#Hong Kong autonomy

[panicinthestudio]

China offers bounty for Hong Kong activists abroad, Focus on Europe, November 12, 2023

Finn Lau, who lives in exile in London, has criticized China for its politics concerning Hong Kong. Beijing is offering a high reward for his capture. Deutsche Welle

[yeo223]

If We Burn

The fiery resolve of the Hong Kong people blazes furiously in James Leong and Lyn Lee’s brutal documentary.If We Burn

[txttletale]

its so interesting how the 'free hong kong' guys, who i assume just have a strong principled belief in self-determination and autonomy and have no other reasons for obsessing over hong kong specifically, aren't also 'free catalunya' and 'free euskadi' and 'free scotland' and 'free corsica' guys -- all of these after all being seperatist movements with as much or significantly more popular support for independence than hong kong's. this probably indicates nothing in particular

[jackmedwn]

Biden-Harris admin opposes ban on Chinese Communist Party officials buying US land | The Post Millennial | thepostmillennial.com

[edithhaimbergernotebook]

Tibetan Uprising Day 2024 and a Half-Forgotten Human Rights Disaster

Protesters on Tibetan Uprising Day at Pariser Platz. Berlin, March 10, 2024. Photograph by me (Edith Haimberger). All rights reserved.

"Tibetans inside Tibet: We are with you!"

— sign at Berlin protest on March 10, 2024

The red, yellow and blue colours of Tibet's flag flew across the Pariser Platz square behind Brandenburg Gate on Sunday as some 80 protesters gathered for Tibetan Uprising Day.

Reeducation camps for Uyghur Muslims in China, more rarely developments in Hong Kong, and controversies around the Dalai Lama who is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, may dominate international news headlines.

But the plight of inhabitants in the Tibetan region that the protestors portrayed in signs, speeches, and information panels yesterday is no longer common knowledge.

A youngish man in jeans and a puffer jacket, who was walking across the square on Sunday, asked the police officer beside him who had mentioned Tibet, "Was ist das?" ('What is it?') The police officer, at least, knew the answer.

Miniature History In 1950 the Chinese People's Liberation Army invaded the remote region bordering Nepal. Ever since then, the autonomy or even the independence of Tibet has been hotly disputed, as well as the measures through which the ruling Chinese Communist Party governs the country. Tibetan Uprising Day marks the anniversary of a revolt in 1959.

Image: "Tibetexpedition, Kloster in Samada." (Tibet Expedition, Convent [or Monastery] in Samada.) Photo taken by Ernst Krause in 1938. Uploaded to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archives.

'Many of us standing here today,' a speaker wearing traditional embroidered clothing told the crowd in Berlin, 'have never been in Tibet.'

Instead the protesters on Sunday were often exiles, many second-generation.

Their relatives in Tibet face systematic repression.

"Menschenrechte für Tibet" "Freiheit für Tibet"

— 'Human rights for Tibet' and 'Freedom for Tibet.' Signs at the Berlin protest on March 10, 2024.

The Berlin speakers accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of cultural genocide. Children as young as 5 years old are sent to residential boarding schools where they are educated as Chinese, while Tibetan language and culture are forbidden.

Monasteries and convents that were destroyed in the mid-20th century and only partly rebuilt in the 1980s remain vulnerable.

The Chinese government has been building massive hydroelectric dams in Tibet. Permission from Tibetans is not asked, a reporter from Tibet.tv said at the protest in Berlin. Instead, entire villages and monasteries, dating back even to the times where Europe was in the Middle Ages, are destroyed.

Local Tibetans who protest mega-dam projects are arrested and, at times, beaten.

A-Nya Sengdra, a nomad in Qinghai province, is in the middle of a 7-year prison sentence on charges like 'provoking trouble.' In a 2020 press release from the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, experts say that he had been active for example against "illegal hunting and poaching of endangered animals."

As his prison sentence continues, friends are worried for his health.

Outside Tibet, in his Indian exile of Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama has also spoken enigmatically about his successor as spiritual leader. He is 88 years old. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has a spiritual dimension for Tibetan Buddhists, but the Chinese Communist Party — a secular body —wants the next Dalai Lama to be approved by them first.

