The HRIC Daily Brief is a daily selection of news stories and commentary related to human rights in China, drawn from Chinese- and English-language news and online media sources that we monitor daily. In addition to headlines and source links, HRIC also provides English translation of Chinese headlines.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Police detain Chinese activists marking 50th anniversary of Lin Zhao's death
民主先驱林昭遇难50周年 多位祭奠人士遭控制
Radio Free Asia, April 30, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/activists-04302018114334.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-04302018101602.html

Tianjin police “investigate” colleagues of detained human rights lawyer
公安“侦查”王全璋案 多名维权律师拒绝配合
Radio Free Asia, April 30, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/colleagues-04302018113935.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-04272018102431.html

蔡志国感慨“信访见人不见底”,五一节前“三骗子胡同”突然不见了信访人 (Hebei rights defender observes: usual crowds of petitioners in front of State Bureau of Letters and Calls in Beijing have been cleared away before May 1 holiday)
Weiquanwang, May 1, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.com/2018/04/blog-post_83.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

Peppa Pig blocked from China's Douyin video platform
British Broadcasting Corporation, April 30, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-43953432

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

The AI arms race: China and US compete to dominate big data
Financial Times, May 1, 2018
https://www.ft.com/content/e33a6994-447e-11e8-93cf-67ac3a6482fd

”Forget the Facebook leak”: China is mining data directly from workers’ brains on an industrial scale
South China Morning Post, April 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2143899/forget-facebook-leak-china-mining-data-directly-workers-brains

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

中国多地塔吊司机拉横幅上街 要求涨工资 (Crane operators nationwide strike and protest to demand wages increase and overtime pay for high-risk work)
Voice of America, April 30, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/news-collective-action-and-strike-broke-out-by-construction-crane-operators-in-numerous-regions-of-china-20180430/4370725.html

袁凌:從調查記者轉型作家,記錄鄉村、底層和體制邊緣人 (Yuan Ling, an investigative journalist and author, on recording the lives of rural, marginalized people)
The Initium, April 30, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180430-mainland-yuanling/

National Security & Counterterrorism (国家安全与反恐)

White house considers restricting Chinese researchers over espionage fears
The New York Times, April 30, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/30/us/politics/trump-china-researchers-espionage.html

Hong Kong (香港)

Article 23 national security law in Hong Kong could help win more democracy, government adviser Ronny Tong says
South China Morning Post, May 1, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2144199/article-23-national-security-law-hong-kong-could-help-win

Government is rewriting the history of Hong Kong, one inconvenient phrase at a time
South China Morning Post, May 1, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2144200/government-rewriting-history-hong-kong-one-inconvenient

Cutting off former Hong Kong legislator’s famous long hair was not discriminatory, court rules
South China Morning Post, April 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2143998/cutting-former-hong-kong-legislators-famous

Activists complain to Ombudsman over gov’t officers monitoring lawmakers’ whereabouts inside legislature
Hong Kong Free Press, April 30, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/30/activists-complain-ombudsman-govt-officers-monitoring-lawmakers-whereabouts-inside-legislature/

Other (其他)

目击者:中方施压约旦 台湾参展旗帜遭扯 (Taiwan flag ripped off exhibition in Jordan, allegedly at China’s request)
Radio Free Asia, April 30, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gangtai/hcm1-04302018102735.html

Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation increases as Dominican Republic recognizes China
The New York Times, May 1, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/01/world/asia/taiwan-dominican-republic-recognize.html

Commentary (评论)

Censorship “maybe”? Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam fails to reassure on press freedom
Hong Kong Free Press, May 1, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/05/01/censorship-maybe-hong-kongs-carrie-lam-fails-reassure-press-freedom/

The rise of populism and implications for China
China File, April 30, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/library/china-world-podcast/rise-of-populism-and-implications-china

誰砸爛大學基層教師的飯碗?(Who smashed the rice bowls of Hong Kong adjunct faculties?)
Inmedia, April 30, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1056712a

Access to Justice (司法公正)

人民陪审员法表决通过 明确人民陪审员与法官有同等权利 (NPC Standing Committee passes law of People’s Assessors who “have the same rights as judges”)
Xinhua News Agency, April 27, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-04/27/c_1122755575.htm

Related:
中华人民共和国人民陪审员法 (People’s Assessors Law of the People’s Republic of China)
National People’s Congress, April 27, 2018
http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2018-04/27/content_2053975.htm

Access to Information (信息公开)

佩佩豬突遭抖音封殺 網哀:我們懷念她 (Peppa Pig censored by Douyin, Chinese video platform)
TVBS, April 30, 2018
https://news.tvbs.com.tw/fun/911102

李克强让人民运用互联网大数据监督政府讲话遭删 (Li Keqiang’s comment on people monitoring government using Internet, big data censored in China)
Radio France Internationale, April 30, 2018
https://bit.ly/2HFFpzF

China’s state broadcaster backs Russian version of the Syrian crisis, saying chemical attacks were staged
Global Voices, April 28, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/28/chinas-state-broadcaster-backs-russian-version-syrian-crisis-saying-chemical-attacks-staged/

广东省网信办等部门加强网络空间治理 积极查办违法违规案件 (Guangdong Internet and Informatization Office censors 6 million pieces of “harmful information,” shuts down 580,000 Internet accounts, takes down 700 apps in 2018)
China Cyberspace Administration, April 27, 2018
http://www.cac.gov.cn/2018-04/27/c_1122750744.htm

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

珠海偉創力罷工遭官方工會破壞 (Zhuhai workers’ strike sabotaged by party-controlled trade union)
Inmediahk, April 30, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1056686

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Chinese girl abducted, hidden and beaten finally finds birth parents 21 years on
South China Morning Post, April 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2144027/chinese-girl-abducted-hidden-and-beaten-finally-finds-birth

A new class struggle: Chinese party members get back to Communist Manifesto basics
South China Morning Post, April 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2143841/new-class-struggle-chinese-party-members-get-back

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

Taiwan president says willing to meet China's Xi “for peace”
Agence France-Presse, April 27, 2018
https://www.yahoo.com/news/taiwan-president-says-willing-meet-chinas-xi-peace-003615062.html

公安部:铸牢对党忠诚政治灵魂,发扬国保队伍优良传统 (Ministry of Public Security honors Domestic Security officers for “loyalty to the Party”)
Ministry of Public Security, April 27, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2101036

Hong Kong (香港)

Hong Kong poet and supporter of late dissident Liu Xiaobo battles terminal cancer
South China Morning Post, April 30, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2143965/hong-kong-poet-and-supporter-late-dissident-liu-xiaobo

Correctional Services Dept. wins appeal to overturn sexual discrimination challenge against male prisoner haircuts
Hong Kong Free Press, April 30, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/30/correctional-services-dept-wins-appeal-overturn-sexual-discrimination-challenge-male-prisoner-haircuts/

Hong Kong housing protests grow as Labor Party demands seizure of city’s most exclusive golf club
South China Morning Post, April 29, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2143904/hong-kong-housing-protests-grow-labour-party-demands-seizure

