https://www.scmp.com/rss/502280/feed October 1, 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. A huge ceremony is planned for Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, including a military parade to show off the People's Liberation Army's latest equipment and a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Celebrations will also be held across the country, and tourist attractions will be packed as the day also marks the start of Golden Week, where Chinese tourists travel locally and overseas in large... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Covid-19 pandemic has brought restrictions on the movement and congregation of people, forcing companies to operate businesses and manage staff remotely. Overnight, China became the world’s largest work-from-home market, with Hong Kong following soon after. Remote working has traditionally been a perk of joining a start-up and a way for cool tech to attract the best and brightest. Covid-19 has catapulted this trend into the mainstream in a matter of weeks, making remote working the accepted... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3076087/coronavirus-crisis-how-china-hit-fast-track-multi-cloud-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3076087/coronavirus-crisis-how-china-hit-fast-track-multi-cloud-future?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:30:06 +0000 India has shown the world that universal suffrage is not suitable for a country with huge population. India’s 2019 election lasted six weeks and political parties spent US$8 billion, an average of US$8 per voter, while 60 per cent of its population makes just US$3 a day. After 70 years of Western-style democracy in India, some Indian scholars say Western values do not suit the ancient Eastern civilisation. If India, which was colonised and Westernised by Britain for some 200 years, is finding... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3050578/why-china-has-no-use-democracy-india-has-shown-pitfalls-western?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3050578/why-china-has-no-use-democracy-india-has-shown-pitfalls-western?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Feb 2020 23:53:19 +0000 In the world of Chinese sport, the national women’s volleyball squad stands head and shoulders above many of the country’s other teams. While the men’s soccer team has yet to win a World Cup match and the men’s basketball squad not made it into the top five, the women volleyballers have long been among the international elite. Just last month, they came away World Cup winners – again – just in time for the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic. The win is the latest in a long line that began... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3033583/world-champions-again-why-nothing-succeeds-chinas-womens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3033583/world-champions-again-why-nothing-succeeds-chinas-womens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Oct 2019 02:00:08 +0000 Hours before tip-off on October 10 in Shanghai, it was still unclear if an exhibition game, featuring some of the top players of the National Basketball Association (NBA), would happen at all, following days of uproar that reverberated across the globe – the league drawn into a bitter feud over an event that doesn’t even appear on its calendar: five months of street protests in Hong Kong, and one of the city’s worst political crises. The ensuing controversy led to a difficult week of cancelled... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/3033400/tweet-threatened-derail-nbas-decades-long-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/3033400/tweet-threatened-derail-nbas-decades-long-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:00:11 +0000 Looking at all the military hardware on display for the October 1 celebration of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and reflecting on the Chinese occupation of the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative, one can’t get away from the incongruity of it all, with respect to the challenges facing China today. Whom or what is China up against militarily and to what end? Are its neighbours such a huge threat? “Belt and road” to where? To extend China’s influence? Billions... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3031573/chinas-military-posturing-during-its-national-day-parade-wont-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3031573/chinas-military-posturing-during-its-national-day-parade-wont-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:20:11 +0000 America has had a definitive military edge on China for the entire modern history of their bilateral relationship, commencing in 1979. It has been a pioneer in developing cutting-edge weapons systems, and remains a leader in that regard, with futuristic weapons such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter and the Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder system – designed to protect military bases against swarms of drones – now in its formidable arsenal. The impressive display of China’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031425/chinas-military-building-its-advanced-weaponry-and-us-certainly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031425/chinas-military-building-its-advanced-weaponry-and-us-certainly?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2019 19:00:05 +0000 More than 40 listed and privately held Chinese companies might have won big after three patriotic films broke the box-office record for the “golden week” holiday. My People, My Country, The Climbers and The Captain all celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and together grossed 2.8 billion yuan (US$391.6 million) between September 30 and 6pm on Thursday, according to Maoyan Entertainment, China’s biggest movie ticketing app. The four-day sales figure... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3031530/patriotism-pays-films-celebrating-founding-china-rake-us391?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3031530/patriotism-pays-films-celebrating-founding-china-rake-us391?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2019 05:15:11 +0000 The drones on display at Tuesday’s National Day parade in Beijing show China’s determination to become a leader in unmanned warfare, according to a military expert. Three formations of drones, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), were taken on trailers through Tiananmen Square behind truckloads of command and control equipment for their first appearance in a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) parade. “This suggests the PLA is prioritising the development... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031462/china-stakes-claim-unmanned-warfare-national-day-show-drone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031462/china-stakes-claim-unmanned-warfare-national-day-show-drone?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Oct 2019 15:00:12 +0000 Several major tourist attractions in China have capped visitor numbers during this year’s National Day “golden week” holiday as millions take the chance to travel. October 1 marked the start of a week-long break on the mainland, with an estimated 800 million people expected to go on trips in China or overseas, about 10 per cent more than last year, according to the China Tourism Academy. The academy estimated that 726 million people would take domestic trips in this peak holiday period – a 9.4... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031405/chinas-tourist-sites-restrict-golden-week-visitor-numbers-beat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031405/chinas-tourist-sites-restrict-golden-week-visitor-numbers-beat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:11:25 +0000 China’s display of might during the National Day parade indicates that it has finally completed the “nuclear triad” that will allow it launch far-reaching attacks – a development likely to heighten concerns about the possible expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Tuesday’s set piece event in Beijing featured new strategic weapons that form the three components of the triad – ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles and air-launched weapons. The new... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031313/chinas-latest-display-military-might-suggests-its-nuclear-triad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031313/chinas-latest-display-military-might-suggests-its-nuclear-triad?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:00:05 +0000 Philippine foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr on Wednesday ordered via Twitter the immediate filing of a diplomatic protest against Beijing after Chinese coastguard ships reportedly strayed near a Philippine-occupied shoal in the disputed South China Sea. Locsin, who is currently accompanying Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on a visit to Russia, issued the usually confidential order to his officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The top official, who has gained a reputation... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3031308/philippine-minister-takes-twitter-order-diplomatic-protest-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3031308/philippine-minister-takes-twitter-order-diplomatic-protest-over?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 13:00:09 +0000 Two men have been detained under cybersecurity laws over online comments about Tuesday’s National Day military parade, according to Chinese authorities. A 37-year-old surnamed Gao was held by police in Anshan, Liaoning province, for 15 days after sending “malicious” WeChat group messages in which he appeared to threaten to kill soldiers taking part in China’s 70th anniversary commemorations. Anshan police said on Wednesday that Gao was taken into custody after complaints about his... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031298/chinese-men-held-under-cybersecurity-laws-chat-group-threats-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031298/chinese-men-held-under-cybersecurity-laws-chat-group-threats-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:56:53 +0000 Pigeon fanciers played an integral role in China’s National Day celebrations by supplying and training the 70,000 “peace doves” released at the end of the massive parade in Beijing on Tuesday. Organisers of the parade sent out a call to members of the Beijing Carrier Pigeon Association, who volunteered their birds for the event marking the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic, according to state broadcaster CCTV. In the run-up to National Day, owners had to “train” their birds twice a day... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031244/pigeons-who-made-it-home-after-big-national-day-out-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031244/pigeons-who-made-it-home-after-big-national-day-out-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2019 07:20:48 +0000 China’s grand celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of communist rule was marred by violent protests in Hong Kong on Tuesday, with a police officer opening fire at a protester for the first time, injuring him in the chest. Video footage showed the officer firing at the 18-year-old student who, along with other protesters, was trying to attack him and another officer during a scuffle. The student from Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College was transferred from Princess Margaret... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031161/protester-shot-police-trail-destruction-across-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031161/protester-shot-police-trail-destruction-across-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:41:20 +0000 Fireworks lit up the night sky over Tiananmen Square on Tuesday evening, forming “70” and “Long live the people”, as more than 60,000 people from all walks of life took centre stage for a gala show. It was the grand finale in a day of events in Beijing marking China’s 70th anniversary – a show of pride and patriotism over the country’s rapid rise. Director Zhang Yimou, the filmmaker who oversaw a spectacular show in 2008 to open the Beijing Olympics, started the evening with a bang. Fireworks... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031160/chinas-national-day-celebrations-end-fireworks-singing-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031160/chinas-national-day-celebrations-end-fireworks-singing-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:36:58 +0000 China staged its biggest ever military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule on Tuesday, with 40 per cent of the weapon systems on display for the first time. The parade involved 15,000 troops from 59 units – 47 on the ground and a dozen airborne squadrons – showing how the world’s biggest armed forces have been modernised in the seven years since President Xi Jinping took the helm. Xi, who also chairs the Central Military Commission, inspected 580 new weapon systems, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031145/china-rolls-out-new-weapon-systems-nuclear-capable-missiles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3031145/china-rolls-out-new-weapon-systems-nuclear-capable-missiles?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:44:33 +0000 If there was an expectation of yesterday’s National Day celebrations in Beijing it was that the lavish military parade would be a talking point. After all, it was to be the largest ever parade in terms of new weapons systems on show and the range of troops involved. The question was what sort of message it would send, and to whom. The parade did not disappoint. Nearly half the weapons systems were being shown in public for the first time, including a new generation of nuclear missiles such as... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031144/parade-more-about-peace-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031144/parade-more-about-peace-war?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:38:49 +0000 As China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic with a fireworks display and the largest military parade seen on the mainland, Hong Kong marked National Day with protests, a student in critical condition after being shot by a police live round as fighting and tear gas spread across the city. The escalating violence has now reached such a dangerous point that there is an urgent need for all to step back and not to raise the stakes any higher. At risk is not only the city’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031143/all-must-step-back-violence-reaches-its-most-dangerous-point?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031143/all-must-step-back-violence-reaches-its-most-dangerous-point?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:24:09 +0000 It's been 70 years since the People's Republic of China was founded after the Communist Party defeated their Nationalist opponents in a bloody civil war. Since then, China has developed and changed immeasurably. Tom Wang speaks to elderly people in Beijing who were children when the country was first founded. https://www.scmp.com/china/peoples-republic-china-70-elderly-capital-beijing-look-back-how-their-lives-have-changed/article/3031117?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/china/peoples-republic-china-70-elderly-capital-beijing-look-back-how-their-lives-have-changed/article/3031117?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:45:08 +0000 There were tanks by the dozen, rocket launchers galore and more troops than anyone could possibly count, but for one young spectator at the National Day parade in Beijing on Tuesday nothing quite matched the multicoloured plumes of smoke that gushed from a formation of jet fighters as they soared across an otherwise gloomy sky. “Rainbow! Planes!” the small boy yelled from the vantage of his guardian’s lofty shoulders as the seven aircraft roared overhead in a V formation, trailing seven plumes... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031134/grey-skies-red-dancers-and-rainbow-fighter-jets-bring-colour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031134/grey-skies-red-dancers-and-rainbow-fighter-jets-bring-colour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:21:46 +0000 Taiwan has firmly rejected Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call for cross-strait unification under the “one country, two systems” model, saying the proposal was unacceptable on the self-ruled island. In a statement issued on Tuesday in response to Xi’s National Day address, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council urged Beijing to understand that the self-ruled island had never been a part of the People’s Republic and that Taipei would never approve of one country, two systems. “For the past 108 years,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031128/taiwan-stands-firm-against-one-country-two-systems-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031128/taiwan-stands-firm-against-one-country-two-systems-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:31:47 +0000 China staged a massive military parade in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, with much of the smog-shrouded capital city under a security lockdown. President Xi Jinping inspected over 15,000 troops, more than 160 aircraft and 580 weapon systems in a show of the country’s growing military might and his drive to modernise the People’s Liberation Army. He also delivered a bullish eight-minute speech hailing the accomplishments of seven decades... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031100/military-advances-and-xi-jinpings-supreme-status-among-themes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031100/military-advances-and-xi-jinpings-supreme-status-among-themes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 07:18:44 +0000 A relatively quiet morning has passed in Hong Kong on National Day, as Beijing pledged assurance to “one country, two systems” before starting a military parade in Tiananmen Square. Hong Kong government officials safely attended a flag-raising ceremony indoors, away from a crowd who were protesting outside and pepper sprayed. Here are six takeaways from the morning. 1. Xi Jinping pledges Hong Kong stability Before launching the parade to show its military might, President Xi Jinping in his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031082/national-day-key-takeaways-president-xis-pledge-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031082/national-day-key-takeaways-president-xis-pledge-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 05:01:47 +0000 The People’s Republic of China will celebrate its 70th anniversary today with a massive military parade in Tiananmen Square. In all, 15,000 troops, more than 160 aircraft and 580 active weapon systems will be on show in an event designed to showcase the country’s cutting-edge defence technology. But the parade will be about more than projecting China’s military might – it will promote an image of national unity and President Xi Jinping’s achievements in modernising the People’s Liberation... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031013/national-day-parade-china-celebrates-70-years-peoples-republic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031013/national-day-parade-china-celebrates-70-years-peoples-republic?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 01:50:46 +0000 Scenes of violence played out across Hong Kong throughout Tuesday as anti-government protesters sought to tarnish National Day celebrations in Beijing, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. An 18-year-old protester was hit in the chest by a live bullet fired from close range by a police officer in Tsuen Wan, while exchanges of tear gas and petrol bombs took place in at least 13 parts of the city.Protesters on a massive banned "national grief" march from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031044/chaos-expected-across-hong-kong-anti-government-protesters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031044/chaos-expected-across-hong-kong-anti-government-protesters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:35 +0000 Beijing will stage one of its grandest parades ever on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule, signalling a new chapter under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. The meticulously planned celebrations – which include a lavish military parade, gala evening show and fireworks – are a chance for Xi to outline his vision of a strong China under the firm direction of the party. In a hugely symbolic gesture, Xi on Monday led seven top officials to pay tribute to Mao Zedong, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031047/xi-jinping-outline-his-vision-strong-china-grand-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031047/xi-jinping-outline-his-vision-strong-china-grand-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 23:00:15 +0000 Anniversaries should be occasions to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on the past, take stock of the present and look to the future. The People’s Republic of China’s 70th anniversary is such an occasion. Certainly, there will be grand pageantry orchestrated with military precision in Tiananmen Square. A decade ago, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary, I sat in the reviewing stands beneath the Gate of Heavenly Peace and watched the weaponry and floats, soldiers and citizens, pass down the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030844/china-70-must-take-its-greatest-challenge-yet-political-reform-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030844/china-70-must-take-its-greatest-challenge-yet-political-reform-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 19:00:11 +0000 My summer holiday between second and third year at university was cut short by two weeks for a grand project: the 50th anniversary celebration of the People’s Republic of China. While the commemoration was a top political task, participation was decided in a distinctly apolitical manner – the criteria for inclusion being any second-year student who was above average in height. For that fair and straightforward reason, I was one of half a million people chosen to take part in the day’s grand... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3031004/among-chinas-masses-personal-reflection-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3031004/among-chinas-masses-personal-reflection-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:00:04 +0000 The gigantic bazaar in Baigou, Hebei province is a paradise for shoppers who can pay 100 yuan (US$14) or less for a handbag or suitcase that bears all the similarities to the more expensive Louis Vuitton or Gucci original. The bazaar, officially known as the Hedao International Trade Centre for Cases and Bags, has 216 escalators to allow shoppers access to over 10,000 stores. The bazaar symbolises the aspirations of the northern Chinese town, which is around two hours south of Beijing, to become... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3030921/after-70-years-economic-progress-china-right-road-achieve-xi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3030921/after-70-years-economic-progress-china-right-road-achieve-xi?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:00:18 +0000 Modern China is still young. So every decade since the founding of the People’s Republic of China is seen as a significant anniversary. The 70th, like the 40th recently of the implementation of economic reforms that shaped the PRC’s future after the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, is a time for reflection on progress and on challenges that lie ahead. The latter are about more than safeguarding achievements, such as raising hundreds of millions from poverty within a generation. They are also... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031023/why-national-day-marks-much-more-70th-anniversary-modern-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3031023/why-national-day-marks-much-more-70th-anniversary-modern-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 13:27:28 +0000 Property tycoons Li Ka-shing and Peter Woo Kwong-ching were invited to join a delegation to Beijing for the National Day celebrations but are not going because of private reasons, sources have told the Post. The invitations had come before recent controversies over both men’s stances on the anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The delegation, led by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, departed for a three-day trip to the capital on Monday morning to celebrate the 70th anniversary of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031016/property-tycoons-li-ka-shing-and-peter-woo-decline?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031016/property-tycoons-li-ka-shing-and-peter-woo-decline?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 12:30:28 +0000 Beijing has rolled out the red carpet for a delegation of Hong Kong police officers invited to attend events marking National Day on Tuesday, the latest endorsement of the force’s handling of anti-government protests in the city. The group of 10 police officers arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday morning and visited the Great Wall on Monday as part of their itinerary to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic. State media reports focused on Sergeant Lau Chak-kei – nicknamed... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031005/hong-kong-police-officers-get-red-carpet-treatment-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031005/hong-kong-police-officers-get-red-carpet-treatment-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:30:09 +0000 Chartered flights and niche destinations such as Croatia and Malta are growing in popularity as Hong Kong falls out of favour with mainland Chinese holidaymakers over the National Day “golden week” break. Japan has overtaken Thailand as the most searched overseas destination on the website of travel agency Ctrip, followed by Malaysia, the United States, Singapore, Australia, Macau, France, Italy and Russia. Within the mainland places such as Beijing and Shanghai continued to be among the most... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030972/next-stop-croatia-chinese-travellers-skip-hong-kong-niche?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030972/next-stop-croatia-chinese-travellers-skip-hong-kong-niche?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 11:00:16 +0000 Three films that paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China on the eve of its 70th anniversary grossed a total of 546 million yuan (US$76.6 million) at the box offices hours after opening on Monday, Maoyan Entertainment, China’s largest movie ticketing app, said. My People, My Country, consisting of seven short stories by seven directors led by Cannes Palme d’Or winner Chen Kaige, recounted major events since 1949. It took in 225 million yuan. Milestones including the detonation of China’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030976/go-china-big-screen-turns-patriotism-big-box-office-hits-70th?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030976/go-china-big-screen-turns-patriotism-big-box-office-hits-70th?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:21:23 +0000 On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China before a huge crowd in Tiananmen Square. After three years of gruelling civil war with the Nationalists under the command of Chiang Kai-shek, Mao had emerged as the victorious head of the world’s largest communist country. During his tenure as chairman of the Communist Party, until his death in 1976, Mao ruled with an iron fist. He imitated the Soviet system of central planning, outlawed capitalism and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030839/why-china-70-needs-listen-voices-those-it-silenced?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030839/why-china-70-needs-listen-voices-those-it-silenced?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 06:00:14 +0000 A factory fire has killed 19 people in eastern China, local authorities said on Monday, in the latest deadly incident to hit the country’s industrial sector. The fire broke out on Sunday at a factory in Ninghai county, Zhejiang province, the local government said on Weibo. The blaze, which is under investigation, occurred at a facility owned by the Ruiqi Daily Necessities Company. Eight people were rescued from the fire, of whom three were injured and sent to hospital for medical treatment,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030899/19-killed-factory-fire-eastern-china-authorities-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030899/19-killed-factory-fire-eastern-china-authorities-say?