January 15–28, US–NW 2021 Edition

Stephanie Keith / Getty Images Nation CHINA World Leaders Provinces Condemn Across Big Tech China Enter Censorship ‘Wartime’ of Trump Mode to Contain By Prakash Gogoi Vision Times CCP Virus Outbreaks ince the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol building, social media platforms By Chris Cheng Slike Facebook and Twitter Vision Times banned the account of President Donald Trump, accusing him of spreading hate and triggering hinese authorities have the riot. The ban has attracted announced that the widespread condemnation from provinces of Ningxia, politicians and rights’ activists CLiaoning, Henan, Heilongjiang, from across the globe, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Sep- Hebei, and the provincial-level tember 24, 2019, in New York City. many warning about the rise of regions of Beijing and Inner big tech censorship as a threat Mongolia are in “wartime mode” to democratic values and free due to a spike in CCP virus speech. infections. Public facilities have Bruno Le Maire, the finance been closed and strict restrictions minister of France, said the American UN Ambassador have been placed on travel. censorship was instigated by a The government has requested “digital oligarchy” and called for people to not travel during the stricter regulation of big online upcoming Lunar New Year platforms. German Chancellor Craft’s Taiwan Visit Planned, Festival on Feb. 12. In Meizhou Angela Merkel described City in Guangdong Province, the the complete closure of an local administration has issued elected president’s account as a notice stating that employees “problematic.” Then Cancelled from state-run enterprises, In the UK, Prime Minister Boris government departments, and Johnson is reportedly considering Trip to China-claimed island scrapped to accommodate private companies cannot leave enacting new laws against tech the city during Lunar New Year censorship. A government source transition procedures until they get approval from their revealed to Daily Mail that Boris respective management teams. did not like what has happened with the U.S. election and is By Leo Timm incoming Biden administration. Krach — to set foot on the island Chinese New Year travel looking for ways to prevent the Vision Times Congress confirmed Democratic in the last six months. Previously, interrupted same thing from happening to candidate Joe Biden as U.S. Craft’s such senior officials had not In an interview with The Epoch him. President-elect in the early hours visited the island in 40 years. Times, Mr. Xu, who works Manfred Weber, leader of elly Craft, U.S. of Jan. 7. planned Pompeo had said that in Guangdong, said that the the largest party group in the ambassador to the Taiwan, officially known as the Taiwan trip Washington was sending Craft government warning against European Parliament, said that United Nations, Republic of China (ROC), lost to Taiwan to show “what a free New Year travel is an indication Big Tech cannot be allowed to will not travel to its U.N. seat to the communist was intended China could achieve.” of the severity of the CCP virus decide what can and cannot KTaiwan, the Department of State mainland in 1971, and the to show On Jan. 9, the top U.S. diplomat outbreak. be spoken online. He called for announced Jan. 12 following a United States switched diplomatic also announced the removal of stricter regulatory approaches previous announcement saying recognition to Beijing later in the “what a free all “self-imposed restrictions” that in Europe. Jonas Gahr Store, she would spend three days decade. regulate how American officials A major political leader of a Norwegian left-wing visiting the self-ruled island that Craft, who was slated to visit China could interact with Taiwan. These rules party, warned that muzzling the Communist China claims is part Taiwan between Jan. 13 and achieve.“ had been set up largely to avoid conference American president threatened of its territory. Jan. 15, would have been the drawing diplomatic tirades and to be held in political freedom around the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo third high-ranking U.S. official other reactions from the Chinese world. explained that the cancellation — after U.S. Secretary of Health Communist Party (CCP). Hebei has been was due to work that needed to be and Human Services Alex Azar Continued on A2 done to turn over authority to the and Under Secretary of State Keith Continued on A2 postponed.

“Usually at year-end,

Drew Angerer/Getty Images commoners all head home to reunite with families, so the Chinese New Year is the most How WeChat Censors Users in America important thing… They wouldn’t By Jonathan Walker Zhou Fengsuo, who runs account without providing any make such calls if things are not Vision Times the non-profit organization reason. He created two additional especially bad… The government Humanitarian China and was accounts in order to support the is calling for people to celebrate a leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Hong Kong protests, but they the New Year locally… But if it recent report published protests, says that WeChat has were both blocked within a few comes to the point where they by The Washington Post been blocking his posts in China hours. He eventually got control force people to stay where they are, reveals that the Chinese for a long time. A year ago, even of his original account, but his then they would have completely Aapp WeChat has been censoring his friends in the U.S. could not friends in China are still unable lost control over the virus,” he told users living on American soil. see content on his timeline. He to see his posts. The Epoch Times. WeChat basically tracks down completely supports the Trump Ouyang Ruoyu, who came to Chinese people living in the U.S. administration’s stance regarding the U.S. as an asylum seeker in Continued on A3 who criticize the CCP and then the app. “WeChat is a prison. It’s a 2019, maintained two WeChat In this photo illustration, the WeChat app is displayed in the App Store deploys a variety of measures gulag… For the United States, it’s accounts. One was created in on an Apple iPhone on August 7, 2020 in Washington, DC. to block their communication a Trojan horse to influence society China and the second was created through the app. The report comes at every level… That’s why it must after reaching America. But on on the back of similar censorship be banned here,” he said to The both accounts, his timeline is outbreak. Again, the post was not ban was halted by a San Francisco about vision times measures implemented by Washington Post. shown as empty. Last December, visible to any of Ouyang’s friends. federal judge in September, but a We are a borderless, largely American Big Tech companies George Shen, a tech executive Ruoyu wrote a post in support of Proposed WeChat ban over hearing scheduled for Jan. 14 will volunteer community of like Facebook and Twitter against from Boston, says that he once Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan, security concerns. consider Washington’s request for writers, analysts, online conservative opinions. Some had one of his photos of a dissident who was sentenced to a four-year The app was said to be the ban. media experts, and translators on a mission prominent figures censored by deleted from his timeline. In prison term for her exposing the transmitting Americans’ data to change what the world WeChat include the following: March 2019, WeChat blocked his reality of the Wuhan CCP virus to the Chinese government. The Continued on A2 pays attention to. We write with a mind to make the world a better place. We value curiosity, honesty, and connectedness, with a special focus on China. E-paper: pdf.secretchina.com www.VisionTimes.com

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published by: New Epoch Culture Center TheEpochTimes.com P.O. Box 13308 Portland, OR 97213 A2 | January 15 - 28, 2021 NATION www.VisionTimes.com American UN Ambassador Craft’s Taiwan Visit Planned, Then Cancelled Baycrest via wikimedia / CC BY-SA 2.5 Continued from FRONT against the Japanese invasion. In 1949, the ROC’s rule in The CCP protested the State mainland China was toppled The U.S.-ROC Department’s removal of protocol by communist rebels, who relationship governing US-ROC diplomatic established the People’s Republic relations and plans to send Kelly of China (PRC), while the goes back to Craft, saying that Washington republican government fled to World War II, was “playing with fire.” On Jan. the island of Taiwan. 11, Communist Chinese foreign U.S. authorities under the when American ministry spokesperson Zhao Trump administration have taken Lijian said that America would steps to boost relations with Taipei. forces aided be “met with resolute responses.” In addition to sending high- China against State-backed media Global ranking officials to the island, Times published an article the United States has increased the Japanese accusing the move as last- arms sales to the ROC, pushed for invasion. ditch “madness” by the Trump greater Taiwanese participation administration. It argued in the U.N, highlighted Taiwan’s that the Chinese government democratic system in contrast to needs to resolutely oppose the the CCP’s authoritarianism, and Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning. “provocation” and push the made greater guarantee of the at the Taihe Institute, believes incoming Biden administration island’s security. that ties with Taiwan will to cancel the new policy. In a Jan. 7 Twitter post, Pompeo soften under the incoming will spare no efforts to promote reverse the current situation soon Pacific Command’s intelligence Apart from Craft’s cancelled described the strengthening of Biden administration. However, US-Taiwan relations until after he takes office, because there directorate, visited Taiwan on an Taiwan trip, Pompeo called off the U.S.-ROC alliance under the Joe Biden will be unable to Trump hands over power. Their are more urgent domestic issues undisclosed trip. This infuriated his plans to visit Europe after Trump administration. In three immediately return to the pre- purpose is to raise US-Taiwan to be resolved,” Cui told the South Beijing, which vowed to respond top European officials declined years, Washington has authorized Trump approach, which sidelined relations to a height that the Biden China Morning Post. in kind. Studeman countered that to meet with him, as reported by over $15 billion in defense sales to Taiwan’s diplomatic status in favor administration cannot reverse… U.S.-Taiwan military such trips are normal, and are Reuters on Jan. 12. Taiwan under Trump, $1 billion of warmer “engagement” with Although Biden will not handle cooperation is also a big source of necessary to ensure that the U.S. The U.S.-ROC relationship more that of Obama’s entire Beijing. US-Taiwan relations like Trump worry for the PRC. In November and Taiwan are ready to counter goes back to World War II, when 8-year term. “The Trump administration and has, his administration won’t be 2020, Rear Adm. Michael aggression by mainland China in American forces aided China Cui Liru, a senior researcher [Taiwan President] Tsai Ing-wen able to take significant actions to Studeman, head of U.S. Indo- the region.

