Chinese Authorities Research Articles

Chinese reporting on the Ukraine war.

During the first months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the attitude of the Chinese authorities was the object of much speculation. This paper sheds light on the Chinese official position by examining how the Chinese global channel CGTN presented the main actors and actions in the conflict over the first three months. By conducting a corpus assisted discourse study of all the reports published about the conflict on CGTN from February to May 2022, and comparing them with two similar corpora from international news providers Al Jazeera and Euronews, we identify the main trends in representation of nations, leaders and actions in all three channels. We trace how CGTN negotiated the discursive dilemma posed by China’s neutral position and consider how it used reporting on this conflict to pursue certain strategic goals, possibly with a view to influencing public opinion in areas of the world where audiences may be receptive to stances that are not overtly pro-Russian yet are sceptical of the West.

Platformized production of homonationalism: An ethnography of queer media production in China

Queer media production research, almost exclusively conducted in the western context, predominantly focuses on the queer-capital interplay and overlooks the role of the state in contexts where the state remains the dominant force in limiting LGBTQ rights. In bridging queer media production with homonationalism, this paper presents an ethnographic account of Danlan, the longest-lasting commercial queer media in China. We demonstrate that Danlan is experimenting with a nationalism-infused, non-confrontational, and de-westernized approach to LGBTQ visibility that requires it to align with the Chinese authority and distance from the framework of LGBTQ advocacy deemed western. Situated in the context of platformization, homonationalism also functions as a template for workers at Danlan to facilitate everyday production while minimizing political risks and increasing traffic, which further complicates its social-political implications. We understand this form of homonationalism as a quotidian platform practice that relies on intentional self-depoliticization and alignment with the state to sustain itself.

Raising and Lowering Awareness in the Digital Space

Abstract Since the wave of repressions targeting primarily Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), minorities in danger resorted to various online platforms in order to increase awareness about the situation they face and to archive available evidence for future use. Thus, the narrative was created that portrays ill-treatment, forced assimilation, unlawful detention, and cultural erasure. Most Muslims and activists started using the online video platforms of Douyin, which is native to China, and TikTok, its international equivalent, to share videos aimed at domestic and international audiences. These videos vary in production quality and messages, but almost all of them are designed to mobilize viewers to learn more about the human rights crisis in the XUAR and take action. Similarly, Chinese officials started using Douyin and TikTok to create counternarratives via their own videos. Videos by Chinese authorities (e.g., local police departments in Xinjiang) or by China-sponsored content creators depict Muslims enjoying their culture, language, and religion, and the region is often shown as peaceful and rapidly developing, thanks to the efforts of the Chinese government. This article aims to look at examples of Douyin and TikTok videos by both Muslims and human rights activists and pro-CCP (Chinese Communist Party) content creators through the lenses of multimodal discourse analysis to identify potential trends and shared approaches. The theoretical framework includes digital activism, oppositional media resource mobilization, and surveillance studies, focusing on how digital activism emerges as a response to digital repression. The article concludes with findings of how video content by pro-Muslim minority and pro-CCP creators battle on the online spaces of Douyin and TikTok for a dominant narrative, which can be categorized as reactive and proactive measures against state (digital) repression.

Traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular disease: efficacy and safety.

In China and other Asian nations, traditional medicine has long been utilized in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While Chinese authorities have incorporated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment experiences as a supplementary guide for CVD, its international recognition remains limited due to a scarcity of high-quality and reliable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evidence. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes with TCM for CVD after the recent publication of large trials adding >20,000 individuals to the published data. Here, we systematically reviewed 55 published RCTs (modified Jadad scores > 4) in the past 20 years, involving a total of 36,261 patients. In most studies, TCM has been associated with significant improvements in alternative endpoints such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. A total of 19 trials reported on primary outcomes such as cardiovascular events and death events. During the follow-up period, some Chinese patent medicines can effectively reduce the "hard" endpoints of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, the overall trend of cardiovascular outcomes is lower. The risk of adverse effects was not significantly increased compared to the control group, suggesting its potential as an alternative approach for primary and secondary prevention of CVD based on the available evidence.

Unbound hukou and rebound innovation in urban China

The Chinese authorities issued the “Guiding Opinions on Further Deepening the Reform of the Household Registration System” in 2014. This policy maintained strict controls on urban hukou in megacities, while slightly less stringent controls were applied in large cities. However, the restrictions on obtaining urban hukou were significantly relaxed in medium-sized cities and completely lifted in small cities. This study examines the causal effects and underlying mechanisms of hukou reform on urban innovation in cities of different sizes, using DID method based on a quasi-natural experiment by the 2014 hukou reform in China. The findings suggest that the hukou reform can significantly promote urban innovation, with particularly strong positive effects observed in large cities in the eastern region, small- and medium-sized cities in the central and western regions, as well as cities with favourable conditions for innovation. The primary mechanisms in which hukou reform influences urban innovation involve enhancing both the quantity and quality of urban labor force, as well as creating a better environment for innovation in cities.

