Access to Justice (司法公正)

周远案当事人获赔191万：对结果持保留态度 将申诉 (Zhou Yuan receives 1,910,000 yuan of state compensation after spending 20 years in prison for crimes he didn’t commit, and he pledges to appeal to the supreme court)
Xinhua News Agency, January 31, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/legal/2018-01/31/c_1122343890.htm

700人联署声援余文生 国际特赦紧急呼吁 (700 sign petition calling for release of rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, as Amnesty International issues emergency statement)
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/ql2-01302018102303.html

甘肃临夏农民工讨薪事件： 张成义被刑事拘留 律师会见未果 (Migrant worker representative barred from meeting with lawyer after being criminally detained in Gansu for “not paying wages” while the developer remains at large)
Weiquanwang, January 30, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/01/blog-post_533.html

Uyghur Muslim scholar dies in Chinese police custody
Radio Free Asia, January 29, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/scholar-death-01292018180427.html

Related:
Interview: “I lost all hope of surviving”
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/kazakh-01302018161655.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

Foreign journalists say reporting conditions in China deteriorated in 2017
Hong Kong Free Press, January 31, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/31/foreign-journalists-say-reporting-conditions-china-deteriorated-2017/

Related:
2018年1月29日外交部发言人华春莹主持例行记者会 (MFA spokesperson dodges “antagonistic” VPN question, says China will “continuously promote comprehensive opening up to the outside world”)
Ministry of Foreign Affair, January 29, 2018
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/fyrbt_673021/t1529866.shtml

China's secret police “recruit students as agents” to spy on activists overseas
国保海外撒网 诱异见留学生做卧底
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/recruit-01302018110158.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/spy-01262018062505.html

Related:
How Chinese government uses “front organizations” to influence Australian society and monitor behavior of its citizens studying there
The Guardian, January 31, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2131309/how-chinese-government-uses-front-organisations-influence

中国一军机贵州坠毁多人身亡 当局封锁消息 (China blocks news of deadly military plane crash in Guizhou)
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/junshiwaijiao/ql1-01302018102222.html

Interview: “I came to live a life free from surveillance”
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/interview-i-came-to-live-a-life-free-from-surveillance-01302018095509.html

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Vatican rebukes Hong Kong’s Cardinal Zen for remarks on “selling out” of Chinese Catholics
South China Morning Post, January 31, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2131316/vatican-rebukes-hong-kongs-cardinal-zen-remarks-selling-out

China's #MeToo movement in colleges initially encouraged by authorities, then frustrated
Reuters, January 31, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-harassment-insight/chinas-metoo-movement-in-colleges-initially-encouraged-by-authorities-then-frustrated-idUSKBN1FJ33W

中国公民社会前景：乐观还是堪忧？ (Experts have mixed views on future of civil society in China)
Voice of America, January 31, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/ngo-20180130/4232289.html

中国曹顺利人权团队在上海的部分人权捍卫者近日第5次上街举牌要求中共政权立即释放全国政治犯并解除党禁报禁 (Human rights defenders in Shanghai hold placards on street demanding release of political prisoners and allowing political parties and media to operate freely)
Weiquanwang, January 30, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/01/5_30.html

投诉：陕西石泉县鬼谷庄景区民工到省政府讨薪 (Migrant workers demand wage in arrears at provincial government in Shaanxi)
Weiquanwang, January 30, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/01/blog-post_970.html

维权人士冯正虎等人控告上海高院院长 (Rights defenders in Shanghai take head of city’s top court to court)
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-01302018102441.html

民政部：严重失信社会组织将被列入重点监管对象 (New measures from Ministry of Civil Affairs include characterizing social organizations without CPC committees as engaging in aberrant activities)
Xinhua News Agency, January 30, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-01/30/c_129802145.htm

Related:
《社会组织信用信息管理办法》 (Measures for the Administration of Social Organization Credit Information (Full Text))
Ministry of Civil Affairs, January 30, 2018
http://www.mca.gov.cn/article/gk/fg/shzzgl/201801/20180100007671.shtml

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China drawing up “fresh battle plan” to tackle smog
Reuters, January 31, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2131331/china-drawing-fresh-battle-plan-tackle-smog

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

腾讯信用全国公测 阿里、腾讯下一场“鏖战”在信用？ (Tencent tests credit system based on social networking data nationwide)
The Beijing News, January 31, 2018
http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2018/01/31/474734.html

王力雄：“天网”之下，还有革命的可能吗？ (Wang Lixiong: Is revolution still possible under “Skynet”?)
The New York Times, January 31, 2018
https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180131/wang-lixiong/

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

Chinese military paper urges increase in nuclear deterrence capabilities
Reuters, January 30, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-security/chinese-military-paper-urges-increase-in-nuclear-deterrence-capabilities-idUSKBN1FJ1A0

Hong Kong (香港)

全球民主指數 港跌至71位 並列巴拉圭、納米比亞 (Economist Democracy Index 2017: Hong Kong slips to 71st place)
Mingpao, January 31, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180131/s00001/1517380372601

Related:
Democracy Index 2017
Economist Intelligence Unit, January 31, 2018
https://www.eiu.com/topic/democracy-index

In Pictures: District councilors seeking answers over Agnes Chow election ban blocked from meeting
Hong Kong Free Press, January 31, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/31/pictures-district-councillors-seeking-answers-agnes-chow-election-ban-blocked-meeting/

Related:
Video: Agnes Chow was not banned from election because of her political affiliation, Carrie Lam says
Hong Kong Free Press, January 30, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/30/video-agnes-chow-not-banned-election-political-affiliation-carrie-lam-says/

Theresa May pledges to raise Hong Kong and human rights with China
The Guardian, January 31, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/31/theresa-may-pledges-to-raise-hong-kong-and-human-rights-with-china

Related:
Theresa May – as you travel to China, let me tell you about my family's treatment under Xi Jinping
The Independent, January 30, 2018
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/theresa-may-china-visit-xi-jinping-human-rights-brexit-trade-deal-tiananmen-square-protest-a8184856.html

香港团体中联办抗议中共打压维权律师 (Hong Kong groups protest in front of Liaison Office against CPC’s suppression of rights lawyers)
Radio Free Asia, January 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gangtai/cp-01302018102658.html

76-year-old former track coach arrested in connection with sexual assault of Hong Kong hurdler Vera Lui
Hong Kong Free Press, January 30, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/30/76-year-old-former-track-coach-arrested-connection-sexual-assault-hong-kong-hurdler-vera-lui/

Commentary (评论)

China rewrites the rules on how to rise in influence in the Middle East
South China Morning Post, January 31, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2131328/china-rewrites-rules-how-rise-influence-middle-east

Agnes Chow’s by-election disqualification robs us all of a debate on Hong Kong’s future
South China Morning Post, January 31, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2131233/agnes-chows-election-disqualification-robs-us-all-debate

