cool things down by raising taxes and transaction fees to lessen demand.

No Homework! New Regulations for Beijing Schools

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:46:00 -0700

The life of a Beijing school child just got a little easier. The city's government has issued eight new measures, including no homework for the lowest grades. State-run CCTV News reports on why the government is trying to ease young students' burden.

Apple Grovels, China Gloats: CCTV on Tim Cook's Apology

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:37:00 -0700

Apple CEO Tim Cook released an official statement on Monday apologizing for Apple's double standard in after-sales services in China. CCTV broke the story last month that Apple's warranties in China were different than those in other countries, and had undertaken a media campaign to push the company to apologize. Here's CCTV's reaction to the apology.

Beijing Dashes Hong Kong's Hopes for Democracy

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:02:00 -0700

A top official in Beijing has crushed Hong Kong's hopes for a genuinely democratic election in 2017 by informing the largely self-governing territory's people that although they can vote for a chief executive, the central goverment may veto their choice. Pro-democracy groups plan mass protests.

Welshman Wows China With Mao-Era Anthems

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:16:00 -0700

A lanky Welsh expatriate has become the talk of China with his rousing renditions of old-school Communist revolutionary anthems. Iain Inglis made it to the semi-finals of China's Got Talent, where he wore a Red Army uniform to sing 'I Love Reading Chairman Mao's Books Most.'

China's New Leaders: Any Surprises in Store?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:15:00 -0700

This past week, the 3,000 delegates of China's National People's Congress approved the selection of a new president and prime minister. Now, as they start the first of two five-year terms, LinkAsia speaks with Beijing-based scholar Zhang Lifan, Chinese business expert Robert Kapp, and Alvin Lin of the Natural Resources Defense Council in China.

Beijing to New Pope: No Meddling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:45:00 -0700

China has congratulated the new pope and told him improved relations with Beijing are possible as long as he does what he's told. The country's foreign minister says Pope Francis needs to cut Vatican ties with Taiwan and avoid meddling in China's internal affairs -- including its management of Catholics.

Raw Video: Xi Jinping Becomes President of China

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:54:00 -0700

China's National People's Congress sealed the country's once-in-a-decade leadership transition by formally confirming Xi Jinping as China's new president. Delegates approved Xi as successor to Hu Jintai by a vote of 2,952 to 1, with three abstentions.

China Reforms: The End of the One Child Policy?

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:15:00 -0700

China's annual National People's Congress just completed its first week, and there are signs that this Congress is going to be different from the boring meetings of recent years. LinkAsia speaks with David Bandurski of Hong Kong University about the new faces in the Chinese government, and the spirit of reform in the air this year.

China's New President Puts a Damper on the Party

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:24:00 -0700

Xi Jinping, China's new president, is waging a war against official ostentation. He is making modesty on the part of officials at all levels his signature issue. And as LinkAsia's Jing Gao reports, it seems to be having an impact among delegates at this year's National People's Congress.

China: Sichuan Official Vows to Continue Crackdown on Tibetan Immolations

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:49:00 -0800

A Sichuan official said on Thursday authorities there will continue to crack down on Tibetan self-immolation protests. Addressing the National People's Congress in Beijing, Zhang Dongsheng continued to blame the protests on Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. "Aba Prefecture has been cracking down on it, in accordance with the law. You just asked why these things are still happening. It is of course because our struggle with the Dalai Clique is long-term and fierce," said the deputy director. More than 100 Tibetans have self-immolated since 2009. Supporters say they are desperate responses to the Chinese regime's suppression of their culture and religion.

Chinese City to Officials: Bare Your Assets

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:29:00 -0800

As China's Communist Party leaders boost anti-corruption efforts, the southern mega-city Guangzhou is leading the way. Officials in one part of the city will soon have to disclose a wide range of financial details such as their salary, how many cars and houses they own, and where and when they travel overseas. The move is hailed by citizens fed up with leaders milking the system.

