Identification of a novel FUT1 allele with c.325_414dup in a Chinese individual with para-Bombay phenotype

A novel FUT1 allele with c.325_414dup has been identified in a Chinese individual exhibiting the para-Bombay phenotype. The study was conducted by researchers from the Nanning Blood Center and the Nanning Institute of Transfusion Medicine. The findings contribute to the understanding of genetic variations associated with blood group phenotypes.

After a Wave of Protests, China’s Silent Crackdown

Nationwide protests against Xi Jinping’s zero-covid policy caught the Chinese Communist Party off-guard, leading to a swift and silent crackdown. The protests, sparked by an apartment fire in Urumqi and widespread anger at stringent covid policies, were notable for their scale and demands for greater personal freedoms. Xi Jinping's focus on 'national security' has led to increased social control and repression, particularly in regions like Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Despite initial surprise, the Chinese security apparatus quickly recalibrated, blaming local implementation for policy failures and making some concessions while maintaining a low tolerance for organized dissent. The party-state's response includes increased surveillance and targeted repression to prevent further mobilization, reflecting its broader strategy of maintaining regime security.

Breaking Han Silence

The protests in China during late November, sparked by a deadly fire in Urumqi, saw the mainstream Chinese public express solidarity with the Uyghurs for the first time, challenging the Chinese Communist Party's zero-covid policy and calling for democracy. The article argues that this represents a significant shift in the moral-political consciousness of the nation, potentially marking the birth of a collective conscience. The protests, which were quickly suppressed, also resonated with Chinese students abroad, leading to solidarity protests at universities in the West. Despite the crackdown, the author suggests that the protests could seed a more inclusive and progressive democratic movement in China.

The End of the Era of 'Economic Construction at the Center' — The Deep Theme of the CCP's 20th National Congress

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China marks the end of the era focused on 'economic construction at the center,' a policy direction established since 1978. Xi Jinping's report at the Congress suggests a shift towards a comprehensive approach to building a modern socialist country, emphasizing security and struggle over economic development alone. This shift indicates a departure from policies adapted to market mechanisms and a move towards a more authoritarian control over market forces. The article also discusses the implications of this shift on China's foreign policy and cross-strait relations with Taiwan.

The End of the Era of 'Economic Construction at the Center' — The Deep Theme of the CCP's 20th National Congress

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China marks the end of the era focused on 'economic construction at the center,' a policy direction established since 1978. Xi Jinping's report at the Congress suggests a shift towards a comprehensive approach to building a modern socialist country, emphasizing security and struggle over economic development alone. This shift indicates a departure from policies adapted to market mechanisms and a move towards a more authoritarian control over market forces. The article also discusses the implications of this shift on China's foreign policy and cross-strait relations with Taiwan.

The China Challenge: New Leadership Focuses on the Struggle for Security

The new leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced after the 20th National Congress is heavily dominated by individuals with security-related backgrounds, reflecting a significant emphasis on national security. Xi Jinping's influence is evident as his allies occupy key positions, sidelining former leaders' protégés. The Politburo and the Central Secretariat now include numerous officials with military, intelligence, and security experience, indicating that security will be a top priority for the CCP in the coming years. This shift suggests a continued focus on regime security and stability, with economic development being coordinated with security concerns.

For Xi Jinping, the Economy Is No Longer the Priority

Xi Jinping has shifted China's focus from economic growth to security and power consolidation, both domestically and internationally. This change marks the end of the economy-centered era that began post-Mao and was championed by leaders like Deng Xiaoping. Xi's new priorities include maintaining regime security, challenging the United States, and preparing for potential military action against Taiwan. This shift has significant implications for China's future, including increased state control over the market and a more aggressive foreign policy stance. Xi's consolidation of power and the CCP's endorsement of his policies signal a move towards a neo-totalitarian regime.

China: Totalitarianism’s Long Shadow

China's rapid economic growth over the past four decades has not led to democratization but rather a reversion to neo-Stalinist rule under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This challenges modernization theory, which links economic development with democracy. The CCP's strong resistance to liberalization, despite socioeconomic progress, suggests that democratizing post-totalitarian regimes is more difficult than authoritarian ones. The text highlights the unique challenges of democratizing communist dictatorships, emphasizing the role of entrenched institutions and the potential for revolutionary change. The analysis draws on Seymour Martin Lipset's theories and the historical experiences of the Soviet bloc.