Commentary (评论)

為何仍堅持建設民主中國? (Why do we persist in building a democratic China?)
Inmediahk, April 30, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1056705

How China’s filmmakers became nostalgic for a socialist past
China Film Insider, April 29, 2018
http://chinafilminsider.com/how-chinas-filmmakers-became-nostalgic-for-a-socialist-past/

Free speech: Hong Kong’s new limits, new punishments, and the fate of academic Benny Tai
Hong Kong Free Press, April 29, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/29/free-speech-hong-kongs-new-limits-new-punishments-fate-academic-benny-tai/

The Ted Hui debacle: Tragedy, farce, and the hypocrisy of Hong Kong’s pro-establishment camp
Hong Kong Free Press, April 29, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/29/ted-hui-debacle-tragedy-farce-hypocrisy-hong-kongs-pro-establishment-camp/

The demise of watchdog journalism in China
中国调查性报道的衰亡
The New York Times, April 27, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/27/opinion/watchdog-journalism-china-oppression.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/opinion/20180428/watchdog-journalism-china-oppression/

Friday, April 27, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

709律师续受打压 李和平面临吊照要求听证 (Rights lawyer Li Heping stripped of license to practice following detention)
Radio Free Asia, April 26, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-04262018102336.html

Germany, US renew calls for release of Liu Xiaobo’s widow from house arrest
South China Morning Post, April 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2143583/germany-us-renew-calls-release-liu-xiaobos-widow-house

China moves to police its history with new law
The Wall Street Journal, April 26, 2018
https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-moves-to-police-its-history-with-new-law-1524758002

Access to Information (信息公开)

Chinese journalist held for “libel” of Yili chairman Pan Gang
写小说被认为“诽谤伊利” 作者刘成昆被跨省抓捕
Radio Free Asia, April 26, 2018
EN: https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/author-libel-04262018132005.html
CH: https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-04262018102257.html

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Sim Chi Yin, a patient photographer, wins Chris Hondros award
曾拍摄中国尘肺病患者的摄影师沈绮颖获奖
The New York Times, April 25, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/25/lens/sim-chi-yin-a-patient-photographer-wins-chris-hondros-award.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/lens/20180426/sim-chi-yin-a-patient-photographer-wins-chris-hondros-award/

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

Alibaba to help Chinese courts go on cloud
Xinhua News Agency, April 27, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/p/2018-04-27/detail-ifztkpip2455281.shtm

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

台“陆生共谍案”二审维持有罪判决 (Taiwan court upholds sentence, sends Chinese spy to jail)
Deutsche Welle, April 26, 2018
https://bit.ly/2JrZB4z

Taiwan accuses China of compromising global health over WHO ban
Agence France-Presse, April 26, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/26/taiwan-accuses-china-compromising-global-health-ban/

Hong Kong (香港)

In Pictures: Labor Party member assaulted at Fanling golf course protest
Hong Kong Free Press, April 27, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/27/pictures-labour-party-member-assaulted-fanling-golf-course-protest/

Democratic Party will not oppose possible probe into phone-grabbing lawmaker
Hong Kong Free Press, April 27, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/27/democratic-party-will-not-oppose-possible-probe-phone-grabbing-lawmaker/

Pro-independence activist Andy Chan files final appeal against failed election bid
Hong Kong Free Press, April 26, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/26/pro-independence-activist-andy-chan-files-final-appeal-failed-election-bid/

Gay Games is Hong Kong’s chance to show the city’s inclusivity – will it recognize same-sex unions and legislate to protect LGBT rights?
South China Morning Post, April 26, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/2143252/gay-games-hong-kongs-chance-show-citys-inclusivity-will-it-recognise-same

Commentary (评论)

王光亞老而不死 (Beijing official Wang Guangya is old, he just won’t die)
Inmediahk, April 27, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1056633

程翔:悼「六四」、抗威權 香港在中國威權統治下的前景及我們的應對 (Mourn June Fourth, fight against authoritarianism: Future of Hong Kong under Chinese authoritarian rule and what can we do)
Inmediahk, April 27, 2018
https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1056648

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Video: “I will not accept gov’t-appointed lawyer unless tortured,” arrested Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng says
Hong Kong Free Press, April 26, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/26/video-i-will-not-accept-govt-appointed-lawyer-unless-tortured-arrested-chinese-lawyer-yu-wensheng-says/

Prominent Uyghur scholar detained in Xinjiang capital Urumqi: official
Radio Free Asia, April 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/scholar-04252018140407.html

China to punish those who “glorify wars of invasion”
Reuters, April 25, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-lawmaking-history/china-to-punish-those-who-glorify-wars-of-invasion-idUSKBN1HW1DX

完善衔接机制加强追逃力度总结试点经验,刑事诉讼法迎来第三次修改,缺席审判制度及速裁程序等拟入法 (NPC Standing Committee proposes amendments to Criminal Procedure Law: Permit trial in absentia, set up plea bargain system, speed up trial procedures)
Legal Daily, April 25, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index/content/2018-04/25/content_7530273.htm

刑事法律援助工作联席会议第一次会议强调,充分发挥刑事法律援助在加强人权司法保障 促进司法公正中的重要作用 (7 departments, including Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuratorate, Ministry of State Security, to enhance coordination, improve legal aid for criminal cases and “strengthen judicial protection of human rights”)
Legal Daily, April 25, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/25/content_7530388.htm

司法部、全国普法办召开会议要求 以高度的政治责任感组织开展好宪法学习宣传教育活动 (Ministry of Justice launches campaign to promote studying Constitution with “great sense of political responsibility”, combining “Constitutional education with studying Xi Jinping Thought”)
Ministry of Justice, April 24, 2018
http://www.moj.gov.cn/news/content/2018-04/24/bnyw_18562.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

一部委局级干部建微信群被处分:群成员在群内互通政商信息 (Official punished for exchanging political and business information in WeChat group)
The Paper, April 26, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2097284

拍底层文革故事的中国“凯鲁亚克” (China’s Jack Kerouac who makes documentary about the Cultural Revolution)
The New York Times, April 25, 2018
https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180425/siling-xu-xing/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

维权律师遭停牌 陈家鸿状告南宁司法局 (Rights lawyer sues Justice Bureau in Guangxi for license suspension)
Radio Free Asia, April 25, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-04252018103922.html

Students defiant as Chinese university warns #MeToo activist
北大压制性侵案舆论,学生贴大字报反抗
The New York Times, April 24, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/world/asia/china-metoo-peking-university.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180425/china-metoo-peking-university/

Related:
李一鸣 (发起人 2016级本科生):就部分同学因申请信息公开被约谈一事致北大校方的联名信 (Peking University students launch signature campaign in support of Yue Xin who gets intimidated by management for demanding information disclosure)
Weiquanwang, April 25, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/04/2016.html

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

Senate passes motion condemning China’s “hostile behavior” in South China Sea
The Global and Mail, April 25, 2018
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-senate-passes-motion-condemning-chinas-hostile-behaviour-in-south/

