Stories about Chinese from January, 2014
China's Propaganda-Heavy New Year's Gala Fails to Impress Viewers
Known as Chunwan, the variety show regularly draws tens of millions of viewers every year and has become an essential part of Spring Festival celebrations. But its popularity is dwindling.
Old Video of Official Slapping Chinese Tennis Star Li Na Goes Viral
China's sports system is notorious for its abuse of athletes.
China Awards Tennis Champion Li Na With Six-Figure Prize
The Chinese local authorities’ decision to award 800,000 yuan to China's tennis superstar Li Na shortly after her triumph at the Australian Open has triggered criticism among Chinese netizens.
Alarm Bells Ringing (Again) Over China's Housing Bubble
Continuously jumping home prices has raised concerns again about real estate bubble in China as the government refrains from introducing more property curbs that would hinder economic growth.
China Sentences Citizens’ Movement Icon Xu Zhiyong to Four Years in Prison
His imprisonment is part of a crackdown by new Chinese Communist Party leadership under President Xi Jinping against political liberals who have been trying to advocate for constitutional reform.
Chinese-Style ‘Tiger’ Parenting Triggers Complaints Among Younger Generation
"[They] kill innocence during children's’ childhoods, kill our romance during adolescence and kill our will during our youth."
China Arrests Ilham Tohti, Peaceful Advocate for Uyghur Minority
Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Global Times accused university professor Ilham Tohti of being a separatist. His supporters maintain he opposes violence and independence for the Uyghur people.
Indonesian Maid Says She Was Beaten, Starved and Burned in Hong Kong
Another damning case of foreign maid abuse has recently been exposed in Hong Kong. Activist groups are working together to end this modern-day slave system.
One Million Yuan to Hire a Girlfriend for Chinese New Year
"I'm too busy with work, mom is pressuring me to get married, so I sincerely plan to hire a girlfriend to take home."
Chinese Rock Star Cui Jian Refuses to Sing Under Censorship
Rocker Cui Jian, whose song “Nothing to My Name” became an anthem for Tiananmen Square protesters, won't perform at China’s spring gala if required to censor his lyrics.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back for China's Stock Market Reforms
After only two weeks of letting market forces set companies' initial public offerings, China's stock market authorities rolled back some of their reforms.
More Money, More Problems? Taiwan Opens Door to More Chinese Business
Even though China is a huge market for Taiwanese businesses, many worry that unrestricted entry of mainland capital threatens Taiwanese culture, freedom of expression and even national security.
Chinese Feminist Activist Walks 2,000 Kilometers to Protest Sexual Abuse
Feminist activist Xiao Meili is four months into her journey on foot from Beijing to to the southern city of Guangzhou.