World Leaders Condemn Big Tech Censorship of Trump pixabay CC0 1.0 Continued from FRONT in banning Trump while “cold- common practice, even Trump censorship of political ideas. He is blooded murderers” like Russian got blocked on Twitter,'” Navalny worried that these mostly silicon- Poland is already in the midst President Vladimir Putin and said in a series of tweets. valley based companies can easily of approving a law that proposes Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Mexican President Manuel censor political debates to their to fine tech companies when Maduro are allowed on the Lopez Obrador said that it was a liking. they remove content approved by platform. bad sign when private companies “Big Tech companies such the Polish legal system. Having “If you replace "Trump" with are allowed to regulate public as Twitter are now effectively suffered communist rule for "Navalny" in today's discussion, opinion. He remarked that tech the arbiters of who is entitled almost half a century, the country you will get an 80 percent accurate companies were acting like to freedom of speech. This is is no stranger to the implications Kremlin's answer as to why my inquisitors. enormously dangerous… In of censorship. name can't be mentioned on In Australia, acting Prime permanently removing the Dangerous precedent Russian TV and I shouldn't be Minister Michael McCormack Twitter account of the sitting Alexei Navalny, the Russian allowed to participate in any called it a double standard, President, and Amazon pulling opposition leader who is believed elections… This precedent will saying that many people who the pin on Parler’s server, Big Tech to have been poisoned last year on be exploited by the enemies of have used Twitter to spread Alex Antic sees Big Tech censorship as a threat to free speech. is not just attempting to cancel a Moscow’s orders, also criticized freedom of speech around the negative messages have never few voices, they are showing that at the Trump ban, terming it an world. In Russia as well. Every been censored by the platform. riots that shook America for Alex Antic has indicated that they can cancel all of us if they unacceptable act of censorship. time when they need to silence He likened the assault on the several weeks. he will call for a Senate Select don’t agree with our views,” he He called out Twitter’s hypocrisy someone, they will say: 'this is just Capitol to the Black Lives Matter Meanwhile, Australian senator Committee to look into big tech said.

permit China to track the in the country. The report locations of Federal employees warned that the Communist How WeChat Censors Users in America and contractors, and build Party’s ability to monitor and dossiers of personal information,” censor users through WeChat Continued from FRONT the court to order the company “By accessing personal electronic private information. This data the executive order states. is a huge threat to Australia. The to stop censoring WeChat users devices such as smartphones, collection threatens to provide Australia is grappling with app also censored Australian Recently, a group of Californians and cease monitoring them. In tablets, and computers, Chinese the Government of the People’s WeChat censorship and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, filed a lawsuit against Tencent early January, Trump signed connected software applications Republic of China (PRC) and surveillance as well. A recent who had responded to a post Holdings, the owner of WeChat, an executive order that banned can access and capture vast the Chinese Communist Party report by the Australian by China’s Foreign Ministry accusing the app of censoring any transaction with people who swaths of information from users, (CCP) with access to Americans’ Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) fraudulently acussing Australian communications and violating develop or control WeChat Pay including sensitive personally personal and proprietary notes that the CCP is leveraging soldiers of committing atrocities their privacy. Plaintiffs have asked and their subsidiaries. identifiable information and information — which would WeChat to expand its influence in Afghanistan.

which made many Democrats uncomfortable. ‘Last’ Pro-Life Democrat Daniel Lipinski Leaves Office When Lipinski was first Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images elected back in 2004, he replaced Vision Times Staff stance on the issue and follow since “we cannot continue his father, Bill Lipinski, who had the ideology of free abortions, to endlessly dig our national continuously assumed office something that he felt went debt hole deeper.” Newman between 1983 and 2005. As emocrat Daniel against his convictions. replaces him as an enthusiastic such, Daniel Lipinski’s recent Lipinski, known for supporter for increasing the defeat brings an end to nearly his strong pro-life The disagreement that cost direct payments. four-decades of Lipinski family Dstance in a party with a polar Lipinski his seat? A lifelong moderate Democrat, domination in Chicago politics. opposite policy, has left office “Faith and reason go together… Lipinski has expressed alarm While the newer generation as a member of the U.S. House The science clearly shows us over the tilt toward radical of progressive Democrats is of Representatives. On Jan. 3, that life begins at conception. I leftism in recent years. After pleased with Newman’s win, he was replaced by Democrat believe in following the science the Nov. 3 elections, he noted the supporters of Reagan-era Marie Newman as a member of when the science is clear… in a tweet that the 2020 election Democrats are apprehensive the 117th Congress representing As a Democrat, I stand for should have been a Blue Wave. about the change. “It’s the 3rd Congressional District. the vulnerable people… The But a large number of voters saw interesting that at the same time Lipinski served in the House for unborn are the most vulnerable the Republican Party as a saner that Trump’s out, the Lipinskis 16 years, from Jan. 3, 2005, to people. I believe that being pro- choice, due to the Democratic are out. Where are the blue- Jan. 3, 2021. life fits in being a Democrat,” Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) (2nd R) and fellow Democratic members of Party’s “lurching left” and thus collar union guys going to go? A staunch Catholic, Lipinski Lipinski said to The Epoch Congress hold a news conference to voice their opposition to the alienating these people. Who’s going to get them? Trump says it’s faith that supports Times. Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal at the U.S. Capitol June 10, 2015 Lipinski believes that the got them and that’s a fact of in Washington, DC. the pro-life movement. The In addition to opposing electorate has a preference for life, and the reality is guys like 54-year-old Lipinski has seen abortions, Lipinski’s stance on Democratic policies when it Lipinski had them… By and support for pro-life among several issues has gone against Democrats to vote against the to American citizens. Though comes to the economy, but some large, we’re kind of lost. We Democrats in the lower house the general consensus of the Affordable Care Act during he approved the larger COVID of the party’s ideologies have don’t really have a home right fall from 60 members to Democratic party. In 2012, he Obama’s first term. relief bill signed by Trump, turned off long-term moderate now,” Marc Poulos, political almost zero during his term. chose not to endorse Barack More recently, he was one of Lipinski argued that he cannot voters. He points to the example director of International Union Oftentimes, Lipinski has been Obama for a second term in two Democrats to vote against support the decision to hand out of the support given to the of Operating Engineers Local under pressure to change his office. He was one of the few giving $2,000 in pandemic aid $2,000 to every single American “Defund the Police” campaign, 150, told the Chicago Tribune. CHINA January 15 - 28, 2021 | A3 www.VisionTimes.com

pixabay / CC0 1.0 After-Effects Appear in China’s Rushed Coronavirus Vaccine

By Ila Bonczek For one, some reports suggest antibodies or not, or whether reactions” column, and called Vision Times that people who have taken there are symptoms or not after it the “most unsafe vaccine in the vaccine have ended up being injected. As for whether the world.” contracting the virus despite [someone injected with the Some of the side effects of he Chinese government the fact that most of them were vaccine] can transmit the the vaccine include headaches, The Sinopharm vaccine has raised concerns about its efficacy rate. recently approved inoculated with Sinopharm’s disease to others, no one knows delayed menstruation, high the CCP virus vaccine before they left China. In either,” he said in the interview. blood pressure, loss of taste, differences have implications fever, redness or lumps at vaccineT developed by state- Angola, 16 Chinese employees For one, some reports suggest urinary incontinence, and loss on immune systems. As such, the injection site, coughing, run Sinopharm. At a press were detected with the infection. that people who have taken of vision. Tao also warned that a vaccine tested on other races loss of appetite, vomiting, conference on Dec. 31, the Once again, they were given the vaccine have ended up if anyone suffers the side effects might not work as expected on and diarrhea… Negative side State Council announced that vaccines manufactured by contracting the virus despite listed in the manual, they will ethnic Chinese. He also says that effects usually appear within the company’s inactivated Sinopharm. the fact that most of them were not get compensation from the it is irresponsible for Beijing to 30 minutes of receiving the vaccine has been approved by CoronaVac, a vaccine inoculated with Sinopharm’s company. Tao’s account was be inoculating millions of people vaccine… After receiving the the Drug Administration. The developed by Beijing-based vaccine before they left China. In removed by authorities shortly with the vaccine without any [CCP virus] vaccine, everyone vaccines developed by Pfizer drugmaker Sinovac Biotech, was Angola, 16 Chinese employees after Tao uploaded his findings valid data from its initial stage still needs to maintain proper and Moderna, which have been found to be only 50.4 percent were detected with the infection. to Weibo. of development. private protection, such as approved for use in the U.S., have effective, the results of a late- Once again, they were given Dr. Sean Lin, a former U.S. Beijing recently mandated wearing masks, maintaining an efficacy rate of 95 percent stage trial in Brazil revealed. vaccines manufactured by Army Research Institute that 50 million people, who social distance, washing hands and 94.1 percent respectively. In an interview with the state- Sinopharm. virology researcher, points are classified as “high-risk,” frequently, and so on, because However, the vaccine developed backed CCTV, respiratory Tao Lina, a vaccine expert out that the efficacy of the should be vaccinated by Feb. no vaccine can protect you by Sinopharm only has an expert Zhong Nanshan raised from Shanghai, analyzed the Sinopharm vaccine on Chinese 15 this year. The State Council 100 percent,” the notice stated. efficacy rate of 79.34 percent. concerns about Sinopharm’s vaccine’s instruction manual people has not been properly published a notice on Dec. 19 Moreover, the State Council Many experts are worried that efficacy. “It is wrong to put all and found numerous issues studied. Phase III trials of the warning people to prepare noted that the vaccine will only the Chinese vaccine might not hopes on the vaccine. After with it. Tao found that there vaccine were conducted in to suffer the side effects of remain effective against the be that effective in suppressing the vaccination, no one knows are a total of 73 local/systemic foreign nations. Lin notes that the vaccines. “Common side virus for a period of six months the coronavirus pandemic. whether they will develop conditions listed in the “adverse this is problematic since racial effects mainly include headache, from inoculation.