Related:
China says Canada Senate motion on disputed sea stirs “troubles”
Reuters, April 25, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-canada-senate/china-says-canada-senate-motion-on-south-china-sea-stirs-up-troubles-idUSKBN1HW276

Hong Kong (香港)

Exclusive: Application by Hong Kong’s July 1 democracy march to use Victoria Park pitches rejected for second year
Hong Kong Free Press, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/exclusive-application-hong-kongs-july-1-democracy-march-use-victoria-park-pitches-rejected-second-year/

Those calling for end to “one-party dictatorship” probably cannot run for legislature, Beijing official says
Hong Kong Free Press, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/calling-end-one-party-dictatorship-probably-cannot-run-legco-seats-says-beijing-official/

Related:
No guarantees that advocates of ending one party rule will not be prosecuted, says Carrie Lam
Hong Kong Free Press, April 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/24/no-guarantees-advocates-ending-one-party-rule-will-not-prosecuted-says-carrie-lam/

Commentary (评论)

China’s new aircraft carrier is already obsolete
Foreign Policy, April 25, 2018
http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/25/chinas-new-carrier-is-already-obsolete/

Hong Kong must remain a beacon of freedom of expression as China, and the region, cracks down on critics
South China Morning Post, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2143215/hong-kong-must-remain-beacon-freedom-expression-china-and

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

西藏那曲数十名藏人矿山维权 遭当局抓捕殴打 (Police beat, detain over 30 residents in Tibet for protesting against mining in sacred mountains)
Radio Free Asia, April 24, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shaoshuminzu/dz-04242018101211.html

Uyghurs in XUAR’s Ghulja City held in at least five “political re-education camps”
Radio Free Asia, April 24, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/ghulja-04242018132236.html

最高人民法院、司法部联合发文保障律师诉讼权利和规范律师参与庭审活动 (Supreme People’s Court, Ministry of Justice prohibit lawyers from publishing open letters and statements online in name of “defending rights”)
Legal Daily, April 24, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/24/content_7528409.htm

最高法党组会议指出,司法服务保障网络安全和信息化建设 (Supreme People’s Court to promote international judicial cooperation in cyberspace, “actively demonstrate to the international community the superiority of socialist rule by law with Chinese characteristics”)
Legal Daily, April 24, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/24/content_7529424.htm

Access to Information (信息公开)

Tencent cracks down on underaged smut in ongoing online clean-up
South China Morning Post, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/tech/article/2143212/tencent-cracks-down-underaged-smut-ongoing-online-clean

Why did China take its own propaganda film offline? Netizens point to US tech sanctions
Global Voices, April 24, 2018
https://globalvoices.org/2018/04/24/why-did-china-take-its-own-propaganda-film-offline-netizens-point-to-us-tech-sanctions/

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

呼吁国际救援李明哲 李净瑜:他不是中国人 (Wife of jailed Taiwanese rights activist Lee Ming-che calls for husband's release: He is not Chinese)
Deutsche Welle, April 25, 2018
https://bit.ly/2HpqCJf

许艳:余文生律师情况通报——妻子许艳向徐州市看守所申请政府信息公开 (Xu Yan, wife of rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, demands information disclosure from detention center)
Weiquanwang, April 24, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/04/blog-post_36.html

#MeToo activism is compelling a top Chinese college to confront a grave injustice from its past
Quartz, April 24, 2018
https://qz.com/1260189/metoo-activism-is-compelling-a-top-chinese-college-to-confront-a-grave-injustice-from-its-past/

Related:
Peking University senior Yue Xin on education and privilege
北大学生岳昕:一个北大既得利益者的自述
China Digital Times, April 24, 2018
EN: https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2018/04/translation-peking-university-senior-yue-xin-on-education-and-privilege/
CH: https://bit.ly/2HQlWvt

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China's Guangdong province to impose tougher industrial pollution curbs
Reuters, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2143278/chinas-guangdong-province-impose-tougher-industrial

安徽首建教师师德考核负面清单:一票否决,有偿补课是重点 (School teachers rated on “morality” in Anhui, lose points if found to tutor students for profit)
The Paper, April 25, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2094050

国办:重大政务舆情处置不力的单位人员要通报批评或约谈整改 (General Office of State Council issues notice on open government information: Officials to be held accountable for “improper” public opinion responses regarding government affairs)
The State Council the People's Republic of China, April 24, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2094524

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

Shenzhen police can now identify drivers using facial recognition surveillance cameras
South China Morning Post, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/tech/china-tech/article/2143137/shenzhen-police-can-now-identify-drivers-using-facial-recognition

#MeToo activists in China are turning to the blockchain to dodge censorship
Quartz, April 24, 2018
https://qz.com/1260191/metoo-activists-in-china-are-turning-to-the-blockchain-to-dodge-censorship/

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

China warns of more action after military drills near Taiwan
Reuters, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2143224/china-warns-more-action-after-military-drills-near

Related:
China says further steps ready to target Taiwan independence
Associated Press, April 25, 2018
https://wapo.st/2HuinvO

China is building another aircraft carrier (and it could be a game changer)
Asia Times, April 25, 2018
https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-building-another-aircraft-carrier-134400179.html

Hong Kong (香港)

JUST IN: NGO Reporters Without Borders upgrades Hong Kong’s press freedom rating, citing “organized resistance”
Hong Kong Free Press, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/just-ngo-reporters-without-borders-upgrades-hong-kongs-press-freedom-rating-citing-organising-resistance/

Privacy concerns as Hong Kong gov’t proposes installing 1,070 traffic detectors
Hong Kong Free Press, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/privacy-concerns-hong-kong-govt-proposes-installing-1070-traffic-detectors/

Education Bureau slams pro-democracy party for “misleading” comments on textbook changes
Hong Kong Free Press, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/education-bureau-slams-pro-democracy-party-misleading-comments-textbook-changes/

MTR Corp’s proposal for new “Hong Kong Town” in mainland China sparks backlash
Agence France-Presse, April 25, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/25/mtr-corps-proposal-new-hong-kong-town-mainland-china-sparks-backlash/

Hong Kong localism off the agenda for new youth panel
South China Morning Post, April 25, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2143167/hong-kong-localism-agenda-new-youth-panel

Commentary (评论)

China: The shadow power for a shadow age
The Diplomat, April 24, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/china-the-shadow-power-for-a-shadow-age/

Older Hongkongers still have much to offer in the workplace
South China Morning Post, April 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2143062/older-hongkongers-still-have-much-offer-workplace

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: Annual Report 2017 - Joint Report to the European Parliament and the Council
European Union External Action, April 24, 2018
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/43401/hong-kong-special-administrative-region-annual-report-2017-joint-report-european-parliament_en

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

China airs video confessions from alleged associates of runaway tycoon Guo Wengui
Agence France-Presse, April 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/24/china-airs-video-confessions-alleged-associates-runaway-tycoon-guo-wengui/

