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☆ China’s Shrinking Population Is Deeper Problem Than Slow Growth for Its Economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Stella Yifan Xie | Jason Douglas | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

HONG KONG—China’s latest economic data showed that the country’s zero-Covid policies led to one of the slowest growth rates in decades last year. But economists say another figure released the same day will be a bigger problem for China’s economy in the future: its shrinking population. China has already rolled back the zero-Covid policies that restrained growth for much of 2022, setting the stage for a recovery this year. The U-turn was part of a broad policy reset aimed at boosting the economy, including an easing of regulations on the property sector and signals that the clampdown on the tech sector has ended.

☆ China’s Economy Faces Deeper Problems Than Its Slowing Growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Stella Yifan Xie | Jason Douglas | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

HONG KONG—China’s latest economic data showed that the country’s zero-Covid policies led to one of the slowest growth rates in decades last year. But economists say another figure released the same day will be a bigger problem for China’s economy in the future: Its shrinking population. China has already rolled back the zero-Covid policies that restrained growth for much of 2022, setting the stage for a recovery this year. The U-turn on its pandemic policies was part of a broad policy reset aimed at boosting the economy, including an easing of regulations on the property sector and signals that the clampdown on the tech sector has ended.

[1/4] A supporter of Turkey's main pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) holds a mask of their jailed former leader and presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtas during a rally in Ankara, Turkey, June 19, 2018. Turkey's constitutional court opened the case against the HDP in 2021, drawing strong criticism from Ankara's Western allies. "Even if Erdogan puts pressure on voters, even if he tries to use tricks, he cannot avoid defeat," Demirtas said. 'WE ARE THE PEOPLE'Ahead of the elections, Demirtas' Twitter account has issued daily political messages to its more than 2 million followers. The party currently plans to propose its own presidential candidate, but Demirtas did not rule out backing a joint opposition candidate against Erdogan.

☆ Jordan truckers' strike exposes woes of impoverished south
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Suleiman Al-Khalidi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"Diesel is my lifeline," said 54-year-old Abu al-Zait, who has seen his livelihood thrown into jeopardy by high fuel price rises since Russia invaded Ukraine. The month-long sit-in cost Jordan tens of millions of dollars in losses when it paralysed unloading at the Red Sea port of Aqaba, according to officials and industrialists. It was the latest bout of unrest in Maan, a poor tribal stronghold about 250 km (156 miles) south of the capital. Fuel price rises, combined with high taxes and spiralling food costs in a nation that imports most goods, has made life unaffordable for many. Like many Arab states, Jordan has in the last decade seen widespread unrest as it reduced food and fuel subsidies.

☆ Analysis: Iran executions quash protests, push dissent underground
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Parisa Hafezi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

They argue the resort to deadly state violence is merely pushing dissent underground, while deepening anger felt by ordinary Iranians about the clerical establishment that has ruled them for four decades. Executive Director at the Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Hadi Ghaemi said the establishment's main focus was to intimidate the population into submission by any means. People are either in prison or they have gone underground because they are determined to find a way to keep fighting," he said. Defying public fury and international criticism, Iran has handed down dozens of death sentences to intimidate Iranians enraged by the death of Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, 22. Ghaemi said the main officials pushing for the executions today were deeply involved in the 1980s killings of prisoners.

☆ South Africa’s Eskom says police investigating alleged poisoning of CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Cape Town Reuters —South African power utility Eskom on Sunday said police were investigating whether an attempt was made to poison its outgoing chief executive officer, Andre de Ruyter. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan also told Reuters on Sunday the alleged incident “will be thoroughly investigated” and anyone responsible charged. After officially taking charge in January 2020, De Ruyter led a company-wide clampdown on corruption and organized criminal behavior, including sabotage of infrastructure, at Eskom plants. “Eskom cannot comment further on the poisoning incident involving the group chief executive, which occurred during December 2022, as the matter is subject to police investigation,” the utility’s head of security said in a statement. The alleged cyanide poisoning was first reported by specialist energy publication EE Business Intelligence on Saturday.

