Focus
Shanxi
Ongoing Pneumonia Outbreak Continues to Overwhelm Hospitals in Chinese Cities; More Sudden Deaths Reported in Rural Areas
A Chinese doctor says the symptoms of the outbreak are worse than that of COVID-19. A village of 300 has seen 15 deaths related to the outbreak this winter.
Exclusive: China’s Shanxi Province Goes on Lockdown, Imposes Heightened Security for Key Anniversary
Coal Ban Forces Chinese Living in Frigid North to Burn Furniture to Keep Warm
People in a district of Taiyuan, the capital of northern China’s Shanxi Province, have resorted to burning timber, old furniture, and other wooden objects due to government restrictions on using coal for winter heating.
Chinese Court Sentences Police Officers Complicit in Raiding Ancient Tombs
Shanxi Province is part of the ancient Chinese heartland. Home to the capitals of multiple dynasties and kingdoms, it is rich in cultural artifacts and tombs of monarchs and nobles. Selling the relics buried there can make raiders an overnight fortune.
Local Governments in Coal-Rich Chinese Province Can’t Meet Payroll
Nearly 87 percent of county government in Shanxi Province couldn’t pay the salary of their civil servants as coal price dropped.
Three High-Ranking Officials Sacked in One Day in Northern Chinese Province
On Aug. 23, three high officials in northern China’s Shanxi Province were sacked in one day, the first “tigers” cracked down under the anti-corruption campaign since the downfall of former security czar Zhou Yongkang on July 29. A tiger is jargon in China for a high official targeted for corruption.
Chinese New Year Travelers Persist Through Harsh Weather
Neither blizzards, freezing winds, nor blinding fog could stop determined Chinese New Year travelers.
Coal Mine Explosion Kills Seven in China
Seven people were killed in a coal mine explosion in northern China on Monday, an incident which drew condemnation from Internet users who believe local governments regularly cover up scandals that cause deaths.
Chinese Security Official Sacked Over Son’s Transgressions and Cover-Up
A public security official in Shanxi Province has been sacked after he used his position and strong-arm tactics to protect and cover up his son’s violent and abusive response to a traffic stop.