最高法司法部联合发文:律师不得以维权为由干扰庭审正常进行 (Supreme People's Court, Ministry of Justice: Lawyers can’t interfere with trial for rights defending reasons)
The Paper, April 24, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2092665

Access to Information (信息公开)

北大前教授被控性侵 学生要求信息公开被约谈警告 (Peking University student warned, intimidated for demanding information disclosure following sexual assault allegation against former professor)
Voice of America, April 24, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/pku-student-harrassed-20180423/4362133.html

Related:
Translation: Open letter on Peking University #MeToo case
China Digital Times, April 23, 2018
https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2018/04/translation-open-letter-on-peking-university-metoo-case/

广东省网信办指导腾讯依法查处一批违法违规公众号 (Guangdong Internet and Informatization Office instructs Tencent to investigate and handle a batch of public accounts for illegally operating Internet news services, distributing pornography, faking government accounts)
Cyberspace Administration of China, April 21, 2018
http://www.cac.gov.cn/2018-04/21/c_1122718990.htm

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

China sexist adverts: Tech firms apologize after damning report
British Broadcasting Corporation, April 23, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43869992

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China is planning provincial quotas for clean energy
China Dialogue, April 23, 2018
https://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/10574-China-is-planning-provincial-quotas-for-clean-energy-/en

写在“百名红通”公布三周年之际:追逃未尽脚步不止 (Operation Skynet’s third anniversary: 4,058 fugitives returned to China, with 800 state employees among them)
China Discipline Inspection News, April 22, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-04/22/c_129856018.htm

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

习近平:自主创新推进网络强国建设 (Xi Jinping on National Cybersecurity and Informatization Work Conference: Use the opportunity of the “One Belt One Road” initiative to promote cybersecurity cooperation with developing countries, build “21st Century Digital Silk Road”)
Xinhua News Agency, April 21, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-04/21/c_1122719810.htm

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

China conducts live fire combat drills in East China Sea: Xinhua
Reuters, April 24, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-military/china-conducts-live-fire-combat-drills-in-east-china-sea-xinhua-idUSKBN1HU31S

Related:
Taiwan to stage military exercises simulating invasion amid tensions with mainland China
Reuters, April 24, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2143081/taiwan-stage-military-exercises-simulating-invasion

Hong Kong (香港)

Carrie Lam: Textbook revisions ensure accuracy and Hong Kong people should not overreact
Hong Kong Free Press, April 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/24/carrie-lam-textbook-revisions-ensure-accuracy-hong-kong-people-not-overreact/

Related:
Fearing political censorship, groups urge Hong Kong gov’t to clarify textbook review mechanism
Hong Kong Free Press, April 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/23/fearing-political-censorship-groups-urge-govt-clarify-textbook-review-mechanism/

Mong Kok unrest: Protester says he did not know localist Edward Leung and was not a member of his party
Hong Kong Free Press, April 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/24/mong-kok-unrest-protester-says-not-know-localist-edward-leung-not-member-party/

China office chief refuses to accept lawmaker’s painting featuring ex-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping
Hong Kong Free Press, April 24, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/24/china-office-chief-refuses-accept-lawmakers-painting-featuring-ex-chinese-leader-deng-xiaoping/

Hong Kong's “cardboard grannies”: the elderly box collectors living in poverty
The Guardian, April 24, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/apr/24/hong-kong-cardboard-grannies-elderly-box-collectors-recycling-poverty

Commentary (评论)

Benny Tai: Hong Kong should consider the many possible forms of China’s post-Communist future
Hong Kong Free Press, April 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/23/benny-tai-hong-kong-consider-many-possible-forms-chinas-post-communist-future/

Monday, April 23, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

谢阳律师:余文生案件通报与声明 (Rights lawyer Yu Wensheng allegedly fires his legal counsel after arrest confirmation)
Weiquanwang, April 23, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/04/blog-post_27.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

青少年登录境外服务器玩网游暗藏风险 (Legal Daily: Teenagers playing video games via overseas servers that have not been reviewed or censored risk encountering violence or abuse)
Legal Daily, April 20, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/20/content_7525681.htm

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

China: Job ads discriminate against women
Human Rights Watch, April 23, 2018
https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/04/23/china-job-ads-discriminate-against-women

Related:
“Only men need apply”
“限男性”
Human Rights Watch, April 23, 2018
EN: https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/04/23/only-men-need-apply/gender-discrimination-job-advertisements-china
CH: https://www.hrw.org/zh-hans/report/2018/04/23/317205

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China waste imports plunge after new curbs on foreign refuse take effect
Reuters, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2142913/china-waste-imports-plunge-after-new-curbs-foreign-refuse-take

China sets 100 per cent clean power target for Xi Jinping’s new Xiongan megacity
Bloomberg, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2142919/china-sets-100-cent-clean-power-target-xi-jinpings-new

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

Chinese police deny street bollards hide surveillance cameras
South China Morning Post, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2142932/chinese-police-deny-street-bollards-hide-surveillance-cameras

深圳实现全国首家“刷脸”执法 (Shenzhen traffic police to launch facial recognition law enforcement on May 1, jaywalkers and illegal drivers to be identified, fines to be paid on WeChat or Alipay)
Legal Daily, April 20, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/20/content_7526397.htm

外交部:苹果在中国随处可见,美国人买华为就威胁国家安全? (Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report: Why is it a threat to national security that Americans buy Huawei, when Apple is everywhere in China?)
Global Times, April 20, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2087490

Related:
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities from China in U.S. Federal Information and Communications Technology
U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, April 19, 2018
https://bit.ly/2HbWeOw

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

China hackers accused of attacking Japanese defense firms
Bloomberg, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2142863/china-hackers-accused-attacking-japanese-defence-firms

China’s new aircraft carrier may start sea trials this week, source says
South China Morning Post, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2142828/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-may-start-sea-trials-week

Chinese gold mining brings killings, land grabs and corruption to the surface in Cameroon
Agence France-Presse, April 23, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/2142852/chinese-gold-mining-brings-killings-land-grabs-and-corruption

U.S. human rights report labels Russia and China threats to global stability
美国国务院人权报告指中俄威胁全球稳定
The New York Times, April 20, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/20/us/politics/russia-china-human-rights.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/usa/20180423/russia-china-human-rights/

Related:
2017 Human Rights Report: China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)
U.S. Department of State, April 20, 2018
https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2017/eap/277073.htm

Hong Kong (香港)

Pro-independence activist says his legal aid application for appealing failed election bid was rejected by gov’t
Hong Kong Free Press, April 23, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/23/pro-independence-activist-says-legal-aid-application-appealing-failed-election-bid-rejected-govt/

Hong Kong country club bans domestic helpers from pool
The Guardian, April 23, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/23/hong-kong-country-club-bans-domestic-helpers-from-pool

Hong Kong taxi drivers stage protest over illegal ride-hailing services in wake of fatal Uber crash
South China Morning Post, April 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2142824/hong-kong-taxi-drivers-stage-protest-over-illegal-ride