only way China can make up almost 40 percent of China’s for it is through importing. In pig population in 2019. As a Pandemic After-Effects: Chinese People December, Beijing announced result, pork prices have risen that it was purchasing 100,000 dramatically. Pork is a staple tons of rice from India, food of middle-class families in Concerned About Food Supply something which has not the country, so demand tends happened in the last three to be high despite the shortage, STR/AFP via Getty Images Vision Times Staff decades. Given the levels of food thus driving up prices. shortages and rising prices, it is In August last year, Chinese little wonder that forcefully- Academy of Social Sciences everal Chinese cities and quarantined Chinese citizens warned that the country could provinces are seeing a are finding it extremely difficult face a “food shortfall” by 2025. surge in coronavirus to procure food. The CCP is promoting “anti- Scases. As a result, the Chinese food wastage” policies, which government has announced new The present food crisis in China is a clear indication that the lockdowns in places like Beijing, has largely been triggered by entire country is undergoing Shenyang, Dalian, and so on. three factors some sort of food crisis. State- The residents from these regions Lockdowns: Ever since the backed Xinhua reported that are now not only grappling with pandemic kicked off, China has the government is considering a the risk of being infected with imposed improper lockdown policy that will force restaurants the Chinese Communist Party measures, negatively impacting and catering services to enforce (CCP) virus, but also facing a the food supply chain. For anti-waste laws. The caterers strong possibility of running instance, Beijing forced most could be punished if they fail to out of food and other essential restaurants to remain closed for enforce the laws. supplies. an extended duration. This led “Catering service providers The present lockdown to reduced purchases of produce, should adopt measures to measures imposed in China which in turn caused farmers to minimize food waste such as are extremely severe, with some have insufficient revenues to buy improving the management residential complexes being seeds for the current planting systems for food purchasing, This picture taken on June 5, 2017 shows a farmer preparing to plant rice in a paddy in Nantong in Chi- surrounded by wire fences. season. Shortages of workers in storage, and processing. They na's eastern Jiangsu Province. These fences are erected by local many regions meant some crops should post signs to remind officials to ensure that people were not harvested and others customers to refrain from remain inside their homes and were not planted. ordering excessive food … do not venture out under any that local officials have stopped deal with the lockdown,” he said 20 percent last year. The prices Floods and droughts: Multiple they can charge customers for circumstances. Some buildings assisting people who have run to The Epoch Times. In addition of vegetables rose by 6 percent floods in 2020 destroyed 13 wasting food… Catering service have steel fences with sharp out of food. “We are like lambs to food shortages, Chinese while that of pork surged by million acres of agricultural providers who encourage or blades surrounding them. In to be slaughtered. There’s no people are also grappling with 50 percent. The overall food land, causing economic damage mislead consumers to order one video, residents from an way to save ourselves. We don’t rising food prices which add to prices in 2020 are believed to worth $29 billion. Some areas excess food and cause obvious apartment building in Dalian know how long we will be their already distressed financial have increased by more than also suffered from intense waste … should be warned. If can be seen shouting to others, locked inside… Now the hottest condition. 11 percent compared to the drought, significantly reducing they refuse to make corrections, pleading for food and other product in Dalian is a large- According to data from previous year. the supplies of crops and meat. they can be fined between 1,000 essentials. sized freezer. Everyone is trying China’s National Bureau of In some cases, the food African swine fever: This yuan and 10,000 yuan,” states One Dalian resident notes to stock up on a lot of food to Statistics, corn prices rose by shortages are so severe that the outbreak forced the culling of the article.

STR / CNS / AFP via Getty Images The WHO is preparing to conduct its investigation into Provinces Across China Enter the origin of the coronavirus in China. They will first visit the city of Wuhan, the epicenter of ‘Wartime’ Mode to Contain the viral pandemic. “I’ve worked on outbreaks mainly in the UK… And CCP Virus Outbreaks although in theory you could do it remotely being on the spot makes a big difference. Continued from FRONT and people can only order food Understanding how a place and other necessities online. works and having direct contact In Nanpi County, Hebei As a result, food prices have More than with the individuals involved… Province, families with people spiked. To make things even 20,000 I am going into this with an who have recently traveled worse, some stores are insisting entirely open mind and the outside the area are being that people buy several items people from A medical worker (L) administers a Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine to a colleagues on the team I have sent to quarantine centers. together rather than ordering man at a temporary vaccination center in Beijing on January 8, 2021. managed to speak to are the In Dongguang County, one or two items at a time. Shijiazhuang same. This is a chance to go the outbreak is said to be In Beijing, a government were transferred and find out the facts: what is “very severe.” In the city of order has suspended car- they’re required to undergo in Hebei has been postponed. available to know now and what Shijiazhuang, outbreaks pooling services. All drivers from their observation for a period of People in Langfang City, which lines of investigation might be continue to cause problems and need to get weekly DNA tests homes to 14 days. If they flew where is home to 4.9 million residents, fruitful in the future. I’m not authorities have asked people and must be vaccinated in others were confirmed to have are currently under home sure a single trip will find all to remain inside their homes. order to be approved for work. designated contracted the virus, they will quarantine. More than 20,000 the answers. It may never be Only medical staff or couriers In Shunyi District, officials have to spend an extra seven people from Shijiazhuang City wholly sorted, but it is a start,” with special passes are allowed have implemented the ‘14+7’ quarantine days in observation. were recently transferred from Professor John Watson, a to travel freely in the city. All quarantine measures for areas. A major political conference their homes to designated British member of the team, grocery stores are shut down visitors. Under this policy, that was supposed to be held quarantine areas. told The Guardian. A4 | January 15 - 28, 2021 CHINA WORLD jan 15 – 28, 2021 | A5 www.VisionTimes.com www.VisionTimes.com provided by csrdn.org

