China: the world's biggest camera surveillance network - BBC News
China has been building what it calls the world's biggest camera surveillance network. Across the country, 170 million CCTV cameras are already in place and an estimated 400 million new ones will be installed in the next three years.
Many of the cameras are fitted with artificial intelligence, including facial recognition technology. The BBC's John Sudworth has been given rare access to one of the new hi-tech police control rooms.
Producer: Joyce Liu. Camera: Wang Xiqing.
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Long March
The Long March (October 1934–October 1935) was a military retreat undertaken by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China, the forerunner of the People's Liberation Army, to evade the pursuit of the Kuomintang (KMT or Chinese Nationalist Party) army. There was not one Long March, but a series of marches, as various Communist armies in the south escaped to the north and west. The best known is the march from Jiangxi province which began in October 1934. The First Front Army of the Chinese Soviet Republic, led by an inexperienced military commission, was on the brink of annihilation by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's troops in their stronghold in Jiangxi province. The Communists, under the eventual command of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, escaped in a circling retreat to the west and north, which reportedly traversed over 9,000 kilometers (6,000 miles) over 370 days. The route passed through some of the most difficult terrain of western China by traveling west, then north, to Shaanxi.
The Long March began Mao Zedong's ascent to power, whose leadership during the retreat gained him the support of the members of the party. The bitter struggles of the Long March, which was completed by only about one-tenth of the force that left Jiangxi, would come to represent a significant episode in the history of the Communist Party of China, and would seal the personal prestige of Mao and his supporters as the new leaders of the party in the following decades. However the true role of Mao in the Long March remains disputed, with many claims that Mao's role was heavily exaggerated and certain events in the Long March entirely fabricated.
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Mao Zedong (December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976), also known as Chairman Mao, was a Chinese communist revolutionary who became the founding father of the People's Republic of China, which he ruled as the Chairman of the Communist Party of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976. His theories, military strategies, and political policies are collectively known as Maoism.
Mao was the son of a wealthy farmer in Shaoshan, Hunan. He had a Chinese nationalist and anti-imperialist outlook early in his life, and was particularly influenced by the events of the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 and May Fourth Movement of 1919. He later adopted Marxism–Leninism while working at Peking University, and became a founding member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), leading the Autumn Harvest Uprising in 1927. During the Chinese Civil War between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the CPC, Mao helped to found the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, led the Jiangxi Soviet's radical land policies, and ultimately became head of the CPC during the Long March. Although the CPC temporarily allied with the KMT under the United Front during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), China's civil war resumed after Japan's surrender and in 1949 Mao's forces defeated the Nationalist government, which withdrew to Taiwan.
On October 1, 1949, Mao proclaimed the foundation of the People's Republic of China (PRC), a single-party state controlled by the CPC. In the following years he solidified his control through land reforms and through a psychological victory in the Korean War, as well as through campaigns against landlords, people he termed counter-revolutionaries, and other perceived enemies of the state. In 1957 he launched a campaign known as the Great Leap Forward that aimed to rapidly transform China's economy from agrarian to industrial. This campaign led to the deadliest famine in history and the deaths of an estimated minimum of 45 million people between 1958 and 1962. In 1966, Mao initiated the Cultural Revolution, a program to remove counter-revolutionary elements in Chinese society which lasted 10 years and was marked by violent class struggle, widespread destruction of cultural artifacts, and an unprecedented elevation of Mao's cult of personality. The program is now officially regarded as a severe setback for the PRC. In 1972, Mao welcomed American President Richard Nixon in Beijing, signalling the start of a policy of opening China to the world. After years of ill health, Mao suffered a series of heart attacks in 1976 and died at the age of 82. He was succeeded as paramount leader by Premier Hua Guofeng, who was quickly sidelined and replaced by Deng Xiaoping.