Why are Hong Kong’s young people abandoning student unions?
South China Morning Post, April 22, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142821/why-are-hong-kongs-young-people-abandoning-student-unions

Rights lawyer Chris Ng recalls Mong Kok’s night of unrest and ponders the city’s legal future
Hong Kong Free Press, April 22, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/22/rights-lawyer-chris-ng-recalls-mong-koks-night-unrest-ponders-citys-legal-future/

Commentary (评论)

The risks of One Belt, One Road for China’s neighbors
The Diplomat, April 23, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/the-risks-of-one-belt-one-road-for-chinas-neighbors/

Honor, morality and the lost art of “doing the right thing”
Hong Kong Free Press, April 21, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/21/honour-morality-lost-art-right-thing/

When TV takes part in human rights abuse
当中国媒体参与中共侵犯人权的行为
The New York Times, April 20, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/20/opinion/china-media-television-forced-confessions.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/opinion/20180423/china-media-television-forced-confessions/

Friday, April 20, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

余文生律师昨遭正式逮捕 羁押在徐州看守所 (Rights lawyer Yu Wensheng confirmed of being arrested for subversion, obstructing officers)
Weiquanwang, April 20, 2018
http://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/04/blog-post_44.html

「六四天網」創辦人 黃琦獄中腎衰竭病危 (Pro-democracy website founder Huang Qi critically ill in prison, suffers from kidney failure)
Mingpao, April 20, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/dailynews/web_tc/article/20180420/s00013/1524160143502

Xinjiang authorities use “burial management centers” to subvert Uyghur funeral traditions
Radio Free Asia, April 19, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/burials-04192018141100.html

Wife of jailed Taiwan activist discusses human rights in U.K.
Focus Taiwan, April 19, 2018
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201804190021.aspx#.Wth6YPtwiUg.twitter

Access to Information (信息公开)

China inaugurates new state media group
Xinhua News Agency, April 20, 2018
http://english.sina.com/china/p/2018-04-20/detail-ifzfkmth7030749.shtml

Study: Chinese-American immigrants fall prey to WeChat’s misinformation problem
Columbia Journalism Review, April 19, 2018
https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/wechat-misinformation.php

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

广东省原民代幼教师的诉求书——落实教育部文件,依法解决原民办、代课及幼儿教师补偿与养老金问题 (Guangdong school teachers petition for fair pay and benefits)
Weiquanwang, April 20, 2018
https://wqw2010.blogspot.hk/2018/04/blog-post_56.html

Three-week strike at Flex ends after Zhuhai trade union puts stability first
China Labor Bulletin, April 19, 2018
http://www.clb.org.hk/content/three-week-strike-flex-ends-after-zhuhai-trade-union-puts-stability-first

Government Accountability (政府问责)

央视曝光河南产值百亿“污染园区”:村民收钱不愿反映问题 (Exposed: Henan ceramic industrial campus pays villagers hush money in effort to hide serious water, land pollution)
China Central Television, April 19, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2086137

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

上交会丨从认脸到识人,跨镜追踪技术让犯罪分子无处可逃 (Chinese company achieves breakthrough on Person Re-Identification technology—aka “multi-camera tracking”—that enables tracking without clear facial recognition)
The Paper, April 19, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2083044

德国认证机构:华为5G基站获准进入欧盟市场 (Huawei’s 5G base station approved to enter EU market)
Xinhua News Agency, April 19, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2084544

向着网络强国阔步前行——党的十八大以来网信事业发展述评 (Xinhua summarizes Party’s work on Internet and informatization since Xi Jinping took office, highlights “creating a clean and upright cyberspace” and “revolutionizing the global Internet governance system”)
Xinhua News Agency, April 19, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-04/19/c_1122711042.htm

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

US urged to act immediately to save its systems from the “growing threat of Chinese cyber theft”
South China Morning Post, April 20, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/2142513/us-urged-act-immediately-save-its-systems-growing-threat-chinese-cyber

Xi Jinping claims progress on national security in meeting of secretive commission
South China Morning Post, April 20, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2142505/xi-jinping-claims-progress-national-security-meeting

China challenged Australian warships in South China Sea: Australian media
Reuters, April 20, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-australia/china-challenged-australian-warships-in-south-china-sea-australian-media-idUSKBN1HR035

China air force again circles Taiwan in “sacred mission”
Reuters, April 19, 2018
https://in.reuters.com/article/china-taiwan/china-air-force-again-circles-taiwan-in-sacred-mission-idINKBN1HQ04W

Related:
Taiwan calls Chinese military drills a threat to region
Associated Press, April 19, 2018
https://www.voanews.com/a/taiwan-calls-chinese-military-drills-a-threat-to-region/4355950.html

Hong Kong (香港)

Qiao Xiaoyang’s mission to “promote and popularize” Chinese constitution in Hong Kong
South China Morning Post, April 20, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142503/qiao-xiaoyangs-mission-promote-and-popularise-chinese

Related:
喬曉陽來港宣講憲法 湯家驊引述:港獨非言論自由 是違憲問題 (Ronny Tong quotes Qiao Xiaoyang: Hong Kong independence is not freedom of speech, it is unconstitutional)
HK01, April 20, 2018
https://bit.ly/2HfMPcU

Insufficient proof to prosecute lawmaker Junius Ho after remarks on “killing” independence advocates – police
Hong Kong Free Press, April 20, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/20/insufficient-proof-prosecute-lawmaker-junius-ho-remarks-killing-independence-advocates-police/

Colonial street names and royal cyphers on postboxes will not be removed, says Hong Kong gov’t
Hong Kong Free Press, April 20, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/20/colonial-street-names-royal-ciphers-postboxes-will-not-removed-says-hong-kong-govt/

Democrats urge ex-leader CY Leung to reveal documents to prove his version of facts in HK$50m payment row
Hong Kong Free Press, April 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/19/democrats-urge-ex-leader-cy-leung-reveal-documents-prove-version-facts-hk50m-payment-row/

Hong Kong localist Edward Leung accused of using parade as “smokescreen” to defy police during Mong Kok riot
South China Morning Post, April 19, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2142489/hong-kong-localist-edward-leung-accused-using-parade

Commentary (评论)

Five ways China's past has shaped its present
British Broadcasting Corporation, April 20, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-43714279

Trump’s incredibly risky Taiwan policy
China File, April 19, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/reporting-opinion/viewpoint/trumps-incredibly-risky-taiwan-policy

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

US could sanction Chinese officials over Xinjiang abuses
Associated Press, April 18, 2018
https://apnews.com/13ee0b95c05249a8be7c0467bf413b6e

Related:
Tens of thousands detained in China's Xinjiang, U.S. diplomat says
Reuters, April 18, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-xinjiang-usa/tens-of-thousands-detained-in-chinas-xinjiang-u-s-diplomat-says-idUSKBN1HP17N

帮助良心犯家属 多名义工遭刑拘多人被约谈 (Volunteers criminally detained in Jiangxi for helping family of prisoners of conscience)
Radio Free Asia, April 18, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-04182018115246.html