☆ Iran sentences three more protesters to death amid international criticism
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Parisa Hafezi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

DUBAI, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Iran's judiciary has sentenced three more anti-government protesters to death on charges of "waging war on God", its Mizan news agency reported on Monday, defying growing international criticism over its fierce crackdown on demonstrators. Pope Francis on Monday condemned Iran for using the death penalty on demonstrators demanding greater respect for women. Under Iran's Islamic law, treason is punishable by death. Amnesty International said last month that Iranian authorities are seeking the death penalty for at least 26 others in what it called "sham trials designed to intimidate protesters". The European Union, the United States and other Western countries have condemned Iran for using the death penalty against demonstrators.

☆ South African utility says police are investigating the alleged poisoning of its CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Andre de Ruyter, chief executive officer of Eskom Holdings, at a conference in October 2022. South African power utility Eskom on Sunday said police were investigating whether an attempt was made to poison its outgoing Chief Executive Officer Andre de Ruyter. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan also told Reuters on Sunday the alleged incident "will be thoroughly investigated" and anyone responsible charged. The alleged cyanide poisoning was first reported by specialist energy publication EE Business Intelligence on Saturday. The South African police services did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

☆ China's crackdown on Ant and other tech giants is 'basically' over, top official says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hong Kong CNN —China’s heavy-handed crackdown on tech giants is coming to an end and the country’s economic growth is expected to be back on track soon, according to a top central bank official. “Next, we’ll promote healthy development of internet platforms,” said Guo, who is also chairman of China’s Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Mark Schiefelbein/APChina’s crackdown on its biggest tech companies began in 2020 with new regulations on fintech, which forced Ma’s Ant Group to suspend its $37 billion IPO days before its launch. Regulators then targeted the online financial service units of 13 other tech giants, including Tencent, Baidu, JD.com, Bytedance, Meituan, and Didi. Ant Group’s restructuringMajor tech companies in China have struggled under a sweeping regulatory crackdown for months now.

☆ South Africa's Eskom says police investigating alleged poisoning of CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-08 | by ( Wendell Roelf | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan also told Reuters on Sunday the alleged incident "will be thoroughly investigated" and anyone responsible charged. Faced with political pressure, De Ruyter resigned on Dec. 14 after failing to solve a crisis in Eskom that has led to record power cuts in Africa's most industrialised economy. After officially taking office in January 2020, De Ruyter led a company-wide clampdown on corruption and organised criminal behaviour, including sabotage of infrastructure, at Eskom plants. The alleged cyanide poisoning was first reported by specialist energy publication EE Business Intelligence on Saturday. Reporting by Wendell Roelf in Cape Town and Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; editing by Barbara LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Chinese billionaire Jack Ma spotted in Bangkok - Thai media reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Alibaba Group (9988.HK) founder Jack Ma was spotted socialising in Bangkok this week, having stayed out of the public eye since regulators in China launched a clampdown on his business empire in late 2021, social media posts and local media reports showed. Several local media also reported that Ma was at the restaurant with Supakit Chearavanont, Chairman of the Board of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF.BK), Thailand's largest agribusiness group. Media also reported that Ma attended a boxing match at Bangkok's Rajadamnern Stadium where he posed with clenched fists for a photograph with Thai boxing champion Sombat "Buakaw" Banchamek. The Jack Ma Foundation did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Ma will give up control of the Chinese fintech giant Ant Group in an overhaul that seeks to draw a line under a regulatory crackdown that was triggered soon after its $73 billion IPO was scupper two years ago.

☆ South Carolina Supreme Court strikes down state abortion ban
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a ban on abortion after six weeks, ruling the restriction enacted by the Deep South state violates a state constitutional right to privacy. With federal abortion protections gone, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic sued in July under the South Carolina constitution’s right to privacy. Currently, South Carolina bars most abortions at about 20 weeks beyond fertilization, or the gestational age of 22 weeks. In South Carolina, lawyers representing the state Legislature have argued the right to privacy should be interpreted narrowly. South Carolina Democratic House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford said any continuation of Republicans’ “war on women” is a deliberate waste of taxpayer dollars.

