China’s Social Credit System

Every year, during China’s college entrance examination or gaokao, all that’s abuzz in the town of Hechuan in Yongxin County town in the eastern Jiangxi Province is the highest scores or admissions to the country’s top schools. If a local student makes it into one, neighbors and relatives bask in…

(Open Doors) — Weeks before the extremist takeover in Afghanistan, a diplomatic meeting between Chinese leaders and the Taliban sent a clear and ominous message: An established authoritarian state is poised to sponsor an emerging one. The world cares about the scene unfolding in Afghanistan because we have watched it…

Published: 9:30pm, 14 Sep, 2021 Updated: 9:30pm, 14 Sep, 2021 Read More

It’s no secret that the Chinese government harbors dreams of achieving a digital governance revolution. Over the past decade, authorities have steadily digitized many public-facing government services in a bid to both reduce bureaucratic costs and improve relations between government officials and citizens. Policy implementation, economic modernization, and social conflict…

Published: 10:25pm, 13 Sep, 2021 Updated: 10:25pm, 13 Sep, 2021 Read More

Published: 9:30pm, 13 Sep, 2021 Updated: 9:30pm, 13 Sep, 2021 Read More

The annual migration for many snowbirds is weeks away, but the Covid-19 waves in warm-weather locales like Florida and Arizona are causing some seasonal residents to rethink travel plans. Others say they’re determined to make the trip after missing a season in the sun. Fully vaccinated and equipped with latex…

Published: 8:15pm, 12 Sep, 2021 Updated: 8:15pm, 12 Sep, 2021 Read More

The Liberal government has directed a state-owned Chinese telecommunications firm to divest its stake in a Canadian subsidiary over national security concerns, prompting a court challenge of the order. China Mobile International Canada is asking the Federal Court to set aside the recent decision, saying the government has no grounds…

On Sept. 11, 2001, May Chen stood outside Confucius Plaza, a 44-story residential tower located on the outskirts of Chinatown. It was primary day, an important day for Chen, whose husband was running for New York City Council. The streets were buzzing with voters heading to the polls and workers…