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 04:35:40 +0000 On October 1, China celebrates the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. There will be a military parade, fanfare and a speech by President Xi Jinping, likely lauding China’s accomplishments and calling for more unity, nationalism and progress. However, Xi, like the rest of the leadership, was not alive when the People’s Republic was founded and did not experience what it took for New China to be formed. I did. I have had the great fortune of a long life and the ability to bear... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030551/properly-celebrate-70th-anniversary-peoples-republic-china-has?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030551/properly-celebrate-70th-anniversary-peoples-republic-china-has?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2019 01:00:05 +0000 In the 70 years since its founding, the People's Republic of China has transformed from an impoverished country wracked by civil war into a power that awes and frightens the West. Modern China is unabashed about striving for supremacy and rigid control, and many Americans and Europeans fear they’re witnessing the birth of a techno-dystopia. But such anxiety says more about the West’s fears about its own future than about what’s happening in China. The root of the problem is that Western... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030636/why-west-should-stop-projecting-its-fears-china-and-cultivate-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3030636/why-west-should-stop-projecting-its-fears-china-and-cultivate-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Sep 2019 17:00:14 +0000 Former Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa was among 42 Chinese and foreign citizens to be presented with honorary medals by President Xi Jinping on Sunday for their contribution to the development and growth of the People’s Republic of China. It was the first time the honorary awards were presented, and Tung – the first person from Hong Kong to receive one – was recognised for his outstanding contribution to “one country, two systems”. The presentations were made at a grand ceremony in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3030825/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-among-36-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3030825/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-among-36-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Sep 2019 05:13:36 +0000 As China marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the communist People’s Republic on Tuesday, Beijing will showcase its growing wealth, technological prowess, military might and diplomatic clout with a parade of goose-stepping troops, gaudy floats and nuclear-capable missiles. Certainly, Beijing’s communist rulers have much to celebrate. In the past few centuries the country has never looked as strong as it does today, a consequence of the four-decade economic boom ushered in by the late... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3030489/china-70-has-much-celebrate-its-biggest-challenges-lie-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3030489/china-70-has-much-celebrate-its-biggest-challenges-lie-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Sep 2019 03:00:14 +0000 China will assemble the biggest squadron of its most advanced military aircraft for the National Day parade in the capital next week. Three types of the new generation “20” series warplanes – five J-20 stealth fighter jets, three Y-20 transport planes and six Z-20 helicopters – will join airborne squadrons in the parade, according to a fly-past schedule obtained by the South China Morning Post. “This year will be the biggest parade to have so many ‘20’ series advanced aircraft flying together,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3030725/mass-show-advanced-military-aircraft-set-chinas-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3030725/mass-show-advanced-military-aircraft-set-chinas-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:00:07 +0000 China has “no intention” of challenging or replacing the United States on the world stage, but the superpower should not try to block its continued development, Beijing said in a white paper on Friday. The report, “China and the World in the New Era”, was released by the State Council Information Office just days ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which falls on Tuesday. Beijing has been using the upcoming milestone as an opportunity to promote... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3030717/china-doesnt-want-supplant-us-it-will-keep-growing-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3030717/china-doesnt-want-supplant-us-it-will-keep-growing-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Sep 2019 13:45:09 +0000 China’s military on Wednesday published a video containing a clip of what appeared to be the launch of a new type of supersonic cruise missile, only to withdraw the film and replace it with a version with that scene trimmed out. The original footage, which ran for just over a minute, was released on social media by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which falls on Tuesday. The film... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3030552/did-china-just-accidentally-show-its-new-supersonic-cruise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3030552/did-china-just-accidentally-show-its-new-supersonic-cruise?