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Vietnamese Government Orders Removal of Chinese TV Series due to Nine-Dash Line Dispute

The live-action movie “Barbie” has been banned in Vietnam due to a disagreement over the depiction of the “nine-dash line” map, which China uses to define its territorial claim in the South China Sea. Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries do not recognize this line. In addition, the Vietnamese government ordered Netflix and the local telecommunications company FPT to remove the Chinese TV series “Flight To You” from their platforms as it also featured scenes with the disputed map.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture’s Film Bureau claimed that although FPT had blurred the “nine-dash line” map in the TV series, it still contained “inappropriate content” that violated Vietnamese national sovereignty and film laws. The investigation identified specific episodes of the series, stating that they included unacceptable visuals, dialogues, and subtitles related to the disputed map.

The Vietnamese Film Bureau sent a letter to FPT, pointing out that despite blurring the map, the TV series had other unacceptable plot points and scenes that were deemed unsuitable for broadcast in Vietnam. Netflix and FPT were given 24 hours from July 10 to remove the series and submit a written report to the Film Bureau by July 12.

According to a Taiwan Central News Agency report, Netflix and FPT have already taken down the entire series in Vietnam. The series remains available in other regions. The report also mentions previous instances where the “nine-dash line” map caused controversies, such as its appearance on the official website of a South Korean concert in Hanoi and the ban of the Hollywood film “Uncharted” in Vietnam.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled at The Hague in 2016 that China’s claim to the “nine-dash line” lacked a legal basis and is not valid under international law.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), July 11, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202307110080.aspx

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Fall of Beijing Official: Heavy Charges for Reading Publications on Political Issues

Former director of the Beijing City’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Zhang Guilin, has been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and dismissed from his public office.

According to the CCP’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, the decision to expel Zhang Guilin was made by the Beijing Municipal Committee, with the approval of the Beijing Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Beijing Municipal Supervisory Commission.

The justification for his expulsion includes weak political consciousness, possession and reading of books and publications on serious political issues, violations of the eight-point austerity rules issued by the central government, acceptance of gifts and consumption cards that may affect the impartial execution of official duties, failure to report personal matters truthfully, involvement in illicit sexual activities and bribery, interference in and intervention with government procurement projects, and exploitation of his position to seek benefits for others and illegally accept[ng property from others.

However, the official announcement does not specify the details of Zhang Guilin’s possession and reading of books and publications on serious political issues.

Based on the definition provided in the “Disciplinary Regulations of the Chinese Communist Party,” publications with serious political issues include those that openly advocate bourgeois liberalization, oppose the four cardinal principles, oppose the party’s decisions on reform and opening up, and engage in unwarranted criticism of the central policies, damage the party’s unity, defame or slander party and state leaders, or distort party and military history. These are evidently more sensitive content, and party members who violate these regulations face severe consequences.

Cases involving books and publications related to political issues are not common, as stated by the Chinese Communist Party’s disciplinary authority. Similar charges were made against Wang Xiaoguang, former deputy governor of Guizhou Province, when he was expelled in 2018. In another case involving Sun Zhengcai, former party secretary of Chongqing, Wu Dehua, former member of the Yubei District Standing Committee, was accused of purchasing and reading books and publications that had serious political issues.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 28, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202306280029.aspx

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Fear of Scandal Exposures: 70 percent of CCP Officials Suffer from Cyberphobia

According to an article on the WeChat public account, “Chang’an Street Governor” by the Beijing Daily, a survey conducted by the “People’s Forum” magazine several years ago showed that about 70 percent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials experienced cyberphobia. They were anxious and uneasy due to concerns about work-related mistakes or negative incidents being exposed, which could affect their future careers. Those who were most worried were propaganda officials and top leaders responsible for public opinion.

The article states that, with the advent of the era of mobile communication, this fear has only increased. From leaders in various organizations to grassroots employees, they fear public opinion, scrutiny, controversy, and accountability. Rather than facing the risks of the spotlight, they prefer to maintain a low profile and navigate their way through in silence.

As a result, CCP officials who are fearful and apprehensive about online public opinion often find themselves at a loss, leading to the proliferation of chaotic situations.

