After the Chinese consulate in Houston was ordered to shut down, China has now shut & taken full control of the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu. Do the Consulate shutdowns signal a new phase of the US-China conflict? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Consulate shutdowns, New phase of US-China conflict?

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the&nbsp;price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. 
China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetChinaStrikeForClimate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetChinaStrikeForClimate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FaceTheClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FaceTheClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridaysForFutureChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridaysForFutureChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoweyOu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoweyOu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aiww?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aiww</a> <a href="https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9">https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mtjdhbVFo">pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo</a>
— Howey Ou (@howey_ou) <a href="https://twitter.com/howey_ou/status/1285193984537575424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Howey Ou has&nbsp;been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/educational-authorities-in-china-attempting-to-stifle-first-young-climate-activists-voice-314606">Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice</a>

She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said. I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.#LetChinaStrikeForClimate #FaceTheClimateEmergency #FridaysForFutureChina #HoweyOu @aiww https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9 pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo — Howey Ou (@howey_ou) July 20, 2020 × Howey Ou has been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause. Also read: Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

Howey Ou, China's Greta Thunberg, pays price for climate activism

The American flag was lowered at the United States consulate in Chengdu on Monday, days after Beijing ordered it to close in retaliation for the shuttering of the Chinese consulate in Houston.

China orders U.S Chengdu consulate shut | American flag lowered at consulate | US-China

The American flag at the US consulate in Chengdu has officially been lowered after the Chinese government ordered to shut down the diplomatic mission. Watch report.

China: Chengdu mission closure necessary, US flag at Chengdu consulate lowered

China accuses United States of cold war rhetoric

A report by Australian Journalist Anthony Klan says that China and Pakistan have a secret agreement to conduct tests on biological agents. Allegedly, several research projects involve testing pathogens similar to the anthrax. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China-Pakistan 'secret deal' to build bioweapons

At a time when China is battling an hostile international environment - Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a campaign trail. The Chinese President faces no political challenge. But, he still needs to maintain his position as China's paramount leader. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: Communist Party Propaganda push: Xi Jinping's inspection of Chinese provinces

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead.

It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest.

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Public sentiment matters to&nbsp;the Communist Party - it matters even more to&nbsp;Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but&nbsp;now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology.

On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots.

"The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said.

Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi.

Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March.

Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion.

The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule.

Chinese President Xi Jiping has been criss-crossing his country to reassure people even though he doesn't have to fight an election because in China even the suggestion of public discontent is seen as a challenge to the party's rule. In the last two months, Beijing has triggered a deadly border standoff with India, forced a draconian national security law on Hong Kong and entered into a war of words with the western world but pictures beamed around the world by China’s state media have been designed to mislead. It’s almost as if the international crises don’t exist in China. Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour of Chinese provinces and wherever he goes, the Chinese president is welcomed with wide smiles and a round of applause while Xi Jinping faces no immediate political challenge, he is still preparing for a leadership contest. Public sentiment matters to the Communist Party - it matters even more to Xi Jinping. His personal popularity cements his grip on the Communist Party. The Chinese president stayed away from the public eye during the initial months of the Wuhan virus outbreak but now Xi Jinping has been travelling around the country and he carries only one message - the message of Communist ideology. On a visit to Changchun, he told the party workers why the Communist party must be strengthened at the grassroots. "The foundation for the construction of China's governance system rests in the grassroots without a solid foundation, the Earth shakes and the mountains move. So how to build a solid foundation? It depends on the residential community management and governance. Community construction can only be strengthened, not weakened. then what's the key to community construction? the answer is strengthening the CPC leadership," the Chinese president said. Xi Jinping has stuck to his message at the PLA aviation university. He told trainers and teachers about the need to “adhere to the correct political orientation”. The removal of term limits has paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life but to maintain control he needs to protect his image of a mass leader and any discontent against the Communist Party would be a direct challenge to Xi. Therefore, the president meets the masses, and the party cracks down on dissent. Ren Zhiqiang an influential party critic has been shown the door. The former property tycoon had called Xi Jinping a clown, he reportedly went missing in March. Now, the Communist party says Ren is guilty of severe violation of discipline and law. China is a classic case of a benevolent dictatorship. An authoritarian leader with extraordinary powers allowed to exercise his will while the masses live under an illusion. The Communist Party’s meticulous control over China is expanding with Xi Jinping the dictator in charge.