Related:
世道人生：退無可退 (No running away from autocracy)
Apple Daily, January 30, 2018
https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180130/20289707

廖天琪：桂民海的遭遇绝非孤立事件 (Liao Tianqi, head of Chinese PEN, claims Gui Minhai’s ordeal is not an isolated incident)
Radio France Internationale, January 30, 2018
http://www.chinesepen.org/blog/archives/97450

Beijing attacks Hong Kong’s rule of law
The Wall Street Journal, January 29, 2018
https://www.wsj.com/articles/beijing-attacks-hong-kongs-rule-of-law-1517270605

Access to Justice (司法公正)

China's legislature discusses Constitution revision
Xinhua News Agency, January 30, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/p/2018-01-30/detail-ifyqzcxi1667543.shtml

李明哲妻子前往大陸探監 遭拒絕登機 (Wife of Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che stopped by mainland airliner from going to visit husband in Hunan prison)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 30, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1378105-20180130.htm

Related:
Taiwan activist Li Ming-che's wife stopped from flying to China to visit husband: rights groups
Reuters, January 30, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-rights-taiwan/taiwan-activist-li-ming-ches-wife-stopped-from-flying-to-china-to-visit-husband-rights-groups-idUSKBN1FJ0YF

澳門擬修法 涉「國家安全」案件限中國籍法官審理 外籍法官不得處理 (Macau plans to revise law to stop foreign judges from taking on “national security” cases and hand them to Chinese peers)
Stand News, January 30, 2018
http://bit.ly/2Gvsf48

福建“赤脚律师”纪斯尊据报狱中病危 (Ji Sizun, rights lawyer based in Fujian, critically ill in prison, says legal counsel)
Radio Free Asia, January 29, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-01292018103822.html

2月1日起一批新规将施行：退休后或可多领一份收入 (Revised Religious Affairs Regulations to strengthen “standards” for religious information services online)
People.com.cn, January 26, 2018
http://legal.people.com.cn/n1/2018/0126/c42510-29787693.html

最高检召开党组会学习贯彻习近平关于政法工作重要指示 (China’s Chief Prosecutor urges procuratorates at all levels to uphold CPC’s absolute leadership in their work)
Supreme People’s Procuratorate, January 26, 2018
http://www.spp.gov.cn/zdgz/201801/t20180126_209578.shtml

Access to Information (信息公开)

工信部：中国VPN政策不影响用户信息安全，通信自由受保护 (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology claims China’s VPN policy doesn’t affect information safety of users and protects their freedom to communicate)
The Paper, January 30, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1975382

北京市网信办依法约谈新浪微博 热搜榜、热门话题榜等版块暂时下线整改 (Beijing Internet Information Office summons Sina Weibo for talk, suspends “Hot Topic Search List,” “Hot Topic List,” and other functions for “rectification”)
Cyberspace Administration of China, January 27, 2018
http://www.cac.gov.cn/2018-01/27/c_1122326857.htm

Related:
China tightens screws on social media, taking aim at rap, crude cartoons, dirty jokes and celebrity gossip
Agence France-Presse, January 29, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/29/china-tightens-screws-social-media-taking-aim-rap-crude-cartoons-dirty-jokes-celebrity-gossip/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

中国千余民师齐聚北京维权 冀获全国两会关注 (Over 1,000 teachers from across China gather in Beijing demanding social security contributions and medical care)
Radio Free Asia, January 29, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-01292018101853.html

内蒙古多旗牧民代表自治区政府维权 (Inner Mongolia herdsmen representatives petition for grassland rights at local government)
Radio Free Asia, January 29, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/ql2-01292018100600.html

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Deaths from workplace accidents in China fall 12pc in 2017 to 38,000
Reuters, January 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2131147/deaths-workplace-accidents-china-fall-12pc-2017-38000

郑州“抽梯”事件当事人：“跟城管说了好多遍不要拿走” (Billboard installation worker falls to his death in descent attempt after urban management officials removed his ladder)
The Beijing News, January 29, 2018
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/CFYbvQQPWbxufsZFQ1iLeg

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

公安部已成立全国公安大数据工作领导小组 (Ministry of Public Security forms Leading Group on National Public Security Big Data Work in aimed at “major advance toward informatizing public security by 2020”)
China Youth Daily, January 26, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1968827

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

Xinjiang crackdown must go on to subdue “terror risks”, China says
Reuters, January 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2131063/xinjiang-crackdown-must-go-subdue-terror-risks-china

China rejects “preposterous” African Union headquarters spying report
Deutsche Welle, January 29, 2018
http://www.dw.com/en/china-rejects-preposterous-african-union-headquarters-spying-report/a-42356816

China stakes its claim to the Arctic
The Diplomat, January 29, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/china-stakes-its-claim-to-the-arctic/

Hong Kong (香港)

Banning Agnes Chow from by-election “risks Hong Kong’s int’l reputation as a free and open society”, EU says
Hong Kong Free Press, January 30, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/30/banning-agnes-chow-election-risks-hong-kongs-intl-reputation-free-open-society-eu-says/

Related:
Justice Sec. Teresa Cheng gave legal advice to gov’t over banning candidates from legislative by-election
Hong Kong Free Press, January 29, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/29/justice-sec-teresa-cheng-gave-legal-advice-govt-banning-candidates-legislative-election/

Hong Kong justice chief Teresa Cheng survives two no-confidence motions amid criticism from lawmakers
South China Morning Post, January 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2131105/hong-kong-justice-chief-teresa-cheng-survives-two-no

Related:
港大民研指林鄭月娥評分及民望淨值創上任來新低 (HKU survey finds Carrie Lam’s rating hits new low)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 30, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1378091-20180130.htm

劉子頎及陳樂行向浸大語文中心教職員道歉 (Baptist University student activists apologize to staff at language center)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 30, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1378099-20180130.htm

Hong Kong’s poor breathing in more bad air than the wealthy, study finds
South China Morning Post, January 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2131092/hong-kongs-poor-breathing-more-bad-air-wealthy

Chris Patten urges PM to raise Hong Kong plight on China visit
The Guardian, January 29, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/29/lord-patten-calls-on-theresa-may-to-challenge-china-over-hong-kong-rights

Related:
外交部重申堅決反對外國政府或個人干預香港事務 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs slams foreign interference of Hong Kong affairs by any governments or individuals)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 30, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1378120-20180130.htm

Commentary (评论)

強權時代築高牆 (The high wall built between Hongkongers in the era of autocracy)
Inmediahk, January 30, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1054882

社评：“锐实力”，披着学术外衣的骂人话 (“Sharp Power”, foul language in disguise of academic research)
Global Times, January 29, 2018
http://opinion.huanqiu.com/editorial/2018-01/11561545.html