But, also explaining why Tibet is seldom in news headlines, it is difficult to obtain information from within the region. Writing for the Human Rights Watch website in 2022, an expert spoke of

draconian controls on the flow of information between Tibet and the outside world *

The Heyday of International Awareness of Tibet In the 1980s and 90s and early 2000s, Tibet was a cause célèbre. Actress Sharon Stone and actor Richard Gere, who are Tibetan Buddhist, spoke out in favour of its independence. The Tibet-inspired American fantasy film The Golden Child (1986) earned $149.4 million at the box office. In 1997, two films followed: Kundun, directed by Martin Scorsese, and Seven Years in Tibet . When this reporter arrived in Germany in 2006, a string of Tibetan prayer flags crossed above a neighbourhood street. Tourists were drawn to Tibet — this has not changed: it is estimated that 15 million of them visited in 2015. But Tibet was not just famous in cultural spheres. In 1989, the Dalai Lama won the Nobel Prize for Peace.

*

Tenuous links exist between Tibetans in countries like Germany and Tibetans in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. But the CCP's surveillance extends beyond international borders. Telephone calls may be monitored, participation in protests by Tibetans in exile become a problem for relatives.

Young women at the Tibetan protest in Berlin, Germany, speak out against the Chinese Communist Party's gathering of DNA as part of a surveillance programme. Photograph taken by me (Edith Haimberger), on Sunday, March 10, 2024. All rights reserved.

Surveillance within Tibet is so severe that human rights organizations and activists reported in 2022 that the CCP are gathering DNA on a large scale — of hundreds of thousands of people, including schoolchildren — to track dissidents.

*

The Tibet Initiative Deutschland and the Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, two non-governmental groups, co-organized the Berlin protest on March 10.

The Gesellschaft noted on their social media that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will travel to China in April.

In Tibetan communities in the country and abroad there are conflicting opinions on how to resist the Chinese Communist Party. Peacefully, through classic forms of protest? Through self-immolation?

"We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."

— Quoted during the March 10 protest. From Martin Luther King, Jr.: Letter from a Birmingham Jail (1963) [Wikiquote]

A speaker from the Tibet Initiative Deutschland described his group's campaign to persuade municipalities across Germany to raise the flag of Tibet over their town halls for Tibetan Uprising Day in solidarity. Over 400, he said, had agreed.

Efforts at the federal level by the German chancellor, foreign minister, and others on behalf of minorities' civil and political rights, however, are apparently often undermined by German corporations.

A representative of the Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker told the crowd in front of the German Foreign Ministry yesterday:

Corporations doing business within China — the German foreign ministry reports in its China-Strategie publication that there are 5,000 of these — lobby for silence, fearing financial losses.

[nw-of-dark]

Vancouver (By Night)

Demographics

Vancouver's vampire court, led by Prince Siegfried, is composed of 28 Kindred. These vampires come from diverse backgrounds and bloodlines, each with their own unique set of skills and agendas. In addition to the Kindred, Vancouver's supernatural landscape includes a presence of 12 Kuei-Jin, or Eastern vampires, hailing from Hong Kong and Japan. These Kuei-Jin are drawn to Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown, where they have established a significant presence.

The werewolf population in Vancouver is significant, with approximately 380 individuals residing primarily in the city's suburbs. These Garou, fiercely connected to Gaia and guided by their tribal traditions, have endured decades of servitude under the vampire court. The retrieval of the sacred fetish by the werewolves has united them in their desire for revenge and the reclamation of their ancestral lands.

Vancouver is also home to a population of awakened individuals who possess the ability to manipulate reality through their magical practices. The total population of Awakened individuals is estimated at 132. Among them, 79 belong to the Technocratic Union, a group of mages aligned with a scientific and technologically driven paradigm. These mages often work in secret, collaborating with the vampires in their attempts to summon primal demons and create Fomori.

The remaining 52 mages in Vancouver follow more mystical paths and traditions. They draw power from esoteric knowledge, ancient rituals, and spiritual practices. These diverse mages bring their own unique perspectives and magical abilities to the supernatural tapestry of the city.

Within the hunter population of Vancouver, there are approximately 66 individuals who have taken up the mantle of hunting supernatural creatures. These hunters, driven by a shared mission and a desire to protect humanity, work independently or in cooperative teams to combat the threats posed by supernatural beings. Their primary focus in Vancouver is targeting the formidable and dangerous werewolves.

Government

Siegfried's court of vampires in Vancouver is a unique and secretive underground group that operates independently from the established sects of the Camarilla, Sabbat, and Anarchs. Renowned among vampires for their formidable reputation, Siegfried's court holds a distinct position of power and influence in the supernatural landscape of the city. One of the main reasons for Siegfried's court's notoriety is their past accomplishment of subjugating the Garou, the werewolf clans. They were the first vampires to successfully bring the werewolves under their control, a feat that earned them respect and fear from other vampires. Their success in pacifying the Garou has made the Camarilla, Sabbat, and Anarchs cautious about venturing into Siegfried's territory.