The article provides examples of different reactions by officials. Some try to avoid the situation altogether, adopting an ostrich-like attitude out of fear of being implicated. Others respond slowly, missing the opportunity to handle crises in a timely manner. Some officials adopt a wait-and-see approach, hoping that time will eventually diminish the intensity of the issue. There are those who give inconsistent information, creating confusion and contradictory statements. Some officials rigidly stick to prepared statements without engaging in meaningful communication with the public. Others deliberately conceal their mistakes, preferring to hide or distort information.

Furthermore, officials tend to respond selectively to public concerns. They avoid addressing the core issues and instead focus on trivial matters or on offering empty words.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), July 4, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202307040049.aspx

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Hong Kong Security Chief: Article 23 Legislation Encompassing Espionage and Cyber Crimes

In an interview published today by Ta Kung Pao, Hong Kong Police Commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung discussed the upcoming legislation regarding article 23 of the Basic Law. Tang stated that the legislation would take into account the recent situation in Hong Kong and the national security risks faced by the city from China.

He emphasized that individuals who pose a threat to China’s national security continue to engage in various forms of advocacy, infiltration, and collusion with foreign forces. Online platforms are frequently used to incite actions that endanger national security.

Tang noted that, in recent years, Hong Kong has experienced acts of “soft subversion” and that online discourse and publications can easily escalate tensions in society.

He also highlighted the significance of espionage risks and mentioned that intelligence agencies from other countries have openly expressed their intention to recruit secret agents from different nations and organizations globally, in order to gather sensitive information about China.

Therefore, the Hong Kong government is examining areas not covered by the existing national security law and current legislation, such as espionage activities and gaps related to online platforms. The aim is to develop effective and pragmatic measures and provisions to enhance the mechanisms for safeguarding national security.

Tang stated that, among the seven categories of behaviors that should be legislated under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong national security law covers two: secession and subversion of the central government in Beijing. However, the existing local laws only cover certain aspects, indicating the need for further improvement.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam previously stated that the legislation for the article should be completed no later than next year.

Source: Ta Kung Pao (Hong Kong), July, 3, 2023
https://epaper.tkww.hk/a/202307/03/AP64a1dc49e4b068c215b9cd55.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Protest Signs against Authoritarianism Emerge at Peking University

During the Dragon Boat Festival at Peking University in China, a protester displayed slogans opposing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) authoritarian regime. The individual, dressed in a tan robe, held up a sign near the cafeteria on campus calling for the abolition of the one-party dictatorship and the adoption of a multi-party system. The protester voluntarily included his social media account information on the sign, which pointed to YouTube and Twitter accounts registered in May 2023. The accounts identified the protester as Zhang Sheng, a self-described Chinese writer.

Pictures and posts on Twitter documented the incident, showing the protester being escorted away by the university’s security personnel. When questioned about the event, Peking University’s security department neither confirmed nor denied the incident.

This protest marked a resurgence of criticism against China’s political system and demands for multi-party rule at Peking University, where similar demonstrations had taken place during the 1989 Students Movement. Notably, this demonstration occurred in the same location where students had protested against the “zero COVID” policy in November of the previous year. It is important to highlight that the “zero COVID” policy was subsequently abolished ten days after university students, including those from Peking University and Tsinghua University, expressed their opposition to it by holding up white papers.

The recent protest at Peking University aimed to challenge the one-party rule and promote political reform through the establishment of a multi-party system. Despite attempts to ascertain the whereabouts of the detained student by contacting the university’s security department, that department neither confirmed nor denied the event. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between dissenting voices and the Chinese government’s control over political expression on university campuses.

Source: Radio Free Asia, June 22, 2023
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gt-06222023233902.html

Briefings | | |   Social Stability

Adapting to the Challenging Job Market: Chinese University Students Opt for Graduation Postponement

Chinese college students have manifested a growing trend of  opting to delay their graduation in response to the country’s economic downturn and rising youth unemployment rates. These students are facing difficulties in finding jobs and are choosing to extend their education in order to enhance their employment prospects. While delaying graduation was previously stigmatized, the current job market conditions have made this decision more acceptable.