Comparative analysis of the image of a Chinese migrant in the Chinese mainland media and the media of Chinese emigration

The research presents a comparative analysis of the image of a Chinese migrant in the mainland Chinese media and the media of Chinese emigration. The research is based on the study of the content of publications such as The People's Daily and Xinhua on the one hand, and emigrant media, including The World Journal and The Epoch Times, on the other. The aim of the study is to identify differences and similarities in the representation of Chinese migrants, as well as to assess the influence of the political and cultural context on the formation of their image. In the Chinese mainland media, migrants are often presented as successful and patriotic representatives of the nation, keeping in touch with their homeland, which corresponds to China's "soft power" strategy. The expatriate opposition media is also biased in shaping the image of the Chinese migrant, often labeling migration as political rather than economic. The object of the study is the materials of the Chinese mainland and migrant media on the issues of Chinese emigration in the period 2023-2024. The subject of the study is the image of a Chinese migrant in the Chinese media. The methodology of this study includes content analysis and quantitative analysis of Chinese news media texts. As a result of the conducted research, the main similarities and significant differences in the representation of Chinese migrants in mainland Chinese media and emigrant media were revealed. The image of a migrant in the Chinese mainland media is formed within the framework of state propaganda, with an emphasis on patriotism and the preservation of cultural ties with the Motherland. Migrants are portrayed as successful representatives of the Chinese nation, keeping in touch with China and promoting its interests abroad. This reflects China's state policy of strengthening "soft power" and supporting the diaspora for economic and cultural influence in the international arena. The expatriate opposition media are also biased in shaping the image of the Chinese migrant, often labeling migration as political rather than economic. On the other hand, independent expatriate media such as the World Journal reflect more diverse and often critical points of view, highlighting the problems of migrant integration, discrimination and the complexities of life in another country. Independence from the Chinese authorities allows these media to focus on practical issues, avoiding political bias.

Museographic narrating of dissonant heritage in Tianjin’s former international concessions

Concessions—defined as the urban elements built by Western powers while ‘occupying’ various parts of the Chinese territory—have recently been granted heritage status by the Chinese national and local authorities. However, in many respects, they are ‘dissonant’ heritage sites since they are the result of the several-decade-long ‘colonial’ presence in Tianjin of nine foreign powers. The aim of this study is to understand how former international concessions are featured in museums and interpretation centres in present-day Tianjin. Using an approach that draws on dissonant heritage; literature on postcolonial museums, nostalgia and forgetting mechanisms; and the relationship between museographic narratives and patriotism, this article analyses a corpus of eight museums located in three former international concessions (Marshal Zhang’s Mansion, the Former Residence of Ma Zhanshan, the Museum of Modern History of Tianjin, the Five Avenues History Museum, the Museum of the Department Store Quan Ye Chang, Zhang House, the Astor Hotel Museum, the Tianjin Planning Exhibition Hall and the Tianjin Museum). The analysis is based on a common observation grid and semidirect interviews conducted with museum staff. The article captures and examines the main narratives from three perspectives: 1) revisiting the concession period as evidence of the beginning of modernity in China, which was a time in which celebrity life stories and the emergence of modern urban elements were praised; 2) considering the concessions as a dreamlike past of ‘others’ and ‘elsewheres’ belonging to a ‘foreign land’ and a context far removed from contemporary life in China, which favours the thematisation and leisure of Western architecture; and 3) selecting and targeting narratives focused on the heroes of the Republic of China (1912–1949) and the People’s Republic of China. This paper highlights and further develops how former Western concessions are imbued with a sense of both nostalgia and patriotism and sets out to gain a deeper understanding of the tension between these two attitudes.