Unlike the established sects, Siegfried's court operates outside the boundaries of the Camarilla, Sabbat, and Anarchs. They have chosen not to align themselves with any specific sect, allowing them to maintain their autonomy and pursue their own interests without the constraints and politics of sect loyalty. This independence grants Siegfried's court the freedom to navigate the complex supernatural web of Vancouver as they see fit. Siegfried, as the leader of the court, holds significant authority and control over his vampire subjects. The absence of a Primogen Council suggests that Siegfried exercises ultimate decision-making power within the court. His dominion over the court allows him to enact swift and decisive actions without the need for consensus or extensive bureaucratic processes. This autonomy grants Siegfried the ability to respond swiftly to threats and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

In the aftermath of the Garou-Kindred covert war, opportunistic vampires from all sects and factions seek to take advantage of the resulting chaos. The absence of a Primogen Council within Siegfried's court adds to the intrigue and uncertainty surrounding their operations. With Siegfried seemingly holding absolute rule over the court, other vampires are left speculating about his motivations and the inner workings of the court.

Factions

The Horsemen of Chaos is a vampire faction in Vancouver, composed of Malkavians, Brujah, and Caitiff. These clans, once banned from the city under Siegfried's rule, have come together in an attempt to overthrow his dominance and establish their own authority. However, internal divisions and conflicting ambitions have led to a fracture within their ranks. The Horsemen of Chaos comprise vampires from the Malkavian, Brujah, and Caitiff clans, drawn together by their shared desire for rebellion against Siegfried's rule. Malkavians, known for their inherent madness and unpredictability, bring a unique perspective and insight to the faction. The Brujah, passionate and rebellious by nature, add their fervor and combat prowess to the cause. The Caitiff, as outcasts and unaffiliated vampires, seek belonging and recognition within this unified faction.

In a bid to restore Camarilla control and influence in Vancouver, the Seattle Camarilla has dispatched a coterie of five vampires to facilitate the rise of a Camarilla Prince in the city. This intervention aims to undermine Siegfried's authority and establish a new order more aligned with Camarilla principles. The coterie acts as an external force seeking to influence the outcome of the power struggle in Vancouver.

Two main candidates vie for the position of Prince in Vancouver. Stalest Coursain, a 7th generation Ventrue, masquerades as Siegfried's second-in-command or Seneschal. Through this position, she seeks to manipulate the other clans into supporting her claim as the rightful ruler. On the other hand, Necross, a powerful and ancient 5th generation Malkavian methuselah, poses as a Nosferatu spymaster working for Siegfried. Necross uses his clandestine influence to smuggle Camarilla vampires into Vancouver secretly, garnering support for his own claim to the throne.

As the power struggle intensifies, divisions within the Horsemen of Chaos become apparent. The covert aid from the Vancouver Nosferatu, manipulated by Necross, creates a rift within the faction. Some members support Necross's bid for power, viewing his ancient bloodline and cunning as assets. Others side with Stalest, drawn to her persuasive leadership and ability to maneuver among the other clans. The fracture within the Horsemen of Chaos threatens their united front against Siegfried. Internal conflicts and conflicting loyalties sow discord and create an unpredictable dynamic within the faction. As the power struggle unfolds, alliances shift, and the outcome remains uncertain. The fractured Horsemen of Chaos must find a way to reconcile their differences and present a united front if they are to have any chance of toppling Siegfried's rule and shaping the future of Vancouver's vampire politics.

The Special Projects Division (SPD) is a clandestine faction operating within the Technocratic Union, specifically within the Syndicate. On the surface, the SPD presents itself as a Research & Development program for the Syndicate, focusing on innovative technologies, economic strategies, and corporate advancements. However, hidden from the public eye, the SPD engages in sinister activities, collaborating with Pentex, a powerful and corrupt mega-corporation. In a shocking turn, the SPD has forged a secret alliance with Pentex, a multinational corporation known for its unscrupulous practices and connections to various dark supernatural entities. This unholy alliance spans across multiple nefarious factions, including vampires, Wyrm-tainted werewolves called Black Spiral Dancers, Wyrm-aligned mages known as Nephandi, and demon-worshipping Infernalists.

Points of Interest

The Great Caern of Vancouver stands as a powerful testament to the cooperative efforts of the Garou tribes, specifically the Wendigo, Uktena, and Croatan, and their Theurges. Constructed in the year 1350, this sacred site has served as a focal point for Garou spirituality and strength throughout the centuries. Throughout the centuries, the Great Caern of Vancouver has served as a focal point for the Garou in the region. It became a gathering place where tribes set aside their differences to work towards a common goal: protecting the land and upholding the sacred duty bestowed upon them by their totem spirits. The caern's creation brought together the wisdom, rituals, and spirits of the Wendigo, Uktena, and Croatan tribes, fostering a bond that transcended tribal boundaries.