Chinese court rejects appeal against subversion sentence for “the butcher”
Radio Free Asia, April 18, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/chinese-court-rejects-appeal-against-subversion-sentence-for-the-butcher-04182018112357.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

An exchange between Gui Minhai’s daughter and the Post’s Editor-in-Chief
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2142228/exchange-between-gui-minhais-daughter-and-posts-editor-chief

北京工商部门约谈“抖音” 要求即时阻断违规直播 (Beijing Commerce Department requests Douyin to strengthen technical monitoring, manually review content, “swiftly block illegal live-streaming”)
China Consumer News, April 18, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/18/content_7524468.htm

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Government cartoon portrays “foreign NGOs” as national security concern
China File, April 18, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/ngo/latest/government-cartoon-portrays-foreign-ngos-national-security-concern

Government Accountability (政府问责)

福建闽侯一教会被限期关闭 官员:未登记一律关闭 (Family church in Fujian ordered to shut down for failing to register)
Radio Free Asia, April 18, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shehui/ql1-04182018115050.html

China fights big smog with big air purifier
Agence France-Presse, April 18, 2018
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/china-fights-big-smog-with-big-air-purifier-10150678

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

This AI expert found it “both exciting and scary” that Xi Jinping reads his book
Quartz, April 19, 2018
https://qz.com/1256330/artificial-intelligence-expert-pedro-domingos-reflects-on-chinas-xi-jinping-reading-his-book-the-master-algorithm/

China is putting ID cards on smartphones
Abacus, April 18, 2018
https://www.abacusnews.com/digital-life/china-putting-id-cards-smartphones/article/2142245

进一步推动社会信用体系建设实施9种行为的旅客将被限制乘坐飞机 (9 behaviors that ban passengers from flying include insulting civil aviation workers, forcibly taking seats and luggage shelfs, picking quarrels and provoking troubles, smoking)
Legal Daily, April 18, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/18/content_7524255.htm

大數據權利之爭:對不起,你的數據屬於你,但我們有權使用 (Fights for rights in the era of Big Data: “Sorry, your data belongs to you, but we are entitled to use it.”)
The Initium, April 17, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180417-mainland-big-data/

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

China carries out low-key live fire drills after warning Taiwan
Reuters, April 19, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-taiwan/china-carries-out-low-key-live-fire-drills-after-warning-taiwan-idUSKBN1HQ04G

Tibetan charged in Sweden denies spying for China
Radio Free Asia, April 18, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/spying-04182018133403.html

The Chinese communist party is setting up cells at universities across America
Foreign Policy, April 18, 2018
http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/18/the-chinese-communist-party-is-setting-up-cells-at-universities-across-america-china-students-beijing-surveillance/

十九届中央国安委首会,习近平压实责任 (Xi Jinping hosts meeting of National Security Commission: Political security is the foundation of national security)
Xinhua News Agency, April 18, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2018-04/18/c_1122704142.htm

Hong Kong (香港)

課本中港關係字眼「有問題」 教局拒評修改 (Education Bureau refuses to comment on history textbook edits)
Mingpao, April 19, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/dailynews/web_tc/article/20180419/s00011/1524075059294

Hong Kong police promise not to prosecute drivers they used as “human roadblocks” in fatal Fanling crash
Hong Kong Free Press, April 19, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/19/hong-kong-police-promise-not-prosecute-drivers-used-human-roadblocks-fatal-fanling-crash/

Expert team did not meet to discuss Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge safety fears
South China Morning Post, April 19, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142335/expert-team-did-not-meet-discuss-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau

Homes made from old shipping containers set to be built for 100 needy families in Sham Shui Po
South China Morning Post, April 19, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2142343/homes-made-old-shipping-containers-set-be-built-100-needy

Mong Kok unrest: Edward Leung apologizes for assaulting police officer; says he had no plan to use violence
Hong Kong Free Press, April 18, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/18/mong-kok-unrest-edward-leung-apologises-assaulting-police-officer-says-no-plan-use-violence/

Commentary (评论)

Xi Jinping’s “cyber sovereignty” fast eroding space for free expression
Chinese Human Rights Defenders, April 19, 2018
https://www.nchrd.org/2018/04/xi-jinpings-cyber-sovereignty-fast-eroding-space-for-free-expression/

China’s gift to Europe is a new version of crony capitalism
The Guardian, April 18, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/apr/18/chinese-europe-czech-republic-crony-capitalism

A ban on gay content, stopped in its tracks
China File, April 18, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/conversation/ban-gay-content-stopped-its-tracks

從「毅絲」到「段友」,兩千萬日活的手機應用為何被突然斬殺?(How did popular joke app “Neihan Duanzi” get shut down?)
The Initium, April 17, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180418-opinion-bilixiaozi-meaningful-jokes/

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Chinese traffic police let offenders off if they post a confession online (and it gets enough likes)
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2142276/chinese-traffic-police-let-offenders-if-they-post-confession

中国公安部长:坚决捍卫国家政治安全 (Head of Ministry of Public Security claims to firmly defend political security)
Voice of America, April 18, 2018
https://www.voachinese.com/a/china-secutrity-20180417/4352291.html

維權鐵漢吳淦囚8年 上訴維持原判 (Appeal court upholds sentence, sends rights defender Wu Gan to 8 years in jail)
Apple Daily, April 17, 2018
https://hk.news.appledaily.com/china/realtime/article/20180417/58086013

Tibetan farmland seized for new airport
Radio Free Asia, April 17, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/farmland-04172018164111.html

Chinese doctor at center of “poison tonic” case released from detention center
South China Morning Post, April 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2142164/chinese-doctor-centre-poison-tonic-case-released

Access to Information (信息公开)

央视记者在山西暗访化工国企遭扣押,村干部:不说好出不了村 (Shanxi village officials detain CCTV journalists for investigating pollution at chemical factory)
China Central Television, April 18, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2081902

文化和旅游部集中检查网络表演、网络游戏市场 (Ministry of Culture and Tourism intensifies scrutiny of gaming, live-streaming apps, websites to weed out banned contents)
Xinhua News Agency, April 17, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/legal/2018-04/17/c_1122697183.htm

Related:
China closes illegal live-streaming platforms, online games
Xinhua News Agency, April 17, 2018
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201804/17/WS5ad60cb7a3105cdcf6518de6.html

人民日报评论官微刊随笔文章:“不一样的烟火”一样可以绽放 (People’s Daily WeChat Public Account promotes gay rights, says gays have “social responsibilities”)
People’s Daily WeChat Public Account, April 15, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2076922

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

#Metoo in China: Fledgling movement in universities fights censorship
The Guardian, April 18, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/18/metoo-in-china-fledgling-movement-in-universities-fights-censorship

Bao Zou big news: Privacy in the era of big data
China Digital Times, April 17, 2018
https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2018/04/bao-zou-big-news-events-privacy-in-the-era-of-big-data/