Access to Justice (司法公正)

維權律師余文生涉煽動顛覆國家政權在指定居所監視居住 (Rights lawyer Yu Wensheng put under residential surveillance at designated location for inciting subversion)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 29, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1377809-20180129.htm

Related:
China rights lawyer charged with “inciting subversion”
Agence France-Presse, January 29, 2018
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/china-rights-lawyer-charged-inciting-subversion-072623165.html

US “deeply concerned” over China detention of Swedish book publisher Gui Minhai
Agence France-Presse, January 28, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/28/us-deeply-concerned-china-detention-swedish-book-publisher-gui-minhai/

中国异议人士张林抵美与女儿团聚 (Chinese dissident Zhang Lin arrives in the US and reunite with daughters)
Voice of America, January 27, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/voa-connect-nyc-zhang-lin-20180126/4227069.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

南京警方：8名网民因编造散布“钱宝网”非法集资案件谣言被行拘 (Nanjing police arrests and detains 8 netizens for spreading “rumors” online about pyramid scheme)
The Beijing News, January 29, 2018
http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2018/01/29/474411.html

China cracks down on social media giant Weibo to maintain “social stability”
Deutsche Welle, January 28, 2018
http://www.dw.com/en/china-cracks-down-on-social-media-giant-weibo-to-maintain-social-stability/a-42339741

人民日报痛批《黄河大合唱》被"恶搞":是对历史的亵渎 (People’s Daily slams spoofing of patriotic song as blasphemy of history)
People’s Daily, January 28, 2018
http://app.peopleapp.com/Api/600/DetailApi/shareArticle?type=0&article_id=944385

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

陳日君曾到梵蒂岡親向教宗就內地教會情況陳情 (Joseph Zen, former Bishop of Hong Kong, petition to Pope Francis in person in Vatican on half of mainland churches that are under Chinese suppression)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 29, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1377894-20180129.htm

Related:
陳日君引述教宗已指示：別再讓教廷人員在內地受迫害 (Joseph Zen says Pope Francis has asked clergy to stop Bishops in China from being persecuted by CPC)
Mingpao, January 29, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180129/s00004/1517208465986

709案最后一人王全璋杳无音讯 公民“一人一照”吁让王全璋回家过年 (Citizens join photo campaign demanding release of rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang before China New Year)
Radio Free Asia, January 28, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf-01282018121351.html

Government Accountability (政府问责)

New rules sought to protect pre-school children
Shanghai Daily, January 29, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/s/2018-01-29/detail-ifyqyesy3692982.shtml

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

中国称破获涉台间谍案 (China claims to have busted Taiwan espionage scheme in Jiangsu)
Voice of America, January 28, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/China-Jiangsu-Taiwan-Spies-20180128-/4228474.html

Hong Kong (香港)

Hong Kong gov’t allows pro-democracy candidate Edward Yiu after rumors of ban
Hong Kong Free Press, January 29, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/29/breaking-hong-kong-govt-allows-pro-democracy-candidate-edward-yiu-enter-election-race-reports/

港府與中國鐵路簽署備忘錄 特首：為高鐵開通奠定基礎 (SAR government inks memo with China Railway as leader Carrie Lam calls it laying the foundation for high speed rail)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 29, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1377885-20180129.htm

张晓明:港青应关心祖国 对国家有情感才能做大事 (Zhang Xiaoming, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, urges Hong Kong youngsters to care about motherland, claiming they can only “achieve something great” if they have feelings for the country)
People’s Daily, January 29, 2018
http://news.haiwainet.cn/n/2018/0129/c3541093-31248436.html

Hong Kong bars democracy advocate from running for legislature
香港民主派候选人周庭被禁止参加立法会补选
The New York Times, January 27, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/27/world/asia/hong-kong-democracy-election.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180129/hong-kong-democracy-election/

Related:
In Pictures: 2,000 Hongkongers protest ban on pro-democracy election hopeful Agnes Chow
Hong Kong Free Press, January 28, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/28/pictures-2000-hongkongers-protest-disqualification-demosistos-agnes-chow/

Commentary (评论)

我們不得不參與政治，只為那是我們活得像個人的尊嚴所在 (We have no choice but to get involved in politics, because that’s what makes us human and gives us dignity)
Inmediahk, January 29, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1054859

除了粗口還可以講甚麼 (What else can we say other than foul language)
Apple Daily, January 29, 2018
https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/daily/article/20180129/20288803

Related:
Foul language in Hong Kong: it’s not what you say but how you say it
South China Morning Post, January 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2131022/foul-language-hong-kong-its-not-what-you-say-how-you-say-it

Agnes Chow’s disqualification does opposition a favor
South China Morning Post, January 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2130960/agnes-chows-disqualification-does-opposition-favour

Hong Kong’s new water cannon police trucks: if they don’t make your eyes water, the bill will
Hong Kong Free Press, January 28, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/28/hong-kongs-new-water-cannon-police-trucks-dont-make-eyes-water-bill-will/

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Chinese doctor told bookseller Gui Minhai to seek medical care abroad, daughter says
South China Morning Post, January 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2130624/chinese-doctor-told-bookseller-gui-minhai-seek-medical

杀警案死囚许有臣二审维持原判 (Henan top court upholds death penalty of petitioner Xu Youcheng who stabbed an officer to death in 2014)
Radio Free Asia, January 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf3-01252018105348.html

河北法院网络直播抓“老赖”，超38万网民感受执行现场 (Live stream of “deadbeat” arrests by Hebei courts get over 380,000 views)
Hebei Daily, January 25, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1968108

Access to Information (信息公开)

国内网络青年开发翻墙软件遭“人肉”威胁 (Youngster develops software that breaks through the “Great Firewall” but gets threatened)
Radio Free Asia, January 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/ck-01252018100414.html

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

内蒙古毕拉河林业局强行退耕还林 农民集体抗议 (Inner Mongolia peasants protest for land rights at local forestry authority)
Radio Free Asia, January 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/yf2-01252018103935.html

Related:
China jails dozens of ethnic Mongolian herders who blockaded highway construction
Radio Free Asia, January 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/mongolia-herders-01252018135138.html

Students fight back against forced factory labor
Sixthtone, January 25, 2018
http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1001615/students-fight-back-against-forced-factory-labor

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Xi Jinping puts China’s mafia in cross hairs, but fears of judicial abuse remain
South China Morning Post, January 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2130629/xi-puts-chinas-mafia-cross-hairs-fears-judicial-abuse

大兴将建宿舍式“打工者之家” (Beijing to build dormitories and pubic canteens for migrant workers)
Beijing Youth Daily, January 26, 2018
http://epaper.ynet.com/html/2018-01/26/content_277288.htm

China needs high-quality, equal for all education: vice premier
Xinhua News Agency, January 26, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/s/2018-01-26/detail-ifyqyqni3017478.shtml

