Dexter Roberts

Commentary: China’s clear message to the U.S. on Hong Kong: Beijing will not back down

Los Angeles Times, May 21, 2020 | Commentary: China's clear message to the U.S. on Hong Kong: Beijing will not back down

In a devastating blow to Hong Kong's long-promised autonomy, China has announced plans for a national security law that could squash protests and cripple freedoms in the territory. The move is also seen as clear signal that Beijing has no intention to bow to global opinion, even as it faces increasing pushback from the U.S. and other countries.

"A critical goal for North Korea is ending economic sanctions imposed to punish the country for developing nuclear weapons. An end to sanctions would transform the largely dormant 880-mile-long China-North Korea border."

What Happened to China’s Baby Bump?

"China may be too far along on its development track for these policies to make a difference. As people grow wealthier and more educated, birthrates typically fall around the world, says economist Gan Li of the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu."

Where ‘Made in China’ Means Flying Cars and Automated Pharmacies Guangzhou, a major manufacturing hub, is doling out subsidies and free land as it sets out to retool its economy.

"On a sunny afternoon in early November, several dozen software engineers and designers are anxiously preparing for a test flight of the EHang 184, a compact metal and glass pod outfitted with eight propellers. The self-steering, single-passenger craft could begin buzzing through the skies of Dubai as early as next year."

Beijing Wants One Union to Rule Them All

"Scaring labor activists into submission is part of the leadership's strategy to tame unruly migrant workers. Increasingly educated and internet-savvy, these workers have taken to the streets over unpaid wages and social welfare benefits, as well as unsafe work conditions."

China’s Factory Workers Head Home: Migrants from the interior return to set up businesses

"Under a policy colorfully called "Returning Geese Revitalize Guizhou," provincial officials are offering returnees free entrepreneurial training, tax waivers for businesses they start, and low-interest loans."

China’s Hunt for Growth in the Countryside

"Tuguan village in remote Yunnan province feels about as far from the turbulence of modern China as you can get. A one-lane, bumpy dirt road runs through it, past whitewashed farmhouses, most with a painting of flowers and bamboo on the outside wall and traditional sweeping rooftop eaves."

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