was due more to personal choice than government pol- Chinese Embassy Whitewashes Cratering icy.” Investigator of But Zenz’s report found that a crushing crackdown on Uyghur Birth Rate as Victory for Feminism Uyghur families began in 2017 when the Xinjiang surveillance China’s Forced Organ BULENT KILIC / AFP via Getty Images state became omniscient. Fines By Neil Campbell rial Foundation, titled “Sterili- Members of the for breaking the Party’s pop- Vision Times zations, IUDs, and Mandatory Muslim Uyghur ulation control policies were Harvesting Honored Birth Control: The CCP’s Cam- minority hold as high as three times the paign to Suppress Uyghur placards as they annual disposable income for he Chinese Communist Birthrates in Xinjiang” found demonstrate the region. Party (CCP) mouth- natural population growth in in front of the Those who could not pay With Human Rights Chinese consulate piece China Daily pub- Xinjiang fell by 84 percent in were sent to internment on December 30, Tlished a propaganda piece on the two largest Uyghur prefec- camps, where they were for- 2020, in Istanbul, Jan. 8 claiming the eradication tures between 2015 and 2018, to ask for news cibly implanted with IUDs or of religious extremism, rather noting one region fell to an sterilized. Award Human rights lawyer David Matas has been awarded the first-ever Global Humanitarian Leader of the of their relatives Year award by the human rights group Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need. than a state-sanctioned policy almost zero birthrate in 2020. and to express The report also found that By Rory Karsten Dr. Aliya Khan, the CSRDN advocates dedicated to ending of forced sterilization, is what “Government documents their concern after “numerous Uyghur county vision Times led to a shocking decrease in bluntly mandate that birth China announced family planning documents co-chair said. “Killing people for forced organ harvesting in Ethan Gutmann (also a Nobel the Uyghur birth rate in the control violations are punish- the ratification list ‘long-term effective preg- their organs is a most cruel and China. Peace Prize nominee) in 2016 to Xinjiang region. able by extrajudicial intern- of an extradition nancy prevention [drug] ne of the world’s leading barbaric practice and must be Another ETAC co-founder release another report: Bloody The Chinese Embassy in the ment in ‘training’ camps. treaty with Turkey. injections’ as part of their investigators into state- stopped,” Dr. Khan said. is former Canadian MP David Harvest/The Slaughter: An U.S. Twitter account, an official “Developing regional dispar- services.” sanctioned forced organ The award statement said Kilgour, who conducted Update. Chinese government account, ities between Uyghur and Han Testimony from Uyghur Oharvesting in China has been Matas has dedicated his life to investigations with Matas in 2006 In this report, they estimated promoted the article in a now- population change rates, the women in the area confirmed honored with a human rights defending the rights of society’s into allegations that Falun Gong 60,000 to 100,000 transplants deleted tweet: “Study shows apparent impact of the intern- Yet China Daily’s arti- The CCP’s report attempts that many were forced to take award in Canada. most vulnerable. A lawyer and practitioners in China were being are performed each year in that in the process of eradi- ment drive, and an apparent cle, complete with a photo a rebuttal of Zenz’s findings: undisclosed substances that led Human rights group Canadians recognized authority on human killed for their organs. China and state the main target cating extremism, the minds campaign of mass sterilization of Uyghur children wearing “The changes were not caused to irregular menstruation or in Support of Refugees in Dire Need rights, immigration, and refugee “After months of investigation, for organ harvesting is Chinese of Uygur women in Xinjiang in at least two Uyghur regions masks and playing outside, The minds of by ‘forced sterilization’ of the loss of menstrual cycle, “for- (CSRDN) presented Winnipeg- law, he serves as senior legal counsel including undercover interviews who practice Falun Gong. To a were emancipated and gen- should give the global commu- claims “an increasing number Uygur women Uygur population, as repeat- mer female detainees have based international human rights for B’nai Brith Canada and has been with doctors throughout 12 lesser extent, Uyghurs, Tibetans, der equality and reproductive nity major cause for concern,” of people in southern Xinji- edly claimed by some Western testified to drugs or injec- lawyer David Matas with the first- involved in numerous national provinces in China, we come and select House Christians have health were promoted, making the report says. ang were deciding to marry in Xinjiang were scholars and politicians, but tions given during internment ever Global Humanitarian Leader and international human rights to the regrettable conclusion also been killed in order to obtain David Matas speaks at Portland State University following a screen- them no longer baby-making Zenz also found 2019 CCP and have children later in life, that ‘safe, effective and appro- that caused them (and other of the Year award. groups. He was named to the that these allegations are true,” organs for transplants, the report ing of ‘Human Harvest,’ a 2014 documentary exposing Chinese state- emancipated and sponsored organ theft. machines. They are more con- documents revealing “plans seeing the benefits of fewer but priate contraceptive measures women) to lose their men- The award thanked Matas for Order of Canada in 2008 for his Kilgour said back then. said. fident and independent.” for a campaign of mass female better births, and the change gender equality are now available to couples strual periods or experience decades of dedication to the cause contributions to human rights In their research they also More recently it’s feared that The article seeks to spin the sterilization in rural Uyghur was due more to personal and reproductive of childbearing age in Xinji- increased bleeding.” of human rights and especially for legislation and immigration and examined transplant programs of Uyghurs and other Turkic were introducing a bill aimed at https://youtu.be/ narrative away from a June regions, targeting 14 and 34 choice than government pol- ang, and their personal deci- Zenz concludes: “These find- his work documenting the horrors refugee law. hundreds of hospitals in China, Muslims have increasingly stopping state-sanctioned forced NLFMid4qVVc. report on forced sterilization percent of all married women icy.” health were sions on whether to use those ings raise serious concerns as of forced organ harvesting in Matas is also a co-founder drawing on media reports, become targeted for organ organ harvesting from prisoners of Uyghur women published by of childbearing age in two The propaganda piece is promoted, measures — which include to whether Beijing’s policies in China, said a January 6 statement. of the International Coalition official propaganda, medical harvesting with more than of conscience in China. Rory Karsten is the penname the Jamestown Foundation, a Uyghur counties that year. This based on a report published tubal ligation and the inser- Xinjiang represent, in funda- “We want to recognize David’s to End Transplant Abuse in journals, hospital websites, and a million of them being held used for a journalist working Washington, D.C.-based non- project targeted all of south- by a CCP organ that claims making them tion of intrauterine devices — mental respects, what might tremendous contributions to China (ETAC), which is a a vast number of deleted websites in camps in China’s far-west Watch this recent episode and traveling in Asia. He has partisan institute originally ern Xinjiang, and continued in an apparent emancipation for no longer are fully respected.’” be characterized as a demo- saving lives and justice by speaking coalition of lawyers, academics, found in archives. Xinjiang region since 2017. of China Uncensored on been writing about the region founded in 1984 to support 2020 with increased funding.” Uyghur women, “extremism The Party’s mouthpiece con- graphic campaign of genocide out against the horrific crimes of ethicists, medical professionals, The two Canadians joined Last month, it was announced forced organ harvesting, for ten plus years with a focus Soviet defectors. The report found the fund- had incited people to resist baby-making cluded that Xinjiang women per the text of Section D, Arti- forced organ harvesting in China,” researchers, and human rights American investigative journalist that three American lawmakers which features Matas: on China and human rights. The report, authored by Dr. ing was sufficient for “perform- family planning and its eradi- machines. “were deciding to marry and cle II of the U.N. Convention Adrian Zenz, a Senior Fellow ing hundreds of thousands of cation had given Uygur women have children later in life, see- on the Prevention and Pun- in China Studies at the Vic- tubal ligation sterilization pro- more autonomy when decid- China Daily, CCP ing the benefits of fewer but ishment of the Crime of Gen- unlikely given the history and dissent and alternate political views. tims of Communism Memo- cedures in 2019 and 2020.” ing whether to have children.” propaganda mouthpiece better births, and the change ocide.” nature of the Chinese Communist EU-China Investment Deal Criticized Party. Hong Kong Watch founder For example, the agreement Benedict Rogers described the mandates that communist China EU-China agreement as a setback Amidst Hong Kong Crackdown work toward eradicating forced to the world Anthony Kwan / Getty Images labor. The possibility of the CCP “The European Parliament image: pixabay / cc0 1.0 President-elect Joe Biden’s pick Vision Times Staff actually following through is passed a motion in December Arrests of Hong Kong for Secretary of State Anthony essentially none. China has been calling for access to the camps Blinken described the arrests pressured several times in the in Xinjiang, sanctions, and as “an assault on those bravely he European Union past to resolve its human rights saying that no investment treaty Dissidents Receive Widespread advocating for universal rights” (EU) recently signed an crimes, but injustice has always should be struck which didn’t on Twitter and affirmed that the investment pact with continued. Beijing basically averts include China ratifying human Biden-Harris administration TChina. The EU-China investment such accusations by claiming that rights conventions, especially the International Condemnation will “will stand with the peo- deal (Comprehensive Agreement reports of forced labor are false or convention on forced labor, and ple of Hong Kong and against on Investment (CAI)) is expected to that these people are only being held then the European Commission Beijing’s crackdown on democ- open up new business opportunities in re-education camps to “upgrade rams through this deal within days By Neil Campbell Kong (fwiw it sounds like he says racy.” for both powers in several sectors. their skills.” despite the European Parliament’s Vision Times “Continue to work for democ- The sweeping arrests of pro- However, the pact is being criticized British politician Nigel Farage wishes… It’s a travesty, a betrayal racy and human rights in Hong Police said democracy demonstrators are since it comes at the same time that said that the EU’s greed will help of the EU’s values, and a threat to Kong.”) https://t.co/0yurWPXlJ8 they deployed an assault on those bravely Chinese authorities are arresting communist China “take over the the security of European member ecretaries of State from Aus- — Austin Ramzy (@austin- Pro-democracy activist Lester Shum shows his charge sheet to the advocating for universal rights. Hong Kong opposition lawmakers world.” He condemned the mass states,” he told Breitbart. tralia, Canada, the United ramzy) January 6, 2021 1,000 officers members of the media after leaving Western Police Station on Jan- The Biden-Harris administra- and pro-democracy activists. arrests in Hong Kong, calling them In the United States, Secretary Kingdom, and the United Clancey was the Treasurer for uary 7, 2021, in Hong Kong. tion will stand with the people Nathan Law, a former lawmaker another “shocking crackdown” on of State Mike Pompeo noted that SStates signed a joint letter on the group Power for Democracy, to arrest the of Hong Kong and against Bei- from Hong Kong who fled to democracy in the city. Lawmakers the arrested people have only Jan. 9 condemning the arrest of who was involved in unofficial 53 people, jing’s crackdown on democracy. the UK, is disappointed that the and activists were arrested for been detained for exercising their 55 pro-democracy activists in primary elections held last year John Lee used the unofficial pri- then it may fall into the category https://t.co/nSj8dr3OEg EU would sign such a deal while The EU-China investment agreement has been widely criticized. participating in primary elections democratic right and not for any Hong Kong on charges of violat- that attracted more than 600,000 mostly men. maries as the pretext to arrest the of subverting the state power,” — Antony Blinken (@ massive human rights violations are prior to the Legislative Council crimes. He demanded that Beijing ing Communist China’s contro- voters. group: “The operation today tar- Lam told reporters. ABlinken) January 6, 2021 taking place. #Retweet if you agree MEP should that if the deal gets implemented, can be trusted to act in accordance election. release them unconditionally versial national security law. Canadian Conservative Party gets the active elements who are Chairman of Hong Kong’s Human Rights Watch “In response to Hong Kong’s VETO the bill and EU should act,” Europe will not be taken seriously with the agreement. The CAI has British foreign secretary Dominic and immediately. An American “The National Security Law is Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister suspected to be involved in the Civic Party Alan Leong said the China Researcher Maya Wang political crackdown, I urge the he tweeted. as an economic or political power, set aside commitments that could Raab criticized the arrests. He said citizen was also detained as part of a clear breach of the Sino-Brit- Michael Chong called for Mag- crime of overthrowing, or inter- arrests were an “affront to the denounced the National Secu- European Parliament to halt the Chris Patten, a former British as the agreement basically “spits in trigger positive human rights that they demonstrated that Beijing the mass arrest. Pompeo warned ish Joint Declaration and under- nitsky Act sanctions on those fering (and) seriously destroy the constitutionally protected rights rity Law in a statement: “The EU-China investment deal and EU governor of Hong Kong, called the the face of human rights.” changes in China. However, it misled the world about the true Beijing that Washington will not mines the ‘One Country, Two responsible for the arrests, call- Hong Kong government’s legal to vote,” adding: “We don’t see very nature of the national secu- to sanction China & HK officials EU’s investment deal with China “a Patten said that the deal is based hopes China will act on those purpose of the National Security tolerate such arbitrary arrests and Systems’ framework. It has cur- ing them “an assault on demo- execution of duties,” Lee said at how by promising to exercise rity law is as a draconian blanket who are responsible [for] the arrests. massive strategic blunder.” He said on a delusional view that the CCP commitments, which is very Law. It’s only being used to suppress harassment of Americans. tailed the rights and freedoms cratic rights.” in the arrests, but went one step a press conference. such rights could end them up law allowing the government to of the people of Hong Kong. It is The mass arrests of pro-democ- forward calling for a full reform Police said they deployed 1,000 as being subversive.” arrest and potentially imprison clear that the National Security racy activists in Hong Kong is an of “Canada’s foreign policy on officers to arrest the 53 people, Former lawmakers from the people for long terms for exer- Law is being used to eliminate dis- assault on democratic rights. Con- the Chinese Communist Party mostly men, ranging in age from Civic Party and Democratic cising their constitutionally pro- sent and opposing political views,” servatives stand with the people [CCP] and the People’s Repub- 23 to 79. Party, such as Wu Chi-wai, tected rights.” the letter said. of Hong Kong & against Beijing’s lic of China — including domes- CCP-backed Chief Executive James To, Andrew Wan, Lam Wang criticized Hong Kong’s Among the arrested was Amer- continuing crackdown. tic policy changes that prioritizes Carrie Lam fired a prelude of Cheuk-ting, and Alvin Yeung, government further, concerned ican human rights lawyer John It’s time to apply Magnitsky the protection of Canadians’ fun- things to come at the unofficial were arrested in the sweep. that the city of nearly 7.5 mil- Clancey. Footage of his arrest cir- sanctions on those responsible. damental freedom from erosion.” primary elections on July 13: Under the National Secu- lion people was being ruled culated on Twitter showing him https://t.co/ICHCl4h36Y#cdnpoli Alliance Hong Kong also wants “I will just put down a further rity Law, which vaguely defines more like the CCP-controlled walking with a cane and telling — Michael Chong � (@ the Canadian government to note of warning: if this so-called crimes such as subversion of mainland: “The veneer of rule of reporters when asked for com- MichaelChongMP) January 6, “proactively combat and investi- ‘primary’ election’s purpose is to the state and secession, charges law is also applied in mainland ment: “Continue to work for 2021 gate Chinese Communist Party achieve the ultimate goal of deliv- can meet with a maximum pen- China stripped of any meaning. democracy and human rights in Canadian pro-democracy interference in Canadian society ering what they call a ‘35+’ with alty of life imprisonment. Police Hong Kong is looking more like Hong Kong.” group Alliance Hong Kong also and combat foreign interference the objective of objecting to, resist- have frozen 1.6 million HKD mainland China but where one Footage of American lawyer called for sanctions on Chinese into Canadian institutions.” ing every policy initiative of the (Approx. US$205,000) in rela- ends and the other begins is hard John Clancey’s arrest in Hong and Hong Kong officials involved Hong Kong Security Minister Hong Kong SAR Government, tion to the case. to discern.”

