More than 1,000 residents on Myanmar’s border have fled to neighbouring Thailand since Wednesday morning amid escalating armed clashes and junta airstrikes near the important trade town of Myawaddy.
Airstrikes were conducted all of Tuesday night, and one jet fighter dropped at least eight bombs in an hour early Wednesday morning, a woman in Myawaddy said on condition of anonymity for security reasons. “The explosions were louder than before in the town,” she said. One man in Myawaddy said normally only about 100 people use Friendship Bridge No. 1 between Myawaddy and the Thai border city of Mae Sot in one day. “But this morning, there were more than 1,000 people,” he said, declining to be named for security reasons. “Of course, they are worried about the battle. So, all are fleeing to their relatives in Mae Sot.” A Myanmar citizen who fled to Mae Sot said junta helicopters hovered over the crammed bridge as people streamed across the border while bombs exploded nearby. “Smoke was seen in the sky,” he said. “All the people ran into Mae Sot. A huge crowd could be seen at the border bridge.” Thailand’s army has increased security in Mae Sot, according to Myanmar nationals living there. Thai military vehicles and soldiers observing the border were seen under Friendship Bridge No. 1. Myawaddy’s trade zone The Karen Nation Union, or KNU, and allied guerrilla armies began their attack on junta troops in Myawaddy on Saturday. On Sunday, junta troops requested evacuation of over 600 soldiers and their families through Mae Sot, as well as administrative documents, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One flight left Mae Sot International Airport on Sunday night, but subsequent flights scheduled for Monday and Tuesday were cancelled at the request of Myanmar’s military. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Myanmar’s junta have not released any information on how many boarded the flight. Karen National Union joint forces stormed the junta’s Infantry Battalion 275 – located two miles from Myawaddy – on Tuesday, but junta forces have put up a strong resistance, the Myawaddy man said. Junta airstrikes demolished some homes near a highway bus station close to Infantry Battalion 275, civilians living in Myawaddy said. Forces aligned with the junta have been patrolling Myawaddy’s downtown area, residents said. While most government offices have closed, the junta’s immigration office was issuing border passes on Wednesday to those who wanted to enter Thailand. The Karen National Union would become much more powerful if it captures Myawaddy and gains control of the area’s crucial border trade, according to Than Soe Naing, a political commentator. “It is about to capture the special trade zone,” he said. “If Myawaddy township is captured, the resistance forces and people in Myanmar could enjoy new opportunities for the resistance forces and civilians.” It was unable to contact KNU spokespersons Padho Saw Kale Sae and Padho Saw Taw Nee by telephone on Wednesday to ask about Wednesday’s fighting.
0 Comments
Ruling party Pheu Thai’s boldest pledge, the 10,000 baht digital wallet handout, will be funded solely by the fiscal budget and all eligible Thais should have the money by the fourth quarter. After the National Digital Wallet Policy Committee met on Wednesday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the scheme, which will cost about 500 billion baht, will be solely funded by the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget instead of loans. “I am able to fulfil the promise I gave to people. This [handout] adheres to laws and aligns with fiscal regulations,” said the premier, who also doubles as finance minister. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat explained that the funding will come from three budgetary sources: 152.7 billion baht from the 2025 fiscal budget, 172.3 billion baht from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives 2025 budget, and 175 billion baht from the 2024 fiscal budget. He said the handout will be given to registered Thai citizens aged 16 and above who earn no more than 840,000 baht per tax year and have no more than 500,000 baht in their bank accounts. Recipients can use this digital wallet at specific stores within their home districts, he said, adding that these stores can use the money earned to buy goods from other stores without location restrictions. The digital wallet cannot be used to purchase “sin” goods, fuel, services or online products, he added. Stores wishing to be part of this campaign should have a presence in the tax system, he said, adding that the money earned via this scheme cannot be withdrawn immediately. Registration procedures for both users and stores will be available in the third quarter. Julapun said the 10,000 baht will be distributed via a “super app” created by the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, which can be used by all banks in an open-loop model. He insisted that the entire process would be transparent. The government also plans to set up a committee, chaired by the National Police chief, which will include members of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, to prevent fraudulent activities. It is believed that this digital wallet handout will provide a 1.2-1.6% boost to the country’s GDP, which has been badly affected by geopolitical tensions and a slow recovery from the pandemic.