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

滴滴成立AI Labs 加大人工智能领域投入 (Taxi-hailing app developer Didi Chuxing launches AI Labs to further research on artificial intelligence)
ifeng.com, January 26, 2018
http://wemedia.ifeng.com/46680235/wemedia.shtml

法律专家谈“儿童邪典”：就算不涉黄，传播暴力内容也可获罪 (Legal experts discuss “ElsaGate” in China: Dissemination of violent contents may constitute a crime, even without pornography)
The Paper, January 25, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1968398

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

China denies plan to build military base in Afghanistan
Reuters, January 25, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-afghanistan/china-denies-plan-to-build-military-base-in-afghanistan-idUSKBN1FE196

China signaling it may finally “militarize” the South China Sea officially
The Diplomat, January 25, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/china-signaling-it-may-finally-militarize-the-south-china-sea-officially/

Hong Kong (香港)

Mainland law in Hong Kong: Gov’t begins final step to enact controversial joint checkpoint mechanism
Hong Kong Free Press, January 26, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/26/mainland-law-hong-kong-govt-begins-final-step-enact-controversial-joint-checkpoint-mechanism/

Will activist duo be banned from by-elections? Pan-dems demand answers from beleaguered justice chief
South China Morning Post, January 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130621/pan-dems-demand-answers-justice-minister-amid-mounting

Related:
Interview: Pro-democracy by-election candidate Agnes Chow: who is she and why does she want your vote?
Hong Kong Free Press, January 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/25/interview-pro-democracy-election-candidate-agnes-chow-want-vote/

Baptist University lecturer decries “cultural revolution”-style attacks on students protesting Mandarin tests
Hong Kong Free Press, January 26, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/26/baptist-university-lecturer-decries-cultural-revolution-style-attacks-students-protesting-mandarin-tests/

Related:
浸大教職員發起聯署：老師總不應該被威脅或恐嚇 (Baptist University staff launch signature campaign in support of language center colleagues claiming teachers shouldn’t be threatened or intimidated)
Mingpao, January 25, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180125/s00001/1516880655237

China's top advisory body gains over 50 new Hong Kong faces
South China Morning Post, January 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130595/dozens-new-faces-hong-kong-join-top-china-advisory-body

Commentary (评论)

Hong Kong students the real losers in language battle
South China Morning Post, January 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2130639/hong-kong-students-real-losers-language-battle

Hong Kong should replace its justice chief Teresa Cheng, and refine rules on illegal structures
South China Morning Post, January 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2130564/hong-kong-should-replace-its-justice-chief-teresa-cheng-and

Access to Justice (司法公正)

“I’m being politically persecuted again”: China revokes license of human rights lawyer Sui Muqing
Hong Kong Free Press, January 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/25/im-politically-persecuted-china-revokes-licence-human-rights-lawyer-sui-muqing/

China detained bookseller Gui Minhai “to stop him from telling his story”
South China Morning Post, January 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2130435/china-detained-bookseller-gui-minhai-stop-him-telling

Catholic bishops “asked to stand aside” in favor of those approved by Beijing: Report
教廷迫原任命主教让位给爱国主教？ 梵蒂冈重大让步
Radio Free Asia, January 24, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/vatican-bishops-01242018135547.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shehui/gf2-01242018110206.html

深圳禁“职业投诉人”恶意举报，包括食品举报却超出合理消费 (Shenzhen bans reports on food safety by “professional complainants” who aim at extorting money from vendors, claiming they “disrupt normal economic market order and affect social harmony and stability”)
Shenzhen Branch of Cyberspace Administration of China, January 24, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1966679

35名抗议草场被汉人侵占的蒙古族牧民被判刑 (35 herdsmen from Inner Mongolia sentenced after fighting for grassland rights)
Radio Free Asia, January 24, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yl-01242018153305.html

中央政法工作会议：矢志不渝做社会主义法治国家建设者 (Guo Shengkun, head of Political and Legal Affairs Commission, claims to firmly resist separation of powers and judicial independence.)
People.com.cn, January 23, 2018
http://legal.people.com.cn/n1/2018/0123/c42510-29782366.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

Top Chinese university opens institute to study “Xi Jinping Thought”
北大成立「习近平思想」研究院 民主摇篮沦为政权贴金
Radio Free Asia, January 24, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/xijinping-thought-01242018141832.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/thought-01242018060604.html

黑龙江双鸭山煤矿爆炸2死1伤 地方当局封锁消息 (Heilongjiang government blocks information of deadly coal mine explosion that killed 2 and injured 1)
Radio Free Asia, January 24, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-01242018105908.html

钱钢语象笔记：“命运共同体”考源 (Qian Gang’s notes on word usage: Origin of “community of common destiny”)
Lianhe Zaobao, January 23, 2018
http://www.zaobao.com/forum/views/opinion/story20180123-829382

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

李文足状告胡锡进侵犯名誉权 (Li Wenzu, wife of rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, sues Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief at Global Times, for reputation damage)
Radio France Internationale, January 24, 2018
http://bit.ly/2na3Xo7

Chinese mom pays price for an Ivanka Trump probe
Associated Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2018/01/25/chinese-mom-pays-price-ivanka-trump-probe/109793334/

去年全国网上信访同比上升近八成 (Number of online petition cases up 80% nationwide year on year)
Legal Daily, January 24, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-01/24/content_7456149.htm

Government Accountability (政府问责)

严查网游违规经营 保护未成年人健康成长 (China to crackdown on “illegal operation” of online video games to protect minors)
People’s Daily, January 25, 2018
http://politics.people.com.cn/n1/2018/0125/c1001-29785454.html

中共中央 国务院发出《关于开展扫黑除恶专项斗争的通知》 (CPC Central Committee and State Council issue notice to “start dedicated battle to remove the black and eradicate the evil”)
Xinhua News Agency, January 24, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-01/24/c_1122309773.htm

Beijing to demolish thousands of “illegal structures”
British Broadcasting Corporation, January 24, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-42803571

“She’ll die if she stays with us”: A baby abandoned in China
“孩子在我们手中就是死路一条”，东莞弃婴引热议
The New York Times, January 24, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/world/asia/china-abandoned-baby.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180125/china-abandoned-baby/zh-CN/

China’s new Davos pledge—blue skies, literally, in three years
Quartz, January 24, 2018
https://qz.com/1187931/davos-2018-chinas-new-davos-pledge-blue-skies-literally-in-three-years/

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

Chinese gov’t taking over administration of Tibetan Buddhist monastery Larung Gar, NGO says
Hong Kong Free Press, January 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/25/chinese-govt-taking-administration-tibetan-buddhist-monastery-larung-gar-ngo-says/