China: Son of Famous Singer Arrested for Gang Rape

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:57:00 -0800

Li Tianyi, son of beloved Chinese singer Li Shuangjiang, has been arrested for gang rape. Tianyi and four other men were taken into custody in Beijing after the woman reported the incident on February 19. State-run CCTV News reports that the incident has reignited the debate in China over the actions of the country's privileged youth, and LinkAsia looks at the reactions on social media to the arrest.

China: Water Pollution Creating Wave of 'Cancer Villages'

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:51:00 -0800

Due to lax regulations, factories across China have dumped toxic waste and chemicals into local rivers and lakes for years. Villages downstream have seen an explosion in cancer rates in recent years. State-run CCTV News reports on measures that the Chinese government is taking to clean up the country's water supply.

Move Over, Smog: China's Water Pollution Off the Charts

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:06:00 -0800

A side effect of rapid industrialization and few regulations, China's rivers are often treated as little more than sewers. But as LinkAsia contributor Mark Dreyer reports, an online campaign to clean up the country's water is gathering steam.

China's Shorthanded Economic Engine Sputters

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:09:00 -0800

China's recent minimum wage hike is having the unintended consequence of migrant workers choosing to stay close to home and work for just slightly less than in their far-away jobs in China's economic hubs. State-run CCTV News reports from Guangdong province, China's manufacturing heart, where companies are finding themselves shorthanded as more and more workers decide not to return from their Spring Festival holiday.

China: 'People's Search' Engine Crashes and Burns

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:09:00 -0800

"Can a search engine succeed if you have no concept of the free flow of information?" That was the question posed by former Google China head Kai-Fu Lee on his Sina Weibo account, in response to the failure of China's government-run Jike search engine. Contributor David Bandurski reports that although Lee's comments got him temporarily banned on Weibo, they've still been a trending topic of conversation.

China Denies Hacking Claims, Accuses US of Cyber Warfare

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:30:00 -0800

A new report by the New York Times and cyber security company Mandiant charges that China's People's Liberation Army is behind a flood of hacking attacks carried out against the US in recent years. China's state-run CCTV News reports on Beijing's reaction to the allegations, and its accusations that China is the victim of hacking attacks by the United States.

Security Expert Hacks China Espionage Report to Pieces

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:48:00 -0800

An American cyber security company, Mandiant, has charged that China's army contains a unit whose main responsibility is hacking American companies and organizations. LinkAsia speaks with cyber security expert Jeffrey Carr about some of the weaknesses in Mandiant's report, and what he thinks is actually going on.

North Korea's Nuclear Test a 'Loss of Face' for China

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:04:00 -0800

Much is made of the fact that China is North Korea's closest ally. But according to David Straub, a Korea expert at Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, the leaderships of the two counties don't like each other at all. China is particularly upset with North Korea now for compromising its ability to develop the northeast China region.

Tragic Death Renews Outrage Over China's One-Child Policy

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:25:00 -0800

Chen Liandi and his wife Li Yuhong were recently accused of violating China's one-child policy by giving birth to their third child. A confrontation broke out when government officials went to their home, and the baby was killed in the ensuing melee. Contributor Mark Dreyer unravels the events and what it means for the future of the one-child policy.

China Monitors Radiation in Wake of Nuclear Test

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:18:00 -0800

China's state-run CCTV News believes that relations between China and North Korea are "likely to sour" over the North's repeated nuclear tests. Chinese forces are monitoring radiation from the fallout of the underground blast in the border city of Dandong, and experts are warning that the DPRK test is likely to further isolate the Hermit Kingdom, even from its closest ally.

North Korea's Nuke Test Antagonizes Closest Ally

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:00 -0800

China, North Korea's closest ally, has voiced its staunch opposition to the DPRK's third nuclear test. A statement from the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry states that China, "strongly urges the DPRK to honor its denuclearization pledge." State-run CCTV News speaks with Ruan Zongze of the China Institute of International Studies about how the region should proceed as tensions escalate.

China's 'Ping Pong Diplomacy' Legend Dies at 73

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:33:00 -0800

Three-time world champion table tennis player Zhuang Zedong passed away yesterday at 73 from cancer in a Beijing hospital. Zedong was a key figure in 1971's "Ping Pong Diplomacy" that helped improve relations between the United States and China. State-run CCTV News looks back at Zhuang Zedong's life.