Xi Jinping takes domestic tour to boost popularity amid pandemic

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party. He will be prosecuted on corruption charges, the party announced on Friday.

Ren disappeared from public view in March after publishing an essay online that accused Xi of mishandling the outbreak that began in December in the central city of Wuhan. He is accused of corruption, embezzlement, taking bribes and abusing his position at a state-owned company.

Xi, who became ruling party leader in 2012, has suppressed criticism, tightened censorship and cracked down on unofficial organisations that have tried to take on the government.

Criticism of the party's response to the coronavirus focussed on its early efforts to conceal information and on propaganda portraying Xi and other leaders as rescuing the China from the disease.

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party.

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of a state-owned real estate company who publically criticised President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party. He will be prosecuted on corruption charges, the party announced on Friday. Ren disappeared from public view in March after publishing an essay online that accused Xi of mishandling the outbreak that began in December in the central city of Wuhan. He is accused of corruption, embezzlement, taking bribes and abusing his position at a state-owned company. Xi, who became ruling party leader in 2012, has suppressed criticism, tightened censorship and cracked down on unofficial organisations that have tried to take on the government. Criticism of the party's response to the coronavirus focussed on its early efforts to conceal information and on propaganda portraying Xi and other leaders as rescuing the China from the disease.

Critic of Xi Jinping expelled from party on graft charges

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected the Aviation University of the Air Force in Changchun City, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects PLA aviation university

Ren Zhiqiang, the former chairman of state-controlled property developer Huayuan Real Estate Group, has been ousted from China's ruling Communist Party, a notice from the Beijing district government showed Thursday.

Ren Zhiqiang who criticised Xi Jinping over virus handling ousted from party

Accuse, evict, repeat: How it has become a commonly used tactic by US

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign affairs is holding a press conference on US-China relations. Beijing calls the closure of a 'political provocation'. China will be closing the US consulate in Wuhan.

China's relations with US head South: TikTok banned from US govt devices

On WION Global Summit: Decoding China, WION's Palki decodes the Chinese President Xi Jinping with Gautam Bambawale, Bruno Macaes and Derek Grossman

WION Global Summit: Decoding China | How is Xi Jinping driving China's quest for global domination?

Slamming China's aggression over India, the US House of Representatives has unanimously passed an amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act. The amendment states that India and China should work against de-escalating the situation along the LAC. Watch report.

US lower house stands against China: Anti-US amendment passed against China

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies.&nbsp;

Xu Zhangrun is one of the few Chinese academics who took on Xi Jinping. A week back, the Chinese police detained Xu Zhangrun only to release him six days later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xu-zhangrun-chinese-professor-who-took-on-president-xi-jinping-313533">Xu Zhangrun: Chinese professor who took on President Xi Jinping</a>

“The coronavirus epidemic has revealed the rotten core of Chinese governance, I can all too easily predict that I will be subjected to new punishments, indeed, this may well even be the last thing I write,” Zhangrun had said as he dared to speak out against Xi Jinping in China which is a crime in the eyes of the Chinese state.

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Xu Zhangrun, an outspoken Chinese law professor of the Tsinghua University, has been formally notified of his removal on Saturday.

Xu Zhangrun gained prominence in 2018 as a critique of Xi Jinping. He blamed the Chinese president of stifling debate. Chinese authorities issued warnings against Xu and he was suspended from the university but he continued to document the growing disquiet within China.

The Tsinghua University, whose famous alumni include President Xi, has been listed as China's number one university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The notification, dated on Wednesday, was sent to Xu by courier, the report said quoting a friend who requested anonymity for fear of retribution.

The Tsinghua University, where 57-year-old Xu worked for 20 years, said it took the decision after a meeting on July 10.

Xu, a prominent legal scholar, is one of the very few academics to have publicly challenged the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership in recent years in a number of essays published online in China and overseas.