The reasons behind the decision to delay graduation include the challenging job search process, prompting students to engage in additional internships and bolster their resumes to become more competitive. Some students opt for a delay because they did not gain admission to graduate school and decided to pursue stable jobs before attempting to enter the system as fresh graduates. Others seek an extra year to accommodate time constraints or personal circumstances, utilizing this period to apply for doctoral programs.

The Taiwan based Central News Agency report highlights the case of a journalism graduate student named Xiao Le, who believes that delaying graduation was the right choice due to the demanding curriculum and the university’s internship requirements. Xiao Le encountered health issues and anxiety related to a previous internship, leading her to seek advice from mentors, senior students, and friends. They advised her to take an additional year to prioritize her well-being.

According to Xiao Le, many students in her class have also decided to delay graduation. Some aim to reapply as fresh graduates after being rejected by their desired companies, while others pursue internships in Internet companies to increase their chances of securing employment in the challenging job market.

Given the intense competition in the current Chinese job market, many students are engaging in extensive internships alongside their heavy academic workload. Students are realizing that pursuing higher education does not guarantee a smooth transition into the job market, resulting in increased exhaustion and stress.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 21, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202306210359.aspx

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

Italy Contemplates Exiting “Belt and Road Initiative” as CCP Dispatches Delegation amidst Coercive Communications

Italy, the only G7 country participating in China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” is contemplating its withdrawal from the program. To persuade the Italian government to renew the agreement, a delegation led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, is reportedly being sent to Rome. The main objective of Liu’s visit is to engage in a dialogue with Italy’s center-right governing coalition, particularly with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in order to secure the renewal of the “Belt and Road Initiative” agreement by the end of the year.

Italy joined the initiative in 2019 under former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, but its economic benefits were considered to be below expectations. The current memorandum of understanding for cooperation is set to expire at the end of this year, and, if it is not renewed, it will become invalid. On multiple occasions, the Meloni government has expressed its inclination to withdraw from the initiative .

The Chinese Ambassador to Italy, Jia Guide, warned that if the “Belt and Road Initiative” is not renewed by the end of the year, it will pose a significant obstacle to bilateral exchanges. China is planning to send an important delegation, including ministers responsible for propaganda and customs, to visit Italy in the near future. However, if Italy withdraws from the initiative, China has threatened to suspend such exchanges and visits.

China has also hinted at possible economic and trade consequences for Italy if it chooses to withdraw from the “Belt and Road Initiative.” The official Chinese media outlet, the Global Times, has conveyed coercive messages in this regard.

Source: Radio Free Asia, June 23, 2023
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/Xinwen/4-06232023105817.html

Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

China’s Universities Conduct Investigations on Multiple Journal Retractions

Chinese universities have launched an initiative to investigate academically unethical papers published in the past five years. They aim to address the country’s high rate of retractions in international journals. Over 30 universities, including Ningbo University, Hangzhou Normal University, and Chengdu University of Information Technology, have announced their intention to participate in the three-month campaign, following a notice by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The focus will be on local research institutes and universities, particularly papers included in personnel assessments or which were awarded performance incentives.

The investigation will target various forms of misconduct, such as plagiarism, duplication, content fabrication, manipulation of peer reviews, ghostwriting for hire, and inappropriate honorary authorship. China ranked second globally in terms of the the number of papers published in top international journals in 2022, but it also had a significant number of retractions. Out of 5,488 retractions indexed in the Science Citation Index (SCI), 2,879 retractions (52 percent of the total) came from China.

This nationwide self-examination and rectification of academic papers is unprecedented in scale, as previous investigations were conducted by individual universities following international retractions. However, there are concerns that relying solely on self-examination may not effectively address the issue, as there is a problem of institutional protection of academic misconduct in China. This protection is attributed to the allocation of research funding, and it suggests that a more comprehensive solution is needed.

Jia Hepeng, a professor at Soochow University, expressed doubts about the long-term impact of this campaign and the centralized research system that heavily relies on quantitative assessment. Despite these concerns, the initiative is seen as a positive step towards addressing academic misconduct and serves as a wake-up call for the academic community in China. While the effectiveness of the campaign-style investigation is expected to be limited, taking action is viewed as preferable to no action at all.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 19, 2023
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202306190066.aspx

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology