A weekly roundup of news and analysis to help you follow key developments in China and the Chinese church.
China’s Social Credit System: Speculation vs. Reality (March 30, 2021, The Diplomat) Today, the social credit system still remains a disjointed mix of ambitious national level targets and guidance, varying regional pilot programs, and scattered mass data collection mechanisms.
Wuhan study spotlights China’s Covid-19 herd immunity challenge (March 20, 2021, South China Morning Post) Swift lockdown measures brought disease under control but population vulnerable to imported infections without vaccinations. Researchers find possibly 10 times more people than original estimates could have been infected but herd immunity is a long way off.
Hong Kong’s Economic Future: A ChinaFile Conversation (March 11, 2021, China File) What are key factors shaping the city’s economic future?
China wants more babies; China’s women have other plans (March 8, 2021, South China Morning Post) Women say there must be major social and economic change rather than policy tweaks to address the demographic problem.
Has China lifted 100 million people out of poverty? (March 1, 2021, BBC) Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country has reached the ambitious goal set when he assumed office in 2012 of lifting 100 million people out of poverty.
China orders clergy to toe Communist Party and socialist line (February 19, 2021, South China Morning Post) New national rules requiring clergy to embrace the leadership of the Communist Party and China’s socialist system are expected to compound limits on religious freedom in the country,...
The Yongzheng Emperor and Christianity in China (February 16, 2021, Sup China) In 1724, the Yongzheng Emperor proscribed Christianity. But what he really wanted is what rulers always want: people who will serve their state but not threaten its order.
Celebrate Lunar New Year online with a variety of virtual events (February 8, 2021, Lonely Planet) Many of the celebrations for the Lunar New Year are taking place virtually this year, inspired by food, performances and art and craft traditions that take place across Asia.
Chinese New Year good luck fruit is nutrition powerhouse (February 3, 2021, Inkstone News) Kumquat trees adorned with red lai see fong (literally, good fortune envelopes) are auspicious decorations at the start of the Lunar New Year. Native to China, the fruit is available around the world, including at supermarkets in major cities in the US.
8 Things To Know About The New Requirement For A Negative Covid-19 Test To Fly To The U.S. (January 26, 2021, View from the Wing) As of today the U.S. now requires a negative Covid-19 test within 3 days prior to departure, or documentation of having already recovered from Covid-19, for all air passengers flying to the country (citizens and non-citizens alike).
Why 1.2 billion people share the same 100 surnames in China (January 16, 2021, CNN) With 1.37 billion citizens, China has the world's largest population, but has one of the smallest surname pools. Only about 6,000 surnames are in use, according to the Ministry of Public Security. And the vast majority of the population -- almost 86% -- share just 100 of those surnames.
U.S. bans imports of all cotton, tomato products from China's Xinjiang region (January 13, 2021, Reuters) U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the order applies to raw fibers, apparel and textiles made from Xinjiang-grown cotton, as well as canned tomatoes, sauces, seeds and other tomato products from the region, even if processed or manufactured in third countries.