Current Events

[Randy W]

Yangtze River flooding at Chongqing - from Xinhua

https://www.facebook.com/369959106408139/posts/4062329597171053/

重庆多处景点被淹

 

Quote

长江、嘉陵江多路洪峰袭击重庆，洪崖洞、朝天门、磁器口等多处景点被淹。重庆已启动有史以来首次防汛I级应急响应，全面进入紧急防汛期。

Many attractions in Chongqing were flooded.

 

The Yangtze River, Jialing River road flood peak attack edghed in Chongqing, Hong Cliff Cave, Chaotianmen, magnet entrance and many other attractions were flooded. Chongqing has launched the first-ever flood prevention I-level emergency response, fully into the emergency flood prevention period.

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from CGTN on Facebook

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Wuhan experienced a 76-day lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. After lifting lockdown restrictions in April, life has gradually returned to normal. The popular Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park was filled with people for an electronic music festival, as many perched on rubber floats or waded in the water.

https://www.facebook.com/115591005188475/posts/3350859431661600/

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from the Global Times on Facebook - record flood levels in Chongqing

https://www.facebook.com/115591005188475/posts/3354191821328361/

Quote

Yangtze water level in Chongqing reaches record high

https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1198343.shtml

 

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from iChongqing on Facebook

 

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Many local residents are not giving in to panic and frustration, but react rather positively and even jump to the rescue without hesitation. #chongqing #floodseason #Optimism

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/1145429832271380/posts/1806484032832620/

 

Edited December 17, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/1570821646570023/posts/2738424266476416/

In August of last year, Cirque de Soleil launched its first show in Asia in years in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. After #COVID19, the company’s new show has miraculously survived as one of its only productions still operating.

 

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from the Sixth Tone

Chinese Birth Certificates to Include Parents’ Facial Data
Authorities say the new e-documents will help combat child trafficking.

The Sixth Tone on Facebook

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China is aiming to roll out digital birth certificates that include facial data of both parents in a bid to combat child trafficking.

"It will effectively stop criminals from getting certificates for illegally purchased babies or obtained through illegal surrogacy.”

 

Edited December 21, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

from the Sixth Tone

Get-Picked-Up Artist for Women Shut Down Over ‘Immoral’ Teachings

• Ling Tongtong prides herself on instructing women how to use their feminine wiles to win expensive gifts from male suitors, but her agency has been dogged by allegations of fraud and complaints from unsatisfied customers.

A China-registered relationship consultancy has had its business license revoked for promoting an “immoral” curriculum to its customers, in what is believed to be one of the first instances of a women-run pick-up artist-style company facing repercussions from Chinese authorities over its controversial teachings.

 . . .

the company, named after Ling Tongtong — the self-described lücha biao jiaomu, or “godmother of green tea bitches,” a slang term for women whose outward innocence belies their true cunning — had been ordered to rectify its untoward practices several times.

 . . .

In fact, the agency might be characterized as a feminine foil to similar “schools” run by men — avowed pick-up artists (PUAs) who teach their male clientele how to manipulate women into sleeping with them. Such businesses often find themselves in legal trouble for endorsing underhanded tactics, such as psychological manipulation and verbal — or even physical — abuse. Consequently, the term “PUA” has evolved in China to take on the broader meaning of any misogynist or otherwise inappropriate treatment of women.

[Randy W]

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/posts/2837784726540369

Quote

China’s first-ever original “Star Wars” web novel is set in a unique corner of the franchise’s universe, where names, food, architecture, values, culture, and habits reflect those of the Chinese.

In a Market Far, Far Away, ‘Star Wars’ Launches Chinese Web Novel

With its first original “Star Wars” story in Mandarin, Disney has new hope of finally building a China fan base for the sci-fi franchise.

[Randy W]

Global Times' Hu Says

 

Quote

 

Hu Says

【#HuSays】China and Russia are partners but not allies. This meets the two countries' fundamental interests. The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era works as a defence to maintain world peace: Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin 

 

https://www.facebook.com/globaltimesnews/videos/753038552293367/

[Randy W]

in the NY Times

China Fights for Chip Independence

• Beijing’s drive to free itself from reliance on imported semiconductors has lifted start-ups and big firms alike. Some have flamed out. But there has been progress.

