by Jonathan Sharp | 3 Oct 2019 | China
The call by Hong Kong protesters for full democracy is the one least likely to be met. One-party state China most emphatically does not do democracy. A portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping lies covered with debris after a protest in Hong Kong, China, 1 October...
by Jonathan Sharp | 5 Sep 2019 | Asia, China, Culture
Away from the hustle, an ancient rite unfolds in a Shanghai park. Parents looking to hitch offspring post want ads in a marriage mart. (Photo by Betty Fu) It’s a poignant ritual, played out every weekend in a shady corner of a Shanghai park. In People’s Park, scores...
by Jonathan Sharp | 30 Jul 2019 | Asia, China
As protests against Hong Kong authorities become more violent, worries that China’s army might intervene are mounting. A protester confronts Hong Kong police near land just transferred to the People’s Liberation Army, Hong Kong, China, 29 June 2019...
by Jonathan Sharp | 18 Jun 2019 | Asia, China
Youth in Hong Kong have poured into the streets to protest against a proposed law they say threatens the city’s autonomy. Are they pushing their luck? Protesters against an extradition bill in Hong Kong, China, 16 June 2019 (EPA-EFE/Roman Pilipey) Twice in the...
by Jonathan Sharp | 22 Mar 2019 | China, Economy, United States
Last year, 140 million tourists visited China. In 1973, Beijing was selective about who got to enter. Hollywood star Shirley MacLaine was one of the few. Shirley MacLaine (seated, center) speaks to the press before heading to China, Los Angeles, 17 April 1973. (AP...