Comments by "☨St Louis IX opposed paganism, hæresy \x26 debauchery" (@stlouisix3) on "China Observer"
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Comprehensive Summary:
This episode of China Observer first features a female delivery driver who is now dealing with much more competition from a pretty girl and also from groups of people who used to only work as teams in other industries and who; now; are also working as delivery workers to survive. This lovely lady is now struggling because of the communism of the Chinese economy causing more competition over work necessities amongst poor employees. The 2nd clip features a segment of a call between a delivery driver from China and the customer service representative who acts as his manageress in certain ways.
This gentleman who is a delivery worker in China finds himself in a difficult situation with insufficient money left for meals due to a lack of incoming orders. He is very poor and he fears starving to death soon. This Chinese gentleman is very worried by his lack of money and because of his lack of food and other necessities. In desperation, he tearfully pleads with the customer service department of his food delivery platform for more orders, but is informed that they cannot increase his order volume. Throughout the three-year pandemic, Chinese citizens have endured severe lockdown measures and the economy has been on the brink of stagnation, resulting in a dramatic shrinkage in the number of jobs. Despite expectations that normal life would resume once restrictions were lifted, China's economy did not heat up after the end of the lockdowns. The manufacturing industry continued to slump and many companies fell into financial difficulties, leading to frequent cases of worker unemployment, wage cuts, or non-payment of wages. Some analysts predict that China's future employment environment will only deteriorate further.
In Dongguan, Guangdong, known as the "world's factory" due to its thriving processing industry, many factories have recently shut down and a significant number of factory buildings are idle or available for rent. A video captured by a Chinese citizen shows an industrial park in Dongguan that has become a wasteland due to consecutive factory closures. The glass door of a storefront is shattered and the building stands empty. The escalators have stopped working and are covered in dust and rubbish.
Shanghai, China's financial and economic centre and an international metropolis, has also experienced a decline in various aspects of its economy since last year. Many physical stores have gone out of business and even large supermarkets have not been spared. The performance of Shanghai's three long-standing department store companies - Jiubai, Xujiahui, and New World - has significantly declined. According to a report from "Times Weekly", these three major department store companies reflect the current difficulties faced by many department stores and supermarkets.
The Qibao CapitaLand Mall in Shanghai has now become an abandoned building. Incomplete statistics indicate that in 2022, more than 40 department stores in China bid farewell, among which 27 had been operating for over ten years. Traditional supermarkets such as Carrefour China have also faced operational difficulties due to the impact of the pandemic.
A survey conducted by the Industrial Research Centre of the Beijing-based "Finance and Economics" magazine found that over 1.94 million companies were deregistered in China's 40 wealthiest cities in 2022. Data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics shows that from January to April, the total profits of industrial enterprises above the designated size nationwide fell by 20.6% year-on-year.
At the recent "2023 China Qianhai Entrepreneurs Summit," Sun Liping, a professor in the Department of Sociology at Tsinghua University and a doctoral supervisor in economics, gave a keynote speech titled "Finding Certainty in an Era of Uncertainty." Sun Liping believes that China will face a potentially lengthy period of economic contraction for three reasons: firstly, large-scale concentrated consumption in China is over; secondly, the increasingly severe international environment now faces a process of dismantling and restructuring after globalisation; and thirdly, the scar effects of the pandemic have led to a society with diminished desires.
Sun Liping worries that authorities may try to recoup the lost three years by greatly increasing the intensity of stimulating the economy, leading to a new round of economic overheat, rising inflation, and rapidly increasing asset prices. Sun Liping was also the thesis advisor when Xi Jinping was studying for his Ph.D. at Tsinghua University.
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📉 China's GDP growth of 5.5% in the first half of the year is likely overstated, with experts suggesting a contraction of around 6.4% based on tax revenue analysis.
00:24
China's GDP reached 59.3 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, with a year-over-year increase of 5.5% at constant prices.
00:24
Chinese citizens and international economists have expressed skepticism and a pessimistic outlook towards China's economic future.