Subscription: $40/6 months $80/1 year Name Phone Mailing Address • Ensure receipt of every issue at home • Support an independant voice Email • All profits go to increasing circulation Make check payable to: Credit card: • Donations are greatly appreciated New Epoch Culture Center Tel: 503-454-6461 (Publisher is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization P.O. Box 13308 Email: [email protected] and needs your support at this difficult time) Portland, OR 97213 WORLD Januaryjan 15 15 – - 28,28, 20212021 || A5 www.VisionTimes.com provided by csrdn.org Investigator of China’s Forced Organ Harvesting Honored With Human Rights

Award Human rights lawyer David Matas has been awarded the first-ever Global Humanitarian Leader of the Year award by the human rights group Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need. By Rory Karsten Dr. Aliya Khan, the CSRDN advocates dedicated to ending vision Times co-chair said. “Killing people for forced organ harvesting in Ethan Gutmann (also a Nobel their organs is a most cruel and China. Peace Prize nominee) in 2016 to ne of the world’s leading barbaric practice and must be Another ETAC co-founder release another report: Bloody investigators into state- stopped,” Dr. Khan said. is former Canadian MP David Harvest/The Slaughter: An sanctioned forced organ The award statement said Kilgour, who conducted Update. Oharvesting in China has been Matas has dedicated his life to investigations with Matas in 2006 In this report, they estimated honored with a human rights defending the rights of society’s into allegations that Falun Gong 60,000 to 100,000 transplants award in Canada. most vulnerable. A lawyer and practitioners in China were being are performed each year in Human rights group Canadians recognized authority on human killed for their organs. China and state the main target in Support of Refugees in Dire Need rights, immigration, and refugee “After months of investigation, for organ harvesting is Chinese (CSRDN) presented Winnipeg- law, he serves as senior legal counsel including undercover interviews who practice Falun Gong. To a based international human rights for B’nai Brith Canada and has been with doctors throughout 12 lesser extent, Uyghurs, Tibetans, lawyer David Matas with the first- involved in numerous national provinces in China, we come and select House Christians have ever Global Humanitarian Leader and international human rights to the regrettable conclusion also been killed in order to obtain David Matas speaks at Portland State University following a screen- of the Year award. groups. He was named to the that these allegations are true,” organs for transplants, the report ing of ‘Human Harvest,’ a 2014 documentary exposing Chinese state- sponsored organ theft. The award thanked Matas for Order of Canada in 2008 for his Kilgour said back then. said. decades of dedication to the cause contributions to human rights In their research they also More recently it’s feared that of human rights and especially for legislation and immigration and examined transplant programs of Uyghurs and other Turkic were introducing a bill aimed at https://youtu.be/ his work documenting the horrors refugee law. hundreds of hospitals in China, Muslims have increasingly stopping state-sanctioned forced NLFMid4qVVc. of forced organ harvesting in Matas is also a co-founder drawing on media reports, become targeted for organ organ harvesting from prisoners China, said a January 6 statement. of the International Coalition official propaganda, medical harvesting with more than of conscience in China. Rory Karsten is the penname “We want to recognize David’s to End Transplant Abuse in journals, hospital websites, and a million of them being held used for a journalist working tremendous contributions to China (ETAC), which is a a vast number of deleted websites in camps in China’s far-west Watch this recent episode and traveling in Asia. He has saving lives and justice by speaking coalition of lawyers, academics, found in archives. Xinjiang region since 2017. of China Uncensored on been writing about the region out against the horrific crimes of ethicists, medical professionals, The two Canadians joined Last month, it was announced forced organ harvesting, for ten plus years with a focus forced organ harvesting in China,” researchers, and human rights American investigative journalist that three American lawmakers which features Matas: on China and human rights.

unlikely given the history and dissent and alternate political views. nature of the Chinese Communist EU-China Investment Deal Criticized Party. Hong Kong Watch founder For example, the agreement Benedict Rogers described the mandates that communist China EU-China agreement as a setback Amidst Hong Kong Crackdown work toward eradicating forced to the world labor. The possibility of the CCP “The European Parliament image: pixabay / cc0 1.0 Vision Times Staff actually following through is passed a motion in December essentially none. China has been calling for access to the camps pressured several times in the in Xinjiang, sanctions, and he European Union past to resolve its human rights saying that no investment treaty (EU) recently signed an crimes, but injustice has always should be struck which didn’t investment pact with continued. Beijing basically averts include China ratifying human TChina. The EU-China investment such accusations by claiming that rights conventions, especially the deal (Comprehensive Agreement reports of forced labor are false or convention on forced labor, and on Investment (CAI)) is expected to that these people are only being held then the European Commission open up new business opportunities in re-education camps to “upgrade rams through this deal within days for both powers in several sectors. their skills.” despite the European Parliament’s However, the pact is being criticized British politician Nigel Farage wishes… It’s a travesty, a betrayal since it comes at the same time that said that the EU’s greed will help of the EU’s values, and a threat to Chinese authorities are arresting communist China “take over the the security of European member Hong Kong opposition lawmakers world.” He condemned the mass states,” he told Breitbart. and pro-democracy activists. arrests in Hong Kong, calling them In the United States, Secretary Nathan Law, a former lawmaker another “shocking crackdown” on of State Mike Pompeo noted that from Hong Kong who fled to democracy in the city. Lawmakers the arrested people have only the UK, is disappointed that the and activists were arrested for been detained for exercising their EU would sign such a deal while The EU-China investment agreement has been widely criticized. participating in primary elections democratic right and not for any massive human rights violations are prior to the Legislative Council crimes. He demanded that Beijing taking place. #Retweet if you agree MEP should that if the deal gets implemented, can be trusted to act in accordance election. release them unconditionally “In response to Hong Kong’s VETO the bill and EU should act,” Europe will not be taken seriously with the agreement. The CAI has British foreign secretary Dominic and immediately. An American political crackdown, I urge the he tweeted. as an economic or political power, set aside commitments that could Raab criticized the arrests. He said citizen was also detained as part of European Parliament to halt the Chris Patten, a former British as the agreement basically “spits in trigger positive human rights that they demonstrated that Beijing the mass arrest. Pompeo warned EU-China investment deal and EU governor of Hong Kong, called the the face of human rights.” changes in China. However, it misled the world about the true Beijing that Washington will not to sanction China & HK officials EU’s investment deal with China “a Patten said that the deal is based hopes China will act on those purpose of the National Security tolerate such arbitrary arrests and who are responsible [for] the arrests. massive strategic blunder.” He said on a delusional view that the CCP commitments, which is very Law. It’s only being used to suppress harassment of Americans. A6 | janJanuary 15 – 28, 15 2021 - 28, 2021 VIEWPOINTS www.VisionTimes.com

via Weibo China’s New National

B2Defense Law: Xi, Wisdom & Wellness May 23 — 29, 2019 Military Expand Their all phoTos by shuTTersTock Power The revised legislation came into force on January 1 and Nappigives the President and his Central Military CommissionN g new powers to deploy troops to protect the CCP. Xi Jinping presiding over the Military Ideological and Political Education Work Conference, December Your WaY to Succe3–4, 2020. SS