THE EXPERIENCE OF AGGLOMERATION DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA AND KAZAKHSTAN

This article examines the experience of agglomeration development in China and Kazakhstan. It reviews the history of formation and approaches to defining the concept of urban agglomeration, including the definition of urban agglomeration by Chinese scholars. Forecasts are presented for metropolitan areas around the world and in China. In the practice of agglomeration development in China today, five urbanization belts and nineteen major urban agglomerations are outlined. The transfer of "non-capital functions" from the Chinese capital to Hebei Province is transforming Xiong'an into a center of innovation. The set of special measures used by the Chinese authorities to stimulate the development of megalopolises and agglomerations is considered. Characteristics of the functioning of China's urban agglomerations are presented, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The experience of agglomeration development in Kazakhstan at the legislative level is studied, and attention is paid to the introduction of a new model of agglomeration management in the country, which gives regional administrations basic, additional powers and responsibilities for agglomeration development. The imbalances around the major cities and the main factors contributing to these imbalances are considered. The need for the formation and development of agglomerations as points of economic growth of the country and their effective positioning according to the level and specialization of their development is substantiated. Based on the analysis of the development of agglomeration processes in Kazakhstan, the advantages and disadvantages of urban agglomerations are presented. Suggestions are made on the directions of their further development.

The role of economics and the quality of antitrust case assessment in China: an empirical investigation

This article empirically measures indicators capturing the role of economics in the antitrust decisions of the Competition Authorities of China from 2010 – 2021. The methodology allows that identification of the legal standards (LSs) adopted in assessing different conduct types and their evolution. The LSs are compared to their theoretically optimal level in order to deduce quality of enforcement. Comparative analysis is undertaken with published results on the role of economics for EC’s DGCOMP, UK’s CMA and Russia’s FAS. The Chinese Authorities’ enforcement record lags behind in quality that of DGCOMP and CMA in abuse of dominance cases though it is already well ahead of countries in which their modern Competition Law enforcement started at about the same time (2008), like Russia.

Atmospheric pollution in Chinese cities: Trends and persistence

This paper applies fractional integration to investigate the behaviour of various pollutants in seven Chinese cities. The objective is to establish if the series exhibit long memory and if time trends are statistically significant over the sample period going from January 2014 to November 2022. The results suggest that the steps recently taken by the Chinese authorities to reduce emissions and improve air quality have already had some effect: in most cases the air pollutant series are in the stationary range, with mean reversion occurring and shocks only having temporary effects, and there are significant downward trends indicating a decline over time in the degree of pollution in China. It is also interesting that in the most recent period, the Zero-Covid policy of the Chinese authorities has led to a further fall. On the whole, it would appear that the action plan adopted by the Chinese government is bringing the expected environmental benefits and therefore it is to be hoped that such policies will continue to be implemented and extended to improve air quality even further.

FEATURES OF THE REGIONAL POLICY OF THE PRC AND ITS REFLECTION IN RELATIONS WITH KAZAKHSTAN

The article examines the specific features of the regional policy of the People's Republic of China in historical perspective and provides a critical assessment of the foreign policy views of generations of Chinese authorities. It shows how the complex international situation during the first generation of Chinese power influenced the country's foreign policy positions and the level of influence of Chinese foreign policy views on the world order during the Cold War. The study aimed to determine the reflection of China's regional political views in Kazakh-Chinese relations, to find out the features of the adaptation of the core of the Chinese authorities' foreign policy positions to modern criticism. The novelty of the study lies in identifying the features of the regional policy of the People's Republic of China and its reflection in Kazakh-Chinese relations. The objectives of the work include identifying the main strategic features of the foreign policy of each generation of the Chinese government, identifying its influence on the regional political situation and influence on Kazakh-Chinese relations, as well as studying the nature of topical issues between Kazakhstan and China. The topic of the study was considered on the basis of the theory of neorealism, neoliberalism and integration using the methods of historical-comparative, statistical, structural analysis and systematization. These methods helped to comprehensively consider the problem and systematize the results of the analysis. The results of the study allow theoretically comprehending China's regional policy and gaining a deeper understanding of its impact on Kazakh-Chinese relations. The results of the research work can be widely used in studies in the field of international relations, oriental studies, political science, sinology, and history.

Post-Materialist Development in Rural China: “Beautiful Countryside” Construction and the Case of Zhejiang

Abstract After 40 years of reform and opening-up, it appears that some new development concepts are emerging in China. We argue that while the Chinese government continues to pursue economic development, it is also engaging in some post-materialist practices in the areas of environmental protection, cultural development, and political participation. The Chinese authorities are exploring the establishment of Zhejiang Province as a model for rural development by facilitating the adoption of a post-materialist governance path. Post-materialist development in China is, however, very different from its Western counterpart. On account of its collectivist, rather than liberal, ideology, the CCP’s idea of post-materialist development consists of party-state environmentalism, “red culturalism,” and participatory authoritarianism. We carried out field research in Caocun Town in Zhejiang Province. The “digital village” scheme promoted by the town is an example of post-materialism with Chinese characteristics. However, we emphasize that China’s development strategy has not completely shifted to one of post-materialism. The Zhejiang case is merely an experiment which could point the way to a new ideology and new development policies in the future.