“Beep. Beep Beep”: a group emerges in China and a code is born
China Change, April 17, 2018
https://chinachange.org/2018/04/17/beep-beep-beep-a-group-emerges-in-china-and-a-code-is-born/

First gay-ish film widely released in China
Sixth Tone, April 16, 2018
http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1002095/first-gay-ish-film-widely-released-in-china

Related:
It’s still (just about) OK to be gay in China
Foreign Policy, April 17, 2018
http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/17/its-still-just-about-ok-to-be-gay-in-china/

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Chairman of China’s biggest bad-loan bank investigated for graft
Financial Times, April 18, 2018
https://www.ft.com/content/0ecf3c62-42ca-11e8-803a-295c97e6fd0b

Why Beijing’s plan to break up mysterious tycoon Xiao Jianhua’s business empire hit the buffers
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/economy/article/2142139/why-beijings-plan-break-mysterious-tycoons-business-empire-hit

“Do not marry for money”
Radio Free Asia, April 17, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/bride-04172018135431.html

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

Mentally ill Chinese man “lost” for a year reunited with family thanks to facial recognition technology
South China Morning Post, April 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2142119/mentally-ill-chinese-man-lost-year-reunited-family-thanks-facial

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

Taiwan says Beijing “saber rattling” as China starts military drills
Reuters, April 18, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-taiwan-drills/taiwan-says-beijing-saber-rattling-as-china-starts-military-drills-idUSKBN1HP0DI

EU ambassadors band together against Silk Road
Handelsblatt, April 17, 2018
https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/eu-ambassadors-beijing-china-silk-road-912258

China takes the lead in UN peacekeeping
The Diplomat, April 17, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/china-takes-the-lead-in-un-peacekeeping/

Why is the US targeting China's Confucius Institute?
Deutsche Welle, April 16, 2018
http://www.dw.com/en/why-is-the-us-targeting-chinas-confucius-institute/a-43403188

Hong Kong (香港)

Mong Kok unrest: Localist Edward Leung tells court he held “election parade” to protect public from the police
Hong Kong Free Press, April 18, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/18/mong-kok-unrest-localist-edward-leung-tells-court-held-election-parade-protect-public-police/

Related:
Hong Kong localist Edward Leung “sorry” for assaulting police officers during Mong Kok unrest
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2142247/hong-kong-localist-edward-leung-sorry-assaulting-police

British report warns Beijing is increasing pressure on Hong Kong’s basic rights and freedoms
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142161/british-report-warns-beijing-increasing-pressure-hong-kongs

Related:
Overseas business risk - Hong Kong
Foreign & Commonwealth Office of United Kingdom, April 16, 2018
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-hong-kong/overseas-business-risk-hong-kong

Activist Joshua Wong files legal challenge against Hong Kong Companies Registry for denying registration for his party
Hong Kong Free Press, April 18, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/18/activist-joshua-wong-files-legal-challenge-hong-kong-companies-registry-denying-registration-party/

Related:
Were “political considerations” behind rejection of Joshua Wong’s Hong Kong political party?
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142158/were-political-considerations-behind-rejection-joshua-wongs

Hong Kong lawmakers fired in oath-taking row can keep their salaries, Legco body says
South China Morning Post, April 18, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2142250/hong-kong-lawmakers-fired-oath-taking-row-can-keep-their

Some pro-establishment camp members donated to campaign to investigate ex-leader CY Leung, says lawmaker
Hong Kong Free Press, April 17, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/17/pro-establishment-camp-members-donated-campaign-investigate-ex-leader-cy-leung-says-lawmaker/

Commentary (评论)

伸向歷史教科書的黑手 (Dark hands reach out to history textbooks)
Mingpao, April 18, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180418/s00022/1523971916895

台灣年輕世代的政治態度民調:願為台灣而戰、支持民主、反對統一 (Survey on Taiwan youngsters’ political attitudes: “willing to go to war for Taiwan, support democracy, oppose unification”)
The Initium, April 17, 2018
https://theinitium.com/article/20180417-opinion-chenfangyu-taiwan-teenagers/

Angola: China’s risky gamble in Africa
China File, April 16, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/library/china-africa-project/angola-chinas-risky-gamble-africa

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

Families of Chinese activists face house arrest, harassment from “smiling tigers”
Reuters, April 16, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-rights/families-of-chinese-activists-face-house-arrest-harassment-from-smiling-tigers-idUSKBN1HN1BA

吴淦案二审将开庭 父亲徐孝顺被软禁 (Father put under house arrest as rights defender Wu Gan faces trial of second instance)
Radio Free Asia, April 16, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-04162018110017.html

甄江华的代理律师被通知遭解聘 (Lawyers of rights activist Zhen Jianghua told by police they are fired)
Radio Free Asia, April 16, 2018
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf1-04162018120449.html

最高检印发党组巡视工作5年规划:推动解决司法不公等问题 (Supreme People’s Procuratorate issues 5-year plan for system-wide inspection work , aims include “ensuring the Party's absolute leadership over procuratorial work”)
Supreme People's Procuratorate WeChat Public Account, April 16, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2078727

Related:
China to step up inspections of prosecutors
Xinhua News Agency, April 16, 2018
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201804/16/WS5ad4bbf5a3105cdcf6518943.html

Access to Information (信息公开)

Why do Chinese citizens care so much about airstrikes on Syria this time?
The Diplomat, April 16, 2018
https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/why-do-chinese-citizens-care-so-much-about-airstrikes-on-syria-this-time/

接受社会监督,全国法院决胜“基本解决执行难”信息网上线 (Supreme People’s Court launches website to publish information on court decisions that are difficult to implement)
People’s Court Daily, April 14, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2075956

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Chinese social media site reverses gay content ban after uproar
批评声浪下,微博取消审查同性恋题材计划
The New York Times, April 16, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/16/world/asia/china-weibo-gay.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180417/china-weibo-gay/

民政部集中曝光“中国海军史研究会”等307个涉嫌非法社会组织 (Ministry of Civil Affairs publishes list of 307 allegedly illegal civil society groups)
The Beijing News, April 16, 2018
http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2018/04/16/483388.html

Government Accountability (政府问责)

China cuts smog but health damage already done: study
Reuters, April 17, 2018
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pollution-health/china-cuts-smog-but-health-damage-already-done-study-idUSKBN1HO0C4

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

国家安全部开通互联网举报受理平台 (Ministry of National Security launches bilingual online platform to allow reporting of national security, espionage crimes)
Xinhua News Agency, April 15, 2018
http://www.xinhuanet.com/legal/2018-04/15/c_1122685333.htm

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

Taiwan’s leader says island secure ahead of mainland China naval drills
Agence France-Presse, April 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2142091/taiwans-leader-says-island-secure-ahead-mainland-china

Related:
Beijing ready to snuff out any separatist move, and live-fire drill in Taiwan Strait is proof, official says
South China Morning Post, April 16, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2141995/beijing-ready-snuff-out-any-separatist-move-and-live