A controversial figure, Mao is regarded as one of the most important and influential individuals in modern world history. He is also known as a political intellect, theorist, military strategist, poet, and visionary. Supporters credit him with driving imperialism out of China, modernising the nation and building it into a world power, promoting the status of women, improving education and health care, as well as increasing life expectancy as China's population grew from around 550 million to over 900 million under his leadership. Conversely, his regime has been called autocratic and totalitarian, and condemned for bringing about mass repression and destroying religious and cultural artifacts and sites. It was additionally responsible for vast numbers of deaths with estimates ranging from 30 to 70 million victims.
What's Behind Xi's Visit to Shenzhen?
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On December 7th, Xi Jinping arrived in Shenzhen,
which was his first official visit outside Beijing as new leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Oddly, mainland media did not pay much attention
to Xi's activities in Shenzhen.
On the other hand, foreign media tried to read Xi's visit
by comparing it to Deng Xiaoping's tour to southern China 20 years ago.
Analysts remark Xi's southern tour and Hu's farewell visit
to Guizhou were both due to propaganda needs.
This suggests that CCP will continue its strategy
of left politics, right economy.
According to Hong Kong media, Xi Jinping arrived
in Shenzhen on December 7th.
He visited Qianhai development zone and the headquarter
of Tencent, a famous information technology corporation.
On the morning of 8th, Xi visited Linhuashan Park
in Futian borough.
He planted trees there and presented flowers
to the statue of Deng Xiaoping.
As the new CCP leader, Xi chose Shenzhen
to be the first place of his visit outside Beijing.
This leads to a lot of speculations since the CCP always
regards Shenzhen as a frontier of its economic reform.
Hong Kong's Ming Pao published an article mentioning
Deng Xiaoping's three visits to Shenzhen, which he established as a special area for his reform.
In 1992, Deng visited Shenzhen and other cities
in presenting his southern tour speeches.
Those speeches defined the CCP's route of Reform and
Opening up, which regarded economic development as the key target.
Shenzhen is a place closely associated
with Deng Xiaoping.
Therefore, Xi may attempt to present himself a supporter
of the Reform and Opening up, by presenting flowers to Deng's statue.
President of New York Democracy University Tang Boqiao
spoke to NTD on the issue.
Tang thinks, whether Xi continues Deng's route of
Reform and Opening up or not, the situation in China will not change significantly.
Tang Boqiao (President, New York Democracy University):
The CCP can make some changes in its framework.
For example, the State Council cut the number
of departments from over 20 to over 10.
More people from so-called democratic parties may be
selected as vice mayors or provincial governors.
It may also hold some People's Congress elections
at the primary level.
However, it still continues to persecute Falun Gong
practitioners and other dissidents.
Tang Boqiao believes that Deng Xiaoping is a slaughterer
of Chinese people himself.
Therefore, the CCP's route of Reform and Opening up,
established by Deng, is a deceptive strategy against the Chinese people.
Tang Boqiao: It is an extremely crafty way to keep
the CCP's dictatorship and control Chinese people's mind.
Such a reform is a sugar-coated bullet to provides civilians
with the illusion of better future despite the fact that CCP continues its pillage and suppression against them.
Hu Jintao stressed in his speech at the 18th CCP congress,
CCP would walk on neither an old path, nor an evil road.
Outsiders read this as the CCP's announcement of refusing
real political reform and keeping the strategy of left politics, right economy.
Between December 1st and 6th, Hu Jintao made
a red tour to Zunyi, Guizhou.
Hu had been the leader of Guizhou province for three years
and this was his first visit out of Beijing after stepping down.
However, Hu's farewell tour was not reported
by any official media until December 6th.
Tang Boqiao: CCP has united its talking inside the party.
This is just a show for the global society because they have a much higher standard for the CCP government.
Tang mentioned, there is a common global trend
of dictatorship regimes starting to disintegrate.
Democratic reforms have taken place in countries
such as Myanmar and Vietnam.
However, the CCP did not show any signs
of lifting the ban on political parties and the press.
Tang remarked that the only choice for the CCP officials
is to rejoin the civil world.
Tang Boqiao: What does it mean
to rejoin the civil world?
Just like what Thein Sein has done for Myanmar,
you should release political prisoners like Aung San Suu Kyi,
return the freedom of election and speech to the people,
and welcome dissidents back to the country.
Tang Boqiao concluded that CCP lags far behind the global
community and faces elimination by the Chinese people.
《神韵》2011世界巡演新亮点
Deputy Commander of Chengdu Military Region Is Arrested
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Recently, Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang of Central Military
Commission (CMC),
claimed toinvestigate and punish a group of military officers,
after he'd completed the inspections upon Guangzhou
and Chengdu Military Regions.
On July 16, media reported, Chengdu Military Region Deputy
Commander, Yang Jinshan,
was arrested for his involvment of former Chongqing Party
Secretary Bo Xilai's case.
So what are the signs the Communist regime
are trying to release?
Let's take a look at the reports.
The Chinese Communist mouthpiece, Xinhua Net,
reported on July 15,
that from late April to late June, the CMC Inspection Team
conducted inspections on the Guangzhou and Chengdu
Military Regions.
On July 11, leader of the inspection team
Xu Qiliang claimed,
A group of military officers will be investigated
and punished.
In particular, major members and leaders of the Communist
Committee will be targeted.
Chinese issues researcher Zhang Jian: The investigation
on these two military regions signal the result of a power struggle.
Most of the loyalists of Gu Junshan and Xu Caihou were
in Chengdu and Guangzhou Military Region.
After their downfall, they are now reorganising the entire military
system as a clear signal to the army: Take the political stand.
According to inside sources, on July 16, Yang Jinshan, the
incumbent deputy commander of Chengdu Military Region,
was reportedly arrested,
.
His secretary surnamed Chen has also gone missing.
Yang Jinshan's arrest was said to be related to Bo Xilai's case.
60 year old Yang Jinshan, was Chief of Staff of 14th Army
Group, and 31 Division's commander,
also he was Head of Command Operations Department
of Chengdu Military Region and Deputy Chief of Staff.
In December 2009, Yang Jinshan served as Tibet Military
Area commander.
In July 2011, Yang was promoted to the rank
of Lieutenant General.
Last July, he was transferred to Chengdu Military Region
as Deputy Commander.
Zhang Jian believes Yang Jinshan's arrest is associated
with Xu Qiliang's claim, that a group of people
were under investigation.
Zhang Jian: The inspection team could have had some
internal deployment before Yang Jinshan was arrested.
His title as deputy commander of Chengdu Military Region,
is heavy enough to deter other military heads,
ensuring their allegiance to the Central Committee.
It is understood, the Chengdu Military Region, responsible
for commanding two Army Groups, the 13th and 14th,
covers areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet and Chongqing.
The 14th Army Group in Yunnan Province, was formerly known
as Shanxi New Army created by Bo Xilai's father, Bo Yibo.
In February 2012 when Wang Lijun fled to the U.S. consulate
in Chengdu, Bo Xilai paid a high-profile visit
to the 14th Army Group.
It was interpreted as threatening the central government,
attempting rebellion at the time.
In November 2011, Chengdu Military Region conducted
a large-scale military exercises in Chongqing City.
Participated by then head of Chongqing, Bo Xilai,
Defense Minister, Liang Guangli, Commander of Chengdu
Military Region, Li Shiming, Political Commissar, Tian Xiusi,
and Commander of Tibet Military Area, Yang Jinshan.
Bo Xilai was analyzed as intimidating and demonstrative
of his power to Hu Jintao's authorities.
Xia Ming, Political science professor of City University
New York: Bo Xilai's incident, has exposed his connection
in Chengdu Military Region. Xi Jinping should definitely take
control of it.
Zhang Jian: During the investigation on these two military
regions, flights of Shanghai Airport were cancelled on July 14.
It was said to be caused by a military exercise executed
by Nanjing Military Region.
This has never been seen before in China.
Many life-threatening events have occurred around Xi Jinping.
Xi may take a very strong approach in this,
killing any remaining threat of Bo in the military.
On June 25, former military commissar Ye Wanyong, was
dismissed from as member of CPPCC (National Committee
of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference).
It is reported he was arrested in May.