Authorities in Thailand have arrested eight Lao women, seven of whom entered the country illegally to work as prostitutes, and one who worked as their madam, Radio Free Asia has learned. According to the Anti-Trafficking in Person Unit of the Thai Department of Special Investigation, the seven women were aged 21 to 36, and they were arrested at a karaoke bar in Bang Pakong district in the southern province of Chachoengsao. The eighth woman is the wife of the bar’s owner. A police officer in Bang Pakong district confirmed Monday that the seven women, who were arrested on April 4, are still in custody and are awaiting trial and will be deported to Laos later. The sex trade is technically illegal in Thailand, but laws against it are rarely enforced. Authorities do, however, more strictly enforce immigration laws. “Usually, people from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are allowed to work in Thailand in only certain types of work like construction, but not in entertainment venues or karaoke bars,” Col. Pattanapong Sripinproh of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit told RFA Lao. “They are not allowed to work as bar girls or drink girls,” he said. “If they do, they’ll be arrested.” Sripinproh explained that police were able to catch the eight women by going undercover and posing as johns. “One of our police officers disguised as a customer at the karaoke bar and agreed to pay 2,000 baht ($54) for sex with one of the women,” he said, explaining that the bar owner and a hotel get their cut of the money and the woman would get about 1,300 baht ($36). Following this lead, the police officers inspected the bar and found that seven women were working illegally. “Based on the law on foreign workers … the violators will be fined up to 10,000 baht (US$272) and/or jailed for two months,” he said, but acknowledged that in most cases there is no fine or jail time. Instead the women are usually deported and blacklisted for two years. He also said that if the husband and wife were found guilty of human trafficking they could face up to 20 years in prison. “But in these cases we found out that those seven women are older than 20 and none of them were forced to prostitution,” said Sripinproh. “So, the husband and wife won’t be charged with human trafficking. But they will be charged with doing illegal business by providing sexual services.” RFA reported in March that four Lao women were arrested in Ban Bueng district in nearby Chonburi province for entering the country illegally and working as prostitutes. They told Thai police that they entered Thailand as tourists, rented rooms in a hotel and then sold sex.
The Chinese economy is expected to grow by 5.3% this year as the property sector recovers and external demand improves, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said on Monday.
In its latest report, the Singapore-based group noted that stabilization in China’s property sector along with ongoing policy support will boost real estate investment and drive growth in the ASEAN+3 region, which consists of Southeast Asian nations plus Japan, China, and South Korea. AMRO’s projection is higher than China’s official growth target of about 5% and Bloomberg’s forecast, which expects the country’s economy to grow 4.6% this year. “China will continue to be a powerhouse in the region and the main driver of growth,” AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor told Bloomberg. Weakness in the real estate sector “will take a bit of time to overcome, but it will happen and we expect the drag on growth will bottom out maybe this year.” The Chinese property sector crisis was sparked by the financial distress of major real estate developers, including property giants China Evergrande Group and Country Garden, which have defaulted on their debt. AMRO also revised upwards its overall growth outlook for ASEAN nations, predicting an expansion of 4.5% this year from 4.3% last year. According to the report, domestic demand is likely to remain resilient, underpinned by recovering investment and firm consumer spending. Within ASEAN specifically, its six major economies will continue to anchor growth. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are expected to contribute an average of 10% to global growth between 2024 and 2030, experts said. The organization also forecast the semiconductor industry to rebound from a multiyear slump driven by a “brisk” recovery in chips demand from China. Global semiconductor sales are expected to rise by 9.5% a year on average in 2025–2026, the group said.
Sheltering from the sun on a street corner, Kridsada Ahjed rues the day he got involved with the loan sharks who now gobble up most of his daily earnings.
