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The article examines age distribution in China. The country is facing a dramatic increase in its population of older people, in part due to population control laws enacted by the government. The social and economic implications of this development and its effect on the country's social welfare system are discussed.

The article discusses the economic and political relationship between China and western nations. Details about the effect of the global financial crisis on western countries are provided. The place of nationalism in Chinese society is examined and the recent history of cautious Chinese foreign policy is explored. The place of Tibet in Chinese and world politics is also described.

The article discusses economic reforms made in China beginning in 1976 by former president Deng Xiaoping, and says that although China has improved greatly, it still has authoritarian policies that limit human rights. Deng changed the economics of China to allow a limited form of capitalism, which has greatly improved China's economy, but the government still has control over large sectors of industry.

The article focuses on economic conditions and economic policy in China. The global recession of 2008 has led to a sharp decline in China's rate of economic growth. The government announced a $600 billion economic stimulus package, which focuses on investments in infrastructure projects such as highway construction. It may also cut interest rates.

The article focuses on the 2008 Olympic Games to be held August 8-24 in Beijing, China. China's government regards the Games as its opportunity to showcase the country's emergence as an economic power and is taking extreme measures to suppress any attempt at political protest during the Games. The Games are extraordinarily popular with Chinese citizens, who are experiencing a significant upsurge in nationalist sentiments.

The article reports on rioting in Lhasa, Tibet, by native Tibetans angry at Chinese policies towards their region. Government officials badly misread the level of public discontent. Economic policies designed to integrate Tibet into China increased resentment. Rioters targeted businesses owned by ethnic Chinese.

The article discusses Great Britain's Conservative Party adores Australia. It mentions that The British government is creating an "Australian-style" immigration system, that will discriminate by skills and qualifications and prime minister Boris Johnson has attempted to rebrand an ugly no-deal exit from the European Union (EU) as an "Australian" deal. It mentions that Johnson has repainted the Tories as a classless.

This article discusses a political dispute of telecommunication operation in Hong Kong. The Chinese government is upset over the proposed sale of Hong Kong telecoms firm PCCW. Richard Li, PCCW's largest shareholder, announced plans to sell the company's main telecoms and media assets. Even though Hong Kong has no restrictions on foreign ownership of telecoms firms, China Netcom, a company controlled by the central government, stated that it does not want PCCW assets in foreign hands.

The article presents the highlights of the 2019 Stockholm China Forum hosted by Sweden's foreign ministry and the German Marshall Fund. The forum was attended by politicians, officials, ambassadors, business bosses, scholars and journalists. They discussed topics such as the global rise of China, Great Britain's exit from the European Union and the foreign policy of President Donald Trump.

The article analyzes the relationship between Great Britain and the European Union (EU) amid the country's exit from the union. Their relationship has been expected to remain closer despite the struggle of Prime Minister Boris Johnson to have a Brexit deal. The scenario has been attributed to certain forces of political, security and economic reality.

The article explains the Chinese government's need for global help in order to grow. President Xi Jinping and leaders have been urged to reconsider their control of the country. The Chinese society's growing mobility and personal freedoms is discussed, as well as the Communist Party's total authority over the country's system of state capitalism.

The article discusses the determination of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to seize further power at the state level. Topics covered include Modi's victory in India's national elections in July 2019, legislators in states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, and Goa who defected to the BJP after the election despite India's anti-defection law, and the Supreme Court's ruling that Karnataka defectors could not be compelled to vote with their party.

The article discusses the risks and opportunities involved in the decision of brand companies to take sides in various political disputes happening in China. Topics covered include the role of Pocari Sweat, a Japanese beverage popular to Asian consumers, in the extradition bill-related protests in Hong Kong, decision of companies to withdraw advertisements from Television Broadcasts Ltd. in support of protesters, and the impact of activism on the companies' operations in mainland China.