Related:
China: New controls on Tibetan monastery
Human Rights Watch, January 24, 2018
https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/01/24/china-new-controls-tibetan-monastery

Authorities in China’s Qinghai province block Tibetans from travel amid Dalai Lama teachings
Radio Free Asia, January 24, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/travel-01242018164735.html

Hong Kong (香港)

Video: UK committed to China relationship, but not at expense of Hong Kong’s Handover agreement, minister says
Hong Kong Free Press, January 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/25/video-uk-committed-china-relationship-not-expense-hong-kongs-handover-agreement-minister-says/

Not for Hong Kong justice chief to decide if ousted lawmakers can run in by-elections, pan-dems say
South China Morning Post, January 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130430/not-hong-kong-justice-chief-decide-if-ousted-lawmakers-can

Related:
Video: Hong Kong pro-democracy party by-election ad features “battered and bruised” ex-lawmakers
Hong Kong Free Press, January 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/25/video-hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-election-ad-features-battered-bruised-ex-lawmakers/

Baptist University temporarily suspends two students following standoff over Mandarin test
Hong Kong Free Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/baptist-university-temporarily-suspends-two-students-following-standoff-mandarin-test/

Related:
學聯等聯署 對浸大嚴正抗議和極度遺憾 (Students unions launch signature campaigns in protest against Baptist University’s decision of suspending students)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 24, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1377046-20180124.htm

No timetable for reforms on prosecuting power, Hong Kong justice chief says
South China Morning Post, January 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130412/no-timetable-reforms-prosecuting-power-says-hong-kong

Commentary (评论)

Ignore China's economic muscle and condemn it for kidnapping Gui Minhai
The Guardian, January 25, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/25/sweden-ignore-chinas-economic-muscle-condemn-kidnapping-gui-minhai

China reaches into the heart of Europe
The New York Times, January 25, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/25/opinion/china-germany-tech-manufacturing.html

What happens when the justice secretary’s very action encourage people to disrespect the law?
South China Morning Post, January 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/business/article/2130399/what-happens-when-justice-secretarys-very-action-encourage-people

Apple can’t resist playing by China’s rules
陈光诚：苹果向独裁政权出卖了中国用户
The New York Times, January 23, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/opinion/apple-china-data.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/opinion/20180124/apple-china-data/

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Activists and wife say Chinese state media video is an attempt to discredit detained lawyer Yu Wensheng
Hong Kong Free Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/activists-wife-say-chinese-state-media-video-attempt-discredit-detained-lawyer-yu-wensheng/

Related:
北京警方：一男子暴力袭警致两民警受伤，涉妨害公务罪被刑拘 (Beijing police says rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, now under criminal detention for obstruction, violently assaulted and injured two officers)
The Paper, January 23, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1963877

Sweden wants answers about its seized citizen. China isn’t giving any.
瑞典政府要求中国通报桂民海消息遭拒绝
The New York Times, January 23, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/world/asia/china-sweden-bookseller.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180124/china-sweden-bookseller/

Related:
EU envoy urges China to “immediately” release Swedish book publisher Gui Minhai
Agence France-Presse, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/eu-envoy-urges-china-immediately-release-swedish-book-publisher-gui-minhai/

Top human rights lawyer stripped of license in China's Guangdong
广东司法厅无预警突袭 维权律师隋牧青遭吊照
Radio Free Asia, January 23, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/lawyer-license-01232018154542.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-01232018083111.html

王全璋失踪928天 家属25次控告碰壁 (Family of Wang Quanzhang file 25 complaints but get no results during 928 days when he is missing)
Radio Free Asia, January 23, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-01232018103302.html

湖南：检察官承办的案件被告人被宣告无罪的，将进行个案评查 (To improve prosecutorial conduct, Hunan pilots review of 6 types of cases, including those end in not-guilty verdicts, state compensation payments, widespread online reactions)
Hunan Daily, January 23, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1964235

Access to Information (信息公开)

Chinese media told to tone down coverage of giant firms’ debt, finance woes
South China Morning Post, January 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/economy/article/2130318/chinese-media-told-tone-down-coverage-giant-firms-debt-finance

China’s propagandists wanted a hero. “Frost Boy” fit the bill.
“冰花男孩”：从赤贫儿童到宣传明星、爱国英雄
The New York Times, January 23, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/world/asia/china-frost-boy.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180124/china-frost-boy/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Leiyang workers return to Shenzhen to demand long overdue compensation
China Labor Bulletin, January 23, 2018
http://www.clb.org.hk/content/leiyang-workers-return-shenzhen-demand-long-overdue-compensation

“Me Too,” Chinese women say. Not so fast, say the censors.
The New York Times, January 23, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/23/world/asia/china-women-me-too-censorship.html

China faces protests after investment scheme collapses
Associated Press, January 23, 2018
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-faces-protests-after-investment-scheme-collapses/2018/01/23/c0aa3e5a-002b-11e8-86b9-8908743c79dd_story.html

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Beijing's struggle against pollution will be tough, take time - mayor
Reuters, January 24, 2018
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/beijing-s-struggle-against-pollution-will-be-tough--take-time---mayor-9890974

Beijing gets serious about cleaning up inappropriate videos targeting children
China Film insider, January 23, 2018
http://chinafilminsider.com/beijing-gets-serious-about-cleaning-up-inappropriate-videos-targeting-children/

习近平：思想再解放改革再深入工作再抓实 推动全面深化改革在新起点上实现新突破 (In meeting of Leading Group for reforms, Xi Jinping stresses priorities including advancing public interest through OGI, producing scientific research “to raise capacity for innovation in strategic frontiers,” reforming Confucius Institutes to serve “diplomacy with Chinese characteristics”)
Xinhua News Agency, January 23, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-01/23/c_1122303539.htm

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

The ideology behind China’s fast-changing military
The Diplomat, January 24, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/the-ideology-behind-chinas-fast-changing-military/

Hong Kong (香港)

被質疑大話連篇 鄭若驊：不接受我無誠信 (Questioned for telling lies, Justice chief Teresa Cheng says she doesn’t accept being accused of someone without integrity)
Mingpao, January 24, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180124/s00001/1516774453459

Related:
Neighbors “dragged into” illegal structures scandal of Hong Kong justice chief Teresa Cheng
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130239/neighbours-dragged-illegal-structures-scandal-hong-kong

Baptist University student who protested Mandarin tests cuts mainland internship short following threats
Hong Kong Free Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/baptist-university-student-protested-mandarin-tests-cuts-mainland-internship-short-following-threats/

Related:
Explain pro-Beijing university president’s new five-year term, Hong Kong students warn, or face “consequences”
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2130229/explain-pro- beijing-university-presidents-new-five-year

UK’s commitment to Hong Kong’s freedom not interference by the west, says UK minister at Parliament debate
Hong Kong Free Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/uks-commitment-hong-kongs-freedom-not-interference-west-says-uk-minister-parliament-debate/