“I went to the loan sharks because people like me – with no assets or savings – cannot qualify to get help from legitimate banks,” Ahjed, a 40-year-old motorcycle taxi driver said. “Now almost everything I make in a day goes towards paying the interest on my debt.” Kridsada is far from alone. Thailand’s household debt reached nearly 87 percent of gross domestic product last year, according to the Bank of Thailand, among the highest on earth. Nearly $1.5bn of that debt is estimated to be made up of high-interest informal loans. Kridsada’s personal crisis is part of a wider malaise that has gripped Thailand’s economy. After decades of solid growth, Thailand is displaying all of the hallmarks of the middle-income trap, analysts say, where a combination of low productivity and poor education leaves much of the workforce stuck in low-paid, low-skilled work. “Thailand suffers not only from the slow return of demand from major export markets, but also from the changing nature of globalisation that hurts its competitiveness,” Pavida Pananond, a professor of international business at Thammasat Business School, said. “International trade is being driven more by value-added services that require higher local skills and capabilities. This requires a systemic upgrading of the labour force and local firms’ sophistication beyond short-term handouts and investment incentives.” Whereas other Southeast Asian countries are bouncing back strongly from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has faltered. Thailand’s economy grew just 1.9 percent last year, according to state economic planners, compared with growth of 5 percent or higher in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Even neighbouring Malaysia, a significantly more developed economy with lower expectations for growth, registered a 3.7 percent expansion. Despite the recovery of Thailand’s key tourism sector, which accounts for about one-fifth of the economy, its prospects are not looking much better in 2024. The World Bank on Monday said it expected the Thai economy to grow 2.8 percent this year, slightly better than Bangkok’s own estimates. The Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia are expected to see growth of between 4.3 and 5.8 percent. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who came to office in August after nearly a decade of military rule, has declared the economic situation a “crisis”. Srettha, a property mogul-turned-politician, proudly calls himself the “salesman” of Thailand. Since taking power in a compromise with the royalist establishment to block the reformist Move Forward Party, the 62-year-old political neophyte has travelled the world to seek out free trade deals and promote the country as a base for global manufacturing supply chains. But after years of Bangkok shirking from fundamental economic reforms, there are fears the economy may be resistant to a quick fix. Critics say that Thailand’s military leaders for years turned off global investors, became too reliant on China’s economic rise and squandered the potential of young Thais by neglecting to fund an education system capable of producing a workforce suited to the digital era. The World Bank said in a report released last month that two-thirds of Thai youth and adults were “below the threshold levels of foundational reading literacy”, while three-quarters had poor digital literacy skills. Meanwhile, Thailand’s English language proficiency ranks among the lowest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). To stimulate the economy, Srettha has proposed providing a 10,000-baht ($280) cash handout to virtually every Thai aged more than 16 – a policy economists and political rivals have slammed as wasteful – expanding visa-free entry to more countries, and legalising casinos. Police in China are stepping up spot searches of people’s phones for apps enabling them to bypass the Great Firewall of government internet censorship, residents told Radio Free Asia in recent interviews. A resident of the southwestern province of Sichuan who gave only the surname Huang for fear of reprisals said he had recently been stopped on the subway in the provincial capital, Chengdu. “This happened to me in Chengdu,” Huang said. “A police officer stopped me on the subway and wanted to check my phone, but I didn't allow him to.” “I told him he had no law enforcement powers and he let it go,” he said. Chinese authorities have stepped up spot checking operations on the streets and on public transport in the years since the “white paper” protest movement of 2022, which the government blamed on infiltration by “foreign forces,” and have been forcing people to download an “anti-fraud” app that monitors their phone usage, according to recent interviews. Huang said he has also seen police checking people’s phones on the streets of Shanghai and Beijing.
