Research, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
News on Taiwan, Japan, CCP, India, U.S., travel
News (1)
"Huichundan" calls Taiwan, China, causing public outrage. Taipei concert shows fans holding "Taiwan Independence Flag Sea + Pooh"
Editor : Zhu Lanhui / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/4628121 / Image : Huichundan started singing at Legcay Taipei in the Huashan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei on the evening of the 2nd. Music fans in the audience held up various flags advocating "Taiwan independence." (Picture taken from Threads)
CCP China's Guangxi independent rock band "Huichundan" came to Taiwan to perform but said they were in "Taiwan, China". The use of words that belittled Taiwan's character caused a large number of Taiwanese music fans to be dissatisfied. On 2 April 2024, Huichundan's performance in Taipei was held as usual. However, many music fans bought "Taiwan Independence" flags to protest at the venue. While Huichundan was performing on stage, a "sea of Taiwan independence flags" appeared in the audience. The footage sparked heated debate online.
Huichundan, an independent rock band from Guangxi, China, became famous online with their song "Flowers". They performed in Taiwan for the first time on Tuesday. They were originally invited to participate in the "Taiwan Festival" held in Kenting, Pingtung from 4 to 6 April 2024. However, after Huchuandan posted on Weibo and IG on Monday (1 April) that he would perform in "Taiwan, China", it was exposed, triggering criticism from Taiwanese music fans. On 2 April, the organizer of the Taiwan Festival directly and domineeringly announced the cancellation of the band's performance, leaving a large number of netizens applauded.
However, Huichundan's special performance at Legcay Taipei in Huashan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City was not cancelled. Taiwanese music fans directly brought various flags with "Taiwan Independence" written on them to the venue. Many netizens who attended the performance posted on Threads Sharing footage from the scene the "wonderful sight" of Huichundan performing on stage, with a large number of people holding high the Taiwan independence flag below. Some people also brought signs supporting Hong Kong also speak out for Hong Kong people.
A music fan present revealed that the scene was actually quite "peaceful". "People on the stage sang their own songs, and people off the stage raised their own flags." There were lots of cheers and choruses, and Huichundan also completed the performance very dedicatedly. , did not appear affected.
The funniest thing is that at the end of Huichundan's performance, lead singer Simon Liu asked the audience, "Can we take a photo together?" After hearing this, Taiwanese people took out the Taiwan independence flag and "Winnie the Pooh" insinuating Chinese Communist President Xi Jinping. After the photo was taken, the audience discovered that Huichunadan had not finished singing the famous song "Flowers", so they all called for an encore, and Huichundan also completed the song as requested.
Other netizens said, "I'm in the front, and their faces feel so stinky," "I'm free to wash their faces," "Let them know that Taiwanese people are not easy to mess with," "Taiwanese people really can't relax for a moment," " I'm so crazy and in love." "Taiwanese people are really good." "Don't just eat Taiwanese tofu! You don't know how to respect me when you come as a guest, so I have to invite you back." "They took away Ma Ying-jeou's style."
In addition, before the performance of Huichuandan in Legcay Taipei, Wu Peiyi, the legislator of Taipei City's Zhongzheng Wanhua District, posted on Facebook: "I heard that many people are rushing to buy Taiwan independence flags on the road. As a legislator of Taipei City, I have three things to say. Say! One, I recommend going to the independent bookstore "Taiwan e-Store" for purchasing the Taiwan Independence Flag; two, I recommend "The Shining Band" for famous products in Zhongzheng District; three, go to China!" Many netizens cheered as soon as the post was posted.
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Image: Music fans brought Taiwan independence flags to Legcay Taipei to listen to Huichundan singing. (Picture taken from Threads)
News (2)
Taiwan's magnitude 7.2 earthquake and tsunami have reached the coast of Okinawa, Japan
Reporter : Li Muen / Editor : Lin Yan / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/3/n14217046.htm / Image : A 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Taiwan on 3 April 2024. Affected by it, a tsunami warning was issued in Okinawa, Japan. (Japan Meteorological Agency)
An M7.5 magnitude earthquake occurred near Taiwan at around 8.58 am on 3 April 2024 (Japan local time). Affected by it, Okinawa, Japan issued a tsunami warning at 9.01 am.
The earthquake caused a magnitude 4 earthquake on Yonaguni Island and a magnitude 3 earthquake in Ishigaki and Taketomi towns on Iriomote Island, Kuroshima and Hateruma Islands.
A tsunami warning has been issued for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama areas as well as the main island of Okinawa, with an expected tsunami height of 3 m.
A 30-centimetre-high tsunami was observed on Yonaguni Island at 9:18 a.m.
After the tsunami warning was issued, the Ishigaki City Fire Department in Okinawa Prefecture called on coastal residents to evacuate through disaster management broadcasts.
Nao Hirata, emeritus professor at the University of Tokyo, told the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK): "Even a 30-centimetre tsunami will make it impossible for adults to walk. Now that tsunamis have been observed, it is expected that there will be larger tsunamis in the future. If the area has A tsunami warning been issued, please evacuate to higher ground away from the coast if possible."
The Philippine Earthquake Administration also issued warnings to residents in coastal areas of several provinces, urging them to evacuate to higher ground.
News (3)
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 in Taiwan shook the whole Taiwan for 1 minute and there were more aftershocks
Reporter : Xiao Lusheng / Editor : Fang Xiayan / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/3/n14217019.htm / Image : At 7.58 am on 3 April 2024, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan. (Taiwan Central Meteorological Administration)
At 7.58 am on 3 April 2024, local time, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan. Taiwan issued a national alert and tsunami warning. Aftershocks continued after the strong earthquake. As of 8.53 am, at least 16 aftershocks had occurred, with the highest aftershock magnitude 6.5.
According to Taiwan's Central Meteorological Administration, at 7.58 am on 3 April 2024, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, with a depth of 15.5 kilometers. The epicenter was located 25.0 kilometers south-southeast of the Hualien County Government (located in the waters of eastern Taiwan). The maximum earthquake intensity was 6 in Hualien County. The earthquake was felt across Taiwan.
Taiwan issued a national alert, and residents received alerts on their mobile phones. The whole station shakes for about 1 minute.
Image : On 3 April 2024, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan, and residents received a national alert. (Mobile phone screenshot)
The earthquake may trigger a tsunami, and Taiwan has issued a tsunami warning to remind people in coastal areas to take precautions.
The Hualien County Government announced that in response to the continued occurrence of earthquakes, classes have been suspended on 3 April.
