Every year, 287,000 Chinese commit suicide, equalling 30% of all suicides in the world (1 million each year). The suicide rate in China is 2.3 times the global average. In contrast to other countries, in China, more women than men commit suicide. The reason for committing suicide is mostly intense personal conflicts rather than mental problems, which is the reason for 90% of the suicides in other countries. An increasing number of college students commit suicide in China. The high rate of suicide reflects China’s deteriorating moral values.
Briefings - 1221. page
Communist Party Changes Party Leaders in Tibet Amid Worries of Tibetan Independence
Since July 2007 Beijing authorities have replaced ethnic Tibetan Party Secretaries in 54 out of 74 counties in Tibet. The move is viewed as a step to further strengthen Communist control of Tibet and to prevent "Tibetan Independence." The 54 new Party Secretaries are from other parts of China.
Beijing Police Patrol University Campuses 24/7
Beijing authorities have established police stations at 10 universities. Police will be on patrol 24/7 on campus. Rights activists view it as a move to re-enforce control over college students because students have been demonstrating lately.
The Number of College Journalism Graduates Grows While Their Qualifications Drop
The number of college journalism graduates has grown from a few hundred a year in the 1980’s to 30,000 in 2006, while the demand for journalists has held constant. Most college graduates are considered to have low qualifications for being a journalist and face heavy competition in the tough job market.
What the Chinese Think about Censorship
Two organizations based in the United States released the results of an online survey they jointly did of Internet users inside China. Edoors.com, a Chinese language portal site, and Qingxin, a Chinese language online message board, jointly conducted the survey from June 27 to July 28, 2007, on Internet censorship and circumvention among Internet users inside China. 94% of those surveyed know that the authorities routinely censor information generally available to people in China. 94% believe that China is implementing Internet filtering and censorship out of fear of losing control once its citizens have access to the truth.
Fifty-Five Common Foods in China Are Toxic
A report has surfaced and been widely reprinted on Chinese official websites and Blogs naming 55 kinds of toxic food in China, ranging from daily rice, flour, vegetables, meat, eggs, and fruits to famous seasonings and gradients, formulations, etc. [1, 2] Vegetables laced with very toxic residual pesticides have been labeled as "harmless" and widely sold.
Eight KG of Uranium Missing; Four Men Put on Trial
Official Xinhua News reported on August 23, 2007, that eight kilograms (17.6 pounds) of uranium are missing, while four Chinese men are on trial for trying to sell uranium that can be used to make nuclear weapons. The Hong Kong based Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy reported Friday August 24, that as many as 20 people may have become ill as a result of contact with the uranium.
Beijing’s Municipal Government Requires Widespread Classes in National Defense Education
Effective September 15, 2007, the Beijing municipal government will implement a new regulation that boosts national defense education among its residents. Government entities, the media, schools and residents’ groups are also required to provide national defense education. Scores of national defense education courses must be included in the student curriculum in high schools and colleges.