Court approves bail for jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, but bail denied for Raphael Wong
Hong Kong Free Press January 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/23/court-approves-bail-jailed-hong-kong-democracy-activist-joshua-wong-bail-denied-raphael-wong/

Related:
港大民研：對港府信任度急跌逾一成 18至29歲近七成不信北京 (HKU survey finds almost 70% people aged from 18 to 29 in Hong Kong don’t trust Beijing)
Mingpao, January 23, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180123/s00001/1516694722475

Veteran Hong Kong officials among new faces to be named to China’s top political advisory body
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130243/veteran-hong-kong-officials-among-new-faces-be-named-chinas

Commentary (评论)

China’s flagship Communist Party paper awash with declarations for Xi Jinping
Hong Kong Free Press, January 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/24/chinas-flagship-communist-party-paper-awash-declarations-xi-jinping/

China’s grim Christmas ritual: Imprisoning dissidents
The Diplomat, January 24, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/chinas-grim-christmas-ritual-imprisoning-dissidents/

Today’s UK parliamentary debate on Hong Kong democracy is timely and long overdue
Hong Kong Free Press, January 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/23/todays-uk-parliamentary-debate-hong-kong-democracy-timely-long-overdue/

Hong Kong leader’s role as university chancellor must end to protect academic freedom
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2130183/hong-kong-leaders-role-university-chancellor-must-end

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Xi stresses Party's "absolute leadership" over political, legal work
Xinhua News Agency, January 23, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/p/2018-01-23/detail-ifyqwiqi5767568.shtml

Chinese police seize publisher from train in front of diplomats
瑞典籍香港书商桂民海在火车上被中国警方带走
The New York Times, January 22, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/22/world/asia/china-police-bookseller-train-gui-minhai.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180123/china-police-bookseller-train-gui-minhai/

Around 120,000 Uyghurs detained for political re-education in Xinjiang’s Kashgar prefecture
Radio Free Asia, January 22, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/detentions-01222018171657.html

教会长老胡石根病重被拒保外就医 (Imprisoned priest Hu Shigen, suffering from heart disease, denied medical parole)
Radio Free Asia, January 22, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shehui/gf2-01222018111228.html

律师会见余文生被拒 数十人联署要求公布真相 (Lawyer banned from meeting with detained rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, as dozens launch signature campaign demanding the truth)
Radio Free Asia, January 22, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-01222018111134.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

China takes aim at hip-hop, saying “low-taste content” must stop
Reuters, January 22, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-censorship-hiphop/china-takes-aim-at-hip-hop-saying-low-taste-content-must-stop-idUSKBN1FB139

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

两千多钱宝“合伙投资人”在南京游行 (Over 2,000 investors of collapsed pyramid scheme march and protest in Nanjing)
Weiquanwang, January 22, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/01/blog-post_92.html

Government Accountability (政府问责)

误将亚硝酸盐做食盐致多名幼儿食物中毒 河北一幼儿园被查封 (Hebei kindergarten closed for putting Nitrite in meals and poisoning many children)
The Beijing News, January 23, 2018
http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2018/01/23/473667.html

Chinese staff paid in bricks to top up unpaid wages
农民工春节前遭拖欠工资 老板发砖抵薪水
British Broadcasting Corporation, January 22, 2018
EN: http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-42779898#
CH: http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-42784780

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

China's Xinjiang to build “Great Wall” to protect border: governor
Reuters, January 23, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-xinjiang/chinas-xinjiang-to-build-great-wall-to-protect-border-governor-idUSKBN1FC022

Chinese hacking against Taiwan: A blessing for the United States?
The Diplomat, January 23, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/chinese-hacking-against-taiwan-a-blessing-for-the-united-states/

China orders Tibetan pilgrims in India and Nepal to return home
Radio Free Asia, January 22, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/india-pilgrims-01222018144658.html

Hong Kong (香港)

New Justice Sec. Teresa Cheng saved HK$6.7m in stamp duty buying additional flat as first-time homeowner
Hong Kong Free Press, January 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/23/new-justice-sec-teresa-cheng-saved-hk6-7m-stamp-duty-buying-hk62m-flat-first-time-homeowner/

Related:
Hong Kong pro-government camp losing patience with Teresa Cheng over illegal structures furor, says Paul Tse
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2130131/hong-kong-pro-government-camp-losing-patience-teresa-cheng

Baptist University holds open meeting over controversial Mandarin test following 8-hour student standoff
Hong Kong Free Press, January 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/23/baptist-university-holds-open-meeting-controversial-mandarin-test-following-8-hour-student-standoff/

Growing push to limit academic freedom in Hong Kong after Occupy protests, says new UK watchdog report
Hong Kong Free Press, January 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/22/growing-push-limit-academic-freedom-hong-kong-occupy-protests-says-new-uk-watchdog-report/

Related:
In-depth report says academic freedom in Hong Kong under threat
Hong Kong Watch, January 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2018/1/22/in-depth-report-says-academic-freedom-in-hong-kong-under-threat

Hong Kong security minister to follow up and “keep an open mind” on review of police work guidelines
South China Morning Post, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2130076/hong-kong-security-minister-follow-and-keep-open-mind

Commentary (评论)

专访曾钰成：我们要研究，香港凭什么让中国政府保留一国两制 (Jasper Tsang: We have to figure out on what basis can Hong Kong make the Chinese government keep “One Country, Two Systems”)
The Initium, January 23, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180123-hongkong-jasper-tsang/

Teresa Cheng mired in a crisis of her own making
South China Morning Post, January 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2130094/teresa-cheng-mired-crisis-her-own-making

Britain will continue to speak up on Hong Kong and any pressures “One, Country, Two Systems” comes under, consul general vows
South China Morning Post, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2129887/britain-will-continue-speak-hong-kong-and-any-pressures-one

How China forces American companies to do its political bidding
The Washington Post, January 21, 2018
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/how-china-forces-american-companies-to-do-its-political-bidding/2018/01/21/52a1d5a0-fd63-11e7-8f66-2df0b94bb98a_story.html

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Detention of Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng “absurd,” says attorney
Agence France-Presse, January 21, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/21/detention-chinese-human-rights-lawyer-yu-wensheng-absurd-says-attorney/

China's progress on intellectual property rights (yes, really)
The Diplomat, January 20, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/chinas-progress-on-intellectual-property-rights-yes-really/

“We don't know what conditions will be like at the next prison”
江天勇会被转送河南监狱 暂停探视
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
EN: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/conditions-01192018164818.html
CH: http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yl-01182018105020.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

Chinese music fans fear rap latest to fall foul of government censors
Agence France-Presse, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2130011/chinese-music-fans-fear-rap-latest-fall-foul-censors

China’s VPN crackdown is about money as much as censorship
Financial Times, January 22, 2018
https://www.ft.com/content/35eafc9a-fcf8-11e7-9b32-d7d59aace167

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

港台團體聯署聲明：還人民言論自由 聲援中國11.15讀書會案左派青年 (Groups in Hong Kong and Taiwan launch signature campaign in support of mainland left-wing youngsters who got detained for joining read club)
Inmediahk, January 21, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1054655

李氏兄弟姊妹: 呼吁国家重视“低端人口”随迁子女的义务教育 (Citizens in Henan hold banners and demand compulsory education for children of so-called “low-end” migrant workers)
Weiquanwang, January 18, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/01/blog-post_20.html

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

In China, big data is watching you … and that could be a huge “challenge to the West”
South China Morning Post, January 21, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2129897/china-big-data-watching-you-and-could-be-huge-challenge

Related:
Ecuador is fighting crime using Chinese surveillance technology
South China Morning Post, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2129912/ecuador-fighting-crime-using-chinese-surveillance

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

Ma Zhaoxu: China’s next man at the United Nations ... and on the front line of Xi’s global ambitions
South China Morning Post, January 21, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2129869/ma-zhaoxu-chinas-next-man-united-nations-and-front-line

Hong Kong (香港)

Hong Kong smog hits top of the health risk scale, thanks to haze and low winds
South China Morning Post, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2130010/hong-kong-smog-hit-top-health-risk-scale-thanks

Localist activist Edward Leung admits assaulting police during Mong Kok unrest, denies rioting charges
Hong Kong Free Press, January 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/22/localist-activist-edward-leung-admits-assaulting-police-mong-kok-unrest-denies-rioting-charges/

Ex-lawmaker Frederick Fung says he will not step in if gov’t bars pro-democracy election nominee from running
Hong Kong Free Press, January 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/22/ex-lawmaker-frederick-fung-says-will-not-step-govt-bars-pro-democracy-election-nominee-running/

Shockingly low response rate to Hong Kong government public consultations revealed
South China Morning Post, January 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2129903/shockingly-low-response-rate-hong-kong-government-public

Embattled Justice Sec. Teresa Cheng reveals she has a second property with illegal structures
Hong Kong Free Press, January 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/22/embattled-justice-sec-teresa-cheng-reveals-second-property-illegal-structures/

抗議期間爆粗涉辱師 浸大學生會長願致歉 (Baptist University Student Union chief says he is willing to apologize for using vulgar language against teacher during protest, claiming it was a “verbal misstep”)
Mingpao, January 21, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/dailynews/web_tc/article/20180121/s00002/1516470328517

Commentary (评论)

團結民主派，抗衡當局打壓 (Unite democratic parties and fight against suppression of the regime)
Inmediahk, January 22, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1054682

Hong Kong democracy battle now waged in courts
Voice of America, January 22, 2018
https://www.voanews.com/a/hong-kong-courts-battle-activism/4218168.html

法政匯思：《中英聯合聲明》是條約嗎？以條約法的角度解讀（一） (Interpret Sino-British Joint Declaration from a treaty law perspective)
Pentoy, January 20, 2018
https://goo.gl/43KZaM

Why go easy on Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng in illegal structures saga?
South China Morning Post, January 20, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2129832/why-go-easy-chief-justice-teresa-cheng-illegal-structures

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Defense lawyers to cover all criminal cases in China
Xinhua News Agency, January 19, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/s/2018-01-19/detail-ifyquixe4432964.shtml

Related:
Chinese justice minister stresses CPC leadership of lawyers
Xinhua News Agency, January 19, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/p/2018-01-19/detail-ifyquixe4515582.shtml

Son of detained rights lawyers arrives in Australia after battle to leave China
709案意外突破 王宇儿子遭多番阻挠后终获准出国留学
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
EN: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/lawyer-son-01182018140246.html
CH: http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/arrival-01182018055405.html

Related:
China detains rights lawyer after call for reform
Agence France-Presse, January 19, 2018
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5287169/China-detains-rights-lawyer-call-reform.html

China jails six Protestants in Yunnan amid massive crackdown on “evil cult”
云南云县“邪教”案6基督徒被判刑 最长13年
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
EN: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/protestants-01182018110902.html
CH: http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shehui/ql2-01182018105144.html

China to discuss constitutional amendments, but how far will Xi Jinping go?
Voice of America, January 18, 2018
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-to-discuss-constitutional-amendments/4213388.html

Uyghur inmates suffer health complications due to neglect in Xinjiang detention centers
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/health-01182018171513.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

留學加國大陸生Twitter貼西藏旗 6小時後公安即致電其父母 (Chinese student in Canada posts Tibetan flag on Twitter and police calls his parents 6 hours after)
Stand News, January 18, 2018
http://bit.ly/2DtoFZG

新疆少数民族使用苹果手机受阻 (Ethic groups in Xinjiang face hurdle using iPhones)
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/ql1-01182018105108.html

加强新时代高校思想政治理论课建设现场推进会召开 (Ministry of Education hosts meeting in Shanghai to push Xi Jinping Thought deeply into “teaching materials, classrooms, and brains” at universities)
Ministry of Education, January 18, 2018
http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2018-01/18/content_5257886.htm

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

中国LGBT群体用法律为自己发声 把广电总局、京东都告了 (LGBT groups bring State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and JD.com to court)
British Broadcasting Corporation, January 18, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/world-42729962

顺德土地问题纷争不断 村民申请信息公开被警扣押 (Villager in Guangdong demands information disclosure over land rights dispute and gets detained by police)
Radio Free Asia, January 18, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-01182018105214.html

The #MeToo movement arrives in the people’s republic
The Economist, January 18, 2018
https://www.economist.com/news/china/21735078-communist-party-nervous-metoo-movement-arrives-peoples-republic

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China’s two-child policy has already stopped working
Quartz, January 19, 2018
https://qz.com/1183692/after-ending-chinas-one-child-policy-in-2015-its-two-child-policy-has-already-stopped-working-as-births-decline/

全总要求各地工会保障春节期间农民工工资支付 (All-China Federation of Trade Unions asks affiliates to ensure migrant workers getting paid during Chinese New Year)
Xinhua News Agency, January 18, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-01/18/c_1122280909.htm

多地自曝GDP造假 国家统计局：国家数据实行“分级核算”真实性不受影响 (After many local governments confess to have fabricated GDP numbers, National Bureau of Statistics claims national data is “accounted at different levels” and its authenticity is not affected)
The Beijing News, January 18, 2018
http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2018/01/18/473039.html

国有资产报告制度建立 今年10月将首次晒国资家底 (In new system, first report by State Council on management of state-owned assets will be heard by NPC Standing Committee in October)
Economic Information Daily, January 18, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2018-01/18/c_1122275054.htm

