The Shuidong Connection

Exposing the Global Hub of the Illegal Ivory Trade

on July 1, 2017

An Environmental Investigation Agency investigation in Mozambique revealed a Chinese-led criminal syndicate which for over two decades has been trafficking ivory from Africa to Shuidong, its hometown in southern China. According to this syndicate, it is just one of about 10 to 20 similar groups originating from Shuidong. Their criminal exploits reveal how their small hometown has become, and remains, the world’s largest hub for ivory trafficking: the group claims up to 80 percent of tusks from poached elephants in Africa pass through Shuidong.

China has taken significant steps to close its legal domestic ivory market in the past year. This is a positive move by a country with one of the biggest ivory markets and demonstrates leadership and pragmatism. However, there remain serious questions on the lack of enforcement in China, and abroad, against Chinese nationals deeply involved in the illegal ivory trade, who continue to operate with complete impunity.

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Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)

What Does Xi Jinping Intend for Hong Kong?

A ChinaFile Conversation

By Alvin Y.H. Cheung, Kevin Carrico & more on June 30, 2017

Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of the July 1, 1997 return of the territory to China from the United Kingdom. Since the handover, many Hong Kongers have chafed under Beijing’s rule—tensions that culminated with the Umbrella Revolution in late 2014, when tens of thousands of citizens called for a more participatory form of government for their semi-autonomous territory of roughly 7.5 million people. What’s next for Beijing’s relationship with Hong Kong, and for the policy of “One Country, Two Systems”?

Chinese Ways of Empire, Then and Now

By Yi-Zheng Lian on June 30, 2017

In 30 more years, Hong Kong will fully revert to the mainland. Much could happen between now and 2047, and the tea leaves are already out there waiting to be read: There are many old — even ancient — historical precedents showing how the Chinese central authorities first manage rebellious peoples on the periphery before eventually subjugating them.

History, Politics, Society
Hong Kong-Mainland Tension, Carrie Lam, Xi Jinping, Handover

New Analysis: Four More Previously Unlisted Entities Become Professional Supervisory Units

on June 30, 2017

A total of six entities, not originally included in the Ministry of Public Security’s 2017 list of eligible Professional Supervisory Units (PSUs), have now sponsored foreign NGO representative offices. More details about the newest of these PSUs can be found in our Analysis section.

Four More Previously Unlisted Entities Become PSUs

By Jessica Batke on June 30, 2017

Based on data released on June 28, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has permitted four additional entities to become Professional Supervisory Units (PSUs) for foreign NGOs. The addition of these four new PSUs confirms that the MPS is actively approving applications with sponsors who were not on the initial list of eligible PSUs issued at the end of last year. The China NGO Project previously reported that the State Administration of Grain and the State Ethnic Affairs Commission have sponsored foreign NGOs despite not being on the initial 2017 list of PSUs.

China's Xi Sees 'Challenges' in Hong Kong as Beijing Dismisses Any UK Role

By Greg Torode, Venus Wu on June 30, 2017

Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Hong Kong for the 20th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, said on Friday the city's "one country, two systems" formula faces "new challenges" as pro-democracy campaigners ramped up their protests.

Politics
Hong Kong-Mainland Tension, Hong Kong, Xi Jinping, Handover

Pakistan Pivots to China Amid Fresh Concerns over US Ties with India

By Pamela Constable on June 30, 2017

The words from Pakistan’s top foreign policy adviser could not have been clearer. At a news conference welcoming China’s foreign minister to the Pakistani capital this week, Sartaj Aziz declared, “Pakistan’s relations with China are the cornerstone of our foreign policy".

Military, Politics
Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Donald Trump

China’s Richest Man Builds World’s Biggest Indoor Ski Resort, Giving Harbin Year-Long Winter

By Zheng Yangpeng on June 30, 2017

Harbin Wanda City, the $6 billion resort development built by China’s wealthiest tycoon Wang Jianlin, opened for business on Friday, the conglomerate’s sixth theme park as it pushes further into the country’s leisure and entertainment industry to compete with Disneyland and Universal Studios.

Business, Society
Harbin, Wang Jianlin, Tourism, Wanda