A production line at Tsinghon, a start-up making high-end films and adhesives for chip products. The company has grown to 36 employees.Credit...Gilles Sabrié for The New York Times

Quote

China is in the midst of a mass mobilization for chip mastery, a quest whose aims can seem just as harebrained and impossible — at least until they are achieved — as sending rovers to the moon or dominating Olympic gold medals. In every corner of the country, investors, entrepreneurs and local officials are in a frenzy to build up semiconductor abilities, responding to a call from the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, to rely less on the outside world in key technologies. Gift Subscriptions to The Times, Cooking and Games. Starting at $25. Their efforts are starting to pay off. China remains far from hosting real rivals to American chip giants like Intel and Nvidia, and its semiconductor manufacturers are at least four years behind the leading edge in Taiwan. Still, local companies are expanding their ability to meet the country’s needs, particularly for products, such as smart appliances and electric vehicles, that have more modest requirements than supercomputers and high-end smartphones. The turbocharged chip push could prove one of the most enduring legacies of President Trump’s pugilistic trade policies toward China. By turning the country’s dependence on foreign chips into a cudgel for attacking companies like Huawei, the administration made Chinese business and political leaders resolve never to be caught out that way again. With Money, and Waste,

 

[Randy W]

What's next, fake bird's nests?

 

Quote

Update: Guangzhou's market regulator has levied a 900,000 yuan ($137,475) fine against a company run by Xin Youzhi — the self-proclaimed “Peasant CEO” with 70 million fans on livestreaming platform Kuaishou — for selling counterfeit edible bird’s nests.

A Star Streamer, an Unhappy Customer, and an Onslaught of Trolls

A woman questioned a product she bought from a popular livestreamer, so the celebrity seller shared her phone number with his 70 million fans.

[Randy W]

 

from the Sixth Tone

Keeping Cool Over China’s New Divorce ‘Cool-Off Period’

Quote

 

On Jan. 1, 2021, the People’s Republic of China’s first civil code officially comes into force. It is a momentous accomplishment: The code brings together laws covering everything from property and inheritance to marriage, family, and personhood rights.

But this very real achievement is in danger of being overshadowed by a single provision: a new divorce “cool-off period” that requires couples divorcing by mutual consent to wait 30 days before finalizing their split.

From the very start, the cool-off period was by far the most controversial element of the civil code. When state broadcaster China Central Television asked users of microblogging platform Weibo whether they supported the provision, the vast majority of the more than 600,000 responses it received were opposed to the plan. Their reasons ranged from the desire to protect the freedom to divorce, to fears that it would end up reducing the country’s already falling marriage rate.

 

 

[Randy W]

CRI Nepali Service 

 - the CGTN article in the next post has a link to a MUCH better English translation

Quote

Chinese President C Chinfing's new year's message

(2020 December 31)

Respected comrades, friends, women and gentlemen:

Hello! 2021 is approaching, I wish everyone a happy new year from Patching!

2020 is an unusual year. In front of the accidentally attacked Covid-19 epidemic, we have written a history against the epidemic by unitedly keeping the lives of the people as a priority, it has shown the great love of mankind. In the moment of jointly facing difficulty, employees from different areas of China have shown enthusiasm, carrying charge, sacrificing and countless heartbreaking moments during the epidemic. From doctors to soldiers, scientists to community staff, volunteers to producers, from old age to ' ninety s' young people born in 2000, many Chinese have paid their lives to protect other s' lives by protecting others. With their contribution, a life-saving wall has been established. The image of them working in the front line, the moment they helped each other, the heartbreaking moment against the epidemic lively shows the feeling of the epidemic in Chinese. Greatness starts from normal, and the common man becomes brave. In the war against China's epidemic, every public is great! Condolences to the patients who have unfortunately been infected with Covid-19! Respect to all the general brave! Proud of the great homeland and the people! I am also proud of the firm and strong ethnic spirit ！

Enthusiasm can be found through difficulty, achievement can be achieved through difficulty. This year we have achieved huge achievement in economic social development as well as preventing and controlling Covid-19 facing the negative impact of the epidemic. After successfully completing the charge of ′′ Thirteenth Five Year Plan ′′ we have already prepared the ′′ Fourth Five Year Plan ′′ all around. High-quality development is being deeply operated by rapidly installing new developed format in China. China is predicted to move a new step of China's total national domestic health product in 2020 by the world's main economic growth this year. Food production has been on a continuous rise for 17 years. ′′ Than one number one has made huge progress in scientific survey activity called ′′ Mars survey activity ，" Chhang a number five ，" Lunar survey activity ，" Fantouch ，" Construction of the Hainan Independent Trade Harbor has been operated actively. This year we have minimized the damage by facing countless difficulty together by the public and troops in resistance to severe flood disaster. I inspected provinces, cities and areas this year. Re-production and re-work has been resumed in time by taking steps against the epidemic with sincere and solidarity everywhere. People from different places across China have created production and work with a joint effort. I am very happy to see the live scene mentioned.