In 1912, a physical structure known as Lumberman's Arch was built within the Great Caern. While it initially caused concern among some Garou, who feared the encroachment of human presence on the sacred site, others saw it as an opportunity to blend with the modern world and establish a bridge between the spiritual and physical realms. However, as the Covenant was ratified, solidifying the subjugation of the Garou, the presence of Lumberman's Arch became a symbol of their submission and loss of power.

In recent times, the sacred fetish, a powerful artifact revered by the Garou, has been retrieved from the vampires by the werewolves. Its return to the site of the Great Caern has brought about great rejoicing among the Garou. The reunion of the fetish with the caern renews the spiritual connection between the Garou and their totem spirits. They feel the surge of energy and strength flowing through the land, inspiring them to prepare for an imminent war against the vampires who have long oppressed them.

The Isle of Hisses, a remote island located near Vancouver, serves as a holy site and sanctuary for a group of mages known as the Verbenae. These mages derive their magical traditions from ancient paganism and have a deep affinity for magic of the Life arcanum. While other mages may classify it as a Chantry or the Technocrats dismiss it as a Superstitionist Construct, the Verbenae revere the island and its mystical significance. The Isle of Hisses holds immense importance for the Verbenae. It is a place where they can connect with the natural forces of the earth, tapping into its spiritual energies and communing with the spirits that reside there. The island is a sanctuary where Verbenae mages can practice their unique traditions, perform rituals, and deepen their understanding.

One of the notable features of the Isle of Hisses is the presence of Canadian geese, which seasonally nest on the island. The Verbenae refer to the island by this name due to the distinctive sound of the geese hissing. Interestingly, despite the potential for aggression from the geese during nesting season, the Verbenae do not receive any hostility from them.

[transuncletaylor]

I realized that I'm coming up on 10 years since I cut my mother out of my life. I was 24 years old when I did that, practically a baby. I'm 34 now and my life is completely different. A life I have worked so hard to build for myself and even though I'm not doing okay right now, it's far better, brighter, and more amazing than it was 10 years ago

Behind the cut: just me rambling positively about what I have made of myself

I went no contact towards the end of January 2014. I didn't have a driver's license, I relied on my friends to drive me from time to time. I walked everywhere or took one of the few buses my small city had. I was making $11 an hour and struggling to get by, luckily rent was only $256 for an old townhouse that had no insulation and freezing in the winter. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life back then. I was just starting to see the trauma and start that long journey to healing. I was depressed, constantly anxious as my baseline, I was so lost and confused and for the first time, I had true autonomy and choice but no idea what to do now that the strings were snipped.

That year I got into a grad program, I moved back to my hometown where the university was. In those 10 years I have gotten my master's degree, I got to study abroad like I had always dreamed of in Hong Kong. I learned to drive and got a car. I got to travel both solo and with friends across the country and the world. I fell in love a few times and even though it didn't work out those few times, I cherish the time I had with them and all that they had given me.

I got a job at a prestigious university in my field, studying to become a foreign service officer. I got to plan and put on speaker events on campus, my greatest one was a conference in Shanghai on the subject of environmental sustainability in Asia. I walked away after two years when I realized this wasn't the life for me. I wasn't happy and thriving and ended up in the hospital at one point. Cause, you know, fuck the government.

In those 10 years, I got to volunteer with the local rabbit rescue as a bunny butler and the rabbit taxi service driving rabbits across the state as they journey across multiple states to their new home. I got into the tech industry and have bounced around from a few companies, but found my passion in helping people.

I have my own apartment now, making a decent enough wage, enough for me to live on, save some, and give some to the community when I can. I like to commission artists to draw Zuko or Zukka holding a rabbit(s). I know what it's like to struggle, to not have food or rent money, and so I made it part of my life to give my time, knowledge, comfort, resources, money, whatever, whenever I can. Because that's all I want, to be the person I wish I had when I was younger. And that includes the present me too, I work on being gentle with myself, care for myself now, advocate for myself.

In those 10 years, I have gotten to adopt a few rabbits. I have three now and they are the sweetest assholes. Toffee is my sweet boy, he's blind now, but he's as happy as he's ever been. He loves his giant boyfriend who's 3x his size. Kiwi is my troublemaker and cuddle bun who will let me know I'm late to dinner time. Dusty is my little diva, Mr. Prissy Paws as I like to call him. He's here to look cute and make me laugh when his grumpy butt gets happy during dinner time and he does his happy dance.

