China Roundup: Telecom fraud, Taiwan election results, ski resort

Decrease in telecommunications fraud

China's central political and legal work conference revealed a 28.6% decrease in telecommunications fraud cases since August 2023. The country's political and legal bodies have focused on disrupting illegal telecom scam activities, arresting 78 fraud group members and freezing 3.5 billion yuan ($488.3 million) in funds, Chinese news agency Global Times reports. They have also dismantled 133 criminal organizations and 1,858 organised criminal groups. China plans to deepen special operations targeting telecommunications fraud. The country will also strengthen prison management, implement the Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency, and utilise modern technology for administrative management and legal services, according to the Global Times.

Taiwan reunification after election results

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that the recent leadership election in the Taiwan region will not alter the fact that Taiwan is part of China. The Chinese minister made this remark in a press conference on January 14 during his visit to Egypt. According to Wang, Taiwan will one day reunite with China and both countries would experience total reunification. "We believe that the international community, in accordance with the one-China principle, will continue to support the just cause of the Chinese people in striving for national reunification and opposing the separatist activities of seeking Taiwan's independence," he is quoted by Chinese state agency Xinhua.

Tibet opens first ski resort

The first ski resort in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has opened. The ski resort began trial operation in August 2023 and is expected to attract 350 single-day skiers and 3,000 daily visitors. The ski resort employs around 70 people, with 90% being local residents, and they earn a monthly salary of around 4,000 yuan (about $563), Xinhua reports.

Ecological monitoring centres

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have issued a work plan for national ecological quality supervision and monitoring for the 2023-2025 period. The plan includes setting up a national ecological monitoring network and designating 55 sites as the first batch of stations for monitoring ecological quality, local media People’s Daily Online reports. The stations cover major ecosystem types such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, oceans, cities, and farmlands, covering 44 key ecological conservation and regulatory areas in China, according to People’s Daily Online.

Airforce aerobatic performance in Laos

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's Red Falcon Aerobatic Team will for the first time perform outside China during its visit to Laos from January 13th to 20th. The team will participate in activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Lao People's Army, the PLA reports. Chinese Defense Spokesperson said "This is the first time for the PLA Red Falcon Aerobatic Team to perform outside China. It will convey the profound friendship of the Chinese people and military to their Lao counterparts and send festival wishes through its stunt performances."