China Grapples with Economic and Environmental Challenges

China's economic future is heavily reliant on its 200 million precarious workers who face common struggles despite working in different industries. The article highlights the story of Chu Xin, a migrant worker who travels across the country for work, and discusses the challenges faced by these workers. It also touches upon the broader economic implications of this labor market.

China's internet censors have launched a nationwide campaign to curb pessimism on social media, live-streaming, and short-video platforms. The Cyberspace Administration of China aims to target content that promotes negativity, nihilism, or despair, particularly among young people. The move comes amid China's economic struggles, including a property crisis, high unemployment, and decreased consumer confidence. Experts say the crackdown is an attempt to manage public sentiment and boost economic growth, but may not change the overall sentiment without addressing underlying issues.

Typhoon Ragasa has caused widespread destruction and flooding in Taiwan and southern China, resulting in at least 14 deaths and over 100 people missing. The typhoon has prompted the evacuation of nearly 2 million people in southern China and has brought major cities like Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to a standstill. The storm has been linked to climate change, which is making typhoons more unpredictable and extreme. Experts warn that cities in Asia need to update their building codes to handle stronger winds and higher sea levels.

A typhoon caused a storm surge that shattered the glass doors of the Fullerton Ocean Park hotel in Hong Kong. The article discusses this event and provides video footage of the incident. The article also includes links to other news stories, including updates on Donald Trump's presidential campaign, international reactions to Israel's actions in Gaza, and various other news items.

Typhoon Ragasa hit Hong Kong with winds reaching 100 mph, according to reports from CNN's Hanako Montgomery. The typhoon brought severe weather conditions to the region.

Super Typhoon Ragasa is approaching Hong Kong and southern China, prompting thousands to flee their homes and stockpile food. The typhoon has already caused significant damage and displacement in the Philippines, with at least three deaths and over 17,500 displaced. The storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province on Wednesday, with winds of up to 137mph. Schools and businesses have been closed, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled. The Macao government is evacuating residents and tourists, and bridges are being closed.

China has pledged to relinquish its World Trade Organization (WTO) privileges as a developing country, signaling its support for the multilateral trade system amid rising protectionism, particularly from the United States. Premier Li Qiang stated that China will not seek special and differential treatment in future WTO negotiations, contrasting with the US's protectionist policies under President Donald Trump. This move comes as the WTO faces challenges, including a non-functional appellate body due to the US blocking new appointees since 2019. Li emphasized the importance of upholding multilateralism, free trade, and an open world economy, warning that decoupling would harm the global economy and international order.

China's local governments are facing a financial crisis due to declining tax revenues and land sales. The government is cracking down on tax violations, including undeclared income from abroad, to raise money and plug budget gaps. The upcoming 15th five-year plan is expected to address these financial woes and set the tone for the country's development. The plan will likely inform and reflect high-level policy priorities, and its implementation will be crucial in alleviating local-level financial difficulties.

Hong Kong is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, with the No 8 warning signal expected to remain in force until 8pm. The typhoon has caused widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of 600 flights and the suspension of classes for two days. The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of heavy squally showers, large waves, and a significant rise in water levels, urging residents to stay indoors.

China's five-year plans have been instrumental in shaping the country's economic trajectory since 1953. The plans have evolved over time, from focusing on industrialization to becoming a global hub for innovation in cutting-edge sectors. The article reviews the history of China's five-year plans and their impact on the country's economic development, highlighting the shift from being the 'world's factory' to moving higher in the value chain.

The article discusses how Datong, a city in Shanxi province, China, successfully mitigated the impact of heavy rainfall due to its investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, specifically its flood control systems. The city's efforts, led by former mayor Geng Yanbo over 15 years ago, have saved it from disaster. Experts believe that such investments can improve the resilience of cities and stimulate the economy. The article highlights the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events, citing examples such as Super Typhoon Ragasa and recent floods in southern China.

Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Taiwan, the Philippines, and southern China. The typhoon has resulted in at least 24 deaths, with 14 in Taiwan and 10 in the Philippines. Nearly 2 million people have been evacuated in southern China, with schools, businesses, and transportation services suspended. The typhoon has brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. Taiwan's premier has called for an inquiry into the handling of evacuation orders in an eastern county where 14 people died in a barrier lake flood.

A road collapse in Bangkok created a large sinkhole on Wednesday, disrupting traffic and prompting evacuations in the surrounding area. The collapse, believed to be caused by ongoing construction of an underground train station, damaged three vehicles but resulted in no casualties. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that officials are investigating the incident.

Super Typhoon Ragasa caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Taiwan and the Philippines before battering Hong Kong and southern China. The typhoon brought waves taller than lampposts onto Hong Kong promenades and halted life on the southern Chinese coast. At least 24 people were killed in Taiwan and the Philippines, with 14 deaths reported in a flooded township in Taiwan and 10 deaths in the Philippines.