The article provides an outlook on the state of politics and governance in Malaysia under the administration of a political coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), as of July 2019. Topics discussed include the history of oppression and abusive governance under the opposition's political party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), policy of PH on civil liberties in comparison to the UMNO repression, and the importance of the restoration of political freedom.

The article looks at China's growing automobile industry. "China has begun to enter the age of mass car consumption. This is a great and historic advance." So proclaimed the state-run news agency, Xinhua, last year. Environmentalists may feel a twinge of fear at this burgeoning romance with motoring. But a rapid social and economic transformation is under way in urban China, and the car is steering it. In 2002 demand for cars in China soared by 56%, far more than even the rosiest projections. The next year growth quickened to 75%, before slowing in 2004 (when the government tightened rules on credit for car purchases) to around 15%. But in a sluggish global market, China's demand remains mesmerising. Few expect this year's growth to dip below 10%. As long as the economy goes on galloping at its current high-single-digit clip, many expect car sales to increase by 10-20% annually for several years to come. "China is going to become the second-largest market in the world sometime over the next two or three years," says David Thomas, head of China distribution for Ford. Between 2010 and 2015, he thinks, it could be the biggest. "China is developing in very similar ways (to the developed markets), but doing it so much quicker," Thomas adds. "So much quicker," he repeats.

Complaints about China are a big political issue in Washington, D.C., as Congressional committees held hearings about unfair competition from China and its cheap currency. Grassroots groups have sprung up across America's manufacturing heartland to represent smaller businesses and promote a mixture of protectionism and patriotism. Mr. Bush's economic team is worried that the China issue will escalate as the election nears, particularly if the jobs outlook remains glum. They are right to be concerned. The political backlash in America is likely to gain momentum as China's role in the global economy becomes ever more prominent. This is not a temporary blip that relies on a cheap currency. It is a structural shift based on economic reform, huge reserves of cheap labour and a rapidly improving infrastructure. China's integration promises vast benefits for the global economy, but it comes at an awkward time. And there are more China-related shocks on the way. The Multifibre Arrangement, a quota system that has governed, and distorted, the world textile market for decades, is scheduled to expire. Apart from agriculture, textiles and clothing are among the last products where governments rather than markets determine trade patterns. China, with its army of low-paid workers, will be a big winner from the demise of this regime. America's small but highly protectionist and politically sensitive textile industry will be hurt, and will shout. But it is other developing countries that will feel serious strain. Textile production is the first rung on the manufacturing ladder for many poor countries. The quota system has guaranteed such countries access to America and other rich-country markets. Without quotas many will lose out to China. Their protests will coincide with rising anti-China sentiment in American manufacturing, creating an atmosphere in which protectionism could flourish.

Discusses the impact of telecommunications and the burgeoning Internet industry on China. Aim of the Chinese government to control the forces of the Internet, while also making it an instrument of national progress; Account of how the computers and the Internet were first used in China by military and police security forces and the implication on the privacy of its citizens; Comment on how foreign companies have benefited with the growth of electronic commerce in China.

The article explores the plan of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to change the constitution. Duterte seeks to introduce federalism and to adopt a presidential-parliamentary model of government. Critics suspect the initiative's motive. The obstacles to charter change are identified, including the power of Filipinos to call the process of amending the constitution.

The article discusses problems faced by the government of Delhi, India. The city's chief minister and other elected officials held a sit-in and hunger strike at the residence of the lieutenant-governor, while the main opposition leaders held a similar protest at the chief minister's office. The national home ministry decides on the appointment, transfer and dismissal of the administrators of Delhi.

The article looks at challenges facing the economy of Pakistan in 2018. It highlights the need of Pakistan to address its currency crisis. The impact of the country's declining exports on its current-account deficit and gross domestic product (GDP) is discussed, as well as the stance of the central bank on the devaluation of the rupee.

The article examines the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war on the Canadian economy in 2018. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs for a variety of goods from U.S. allies and has demanded the renegotiation of the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The response by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the U.S. foreign trade measures is discussed.

