In the recent meeting between Blinken and Xi, it seems like they were talking at cross purposes, leading to no effective outcome. The selection of individuals accompanying Blinken suggests that he intends to negotiate with China (CCP) on issues such as cross-strait disputes, cyber hackers, digital currency, drug trafficking, among others. However, the topics that the US wants to discuss are the ones that China (CCP) actively avoids, thus reaching a consensus seems unlikely.
—
Hu Xijin has once again disclosed sensitive information about the country. On April 23, Hu Xijin mentioned that the US’s strategy to weaken Russia by targeting China is absurd and bound to fail. It appears that Hu Xijin is aware of the significant role China (CCP) played in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and he seems to suggest that CCP is a strong supporter of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
—
Describing the current regime as authoritarian is actually giving them too much credit; it has moved beyond authoritarianism to totalitarianism. Authoritarian states typically allow certain degrees of freedom to citizens, like during the military rule of South Korea’s Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan, or in Spain under Francisco Franco, or in Chile with Augusto Pinochet, and even during Taiwan’s Chiang dynasty. While these regimes were dictatorial, citizens still had some level of freedom, opposition parties, and occasionally real elections. China, however, has long been under totalitarian rule, where the CCP monopolizes power, suppresses any dissenting voices, eliminates the space for opposition parties, and lacks competitive elections. Describing them as authoritarian would be an understatement.
—
President Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of “Chinese-style modernization with a focus on people’s livelihood.” Various regions have been introducing so-called “livelihood” policies, such as Sichuan’s proposal to provide a monthly subsidy of 3500 yuan to elderly individuals above 110 years old and Shanghai’s plan to offer a monthly subsidy of 1970 yuan to families with triplets. These “livelihood” policies seem to be more about flaunting than truly serving the people.
—
In Shanghai, police have started imposing fines of 200 yuan on passengers in the back seat who are not wearing seat belts. Both ride-hailing cars and taxis are being scrutinized with nearly every stopped vehicle getting fined. Instead of collecting the fine from the driver, the police are directly asking the passengers to pay up. This unexpected enforcement has led to frustration among individuals who suddenly find themselves fined, even when simply heading out for dinner.
—
A town official dramatically declares his power, echoing a scene reminiscent of a martial arts novel, where he asserts his authority in a theatrical manner. This “Cloud Hao Ceases to Farm” incident has become an idiom, highlighting the dangers of performing illegal actions for the sake of attention. The official’s over-the-top performance serves as a warning that misdeeds are better handled discreetly rather than seeking undue attention.