I have gotten to learn about myself in those 10 years. I got to realize my gender after one too many times looking at Sokka art and being like hmmm, why do I want to be him??? I started drawing around that time and wanted to make a comic about me, but wanted me to be a boy. Then my himbo brain made the connection as I was driving to my sister's house for new years eve. I learned that I wasn't a fuck up for an adult and that really I just had ADHD this whole time.

I got to know so many amazing and beautiful people and learn who loved me back. I got to heal so much and even though I think there's still plenty left to heal, I have made it so far. I have reconnected with my aunt and uncle, learned the family lore, I became the cool fun uncle to my sister's kids.

My body is looking more and more how I want it and I hate it less now. My arms are slowly becoming covered in beautiful tattoos, my hair is growing out, I'm going to the gym to get stronger (so I can outrun the cops and punch n*zis in the next county over and to be able to pick up and carry Kiwi, he's heavy as fuck).

I learned to draw and be creative, something I had always struggled with because I wasn't good enough and wasn't perfect the first time. But I kept with it cause it brought me joy and peace while I drew and it brought me joy to share it with others.

And even though I'm not doing okay right now and had gone to a behavioral health urgent care recently, I'm sitting here reflecting and looking behind me to see how far I have come. How many mountains I climbed, how many steps I have taken, how long ten years have been. I was just 24 when I decided I wanted to make a change and now I'm 34, a transformed man, barely recognizable from the young woman I was.

If you made it this far, thank you 💜

[arthurdrakoni]

Flag of the Federation of China

This is the flag of the Federation of China. It comes from a world where the Long March failed, and Chinese Communist forces got completely massacred by the Kuomintang. This was a crippling blow to Chinese Communist. Things only got worse once Japan invaded China. The Japanese managed almost completely eradicate the remaining Communist forces. World War II still ended in an Allied victory. However, the Nationalists now stood as the uncontested rulers of the now liberated China. 

China, fervently anti-communist, sided with America during the Cold War. China intervened during the Korean War rand the Vietnam War, resulting in Vietnam and Korea being united under the governments of South Korea and South Vietnam respectively. China remained a one-party authoritarian dictatorship for the first few decades of the Cold War. Starting in the 1970s and early 1980s, following the death of Chiang Kai-shek, China began to reform and liberalize. Genuine opposition parties were allowed to run in elections, and the Kuomintang no long held sole power. It was during this time that China’s economy took-off in earnest. China became a Tiger Economy along side other East Asian nations such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.  By the late 1980s and early 1990s China had transitioned into a full democracy. China is a federation that allows considerable autonomy for ethnic minorities. The Federation of China comprises the territory of China, Mongolia, and Taiwan in our world. Tibet, Mongolia, Xinjiang, Guangdong, and Taiwan are semi-autonomous republics within the Chinese Federation. They are allowed to use their own constitutions, rather than the Chinese constitution. They’re also allowed to use languages other than Mandarin as their official language. However, the federal government of China handles matters of national defense, international relations, and diplomacy. Hong Kong and Macau were returned to China slightly earlier than in our timeline. They’re currently designated as semi-autonomous territories to ensure things go smoothly as they integrate into the Chinese Federation.  America remains one of China’s closest allies. This is not merely an alliance of convenience, but an alliance of genuine friendship. There is less racism against Asian-Americans as a result of the Sino-American Alliance. Traditional Chinese Culture has both survived and thrived in the absence in the Cultural Revolution. China also maintains good relations with the other nations of East Asia. There’s currently talk of a join Chinese-American mission to Mars, with possibly a few astronauts from other East Asian nations as well. China is projected to overtake America economically, but most Americans aren’t concerned. The future looks bright for China, and East Asia in general. The flag came about during the early 1990s. Most Chinese people decided that you can’t beat the classics. So, they combined first flag and seal of the Republic of China. The five bands represent the five major races of China: Han (Red), Manchus (Yellow), Mongols (Blue), Uyghurs (White), and Tibetans (Black). The dragon and phoenix are traditional symbols of China. They also symbolize Yin (Phoenix) and Yang (Dragon). They are equal and opposite, a subtle reference to the opportunities women have in the new China. The seal also includes other references to good fortune and prosperity.

Link to the original flag on my blog: https://drakoniandgriffalco.blogspot.com/2022/06/flag-of-federation-of-china.html

[kellycrawford93]

HONGKONG

17 facts you may not know about Hong Kong:

1. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated regions, with over 7 million people living in an area of just 1,104 square kilometers.