The article looks at economic and political developments in Spain as of June 9, 2018. Topics discussed include the ouster of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to be replaced by the Socialist government of Pedro Sánchez, bail out of Spain from the financial crisis in 2012 and its economic recovery, the political leadership of Rajoy and a comparison between Spain and Italy's economics and politics.

The article reports that Zimbabwe's comedians testify to the changes since the fall of its leader, Robert Mugabe. Topics discussed include "Operation Restore Regasi," a play crudely satirising the Mugabes, that sold out repeatedly earlier in 2018, Carl Joshua Ncube, the country's most famous comedian and an organisation called Magamba Network that has produced a satirical news show called the "Zambezi News," mocking the state broadcaster, ZBC, and the stooges who appear on it.

The article focuses on law professor Giuseppe Conte who was asked by President Sergio Mattarella to form Italy's next government. Topics discussed include Conte as a compromise candidate chosen by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the hard-right Northern League after it became apparent that neither would let the other have the top job, educational background of Conte and the statement by Conte that he was aware of confirming Italy's international and European positioning.

The article reports that there is little sign of change for ordinary North Koreans since Kim Jong Un, the North's leader, embarked on a diplomatic charm offensive earlier in 2018. Topics discussed include curiosity among North Koreans about the outside world, economic and social conditions in North Korea, North Koreans being compelled to spend six days a week working for the state for meagre wages and young men being compelled to spend years doing military service.

The article reports developments in the efforts by Catalonia to gain independence from Spain as of May 2018. Also cited are the election of Quim Torra as new regional president of Catalonia, the meeting made by Torra with Catalonia's 'legitimate' president Carles Puigdemont in Germany to discuss the situation in the region, and Puigdemont's appeal for unconditional negotiation with Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

The article reports political developments in Burundi as of May 2018, particularly the worsening violence and impending referendum on the proposed constitutional amendment that will allow incumbent president Pierre Nkurunziza to run for re-election by 2020. Also cited are the banning of independent journalism in the country, the gradual ethnic polarisation of the army, and the comment of Monseigneur Joachim Ntahondereye of the Burundian Council of Bishops on the developments.

The article reports political developments in Italy as of May 2018, particularly the negotiation between the Five Star Movement (M5S) and Northern League to establish a coalition government. Also cited are the victory of the M5S party in the general election, the leaders of the parties, namely, M5S' Luigi di Maio and Northern League's Matteo Salvini, and the issues tackled by the parties in the talks like who will be appointed as prime minister.

The article reports business and political developments in China as of May 2018, particularly the efforts by the government to attract foreign-educated Chinese professionals to come home. Also cited are China's efforts to establish itself as global leader in such areas as cryptographic technology and artificial intelligence, and the policy of Chinese President Xi Jinping on said professionals.

The article reports political developments in Thailand as of May 2018, particularly the scheduled presidential elections aimed at restoring democracy in the country. Also cited are the efforts by military junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha to present his views, the feud between the country's traditional elites and the supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the provisions of the newly-approved constitution like the compositions of the National Assembly.

The article reports on the negotiation between the parties Northern League and Five Star Movement (M5S) to establish a coalition government in Italy as of May 2018. Topics discussed include the disagreements between the two parties on some issues including taxation, Matteo Salvini as the leader of the Northern League, and Luigi Di Maio as the head of M5S.

The article looks at the emergence of sectarianism in Lebanon in 2018. The trend is attributed to government paralysis and corruption affecting the country's religious quota system. The effect of the power-sharing system in the government is explored. Also discussed are the call for reforming the religious quota system and the concern over the influx of Sunni Syrian refugees.

The article looks at the emergence of a different kind of populism in Canadian politics in 2018. Several anti-elitist politicians have started courting immigrants rather than demonize them, including Doug Ford, leader of Ontario's center-right Progressive Conservative Party. Some of the country's new populist leaders are criticized for being reckless with facts and impatient with legal constraints.