Sustainable Marketing Strategies for Incoming Students to Chinese Universities

This paper investigates the motivations and satisfaction levels of international students studying in China, using a marketing approach. Through a literature review, it examines education service quality, marketing tools, and the importance of international students. The main goal is to identify the main incentives for students coming to China and to assess the gaps between their expectations and satisfaction with various aspects of the marketing mix during their studies. To achieve this goal, a quantitative survey was conducted, which reveals that the most valued incentives are related to the campus environment, professional teachers, student life, and cultural diversity. In terms of student satisfaction, the results highlight that the least satisfactory factors include aspects related to the promotion of international studies and the partnerships between universities. These areas require more attention from Chinese university management for future improvement. The paper concludes with theoretical implications and managerial recommendations for universities, national policymakers, and Chinese authorities in the context of China’s national education development strategy, entitled “Opinions on Accelerating and Expanding the Opening Up of Education to the World in the New Era”.

Strategic cooperation of high tech companies of China and Russia

The sanctions imposed on the Russian economics in 2022 by a number of countries created an external shock for many industries in Russia with the strongest impact on the enterprises of high tech industries. At the same time, there is an emerging potential for cooperation between Russian and Chinese manufacturers which is forming new strategies of development of Russian high tech enterprises. In order to evaluate the prospects and trends of development of Chinese high tech industry in this context, the authors applied methods of economic analysis including the correlation analysis. Factors, determining potential of cooperation between Russia and China in this sphere, were systematized on the basis of the methodology of strategizing by Professor Vladimir L. Kvint.It has been stated that Chinese manufacturers are able to replace either partially or completely European and American suppliers in a number of high tech industries: innovative components and equipment for engineering, semiconductors and chips, telecommunications equipment and components. It has been discovered that the number of registered patents and the number of researchers involved in RD in China have a significant correlation with the growth of export of high tech products of China. Further growth will be able to ensure the expansion of technology and knowledge exports from China to Russia.Thus, it can be stated for sure that there are perspective industries and fields of Russia-China cooperation in high tech industry. The sphere of cooperation which can become the basis for the strategy of development of Russian high tech manufacturers is scientific and patent cooperation with Chinese organizations. The authors have also discovered limitations in this cooperation: there is a threat of imposing international sanctions on Chinese manufacturers; Chinese enterprises are working at a high level of workload in the context of the global economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic; decrease of competitiveness of Russian high tech industry has a negative impact on the expected benefits from the cooperation between the countries. These strategic threats can be overcome with the help of a well-grounded foreign economic strategy developed by Russian and Chinese authorities.

Provincializing western planning concepts in a Chinese City: the intertwined adaptation of introduced ideas and local agents in shaping the Guangzhou Central Business District

ABSTRACT The adoption of Western planning ideas has significantly shaped China’s Central Business Districts (CBDs) and spurred economic growth. This article goes beyond existing research by exploring the “provincialization” of Western planning concepts, resulting in unique CBD landscapes in Chinese cities. Through a study of the Guangzhou CBD, it reveals how introduced ideas and local agents mutually adjust and respond to each other’s needs during the provincialization process. Under the “Reforms and Opening-up” policy, Chinese authorities drew from Hong Kong’s experiences to introduce the CBD concept, adapting it to underdeveloped land in Guangzhou and blending it with American downtown design. To meet urban space demands, industrial growth, and land economy needs, urban authorities reorganized local resources to create a discourse of the “central axis” to integrate the CBD concept into the urban layout. Consequently, both introduced ideas and local agents are intertwined to address challenges posed by each other, resulting in Guangzhou’s CBD framing a hybrid urban landscape.

Creating a softening cultural-landscape to enhance tourist experiencescapes: The case of Lu Village

Tourist destination management involves many resources, including local culture and landscape but rarely are both considered together. To address this deficiency this study focused on the visual softening of a Chinese traditional village to enhance visitor experiences by planting vegetation consistent with cultural and heritage principles. It does so by using empirical data from the case study site of Lu Village in China. The study is directed toward explaining how a fusion of nature possessing cultural values might visually improve a village destination to make it more attractive for tourists. It represents a little explored aspect of the policy of “cultural consumption” currently espoused by the Chinese authorities, yet one that is low cost for Chinese villages. However, application of the policy requires planning of routes, locations, and messaging to provide information for tourists and maintain privacy for residents. The required consultative process may enhance senses of village cohesion.