00:39
The Chinese Communist Party has been criticized for manipulating statistical data, particularly GDP figures.
01:18
Various economic indicators point to a decline in the Chinese economy, including decreasing export orders, bankruptcies, and falling consumer spending.
01:34
A China-based big data expert suggests that China's GDP may have actually contracted by around 6.4% based on tax revenue analysis.
02:49
China's GDP Growth Is Inflated: Experts Suggest a 6.4% Contraction in the First Half of 2023, as Net Exports and Investment Decline, and Evergrande's Potential Bankruptcy Threatens the Real Estate Industry and Government Financing Platforms
📉 China's GDP components of net exports and investment are both showing declines, indicating a loss of momentum in the economy.
04:58
China's trade surplus decreased by 10.3% in the first half of the year, suggesting a decrease in earning power.
04:58
Net exports are unlikely to recover as supply chains move out of China and investments are withdrawn.
05:30
Fixed asset investment decreased by 10.4% in the first half of the year, indicating a loss of confidence in the future among private sectors.
05:43
Local governments, burdened with heavy debts, are unable to continue investing in infrastructure construction.
06:13
Government bond issuance for infrastructure investment has decreased by 27.4% due to local governments' inability to bear additional debts.
06:40
📉 China's economy experienced a significant contraction in net exports and investment, with modest growth in consumption.
07:36
The first half of this year saw a year-on-year decrease of 9.8% in China's economy, with a decrease in net exports and investment.
07:36
Retail data from entities above a certain limit showed a modest increase of 5.1% in retail sales compared to the same period last year.
08:21
The growth rate of car sales in the first half of this year was only 2.8%, indicating a sluggish consumer market.
10:33
The sale of excavators, a key indicator of investment activity, contracted by 44% in the first half of this year.
11:02
Overall, net exports and investment in China's economy contracted by 9.8% in the first half of this year, while consumption growth was only 5.1%.
11:20
📉 China's GDP is estimated to have declined by around 5% in the first half of the year and is expected to contract by around 10% for the whole year.
11:32
China's GDP in the first half of the year couldn't possibly have grown; it could only have declined by around 5%.
11:32
The situation will only worsen in the second half of the year, with an estimated annual GDP contraction of around 10%.
11:49
The Chinese Communist Party's leaders also recognize the severity of the economic situation.
12:00
Insufficient domestic demand, operational difficulties for some enterprises, and a complex external environment are major challenges for China's economy.
12:29
Consumer spending continues to decline, partly due to frugal habits formed during the pandemic.
13:31
⚠ The Chinese real estate industry is facing a crisis as Evergrande's potential bankruptcy could trigger devaluations and impact government financing platforms and the banking system.
15:19
Evergrande, a Chinese real estate giant, reported a loss of 812 billion yuan over the past two years with total liabilities of 2.44 trillion yuan.
15:19
Evergrande's assets primarily consist of inflated lands recorded on paper, which would plummet in value once liquidated.
15:49
Hundreds of real estate companies in China have experienced bond defaults, breakdown of capital chain, or bankruptcy, leading to a surge in unfinished building projects.
16:29
Beijing authorities have rolled out policies to support private enterprises and boost investor confidence.
16:58
The Chinese stock market fell on the day when official media promoted 'heavyweight documents' supporting the private economy, indicating investor pessimism.
18:19
📉 Doubts arise about the CCP government's ability to support private enterprises and stimulate private investment in certain infrastructure sectors.
18:49
Hu Liren, a former private entrepreneur, doubts the practical implementation of government policies to support private enterprises.
18:49
Hu Liren observes that many Chinese entrepreneurs are not in a good state and maintains a pessimistic outlook for their future.
19:30
The CCP meeting acknowledges the complicated and severe external environment, impacting China's export trade.
19:57
Commentators believe there is no visible hope or bright spots for China's economy in the second half of the year.
20:12
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💰 The government in Puka County, China, has implemented fines to maintain living standards and prevent a return to poverty.
00:00
Government worker emphasizes the link between unclean living conditions and a return to poverty.