Image : On 3 April 2024, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred in Taiwan. (Taiwan Central Meteorological Administration)
The 5 strongest earthquakes in Yilan County
Miaoli County's strongest earthquake among the top 5
The maximum earthquake intensity in Taichung City was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in Changhua County was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in Hsinchu County was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in Nantou County was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in Taoyuan City was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in the New Taipei City area was 5 weak
The maximum earthquake intensity in Taipei City was 5 weak
The largest earthquake in Taitung County was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Chiayi County was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Yunlin County was magnitude 4
The highest earthquake intensity in Kaohsiung City was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Chiayi City was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Hsinchu City was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Tainan City was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Keelung City was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Pingtung County was magnitude 4
The largest earthquake in Penghu County was magnitude 3
The maximum earthquake intensity in Lianjiang County was 2
The maximum earthquake intensity in Kinmen County was 1
Subsequently, aftershocks continued. After the 7.2-magnitude earthquake, at least 16 aftershocks occurred as of 8.53 am, with the highest aftershock magnitude of 6.5.
For example, at 8 a.m., a magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in the sea east of Hualien, with a depth of 25.4 km and a maximum magnitude of 4 in Hualien County.
At 8.11 am, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 occurred in the sea east of Hualien, with a depth of 5.5 km. The maximum earthquake intensity was 5 in Taroko, Hualien County.
At 8.17 am, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred in the sea east of Hualien, with a depth of 32.2 km. The maximum magnitude was magnitude 4 in Hualien and Nantou counties.
At 8.35 am, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the waters east of Hualien with a depth of 28.4 km.
Image : At 8.11 am on 3 April 2024, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan. (Taiwan Central Meteorological Administration)
Image : On 3 April 2024, after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan, aftershocks continued. (Taiwan Central Meteorological Administration)
After the earthquake, Taiwan's high-speed rail website showed that due to the impact of the earthquake in the Hualien area, the entire line is currently suspended, and the company has dispatched personnel to deal with it.
Taipei MRT said that due to the earthquake, all stations on the line are suspended for about 40 to 60 minutes and safety inspections are carried out. Passengers in a hurry are advised to use other means of transportation or use other transfer stations to transfer.
The Taichung Rapid Transit Company stated that due to the earthquake, all trains on the Mid-Express Green Line have been stopped at stations and passengers have been evacuated to suspend operations. Currently, personnel have been dispatched to inspect routes and stations one by one. Passengers are advised to pay attention to the official website for subsequent operations.
News (4)
China issues tsunami red alert, Taiwan earthquake spreads to mainland China
Editor : Wen Bin / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/03/a103867434.html / Image : In the morning of 3 April 2024, a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred in Taiwan, and a landslide occurred in Hualien County. (Photo taken from Facebook)
After a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan on April 3, aftershocks continued. Affected by the earthquake, many earthquakes were felt strongly in China, and orange and red tsunami alerts were issued in the morning.
At 7.58 am local time on 3 April 2024, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Hualien, Taiwan. After the strong earthquake, aftershocks continued. As of 8:53 a.m., at least 16 aftershocks had occurred, with the highest magnitude 6.5.
Affected by this earthquake, many provinces in China felt strong earthquakes. On the Weibo hot search list that morning were: Hangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Fujian, Fuzhou, Nanjing, Wenzhou, Guangdong, Hefei, Quanzhou, Ningbo, Shantou, Wuhan, Wuxi, Changzhou, Taizhou, Zhejiang and other regions.
The Tsunami Warning Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China issued a tsunami orange alert that morning, but it was upgraded to a red alert shortly after.
Earlier, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 also occurred in the waters of southwest Japan, and it was the first to issue a tsunami warning. Okinawa Prefecture, close to Taiwan, asked people to move to higher ground as much as possible to avoid the harm caused by the tsunami. At about noon, the warning was lifted.
News (5)
CCP refuses to rename 30 places in India's Himalayan border state
Reporter : Li Yan / Editor : Lin Yan / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/2/n14216824.htm / Image : On 5 April 2023, Indian Army soldiers stood in front of the Jaswant Garh war memorial in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The CCP claims that almost all of this area belongs to "Southern Tibet" within its sovereignty. (Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images)
India on Tuesday (2 April 2024) rejected the Chinese Communist Party’s renaming of about 30 places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the northeastern Himalayas , called the move "senseless" and reiterated that the border province was an "integral" part of India.
Beijing claims Arunachal Pradesh is part of southern Tibet but New Delhi has repeatedly denied this claim. A year ago, CCP gave 11 locations in the state Chinese names, again exacerbating tensions between the two sides.
Since the bloody border conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in the western Himalayas in 2020, relations between the two sides have deteriorated sharply. Tensions eased after extensive military and diplomatic talks.
In a statement on Saturday (30 March 20240), the Communist Party of China said that in accordance with the relevant regulations of the State Council on place name management, about 30 place names in southern Tibet have been standardized.
"Arunachal Pradesh is, was and will be an integral part of India and making up a name will not change this reality," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters that "changing the name will not have any effect."
"If I change the name of your house, does it become my house?" he asked.
Previously, in 2017 and 2021, the CCP also "standardized" the place names of some disputed areas in southern Tibet, involving 6 and 15 place names respectively, including residential areas, rivers and mountain peaks but none of them were recognized by the Indian government.
Last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state to inaugurate infrastructure projects, which was opposed by the Chinese Communist Party. India called CCP's objections "baseless."
The United States also expressed its views on the issue, saying that the United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and "strongly opposes" any attempt to unilaterally assert sovereignty over the area through military or civilian "invasion or infringement."
The Chinese Communist Party claimed that the matter had "nothing to do with the United States."
India and China share a 3,800-km (2,400-mile) border, much of which is unclear and the source of bitter disputes between the two sides. In 1962, a bloody battle broke out between the two sides.
In 2020, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat with Chinese Communist soldiers. The death toll of Chinese Communist soldiers has not been made public. Since then, the Chinese and Indian armies have been locked in a fierce confrontation. Although the two sides have held military and diplomatic discussions many times, they have not yet reached a final solution.
In early March, senior Indian officials told Bloomberg that India was sending an additional 10,000 troops to the disputed border with China. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China responded on 8 March 2024 that India’s increase in troops on the disputed border is “not conducive to easing tensions.”
The day before, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that India has the ability to respond appropriately to anyone who "disdains us."
After deadly clashes in 2020, India passed laws to prevent Chinese Communist companies from investing in India.
News (6) to (9) / Reporters : Ning Haizhong and Luo Ya / Editor : Sun Yun / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/2/n14216674.htm
News (6)
Rumours spread about CCP power redistribution
Image : On 5 March 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang (middle) bowed at the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress held in the Great Hall of Beijing. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
After the CCP’s “Two Sessions”, there have been many rumours or predictions about changes in the power of the CCP’s top leadership. It involves Li Qiang retiring, Ding Xuexiang taking over, Cai Qi taking charge of network security for Xi Jinping, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan taking over, etc. Many experts expressed different views on this.
News (7)
Foreign media predicts that Li Qiang will retire upon expiration and Ding Xuexiang will take over
On 27 March 2024, "The Economist" analyzed the ups and downs of China's economic management team and pointed out that when the change takes place in 2027, current Prime Minister Li Qiang may step down due to reaching the age of 68. Li Qiang was born in 1959.