The climate change promise of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
The Diplomat, January 18, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/the-climate-change-promise-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

AI beat humans at reading! Maybe not
Wired, January 18, 2018
https://www.wired.com/story/ai-beat-humans-at-reading-maybe-not/

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全和反恐)

China is getting tougher on Taiwan
The Economist, January 18, 2018
https://www.economist.com/news/china/21735075-it-also-luring-its-people-china-getting-tougher-taiwan

Related:
How China’s military is girding for battle, and what it means for neighbors
South China Morning Post, January 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2129471/how-chinas-military-girding-battle-and-what-it-means

Claims that Wendi Deng Murdoch was a spy fuel debate in China as state-run media responds
South China Morning Post, January 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2129581/report-wendi-deng-murdoch-could-be-spy-fuels-debate-china

Hong Kong (香港)

Former Bar Assoc. head: Members will unite behind new chair Philip Dykes to face challenges
Hong Kong Free Press, January 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/19/former-bar-assoc-head-members-will-unite-behind-new-chair-philip-dykes-face-challenges/

Related:
City’s barristers want Bar Association to “step up to the plate” on constitutional matters, says one of its new leaders
South China Morning Post, January 19, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2129653/citys-barristers-want-bar-association-step-plate/

Incoming HKUST chief Wei Shyy says he will continue university’s stance on Hong Kong independence
Hong Kong Free Press, January 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/19/incoming-hkust-chief-wei-shyy-says-will-continue-universitys-stance-hong-kong-independence/

Related:
Hong Kong university condemns independence calls again as student group adds members
South China Morning Post, January 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2128704/hong-kong-university-condemns-independence-calls-again

Hong Kong police to receive 3 water cannon vehicles, worth HK$27m, this year
Hong Kong Free Press, January 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/19/hong-kong-police-receive-3-water-cannon-vehicles-worth-hk27m-year/

209,700 people live in subdivided flats in Hong Kong, 2016 gov’t by-census reveals
Hong Kong Free Press, January 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/01/19/209700-people-live-subdivided-flats-hong-kong-2016-govt-census-reveals/

浸大生佔領反對普通話試 學生會長批評分機制難明白 (Baptist University students protest at language center against Putonghua test, as student union chief claims grading mechanism is hard to understand)
Mingpao, January 19, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180119/s00001/1516334532862

Hong Kong Law Society warns lack of clarity on joint rail checkpoint could undermine “One Country, Two Systems”
South China Morning Post, January 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2129566/hong-kong-law-society-warns-lack-clarity-joint-rail

Commentary (评论)

嚴薔：削減文革的教材，卻為何擴充了改革開放？ (Why China is downplaying Cultural Revolution in school textbooks while chanting Reform and Opening-up?)
The Initium, January 19, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180119-opinion-yanqiang-cultural-revolution/

如果孩子要做之鋒 (What if your child wants to be Joshua Wong)
Inmediahk, January 19, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1054607

Is promoting human rights in ASEAN an impossible task?
The Diplomat, January 19, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/is-promoting-human-rights-in-asean-an-impossible-task/

How to stand up for human rights in the age of Trump
Foreign Policy, January 18, 2018
http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/01/18/how-to-stand-up-for-human-rights-in-the-age-of-trump/

Access to Justice (司法公正)

辦讀書會被捕 曾談六四 毛左青年獲釋認妥協 (Young Maoists released in Guangdong after being detained for organizing reading groups and talking about June Fourth)
Mingpao, January 18, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/dailynews/web_tc/article/20180118/s00013/1516211636727

北京律师被拒办理护照“出境或危害国家安全” (Beijing-based rights lawyer not allowed to apply for passport, police claims his “going abroad may endanger national security”)
Voice of America, January 18, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/Chinese-Rights-Lawyer-Yu-Wensheng-Denied-Passport-Application-20180117/4211426.html

高智晟失踪逾五个月 妻耿和国内家人被警告 (Rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng disappeared for 5 months, wife and family warned by police)
Radio Free Asia, January 17, 2018
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/ql2-01172018103129.html

China seeks to export growing repression, lack of freedom at home: Freedom House
自由之家2018全球自由度排行 中国再列不自由国家
Radio Free Asia, January 17, 2018
EN: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/repression-export-01172018101604.html
CH: http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-01172018103233.html

中国外交部：刘霞“依法享有一切权利” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Liu Xia enjoys all rights in accordance with the laws)
Deutsche Welle, January 17, 2018
http://bit.ly/2mSjeK7

“坦白从宽”能不能坐实，18地区试点用数据“说话” (Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuratorate report that in year 1 of pilot program, over 100,000 criminal defendants received lenient sentences after providing confessions)
NPC WeChat Public Account, January 17, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1954616

In China, your spouse’s secret debts can no longer drag you down
South China Morning Post, January 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2128695/china-revises-marriage-law-definition-joint-liability-protect

Access to Information (信息公开)

China’s VPN crackdown may aid government surveillance
中国整顿VPN引发驻华机构担忧政府监控
The Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2018
EN: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-vpn-crackdown-may-aid-government-surveillance-1516189155
CH: http://cn.wsj.com/gb/20180118/bgh112906.asp

曝中学教科书删文革 微博帐号被查封 (Weibo account censored for spreading news about Cultural Revolution being downplayed in history textbooks)
Radio France Internationale, January 17, 2018
http://bit.ly/2mNKR7h

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

趙紫陽逝世13周年骨灰未入土 民眾赴故居悼念 (Public commemorate Zhao Ziyang at his former Beijing residence 13 years after his death)
Radio Television Hong Kong, January 17, 2018
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1375766-20180117.htm

Government Accountability (政府问责)

全国统战部长会议：今年要加强新的社会阶层人士统战工作 (United Front to work more on people from “new social hierarchy” in 2018)
United Front WeChat Public Account, January 18, 2018
http://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_1956788

Cities in China's Hebei province still top list of smoggiest places
Reuters, January 18, 2018
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/cities-in-china-s-hebei-province-still-top-list-of-smoggiest-places-9872126

李克强动员农民工返乡创业被指习近平版上山下乡 (Li Keqiang encouraging migrant workers to back to their rural hometowns accused of being Xi Jinping’s version of Down to the Countryside Movement)
Radio France Internationale, January 18, 2018
http://bit.ly/2DgOhp6

Muslim children in Chinese county banned from attending religious events over break
Reuters, January 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2128670/muslim-children-chinese-county-banned-attending-religious-events

Chinese communist party to “resolutely” exclude “Janus-faced" members
The Diplomat, January 16, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/chinese-communist-party-to-resolutely-exclude-janus-faced-members/

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

China said to be testing facial recognition system to monitor Muslim-dominated Xinjiang region
Bloomberg, January 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2129473/china-testing-facial-recognition-system-monitor-muslim-dominated