Complete construction of a society completed in 2020, from which we have achieved a great historical achievement. Also, we have won a decisive victory in the war on poverty. We have also eradicated the most difficult work and difficult problem to raise the life level of citizens in extreme poverty. After 8 years of tireless effort, we have freed about 10 million rural poor population in the current standards. Also, 832 poor districts have been freed. In the past years I have reached 14 very poor areas of China. The tireless effort of the farmers there, the selfless contribution of many workers working in the poverty alleviation sector has been seen in my mind again and again. For the resurrection of the rural area we will continue to move forward with stability to achieve the goal of shared prosperity despite difficulty.

In 2020, we grandly celebrated the 2020th anniversary of the development and opening of the Shanghai Futong region, the 2020th anniversary of the development and opening of the Shanghai Futong region. Shanghai and Shanghai filled with vibrant power were previously experimental fields but today due to innovation those areas are playing a leading role in China's development. We have created the miracles of development through improvement and openness and will continue to achieve more places like the development story of Sanchan and Shanghai by deeply expanding improvement and openness in the future.

The right path should not be separated and move forward and we all in the world are the same family. After a year of hardships we have already understood the deep and real meaning of the United Fortune community of mankind more clearly than ever. I've had conversations with old and new friends from the international area many times and also attended an online video conference. Resisting the epidemic by helping each other during those periods is the topic we discussed the most. The epidemic control function is long-term and abundant. People from different countries of the world should join hands and try to build a better home by removing the impact of the epidemic soon.

2021 is a hundred years anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party. Even though the journey of a hundred years has seen the ups and downs, our mind has not changed in the beginning. Members of the Chinese Communist Party on those small red boats carrying the hope of the people and the nation from Sakhuman to Naan Hu Lake in Shanghai are guiding the journey of China stability in dangerous flow and those small boats have finally become giant ships. On the occasion of one hundred anniversary of great work in mind, we are keeping the people at the center and taking charge of the beginning. We believe in making the great resurrection of the Chinese nation a reality.

On the occasion of one hundred years of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party, the goal of developing the home health economy and improving various regime and the aim of establishing a rich, strong, democratic and decent socialist country by completing the modernization process of China ' two hundred years. Standing in a historic moment of 'Goal of the Year' in behavior, we are starting a new journey in building a socialist modernization around the country. Tireless effort should be taken while moving forward in a long journey. We have overcome various difficulties through continuous effort and will continue to strive even more to create a brighter future.

Families are gathering at this moment as the new year is approaching. May the nation and the people be safe, may the future of the country be brighter, may your life be happy and everyone's hope come true.

Thank you everyone!

 