China: New Reforms Take Aim at Growing Income Gap

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:36:00 -0800

Growing concern over the gap between rich and poor in China is pushing the government to reform. The State Council has just issued guidelines to narrow the income gap. State-run CCTV News reports on what exactly the income distribution reforms entail.

Mao Money Mao Problems: China Tackles Inequality

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:26:00 -0800

China's State Council unveiled sweeping new guidelines this past week aimed at reforming income distribution mechanisms and shrinking the country's wealth gap. LinkAsia speaks with Bob Kapp, former head of the US-China Business Council, about what these guidelines say about China's new leaders.

Is China's New President a Hard-Liner or Reformer?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:54:00 -0800

Since he's taken power, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged reforms and talked tough on corruption. But a recently leaked speech has hinted at his true colors. Contributor David Bandurski looks at the debate around what kind of leader Xi Jinping will be.

Corruption Anger Boils Over in Rural China

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:24:00 -0800

As government officials' salaries have steadily risen in rural China, so to has public anger over corruption. State-run CCTV News reports on one town in Shixing County, Guangdong province, that is doing all that they can to increase transparency over assets.

Japan Seeks to Unthaw Diplomatic Freeze with China

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:46:00 -0800

Japan reached out to China this week in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. New Komeito party leader Natsuo Yamaguchi went to Beijing with a proposal to end the hostilities. State-run CCTV News has China's perspective on the effectiveness of this diplomatic mission.

Chinese Social Critic Fights Intimidation Campaign

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:25:00 -0800

Nicknamed "Big Eyes", Li Chengpeng is a crusading former reporter whose books have sold millions of copies in China. But Li's fame was not enough to stop authorities from trying to shut him up. Contributor David Bandurski reports from Hong Kong on Li's fight to continuing voicing dissent.

Coal Becomes the Culprit as China's Cities Choke

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:05:00 -0800

A cold winter has forced China to burn billions of tons of coal, joining vehicle exhaust as the major contributors to the catastrophic smog hitting cities. CCTV News speaks with Yang Fuqiang of the Natural Resources Defense Council, who says that in order to combat air pollution, China must move away from using coal.

China: Suicides Illustrate Plight of Migrant Workers

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:33:00 -0800

For many migrant workers in China's metropolitan areas, the Spring Festival is the only time of the year that they are able to return home and spend time with their families. But as state-run CCTV News reports, many workers are unable to head home this year because their employers at construction companies withheld pay. This has led to protests and a rash of suicides.

Censorship Protests Up Pressure on Chinese Gov

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:48:00 -0800

On January 6, journalists at Guangzhou's hard-hitting Southern Weekly newspaper went on strike to protest government censors rewriting a scathing New Year's Day editorial calling for political reform. South Korean broadcaster MBC breaks down the series of events that led to mass protests against censorship.

Did China's Press Censors Finally Step Too Far?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:18:00 -0800

There's always been an implicit understanding that Chinese journalists could negotiate changes with government censors. But, as contributor David Bandurski reports, the drama that unfolded in the Southern Weekly newsroom shows what happens when officials break this informal agreement. Bandurski looks at what the subsequent strikes and protests mean for the future of press freedom in China.

Chinese Paper Back After Censorship Standoff

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:38:00 -0800

China's Southern Weekly newspaper was back on newsstands today after censors agreed to back off. Al Jazeera speaks to the Washington Post's Beijing bureau chief about the journalists' strike that could prove to be a landmark moment for press freedom in China.

China Making Loud Noises Against Corruption

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:31:00 -0800

The Chinese government's disciplinary body has investigated nearly 160,000 corruption cases since they stepped up their anti-corruption fight, purporting to have recovered over seven billion yuan. State-run CCTV News gives China's official perspective on what this corruption crackdown will mean for the country.

What's Behind China's Escalating Press Freedom Protests?

