Current Events

[Randy W]

Newsweek talks about an overactive US social media

Xi Jinping Trends Online Amid Coup Rumors, Canceled Flights

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Chinese President Xi Jinping became one of the top trending topics on Twitter amid unsubstantiated reports he is under house arrest and that China is in the midst of a military coup.

Xi and the phrase #ChinaCoup trended on social media after tens of thousands of users spread unconfirmed rumors that the president was detained and overthrown by the China's People's Liberation Army.

This speculation, which has not been discussed by any reputable sources, arrived as there are hardly any commercial flights flying over the capital of Beijing on Saturday, with unverified reports claiming all trains and buses are also being canceled out of Beijing.

 . . .

"Open discussion of opposition to Xi makes the rumors plausible. Despite the lack of evidence that Xi faces internal opposition, speculation persists. This enhances plausibility of the rumor, or hope for some, that Xi gets arrested."

 

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

Meta Removes Chinese Effort to Influence U.S. Elections

The parent of Facebook and Instagram said that it had taken down what was the first targeted Chinese campaign to interfere in U.S. politics and that the effort was limited.

from the NY Times on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nytimes/posts/pfbid02whny5df5Ye3mLspofjBJLRKsJ8fFoGrxZZ5FqMv2JQX1fpc9efCAjwxyszBnRXUsl

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Unlike the Russian efforts over the last two presidential elections, however, the Chinese campaign appeared limited in scope — and clumsy at times.

The fake posts began appearing on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on Twitter, in November 2021, using profile pictures of men in formal attire but the names of women, according to the company’s report.

The users later posed as conservative Americans, promoting gun rights and opposition to abortion, while criticizing President Biden. By April, they mostly presented themselves as liberals from Florida, Texas and California, opposing guns and promoting reproductive rights. They mangled the English language and failed to attract many followers.

Two Meta officials said they could not definitively attribute the campaign to any group or individuals. Yet the tactics reflected China’s growing efforts to use international social media to promote the Communist Party’s political and diplomatic agenda.

 

 

Edited September 27, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

More details and inside information on the rumors

from China Uncensored

Chinese social media has lit up with rumors of a coup weeks before a big Party congress where Xi Jinping is expected to secure an almost unprecedented third term. In this episode of China Uncensored, we explain what the rumors are, why they're likely not true, and what big news they're likely covering up.

Edited September 28, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[danb]

Here is a link from CNN showing Xi Jinping at a meeting recently in Beijing:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/28/china/xi-jinping-reappears-before-congress-intl-hnk-mic

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders at the Beijing Exhibition Hall on Sept. 27.

There was different reason given of  where Xi Jinping has been recently.  

" 

On this occasion, most were quick to point to the total lack of credible evidence supporting the supposed ‘coup.’ Instead, they noted that Xi was likely following his own quarantine rules and remaining in self-isolation after returning from abroad. 

 

 

 

[Randy W]

1 hour ago, danb said:

Here is a link from CNN showing Xi Jinping at a meeting recently in Beijing:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/28/china/xi-jinping-reappears-before-congress-intl-hnk-mic

Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders at the Beijing Exhibition Hall on Sept. 27.

There was different reason given of  where Xi Jinping has been recently.  

" 

On this occasion, most were quick to point to the total lack of credible evidence supporting the supposed ‘coup.’ Instead, they noted that Xi was likely following his own quarantine rules and remaining in self-isolation after returning from abroad. 

 

 

 

Did you watch the video I posted? - "In this episode of China Uncensored, we explain what the rumors are, why they're likely not true, and what big news they're likely covering up." I think Xi's appearance was mentioned in the video, but haven't found it again.

It's your choice, of course.

If there actually IS a "coup", what you may hear after the Golden Week holiday is that Xi would be stepping aside. No dramatics.

But, yes, the talk seems to be more of a Twitter-storm than reality.

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[danb]

Oophs,  Guilty.  I didn't watch all of the video.  A few day ago a guy at work asked whether I had heard about the " coup" in China.  He showed me a video about the potential coup and arrest .  It did not completely ring true to me.  I went to the net and tried to verify what might be happening.  I got a variety of the stories on the coup BUT they were not from main street media.  I found several verifications from some news outlet from India.  I was a bit suspicious about the stories and decided to wait and see.  It goes to show me/ us that what is on the net should really be taken with a grain of salt ( perhaps a big grain of salt).  Too many half truths.  Too often it seems like info found on the net is biased and presented in a bias manner.  Well at least that is what I think.  But I might be guilty of being bias🥴ed too!!  Danb

[Randy W]

That video is the ONLY one (either video or article) telling the full details behind the Twitter storm. Watch it.

I will be signing up for the China Uncensored Patreon subscription, but only for next month. The cost is for EACH video, but you can set a limit on the number.

Seems like they're the BEST source of information for now.

The Worthless Whimps/Serpentza and laowhy86, I don't think have even mentioned it.

[Randy W]

Just found this on laowhy86's channel - premieres in 6 minutes

The China Uncensored video was better - C-Milk mostly just talks about "rumors" and "fake news" in general.

laowhy86  -"Check out The China Show tomorrow"

Edited October 2, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

In China, a growing number of parents are taking drastic measures to ensure their infant children conform to traditional beauty standards. That’s driving the rise of troubling — and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening — infant beauty products.

Read more: http://ow.ly/u28k50KYUBq

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/posts/pfbid0d2KiMbfmfVsEHFQ2JXFTMKzNxRN62QrekUgpkJRDqs96hWVWAo856RRGcfMp27qul

In China, Social Media Is Fueling Dangerous Beauty Trends — for Babies
Many Chinese parents believe it’s their duty to ensure their children conform to traditional beauty standards. That’s driving the rise of troubling — and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening — infant beauty products.