New set of standards and fines implemented by Puka County government to ensure quality of life.
Document detailing fines for various household activities circulated online, sparking discussion.
⚖ Controversial fines imposed by the government in rural China spark criticism and raise concerns about privacy and autonomy.
03:58
Government imposing bewildering fines on impoverished people living in harsh conditions
Concerns about intrusive and harsh management targeting villagers' private lives
Local governments resorting to bizarre fines to generate revenue causing dissatisfaction and criticism
💻 A programmer in China faces legal trouble for accessing foreign company networks and GitHub.
07:43
The programmer plans to initiate an administrative lawsuit after October 1st and invited everyone to watch the trial.
The programmer received tasks via GitHub and worked remotely on a company's network, but faced fines and salary confiscation for bypassing internet restrictions.
Chinese netizens commented on the situation, expressing concerns and making jokes about bypassing restrictions.
🤔 The excessive fines imposed on individuals and businesses for minimal earnings have sparked outrage in Chinese society.
11:40:57
A couple and an elderly farmer were fined significant amounts despite earning very little from selling vegetables.
The extreme punishments have caused widespread concern and outrage, even in the capital Beijing.
A steamed bun shop in Beijing was fined for selling tofu pudding, which was deemed to exceed the permitted scope of operation for hot food.
🗣 The Chinese government's intervention in free speech and increasing local government debt.
15:44
The Chinese government's intervention in free speech is seen as excessive and raises concerns about freedom of speech.
The debt balance of local government in China has reached 37.5 trillion yen, with concerns about hidden borrowings and financial distress in various provinces and cities.
Provinces and cities in China, such as Guo Province and Yunnan, are facing financial distress, and the capital of Inner Mongolia openly stated difficulties in debt reduction.
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😢 Massive floods caused by Typhoon Doksuri have devastated crops, homes, and livelihoods in China.
00:19
Crops on the floodplain were submerged, destroying a year's worth of investments.
Farmers have lost their hard work and may not have money for seeds and fertilizers next year.
Homes with poor construction quality have been destroyed, leaving people homeless.
🌊 Severe flooding in northeastern China has devastated agriculture and displaced thousands of people, raising concerns about food security.
06:13
The three northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, known as the 'Northern Granary,' produced 143.28 million tons of grain in 2022, accounting for 20.9% of China's national output.
Heilongjiang province suffered the most severe flood disasters, with water levels exceeding warning levels in 25 rivers and causing extensive damage to farmland, villages, and infrastructure.
Over 162,000 people were evacuated in Harbin, the provincial capital, and 90,000 hectares of crops have already been destroyed. The approaching typhoon 'Khanun' may worsen the situation.
🌊 Severe flooding and locust outbreak in Northeast China threaten food security.
10:57
Severe flooding in the Northeast and locust outbreak are causing crop failures and potentially jeopardizing China's food security.
Heavy rains in Henan during the wheat harvest season resulted in the largest crop losses in a decade.
Unprecedented high temperatures and droughts in northern China have caused significant damage to newly planted crops.
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Fake Fire Extinguishers & Hydrants, Life-Saving Equipment Has Become Mere Decoration in China: Counterfeit Products and Non-Functional Safety Measures Jeopardize Fire Safety in Residential Communities and Public Places
🔥 Counterfeit fire extinguishers pose a serious threat in China, with fake products being sold online and even impostors posing as firefighters to sell overpriced equipment.
00:00
Counterfeit fire extinguishers with fake pressure gauges and solid contents are being sold in China.
00:00
A video of a failed fire extinguisher during a drill highlights the issue of counterfeit products in China.
00:38
Counterfeit goods are prevalent in the Chinese market, including firefighting equipment.
01:10
Multiple incidents of fake fire extinguishers failing to work have been reported.
01:39
Impostors posing as firefighters sell overpriced fire extinguishers and equipment to businesses.
02:48
😱 Fire safety in China is severely compromised, with fake fire extinguishers and non-functional fire hydrants in residential buildings.