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:18:00 -0800

China's feisty Southern Weekly newspaper has become the focal point of renewed press freedom protests after their controversial New Year's editorial was rewritten by propaganda officials. LinkAsia speaks with Anne Henochowicz of the China Digital Times about the impact these protests will have on censorship and press freedom in China.

Newspaper Censorship Protests Challenge China's New Leaders

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:49:00 -0800

Journalists at a leading Chinese newspaper have gone on strike in a dispute over press freedom. The Southern Weekly is known for its investigative journalism. But last week an editorial that called for political reform was changed by a censor so that it praised the ruling party. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

China's New World Record: Champion Savers

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:00:00 -0800

The Washington-based International Monetary Fund reports that personal savings in China have reached 50 percent of incomes, more than twice the world's average. State-run CCTV News reports on what young people in particular are saving up for.

China Bans Booze-Fueled Parties, but Will Reforms Stick?

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 09:24:00 -0800

China has banned senior military officers from holding alcohol-heavy banquets or from staying in luxury hotels when on work trips. Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China, joins Al Jazeera from Hong Kong to explain the new rule.

Left Behind: China's Child Negligence Epidemic

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:04:00 -0800

Migrant workers in China struggle with life in the big city, but the children they leave behind often struggle even more. LinkAsia speaks with UNICEF China's Dale Rutstein about the pilot projects he is working on to make life easier for the children of China's migrants.

Poof! China's Propaganda Chief Goes Missing

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:43:00 -0800

Earlier this year, it was president-in-waiting Xi Jinping who mysteriously disappeared from public view. Now, it's new propaganda chief Liu Qibao. Contributor David Bandurski reports on China's "systemic obsession with secrecy" involving the well-being of high-level officials.

Win for Weibo? Chinese Media Acknowledges Microblog Power

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:34:00 -0800

A stunning concession from state-run Chinese media: "A growing number of microbloggers are becoming a force to be reckoned with in exposing abuse of power." CCTV News attempts to appropriate Weibo's power to take down low-level corrupt Party officials.

'Sexiest Man Alive' Spoof Fools China's Communist Party

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:01:00 -0800

The American satirical news outlet The Onion ran a piece last week naming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un the Sexiest Man Alive. Something must have been lost in translation, because China's Communist Party-run People's Daily picked up the story with a straight face.

Politburo Field Trip: China's Leaders Visit Museum

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:49:00 -0800

All seven new members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China hit the town to check out China's National Museum. State-run CCTV News has this glowing report on China's past and future.

Kim Jong-un Named World's Sexiest Man? Not Quite

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:54:00 -0800

The Chinese Communist Party has been making headlines today -- by sticking its foot squarely in its official mouthpiece. The People's Daily newspaper was quick to assume a news report about the leader of fellow Communist ally North Korea was completely true. But, the article was in fact written by satirical American news service The Onion. It named North Korea's Kim Jong-un as its "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2012, and The People's Daily celebrated with a stirring photo tribute. It showed Kim at various state events, including one carefully staged shot of him on horseback. Any hope that the article was self-aware ends there. But it's okay, the Korea Times made the same mistake about a week ago. The Onion has now updated its original story, linking to The People's Daily article and calling the Communist mouthpiece "a proud Communist subsidiary of The Onion, Inc."

China: Dumpster Deaths Put Spotlight on Street Kids

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:38:00 -0800

There has been a massive outburst of public grief in China after five children were found dead in a trash container in Guizhou province last week. State-run CCTV News reports on the repercussions for those responsible for the young boys.

China's Dream Team: Country's Seven Top Leaders Unveiled

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:26:00 -0800

When bureaucratic infighting ceased and the dust settled, China unveiled the seven men who will determine the future of the country. State-run CCTV News reports on General Secretary Xi Jinping and the other six members of the CPC Central Committee.

China's Princeling President a 'More Decisive Leader'

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:14:00 -0800

China's new president Xi Jinping is the son of a revolutionary leader and has a reputation for being a business-friendly problem solver. But does this mean he will be a reformer? LinkAsia speaks with Josh Chin, Beijing Digital Editor for the Wall Street Journal, on what a Xi presidency will look like.