Chinese President C Chinfing's new year's message (2020 December 31) Respected comrades, friends, women and gentlemen: Hello! 2021 is approaching, I wish everyone a happy new year from Patching! 2020 is an unusual year. In front of the accidentally attacked Covid-19 epidemic, we have written a history against the epidemic by unitedly keeping the lives of the people as a priority, it has shown the great love of mankind. In the moment of jointly facing difficulty, employees from different areas of China have shown enthusiasm, carrying charge, sacrificing and countless heartbreaking moments during the epidemic. From doctors to soldiers, scientists to community staff, volunteers to producers, from old age to ' ninety s' young people born in 2000, many Chinese have paid their lives to protect other s' lives by protecting others. With their contribution, a life-saving wall has been established. The image of them working in the front line, the moment they helped each other, the heartbreaking moment against the epidemic lively shows the feeling of the epidemic in Chinese. Greatness starts from normal, and the common man becomes brave. In the war against China's epidemic, every public is great! Condolences to the patients who have unfortunately been infected with Covid-19! Respect to all the general brave! Proud of the great homeland and the people! I am also proud of the firm and strong ethnic spirit ！ Enthusiasm can be found through difficulty, achievement can be achieved through difficulty. This year we have achieved huge achievement in economic social development as well as preventing and controlling Covid-19 facing the negative impact of the epidemic. After successfully completing the charge of ′′ Thirteenth Five Year Plan ′′ we have already prepared the ′′ Fourth Five Year Plan ′′ all around. High-quality development is being deeply operated by rapidly installing new developed format in China. China is predicted to move a new step of China's total national domestic health product in 2020 by the world's main economic growth this year. Food production has been on a continuous rise for 17 years. ′′ Than one number one has made huge progress in scientific survey activity called ′′ Mars survey activity ，" Chhang a number five ，" Lunar survey activity ，" Fantouch ，" Construction of the Hainan Independent Trade Harbor has been operated actively. This year we have minimized the damage by facing countless difficulty together by the public and troops in resistance to severe flood disaster. I inspected provinces, cities and areas this year. Re-production and re-work has been resumed in time by taking steps against the epidemic with sincere and solidarity everywhere. People from different places across China have created production and work with a joint effort. I am very happy to see the live scene mentioned. Complete construction of a society completed in 2020, from which we have achieved a great historical achievement. Also, we have won a decisive victory in the war on poverty. We have also eradicated the most difficult work and difficult problem to raise the life level of citizens in extreme poverty. After 8 years of tireless effort, we have freed about 10 million rural poor population in the current standards. Also, 832 poor districts have been freed. In the past years I have reached 14 very poor areas of China. The tireless effort of the farmers there, the selfless contribution of many workers working in the poverty alleviation sector has been seen in my mind again and again. For the resurrection of the rural area we will continue to move forward with stability to achieve the goal of shared prosperity despite difficulty. In 2020, we grandly celebrated the 2020th anniversary of the development and opening of the Shanghai Futong region, the 2020th anniversary of the development and opening of the Shanghai Futong region. Shanghai and Shanghai filled with vibrant power were previously experimental fields but today due to innovation those areas are playing a leading role in China's development. We have created the miracles of development through improvement and openness and will continue to achieve more places like the development story of Sanchan and Shanghai by deeply expanding improvement and openness in the future. The right path should not be separated and move forward and we all in the world are the same family. After a year of hardships we have already understood the deep and real meaning of the United Fortune community of mankind more clearly than ever. I've had conversations with old and new friends from the international area many times and also attended an online video conference. Resisting the epidemic by helping each other during those periods is the topic we discussed the most. The epidemic control function is long-term and abundant. People from different countries of the world should join hands and try to build a better home by removing the impact of the epidemic soon. 2021 is a hundred years anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party. Even though the journey of a hundred years has seen the ups and downs, our mind has not changed in the beginning. Members of the Chinese Communist Party on those small red boats carrying the hope of the people and the nation from Sakhuman to Naan Hu Lake in Shanghai are guiding the journey of China stability in dangerous flow and those small boats have finally become giant ships. On the occasion of one hundred anniversary of great work in mind, we are keeping the people at the center and taking charge of the beginning. We believe in making the great resurrection of the Chinese nation a reality. On the occasion of one hundred years of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party, the goal of developing the home health economy and improving various regime and the aim of establishing a rich, strong, democratic and decent socialist country by completing the modernization process of China ' two hundred years. Standing in a historic moment of 'Goal of the Year' in behavior, we are starting a new journey in building a socialist modernization around the country. Tireless effort should be taken while moving forward in a long journey. We have overcome various difficulties through continuous effort and will continue to strive even more to create a brighter future. Families are gathering at this moment as the new year is approaching. May the nation and the people be safe, may the future of the country be brighter, may your life be happy and everyone's hope come true. Thank you everyone!

Edited February 2, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

 

CGTN Key Quotes from Xi Jinping's New Year address

[Randy W]

"Foreplay" - Have you been a bad boy?

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/1570821646570023/posts/2847402658911909/

Quote

Just a few years ago, organizing a workshop like “Foreplay” would have been unthinkable in China, where the government keeps a tight lid on sexual content. But space has gradually opened up for franker discussions about sex. Learn more: http://ow.ly/B7hX50CXufi

 

The Sex Therapist Busting China’s Bedroom Taboos
In China, traditional attitudes toward sex remain prevalent. But foreplay guru Luo Nanxi wants to help the country’s couples loosen up.

Quote

 

Kundan Qi, a 50-year-old psychological counselor, decided to attend after seeing Luo’s videos on social app WeChat. Since 2001, he has attended more than 200 courses on marriage and intimacy, but nothing as “bold” as the foreplay workshop, he says.

“Nancy’s biggest charm is her ability to popularize sex and foreplay, which takes a lot of courage,” he says. “I was so impressed by her that I wanted to take the workshop and see her in person.”

Like several attendees, Qi laments the lack of openness about intercourse in Chinese society. His marriage broke down two years ago, and he blames this partly on intimacy issues between himself and his ex-wife.

“In traditional Chinese culture, we can’t talk about sex publicly, and sex education is inadequate,” he says. “We’re eager but afraid.”

Luo begins the session by posing three questions to the group gathered around her: What is foreplay, in your opinion? What do you expect from foreplay? How long should foreplay last? Then she divides the participants and organizes several rounds of discussions.

For the sex therapist, these exchanges are key. Though much of the event focuses on teaching specific sexual techniques, the ultimate goal is to help couples “create intimacy and enhance interaction,” she says.

 

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)