He said anyone who gets hauled in to “drink tea” with the feared state security police will have their phone checked as a matter of routine, meaning that people need to delete such software or reset to factory settings to avoid discovery. He said that while some uncensored content occasionally gets through, there isn’t as much as before the current crackdown. According to Huang, the current crackdown was sparked by the “white paper” protests, after which the authorities have targeted university students to crack down on people going “over the wall” to get content that hasn’t been censored by the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
‘You have to be especially careful’ A mobile phone repair specialist in the southern province of Guangdong who declined to be named for fear of reprisals said the police-approved “anti-fraud” app can also detect the presence of circumvention tools on any phone where it has been installed. “As long as your phone has the anti-fraud app installed, they will know what you are doing,” she said. “You have to be especially careful now if you want to get around the Wall.” A screenshot provided by a resident of the central province of Hubei showed an SMS alert from the provincial police department warning them that circumvention software had been detected on their phone, in violation of the Online Security Law The user was ordered to cease and desist or report to the local police station, on pain of further “enforcement measures,” according to the text message. According to the X citizen journalist account “Mr Li is not your teacher,” a student at the School of Electronic Information and Computer Engineering at Sichuan’s Institute of Industrial Technology was recently disciplined for “ignoring online security regulations” and using software to bypass the Great Firewall on many occasions between Feb. 29 and March 11, according to a photo of the school’s disciplinary announcement. They had accessed content on overseas websites and reposted it to two WeChat groups, which “violates the school’s student regulations,” the notice said. The student was given a warning under the college’s disciplinary code, it said. Last month, China’s state security police started combing through the account’s follower list and putting pressure on people living in China to unfollow it, the journalist reported. China’s Cyberspace Administration has also been stepping up its campaign to remove unapproved content from Chinese social media platforms, reporting that it revoked the licenses of more than 10,000 websites in 2023, and hauled in more than 10,000 “for interviews.” The websites were being targeted for “spreading false information, incitement of confrontation and other harmful content,” state news agency Xinhua reported on Jan. 31. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Renowned for its stunning temples, picturesque gardens, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto has long been celebrated as a bastion of Japanese heritage. One of the most iconic symbols of Kyoto's cultural richness is the geisha, embodying grace, elegance, and refinement. To understand what makes Kyoto famous, it is imperative to delve into its rich history, particularly the captivating tale of the geisha. Historical Background Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, from 794 until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869. Throughout its history, Kyoto has been a center of political power, cultural innovation, and artistic expression. It was during this time that the geisha tradition began to flourish, evolving into one of Kyoto's most enduring and cherished cultural exports. Geisha Icons of Elegance and Tradition: The geisha, or geiko as they are known in Kyoto, are traditional Japanese entertainers who are skilled in various arts such as classical music, dance, and the tea ceremony. Contrary to popular misconceptions, geisha are not courtesans or prostitutes but rather highly trained performers who entertain guests through conversation, music, and dance. The geisha tradition traces its roots back to the 18th century when female entertainers began to entertain guests at tea houses and restaurants in Kyoto. Over time, the geisha evolved into refined artists who became synonymous with grace, sophistication, and elegance. The Geisha Districts of Kyoto Kyoto is home to five geisha districts known as hanamachi, each with its own distinct character and charm. Gion, located in the heart of Kyoto, is the most famous and prestigious geisha district, renowned for its historic tea houses, traditional architecture, and narrow cobblestone streets. Pontocho, another well-known hanamachi, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, riverside restaurants, and atmospheric lantern-lit alleys. These geisha districts serve as living museums of Japanese tradition, where visitors can experience the enchanting world of the geisha up close. Geisha Training and Apprenticeship Becoming a geisha is a rigorous and demanding process that requires years of training, dedication, and discipline. Young girls, known as maiko, typically begin their apprenticeship at a geisha house, or okiya, in their early teens. Under the guidance of senior geisha, maiko learn the art of traditional dance, music, and etiquette, as well as the intricacies of conversation and hosting. The maiko stage is characterized by distinctive attire, including elaborate kimono, intricate hairstyles adorned with floral ornaments, and striking white makeup. Cultural Significance and Legacy