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Li Zhenzhen is convinced that allowing her young son to breathe through his mouth while he sleeps will damage his appearance. So she has decided to force the boy to stop — by sealing his lips with medical tape.

Every night since her son was five months old, Li has covered his mouth with tape before putting him to bed. The mother has been told repeatedly that what she’s doing is unnecessary and potentially dangerous, but she doesn’t care.

She believes that the tape will ensure her child grows into an attractive adult. And in her view, being handsome will provide him with life-long benefits.

 

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

This video also touches on the Belt and Road Initiative.

A Chinese casino empire to rival Macau is investing big in Cambodia, transforming a once-sleepy seaside town into a hub for gangsters and shady operators. 
Tens of thousands of Chinese workers have moved to Sihanoukville, many working in the backrooms of hastily built casinos or labouring night and day on construction sites.
As soaring skyscrapers fill the horizon, the Cambodian government is welcoming the massive cash injection with open arms.
But as homes are demolished and roads collapse under the weight of construction, resentment among locals is growing.
101 East investigates the underworld figures cashing in on Cambodia’s casino boom.

from Al Jazeera English

 

Edited October 4, 2022 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

China is passing another muted public holiday, as authorities maintain tight travel restrictions.
Read more: http://ow.ly/9iSn50L1x8k

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/posts/pfbid0VwNRDJzrbzVC2841amBSABUNRZZkRkesKb8V59oSqqUSToXU3sWTQJsRtLHoS3Sal

National Day 2022: A Mix of Patriotic Fervor and Pandemic Controls
China is passing another muted public holiday, as authorities maintain tight travel restrictions.

People gather near Tianfu Square for the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate China’s National Day in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 1, 2022. VCG

A boy waits at Tiananmen Square for the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate China’s National Day in Beijing, Oct. 1, 2022. VCG

A child receives a COVID-19 test in Sanya, Hainan province, Oct. 4, 2022. VCG

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Yet the rest of the weeklong public holiday looks set to be muted, as many local authorities have imposed heavy travel restrictions in the name of controlling COVID-19. Anyone travelled to Xishuangbanna — a popular tourist destination in southwest China’s Yunnan province — may face seven days of centralized quarantine when returning back.

Many Chinese have decided to travel to local resorts instead. Others are meeting up with elderly relatives to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival — a day for paying respect to senior citizens, which coincides with the National Day holiday this year.

 

 

[Randy W]

This video on the Hong Kong protest in Britain was apparently pulled down

https://www.scmp.com/video/hong-kong/3196310/hong-kong-protester-pulled-chinese-consulate-and-beaten-manchester?fbclid=IwAR1nWt4Nl3bvvZN402VxD41XT0V2g0wy0t22PiokT56--OGnOBc3Mc3z7NQ

Here it is from another source

Hong Kong protester beaten up in Chinese consulate grounds

 

[Randy W]

At least the SCMP put up an article

UK leader ‘concerned’ after Hong Kong activist apparently beaten at Chinese mission

• Spokesman for British prime minister says reports of incident are ‘obviously deeply concerning’, but will not comment further during police investigation
• Protester says he was pulled into the consulate and beaten during an anti-China demonstration

A scuffle erupts at the gate of the Chinese consulate in Manchester amid a demonstration over Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Reuters

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The Greater Manchester Police said an investigation had been launched, and it understood the “shock and concern” the incident had caused. It was liaising with national law enforcement and diplomatic partners, the force added.

“A full and comprehensive investigation is under way by our experienced Major Incident Team detectives, and I can assure the public that all viable avenues will be explored to bring to justice anyone we believe is culpable for the scenes we saw outside the Chinese consulate on Sunday,” said Rob Potts, the regional force’s assistant chief constable.

 

[Randy W]

The SCMP has re-posted a more detailed version of the video they took down.

 

[Randy W]

On 9/30/2021 at 6:56 PM, Randy W said:

A tour operator told Sixth Tone that while camping is more about serving functional needs in an outdoor environment, glamping has become “a product and experience somewhere between high-end hotels and rustic luxury lifestyle.”

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/posts/3053554108296762

Chinese Travelers Embrace the Glamor and Glitz of Glamping
Tour operators say the comfortable style of camping is becoming a popular vacation trend during national holidays.

Night view of a camping site in Jinan, Shandong province, July 2021. Yi Chu/IC

 

As the interest in camping has surged, so are issues arising from the outdoor activity. Many campers have been blamed for polluting the campsites with their trash. Local authorities across China are rolling out new rules for camping amid growing safety and environmental concerns.

from the Sixth Tone on Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/sixthtone/posts/pfbid0pRGoXngEJZWVnVCSZUCfYZLnioy9mE41rnArwDNiAoTQsWoJic7V6UzCUVHmSFL8l

Camping Is a Fad in China. Now Authorities Seek to Regulate It.
The unregulated development of the market has led to safety and environmental concerns.

 

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Multiple provincial and municipal travel bureaus have issued guidelines to standardize various aspects of camping and they are applicable for both camping operators and campers, domestic media outlet China News reported on Tuesday. For example, popular areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, along with the eastern Zhejiang province and the southern Guangdong province, have detailed the requirements for campsite operators, the selection of camping locations, and food hygiene practices in their rules released over the past few months.

 . . .

But as the interest in camping has surged, so are issues arising from the outdoor activity. Many campers have been blamed for polluting the campsites with their trash, while a flash flood in a popular off-road camping spot in the southwestern Sichuan province caused seven deaths and eight injuries in August.