☆ A PE firm that's built its brand on high-profile sports deals is broadening its scope
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But one firm that's already well established in the space is looking to quietly diversify itself beyond the pitch. With seemingly everyone interested in sports these days, Cardinale is smart to want to hedge his firm. The crypto exchange also agreed to pay $50 million to improve how it vets customers and transactions. Mala Gaonkar's hedge fund just made its long-awaited debut. SurgoCap Partners entered the fray this week with $1.8 billion in capital, making it the biggest launch of a women-led hedge fund, Bloomberg reports.

☆ Hong Kong to allow import of hamsters after year-long COVID ban
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Pedestrians walk past a closed pet shop in Mong Kok district after a hamster cull was ordered to curb the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Hong Kong, China, January 19, 2022. The government aims to "resume commercial imports of hamsters around mid-January," it said in a statement to Reuters. In January 2022, Hong Kong ordered a hamster cull amid an outbreak of Delta variant cases in humans that was traced back to a pet shop worker in the Chinese special administrative region. Hong Kong's pet rodent clampdown had echoed the mainland's zero-tolerance approach to COVID-19. Little Boss, the operating company which owned the pet shop at the heart of Hong Kong's hamster cull last year, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

☆ Iran reroutes plane carrying soccer star's wife, blames UK over unrest
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A service that could help Iranians circumvent internet restrictions is Starlink, a satellite-based broadband service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Musk said on Monday that the company was getting close to having 100 active Starlink satellite receivers inside Iran. After he voiced support for the protests on social media, authorities this month shut down a jewellery shop and a restaurant he owned. The British foreign ministry had said it was seeking further information from Iranian authorities on the reported arrests. Besides arrests, authorities have imposed travel bans on dozens of artists, lawyers, journalists and celebrities for endorsing the protests.

☆ Iran's clerical leaders to grapple with deepening dissent in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Parisa Hafezi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Amini's family said she was beaten after being arrested by the morality police on Sept. 13 for violating the Islamic Republic's imposed dress code. Facing their worst legitimacy crisis since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran's religious leaders have tried to portray the unrest as breakaway uprisings by ethnic minorities threatening national unity rather than its clerical rule. Protesters from all walks of life have taken to the streets, calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic. However, the persistent unrest does not mean the four-decade-old Islamic Republic will disappear any time soon given the power wielded by its security apparatus. The Islamic Republic will be engulfed by what analysts call a "revolutionary process" that will likely fuel more protests into 2023, with neither side backing down.

☆ Japan Bends to Global Forces Pushing Up Interest Rates
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Megumi Fujikawa | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda holding a press conference in Tokyo after the central said it would let a benchmark interest rate rise to 0.5% from 0.25%. TOKYO— The Bank of Japan ‘s governor, nearing the end of a decade in office, gave markets one more surprise in the form of an interest-rate increase that he said wasn’t really an increase. It capped an event-filled year for developed-world central bankers in which the Federal Reserve lifted its benchmark rate above 4% and the European Central Bank moved up to 2%. The inflationary forces that pushed the U.S. into rapid clampdown mode proved so powerful that even Japan’s central bank, which long stuck to near-zero rates, felt it had to budge—in part to protect the value of the yen, analysts said.

☆ The only victim in Elon's beef with journalists is Twitter
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Twitter itself knows news and journalists are major drivers of user engagement on its platform. By barring journalists, Musk is openly demonstrating his resentment towards one of Twitter's most active and important userbases, hurting the platform further. Journalists depend on Twitter, and Twitter depends on them tooBy Twitter's own estimates, journalists count for a lot on its platform. Users "regularly follow news-related Twitter accounts, and around 4 in 5 young journalists rely on the platform for their jobs. Journalists use Twitter more than any other social media platform, according to research from Pew in June, treating it as a real-time source of information.