Insiders revealed that Ye Wanyong was sacked for his
involvement in plotting the coup plan with
Zhou Yongkang and Bo Xilai.
According to Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, Wei Jin
was another official arrested in May.
Wei Jin a Major General, is Deputy Political Commissar
of Tibet Military Area,
who'd long served in Sichuan Military Region.
Xia Ming: Xi Jinping has sacked many senior leaders, including
Bo Xilai, Zhou Yongkang, Gu Junshan,Xu Caihou,
and Guo Boxiong etc.
.
《神韵》2014世界巡演新亮点
Firefighters rescue man after his car falls into deep ditch
Firefighters in Zunyi city, Guizhou Province, rescued a driver after his car fell into a 10-metre-deep ditch. The car had toppled over, trapping the driver. The firefighters had to place a ladder inside the ditch to rescue the man.
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WFP chief calls on Beijing for assistance
SHOTLIST
Qiao Lu village, Dashu Township, Dongxiang County - 11 December 2004
1. Pan snow covered terraced hillside
2. Close-up of same
3. Wide shot of houses on hillside
4. Women and children in courtyard
5. Child walking along a wall made of mud
6. Wide shot of World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director James Morris and wife standing with village family
7. Reverse shot of Morris addressing villagers
Beijing - 14 December 2004
8. Pan from journalists to Morris at press conference
9. SOUNDBITE (English) James Morris, World Food Programme Executive Director:
China has had more experience in moving people out of hunger and poverty than any country in the world or in the history of mankind, and I'm hopeful that China will partner with the World Food Programme to help us do more to take advantage of the strength they have, the experience to address these tough issues elsewhere.
Wangji Primary School, Dongxiang County - 11 December 2004
10. Female students at primary school classroom where there are 112 girls and 324 boys. WFP is assisting 53 girls in grades 3, 4 and 5 with take-home rations since spring 2004. The drop-out rate for girls in 2003 was 38 out of 98 girls enrolled. Food is provided from TNT donation and four other private donors: HP, Oracle, CBC and CNBC
11. Wide shot of female teacher teaching
12. Mid shot of classroom, stove visible in middle of room
13. Close-up on girl next to window, food sacks visible through window
14. Side shot of WFP food sacks on the ground: these are given to families who have sent their daughter's to school
15. Reverse shot of food sacks, children in background
16. Tilt up from food sack to children standing in an assembly to welcome WFP delegates
17. Morris handing out WFP information packs to children
18. Tilt up from WFP pack to girl holding it
Lanzhou city, Gansu Province - 11 December 2004
19. Pull out from bag showing 25th anniversary of WFP-China cooperation to Morris and Gansu Governor Lu Hao, they shake hands and clap
20. Various set up shots of Chen Jian, Director of Gansu Provincial Department of Agriculture
21. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Chen Jian, Director of Gansu Provincial Department of Agriculture:
Gansu is a very poor province and is one of the poorest in China. Our natural conditions are very bad. It's very dry here and drought is a very serious problem. The agricultural facilities are very weak. The agricultural development in our province are constrained by those factors, so for us we need more investment.
Qiao Lu village, Dashu Township, Dongxiang County - 11 December 2004
22. Wide shot terraced hillside
23. Silhouette shot of trees, boy hiding among them
24. Mid shot of boy hiding among trees
STORYLINE
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has urged Beijing to step up its contributions to hungry countries, especially in Africa, as the agency phases out aid to a China now able to feed itself.
At a news conference in the Chinese capital on Tuesday, James Morris, the agency's executive director, said China had moved about 300 million Chinese people out of hunger and poverty over the past 25 years.
China expressed support for WFP efforts but didn't commit a specific amount of money for next year, Morris told reporters following meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders.
Beijing gave 25 million US dollars to the World Food Program this year, including 2.5 million US dollars for programmes overseas and the rest in matching donations for work that the UN agency administers in China's impoverished and drought-stricken west, mostly in Gansu province, officials said.
Given China's growing economic might, the UN agency is set to end its 10 million US dollars in aid to the country next year.
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