The article explores the rising social divisions amid Germany's economic growth. Globalization and the labor-market reform are identified as big factors in the country's economic success. The effect of the growth of low-paid work and rising rents on the shape of German cities is discussed, as well as the emergence of economic exclusion in western post-industrial regions of Germany.

The article explores a port being built by DP World, a company mostly owned by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the town of Berbera in Somaliland, a breakaway state in northern Somalia. Somali politicians responded to the project by banning DP World from all of Somalia. The inability of the Somali federal government to stop the project and control the whole country is explained.

The article comments on the implications of the decision by Raúl Castro to step down as president of Cuba. The post-revolutionary generation is expected to bring a change in style and to increase the people's expectations of their government. The effect of Castro's decision on the economy is discussed, as well as the government's plan to make a series of constitutional changes.

The article reports on the economic conditions in China under the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Topics discussed include the shift in Chinese politics and its implications for policymaking, Xi's contributions to socialism with Chinese characteristics, and his failure to use his authority to push for reform.

The article looks at the political philosophy behind China's economic growth. Topics discussed include China's economic growth in terms of purchasing power parity, the country's foreign direct investment, and the economic implications of its growing population. Also mentioned are the traditional concept in Chinese political governance, economic reform, and the Chinese experience since 1978.

The article reports on the status of emerging economies of Russia and Brazil in 2018. Credit rating agency Fitch reduced Brazil's credit rating while S&P Global raised Russia's rating. Oleg Kouzmin of investment bank Renaissance Capital commended the Russian economic policy which is focused on keeping inflation low. The performance of their economic indicators is also discussed, including interest rates, public spending and gross domestic product (GDP).

The article addresses the issue of succession planning in Germany as Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares for the final chapters of her chancellorship. It identifies several issues that affected the leadership of Merkel, including a coalition government formed with the Social Democrat party and the capacity of the German state in moments like the refugee crisis. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Jens Spahn are expected to compete as the successor of Merkel.

The article discusses the aggressiveness of Matteo Salvini and Luigi Di Maio in their campaigns for the post of prime minister in Italy in 2018. According to the author, Salvini already acted like a prime minister while Di Maio sent the names of his cabinet despite the fact that the election will be just held. The influence of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on the election is also analyzed.

The article explores the status of politics in Zimbabwe under the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018. It speculates on whether Mnangagwa and his Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) will hand over power to the victors in the 2018 election. Mnangawa's anti-corruption drive is criticized for aiming at his enemies, particularly allies of former First Lady Grace Mugabe.

The article explores the growing production of biofuel in Canada and it implications on the economy. It highlights the production of biofuel from carinata or Ethiopian mustard seed by agriculture technology company Agrisoma Biosciences. Other topics discussed are the impact of the country's declining oil and vehicle industries and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The article looks at the move by the administration of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formalize the economy. The Modi's administration made the move in response to the rampant informal sector that does not involve income tax payment. The government is warned about policies to expand tax collection because they would displace informal ones and would hamper economic growth.

The article explains the failure to head China towards democracy and the market economy after the Communist Party of China proposed to abolish the term limit for the post of president. According to the author, Western leaders expect the Chinese to yearn for democratic freedoms, human rights and the rule of law. The integration of China into the global economy is discussed, as well as the implications of China's rising global power for the U.S. economy and foreign policy.

The article reports on the growing dissatisfaction over the alleged failure of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to prevent political corruption in the country. Topics discussed include the impact of the demonitization policy of Modi on the country's economy, the factors that influence economic reform policies of Modi's government and the main criticisms made against Modi's foreign policies.

The article discusses the decision of Jacob Zuma as president of South Africa many years after political scandals affected his administration. The people and even his own party, the African National Congress, had been asking him to step down. South Africa had experienced economic problems since Zuma became president, including the 2017 recession, the high unemployment rate and the decline in gross domestic product (GDP).

The article explores the conflict between the Myanmar army and ethnic militias. It explains the failure of the peace process between the central government and ethnic militias such as the Karen National Union (KNU). The concern of locals on lack transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects is also discussed.