Learning the Chinese classical instrument, Guqin [China.org.cn/Wu Jin]
Geopolitics
China is viewed more positively than the US by African youth for the first time since survey by South African Foundation began in 2020
A qualitative survey of 4,507 young people aged 18 to 24 years from 15 countries finds that 76% think that China positively influences their lives (79% in 2020), while 72% think the same about the US (83% in 2020); Chinese influence is strongest in Rwanda, Malawi, and Nigeria
Chinese and US defense ministers meet in Singapore amid rising tensions, the first time since Biden was elected
Chinese Minister Wei Fenghe says China will fight to the end against any attempt to support Taiwan’s independence; Biden’s recent statements about the Chinese island have upset Beijing, but both sides agree to maintain frequent communication to minimize risks and crises
National Politics
To combat short-termism, government instructs Chinese mutual funds industry (US$3.8 trillion) to limit executive compensation to reduce wealth imbalances
At least 40% of bonus payments to senior employees must be deferred for three years or more, and executives must invest at least 20% of their bonuses in their companies’ financial products, according to new guidelines
Customers of embattled banks in Zhengzhou receive sudden pandemic-related restrictions when trying to withdraw money from their accounts, raising suspicions of data manipulation
Upon receiving a “red health code” – indicating high Covid-19 risk – numerous customers coming from other cities were prevented from accessing transportation networks, public services, and even going to banks to complain; evidence of an app breach is being investigated by local authorities
Tangshan government launches campaign against criminal gangs after violent restaurant attack on several women
Captured by security cameras, nine men were arrested after the incident in the northern Chinese city sent shockwaves around the country; a two-week blitz campaign focusing on violence against women, extortion, gambling, sex work, and scams has been launched
Economy
Main indicators of the Chinese economy improve in May, with the exception of household consumption
In May, industry value added grew 0.7% year-on-year, overcoming the 2.9% drop in April, foreign trade (US$511 billion) rose 9.6% year-on-year and exports (US$293 billion) jumped from 3.9% in April to 15.3%; retail sales reached US$497 billion (-6.7%), improving from the 11.1% drop in April
Read the National Bureau of Statistics of China Report, 15.06.2022
May’s economic improvement generates confidence in the ability to reverse April’s drop and reach the annual growth target of 5.5%
In the year-to-date, the industrial aggregate value grew 3.3% (in the January-May interannual comparison), 5.29 million jobs were created in urban areas, and the value of exports totaled US$ 1.33 billion (+11.4%); but services and retail sales remain in decline, -0.7% and -1.5%
South China Morning Post, 15.06.2022
Read the National Bureau of Statistics of China Report, 15.06.2022
Agriculture and Environment
Renewable energy development in rural areas combines poverty alleviation with greenhouse gas reduction targets
Since 2014, solar farms with a combined capacity of more than 26 million kW have benefited over four million families in need; government estimates that a village with two 5 MW wind energy units occupying 200 m² can increase residents’ income by US$45,073/year
China reduced nearly the same amount of air pollution in seven years than the US did in three decades
The amount of harmful particulate matter in China’s air dropped by 40% (2013-20) and, if maintained, could add about two years to average life expectancy, according to the University of Chicago; Chinese average airborne particulate matter remains six times higher than WHO recommendations
People’s Life and Culture
Recent US-China study gives new insights on ancient brewing practices of rice and millet beer in China
Fermentation dakoukangs —large clay basins of the Dawenkou culture dating back 4,600 to 6,700 years — were found in elite burials, likely used as a status symbol and seen as a sacred substance with its symbolic red color and psychoactive effect
Dakougang for 4,000-year-old rice wine production [Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences]
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