03:48
Firefighters had to rely on water from the fire truck and handheld extinguishers to put out a fire in a residential building in Shenzhen.
03:48
Residents revealed that fire hydrants in a large residential area had been dry for many years.
04:20
Faked fire extinguishers and non-functional fire hydrants are common in residential communities in China.
04:58
The responsibility for fire safety lies with property developers, management companies, and the local fire department.
05:09
Inspections for fire safety in residential buildings are often a mere formality, with bribes ensuring approval.
06:08
🔥 Fire safety measures in residential communities and public places are inadequate, with fake fire alarms and hidden cameras posing serious risks.
06:38
Lack of regular maintenance and damage to fire safety facilities in residential communities.
06:38
Older neighborhoods with messy wiring that can easily cause fires.
06:52
Chaotic management of older neighborhoods leading to parking congestion.
07:18
Inadequate fire safety measures in public places like hospitals, restaurants, and markets.
08:10
Fake fire alarms and hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors in hotels and public places.
08:33
🔥 The fire at Changfeng Hospital was caused by low clearance of the overpass, lack of fire facilities, and sparks from welding during renovation works.
09:53
The low clearance of the hospital's overpass prevented fire trucks from entering.
09:53
The hospital lacked fire facilities that could provide water.
10:03
The fire was caused by sparks from welding igniting volatile substances in flammable paints during the hospital's renovation process.
10:16
Changfeng Hospital took no precautionary measures and continued to operate normally during renovation works.
10:33
Counterfeit safety helmets are being distributed to construction workers while supervisors wear authentic and high-quality helmets.
12:41
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😕 Many consumers were disappointed with the quality of products they purchased during the double 11 sale, with some receiving counterfeit and substandard items.
00:35
Some users received more items than they ordered from online sellers.
The low price strategy of the double 11 shopping festival led to a widespread trend of consumer downgrading.
Consumers were lured by low prices but ended up buying counterfeit and substandard products.
! The rise of e-commerce in China has led to an increase in counterfeit products due to low entry barriers, high user traffic, and low costs.
04:42
The development of China e-commerce has been accompanied by product quality issues and the proliferation of fake goods.
Low prices, high profits, and no-holds-barred promotions are the biggest selling points of knockoff products.
Social platforms like WeChat, TikTok, and Qu Show have become channels for the circulation of counterfeit goods.
😔 The cosmetic industry admits to making fake cosmetics, causing frustration for formula scientists.
07:45
The cosmetic industry admits to making fake cosmetics using dyes to mimic natural ingredients.
The practice of selling fake cosmetics under the name of Aenon Essence is not illegal.
Formula scientists are frustrated with their fixed salaries and lack of contribution to society.
🛍 China's counterfeit industry continues to thrive, with millions of physical stores and online platforms selling counterfeit goods at low prices.
11:26
In 2016 alone, over 18,000 stores selling counterfeit goods were shut down and 380 million links to counterfeit goods were removed.
Counterfeit merchants often reappear on other platforms under different names.
Despite the high risk, people are still drawn to buying counterfeit products due to low prices.
👗 A Chinese clothing brand called temu is gaining rapid recognition in the US e-commerce market by offering low-priced women's clothing.
14:44
temu offers a comprehensive 20% discount on almost all women's clothing priced below $20.
temu's low pricing strategy is possible due to their long-term cooperation with low-cost Chinese manufacturers.
temu quickly gained market share in the US, posing a serious challenge to Amazon, but their thin profit margins require significant investment in marketing to establish a large customer base.
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🚧 Brilliant video. A dangerous water gushing incident occurred in the foundation pit of a subway station under construction in Wuhan, leading to localized ground subsidence and the urgent evacuation of residents in a nearby residential tower.
01:14
Screenshots circulated on social media showed the construction manager issuing an emergency notice to evacuate the residential tower.
Residents reported cracks in their homes prior to the collapse and had previously notified the community and local authorities.
Homeowners were not provided with details about arrangements for evacuation and had no information about government experts being dispatched for collapse.