The geisha hold a special place in Japanese culture as symbols of beauty, grace, and tradition. Through their performances, geisha preserve and promote traditional arts that date back centuries, ensuring that Japan's cultural heritage continues to thrive in the modern era. Despite the challenges of modernization and changing societal norms, the geisha tradition remains resilient, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to experience the timeless elegance of Kyoto's cultural ambassadors. In conclusion, Kyoto's fame as a cultural mecca is inextricably linked to its rich history and traditions, particularly the captivating legacy of the geisha. As custodians of Japan's cultural heritage, the geisha embody the grace, elegance, and refinement that define Kyoto's cultural identity. Through their performances, the geisha continue to enchant audiences and perpetuate the timeless beauty of Kyoto's traditional arts. In a rapidly changing world, the geisha serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations. Toyota recently showcased the IMV 0 concept. The small entry-level pickup truck is now launched in Thailand as the Toyota Hilux Champ. As reported earlier, the Hilux Champ is offered with various customisation options. In fact, there are two wheelbase options on offer, along with three engine choices. It sits below the Hilux, as a more affordable product to enjoy the Hilux legacy. However, the Hilux Champ’s key highlight remains its modification potential. Toyota claims that except for the mechanicals and select body panels, the remaining part of the truck can be customised via third-party modifiers. Toyota Hilux Champ Price In Thailand, the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup truck is launched at a starting price of TBH 459,000, which in Indian Rupee is Rs 10.91 lakh. The prices go up to TBH 577,000 (Rs 13.71 lakh). Bookings for the truck are already open, and it will be produced at the brand’s Samrong facility in Thailand. Toyota Hilux Champ Design The Hilux Champ has not changed much in comparison to the IMV 0 concept. On the front it gets a chunky bumper and a prominent grille, all finished in black. It has a single-cab layout and a long deck. The design is utilitarian in every sense. However, Toyota is offering the option of modifications for the Hilux Champ, as it can be converted into a food truck, camper, or RV. On the inside, it gets a purpose-built dashboard with a rugged appeal. There’s no provision for an infotainment unit, and the steering wheel is free of any button, whatsoever. Toyota Hilux Champ Specs Starting with engine options, there are three of them - 2.4L diesel, 2.0L petrol and 2.7L petrol. The diesel is good at pushing out 150 Hp/400 Nm and the 2.0L NA petrol develops 130 Hp/183. Lastly, the 2.7L NA petrol churns out 166 Hp/245 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Toyota Hilux Champ Dimensions
The Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options - 2.75 metres and 3.08 metres. The truck is 1.8 metres tall and wide. The SWB version measures 4.9 metres in length, while the LWB trim measures 5.3 metres long. The ground clearance stands at 180 mm. Toyota Hilux Champ-Based Mini Fortuner SUV Reports suggest that Toyota is also developing a new SUV on the IMV platform, which will be smaller than the Fortuner. It will possess similar offroading credentials, and it could possibly be making its way to our shores. Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has captured the attention of the world with her enigmatic persona and prominent role within the North Korean regime. While often portrayed as a powerful figure in her own right, her life and background remain shrouded in mystery. This essay delves into the life and background of Kim Yo Jong, exploring her rise to prominence, her family dynamics, and her influence on North Korean politics.
Early Life and Family Background Born on September 26, 1987, Kim Yo Jong is the youngest daughter of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his wife, Ko Yong Hui. She is the full sister of current leader Kim Jong Un and the granddaughter of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung. Growing up in the privileged environment of the ruling Kim family, Kim Yo Jong received a comprehensive education, likely tailored to prepare her for a future role within the regime. Kim Yo Jong's family background is deeply intertwined with the power dynamics of North Korea. Her father, Kim Jong Il, ruled the country with an iron fist for seventeen years until his death in 2011, leaving his young and relatively inexperienced son, Kim Jong Un, to assume leadership. Kim Yo Jong's close relationship with her brother, Kim Jong Un, has been speculated to play a significant role in her rise to prominence within the North Korean hierarchy. Rise to Prominence Kim Yo Jong's ascent to prominence began in 2014 when she was appointed as a senior official in the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling political party of North Korea. Over the years, she steadily climbed the ranks, assuming various roles within the regime's propaganda and guidance departments. Her public appearances alongside her brother, Kim Jong Un, during official events and summits have further solidified her image as a trusted confidante and advisor to the North Korean leader. In recent years, Kim Yo Jong has emerged as one of the most visible and influential figures in North Korean politics. Her portfolio includes overseeing key government agencies and spearheading diplomatic initiatives, particularly in relations with South Korea and the United States. Notably, she played a prominent role in the 2018 Winter Olympics held in South Korea, leading the North Korean delegation and capturing global media attention. Influence and Political Dynamics Despite her relative youth and lack of formal titles, Kim