cai-yiwen

On the China-Laos Border, a Cautionary Tale of Hot Money and Wild Dreams

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Chinese investors have poured money into the small Lao town of Boten, believing a new railway would bring massive growth. But the hoped-for boom has yet to arrive.

To Rescue Its Devastated Tourism Sector, Laos Looks to China

Emerging from a pandemic-induced slump, Laos is leaning on a multi-billion dollar railway to revitalize tourism. A significant portion of its recovery blueprint hinges on drawing more visitors from China.

In a Post-COVID Laos, China’s Influence Grows Ever Larger

A new $5.5 billion railway is bringing a flood of Chinese investment to the Lao capital of Vientiane. After COVID-19, it’s desperately needed.

Scarred Lives: The Lasting Hurt of China’s Leprosy Villages

Quarantined in far-flung settlements decades ago, many residents are now elderly, disabled, and burdened by biting poverty and lingering discrimination.

The Cycle of Negligence at China’s Health-Check Companies

They hire unlicensed doctors, ignore safety regulations, and miss the warning signs of cancer. But businesses offering private health exams still turn huge profits.

As China Cuts Air Pollution, An Unseen Killer Emerges

Efforts to cut smog-causing PM 2.5 are leading to rises in ground-level ozone, a chemical harmful to health.

The Shanghai Charity Making English Fun for Migrant Children

Volunteer-driven organization Stepping Stones is helping disadvantaged kids build fluency in English — but new challenges loom ahead.

Woman Who Says She Was Falsely Convicted of Murder Gets Retrial

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Since being sentenced to death in 2013 for fatally poisoning her neighbor’s family, Ren Yanhong has continued to plead her innocence, saying she confessed under torture.

13-Year-Old Arrested for Killing Parents With Hammer

Too young to be punished under Chinese law, the boy will be sent to an elder care facility after his release.

Rural Schools’ Livestreamed Courses Trigger Efficacy Debate

A Chengdu high school’s online program that streams classes to students in rural areas has drawn both praise and skepticism.

China’s Aging Migrant Workers Are Facing a Return to Poverty

As first-generation rural migrants near retirement age, many find themselves back in economic straits.

Chinese Scientists Produce Healthy Mice From Same-Sex Parents

Researchers say reproductive study’s application to other mammals, including humans, still a long way off.

Police Accused of Not Investigating Suspected Child Traffickers

Father of nearly-abducted child ‘deeply disappointed’ over suspects being given just five days’ detention.

Genomics Company Backs China’s Largest-Ever DNA Study

BGI has collected the genetic data of 140,000 women who purchased its prenatal testing service.

Xinhua Criticizes College Students for Bureaucratic Bad Behavior

Commentary says upperclassmen rebuking junior student for not using correct title points to larger issue of a rigid hierarchy distorting one’s sense of self-importance.

Facing $130M in Penalties, Fan Bingbing Apologizes for Tax Fraud

Authorities say the A-list actress intentionally evaded paying hundreds of millions of yuan in taxes.

Ideology for 500: Hunan TV Airs Quiz Show on Xi Jinping Thought

Second season of ‘Socialism Is a Bit Cool’ marks the first time any program has made the Chinese president’s life, philosophy, and policy its focal point.

Couple Who Adopted After Son’s Death Sue for Bereavement Subsidy

Zhang Debin, who adopted a daughter after losing his only child, says that a 2016 amendment protects his right to a bereavement subsidy.

Evidence Destroyed in Fatal Tunnel Collapse Cover-Up

Guangzhou’s work safety administration says a construction company tried to hide signs of a fire that occurred before a subway tunnel caved in, killing three people.

‘I've Lost My Youth’: The Psychiatric Patients Stuck in Hospital

In 2012, China’s first mental health law promised to improve care for the mentally unwell. But some are still kept institutionalized by their families, battling to get free.