How far have Chinese wines come? Awards crown best red, white and sweet wines, best value bottle, and more

When one thinks of wine, countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile and Argentina are likely to come to mind before China. However, as the third largest country in the world by land mass, many parts of China are suitable for growing grapes and making wine. To give some perspective, Xinjiang, the region with … Read more

China reveals it executed scientist for spying in 2016 in documentary about ‘shocking’ cases

According to the documentary, Huang Yu, then a researcher at a top secret communication system development project, sent a note to “the website of a certain country’s spy agency” containing classified Chinese military codes. Huang was bitter after being removed from a unit that was working on the project due to poor work performance and … Read more

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

China finds foreign support for Xinjiang policies as region seeks to boost economic ties

The event coincided with Eid ul-Fitr, the Muslim festival that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Xinjiang is home to 25.85 million people, 14.93 million of whom are members of ethnic minority groups, including the Muslim Uygurs and Kazakhs. EU sees 200% surge in Xinjiang imports despite human rights concerns Beijing has … Read more

Exclusive | Chinese Premier Li Qiang set to visit Australia in June, live lobster import ban expected to be lifted

The major topics of the visit, however, remain unknown. “The Australian government has consistently advocated – including during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi – for the full and timely removal of all trade impediments, including those affecting exports of live rock lobster to China. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry … Read more

China’s former anti-terrorism chief Liu Yuejin under investigation for corruption

China’s first counterterrorism commissioner, Liu Yuejin, has been placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption as part of an ongoing drive targeting the security sector. Liu, 65, who also served as assistant minister of public security, is suspected of “serious violations of party discipline and law” – the usual euphemism for corruption – according to … Read more

China’s Inner Mongolia emerges as model for Xi Jinping’s ethnic affairs policy, but analysts warn of cultural ‘erosion’

While Inner Mongolia has trumpeted its success, analysts have raised concerns that the policies could weaken the identity of ethnic minority groups. They say the region’s policies are a sign of things to come for China’s other autonomous regions. China to more tightly control ethnic minority discussion to temper ‘risks’ According to the 2020 national … Read more

Plains, trains and uncommon zeal: China’s varied landscapes photographed via railways that traverse them

Since leaving full-time employment in 2015 – a seven-year, post-university stint as an accountant for professional services network Deloitte – Wang’s interest in railways, and photographing them, has morphed from a hobby into his raison d’être. Photographer Wang Lu. He spends three to five months of every year travelling to photograph railway scenes in China. … Read more

China’s Xinjiang invites overseas media to annual political meetings for first time as it aims to improve image

It is the first time the region has invited delegations from outside mainland China to attend its key political event of the year, according to the Xinjiang government, which is aiming to improve its international image amid allegations of human rights abuses and forced labour. Xinjiang is home to 25.85 million people, of which 14.93 … Read more

China’s ethnic affairs officials urged to promote integration of minority groups

It called for efforts to launch cultural products and exhibits that “reflect the commonality of the Chinese nation” to “fully demonstrate Chinese cultural heritage”. It also outlined the goal of addressing risks and “hidden dangers” in the field of ethnic affairs and safeguarding ethnic unity and stability. The meeting noted that ethnic affairs offices across … Read more