"We have verified that Xu Zhangrun has published many essays since July 2018 and it is a serious violation of the '10 standards of professional conduct for teachers in tertiary institutes in the new era'," the notification read.

The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Education in 2018, said teachers would be fired or punished if they said or did anything that undermines the authority of the CPC or violated the directions and policies of the party.

Earlier this month, Xu was taken away by Chengdu police from his Beijing home. His wife was later informed that he was arrested for soliciting prostitutes while travelling to the capital of Sichuan province, a claim dismissed by Xu's friends as an attempt to discredit him.

Xu was released last Sunday and he returned home after six days of detention.

In July 2108, Xu published his first criticism of the CPC leadership, which included one of the few public statements opposing the removal of presidential term limits, which allows Xi Jinping to stay in the post after 2023.

Xi, 67, who is also the head of the CPC and the military, is currently in his second term.

All of Xi's predecessors, except party founder Mao Zedong abided by the two-five-year term norm aimed at preventing the perpetuation of one leader rule of the CPC and the country.

The five-year term norm was removed in 2018 by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's Parliament, paving the way for a possible lifelong tenure for Xi at the helm.

Xu was suspended from teaching by Tsinghua in 2019, but he continued to write essays critical of the party leadership.

In February and May, Xu published two lengthy articles, openly criticising the CPC leadership for mishandling the coronavirus.

Using satire and a mixture of modern and classical Chinese, Xu lamented how the country was isolated and how the public were gagged by fear and big data surveillance, the Post report said. 
He also published a number of shorter essays criticizing the Chinese government in recent months.

The university told Xu that if he wanted to appeal against the sacking, he would have to go to the Ministry of Education and the Beijing Education Commission.

(With inputs from PTI)

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies.

Xu Zhangrun, a professor in China's prestigious Tsinghua University, has been sacked from the post of law professor for speaking against President Xi Jinping's policies. Xu Zhangrun is one of the few Chinese academics who took on Xi Jinping. A week back, the Chinese police detained Xu Zhangrun only to release him six days later. Xu Zhangrun: Chinese professor who took on President Xi Jinping “The coronavirus epidemic has revealed the rotten core of Chinese governance, I can all too easily predict that I will be subjected to new punishments, indeed, this may well even be the last thing I write,” Zhangrun had said as he dared to speak out against Xi Jinping in China which is a crime in the eyes of the Chinese state. Xu Zhangrun, an outspoken Chinese law professor of the Tsinghua University, has been formally notified of his removal on Saturday. Xu Zhangrun gained prominence in 2018 as a critique of Xi Jinping. He blamed the Chinese president of stifling debate. Chinese authorities issued warnings against Xu and he was suspended from the university but he continued to document the growing disquiet within China. The Tsinghua University, whose famous alumni include President Xi, has been listed as China's number one university by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The notification, dated on Wednesday, was sent to Xu by courier, the report said quoting a friend who requested anonymity for fear of retribution. The Tsinghua University, where 57-year-old Xu worked for 20 years, said it took the decision after a meeting on July 10. Xu, a prominent legal scholar, is one of the very few academics to have publicly challenged the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership in recent years in a number of essays published online in China and overseas. "We have verified that Xu Zhangrun has published many essays since July 2018 and it is a serious violation of the '10 standards of professional conduct for teachers in tertiary institutes in the new era'," the notification read. The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Education in 2018, said teachers would be fired or punished if they said or did anything that undermines the authority of the CPC or violated the directions and policies of the party. Earlier this month, Xu was taken away by Chengdu police from his Beijing home. His wife was later informed that he was arrested for soliciting prostitutes while travelling to the capital of Sichuan province, a claim dismissed by Xu's friends as an attempt to discredit him. Xu was released last Sunday and he returned home after six days of detention. In July 2108, Xu published his first criticism of the CPC leadership, which included one of the few public statements opposing the removal of presidential term limits, which allows Xi Jinping to stay in the post after 2023. Xi, 67, who is also the head of the CPC and the military, is currently in his second term. All of Xi's predecessors, except party founder Mao Zedong abided by the two-five-year term norm aimed at preventing the perpetuation of one leader rule of the CPC and the country. The five-year term norm was removed in 2018 by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's Parliament, paving the way for a possible lifelong tenure for Xi at the helm. Xu was suspended from teaching by Tsinghua in 2019, but he continued to write essays critical of the party leadership. In February and May, Xu published two lengthy articles, openly criticising the CPC leadership for mishandling the coronavirus. Using satire and a mixture of modern and classical Chinese, Xu lamented how the country was isolated and how the public were gagged by fear and big data surveillance, the Post report said. He also published a number of shorter essays criticizing the Chinese government in recent months. The university told Xu that if he wanted to appeal against the sacking, he would have to go to the Ministry of Education and the Beijing Education Commission. (With inputs from PTI)