Li Qiang, who was once Xi's secretary, has been extremely flattering to Xi Jinping since he became prime minister, and his power has been repeatedly weakened.
At the "Two Sessions" of the Communist Party of China in March 2024, Li Qiang was canceled the traditional prime minister's press conference for more than 30 years, which triggered discussion from the outside world. The National People's Congress of the Communist Party of China also passed the first revised "Organic Law of the State Council" in more than 40 years, adding "maintaining the authority of the central government and centralized and unified leadership" as the highest political principle. Overseas public opinion generally believes that the amendment to the law will "reduce the functions of the State Council and the Prime Minister."
Wang Juntao, chairman of the National Committee of the China Democratic Party and a political scientist living in the United States, told The Epoch Times on April 2 that China’s economy continues to deteriorate. "Of course this is due to Xi Jinping's major policies, but Xi Jinping will think that Li Qiang's work is not very effective."
Wang Juntao believes that when Li Keqiang was Prime Minister of the State Council, he had great differences with Xi Jinping. Xi advocated overtaking in a roundabout way and concentrated national resources on high-tech industries and enterprises, while Li Keqiang advocated protecting people's livelihood, employment, and basic operations. noodle. Li Qiang actually basically recognized Li Keqiang when he came up, which may make Xi Jinping very unhappy.
Dr. Lin Song, a senior Australian media person, told The Epoch Times on 2 April 2024 that Li Qiang has only been prime minister for a year. His recent cancellation of the prime minister’s press conference has had a great impact, so some people speculate whether he will serve a full term. retire.
The Economist reported that the real person in charge of the State Council now is He Lifeng but it is predicted that Li Qiang’s successor may be Ding Xuexiang.
Ding Xuexiang has no local work experience and has never been in charge of practical affairs. He mainly worked as a secretary and office director. He started as Xi's chief secretary in Shanghai and followed him to Zhongnanhai. After Ding became a member of the Standing Committee, his role seemed less important, especially in terms of economic affairs, which were marginalized. However, he was the youngest among the Seven Standing Committee members, born in 1962.
Wang Juntao believes that it is possible for Ding Xuexiang to take over as prime minister. Wen Jiabao was originally the director of the Central Office and eventually became the premier of the State Council. "Both Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng have been highly used by Xi Jinping and have appeared on many occasions. Logically, He Lifeng should take over, and He Lifeng is already the new economic czar of China (CCP). In fact, he is more powerful than Liu He back then, but He Lifeng Maybe he is older, but Ding Xuexiang is younger."
Lin Song said that there are several deputy prime ministers in the State Council now. He Lifeng was born in 1955 and Li Qiang was born in 1959. He Lifeng is older than Li Qiang. Li Qiang may not be able to take over his turn, but it is difficult to say that Xi Jinping is easy to use old people. Ding Xuexiang was born in 1962, but Ding did not have a strong economic background.
"Actually, a few years of youth are nothing in politics. Just like the former Defense Minister Li Shangbo, Xi Jinping stepped down if he wanted him to, and Foreign Minister Qin Gang had been in office for a few months and he stepped down if he wanted."
News (7)
It is rumoured that Xi Jinping will delegate power to Cai Qi
The South China Morning Post reported on 28 March 2024 that three official sources familiar with the matter revealed that Xi Jinping has handed over the leadership of the Central Cybersecurity and Information Technology Commission to Cai Qi. Cai Qi took over the committee in the first half of last year, but officials have not yet announced the relevant appointments.
When the CCP’s National Cyber Security and Informatization Work Conference was held in mid-July last year, Cai Qi attended the meeting and delivered a speech, and Vice Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting and conveyed Xi’s instructions.
Regarding Xi Jinping's "decentralization", Ding Shufan, an honorary professor at the School of International Affairs at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, told The Epoch Times on April 2 that in fact, Li Qiang had previously served as the director of the Central Financial Commission, and now Cai Qi has taken over the Central Network Information Commission, so it is still normal. But they should ask Xi Jinping for instructions on everything. "Cai Qi's power comes from Xi and is Xi's tool."
Wang Juntao said that Cai Qi would shamelessly praise Xi Jinping, so Xi Jinping liked him more. Now that Cai Qi is taking over network management, in fact, he was already in charge of propaganda, so it cannot be regarded as Xi Jinping extending Cai Qi's power. If the Cybersecurity Committee wants to unify all aspects of its work, Xi still needs to personally come forward.
News (8)
Peng Liyuan "joined the Politburo"?
On 24 March 2024, the Chinese Communist Party’s official media reported that Peng Liyuan “went to Changsha alone to investigate tuberculosis prevention and control work.” In the afternoon of 28 March 2024, Peng Liyuan met at the No. 35 Middle School in Beijing with representatives of teachers and students of the German KDU Chinese Chorus who were visiting China.
As Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan has made rare high-profile appearances in recent times. There is speculation that she may soon enter the political stage and "enter the Politburo", ranking second to Jiang Qing, and so on.
Current affairs commentator Gao Xin believes in a column that even if Peng Liyuan enters the Politburo, she will have to wait until at least the 21st Party Congress. He predicts that Peng will succeed Tiening and become vice chairman of the next National People's Congress and chairman of the All-China Women's Federation.
Lin Song said that in his later years, Mao Zedong also placed Jiang Qing in a more important position. Next, Peng Liyuan's role may be somewhat similar. Because Xi Jinping does not believe anyone, he only wants to see if Peng Liyuan can help him. "He is now testing the direction of the wind to see if there is any objection to the arrangement of Peng Liyuan. If there is no objection from many people, let Peng Liyuan continue to appear more."
Ding Shufan also said that there is indeed a saying: "Xi has no one he trusts, so only Peng Liyuan can be trusted."
Wang Juntao said that Jiang Qing and Peng Liyuan cannot be compared with each other because Jiang Qing is an old revolutionary and she strongly agrees with Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong later trusted her more.
"I don't think (Peng) can compare with Jiang Qing. Jiang Qing went from Shanghai to Yan'an. She identified with Mao Zedong. Her feelings were based on political ideas, but the combination of Peng Liyuan and Xi Jinping is not like this. Peng Liyuan has no political ideological foundation. In fact, It’s hard to have any substantive power over her. She also doesn’t have much ability, unlike Jiang Qing.”
"Peng Liyuan grew up in the army. Girls who grew up in the army are more likely to listen to the words of the chief. Because Xi Zhongxun was the secretary of the Secretariat at the time. To Peng Liyuan, he was the chief among the chiefs, so Peng Liyuan was willing to follow Xi Jinping."
He believes that the emergence of various rumours is because everyone hates Xi Jinping and always wants Xi Jinping to collapse. "Mao Zedong later failed because of Jiang Qing, and many of his political opponents were made by Jiang Qing. When people spread such words, they hope that Xi will fail."
