Day: April 23, 2021

Apr 24th 2021 CHINA’S LEADERS seem sure that innovation can co-exist with authoritarian rule. Their confidence looks more rational than it once did: Chinese firms dominate some high-tech fields. Still, they have to explain a counterpoint: when freedoms increased in China over the past 40 years, greater creativity always followed. Listen to this story Your browser does not support the <audio> element. Enjoy more audio and podcasts on iOS or Android. Uli Sigg, a Swiss businessman and diplomat, first reached China in 1979, as reformers began to dismantle the Mao-era…

Apr 24th 2021 JIMMY LAI, publisher of the Apple Daily newspaper, was jailed for 14 months on April 16th for taking part in protests in 2019. His jailing, with other veteran activists, is part of a crackdown by China’s leaders. Martin Lee, known as Hong Kong’s “father of democracy” and Margaret Ng, a barrister, received suspended sentences. Mr Lai wrote to colleagues telling them to be careful because “freedom of speech is dangerous work now”. Listen to this story Your browser does not support the <audio> element. Enjoy more audio…