Epidemiological characteristics and early predict model of children Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia outbreaks after the COVID-19 in Shandong

Since October 2023, a significant outbreak of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (MPP) has been observed in children in northern China. Chinese health authorities have attributed this epidemiological to immune debt resulting from the relaxation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control measures. This study described the epidemiological features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) prevalence in children and developed a straightforward prediction model to differentiate between MPP and viral pneumonia in children. The infection rate of MP in children notably increased from 8.12 in 2022 to 14.94% in 2023, peaking between October and November, especially among school-age children. Logistic regression screening identified four key indicators: Age, D-Dimer levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and gender. The developed nomogram exhibited a receiver operator characteristic curve-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.858, with external validation confirming an ROC-AUC of 0.794. This study examined the epidemiological characteristics of MPP prevalence in children in Shandong Province during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. An early predict model was developed and validated to differentiate between Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and viral infections.

Development of the Video Game Industry in China in the Beginning of 21st Century

The policy of reform and opening-up led to the formation of the PRC game industry, which became an important element of the socio-economic landscape of the state during the last two decades of the XX century. The Chinese authorities' ban on importing foreign consoles at the very beginning of the 21st century strengthened the local PC sector and multiplayer games market. This not only became the driving force behind the industry's development, but was also used by the political establishment to strengthen ties with young people through various cultural, historical and propaganda projects, as well as support for cyber sports. Active government involvement was a response to the rapid expansion of the national computer entertainment industry, which started to cover a broader population; this led to both positive and negative consequences. Regulatory authorities focused on the impact of the gaming industry on young people, consistently expanding regulations and establishing stricter and clearer rules of behavior in virtual space and on the Web. At the same time, some restrictions may have been formal in nature, allowing the Chinese computer entertainment sector to maintain and develop international ties. In addition, the PRC authorities restrained the penetration of Western firms into the local market through regulatory mechanisms, seeking to make this process controlled, but preserving opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with the leaders of the Western industry. Favorable conditions were also created for the competitive development of local gaming firms, which led to the formation of a group of the strongest companies, which, having strengthened their positions in the domestic market, began global expansion. Thus, the gaming business has become another element for the modern Chinese state to demonstrate its national power and expand its international influence.

Islands in the City: Negotiating the Location of British Concessions along the Yangtze River in 1861 China

In the second half of the nineteenth century, Britain signed treaties to secure the right to establish concessions along the Yangtze River in China. Despite extensive scholarly analysis of the history of British concessions, one aspect that is often overlooked is that these treaties did not specify the locations for these concessions. As a result, the British had to negotiate with local Chinese officials to acquire suitable sites. This essay aims to delve into the history of Sino-British relations and the spatial dynamics of occupation by examining the interactions between the British and Chinese in determining concession sites within Yangtze River port cities – specifically Zhenjiang, Hankou, and Jiujiang. It reveals that, following the Second Opium War, British arrivals and Chinese authorities established an implicit understanding. Despite diverse strategies employed by Chinese authorities in managing foreign affairs – ranging from appeasement to radical measures – the British consistently pursued potential advantages and preferred negotiation to maximize their respective interests. Consequently, these concessions were located in less desirable positions along the Yangtze River, surrounded by waterways. This strategic placement facilitated British cargo landings while enabling the Chinese to retain control over foreign arrivals, effectively transforming them into metaphorical islands within these cities.

Factors influencing the pricing of credit risk mitigation warrants in corporate bond financing

AbstractIn 2022, various Chinese regulatory authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the State‐owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), jointly issued documents and convened seminars at the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges to highlight the importance of credit protection tools, particularly credit risk mitigation warrants (CRMWs), to bolster corporate bond market financing. However, empirical research on the factors influencing CRMW prices in the Chinese market remains scarce. This study examines the factors affecting CRMW creation prices using a sample of CRMWs issued between 2018 and 2023 and analyzes the macroeconomic factors, characteristics of the underlying issuers, and related financial instruments. This study employs Shapley decomposition to evaluate the contribution of each variable. The findings reveal that, on the macroeconomic front, the year‐on‐year GDP growth rate from the previous quarter and the loan balance of financial institutions significantly and negatively impact CRMW prices. Regarding the underlying issuers, the issuer's credit rating and return on net assets significantly negatively affect CRMW prices, whereas the asset–liability ratio and issuer age have a significant positive impact. Additionally, related financial instruments such as bond interest rates and the risk mitigation certificate term positively contribute to the coverage of the underlying bond term and have a significant positive impact on CRMW prices.