China Archives - Page 5 of 132 - The Singapore Post

Sanctified but State-Run: How China’s Temples Funnel Profits to the CCP

8Jul

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Sanctified but State-Run: How China’s Temples Funnel Profits to the CCP

In the shadow of China’s glittering skylines and economic statistics lies a quieter, more incense-scented phenomenon: the meteoric rise of the temple economy. Once sacred spaces of introspection and spiritual refuge, temples across China have transformed into bustling commercial hubs, complete with ticket booths, merchandise counters, and livestreaming monks. But is this resurgence of religious tourism a genuine cultural revival, or a calculated mechanism of state capitalism under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)? The numbers are staggering. In 2023, China’s temple economy was valued at nearly ¥90 billion, with projections to surpass ¥100 billion by 2025. Nearly 70% of consumers have visited temples, with 47.5% aged 19 to 30. This demographic shift is unprecedented. Disillusioned

7Jul

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Chinese President Xi’s move to share power, his absence from BRICS fuels speculation about his political future

Xi's move sparked speculation that he may be laying the groundwork for an orderly power transition or scaling back his role in preparation for possible retirement Chinese President Xi Jinping, widely regarded as a leader for life, is beginning to delegate authority to key organs of the ruling Communist Party, a first in his over 12-year rule. Mr. Xi's move sparked speculation that he may be laying the groundwork for an orderly power transition or scaling back his role in preparation for possible retirement. Speculation about Mr. Xi's power transition was rife after state-run Xinhua news agency recently reported that the powerful 24-member Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in its meeting on Jun 30 reviewed a set of new regulations on the work of the...

China’s Propaganda Fuels Anti-Japan Sentiment, Say Lawmakers

30Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

China’s Propaganda Fuels Anti-Japan Sentiment, Say Lawmakers

China’s state-driven education system, crafted and enforced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), continues to embed hostility toward Japan and the West into the minds of younger generations. This ideological programming, framed as patriotic instruction, often crosses into overt racial prejudice, fostering intolerance and isolating Chinese citizens from global engagement. Far from empowering its people, this agenda has led to tragic outcomes heightening xenophobia, damaging China’s international reputation, and provoking social instability. Chinese influencer Deng Jiajun, known as “Jang,” caused an uproar after posting a viral video of himself hoarding luxury seafood at a Japanese buffet. With over 4.3 million Douyin followers, Deng proclaimed his overeating spree—featuring salmon,

As ties improve, China is considering removing sanctions against UK lawmakers.

23Jun

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

As ties improve, China is considering removing sanctions against UK lawmakers.

Restrictions to be reviewed as embassy official says ‘UK-China relations are showing a positive momentum’ China is considering lifting the sanctions it imposed on UK parliamentarians in 2021 in the latest sign of warming relations between London and Beijing. The Chinese government is reviewing the sanctions, which it introduced four years ago, in response to what it called “lies and disinformation” about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, according to two UK government sources familiar with the conversations. Asked to comment, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London said: “China has always attached importance to developing relations with the UK. Currently, UK-China relations are showing a positive momentum.” “Exchanges and dialogues between the UK and China at all l

The president chastises China by stating that Taiwan is “of course” a nation.

23Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

The president chastises China by stating that Taiwan is “of course” a nation.

TAIPEI — Taiwan is "of course" a country and China lacks both the historical evidence and legal proof to back up its sovereignty claims, President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday (June 22) in a strong rebuke to Beijing and its stepped up political and military pressure. China says democratically-governed Taiwan is "sacred" Chinese territory that has belonged to the country since ancient times, and that the island is one of its provinces with no right to be called a state. Lai and his government strongly reject that view, and have offered talks with China multiple times but have been rejected. China calls Lai a "separatist". Giving the first of 10 speeches in a series called "uniting the country", Lai drew on Taiwan's history, including the millennia-long connection of its indigen

Second China-Central Asia summit concludes in Astana with call for multipolar world order

23Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Second China-Central Asia summit concludes in Astana with call for multipolar world order

China and five Central Asian republics look to enhance common development projects, such as the BRI, and vowed to push against trade protectionism, for a more inclusive economic globalization. The second China-Central Asian summit concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan on Tuesday with countries signing a treaty on eternal good neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation as well as a joint Astana declaration. The summit was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the five Cental Asian presidents, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan (the host country, Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The Astana declaration, signed by all the participants, talks about enhancing cooperation i...

What year is it in China?Rethinking the timelineof a rising power

23Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

What year is it in China?Rethinking the timelineof a rising power

China’s international posture reflects not the confidence of a stablehegemon, but the impulses of a nationalist power in transition. Western policymakers often discuss China as though it were already in 2025, a fully matured peer rival, operating on the same strategic clock and institutional footing as liberal democracies. But that assumption is flawed. China may exist in the present, but its behaviour (economically, strategically, and politically) suggests a power still climbing, not consolidating. Misreading China as a finished superpower risks producing policy responses built on symmetry where none exists. A nation still catching up China’s modernisation has been rapid, but also relatively recent. While the West began its industrial revolutions in the 18th and 19th

The Implications for Global Governance of China and Russia’s Post-2022 Alignment

23Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

The Implications for Global Governance of China and Russia’s Post-2022 Alignment

The political alignment of China and Russia is best defined as a friendship rather than a classical alliance. Executive Summary The political alignment of China and Russia is best defined as a friendship rather than a classical alliance. While they are committed to coordinating and supporting each other, the relationship does not entail the strict obligations of an alliance There is an established imbalance in the friendship, with Russia often being seen as the Junior partner in the relationship. In the global arena, the countries act as free agents, taking independent action and occasionally expressing divergent opinions. This allows them to test institutional rules and norms as well as world public opinion, and distance themselves from the other if necessary.

In the face of political and economic complexity, China’s markets are gaining ground.

23Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

In the face of political and economic complexity, China’s markets are gaining ground.

What’s going on here? China's financial markets experienced modest gains, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising by 0.7% and the Shenzhen Component Index up by 0.4%. What does this mean? China's market uptick is set against a backdrop of political and economic tensions. The National People's Congress Standing Committee is focused on issues like US tariffs – crucial given a 13.2% drop in foreign direct investments this year, highlighting stresses in the economic relationship. Furthermore, China's condemnation of US actions against Iranian sites and the steadiness of its 10-year government bonds indicate a complex geopolitical situation. Meanwhile, challenges for firms like Hunan Baili Engineering reveal internal vulnerabilities, as its stock fell 5% following its major share

22Jun

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Thailand’s National Assembly president meets with China’s senior political advisor

China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Thailand's National Assembly President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wan Muhamad Noor Matha in Beijing on Sunday. Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that in February this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had reached an important consensus on deepening the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future, further pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Thailand to take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate the political, eco...