2. The city is known for its stunning skyline, which includes the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong.

3. Hong Kong operates under a "one country, two systems" principle, granting it a high degree of autonomy from mainland China.

4. Victoria Harbour, one of the most famous harbors in the world, is known for its breathtaking views of the skyline and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Hong Kong has one of the world’s busiest airports, Hong Kong International Airport, handling over 70 million passengers annually.

6. The city is a shopping paradise, famous for its bustling street markets and luxury malls. Areas like Causeway Bay and Mong Kok are shopper's hotspots.

7. Hong Kong is a major international financial hub, often considered the "gateway to China" and one of the world's most important stock exchanges.

8. The city has one of the highest per capita incomes globally and is known for its vibrant economy, largely driven by finance, trade, and tourism.

9. Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise, known for dim sum, roasted duck, and egg tarts, as well as a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants.

10. Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005 and is the first Disney park in China, attracting millions of visitors each year.

11. The city’s public transportation system, including the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), is one of the most efficient and cleanest in the world.

12. Hong Kong's diverse culture blends influences from both the East and West, with a strong British colonial history and Chinese heritage.

13. The Peak Tram offers one of the most scenic rides in Hong Kong, taking visitors from the city’s central district to the top of Victoria Peak.

14. Hong Kong is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including the Ritz-Carlton and the Peninsula Hotel.

15. The city is famous for its stunning parks and green spaces, with nearly half of the land designated as country parks or nature reserves.

16. Hong Kong’s public housing program has led to the creation of some of the tallest residential buildings in the world.

17. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated with lanterns and mooncakes, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, rich history, and vibrant culture continue to attract millions of visitors each year.

[panicinthestudio]

Insight: Remaking Hong Kong (New Hong Kong: Is The City Still Free?), July 13, 2021

Hong Kong is often seen as Asia’s freest city, a thriving semi-autonomous region and an open economy that has become the world’s envy. But of late, sweeping changes to its internal security and electoral laws appear to have sapped the vitality and freedom that the city is once famous for. The new laws have granted Beijing sweeping powers to exert its control over the city, launch a crackdown on dissent and stop the growth of anti-China sentiment in the territory. Is Hong Kong’s much cherished freedom under attack? Has the last vestige of democracy been crushed following the introduction of these laws? And with China tightening its grip over the city, will Hong Kong gradually lose its sparkle and competitive edge as an global financial hub? CNA Insider

[starseedfxofficial]

