Politics

China announces 7.2% defense budget hike, reaffirms opposition to Taiwan independence
China’s military spending remains the world’s second largest behind the U.S.

What to expect from China’s annual political meetings
China’s annual legislative meetings are expected to roll out policies aimed at boosting domestic demand and injecting more resources into supporting innovation.

Xi warns of economic ‘difficulties’ ahead of National People’s Congress
China’s growth figures are overblown and consumer confidence is at a low ebb, analysts say.

VOA exclusive: Chinese VPN provider flees abroad amid police extortion
Police in China's poorer counties have intensified their crackdown on VPN providers, imposing hefty fines that have forced those unable to pay into exile.

Anti-corruption purges raise serious questions about China’s military readiness
Several military officials will be absent during the upcoming legislative meeting.

Hong Kong Democratic Party’s plan to disband marks ‘end of an era’
Analysts say the Democratic Party’s decision to start disbanding is the result of Hong Kong authorities’ decision to implement a Chinese-style governance model.

Taiwan bans academic exchanges with 3 Chinese universities amid security concerns
The ban sparked domestic debate over its impact on cross-strait relations.
Xi’s big show of reconciliation does nothing but disappointing private sector, again
China's top leadership's condescending speech, paired with loyalty pledges from hand-picked entrepreneurs, suggests that little will be done to revive the country's suppressed private sector.

China’s AI surveillance tightens control and threatens global freedom, report warns
Chinese softwares such as video-sharing app TikTok and messenger and payment app WeChat also provide opportunities for Beijing to manipulate online content and monitor foreign users.

EXCLUSIVE: In RFA interview, Gyalo Thondup recalled betrayals of fight for Tibet
In his last interview before his death, the Dalai Lama’s brother assessed his role in the CIA-backed campaign.