Chinese lawyers face numerous hurdles in conducting discovery for their cases. When dealing with discovery in a criminal defense, for example, lawyers worry that, when the evidence they uncover contradicts the government’s findings, the government will use Article 306 of the Criminal Law to charge them with forgery and perjury. A recent feature article in Legal Daily (reprinted by the official Xinhua) discusses the issues in detail.
Methods Used in Crackdown on Falun Gong and Xinjiang Uygur Groups
In April 2007, the Tai Shun County government, Jiangsu Province published a 2005 report that provided insight into the methods the County used in its crackdown on Falun Gong and Xinjiang Uygur groups.
China Rejects “China Navy Threat Theory” Despite Growth in Amphibious Forces
Richard Fisher wrote an article about China’s new large amphibious assault shipe for the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. China rejected the article, saying China’s building up its capacity for a future amphibious force is a "complete exaggeration and irresponsible speculation." "Actually, most amphibious ships currently in use in China are traditional landing ships. There is no so-called ‘threat’ whatsoever."
Priorities for Xinjiang Public Security Bureau: Ethnic & Faith Based Groups & Overseas Intelligence
According to an investigation report by a local People’s Congress in Xinjiang, the persecution of Falun Gong and Xinjiang ethnic groups were considered priorities in maintaining social and political stability. The development of secret forces and overseas intelligence were also at the top of the list.
Cracking Down on Satellite Dishes to Block Infiltration from Overseas Hostile Forces
China’s crackdown on unauthorized installation of household satellite dishes is "an urgent response to the attempts of overseas hostile forces to infiltrate and divide China." It is also meant to "prevent Falun Gong members and Christian groups from spreading their religious activities using ground satellite receivers."
Chinese Diplomats Commend Overseas Chinese Organization for Supporting China
Amidst allegations that China controls Chinese associations of commerce and Chinese students’ organizations in the United States, Chinese diplomats in the United States attended a celebration of the 27th anniversary of the Chinese American Association of Commerce in San Francisco.
Government Agency Organizes First International Chinese Language Summer Camp
On July 15, China launched its first international student camp as part of its "soft power" campaign to exert influence abroad using non-military, and non-economic means. 850 students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea attended this government sponsored international Chinese language learning program.
New Statistics on Chinese Communist Party Membership
The official Xinhua News Agency reports that Communist Party membership increased by 11,859,000 between 2002 and 2006 averaging 2.37 million per year. As of the end of 2006, Communist Party membership reportedly totaled 2.391 million, of which 14.292 million were female and 55.472 million were 35 years of age or above. According to an overseas Chinese global media, the Epoch Times, between December 3, 2004, and July 16, 2007, over 23.8 million persons quit the Communist Party, the Communist Youth League and the Young Pioneers by renouncing their membership on the web.