APAC Stocks Mixed: Key Opportunities Traders Are Missing APAC Stocks Mixed, but Is There a Silver Lining You Haven't Noticed? Today, APAC stocks were as confused as a trader forgetting their strategy mid-trade—not entirely sure where to go next. The mix in the market was driven by caution after Wall Street's less-than-impressive performance and some anticipation ahead of the big US jobs data release. Let’s break it down and see if we can discover any hidden gems, shall we? Australia: The Tech Drag, and a Surprising Twist The ASX 200 got off to a rocky start, led lower by tech and healthcare—the type of sectors that often feel like they can't catch a break when caution takes over. Gold miners also took a hit as gold prices dipped. And yes, if you've ever bought the wrong-sized shoes online, you know exactly how these early investors must have felt—expectations dashed by just a few millimeters (or in this case, a few dollars per ounce). But here’s where things get interesting: when everyone's licking their wounds, contrarian traders often find the juiciest bargains. Advanced tip: Watch for technical rebounds in undervalued tech plays—this could be an early Christmas for those keeping their eyes peeled. Japan's Nikkei 225: Falling Below 39,000 but Why Does It Still Look Good? In Japan, the Nikkei 225 was the laggard of the day, briefly falling below the 39,000 level despite some encouraging household spending data. Sounds contradictory? It kind of is. Household spending showed resilience, suggesting that domestic demand might help prop up economic activity, even if the stock market's got a case of the Monday blues. Think of it like this: you've got a sturdy car, but you're just out of gas—give it the fuel it needs, and it's back on the road. For the savvy trader, this pullback might offer an opportunity. With spending looking resilient, hidden opportunity alert: keep your eye on consumer discretionary sectors in Japan—these stocks could have potential once broader sentiment catches up to the underlying data. China and Hong Kong: Sailing Steady into Uncharted Waters Meanwhile, the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite held up quite well, despite no major news or fresh catalysts ahead of key events like next week's trade and inflation data releases. That’s like someone saying, "I don’t have any major plans, but I’m feeling good." Sometimes, stability in itself is newsworthy. Investors seem optimistic heading into the Central Economic Work Conference, where China's leaders are expected to discuss economic growth and stimulus. This is where the smart money’s next-level play comes into focus: look at industries that benefit directly from any hint of stimulus—think infrastructure, tech, and financials. The market might not be dancing with joy right now, but trust us, the ballroom is being prepped for a future party. Advanced insight: Consider call options or leveraged plays to capitalize on this upside in a measured way. Notable APAC Headlines You Need to Know - China Might Let Provinces Approve Special Bond Projects: According to Caixin, China could soon allow its provinces more autonomy in approving special bond projects. This move could mean faster infrastructure spending—which, in trader lingo, translates to "Get ready for the local construction stocks to pop!" It’s the kind of subtle change that could drive sector-wide rallies. - RBI Keeps Rates Steady But Cuts Reserve Ratio: Over in India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the Repurchase Rate steady at 6.50%, which was widely expected. However, RBI Governor Das threw a curveball by announcing a surprise cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio by 50 basis points—taking effect in two stages—which will inject INR 1.16 trillion in liquidity. This is like adding more chips to a poker table—more liquidity generally means more risk-taking and market movement. Das also noted that inflation pressures, especially around food, would remain high through the near term but are expected to ease in Q4. Growth forecasts were revised downward, and yet, by not tightening further, the RBI seems to be giving a nod to support growth over fighting inflation. Hidden gem: Expect Indian equity markets to get a liquidity boost, particularly in sectors like banking and infrastructure, which tend to benefit the most when liquidity floods in. - South Korea: Political Tensions Add Volatility South Korea had its share of political drama today—from the ruling party leader suggesting that President Yoon should be suspended, to rumors about a potential martial law. While the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff later refuted the need for any such drastic measures, this kind of political noise is like an unwelcome guest at a party—it can really put a damper on the mood. For the market, political instability often means volatility. Advanced strategy: If you’re a fan of volatility trading, the Korean won might be where you want to focus your energy in the coming days. Options strategies like straddles could prove useful as the market processes the political uncertainty. Hidden Patterns and Opportunities Today’s APAC session offered up some interesting narratives—from Japan's underlying resilience to China’s steady course and India’s surprising liquidity boost. In every twist and turn, there’s a chance for those willing to look beyond the headlines. Remember, markets move in patterns, but sometimes the real opportunities lie in the hidden currents that the mainstream misses. The key? Stay curious, be cautious, and always keep an eye on where the next potential surprise could come from—after all, it's not the storms you see that sink the ship, it's the ones hiding just beyond the horizon. Stay sharp, traders! —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[hongkongcrisisupdate]

Press release #26: Stand Strong and Stand Free

“While our government may not be perfect, we have never once in our entire history needed to massacre our people with guns and tanks in the pursuit of a quick resolution to a problem. The People's Republic of China's actions in Tiananmen square is not a joke, nor is it something that we can ignore. To cast away the basic human right of free speech all for the sake of national interest is yet another reason why Hong Kong should not function under the Chinese system, neither economically nor governmentally. As an economic hub, Hong Kong relies on the confidence of foreign investors willing to trade in the region. The danger of losing investment confidence all because of Hong Kong pushing into a new system that prioritizes China above all else after the previously proposed 40 year agreement (Keeping Hong Kong under the free market until the 40 year agreement expires to which Hong Kong would operate under Chinese governmental and economic systems) risks putting Hong Kong in jeopardy as it undermines the role of Hong Kong to the international economy as the main financial hub to nearly all financial investments within east asia while also potentially placing millions of Hong Kongers that have their livelihoods rely on heavily on foreign investments fall into poverty. The need for Hong Kong to stay under the economic and governmental policies under Britain must remain intact without interference by the chinese government to allow Hong Kong to continue its role as an economic hub for at the very least another 99 years in order to not only allow for foreign investment plans to still go through but also leaving room for potential solutions to the situation to be discussed and resolved. In order to let this pass however, it is still important to note the need for the people of Hong Kong to have a voice rather than have two towering nations battle for their fate. We call for elections, free and fair elections that will determine whether or not the people of Hong Kong will accept the continued economic prosperity of the free market under the name of the british empire or fall into uncertainty as their fates rest in the hands of a brand new economic system within just a generation later by a government that massacres its own people. 

Let democracy live in Hong Kong, not for the sake of Agendas nor for the sake of ideological manufactury. Let democracy live for the sake of the people, for the sake of the citizens of Hong Kong that rely on foreign investments, the citizens of Hong Kong that rely on their right to basic human rights of speech, The citizens of Hong Kong that rely on their voice to be heard and most of all, to the international community that wish for the wellbeing of the people of Hong Kong. 