News (9)
Experts: The CCP’s rule is fragile and “Li Zicheng” may emerge within the system
Reporter : Ning Haizhong / Editor : Li Muen / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/1/n14215560.htm
Image : Analysts believe that the Chinese Communist regime may fall due to a bloody revolution. The picture shows that on 10 March 2024, a video of someone "driving into Xinhua Gate in Zhongnanhai late at night" was widely circulated on the Internet. (Video screenshot)
The Chinese Communist Party authorities still claim to insist on deepening reforms but at the same time, party leader Xi Jinping has become more centralized in power and puts security before the economy. Experts point out that the CCP's reform and opening up has long ended and has entered a reversal mode. The possibility of a brittle break in rigid rule is increasing. Someone within the system may rebel, leading to a bloody revolution like the Li Zicheng uprising in the late Ming Dynasty.
Wu Guoguang, a senior researcher at the Center for Chinese Economics and Institutions at Stanford University, published an article on March 30 on the Voice of America Chinese website titled "Will Xi Jinping's Reversal China be a peaceful revolution or a bloody revolution?"
Wu Guoguang joined the Political Structural Reform Research Group Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1986. The team leader was Zhao Ziyang and the office director was Bao Tong. He also drafted a number of important speeches for the then Premier of the Communist Party of China, Zhao Ziyang.
The article mentioned that China's economic development slowed down severely after the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. Deng Xiaoping was eager to conduct a southern tour, the so-called "second reform." The Chinese Communist regime benefited from the trend of globalization but after joining the WTO in 2001, the reform came to an end. The next ten years were an era of reaping the dividends of reform.
The article pointed out that from 2001 to 2012, after the CCP joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), it did not reform any system in accordance with the requirements of the WTO. It’s called reform.”
When Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, the dividend era also ended, and China entered a reversal mode, wanting to return to the Mao Zedong era.
Since Xi Jinping came to power, the Chinese Communist Party authorities have been verbally emphasizing reform and opening up until the "Two Sessions" of the Communist Party of China in March this year. On March 28, Xi Jinping arranged for Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress of the Communist Party of China, to attend the Bo'ao Forum for Asia, promising that China’s “door will only open wider and wider.”
However, at the "Two Sessions" of the Communist Party of China, the Prime Minister's press conference, which had lasted for more than 30 years, was canceled. The subsequent "China Development Forum" also canceled the Prime Minister's collective meeting with foreign businessmen on the closing day. On the one hand, this is seen by the outside world as Prime Minister Li Qiang's taking back power. On the other hand, it is also considered to be a sign that the CCP is becoming more closed-minded.
Wu Guoguang said that Xi Jinping has seen that economic marketization has brought about a certain degree of social diversification, which is incompatible with the political arrangement of the Communist Party's one-party dictatorship and is a threat to the Communist Party's one-party dictatorship. Therefore, he can only learn from Mao Zedong's approach. , but the problem is that Mao Zedong’s political methods are not connected with the market economy at all.
He believes that the challenge Xi Jinping faces now is how to use Mao Zedong's method and the market economy without killing it, and still create some wealth. He sees that Xi Jinping is constantly entangled between economics and ideology.
After the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the authorities further strengthened the party's control over various fields through internal organizational restructuring, including the establishment of the Central Financial Commission, the Central Ministry of Social Work, etc., and frequently emphasized the application of the "Maple Bridge Experience" to maintain stability. As the economy deteriorated, the authorities also revised the Counterespionage Law and conducted raids on foreign consulting and due diligence companies, allowing foreign supply chains and businesses to quickly move out of China.
Wu Guoguang's article stated that in recent years, the Chinese Communist Party government has further tightened speech and social space, used the Internet to strengthen information and speech control, and maintained the legitimacy of the CCP's rule by strengthening the stability maintenance system, and this legitimacy cannot last. Because it is a false legitimacy and ultimately relies on violence. When the economy deteriorates and the government does not have enough financial resources to support this huge repressive machine, a break may occur, such as the bloody revolution of Li Zicheng's uprising in the late Ming Dynasty.
Wu Guoguang explained that at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng was on the fringes of the system. Just like today's auxiliary police, the CCP has a large number of auxiliary police who can put you to work at any time and kick you out at any time. Now China already has some auxiliary police. The police are not paid. If Li Zicheng appears among this auxiliary police, the situation will be a bit like the late Ming Dynasty. "Such a party, and now one person monopolizing power, cannot last long from a common sense perspective."
He does not believe that a liberal figure like Zhao Ziyang will appear again within the CCP system to restart reforms.
Wu Guoguang finally said that the fundamental characteristic of the entire system of the CCP is the CCP’s absolute monopoly on power, not to mention challenges and questions, or even questions and comments. Such a system lacks the flexibility of change between rigidity and brittleness. If everyone does not want to see the CCP system break down or see bloodshed and violence, and is unwilling to accept such rigid control, then only through resistance can we increase its flexibility. For example, the White Paper Movement changed Xi Jinping’s dynamic zero-clearance policy, but Violence will not be avoided just because people do not want to see a bloody revolution.
Regarding Xi Jinping’s strengthening of centralization of power, which will lead to the brittleness of the CCP system, there have been previous analyzes similar to Wu Guoguang’s point of view.
An unpopular comment published in "Free Asia" on 20 March 2024 believed that Xi Jinping upgraded the authoritarian system to a totalitarian system and led China back to the Mao Zedong era more than 40 years ago, leading to a comprehensive political, economic and social collapse; China Various struggles between the government and the opposition are increasing rapidly, and the social pressure cooker may burst at any time; Xi Jinping dismissed more than 20 congress representatives, nearly half of whom were soldiers, indicating that there are many signs of dissatisfaction with Xi in the military.
The article believes that black swans can be seen everywhere in all areas of the CCP, from south to north, which may lead to a sudden moment of mutation in CCP China. The possibility that the CCP system will break is getting higher and higher, and the post-Xi era may suddenly arrive.
Wu Zuolai, a scholar in the United States who is familiar with the CCP system, told The Epoch Times on 23 February 2024 that the Ministry of Social Work established from the central to local governments is a large network used by the CCP to control the entire society. The CCP now devotes a lot of its energy to controlling the people but in the end it will end up like the Qin Dynasty. An unexpected incident will trigger a dramatic collapse.
News (10)
U.S. Ambassador: The CCP has destroyed all the people’s hopes and is of course afraid of the people
Reporter : Lin Yan / Editor : Lin Yan / https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/24/4/2/n14216930.htm / Image : On 27 April 2023, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel met with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Micron Technology Executive Vice President Manish Bhatia at a press conference at the Ambassador's residence in Tokyo. (Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said that the CCP has destroyed all the people’s hopes and is of course afraid of the people.
Emmanuel was recently interviewed by Jordan Schneider, the host of the self-media "China Talk". According to a video posted on X on Tuesday (1 April 2024), he discussed a number of related sensitive China topics, published opinions, covering U.S.-China geopolitical relations, U.S.-Japan-ROK strategic cooperation, Chinese people's alignment, and Chinese domestic politics.
Emmanuel said that China's youth unemployment rate continues to rise and foreign investment has dropped sharply. The CCP has not lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.
He said that China could have become the biggest beneficiary of the international system. The international system that China belongs to could have lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty, but the CCP has turned its back on this international system. As a result, (communist) China was also abandoned by the international system.
“When Beijing turns its back on the international system, guess what? The rest of the world — or at least the developed countries they care about — starts to turn its back,” Emanuel said.
He said that the CCP has forced other countries or regions to turn their backs on it countless times, stolen foreign intellectual property rights or conducted economic espionage abroad, or arbitrarily arrested foreign citizens.
"So I think the aspiration is: if Beijing wants to get back into the system, then be part of a responsible stakeholder group where you can speak out and contribute to the system, that's great! If you want to turn your back on it and close yourself off , so that other countries in the world are actually excluded from you, then you will reap the consequences within China." Emanuel said.
Emmanuel pointed out that being excluded from the international system is actually part of the CCP’s fear, but what the CCP fears most is the Chinese people.
"Yes, they are afraid of the United States; they are afraid of collective and united neighboring countries but what they fear most is the Chinese people." Emanuel said, "They have reason to be afraid of the Chinese people, because they continue to treat the Chinese people even with the unfulfilled basic promise : 'You give us security and power, and we will make your Chinese dream a reality.' They have shattered the hopes of ordinary people."
He said that China's economic structure is based on entrepreneurship and the world's confidence in China's future and willingness to invest in China.
"Beijing decided not to do this." He said that no one can stop the CCP from harming itself, because no matter how others try, it will not listen.
On 27 March 2024, 15 American business leaders met with the leader of the Chinese Communist Party behind closed doors. However, sources say that instead of alleviating concerns, these people have intensified their negative expectations for the Chinese Communist economy.
Emanuel said: "China has a strong entrepreneurial culture, and he (referring to party leader Xi Jinping) crushed their entrepreneurial spirit. In the process of crushing the entrepreneurial spirit of entrepreneurs and implementing Xi's strategies, he shattered the world's view of China's confidence."
He went on to say that 10 years ago, if foreign companies wanted to send employees to Beijing or Shanghai, or relocate their offices to China, there would be no objection.
However things are different now. "You can't get any employee in Japan, Europe, China or the United States to raise their hand and say, I want to move my family to a (Chinese) city where I can be arrested and locked down at any time," he said.
"Of course it's very difficult when you want people to come back and invest and at the same time you want to arrest them," Emanuel said.
News (11) to (12) / Reporter : Chen Chengliang / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/4613984, https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/4610627
News (11)
Promising that the United States will remain "100%" in NATO after being elected, Trump requires allies to agree to two conditions first
Image : Trump claimed that if he is re-elected as president, the United States will be "100%" committed to remaining in NATO, but only if allies "share the costs fairly" and treat the United States "fairly." (AP file photo)
Former US President Trump once again emphasized the importance of NATO to the United States in a recent interview. He said that if he is re-elected as president, the United States will be "100 percent" committed to remaining in NATO, but only if the allies "share the costs fairly" and treat the United States "fairly."
Fox News reported on the 19th that Trump was interviewed by the British right-wing media GB News and bluntly pointed out that without the participation of the United States, "NATO would actually not exist at all." He criticized NATO for having "taken advantage of the United States" for a long time, resulting in the United States having to bear up to 90% or even 100% of defense expenditures. This situation is "extremely unfair."
However, Trump also said that if NATO starts to treat the United States "fairly", he will "100%" support the continuation of the NATO partnership.
Trump added: "Don't forget, NATO is more important to them than it is to us. We are separated by a beautiful, wide ocean and are far away from some problem areas, but NATO is more important to them."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced last month that 18 of the 31 NATO member states have committed to achieving annual defense spending of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). European countries’ defense spending this year is expected to reach $380 billion, with Germany meeting its 2% spending commitment for the first time since the end of the Cold War. By comparison, only 11 NATO allies met the 2% spending target last year. Stoltenberg described this as a "six-fold increase" since 2014.
At a rally earlier on the 18th, Trump said bluntly: "If I am elected, everyone will have to pay." "NATO was almost bankrupt before I stepped in." He added that some people questioned if not will the United States continue to protect them if they pay the fee? His answer was "Absolutely not," which was incredible.
Trump's remarks immediately triggered a strong backlash from the Biden-Harris administration, accusing him of being "crazy and baseless." A White House spokesman acknowledged that "NATO is now the largest and most important defense alliance in history," thanks to the Biden administration's efforts to restore the alliance. The White House criticized Trump's remarks for "advocating the invasion of our closest allies" as endangering U.S. national security, global stability and the domestic economy.
'If they start to play fair, America's there?'
'Yes, 100%.'
Donald Trump has said America WILL stay in Nato if he wins at the polls and members pay their fair share.
Watch @Nigel_Farage's full interview tonight from 7pm, only on GB News. pic.twitter.com/64V7EuljzR
— GB News (@GBNEWS) March 19, 2024
News (12)
German media analysis: Trump returns to the White House, Taiwan’s fate may be in crisis
Image: German media are paying attention to whether Trump will put Taiwan on the knife edge if he is re-elected. (AFP file photo)
German media analysis pointed out that if former U.S. President Trump returns to the White House in 2024, it will bring new variables to the situation in the Taiwan Strait. In 2016, his phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was a historic breakthrough, but it also angered Beijing, causing the People's Liberation Army to frequently disrupt Taiwan and increasing tensions in cross-strait relations.
According to "Deutsche Welle" (DW), Germany's "Munich Messenger" analyzed that the newspaper cited polls and pointed out that 42% of Taiwanese expect Trump to be re-elected in 2020 and believe that his government's all-round support for Taiwan is "Golden Age". During the Trump administration, official relations between Taiwan and the United States have been heating up. He has aggressively sold weapons to Taiwan and built new museums, seriously challenging the "one-China framework" and indirectly helping Taiwan counter pressure from Beijing. He has also adjusted supply chains and relocated companies to Taiwan.
The Munich Messenger pointed out that the trade war between the Trump administration and CCP China has had an impact on Taiwan. Many companies have adjusted their supply chains, many of them have left China, and some have chosen Taiwan. However, Trump's support for Taiwan has also angered Beijing, and Taiwan has felt pressure from China. Tensions in Sino-US relations expose Taiwan to both opportunities and challenges.
The newspaper pointed out that if Trump does regain the White House, it would be too early for Taiwan to celebrate. As the confrontation between the United States and CCP intensifies, the People's Liberation Army is bound to intensify its operations to encircle Taiwan. In 2022, there will be nearly 1,000 records of disrupting Taiwan. What is even more worrying is that Trump has refused to comment on whether to use force to defend Taiwan, and his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns about whether CCP China will have the confidence to target Taiwan once the United States abandons Ukraine.
The report said that Ko, Taiwan’s former representative to the United States, who facilitated the phone call between Trump and Tsai Ing-wen, recently said that Taiwan’s newly elected next president, Lai Ching-te, must prepare for the Republican candidate’s second presidential term. It is these concerns that have even prompted politicians in the Trump camp to express firm support for Taiwan. When visiting Taipei at the end of February, Mike Gallagher, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Special Committee on U.S.-China Strategic Competition, said, "I am very confident that support for Taiwan will continue no matter who is in charge of the White House."
The article goes on to write that Beijing believes that Trump may abandon Taiwan at any time. A spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office pointed out at the end of January that the United States will always pursue an "America First" policy, and Taiwan may change from a pawn to an abandoned piece at any time.
Despite this, Frankfurter Rundschau reported that Taiwanese officials and U.S. allies still have expectations for Trump to return to the White House, and believe that support for Taiwan will continue no matter who is in power.
News (13)
Trump: Supports nationwide ban on abortion “certain weeks” of pregnancy
[Central News Agency] Former U.S. President Trump said today that he supports a nationwide ban on abortion after a certain number of weeks of pregnancy, but allows exceptions, but did not confirm his preference for how many weeks. That leaves his stance on one of the most high-profile issues in the U.S. election unclear.
AFP reported that after becoming the presumptive Republican nominee for the November election, Trump told the Fox program "Fox News Sunday" that he would take action "very soon" Make suggestions for the number of weeks for the ban to be released.
An article in The New York Times in February noted that Trump had privately told strategists that he favored the idea of banning abortions from 16 weeks, with exceptions in cases of rape, incest or a threat to the mother's health. Trump was reluctant to respond publicly when asked about the incident today, fearing that social conservative supporters would alienate him.
In response to Fox's question about the stage of pregnancy at which he believed abortion should be banned, Trump did not elaborate, only replying, "In a few weeks, I will make a recommendation."
"I think this recommendation will be accepted," Trump said, adding that he was concerned that the three justices he appointed would move the Supreme Court to the right and end federal protection of abortion rights in 2022. proud.
The Supreme Court's shocking ruling means that the right to abortion is no longer protected by the Constitution and is left to the states to enact laws. Some states have instituted near-total bans; others, like Maryland, have passed laws establishing the right to abortion. Many conservatives hope to overturn laws like Maryland's through a nationwide ban.
President Joe Biden and Democrats lean strongly toward guaranteeing abortion rights, often citing polls showing a majority of Americans oppose a federal ban. Trump said today that he knew the matter had political risks.
He said: "I think there have to be these three exceptions... You have to follow your heart, but in addition, you have to get elected, okay. If you don't have the three exceptions, I think it will be very, very difficult to get elected."
News (14)
Trump: If he wins the election, the first priority will be to close the border
Reporter : Li Li / Editor : Zheng Yu / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/02/a103867305.html / Image : On 28 March 2024, former US President Donald Trump spoke to the media after attending the memorial service of slain New York Police Department officer Jonathan Diller at the Massapequa Funeral Home in New York.
On Monday (1 April 2024), former US President Donald Trump told the New York Post that if he wins the election and returns to the White House, his "number one" priority matter will be closing the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Listen, I know exactly what to do," Trump said. "I'll tell you the first thing I would definitely do. That's the number one thing on my mind, and that's if I get back to the White House. My number one priority." The mission is to help the American people. That's all I care about." , "My first action on day one is to close the border."
He added to the news outlet that his second priority is "lowering prices."
In previous public statements, Trump has repeatedly said he would immediately close the border if elected, and he has accused President Joe Biden's administration of failing to enforce immigration laws.
Last year, he joked during a town hall event on Fox News that he would be "a dictator for a day" as president, but "when I close the borders, I won't be a dictator anymore."
A spokesman for Trump's campaign said at the time that Trump simply wanted to focus on the influx of illegal immigrants at the border and inflation, two of Biden's weaknesses in the 2024 election.
Polls show Trump has an advantage on immigration, as many voters say they are worried about so many illegal immigrants crossing the border.
There have been several high-profile cases in the United States in recent weeks in which illegal immigrants have been charged with crimes, including the killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by a Venezuelan immigrant.
About two-thirds of Americans now disapprove of the Biden-Harris administration's handling of border security, including about 4 in 10 Democrats, 55 % of black adults and 73% of Hispanic adults.
A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 45% of Americans believe this is a crisis, while 32% say it is a major problem.
Trump is expected to speak on the issue this week when he visits Michigan and Wisconsin, both swing states.
"Under Joe Biden's leadership, every state is now a border state and every town is a border," Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement this week. Towns and cities, Joe Biden has brought carnage, chaos and carnage to America from around the world.”
Last month, Trump said another step he would take if elected would be to release people convicted of the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident.
He wrote on Truth Social, "If I become president, my first actions will be to close the borders and release those wrongfully imprisoned on January 6th."
On the same day, House Republicans released a report saying that the House subcommittee on the events of January 6 failed to include key witness testimony and other details in its final report.
According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, about 500 people have been jailed and more than 1,300 people have been charged with crimes.
News (15)
Trump’s gag order case continues to rage, CCP trolls disrupt U.S. election
Reporter : Ren Hao / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/02/a103867321.html
On 2 April 2024, former President Trump criticized Biden’s border policy in key swing states while responding to the gag order. A large number of CCP trolls were found to be posing as Trump supporters to disrupt the US election.
On 2 April, primaries are held in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. It is expected that President Biden and former President Trump will win the number of delegates from the Democratic and Republican parties without any suspense. However, how many voters of the Democratic Party will vote "no"? "Commit" votes to express dissatisfaction with Biden, and how many Republican voters will vote for other candidates will become interesting.
On 2 April, Trump built momentum in the key swing states of Michigan and Wisconsin, criticizing Biden's border policies for "bringing carnage, chaos and killing from the world to the American backyard."
Among them, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump cited the tragic case of 25-year-old local woman Ruby Garcia.
On 22 March 2024, Garcia was murdered by her boyfriend, Mexican Brandon Ortiz-Witt. Ortiz-Vitt stayed in the United States through President Obama's DACA bill when he was young but was deported in September 2020 for drunk driving. It is unclear when and how he returned to the United States.
On Tuesday, Trump posted on the Truth social media to protest the gag order issued by New York Judge Melkan on Monday night as the worst interference with the election.
Trump scolded: “They can talk about me, but I can’t talk about them???”
Trump also asked Merchan to recuse himself from the case.
Mercan's daughter Lauren is a senior political consultant for the Democratic Party and worked on the campaigns of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and House Minority Leader Jeffries. The Trump team believes that the Melkan trial involves a conflict of interest.
In the past two days, the most relevant election news to the Chinese people is that a large number of CCP trolls have been exposed on hundreds of accounts on American social media, pretending to be Trump supporters and making nonsense. They seem to be attacking Biden, but they are actually simultaneously smearing the two most important candidates in the election and undermining American democracy.
News (16)
Phone call with Xi: Tit-for-tat confrontation on Taiwan and technology issues
Editor : Lin Qing / Source : The Epoch Times / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/02/a103867284.html
U.S. President Biden and Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation on Tuesday (2 April 2024). This is the first direct call between the two since their meeting in November last year. Biden and Xi Jinping are at odds over Taiwan and U.S. restrictions on exports of advanced technology to China.
The White House issued a statement saying that the two leaders had candid and constructive discussions on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including areas where the two sides can cooperate and areas where they disagree.
On Taiwan and the South China Sea, the White House said President Biden "emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea" to China during the phone call.
According to a summary of the talks released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping stated that the Taiwan issue is the first insurmountable red line in Sino-US relations. CCP hope that the U.S. will implement Mr. President’s positive statement of not supporting “Taiwan independence” into action.
The Taiwan issue has always been a hot topic in the conflict between China and the United States. The CCP has repeatedly threatened to unify Taiwan and stated that it will not give up the option of reunifying Taiwan by force. The United States has constantly warned the CCP that changing the status quo across the Taiwan Strait will lead to big mistakes. The United States has also increased arms sales to Taiwan, aiming to strengthen Taiwan's defense. This move has caused dissatisfaction with the Chinese Communist Party.
Another point of conflict between the two sides during the talks was the United States' restrictions on the export of advanced technologies to China. In view of the fact that the CCP has increased its military threats to Taiwan and increased provocations in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years, the U.S. government has joined forces with its allies to restrict the export of advanced chips and chip manufacturing equipment to China to prevent the CCP from using these advanced technologies to enhance its military power and strengthen its attacks on the Chinese people. monitor.
In a phone call with Biden, Xi Jinping criticized, "The United States is taking measures to suppress China's economy, trade, and technology in an endless stream, and the list of sanctions against Chinese companies is getting longer and longer. This is not 'de-risking,' but creating risks."
Xi also threatened that if the United States insists on suppressing China's high-tech development, China will not sit idly by.
President Biden emphasized the need for the United States to implement technology restrictions during the phone call and made it clear to Xi that Washington will not stop this approach.
"The United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent America's advanced technologies from being used by (adversaries) to undermine our national security without unduly restricting trade and investment," Biden said.
According to the White House statement, Biden also raised China’s unfair trade practices with Xi Jinping.
"President Biden also expressed continued concern about the People's Republic of China's (CCP) unfair trade policies and non-market economic practices that harm American workers and families," the White House said in a statement.
Biden also expressed concern about China’s “support for Russia’s defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security” and emphasized the United States’ enduring commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The two sides also discussed Hong Kong issues and human rights issues. Biden raised concerns about human rights in China, including Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law and the Communist Party's treatment of minority groups. He also raised the plight of Americans detained in China or banned from leaving the country.
This dialogue also aims to kick off the upcoming high-level contacts between the two countries. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit China on Thursday (4 April 2024), and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will also visit China in the next few weeks.
Biden urged continued interaction at all levels of government as key to preventing U.S.-CCP China competition from escalating into direct conflict.
News (17)
The relationship between Hu Yaobang’s family and Xi’s family is interrupted, insiders reveal the inside story
Editor : Tang Zheng / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/03/a103867388.html / Image : In recent years, the second-generation red generation, which once supported Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's rise to power, has split. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)
After the leader of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, came to power, the second generation of red people was increasingly marginalized and purged. A few days ago, independent commentator Cai Shenkun revealed that before Xi came to power, Hu Deping, son of Hu Yaobang, made many reform suggestions to him, but Xi said that he could only "keep his stall". Since then, the interactive relationship between the two families has been interrupted, and the two families have become strangers.
The Xi family has a very close relationship with the Hu Yaobang family. It is said that Hu Deping can directly advise Xi.
Independent commentator Cai Shenkun published an article on the overseas Only by arresting, imprisoning, and committing suicide did he have the idea and confidence to amend the constitution and rule for life. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him and his followers to die a good death.
Cai Shenkun mentioned that on the personnel issues of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, he and Jiang Hu finally reached a consensus after bargaining. In September 2012, just before the transfer of power at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping was rarely invisible for a period of time and canceled scheduled meetings with heads of state from many countries. The meeting did not appear until September 15th at the Science Popularization Day of China Agricultural University.
The article stated that during his period of invisibility, Xi Jinping mainly sought support from all the second generation red people. There are more than 2,000 members of these second-generation red families, of which 85% are traditional forces who support his restoration of the "original aspiration of the CCP" and only 15% are enlightened forces who agree with "democratic constitutionalism." During Xi's invisibility, he listened to various voices. Some met alone, and some met with several families. He listened to the different opinions of various families and did not clarify his own governing philosophy.
The article said that before Xi took over, he always regarded Hu Deping as his elder brother and often asked him for advice when encountering problems. When I met Hu Deping alone, Hu enthusiastically put forward many suggestions on political reform. Unexpectedly, Xi smiled faintly and said, "Brother thinks highly of me. I just stick to my job and can't do these big things."
The article pointed out that the implication was, "It is impossible for me to implement these suggestions made by my eldest brother." Since then, the decades-old interactive relationship between the Hu family and the Xi family has been interrupted. Coupled with Hu Dehua's impulsive speech at the annual meeting of "Yanhuang Chunqiu", the two families became strangers, and the former guests were like passers-by.
After Xi Jinping came to power at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, most of the second generation red generation strongly supported Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign. But with Xi’s left turn after the 19th National Congress, the second generation of red people are increasingly being devalued and marginalized. In recent years, many second-generation red people have publicly come out to criticize the Chinese Communist authorities.
Cai Xia, a former CCP party school professor who is also a second-generation red generation, once wrote in Foreign Affairs that Xi Jinping is seeking to enter a third term at the 20th National Congress, but he faces challenges from the “left, center, and right” within the party. Growing opposition from three factions. Behind the scenes, "his power was questioned as never before."
On 24 August 2022, the research team of the "Chinese History Institute" of the Academy of Social Sciences of the Communist Party of China published a 10,000-word long article re-evaluating the "isolation" of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, saying that it was reasonable and was an "independent restriction" in the face of Western colonial forces.". This article is suspected of "borrowing the past to illustrate the present" to build momentum for Xi's "internal circulation" and "China-US decoupling" policies.
On 5 September 2022, Hu Deping wrote an article criticizing the "isolation of the country", which was interpreted by the outside world as a conflict between Xi and other second-generation red generations.
Yuan Hongbing, a legal scholar living in Australia, published an article in Taiwanese media in January this year, revealing that a group of CCP insiders with "Second Generation Red" Liu Yuan as the core reached a political consensus and demanded that Xi Jinping step down. He believes that Xi will lose power in a major crisis, which is a black swan incident of the CCP that is highly likely to occur in 2024. Once a political crisis breaks out within the CCP system, Xi will surely lose power.
