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More from @StephenMcDonell

Stephen McDonell

@StephenMcDonell

7 Nov

This week there is a boring sounding high-level political meeting in #Beijing which could actually be quite significant in terms of power politics in #China. The annual "plenum" session with hundreds of members of the Central Committee will meet behind closed doors. Crucially...

The session may act to sure up Xi Jinping's grip on power, cement his legacy and provide a justification for #China's current leader to move into a historic third, 5-year, term at the Party Congress in October next year.

The Plenum will start on Monday behind closed doors at the Great Hall of the People. Very little has been announced about what's on the table away from the public glare except that they'll discuss “important achievements & historical experiences of the Party”. Sounds dull but...

Read 16 tweets

Stephen McDonell

@StephenMcDonell

2 Sep

#China TV overhaul announced today banning mass "vote him/her off the island" type voting. Only a live audience can make selections. Shows training young performers to be stars: banned. Actors with "incorrect" political views: banned. "Effeminate" style male actors: banned.

There was a popular idol talent show here in #China which required fans to buy sponsored products in order to vote for their favourite young star. This led to some fans buying and then throwing out massive amounts of yoghurt. This type of voting is now prohibited.

"Sissy" men, "vulgar influencers" and those with "lapsed morals" have been banned from television shows in #China. Programme makers have been urged to steer away from "abnormal aesthetics" and inflating the pay of stars.

Read 8 tweets

Stephen McDonell

@StephenMcDonell

30 Aug

The authorities in #China have today announced that for, anyone under 18 years old, they're to be limited to playing online games to only 3 hours a week! Plus only these 3 hours: 8 til 9 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be Chinese teenagers flipping out right now!

This, apparently, will be enforced in #China by making gamers use real name registration and require face scans.

It's been announced that there will be inspections of game companies in conjunction with #China's new 3 hours per week limit on gaming for those under 18. There had previously been limits but now there are only three specific hours per week in which youths can play games.

Read 16 tweets

Stephen McDonell

@StephenMcDonell

10 Aug

@WHO

#China’s Party-controlled press is now furiously busy scrubbing its reports regarding Swiss biologist “Wilson Edwards” said to be embroiled in a @WHO #covid scandal however...

The statement from #Switzerland’s Embassy in #China regarding “Wilson Edwards”...

@globaltimesnews

A Google search shows the @globaltimesnews piece aaaaaand the page now...

Read 12 tweets

Stephen McDonell

@StephenMcDonell

10 Aug

Canadian Robert Shellenberg has lost an appeal & faces execution in #China for trying to smuggle drugs to #Australia. The Canadian Ambassador said it was "no coincidence" his verdict was announced while the extradition hearing of #China's Meng Wanzhou is on in #Canada.

Shellenberg first received a 15-year prison sentence after being charge with drug smuggling. However - following the detention of #Huawei's Meng Wanzhou in #Canada on a #US extradition request - the Canadian was "re-tried" and then instead given the death penalty.

The Shellenberg case - along with the cases involving Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig - have been described as hostage diplomacy on the part of #Beijing. China's foreign affairs spokespeople have themselves linked the Spavor & Kovrig cases to #Huawei's Meng Wanzhou.

Read 11 tweets