Chinese professor Xu Zhangrun, who took on President Xi Jinping, sacked

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

First-of-her-kind

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/italys-presena-glacier-covered-with-white-tarps-to-decelerate-melting-caused-by-climate-change-307771" hreflang="en">Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change</a>

Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs

Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

"Stubborn"

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on. First-of-her-kind The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities. In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018. Also read: Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. "Stubborn" To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping went to the United States for a state visit. Since then, cartoon character Winnie the Pooh has become a vehicle to mock Xi Jinping. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why China censors Winnie the Pooh.

Gravitas: Why China's censors banned Winnie the Pooh

A photo tweeted by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has a hidden message for Xi Jinping. The photograph features Pompeo's dog with a toy Winnie the Pooh. Why are the Chinese wary of this cartoon character? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas: Mike Pompeo mocks Xi Jinping with Winnie the Pooh

China claims it has averted a recession. Its GDP numbers for Q2 show a growth of 3.2%. But retail sales and fixed asset investments are down. Rumours are fueling bank runs in China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China's new GDP numbers: What Beijing is trying to hide

A secret conclave to grill Xi Jinping? Senior members of the Communist Party meet in Beidaihe for a secret conclave every year. A report claims that Chinese President is not looking forward to this year's meeting. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why.

Gravitas: A secret conclave to grill Xi Jinping?

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year&nbsp;but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches.

Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda.

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The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China -&nbsp;Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and&nbsp;there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public.

Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping.

During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and&nbsp;retired members of the Communist party including&nbsp;former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders&nbsp;who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out-&nbsp;former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao.

The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances.

After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself.

Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth.

According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even&nbsp;offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement&nbsp;these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers.

They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It&nbsp;allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions.

The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united&nbsp;because&nbsp;if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing. The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches. Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda. The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China - Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public. Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping. During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and retired members of the Communist party including former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US. Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out- former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao. The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances. After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself. Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth. According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers. They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions. The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united because if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

China's President Xi Jinping dreads Beidaihe summit, here's why!

Xi Jinping, the president of the world's second-largest economy was so threatened by his resemblance to Winnie the Pooh that the fictional bear was kicked out of China with his&nbsp;movies, TV series and stuffed toys banned in the country.

Pooh became a common nickname for Xi Jinping around 2013 when the Chinese president&nbsp;had gone to the United States for an official visit and&nbsp;he came back with a twin named&nbsp;Pooh.

The meme took the internet by storm and in&nbsp;the next year, a photo of Xi Jinping and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe gave the internet a field day.&nbsp;The following year the toy car comparison had the world laughing out loud.

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It also went on to become the most censored picture of the year. The memes were harmless but leaders&nbsp;often tolerate such jokes but Xi is not one of them. He cannot be trolled,&nbsp;questioned and no quirks either and Pooh was violating his great wall of sham.

Hence, the fictional bear was banned in all kinds.&nbsp;

These trivial censorships are a grim reminder of&nbsp;Xi Jinping's insecurities. Noboady is allowed to&nbsp;talk about Winnie the Pooh in China. In 2019, the Taiwanese game 'devotion' was taken down as it drew parallels between Xi and Pooh.

Try searching for 'Winnie' on Chinese microblog Sina Weibo, it&nbsp;says some results have been omitted,&nbsp;too bad for Xi&nbsp;despite all the censorship, he has not been able to get rid of his nickname.

Every time the Chinese president is in the news,&nbsp;Winnie the Pooh starts trending on Twitter.

