Peter Hessler's book 'Other Rivers: A Chinese Education' explores the contrasting experiences of two generations in China, the 'Reform Generation' and 'Generation Xi'. While the former benefited from economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping, the latter faces a restrictive political climate under Xi Jinping. Despite significant economic and social changes, political stagnation persists, leading to a sense of hopelessness among Chinese youth. Hessler's nuanced portrayal of these generations highlights the complexities of modern China, emphasizing the need for systemic change amidst growing economic malaise and political repression.

Kim Jong Un, born in 1984, has been surrounded by myths and propaganda, from absurd claims to bloody family stories. Anna Fifield provides an exclusive and detailed account of his life and the dynastic mission of his family in North Korea. Despite initial doubts about his capability, Kim Jong Un has not only survived but thrived, partly due to the approval of Donald Trump. The book paints a captivating portrait of North Korea's secretive and internationally relevant regime, led by the self-proclaimed Beloved and Respected Leader.

China has constructed new high-security detention centers in Xinjiang, targeting the Uighur Muslim population under the guise of vocational training and deradicalization. Despite claims of winding down the re-education campaign, satellite imagery and expert analysis reveal ongoing and intensified repression. The facilities, described as prisons by another name, lack rehabilitative features and serve as tools for mass detention and control. International condemnation, including from the United Nations and U.S. officials, highlights the severe human rights abuses, which some label as cultural genocide. The Chinese government denies these allegations, attributing them to anti-China forces.

Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, made an unannounced visit to Beijing, meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The visit coincides with John F. Kerry's climate talks in Beijing and follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent trip. Wang Yi expressed nostalgia for Kissinger's era of U.S. foreign policy, while Li Shangfu emphasized the need for stable U.S.-China relations. Kissinger highlighted the importance of eliminating misunderstandings between the two nations. The State Department confirmed awareness of Kissinger's private visit.

Henry Kissinger, the former U.S. Secretary of State, made an unannounced visit to Beijing, where he met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Wang Yi expressed a desire for U.S. policy towards China to reflect the diplomatic wisdom of Kissinger and the political courage of Nixon. The visit follows recent positive interactions between U.S. and Chinese officials, despite ongoing tensions and military near misses. Kissinger advocated for eliminating misunderstandings between the two nations, emphasizing the negative consequences of potential conflict. The State Department was aware of Kissinger's visit, which was mentioned during Secretary Blinken's recent trip to China.

Henry Kissinger, the former American secretary of state, made an unannounced visit to Beijing, meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The visit coincides with John F. Kerry's climate talks in Beijing and follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent trip. Wang Yi expressed nostalgia for Kissinger's diplomatic wisdom, while Li Shangfu emphasized the need for healthy US-China relations. Kissinger highlighted the importance of eliminating misunderstandings between the two nations. The State Department confirmed Kissinger's visit was as a private citizen.

Henry Kissinger made a surprise visit to China, meeting with top diplomat Wang Yi and Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The visit follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent trip to Beijing. Wang Yi emphasized the importance of diplomatic wisdom and political courage in U.S.-China relations, while Li Shangfu expressed hope for healthy and stable development between the two countries. Kissinger highlighted the need to eliminate misunderstandings and avoid treating each other as opponents. The State Department was aware of Kissinger's visit, which he undertook as a private citizen.

Kim Jong-Un has managed to maintain his totalitarian rule over North Korea for a decade, defying expectations of collapse. Despite facing significant challenges, including international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim has used a combination of cruelty and strategic calculation to secure his control. The pandemic has exacerbated the already dire conditions in North Korea, with severe shortages in food and medical supplies. The regime's strict border controls have further isolated the country, cutting off economic lifelines and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The article questions whether this crisis could lead to significant change in North Korea, but remains cautious about predicting the regime's downfall.

Kim Jong-Un has defied expectations by maintaining his grip on North Korea for over a decade, despite numerous challenges including international sanctions and internal skepticism. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented existential threat to his regime, exacerbating the country's already dire healthcare and economic conditions. North Korea's strict border closures have further isolated the nation, cutting off essential trade and worsening food and medical shortages. The article underscores the severe hardships faced by the North Korean population and questions whether this crisis might finally lead to significant change.

Veteran journalists discussed the increasing restrictions on foreign journalists in China and the implications for truth-telling during a virtual talk at the Nieman Foundation. They compared the challenges of reporting in China to North Korea, highlighted the importance of coverage on Xinjiang's internment camps, and the role of Chinese journalists in covering stories within China. The discussion also touched on the impact of Chinese nationalism and propaganda on public opinion and the difficulties of reporting from Hong Kong. Despite the challenges, the journalists emphasized the importance of foreign media presence in China for a nuanced global understanding of the country.