Let us protect Hong Kong’s future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.

Stand strong and Stand Free”

In response to Chancellor Nigel Lawson’s statement, the international community is urged to consider the critical role of Hong Kong's autonomy in maintaining its position as a major economic hub. Lawson highlights the importance of free and fair elections to safeguard Hong Kong’s democratic values, emphasizing that a shift toward China’s system could jeopardize both economic stability and fundamental rights. He asserts that Hong Kong’s future should be determined by its own people, with democracy serving the interests of its citizens rather than those of powerful nations.

[irunevenus]

Xi Jinping: The Architect of a New Era for China

Xi Jinping (1953–Present) has emerged as one of the most influential political figures of the 21st century, leading China into an era of profound transformation and global ambitions. Since assuming leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012 and later the presidency, Xi has promoted a vision of a stronger, wealthier, and more influential China on the world stage. This article explores the life, career, and impact of Xi Jinping, including his domestic and foreign policies, as well as the controversies surrounding him.

A Humble Beginning and Rise to Power

Xi Jinping was born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, into a family with a strong political legacy; his father, Xi Zhongxun, was one of the leaders of the Chinese Revolution. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Xi faced significant hardships, being sent to the countryside to work as part of Mao Zedong's campaign. These formative experiences shaped his political outlook and determination.

After the Cultural Revolution, Xi graduated from Tsinghua University, where he studied chemical engineering. He began his political career in various regions of China, including Fujian and Zhejiang, where he earned a reputation as a pragmatic and effective leader. In 2007, he was promoted to a member of the Politburo, and in 2012, he was elected General Secretary of the CPC, becoming China's supreme leader.

Consolidation of Power and Domestic Policies

Since coming to power, Xi Jinping has focused on consolidating his control over the Party and the government. His policy of "Zhi Xin" (or "Governance with Heart") emphasizes Party discipline and a crackdown on corruption, resulting in a widespread anti-corruption campaign that has led to the ousting of many high-ranking officials, including some of his political rivals.

Additionally, Xi has promoted the concept of the "Chinese Dream," a vision that seeks to restore the nation's greatness and promote nationalism. His administration has also implemented more repressive policies, including intensified surveillance and control of civil society, particularly concerning ethnic minorities, such as the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Tibetans, as well as a strong crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.

Expansion of Global Influence

On the international stage, Xi Jinping has worked to expand China's influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious infrastructure project aimed at connecting China to various countries worldwide. This initiative seeks not only to facilitate trade but also to extend China's political and economic influence.

Xi has also advocated for a "community with a shared future," promoting the idea of a new world order in which China plays a central role. However, his assertive approach, particularly concerning issues like the South China Sea and Taiwan, has generated tensions with other countries, especially the United States.

Challenges and Controversies

Xi Jinping's government is not without challenges and controversies. His policies of control and censorship have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, and his approach to Hong Kong, where repressive measures were implemented following the 2019 protests, has raised concerns about the future of the region's autonomy.

Furthermore, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global response to its origins have raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the Chinese government. The trade and technological tensions with the United States also pose significant challenges to his leadership.

The Legacy of Xi Jinping

As Xi Jinping continues to shape China's future, his legacy is still being defined. His government represents a return to authoritarianism and centralized control, contrasting with the more liberal reforms of his predecessors. As China positions itself as an emerging global power, the balance between internal control and external ambitions will be crucial for the country's future.

As the world watches Xi Jinping's rise, he remains a polarizing figure—seen by some as a visionary leader restoring China's greatness and by others as a dictator threatening human rights and individual freedoms.

[andronetalks]

Biden-Harris admin supports China buying US land

American Military News SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 By TIMOTHY FRUDD The Biden-Harris administration released a statement on Tuesday opposing a bill that would ban Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials from buying U.S. land if they increase Chinese aggression towards Taiwan, violate Hong Kong’s autonomy, or commit human rights violations toward certain groups in China, such as the Uyghur Muslims. Read…

[full669]

Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act

The United States has formulated a series of intervention laws around China, demonstrating a "comprehensive attack" on issues such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The Chinese road of civilization, democracy, harmony and progress and the prospect of globalization, which China has shaped and pursued, can finally break the so-called civilization centered theory and hegemonic hierarchy in the United States, and achieve a new vision and order of China's relations with the world. Xizang's autonomy, democracy, human rights and modernization will inevitably be better guaranteed and realized in this great historical process.