Yo Jong's influence within the North Korean regime cannot be underestimated. As a member of the ruling Kim family, she holds significant sway over decision-making processes and enjoys privileged access to her brother, Kim Jong Un. Her proximity to power, combined with her astute political acumen, has positioned her as a formidable figure within the secretive and hierarchical structures of North Korean politics. Kim Yo Jong's influence extends beyond her familial ties. She is regarded as a key figure in shaping North Korea's propaganda machine, employing sophisticated media strategies to bolster the regime's image both domestically and internationally. Additionally, her involvement in diplomatic endeavours underscores her role as a trusted envoy and interlocutor in North Korea's interactions with the outside world. Challenges and Speculations Despite her rise to prominence, Kim Yo Jong's role within the North Korean regime is not without challenges and speculations. The authoritarian nature of the regime, coupled with the pervasive culture of secrecy, makes it difficult to discern the true extent of her power and influence. Moreover, questions regarding her health and well-being have periodically surfaced, leading to conjectures about potential power struggles and succession issues within the ruling elite. Furthermore, Kim Yo Jong's image as a progressive and moderate figure has been met with scepticism by analysts who view her as a product of the same repressive regime that her family has upheld for decades. Her involvement in orchestrating propaganda campaigns and enforcing strict social controls underscores the complexities of her persona and the inherent contradictions within North Korean politics. In conclusion, Kim Yo Jong's life and background offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of North Korea's ruling elite. As the younger sister of Kim Jong Un and a member of the powerful Kim family, she occupies a unique position of influence within the regime. Her rise to prominence, coupled with her enigmatic persona and strategic manoeuvring, has made her a figure of intrigue on the global stage. However, unravelling the complexities of her role and motivations remains a daunting task amidst the opaque and tightly controlled political landscape of North Korea. Over a third of Dutch people with East Asia and Southeast Asia roots have experienced discrimination in the past few year. Among Chinese Dutch it's even 52 percent. The reports are based on a study by the University of Amsterdam and the Fontys Hogeschool Tilburg on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
It is the first extensive study into discrimination against Dutch people with East- and Southeast Asian roots. The researchers surveyed a representative sample of 2,505 Dutch people of East Asian and Southeast Asian descent and extensively interviewed 36 respondents. They found countless examples of people being verbally abused, disadvantaged, or excluded because of their appearance or surname. Some reported having racial slurs yelled at them on the street or in class. Others reported “jokes” about eating dogs. Many noticed they had less chance of finding a job or a home. The discrimination mainly occurred in public places, education, and at work. When it comes to slurs shouted on the streets, the perpetrators are usually men, and the victims are generally women. Respondents also often noted being called “Chinese” regardless of their actual origin. These types of experiences have significant consequences, the researchers found. All surveyed groups reported psychological complaints, reduced involvement in society, and damaged trust in the authorities. Perceived discrimination also seems to have increased in all groups since the start of the coronavirus crisis, the researchers said. But they added: “It is not clear whether this increase is the result of an increase in actual discrimination, increasing awareness of discrimination, or the rising willingness to name and report it.” In recent years, there have been many studies in the Netherlands into perceived discrimination from minority groups. These studies typically ignored people with roots in East Asia and Southeast Asia. “That may have to do with the fact that they are often seen as a ‘model minority’ who experience few problems and pose few problems,” the researchers note. That can also be considered discrimination. These population groups have experienced discrimination since Chinese sailors started working in the Dutch ports at the start of the last century, especially during the economic crisis in the 1930s, the researchers said. The report cites a quote from an official in 1929. “If people are allowed in, if they are allowed to stay here for decades, it will be very difficult to get rid of them, and a Dutch colony of illegitimate children with Gypsy, Oriental, and Chinese blood will be bred.” The researchers noted that this idea still lingers in Dutch society, pointing to a broadcast of Holland’s Got Talent in which jury member Gordon said to a candidate of Chinese origin: “Which number are you singing? Number 39 with rice?” Minister Karien van Gennip of Social Affairs called the study results “unfortunately, no surprise.” She said: “It is now visible to everyone on what scale this discrimination takes place. It provides recognition, but above all, it gives us a job to do as a society. Why China’s frustrated Youth are Ready to ‘let it rot’Early this month China’s president Xi Jinping encouraged the country’s youth to establish “great ideals” and incorporate their personal goals into the “bigger picture” of the Chinese nation and people. “‘China’s hope lies in youth,” he said in a major speech.