Xi Jinping, the president of the world's second-largest economy was so threatened by his resemblance to Winnie the Pooh that the fictional bear was kicked out of China with his movies, TV series and stuffed toys banned in the country.

Xi Jinping, the president of the world's second-largest economy was so threatened by his resemblance to Winnie the Pooh that the fictional bear was kicked out of China with his movies, TV series and stuffed toys banned in the country. Pooh became a common nickname for Xi Jinping around 2013 when the Chinese president had gone to the United States for an official visit and he came back with a twin named Pooh. The meme took the internet by storm and in the next year, a photo of Xi Jinping and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe gave the internet a field day. The following year the toy car comparison had the world laughing out loud. It also went on to become the most censored picture of the year. The memes were harmless but leaders often tolerate such jokes but Xi is not one of them. He cannot be trolled, questioned and no quirks either and Pooh was violating his great wall of sham. Hence, the fictional bear was banned in all kinds. These trivial censorships are a grim reminder of Xi Jinping's insecurities. Noboady is allowed to talk about Winnie the Pooh in China. In 2019, the Taiwanese game 'devotion' was taken down as it drew parallels between Xi and Pooh. Try searching for 'Winnie' on Chinese microblog Sina Weibo, it says some results have been omitted, too bad for Xi despite all the censorship, he has not been able to get rid of his nickname. Every time the Chinese president is in the news, Winnie the Pooh starts trending on Twitter.

Why China's President Xi Jinping fears 'Winnie the Pooh'

Beijing has reported a 3.2 per cent increase in GDP for the second quarter of 2020 that is the April to June period. Analyst had expected 2.5 per cent growth for this quarter but the Chinese economy declined 6.

Beijing has reported a 3.2 per cent increase in GDP for the second quarter of 2020 that is the April to June period. Analyst had expected 2.5 per cent growth for this quarter but the Chinese economy declined 6.8 per cent during the first three months of the year. China exceeded the projections but the trends are worrying. There is some good news though but that is for the global economy. China is the world's factory, the global manufacturer. China's economy is dependant on manufacturing. The number that China is projecting right now 3.2 per cent increase in GDP is an indicator of the rise in global demand. China's export and industrial production are moving ahead, the domestic market, on the other hand, is dead. China's industrial production is up by 4.8 per cent and the global demand for goods has grown not by 4.8 per cent but it has grown. According to experts, China is overproducing for reasons best known to Beijing due to domestic demand. China's retail sales in Q2 has fallen by 1.8 per cent. So back at home, the Chinese are not buying despite all of Beijing's promotional measures. Earlier, WION had reported how the government of China was handing out coupons to its people so that they would buy goods and services. However, the sales campaign has failed. A fall in retail also displays a lack of confidence. The Chinese are not confident to spend right now because for them, it is not yet business as usual. The job losses in China are not to be forgotten therefore it is not surprising that people are not investing. China's fixed-asset investment has fallen by 3.1 per cent. However, China averted a recession. It was the first country to go into lockdown and the first also to come out of it. The virus was not a bolt from the blue for China. China was prepared for the pandemic and it should not go to town blowing its trumpet with the GDP numbers. Instead, here's what it should do. First, companies are diversifying their manufacturing. In other words, they are avoiding over-reliance on China and are preparing to move out. According to one survey, 2/3rd of large US corporates want to move their manufacturing from China to Mexico in the next two years. Second, the US-China trade war is far from over, also, China's GDP may be rising but it is only a matter of time before it either stagnates or plummets. It is because China is sitting on mounting of debt. Beijing's total debt is 317 per cent of its Q1 GDP which means, its banks are on the brink of collapse. According to a report, the run to banks has already begun. It started with Hebei over the weekend, several customers rushed to banks to withdraw their money as Heibei announced a program to limit large transactions. The pilot project will soon include banks in Zhejiang and Shenzhen too. The people are losing confidence in the Chinese banking system. It is worth $43 trillion dollars, 317 per cent of its GDP. China's GDP is around $14 trillion dollars. River banks too are collapsing in China. There is mass flooding in several parts of the country. China has not released any data on the people affected or the lives lost.

Despite witnessing growth in GDP, China's debt continues to mount

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