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2019 17:00:17 +0000 A young man who survived the devastating Sichuan earthquake and was inspired by the soldiers who spent months rescuing people from the rubble will on Tuesday join a squad of airborne troops as part of the country’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Now 23, Cheng Qiang was just 12 when on May 12, 2008 he and a group of friends played truant from school to go swimming in a local river, Xinhua reported on Thursday. When the boys had finished their fun they returned to their village in the township of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030519/sichuan-earthquake-survivor-ready-join-his-airborne-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3030519/sichuan-earthquake-survivor-ready-join-his-airborne-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2019 10:17:08 +0000 The festive mood of patriotic Chinese netizens was too much for servers operated by the news service of Tencent Holdings, the country’s social media and gaming giant, after millions responded to a promotional campaign to add a national flag to their avatar to celebrate upcoming National Day.   Tencent News, the tech giant’s news site, launched a mini app on Tuesday that allowed users to add a national flag or “Happy National Day” stickers on their social media profile pictures ahead of the... https://www.scmp.com/tech/adding-chinese-flag-pictures-bogs-down-tencent-servers/article/3030452?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/adding-chinese-flag-pictures-bogs-down-tencent-servers/article/3030452?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2019 08:17:44 +0000 The festive mood of patriotic Chinese netizens was too much for servers operated by the news service of Tencent Holdings, the country’s social media and gaming giant, after millions responded to a promotional campaign to add a national flag to their avatar to celebrate upcoming National Day. Tencent News, the tech giant’s news site, launched a mini app on Tuesday that allowed users to add a national flag or “Happy National Day” stickers on their social media profile pictures ahead of the October... https://www.scmp.com/tech/apps-social/article/3030299/patriotic-chinese-overwhelm-tencent-servers-response-national-flag?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/apps-social/article/3030299/patriotic-chinese-overwhelm-tencent-servers-response-national-flag?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Sep 2019 21:00:13 +0000 China would strive for a lead role in reshaping the post-cold war international order led by the United States, while vigorously protecting its expanding national interest and warding off foreign interference in its affairs, according to Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In an article published by Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily on Monday, Wang said China’s relations with the world had seen historic changes over the past 70 years, with its global standing elevated to a new high and its... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3030019/china-70-aims-strive-lead-role-post-cold-war-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3030019/china-70-aims-strive-lead-role-post-cold-war-international?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:00:17 +0000 Beijing had warned that its tolerance of protests in Hong Kong, now entering their 16th week, should not be taken as weakness. Thanks to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Beijing’s hand has been revealed and Hongkongers – and the world – know Beijing cares, quite rightly, about its international reputation too much to intervene by force.  Instead, large contingents of mainland visitors have come in recent days to Hong Kong to sing the Chinese national anthem in shopping malls, with... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3028074/its-70th-national-day-strong-china-can-afford-grant-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3028074/its-70th-national-day-strong-china-can-afford-grant-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Sep 2019 01:00:14 +0000 China has banned the flying of kites, drones and pigeons over central Beijing for more than two weeks as it prepares for a military parade and other celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule on October 1. Flying activities that affect flight safety are prohibited in seven of the capital’s 16 districts from Sunday to October 1, according to a notice on the municipal government’s website. The banned activities also include flying balloons and lanterns. Military planes flew... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3027314/beijing-bans-kites-pigeon-flying-preparation-chinas-70th?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3027314/beijing-bans-kites-pigeon-flying-preparation-chinas-70th?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2019 06:53:29 +0000 China has stepped up intensive rehearsals for the upcoming National Day parade, which military insiders say is designed to showcase the achievements of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s modernisation drive. The parade on October 1 will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic and will focus on weapons developed since Xi came to power in late 2012, despite long-standing problems in aircraft engine development. Video clips circulating on mainland social media in recent days... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3026743/chinese-fighter-jets-seen-skies-over-beijing-preparations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3026743/chinese-fighter-jets-seen-skies-over-beijing-preparations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:00:08 +0000