But on China’s internet, some young people say their “ideals” simply cannot be achieved and many of them have given up on trying. Frustrated by the mounting uncertainties and lack of economic opportunities, they are resorting to a new buzzword – bai lan (摆烂, or let it rot in English) – to capture their attitude towards life. The phrase, bai lan, which has its origin in NBA games, means a voluntary retreat from pursuing certain goals because one realises they are simply too difficult to achieve. In American basketball, it often refers to a team’s deliberate loss of a game in order to get a better draft pick. On Weibo, the bai lan-related topics have generated hundreds of millions of reads and discussions since March. Netizens also created different variations of the bai lan attitude. “Properties in Shanghai too expensive? Fine, I’ll just rent all my life, as I can’t afford it if I only earn a monthly salary anyway,” one grumbled. In recent days, this phrase – and more previously ‘tang ping’ (lying flat, 躺平), which means rejecting gruelling competition for a low desire life – gained popularity as severe competition and high social expectations prompted many young Chinese to give up on hard work. But bai lan has a more worrying layer in the way it is being used by young people in China: to actively embrace a deteriorating situation, rather than trying to turn it around. It is close to other Chinese phrases, for example ‘to smash a cracked pot’ (破罐破摔) and ‘dead pigs are not afraid of boiling water’ (死猪不怕开水烫). State media have taken note of this trend. “Why modern young Chinese like to ‘bai lan’?” one recent article in official media outlet asked. “In fact, this is as a result of negative auto suggestion, repeatedly telling oneself I cannot make it… And this kind of mentality often leads people to adopt the ‘bai lan’ attitude.” But the reality is not quite as state media suggested, says Sal Hang, a 29-year-old creative industry professional in Beijing. He says that for his generation of young Chinese, this attitude of letting things rot is likely to be caused by a lack of social mobility and increased uncertainty in today’s China. “Unlike my parents’ generation, young Chinese today have much bigger expectations, but there are many more uncertainties for us, too. For example, we cannot make any long-term plans for our lives any more, because we do not know what is going to happen to us even five years down the road.” After working as a flight engineer in south-western China, Hang moved to Beijing three years ago to work in music, his passion. But the workplace reality changed his initial ambition. “My boss often sets unrealistic targets for me. But however hard I try to meet his KPIs, I always fail. So in the end, I lose my motivation and just do my bare minimum.” Prof Mary Gallagher, director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan, says ‘bai lan’ is not necessarily a sentiment unique to China. “It is a bit like the ‘slacker’ generation in America in the 1990s. And like ‘tang ping’ last year, it is also a rejection against the ultra-competitiveness of today’s Chinese society.” But in today’s China, the sense of hopelessness among the young is further exacerbated by shrinking economic opportunities, she says. In the past few months, while hundreds of millions of Chinese people were confined to their homes due to Covid lockdowns, the world’s second-largest economy also found itself struggling to boost growth. More than 18% of young Chinese people aged between 16 and 24 were jobless in April – the highest since the official record began. “Hard to find a job after graduation this year? Fine, I’ll just bai lan – stay at home and watch TV all day,” wrote one netizen who struggled to find work, despite China’s top leader urged young people to fight for the future. Kecheng Fang, a media professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says young Chinese use ‘bai lan’ or ‘tang ping’ to show they are not cooperating with the official narrative. “All these popular phrases reflect a shared social emotion of the day. When people use them, they are not just expressing themselves, but looking for a connection with those who have the same feeling,” he says. “Despite the grand official narrative from the leaders, in real life, we are all in the same situation, after all.”
