【Epoch Times, June 23, 2024】
Epoch Times combs through must-read articles for readers every day:
1.
Guangdong Meizhou Devastated, Tearful Video of Couple Goes Viral
Recently, Guangdong Meizhou was hit by heavy rainstorms, causing floods and landslides akin to a wild beast ravaging the area. The mountain slid instantly, and houses were destroyed by fierce winds and heavy rain. As the floodwaters gradually receded, the village was left in ruins, causing immense heartache. On June 23, a tearful video of a couple from Meizhou went viral on social media.
2.
13 Provinces and Cities to Experience Heavy Rain, Hunan Urban Areas Already Flooded
Floods continue to wreak havoc in various regions of mainland China. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rain, with 13 provinces and cities expected to experience heavy downpours starting June 23. The floods in Hunan and Anhui have persisted for several days, with floodwaters in the Changde residential area of Hunan submerging adults up to their waist. The water level in rural areas of Shexian County, Anhui, rose to 1-2 meters in just a few minutes, leading to an elderly couple being swept away.
3.
Four Chinese Engineering Students Sent Back From the US
Amid escalating tensions between China and the United States and concerns of Chinese infiltration, the US has heightened its vigilance over Chinese nationals entering the country. Recently, four Chinese engineering students who traveled to the US were interrogated and subsequently sent back by American authorities.
4.
Shen Zhou: US Displays Superiority as Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets Deployed
On June 20, the Chinese military issued a directive emphasizing the need for frugality and prudent military spending. Meanwhile, the US military conducted real combat exercises in different regions of the Western Pacific, showcasing the F-22, F-35, and B-2 stealth fighters to demonstrate military superiority and deterrence against China.
5.
US Ambassador: Chinese Authorities Restricting Chinese Participation in US Embassy Activities
Nicholas Burns, the US Ambassador to China, revealed that since the 2023 US-China summit, there have been 61 incidents where Chinese security forces or government agencies have hindered Chinese citizens from participating in normal diplomatic activities at the US embassy.
6.
Third Batch of Financial Exchanges Closed in 8 Chinese Provinces within the Year
Financial regulatory authorities in Guangdong, Tianjin, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hainan, and other provinces announced the cancellation of business qualifications for eight financial asset exchanges in their respective jurisdictions. This marks the third wave of financial exchanges shut down since March this year.
7.
Why Was China’s 618 Shopping Festival the Most Intense in History This Year?
Due to the prolonged economic weakness in China and consumers tightening their budgets, major e-commerce platforms in China offered significant discounts during the 618 shopping festival to attract buyers. Some analysts even dubbed this year’s 618 festival as the most “cruel” shopping event in history.
8.
Miraculous Survival of Meizhou Driver Buried by Mudslide for 27 Hours
As floods inundate multiple provinces in China, Meizhou in Guangdong province has been severely affected by heavy rain and flooding. A truck driver miraculously survived after being buried by a mudslide for 27 hours. He expressed gratitude to the villagers who rescued him, giving him a second chance at life.
9.
Tax Reversal Investigation Sparks Panic, Chinese Expert Exposes Tax Regulations’ Tricks
The Chinese tax authorities launching a 30-year retroactive investigation into some companies’ taxes has caused social unrest. While the State Taxation Administration claimed there were no industry-wide initiatives and “no plans” for a 30-year reversal investigation, the situation continues to escalate. A Chinese expert revealed concerns from a closed-door meeting where participants expressed worries over the authorities’ selective enforcement practices, highlighting loopholes in the tax regulations related to retroactive investigations.
10.
China-Philippines Conflict Escalates Again, US Envoy: South China Sea Situation Worrisome
The Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs expressed deep concern over the situation in the South China Sea, stating that recent actions by China on these disputed waters “seriously undermine stability.”
11.
Chinese Tourists Unable to Reenter Global Tourism Market, Three Reasons Given
Due to the ongoing economic slowdown in China and Chinese consumers being cautious with their spending, traveling abroad has become more budget-conscious, even without visa concerns.
12.
Severe Losses in Guangdong Floods, Multiple Reservoirs in Jiangxi Opened to Release Floodwaters
In recent days, severe floods have affected many areas on the mainland. Six people in Shanghang County, Fujian Province, who were missing due to mountain floods, have been pronounced dead, with at least four deaths reported previously in the area. Flooding in Pingyuan County, Meizhou, Guangdong, has led to at least 38 fatalities, with residents describing water depths of several meters. Moreover, heavy rainfall in Jiangxi Province has caused floods in various areas, with Poyang Lake water levels surpassing 17 meters and multiple reservoirs being opened to release floodwaters.
13.
Chinese Communist Party Holds Full Military Conference Before the Third Plenum, Experts Warn of Unstable Military Morale
Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently held a political meeting with the entire military in Yan’an, emphasizing the need to maintain firearms in the hands of “loyal and reliable individuals.” Considering the recent downfall of several generals promoted by Xi since last year, experts believe that the military morale under Xi’s command is unstable, particularly among non-Xi faction members who have long been suppressed and might stage a strong backlash when given the opportunity.
14.
Running Out of Money? Chinese Communist Party Emphasizes Tightening Military Spending
Amid China’s ongoing economic downward spiral and financial troubles faced by the Chinese Communist Party, various party and government agencies have repeatedly stressed the need to “tighten belts.” Recently, the Chinese military has also reiterated the call for “tightening belts.” Analysts believe that despite previous instances of using this rhetoric, the current financial backdrop indicates a genuine shortage of funds. To ensure military funding without reducing soldier benefits, the CCP may need to cut defense procurement and training expenditures.
15.
Actor Who Portrayed Former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai Dies in Beijing
Several actors who portrayed the deceased Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai have passed away on the mainland. Most recently, on June 21, another actor, Wang Tiecheng, who played the role of Zhou Enlai, died in Beijing.