Opinion

Editor's note: Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the United States. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. On Monday, the world witnessed the footage of a man being set on fire in Hong Kong circulate the internet. Despite the overwhelming media bias in favor of the movement, the magnitude of what happened could not be ignored. It signaled a devastating new low in the onset of violence in the city, and accordingly has raised new questions about the ethics, rationality and merits of the movement. Such a shift in perceptions is not mere speculation or exaggeration. For the first time, a White House statement and later, a press release from the US Department of State, condemned violence "on all sides" rather than simply scapegoating the police, thus for the first time acknowledging that protesters have … [Read more...] about Public opinion is turning against Hong Kong protesters

With special appearances in films with songs such as Chhaiya Chhaiya, Anarkali Disco Chali, Munni Badnaam Hui, Malaika Arora has certainly kept herself busy on and off. But, she has never been seen much in proper roles in the last 19 years. Ask her why she never bothered to do them, and she says, “I have never really been (interested), it’s never been my thing. I have not been drawn towards it, and have always kind of flirted with the whole concept of being in the business, but not actually getting into a full-fledged relationship with it. It’s pretty much how I have looked at it.”Talking about relationships, both she and boyfriend, actor Arjun Kapoor find themselves at the end of countless speculations including rumours that they are going to marry soon.Doesn’t the scrutiny on her personal life get to her at times? “I think there will always be scrutiny about anything and everything that everybody does. Any celebrity will have that situation. Guess … [Read more...] about Malaika Arora on people’s opinions about her and Arjun Kapoor: ‘You can’t stop them, any celebrity will have that situation’

Despite US tariff wars, Chinese economic prospects remain in line with 2019 expectations and are likely to prevail in 2020, due to deleveraging and structural reforms. A year ago, I predicted that in 2019 Chinese GDP growth could achieve 6.2 percent in full-year growth, if policymakers can sustain higher-quality growth while suppressing debt accumulation. This scenario has proven pretty valid so far. Recent international headlines have projected "sub-6 percent growth" in 2020 China, assuming weakened consumption, cautious private investment and shrinking exports. Such projections have been reported as a negative turn. In reality, Chinese growth deceleration is in line with long-term expectations. Even half a decade ago, the International Monetary Fund expected China's annual growth to be 6.1-6.2 percent by 2020. The minor deviation can be attributed to US tariff wars. In 2020, the final figure may more likely to hover around 5.8-6 percent, though. Most economic projections focus on … [Read more...] about China’s growth outlook beyond 2020

Well, here we are again. The United States continues to run its mouth about the Hong Kong protests, this time in the form of legislation. Just yesterday the US Senate passed what it deemed the "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act". It received unanimous approval by that body, which should come as no surprise; being anti-China is, after all, the least risky stance in American politics. The bill has now gone to the desk of President Donald Trump, where it will in all likelihood get his Sharpie signature, to great fanfare. On its face the bill seems innocent enough — who doesn't like human rights and democracy? But the true intentions of this bill are far more sinister than its name lets on. The titular "human rights" and "democracy" are only defended in the text of the bill because they are, according to Section 3, "directly relevant to United States interests." There is no genuine support for human rights or democracy here, or in any other legislation proffered by the US as a … [Read more...] about Hong Kong bill lays bare US’ colonial ambitions

Editor's note: Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the United States. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. November 11 saw one of the most violent days in Hong Kong since the outbreak of protests in the summer. As activists sought to impose a self-declared and illegitimate "general strike" upon the city, destruction ensured. An activist was shot after trying to steal a policeman's gun, whilst during the afternoon a man was doused in flammable liquid and set on fire for purely arguing with protesters for saying Hong Kong is China. Inevitably, the Western media proceeded to cover the day with a selective version of events tailored to the worn narrative of blaming the police. Enough is enough. The world must see events in Hong Kong for how they really are. The Western media are articulating a … [Read more...] about The West must be honest about Hong Kong chaos