Last week, the US military news site Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP) wrote that America’s “Green Berets” were planned to be deployed to Taiwan to act as permanent training observers and prepare the island’s special units. This represents a departure from past practice that saw frequent but non-permanent visits by US personnel to Taiwanese training facilities, the report said. The permanent US forces, according to the article, would be situated on the Kinmen Islands, just 10 kilometers from mainland China.
Beijing sees the self-governing isle as part of China’s sovereign territory, and has repeatedly warned it against formally declaring independence. Although Taiwan has governed itself since 1949, most of the international community, including the US, does not officially recognize it as a sovereign state. While the US does not officially support Taiwanese independence, it maintains security ties with the island. Under the ‘Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act 2022,’ to “deter People’s Republic of China (PRC) aggression against Taiwan” the US is authorized to spend up to $2 billion a year in military grants to bolster the island’s security up until 2027. Mainland China has slammed the increased rotation of US military personnel to the island. The US always prioritizes its own interests, and Taiwan is merely a “pawn” it uses against mainland China, Beijing’s spokesman Chen Binhua stated on Wednesday. He claimed that by “closely aligning with the US to carry out so-called military training programs,” Taiwan’s political leadership is gradually “pushing the people of Taiwan into a crisis.” “Any attempt to seek ‘independence’ through military means or rely on external forces for ‘independence’ will only lead to danger and ultimately result in self-destruction for Taiwan,” he warned. Asia’s bountiful rice fields have fed the world for centuries, but the industry now faces a threat from a weedy “cousin” of the staple that has proliferated due in part to poor farming practices.
Mealy in texture with dark pigmentation and unfit for consumption, weedy rice can grow rapidly and taller than the regular crop varieties, depriving the latter of soil nutrients and sunlight. As a result of the invasive weedy rice, harvest quality, yields and in turn market value of regular rice have declined significantly in recent years. “They have become feral through a sort of accidental selection. They will eventually stick out over a crop field, but the problem is that by the time they are visible, there can often be quite an infestation,” Kenneth Olsen, Professor of Biology at Washington University, told This Week in Asia. “A major weedy rice infestation can reduce crop harvests in a given field by over 80 per cent,” he said. According to the World Economic Forum, Asian rice producers account for more than 80 per cent of global supply. Olsen was part of an international team including biologists in the United States, Thailand, Malaysia and China who have analysed the menace in a new study. The origins of weedy rice are unclear, although farmers first reported its presence about two decades ago. A high proportion of its varieties in East Asia appears to be directly descended from hybrid rice varieties introduced in the 1980s, Olsen said. Other varieties of weedy rice have also crossbred with wild rice varieties in Asia. “These very aggressive weedy forms can outcompete other rice crops [in terms of growth],” he said. According to several studies, weedy rice appears to be linked to certain cultivated rice varieties in Japan, South Korea and China. It only requires a small amount of weedy rice plants per square metre to cause huge damage to the harvest of cultivated rice, Olsen said. For instance, the US saw crop losses equivalent to an amount that was sufficient to feed 12 million people due to the damage caused by weedy rice in the last few years, he added. Some of the weedy varieties are highly effective at dispersing their seeds in rice fields because of a certain genetic mutation. “These seeds can lie dormant and be perfectly viable for 20 years,” Olsen said. Major rice producer Thailand had reported losses of about 10 per cent of its output as a result of the weedy rice problem in recent years, said Tonapha Pusadee, one of the study’s co-authors. Some studies show that weedy rice varieties found in Southeast Asia have branched off into different evolutionary pathways, including several that originated from cultivated rice. Thai farmers have resorted to several ways to deal with weedy rice, such as cutting the panicles, or the top portions, of their rice crops, using a chemical in a bid to eliminate the problem and planting rice for only one season, Pusadee said. |
Thank you for choosing to make a difference through your donation. We appreciate your support.
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of CookiesCategories
All
Archives
April 2024
|