Diminishing space for humour in China and Chinese experts react to Modi's meeting with Zelensky

Asia Communique -- weekly update

Hello all,

Apologies for missing last week’s update. I have shared the links to my articles from last week below.

I know that some of you aren’t Twitter natives and like to get updates about my work in your inbox. I will continue to share a brief update with links to my articles.

Last week’s articles:

1. China censors citizens from discussing Pakistan protests. Political revolt is a sensitive topic. Link

2. Education, language, politics — Xi Jinping wants Central Asia to depend on China, not Russia. Link

This week’s articles:

1. Chinese comedian’s PLA pun will lead to more censorship. No space for humour in Xi’s China. Link

2. Xi wanted to meet Zelenskyy, Modi beat him to it. ‘Opportunist’ jibe is China’s frustration. Link

A significant story that I am reading today:

“A Chinese government-backed hacking group has been spying on critical US infrastructure organisations, including targeting the US island territory of Guam, home to strategic military presence”

“Microsoft said it “assesses with moderate confidence” that this campaign "is pursuing development of capabilities that could disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the United States and Asia region during future crises.”

That makes the targeting of Guam of particular concern, as it would be a key part of any sort of American military response to conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tensions are growing over Taiwan, an island nation with its own democratically-elected government that China claims as its territory.

Experts have highlighted that China could act on leader Xi JInping’s repeated vows to annex Taiwan by leading an invasion or blockade”

Link to The Telegraph story.

Some other stories that I am tracking this week:

1. Exclusive: Russian hypersonic scientist accused of betraying secrets to China — Reuters

2. China and Saudi Arabia boycott G20 meeting held by India in Kashmir — Guardian

3. Xi Jinping Meets with Russian Prime Minister Mishustin — Xinhua

4. Power of Siberia: China keeps Putin waiting on gas pipeline — Financial Times

5. Pakistan pins hopes on Chinese help in debt crunch — Financial Times

See you next week!

Yours,

Aadil