By Massimo Introvigne implicitly alludes to the conference, The changes in the National “The armed forces of the People’s substantial concept of Article Kong, which the CCP regards BitterAn Winterafternoon andContinued to the promotion from B1 there of “Xi Defense Law are Japan,of two itkinds, is common Republic to see peopleof China snoozing are under in 22, giving a broad scope to the as parts of China. The “security Jinping Thought on Strengthening organizational andcafes, substantial. on the train, the in shops,leadership and evenof the in offices.Chinese deployment of PLA troops. They of society” and “prevention of snooze isn’t “Lots of people confide in me all the time that they The practice is known as inemuri, which means thesleep Army” at work. (of They course, will there come isup a to meOrganizationally, and say, ‘I don’t “sleepingwhile the onold duty.” Communist Party.” can be used “to defend national terrorist activities” would justify popularn January in 1, 2021, an Xiwant Jinping anyone Thought to know buton almostI sleep on 1997the job,’” law, Gru amended- Inemuri in 2009, is even encouragedSome can say in that some Xi work Jinping- sovereignty, unity, and territorial draconian military interventions Northamended American National everything).man said. “Usually The article at around states that, two o’clockgave theor so general peo- powerplaces to because deploy it allowscontrols workers everything time at to anyrestore rate, integrity, to safeguard the country’s in places such as Tibet and Defense Law came into “Nationalple get fatigued defense and activities they want adhere to taketroops a nap. toAnd the if Statetheir Council, focus while buton the transferjob. of a portion of the overseas interests, and to promote Xinjiang, and the nice-sounding Oforcebusiness in China. Its culture text is public. tothey the do, guidance they’re going of Marxism-to get better at China’swhat they Cabinet, do.” the “Innew fact, statutes taking authority a nap is oftento deploy a symbol troops of from the world peace and development.” “promotion of world peace and Theyet, law butwas enacted it on December Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, transfer part of thissuccess authority of a to hard a worker civilian who to a militaryis entitled body to thehas Also, the army shall intervene to development” means that the 26, 2020, and followed a Military DengNapping Xiaoping Is Natural Theory,” and “Xi the Central Militaryrest,” Commission, Kenny said. more “It is thanpart symbolicof the work/life significance. bal- “handle sudden incidents putting PLA may intervene virtually Nobody disputes our need for a nightly sleep. But ance in Japan. In turn, the workforce is more pro- Ideologicalshould beand Political Jinping Thought on Socialism with whose members are military It has been widely interpreted as a the security of society in danger, everywhere “to safeguard the for many people, sleeping for a short period during ductive, efficient, and ultimately happier.” Education Work Conference, Chinesethe day hasCharacteristics an ugly stigma for a Newattached commanders to it. It reeks and whoseAccording president to certifiedsignal that pediatric China is sleepready consultto move- and prevent and handle terrorist country’s overseas interests.” Some which was held in Beijing from Era,of laziness implement and Xi indulgence—an Jinping Thought activityis Xi reservedJinping’s itself.ant The Riki general Taubenblat, quickly we are and biologically decisively through wired itsto activities.” general concepts already existed December 3 to 4 under the onexclusively Strengthening for babies, the Army.” the ill, This and theprinciple, elderly. as statedwant in Article an afternoon 21 2-million-strong nap. It’s just that People’s our culturePeople’s The reference to “territorial in the 1997 law, but the wording presidency of Xi Jinping. mayBut seem this merely stigma rhetoric, is found but isonly in in(which the modern corresponds pushes to Article stimulants 19 Liberation rather than Army sleep (PLA). to get over integrity” has caused obvious is now broader, and international Article 4 of the amended law factWestern a key world.to the new Look law. at many olderof cultures, the 1997 and law), thatremains midday that, slump. Even more important is the concernsthe risk of in insomnia—and Taiwan and Hong reduce theconcern amount is justified. of The ideal nap you’ll find that napping is a common practice very “In reality, they’d be much better served with a sleep you get at night. takes place Naps can much in line with the rhythm of a day. short nap. Naps can improve mental focus, emo- “If an individual takes a nap at 5, 6, 7, or 8 in the within our Dr. Alon Avidan, a neurology professor at the tional state, and physical health,” said Taubenblat. evening, it can impair the ability to fall asleep at natural, post-lunch improve David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and It’s clear that sleep, in general, is essential for night, because they have partially restored their energy dip. mental focus, director of UCLA’s Sleep Disorders Center says health, but there is also evidence that nappers may crematedsleepiness, by order so the of sleep the authorities. drive at nightthe is CCP not “engagegoing at least externally emotional state, napping is a natural response to that dip in alert- be healthier than non-nappers. Taubenblat points toMr. be asHuang strong,” Qingdeng, Avidan said. 83, of in the world on a fair and reciprocal In 2020, Communistness that typically occurs a few China’s hours after lunch. to Persecution a Harvard University study that tracked of more ZhejiangAccording Province’s to Avidan, Leqing thecity, idealwas napbasis,” takes only place to find that the idea was and physical “In other cultures, napping is socially accepta- than 23,000 Greek men and women. This was in sentencedwithin our to natural,seven years post-lunch in prison energy“patently dip— false gen -all the way through” health. ble. It has been a strategy to get rid of that tempo- the 1990s, as parts of Greece started pulling away lasterally March a 1 p.m. for topracticing 3 p.m. window. Falun Asdecades for duration, later. Falun Gongrary Continued sensation of fatigue and sleepiness,” to Avidan Destroy from the traditional Lives siesta culture to embrace the Gong,we have is intwo critical choices: condition. a 20-minute He powerAmong nap tothe total 15,235 Riki Taubenblat, said. “If you go to Spain, Italy, and Portugal in the no-nap rhythm of the modern world. relieve drowsiness, or a 45-minute to one-hour pediatric sleep image: FaluninFo.net has not been freed or released on practitioners targeted in 2020, Vision Times Staff early afternoon, you’re lucky to find a shop open. Over the course of six years, researchers found that nap to fully restore cognitive function. consultant Here in the U.S., of course, we have abandoned those who had abandoned their afternoon slum- bail“Beyond despite developing that, we sixrun different the risk of1,188 waking were 65 up years or older. There that idea and instead rely on working through ber showed a significantly higher risk of heart dis- ailmentsmore groggy and being as weon hisgo deathbed. through deeperwere alsostages 17 ofpractitioners in their using a cup of coffee.” ease compared to those who still took regular naps. Huangsleep, and had we been don’t arrested get the at most his from90s, the with strate the oldest- being 94. Four s 2020 saw China hit Even in Japan, a country known for its strong work Naps may also influence the length of our lives. homegic nature in April of the2019, nap,” together Avidan with said. hundred and one practitioners hard by the coronavirus ethic and company devotion, naps get social respect. On the Greek island of Ikaria, where the culture hisPerhaps wife, who if sleepwas later research released. was betterhad publicized, a total of 7,284,097.56 yuan pandemic, the ruling According to Alexandra Kenny from information is still siesta-oriented, men are found to be four it Weichangwould help eraseCounty, some Hebei of the culturalextorted stigmas or confiscated during ChineseA Communist Party website Tourist Japan, napping is a common times more likely to live to the age of 90 than Province,we hold 13about residents napping. were arrested But Gruman their saysarrests, this averaging 18,165 yuan practice and a part of daily life. Kenny says that in men from the United States. knowledge alone will not be enough. He says it has continued its decadeslong on July 13, 2019, while studying per person. Taubenblat believes a big reason why people will take a few more steps for the corporate cul- persecution of Falun Gong, a have negative feelings toward naps is that their Falunture to Gong’s fully embraceteachings sleeping together. on theIn job. addition to the arrests and spiritual discipline that is based culture doesn’t respect sleep. The“The police way ransacked you get it implemented,most of the harassment, and this is key, 622 Falun Gong on the principles of truthfulness, “We live in a society where you get credit for practitioners'is you have to homes have the the senior next day people practitioners in the organi -were sentenced for compassion, and forbearance. bragging that you only slept four hours last andzation confiscated modelling their the behaviour,” Falun Gong he said.their “You faith could in 2020, with 114 of Falun Gong, also known as Falun night. Nobody pats you on the back for getting books,set up napcomputers, rooms and printers.buy expensivethem nap pods, being and 65 or older and 11 in Dafa, was banned by the regime eight or nine,” she said. implementAlthough HRthe policiesLuanping that County approve it.their But 80s.until The they prison terms ranged for ideological reasons in 1999, Gruman thinks this sense of toughness via sleep Procuratoratesee the executive returned team occasionally the from taking 3 months naps, to 14 years, with an deprivation stems from a notion that the ideal employees are going to be leery.” despite having been lauded by many practitioners’ cases to the police for average of 3 years and 4 months. worker is one who can best emulate a machine. Of course, everyone’s sleep needs vary. Some do Chinese leaders as having brought “You get the most out of your machinery if you run insufficientbetter with aevidence daily power in November nap, while The others sentenced only practitioners came “myriad benefits” to society since it it 24/7, because your variable costs are reduced and 2019,need theone police every refused once in to a release while. Grumanfrom 149 says cities he in 27 provinces and was first taught in 1992. it’s more efficient. So we have this idea that we have theonly practitioners naps about onceand orsubmitted twice a monthcentrally-controlled on average. municipalities. Chinese police arrest people for practicing Falun Gong, a traditional spiritual practice. According to information to be driving people like machines, 24/7,” he said. theirBut that cases quick again recharge a month makes later. a big differenceLiaoning in(68), the Shandong (57), collected by Minghui.org, 6,659 “But that’s an ignorant way to think about people, Thequality prosecutor of his work indicted when themhe’s hit on by middaySichuan fatigue. (57), Hebei (56), and Jilin practitioners were arrested and targeted the practitioners’ family because we’re notdeath allowing days them after to their work arrests in con in- January“After 19, 15 2020, minutes and moved I am theirback to (50)my werebest, theand top provinces with junction with the natural process of being human.” thoughts that weren’t coming to me previously now 8,576 were harassed in 2020. While members in order to meet the quota. late June. According to incomplete cases to the Luanping County the most cases. Fifteen provinces She was beaten come to me. Ideas and arguments that I couldn’t the number of arrests remained When the practitioners refused to Strategizing Yourstatistics, Sleep another 81 practitioners Court.make previously I can now make withregistered ease,” double-digit he cases and similar to that of 6,109 in the year sign the renouncing statement, the to death byOne way to conservealso your died afterenergy torture is simply in custody by tak -or said.The “It’s practitioners really a dramatic were tried difference.” on the remaining seven provinces had before, 2020 saw a 2.4-fold increase authorities pressured their families ing a break—goingtheir for health a walk, declined listening after toenduring some SeptemberGruman knows28, 2020, that receiving he’s lucky— sincesingle-digit much cases. of Hubei Province, of harassment cases, due to the to sign the statements for the the officers,music, ... or just takingtwo adecades few moments of persecution. to clear your sentenceshis work up is todone six years from and home, being he hasas the epicenterluxury of the pandemic, nationwide “Zero-out” campaign. practitioners. In Guangdong and had her teethhead can all help give55-year-old your mind Li aLing rest of so Penglai that it finedof organizing as much as his 10,000 schedule yuan (about to fit hisranked own sixthneeds. on the list with 35 Similar to the “knocking on the Hainan provinces, the authorities can better handlecity, the Shandong next few Province, hours on was the seized job. $1,500)But he onargues Oct. 30,that 2020. if the modern workplacecases. also door” harassment campaign in 2017 posted 100,000 yuan in reward knocked outBut Avidan saysby nothing a village replenishes official and the a group body of adopts a rhythm more in line with Amongthe human the sentenced like sleep. body we will all be better off. that tried to pressure practitioners for people to report a Falun Gong paramilitary soldiers on June 28, Overview of persecution practitioners, 265 of them were and had been“Think of it like an electric car. Even if you sit it idle “It’s about respecting your body and mind, and into giving up their faith, the practitioner. stabbed hardand let in it rest, it doesn’t2020, expend after anybeing energy. reported But if youfor U.S.working Secretary in harmony of State with Mike the signals fined that by you’re the court, with a sum of police and residential committee plug it in, it’s goingpossessing to allow the Falun current Gong to recharge,”literature. Pompeobeing given said inand a recent not suppressing interview them2,788,234 or deny yuan- and an average of staff members also visited every Arrests, torture, and the chest withAvidan said. “That’sShe waswhat beatenwe’re doingto death when by we’rethe thating them,”even though he said. the world’s people 10,522 yuan per person. practitioner on the government’s killings continue asleep. We’re allowingofficers, the who, brain according to refuel to accounts and know“There the authoritarianare times we naturehave to of show we’re tough, blacklist and attempted to force In 2020, many practitioners were a stick... andrecharge in a way bythat local no other villagers, state hadwould her allow.” teeth thebut CCP,on a day they to ignoredday basis it, we partly don’t haveBased to ondo material that. by Minghui.org, them to renounce Falun Gong in subjected to brutal torture and was quicklyTo get the most knockedout of your out and nap, had however, been stabbed you becauseWe should previous embrace foreign our policyintuitive aside—the website that one provides first-hand the new “Zero-out” campaign. humiliation while in custody. Two have to use this powerhard instrategically. the chest with Sleep a stick. for tooShe makersthat’s more believed in tune that with economic the cycles ofinformation nature. Then about the persecution long, or too late in the afternoon, and you may run we would, in fact, be more effective.” The “zero-out” campaign also female practitioners were beaten to cremated. died on July 13, and was quickly trade and engagement could make of Falun Gong.