China's ZTE “poses risk to UK security”
British Broadcasting Corporation, April 16, 2018
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43784990

Related:
China vows to defend “rights” after US bans sales to ZTE for seven years
Deutsche Welle, April 17, 2018
http://www.dw.com/en/china-vows-to-defend-rights-after-us-bans-sales-to-zte-for-seven-years/a-43414678

國安教育日公布七案例 三外籍老師泄國家機密 (China publicizes 7 national security cases on National Security Education Day, accuses 3 foreign teachers of espionage)
Sing Tao Daily, April 16, 2018
http://std.stheadline.com/daily/news-content.php?id=1784330&target=2

Hong Kong (香港)

Legality of Hong Kong media covering pro-independence comments “will depend on the situation and law,” Lam says
Hong Kong Free Press, April 17, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/17/legality-hong-kong-media-covering-pro-independence-comments-will-depend-situation-law-lam-says/

Related:
No timetable for Hong Kong national security law legislation, says Chief Executive Carrie Lam
Hong Kong Free Press, April 17, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/17/no-timetable-hong-kong-national-security-law-legislation-says-chief-executive-carrie-lam/

Video: Hong Kong democracy activists “freeze” for Chinese national anthem in Mong Kok stunt
Hong Kong Free Press, April 17, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/17/video-hong-kong-democracy-activists-freeze-chinese-national-anthem-mong-kok-stunt/

Related:
Beijing “confuses Hong Kong localism with being anti-China”
South China Morning Post, April 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2141993/beijing-confuses-hong-kong-localism-being-anti-china

Construction of Hong Kong’s “shoebox” flats soars along with prices
South China Morning Post, April 17, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142000/hong-kongs-shoebox-homes-increase-sevenfold-five-years

Related:
Video: Hong Kong’s maddening density explored by drone
Hong Kong Free Press, August 6, 2017
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/08/06/video-hong-kongs-maddening-density-explored-drone/

HK$2m investigation into ex-Hong Kong leader CY Leung will enlist local and overseas lawyers to gather evidence
Hong Kong Free Press, April 16, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/16/hk2m-investigation-ex-hong-kong-leader-cy-leung-will-enlist-local-overseas-lawyers-gather-evidence/

Commentary (评论)

In Translation: When does a China tech firm’s corporate apology become a political “confession”?
Hong Kong Free Press, April 17, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/17/translation-china-tech-firms-corporate-apology-become-political-confession/

23條立法 林太最大任務? (Is enacting Article 23 Carrie Lam's greatest mission?)
Mingpao, April 17, 2018
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/instantnews/web_tc/article/20180417/s00022/1523884658924

Has Xi Jinping changed China? Not really
China File, April 16, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/reporting-opinion/viewpoint/has-xi-jinping-changed-china-not-really

The Chinese dissident who wrote in blood
The Wall Street Journal, April 13, 2018
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-chinese-dissident-who-wrote-in-blood-1523634068

Monday, April 16, 2018

Access to Justice (司法公正)

China’s Xi Jinping says he is opposed to life-long rule
Financial Times, April 16, 2018
https://www.ft.com/content/2b449400-413a-11e8-803a-295c97e6fd0b

AP Exclusive: Jailed Chinese pastor’s US family seeks mercy
Associated Press, April 16, 2018
https://apnews.com/5f100e3346814ad28caf2ff2ec1a554c

湖北男子不满被贴罚单发朋友圈辱骂交警,被拘5日 (Hubei man detained 5 days for posting ticket on WeChat and insulting traffic police)
Chutian Metropolis Daily WeChat Public Account, April 13, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2075139

Access to Information (信息公开)

“I am gay, not a pervert”: Furor erupts in China as Sina Weibo bans gay content
微博清理同性恋相关内容引发网友抗议
The New York Times, April 15, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/15/world/asia/china-gay-ban-sina-weibo-.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20180416/china-gay-ban-sina-weibo-/

Asia’s bastion of free speech? Move aside, Hong Kong, it’s Taiwan now.
台湾取代香港成亚洲言论自由新堡垒
The New York Times, April 14, 2018
EN: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/14/world/asia/china-taiwan-hong-kong-free-speech.html
CH: https://cn.nytimes.com/asia-pacific/20180416/china-taiwan-hong-kong-free-speech/

抖音发布处罚通告:3月份永久封禁15234个账号 (In March, Douyin permanently shuts down 15,234 accounts with “illegal” content, such as pornography, vulgarity, rumor, Bitcoin)
Douyin, April 13, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2073928

Citizen Participation (公民参与)

Are China’s university lecturers exploiting their traditional “godfatherly” roles to abuse students?
South China Morning Post, April 15, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2141772/are-chinas-university-lecturers-exploiting-their-traditional

First foreign NGO de-registers in China
China File, April 13, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/ngo/latest/first-foreign-ngo-de-registers-china

Related:
Guangdong gives awards to foreign NGOs
China File, April 13, 2018
http://www.chinafile.com/ngo/latest/guangdong-gives-awards-foreign-ngos

Government Accountability (政府问责)

Ex-chairman of China's insurance regulator has been formally charged - top prosecutor
中国检察机关对保监会原主席项俊波涉嫌受贿案提起公诉--最高检
Reuters, April 16, 2018
EN: https://www.reuters.com/article/china-corruption/ex-chairman-of-chinas-insurance-regulator-has-been-formally-charged-top-prosecutor-idUSB9N1JZ027
CH: https://cn.reuters.com/article/former-insurance-regulator-head-xiang-04-idCNKBS1HN0SA

China’s military veterans ministry opens after pension protests
South China Morning Post, April 16, 2018
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2141894/chinas-military-veterans-ministry-opens-after-pension

“Too busy, too much pressure”: an ageing China and the erosion of filial piety
Hong Kong Free Press, April 15, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/15/busy-much-pressure-ageing-china-erosion-filial-piety/

江苏公安民警依法履职免责标准出炉:不得以舆论炒作等追责 (Jiangsu Province Public Security Department drafts rules granting police impunity during “legitimate law enforcement”. Public opinion, petition, administrative reconsideration and lawsuit shall not hold officers accountable)
Cpd.com.cn, April 12, 2018
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_2071191

ICTs and Human Rights (信息技术与人权)

The billion-dollar, Alibaba-backed AI company that’s quietly watching people in China
Quartz, April 16, 2018
https://qz.com/1248493/sensetime-the-billion-dollar-alibaba-backed-ai-company-thats-quietly-watching-everyone-in-china/

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

China launches bilingual website to report foreign spies and thwart bids to “overthrow the socialist system”
Agence France-Presse, April 16, 2018
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/04/16/china-launches-bilingual-website-report-foreign-spies-thwart-bids-overthrow-socialist-system/

学生参与国家安全教育情况纳入档案,构建完善国家安全教育内容体系 (Ministry of Education to revise text books, curriculums to enhance national security education. Records will be put into students’ file as important reference for award evaluation)
Xinhua News Agency, April 13, 2018
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/index_article/content/2018-04/13/content_7520798.htm