News (18)
Chinese refugee dies in Mexico; experts analyze causes and consequences
Reporter : Luo Ya / Editor : Shang Yan / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2024/04/02/a103867243.html
A Chinese refugee died in Mexico. Experts analyze the causes and consequences. Eight Chinese nationals who were illegal immigrants trying to cross the border to the United States died when their boat capsized off the coast of Mexico last Friday. Their misfortune shows how risky the route is but even so, the number of Chinese people embarking on this road is still increasing rapidly.
On 29 March 2024, the bodies of eight Asian victims were found on a beach on the South Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Local officials later confirmed that the eight people were illegal immigrants from China. They set out from Tapachula in Chiapas on a boat operated by Mexicans, but unfortunately the boat capsized on the way. Only one immigrant survived, while seven women and one man were killed.
The coast where the remains were found is on a route commonly used by illegal immigrants traveling to the United States. The Chinese are the fastest-growing group in online shopping. According to statistics from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the total number of illegally entering Chinese citizens intercepted at various borders in 2023 exceeded 52,000, of which more than 23,000 were from October to December. In the early years, about 1,500 Chinese fled to the United States every year.
Why has the number of wire workers in China increased so much? Tang Jingyuan, a current affairs commentator based in the United States, analyzed that the CCP’s three-year lockdown was the most important factor.
Tang Jingyuan, a current affairs commentator living in the United States: "Especially after three years of lockdown and clearance, many people are in a situation where they are bankrupt or even have their families destroyed. What's more important is that through this lockdown and clearance, Zero, the one-size-fits-all high-pressure political policy has made many people begin to realize that in order to achieve a certain political purpose of the Chinese Communist Party’s totalitarian system, it can be so disregardful of people’s lives and safety. In this case, Many people will feel that the costs and shadow risks of living under this regime are very high, so many people would rather say that I will fly away."
Many of the Chinese who are taking the route are from the middle class, and many immigrants say they are fleeing China's increasingly repressive political climate and sluggish economy.
Wang Juntao, Chairman of the China Democratic Party: "The middle class in many places in China is actually made up of floating people, who have gone from rural areas to some big cities to work. Some of them have joined the middle class because they have started to be able to go to work through hard work. They bought a house and a car bt the conditions for their mortgage and car loans are actually a little more harsh than normal. The epidemic has made it impossible for them to repay the debt, so many people can go from being middle-class to lower-class people. He went bankrupt and became a new poor man in the city, and he was also called a "laoshao" because he could not repay his debts."
Tang Jingyuan: "The middle class has also come to seek help. In fact, in addition to the two major political and economic fears, the other main reason is that the CCP is now tightening the country's borders. So it is actually equivalent to removing many normal immigrants. All methods are blocked. Because Xi Jinping is now more and more inclined to say that the entire country must not only build a firewall in terms of network information, but also in terms of actual personnel movement and entry and exit management, the country must tighten up.”
The Chinese who "route to the United States" usually fly to Ecuador, which does not require a visa, and then pay locals to smuggle them through the dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama. Once they reach the U.S. border, they voluntarily surrender and seek asylum. This road is full of dangers. In addition to dealing with natural disasters, shipwrecks, robbers, etc., those who take the route also face problems such as being unable to pass the interview and being deported, language barriers, difficulty finding jobs, and being unable to obtain legal status even after arriving in the United States.
However even so, the number of Chinese people embarking on this road is still increasing rapidly. Will this shipwreck affect Chinese immigrants?
Wang Juntao: "I don't think it will have any impact. In fact, among the line walkers themselves, there are also legends about such tragedies. They have known about it for a long time, but they still have to walk the line, and after they finish walking, they still feel as if there is no such thing. It’s as dangerous as you imagine. The current situation in the United States is that if someone comes from outside the country, we still have to conduct a simple interview with them, and if they think they meet the conditions, they will let them in.”
In addition to the middle class, China also has the largest number of wealthy immigrants in the world. According to previous statistics from Henley & Partners, a British investment immigration consulting firm, more than 10,800 millionaires have chosen to leave China in 2022, with an increase of 25% in 2023. In the past two years alone, Chinese immigrant tycoons have taken away approximately US$160 billion of wealth from China to other countries. It is expected that by 2025, the number of wealthy Chinese immigrants will exceed 700,000.
News (19)
Don’t buy air tickets a year in advance when going abroad. The best time to buy is revealed
Editor : Gao Jiajing / https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/4627046 / Image : Many people will buy air tickets a year in advance, thinking that there will no longer be discounted prices for air tickets at that time, but this is a common mistake. Departure at an airport. (File photo)
Summer and winter are recognized as the most expensive times of the year to travel, but they are also the times when demand is greatest. Many people only have the opportunity to travel with their families at this time, so many people will travel a year in advance. When buying air tickets, you think that there will no longer be discounted prices for air tickets at that time. However, this is a common mistake, because according to statistics from foreign travel websites, booking air tickets 1 year in advance is not the most favorable. Booking air tickets 7 months to 2 years in advance is not the most favorable. It is the best deal to buy it months ago.
"USA Today" reported that by analyzing data from the travel website Mochileando over the past seven years, it can be found that if you plan to go abroad, it is best to purchase air tickets between seven months and two months before departure.
In other words, if you want to travel during the summer vacation in July and August, you have the best chance to buy cheap air tickets between December of the previous year and May of the current year; similarly, if you plan to travel during Christmas and New Year at the end of the year, you have the best chance of buying cheap air tickets between April and October of that year.
However, it is different if it is a domestic route in the United States. The price of domestic air tickets in the United States may be more competitive between 5 months and 1 month before departure, while it is expected to be more competitive between 4 months and 1 month before departure in finding cheaper air tickets.
The report suggested that you can set reminders through search engines to track the cheapest air tickets. If you have confirmed the travel date, you can set reminders on websites such as Google Flights or Kayak, or you can subscribe to notifications from air ticket comparison websites and become a member. You can also instantly get information on offers.
News (20)
"Taiwan Festival" cancels controversial Chinese "Huichundan" performance, netizens praise "Southern Taiwan's courage!"
Reporter : Cai Zongxian / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/4627651/ Image : Controversial remarks about "Huichundan" caused the Taiwan Festival to cancel its performance. (Picture taken from online community)
China's Guangxi independent band "Huichundan" caused an uproar because of the controversial statement "From Guangxi to Taiwan, China, see you tomorrow in Taipei" on the social community, and Taiwanese netizens went crazy on the Internet. The organizers also emphasized that "we hope that in addition to music, at least we still have faith."
Netizens overwhelmingly supported this decision, praising "the courage of Southern Taiwan", "This is a Taiwan Festival, not a Taiwan Festival in China", and "Is it difficult for everyone to respect each other?"
The organizer of the "Taiwan Festival" issued a statement stating, "We deeply regret the disturbance caused by the Chinese Rejuvenation Pill performance group's online post. We hereby announce that the rejuvenation pill performance of the Taiwan Festival has been cancelled. We hope that in addition to music, at least we still have faith, An unshakable belief... The original Huichundan performance was canceled and customers taht have purchased the tickets will be refunded."
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