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Share their life experiences of triumph, joy, dilemma, sorrow and much more... Order it now! Januaryjan 1515 –- 28, 2021 || A7 Wisdom & Wellness www.VisionTimes.com The Darkness Before Dawn: Are the Prophecies of Disaster Imminent? mIChIel2005/ FlICkr / CC by 2.0 By Vision Times Staff of the Beast. The Lamb repre- sents justice, righteousness, and God’s will. The Beast confuses ccording to the many the people of the world, leading legends and prophe- them into all types of debauch- cies of disaster of the ery, immorality, evil, depravity, Anations, peoples, and religions and corrupt ways; blaspheming all over the world, human beings God, God’s reputation, and the will face evil forces, darkness, apostles living in the sky. tribulations, severe challenges, The evil Beast rules Baby- and experience devastating dis- lon the Great, (also called the asters at a certain period of time great adulteress in the Book). into the future. The city is very opulent, a glo- At that critical time, also rious place, possessing great known as The Last Days and just riches and many commodi- as humanity is on the brink of ties. Countries, businesses, and complete desolation, the Divine people fall under its adulterous Being returns to rescue the faith- spell and they can hardly resist ful, offer salvation, and spread its temptations. Oblivious to enlightenment. In the end, jus- the disaster that is about to fall, tice prevails and overcomes evil. they know its evil music, for- The righteous people are saved, nication, drugs, and filthiness, purified, and enter a new, glori- yet they still cooperate with it, ous era of peace and grace. do business with it, and buy its It looks like that time of trial products. and tribulation for human- The “Book of Revelation” ity may have arrived. By the reveals: “If they fight with the accounts of the tribulations of Lamb, the Lamb will defeat them that chaotic and corrupt period because the Lamb is the Lord of time depicted in the prophe- of Lords and King of Kings.” cies, perhaps they are upon us However, because the Beast is a today? Archangel Michael is sent by God to slay the demons and the Red Dragon. deceiver, many people are drawn into its trappings and help it do Prophecy of the ancient Per- extreme evil and commit per- sians “People who are pious to gods Image: vIa pIxabay / CC0 1.0 fidious crimes against God and The disasters The writing’s of the ancient are considered insane, while humanity. mentioned in prophet Zarathustra, a Per- those who don’t respect gods the “Book of The disasters mentioned in sian, living thousands of years are considered smart, luna- Revelation” the “Book of Revelation” include ago, have been translated in The tics are considered warriors, include the the water being poisoned, fires, Sacred Books of the East. They and the wicked are considered water being earthquakes, hail, storms, smoke contain the following prophe- good people. When it comes to poisoned, fires, and sulfur, locusts, plagues, cies: the immortality of the soul or earthquakes, extreme heat, and wars. In the “Everyone is advocating greed life, they will tease it and think hail, storms, end, the Lamb and the Saints and belief in false beliefs. Their it is false. No one believes or smoke and sul- defeat the evil spirits, demons, bodies are getting fat, but their talks about respect and piety to fur, locusts, and monsters. Babylon City col- souls are hungry.” gods anymore. It will be a cha- plagues, lapses in one day, and terrifying extreme heat, “Dark clouds and frogs darken otic period, and all moral values disasters befall it and its ena- and wars. the sky.” will gradually disappear. People blers. The kings and merchants “Hot and cold air alternately are going into mental confusion. of the different countries who blows off all fruits and grains.” Their thoughts, words, and deeds had dealt with and supported “The rain won’t fall when it no longer have love but are full it are stunned. Thinking that should.” of selfishness. People will pursue they were untouchable, they Hot wind, cold wind, and materialistic life extremely, and are now in panic seeing that the rain that shouldn’t fall are sym- this pursuit will keep them out rich and glorious city is totally bols of natural disasters, while of the spiritual world. destroyed. Disaster befalls them “dark clouds” and “frogs” rep- “A dark dynasty will be born. finally eliminate the floods, fires, Prophecies of disaster, war, seven seals, the Four Horse- also, as they too refused to repent resent evil forces, which plunge People will be ruled by evil, wars, plagues that appear. In this and redemption of the right- men, and the mark of the Beast of their sins and their crooked the entire world into darkness. corrupt, and selfish politicians way, the Creator will restore the eous in the ‘Book of Revela- that were to bring great disaster ways. They are judged and sent interested in money and power. whole world to its original state, tion’ and tribulation upon the Earth. into the pit of hell. Prediction of disaster by Nature will be out of balance. and people will always love, The “Book of Revelation,” oth- He recorded the sights he wit- At the “last judgment,” all sin- Hermes Catastrophe will come because praise, and bless gods. A new erwise known as “The Apoca- nessed, and wrote this myste- ners that refuse to repent and Hermes was a prophet associated humankind will stew in their universe will be born. Every- lypse,” is the final book of the rious book. seek forgiveness, are judged with ancient Egypt and Greece. juice. thing will be rebuilt and become Christian Bible. According to The story as told: Jesus, known and sent down into the pit of He stated that humanity will lose “When all of this comes, a beautiful and sacred.” scripture, when John, a disci- as the Lamb in Revelations and hell. Thereafter, a new universe faith in gods at some time in the Supreme Creator god will correct The Nordic and the ancient ple of Jesus Christ, was in exile his disciples (called Saints in the is created, and only those whose future and be on the verge of col- all this. He will bring back those Hopi Indian prophecies have on Patmos Island, he was led Bible) fight against the Great names are written in the Book of lapse in spirit. who have lost their way and similar accounts. to Heaven by God to see the Red Dragon and the evil forces Life can enter the new cosmos.

