Xi Jinping calls for wider use of Mandarin in China’s border areas amid security push

Xi Jinping calls for wider use of Mandarin in China’s border areas amid security push

President Xi Jinping has called for national security and social stability to be upheld in China’s border regions and for Mandarin to be spoken more broadly in those areas, according to state media. Addressing a Politburo study session on Monday, Xi said maintaining security and stability was the “baseline requirement” for border governance, state news … Read more

China’s deadly vehicle attacks spark sales boom for traffic barriers

China’s deadly vehicle attacks spark sales boom for traffic barriers

Following a series of deadly attacks in China that have shocked the nation, orders for traffic safety barriers for schools, shopping districts and other public places have soared, according to several Chinese suppliers. The companies said they had seen substantial increases in product inquiries and purchases in November compared to earlier months, with some firms … Read more

Chinese city forced to back pedal over night-time cycling after streets become gridlocked

Chinese city forced to back pedal over night-time cycling after streets become gridlocked

A historic Chinese city has urged cyclists to stay away after thousands of college students descended on it for a night-time ride. Cities around China have been trying to lure visitors and cash in on the the craze for nocturnal cycling, but the city of Kaifeng in the central province of Henan has now told … Read more

Xi Jinping’s father the subject of new historical drama on state television

Xi Jinping’s father the subject of new historical drama on state television

A historical drama about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s late father, Xi Zhongxun, will be shown on state television from Tuesday – the first time his story has been dramatised for TV. The first episode of Time in the Northwest will make its debut during prime time on CCTV’s main channel, according to a trailer aired … Read more

Opinion | When officials in drought-prone Chinese region got just deserts for student-places fraud

Opinion | When officials in drought-prone Chinese region got just deserts for student-places fraud

Last week, I wrote about the conviction of Singapore’s former minister of transport S. Iswaran for improperly obtaining valuables, a case that has shocked Singaporeans, who, like Hongkongers, do not tolerate corruption in the government and civil service. A case involving corruption in China in the late 18th century was so massive in scale that … Read more

China’s Tibetan Buddhists urged to obey reincarnation rules as Dalai Lama mulls successor

China’s Tibetan Buddhists urged to obey reincarnation rules as Dalai Lama mulls successor

Senior Buddhist figures in China have emphasised the importance of government approval in the recognition of reincarnated Tibetan religious leaders, at a meeting this week less than a year before the Dalai Lama is expected to announce his succession plan. More than 50 Tibetan Buddhist monks and religious experts attended a seminar in Lanzhou, Gansu … Read more

Boris Johnson’s youngest brother Max on Hong Kong, Covid frustrations, and a special trip with dad

Boris Johnson’s youngest brother Max on Hong Kong, Covid frustrations, and a special trip with dad

It was nice to be with my friends all the time. Oxford was a lovely place to grow up in. I wasn’t in the top set, but I was in the one below that. I was quite clever, vaguely sporty and very competitive. Max Johnson (left) with Boris Johnson (second left) and other family members, … Read more

Race organisers of deadly 2021 ultramarathon in northwestern China sentenced to jail

Race organisers of deadly 2021 ultramarathon in northwestern China sentenced to jail

Ding Keya, chief administrator of the national park where the deaths took place, was also charged with taking bribes and sentenced to 4 years and 10 months in prison in addition to a fine. His deputy, Luo Wentao, received a sentence of 3 ½ years. The tragedy happened the morning of May 22, 2021, when … Read more