CONTAGION RISKTrust firms were dubbed "shadow banks" because of how they operated outside many of the rules that govern commercial banks. Zhongrong International Trust has been working with local governments, including Qingdao provincial authorities, to source early stage deals in intelligent manufacturing, an executive there said. CCB Trust, Zhongrong International Trust and Avic Trust did not respond to requests for comment. Ping An Trust, Zhongrong International Trust, Everbright Xinglong Trust and Minmetals International Trust have all bought project companies from struggling developers in the last few months, corporate records and company announcements showed. Ping An Trust, Zhongrong International Trust, Everbright Xinglong Trust and Minmetals International Trust did not respond to requests for comment.

“I haven’t seen sunlight in what seems like a long time,” Li told CNN, a week after the protests broke out. In recent years, Beijing has extended its crackdown on dissent to the foreign platform, detaining and jailing Chinese Twitter users who criticized the government. TwitterLi received thousands of submissions a day – and up to dozens per second at the height of the protests. Journalists, observers and activists monitored his feed closely, and some of his posts were aired on televisions across the world. And then they went to our house at midnight to harass my parents,” Li said.

☆ Russian opposition politician sentenced to 8.5 years in prison on fake news charges
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin was sentenced in court to eight-and-a-half years in prison on Friday on charges of spreading “false information” about the army. Since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24, Moscow has intensified its clampdown on public dissent, with most prominent opposition figures either in jail or exile. Days after the invasion, legislation was passed providing for jail terms of up to 15 years for disseminating “false information” about the military. In a defiant post on his Telegram channel, Yashin urged his supporters to continue opposing the war in Ukraine. “With this hysterical verdict, the authorities want to intimidate us all but, in fact, it only shows their weakness.

☆ Iran executes protester for injuring guard with knife - Tasnim
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBAI, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Iran executed a protester on Thursday who was convicted of injuring a security guard with a knife and closing off a street in the capital, Tehran, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, part of a clampdown on nationwide unrest. The Tasnim news agency identified the person who was executed as Mohsen Shekari but gave no more details. Amnesty International has said the Iranian authorities are seeking the death penalty for at least 21 people in what it called "sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran". Iran has blamed the unrest on its foreign foes including the United States. Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Michael GeorgyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ China's property woes fuel risks to its financial system - Moody's
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Risks to the stability of China's financial system are rising on continued sluggishness in its property sector and an economic slowdown, making smaller banks more vulnerable, rating agency Moody's said on Friday. China's property sector has slowed sharply this year after Beijing's efforts reined in excessive borrowing by developers. "Risks to the stability of China's financial system are rising amid a contraction in the property sector and the country's economic slowdown." Despite the banking system's overall strength, smaller banks are most vulnerable and much more exposed to risks from the property sector, Moody's said. The property sector risks have weighed on banks' asset quality, with analysts expecting the non-performing ratio for real estate will stay high for lenders in the coming months.

☆ Israeli journalists experience chilly reception at Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Former Israeli football star, and now a commentator Eil Ohana posted a video showing a Qatari police officer driving him in a golf cart. Videos have gone viral in Israel and the Arab world showing football fans yelling at Israeli reporters, refusing to speak to them because of where they are from. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber launched clean water company Generosity at Qatar’s World Cup, to provide premium alkaline water in refillable fountains across the globe. The pitch invader who waved a rainbow flag on the field during Portugal’s World Cup match with Uruguay on Monday said FIFA president Gianni Infantino came to the Qatari police station to free him in order to “avoid more controversy.”Thursday’s Group E FIFA World Cup match between Costa Rica and Germany saw an all-women refereeing team for the first time in men’s World Cup history. Stephanie Frappart, from France, led the refereeing team, making her the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.

CNN —Football pundits on Qatar’s Alkass Sports channel mocked the German football team following its World Cup exit – by mimicking the players’ protest over human rights. Soon after, El-Hadary and other pundits then cover their mouths and wave goodbye – apparently in celebration of Germany’s exit. Football pundits on Qatar's Alkass Sports channel appear to mimic the German players' protest gesture. Twitter/@alkasschannelThe gesture mimics what the German players did to protest against FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband that many European captains had been hoping to wear in Qatar in support of LGBTQ rights. Following Germany’s 1:1 draw against Spain last Sunday, Jassem said in an al-Majlis episode that he was “shocked” at Germany’s protest.

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