ciated with memory, emotional Science-Backed Research : How Meditation Benefits You regulation, and learning. Delayed brain aging By Vision Times Staff “It seems the longer you do The researchers noted that peo- management program. A recent pain will definitely be there. But A long-term study of a Buddhist meditation, the better your brain ple can optimize how their brain study of 6,400 people discovered meditation will allow you to cope monk has shown that meditation will be at self-regulation… You uses its resources once they start that meditation eased the pain in with it better. has the power to delay the aging ou might have read that don’t have to consume as much meditating regularly. people who were suffering from of the brain. The study was con- meditation is good for energy at rest and you can more acute, chronic, or post-surgical Improved concentration and ducted over a period of 18 years. you. But do you know easily get yourself into a more Pain control pain. learning ability The first time the monk’s brain Yexactly how it can help you? relaxed state,” a researcher said, Some doctors recommend med- Now, this doesn’t mean that the If you have trouble concentrating was scanned was when he was 27 Several studies have shown that as reported by Brain Facts. itation as part of a patient’s pain pain will go away completely. The on your tasks, meditation might years old and had already been meditation can have a positive just be the perfect remedy for meditating for nine years. physical and mental effect Image: Joffers951 vIa wIkImedIa CC BY-sa 4.0 your problem. In 2016, research- The last time he was scanned on a person. Here is a look at ers from Carnegie Mellon Univer- was when he was 41 years old. five benefits you can enjoy by sity studied 35 unemployed peo- However, the scientists found meditating regularly. ple looking for jobs. that the age of the brain was only They were divided into two 33, a full 8 years younger than his Better self-regulation groups. The first group under- real age. If such effects accumu- A study looked at the brains of went a 3-day relaxation program late over a period of time, the total Tibetan monks who had around with mindfulness meditation. The benefit to human health from 15 years of meditation experi- second group only participated in meditation would be enormous. ence. Researchers used an EEG the relaxation program. No med- to measure their brain activity. itation training was provided to Decreased stress The results were then compared them. Stress is a big factor in modern to local Tibetans who have never Brain scans of the participants life. Regular meditation has been meditated. showed that those who medi- found to be highly effective in The researchers found that tated had higher connectivity in reducing stress. long-term meditation reduces parts of the brain that regulate Repetition of mantras while activity in the brain network concentration. A 2011 Harvard meditating can calm the mind. in regions like the posterior study looked at the brain scans When you concentrate on such cingulate cortex and medial of 17 people before and after they mantras, you will be able to prefrontal cortex. The monks participated in a meditation pro- move the focus away from nega- who have been meditating for gram that ran for 8 weeks. tive, stressful thoughts. Mindful- the longest time were found to It was found that the sub- ness meditation has the ability to have the biggest reduction in jects had a higher grey matter in reduce the level of stress hormones network activity. Meditation can benefit you immensely. regions of the brain that are asso- called cortisol. A8 | January 15 - 28, 2021 Arts & Culture www.VisionTimes.com Su Shi, the Ancient Poet Who Put the People First

Winnie Wang/Vision Times

Vision Times Staff

ne of the greatest As long as I literati of ancient China, Su Shi (蘇 am here, the 軾), also known by Ohis alias Su Dongpo (蘇東坡), flood will was not just an accomplished man of letters, but also a dedi- never destroy cated and decisive leader. Su Shi (pronounced roughly the city wall. “soo shrr,” not “sushi”), lived in Su Shi the 1000s, during the Northern Song Dynasty. His poetry, callig- raphy, prose, painting, and other works have a unique place in the long river of Chinese culture. In addition to his extraordi- nary literary achievements, Su Shi was a wise and decisive impe- rial official. He often took it upon himself to aid the people in times have fewer opportunities to com- of hardship or disaster. mit their malfeasance, renovated An example of this is when Shu the barracks and cleaned up the The literary giant Su Shi was also an effective and honest official who used his fortitude to help the people he governed. Shi had just been transferred to military culture. He prohibited the city of Xuzhou, in eastern drinking and gambling, saw to China. Floods from the Yellow it that the clothes and rations for River were approaching the city, the sergeants would not be seized, Vladimir K/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 having breached the riverbank and used various other means to Su Shi allocated 2,000 taels of in Cao village. Facing the flood, restrain the soldiers’ conduct. silver from the public surplus Su Shi built a small thatched hut However, those in the mili- and allocated 50 taels of his own atop the Xuzhou city walls so that tary establishment were fright- gold to set up a charity hospital, he could better observe the dis- ened by Su’s actions. A number of which treated the impoverished aster and make decisions. soldiers raised complaints about and needy. In the spring of the The water rose higher and their commander. The unrest next year, he sold rice at a reduced higher up the city walls, and it caused concern among the offic- price, had porridge and soup pre- soon seemed they might collapse ers. Su Shi said, "Let me handle pared, and sent officials to take at any moment. The wealthy resi- this personally. Letting you file doctors to the neighborhood to dents of Xuzhou hurried to leave a complaint would cause chaos the city. But Su Shi said, "If the in the army." The commander rich leave, it will demoralize eve- was immediately published with ryone in the city. As long as I am exile, and the atmosphere in the here, the flood will never destroy military returned to normal. the city wall." Seeing that the pre- Then came time for the spring fect did not waver, the wealthy review of troops. However, the returned to Xuzhou. military bureaucrats had long let The survival Su Shi then called up the army. the ranking protocol fall into dis- When he arrived at the military use. Seeing their organization in or demise of base, he told the commanding this state, Su Shi ordered that the the country Su Shi restored and improved on the infrastructure around the West Lake (Xi Hu), bringing prosperity to officer, "The overflowing river is old ranks be reinstated, and that the people of Hangzhou. about to bring down the city wall. the inspection ceremony be car- The situation is urgent. Although ried out with all officers and men depends on its you are imperial guards, please wearing uniforms according to do your best to help." the proper hierarchy. morality, not treat the sick. Many people’s lives and also a renowned poet of the lack of maintenance. The officer responded, "The its strength. were saved through this timely Tang, to link the lake with the Knowing that the lake was the flood is coming, but not even A poet of the people aid and the plague receded. Grand Canal had paid off and key to solving the drought and the prefect is afraid, so what do Su Shi was a man of the peo- The longevity Hangzhou first became a allowed agriculture in the area by extension end hunger, Su Shi we have to be afraid of?" And so ple and took hardship with joy. metropolis in the Song Dynasty. to thrive. had two canals dug and a dozen- the generals led the soldiers out Although he was frequently reas- of a dynasty But prior to this time, the area However, constant dredging of mile-long embankment con- with scoops and shovels to build signed to new locations during was considered remote and back- the West Lake was necessary to structed to retain the lakewater dikes and erect dams. his career, he never took com- lies in the ward. Because of its coastal loca- maintain the supply of water for and increase its depth. The wells Living out of his little hut, Su plaint and fulfilled his duties best tion, the spring water was turbid irrigation. After the chaos follow- were re-drilled, and the West Shu directed flood control efforts he could no matter where he was. respect they and saline. Starting in the Tang ing the end of the Tang empire, Lake embankment also served day and night, never returning While stationed in Hangzhou Dynasty (the empire preceding there was no one to do the dredg- as a convenient avenue for traffic. to his main residence even when of eastern China, the city faced a have for their the Song), local administrators ing. Both the lake itself and the It became known as the “Lord Su passing by as part of his work. three-in-one disaster: drought, had dug wells and drawn fresh connecting canals were covered Causeway.” Torrential rain poured down famine, and plague at the same traditions. water by dredging the West Lake. in aquatic weeds and mud. The The weeds were eradicated by constantly, and at times, the city time. Su Shi The efforts of Bai Juyi, an official wells were also clogged due to a simple and productive solu- wall barely remained above water. tion: Su Shi had farmers culti- Under the example set by Su vate water chestnut on the sur- Shi’s leadership, the army and Fotolia face of the lake, blocking sunlight the people of Xuzhou worked from the underwater weeds and together, finally diverting the halting their growth. flood and saving the city. While an effective leader who When the floods died down, Su knew how to get things done, Shi attended to unrest through- Su Shi was not adept at political out Xuzhou and had wooden manoeuvring and typically lost revetments erected to help mit- out amidst the intrigues of the igate future flooding. Song imperial court. The great poet was exiled from Hangzhou. Enforcing discipline and the law Twenty years later, when Su Shi Su Shi also applied the law strictly returned to the city, he found that to enforce fallen standards of mil- the people of Hangzhou had his itary discipline. After Emperor portrait hanging in almost every Zhezong assumed the throne in home. Some people built a shrine 1085, Su Shi requested a job as to honor his deeds and show their magistrate and was sent to Ding- gratitude. Su remained modest, zhou, an area on the border with saying that he had merely done the Khitan Liao empire. his job as a magistrate. In Dingzhou, both civil and Su Shi said, “The survival or military officials were corrupt. demise of the country depends Law was nowhere to be found. on its morality, not its strength. The military academy canni- The longevity of a dynasty lies in balized the soldiers' rations and the respect or disregard they have rewards, the soldiers were arro- for their traditions, not whether gant and disobedient, and the they are wealthy or poor." old magistrate did not dare to do During his whole life, Su Shi anything to bring them into line. met with setbacks and political Upon his arrival in the region, misfortune, but never gave up on Su Shi took a series of measures the principles of true and good to rectify this sorry state of affairs. governance. He validated these He appointed corrupt officers to principles with his actions, and new positions where they would Su Shi said, “The survival or demise of the country depends on its morality, not its strength.” expressed them with his verses.