⚠ Subway construction in China has been plagued by collapse accidents, resulting in numerous deaths and economic losses.
06:59
From 2001 to 2019, there were 239 Subway construction accidents in China, resulting in 289 deaths.
The Guangzhou Metro collapse on December 1st, 2019, resulted in three fatalities and a direct economic loss of approximately 20 million yen.
The collapse incident was caused by complex geological conditions and factors such as undermining excavation construction.
🚇 Subway construction in China poses significant safety risks and economic costs, but is seen as a symbol of urban identity and financial strength.
14:01
Subway construction accidents in China are primarily caused by inadequate management, lack of safety awareness, worker violations, and geological reasons.
The rapid construction of subways in China is closely linked to the booming real estate market, as it increases property prices and brings economic benefits through land sales.
Despite the high costs and potential losses, many cities in China are willing to invest in subway construction for the perceived urban prestige and financial benefits.
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🏥 China's healthcare sector faces a surge in anti-corruption campaigns, resulting in investigations of hospital directors, department heads, and doctors.
00:02
At least 177 hospital directors and party secretaries have been investigated, more than double from the previous year.
Numerous department heads and 168 doctors have also been implicated in corruption.
Cases of corruption include acceptance of gifts, stocks, and kickbacks by hospital directors and party committee members.
💊 The root of medical corruption in China can be traced back to the policy of sustaining healthcare with drug sales, leading to unnecessary and ineffective use of medicines.
05:42
Hospitals in China had to find alternative means to generate revenue due to insufficient government investment, leading doctors to prioritize profits from pharmaceuticals.
Over 40% of medical expenses in China are spent on medicines, compared to other advanced countries where top medicines are often provided for free.
Reforms have been implemented, but as long as the policy of sustaining healthcare with drug sales remains unchanged, the problem of medical corruption cannot be fundamentally solved.
🤔 The Chinese Communist Party's anti-corruption campaign in the healthcare sector is seen as a political maneuver to divert attention and redistribute wealth.
11:13
The anti-corruption campaign doesn't directly address the issues of high medical costs and challenges in receiving medical care.
The campaign is viewed as a calculated move to cast blame onto individuals in the healthcare industry and portray the Party as the champion of justice.
The citizens may suffer as the regime jeopardizes their living conditions instead of addressing their genuine concerns.
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🏰 Jing Jin City, the largest Villa area in Asia, remains largely empty despite its ambitious plans and grand structures.
00:16
Despite significant investments, the occupancy rate of Jing Jin City has remained extremely low.
Jing Jin City was planned to cover over 4,100 acres and accommodate a population of 500,000.
The city includes residences, entertainment facilities, a commercial center, and a temple.
🏙 China is experiencing a rapid construction of new cities driven by high property prices, local government reliance on land finance, and lack of coordinated urban planning.
03:39
China has planned an average of 4.6 new cities for each provincial capital and about 1.5 new cities for each prefecture level city.
The planned population for these new cities requires accommodating almost half of the global population.
The overabundance of new cities is due to local governments competing in a race to build more cities and the lack of coordinated urban planning.
🏢 The city of Leoning in China has a high number of empty real estate properties, making it a ghost town.
07:04
Leoning has a high number of empty real estate properties.
The properties were likely sold but many people haven't moved in.
Leoning is the largest ghost town in Paning Leing with tens of thousands of housing units.
❌ High-Speed Rail new cities are no longer viable due to the changing economic climate.
10:37
Relying on High-Speed Rail stations to promote urban expansion is no longer viable.
Some cities, like Singua City, are canceling their new Railway city projects.
Constructing high-speed rail districts for a small population at a high cost is not practical.
🏙 Smaller cities in China are facing challenges with shrinking populations and debt burden due to ambitious expansion plans.
14:05
Population migration to larger cities is an inevitable trend of Social Development.
Smaller cities should focus on introducing industries that sustain Urban Development and providing efficient public services.
Financially strapped smaller cities borrowed heavily to construct new cities, resulting in a waste of land resources and little economic benefit.
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