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https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Xinjiang-is-prototype-for-fully-totalitarian-state-Taiwan-minister?utm_campaign=RN%20Subscriber%20newsletter&utm_medium=daily%20newsletter&utm_source=NAR%20Newsletter&utm_content=article%20link&del_type=1&pub_date=20200727190000&seq_num=22&si=%%user_id%% Xinjiang is prototype for fully totalitarian state: Taiwan minister Audrey Tang says Chinese region is a reminder of the value of liberal democracy Taiwan's Digital Minister Audrey Tang speaks to Nikkei in her Taipei office last month. (Photo by Toshiyuki Kumagai) ANDREW SHARP, Nikkei Asian Review deputy politics and economy editorJuly 27, 2020 15:38 JST TOKYO -- China is using new technology to turn its western region of Xinjiang into a model for a fully authoritarian surveillance state, Taiwan's digital minister said on Monday. "We have seen that previous attempts at totalitarian government were at most sub-totalitarian because there were no sufficient technologies to ensure the total tracking of people," Audrey Tang told reporters in Tokyo in an online news conference. "Now in places like Xinjiang we are seeing a prototype of a truly totalitarian surveillance regime is being worked on." The once Muslim-majority region is part of the ongoing feud between Washington and Beijing, with the U.S. Commerce Department last week slapping sanctions on 11 more companies that it said were linked to alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. Chinese officials slammed the move, calling it a "blatant hegemonic act." A February report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute estimated that more than 80,000 Uighurs were moved out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019, with some being sent directly from detention camps. According to the report, the workers are subjected to intimidation and threats, and are constantly monitored by security personnel and digital surveillance tools. Speaking via video link from Taipei, Tang said such reports serve as a reminder for people in Taiwan of the value of liberal democracy. "We see things through a human rights and democracy lens," the 39-year-old said. "These attempts, for example in Xinjiang that I just alluded to, are basically prompting all sectors in Taiwan -- not just the social sector people, the 'hacktivists,' but also people in the private sector -- to look at these applications and technologies. It serves a really strong reminder that we should not go there." In a recent Nikkei interview, Tang said that putting Chinese equipment in a country's core telecom infrastructure is akin to inviting a Trojan horse into the network. "Every time you upgrade you have to do another systemic risk assessment," Tang said. "But the feeling is that the risk is too high, and the cost of ownership too high, and we would be better to work with other vendors from liberal democratic countries." Indeed, Taiwan has effectively excluded Huawei from its 5G network. In June, the government-backed Chunghwa Telecom launched commercial services on the island's ultrafast internet system, using Ericsson technology. Taiwan's relations with China have deteriorated since President Tsai Ing-wen was first elected in 2016, making the island a frequent target of cyberattacks. The government says Taiwan is hit an average of 30 million times a month. "There are cyberattacks literally every hour," Tang said. "Fortunately, most of those attacks were sorted automatically by the defense in-depth system that we employ. And so they did not really interfere with [January's] presidential election, although there's a lot of disinformation campaigns." Tang, the youngest minister in Taiwan's history, is a renowned hacker, programmer and entrepreneur. Brought into Tsai's cabinet in 2016, she has been praised as a key figure in the fight against COVID-19 for her role in quickly developing apps to speed up the distribution of masks and economic stimulus coupons. She describes herself as a "conservative anarchist," and continues to be so despite being in government. "So I am at once digital minister, that's my day job. But I'm also moonlighting as a civic hacker," Tang said. "I see myself as a channel, as a bridge, as a Lagrangian point between civic movements on one side and government on the other."

Read a coverage in which LTA was singled out as one of the "problematic" statutory boards... I'm sure many of us have our gripes with LTA but to be singled out by an Associate Professor takes this to another level, it isn't just about disgruntled road users. Dr Lai seemed to highlight several examples, all directly linked to misgivings with LTA. Over the years, I think LTA has really shown that it is one of the slowest and laidback statutory board with a questionable track record. 1. Failure to kick SMRT on its butt earlier on until massive problems arose in public train system 2. Slow response to personal mobility devices after countless incidences 3. Almost at a loss what to do with the legal framework when ride-haling technology came into the picture 4. Refused to acknowledge the flaws in COE system while yet continuing to shout control of vehicle populations I don't know, there may be others you guys wanna add on.

Just ended. Fella can speak boy.... LHL got nothing on him

I paid my last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew earlier today. I made this video to give all those who haven't done so a good idea of what the process is like. Yes, the wait may be long, but it was definitely worth it. As I waited, I marveled at all around me. The city, the trees, the Singapore River. Everything. What is Mr Lee Kuan Yew's most important contribution to Singapore? Just look around you. Spend your time reflecting on what Mr Lee has done for all of us. Let us now let him down as we take Singapore to even greater heights. Rest in peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. https://youtu.be/-Z3_-P-ju2U

To all fellow motorists, We can all do our part to make the final farewell to a great man better. Please take note of the traffic arrangements: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/traffic-arrangements-for/1734200.html In a nutshell, avoid the civic district if possible.

Actually, I think the whole world wants to see Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, because this is the first time she is making a public appearance for a few months, because of her second pregnancy. Anyway, the pictures are fun to look at. Some have been coming out, and I have posted some on the blog. http://londonproperty123.blogspot.sg/2014/10/president-tony-tan-of-singapore-visits.html

http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story/state-funded-bus-fleet-double-1000 http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story/public-transport-satisfaction-lowest-2007 More good years to PTO!! Increase bus fare plus govt funds... Huat ah!!! Think we can kiss our CPF $$ goodbyes!!!! Is this part of the $1.1b or new funds?? Govt must clarify. But clarify oso no use. Peasants will nvr hear the truth.

http://www.voltairenet.org/article182064.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSx8yLOHSUs

http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story...al-stable-state poor thing .. one thing i dont understand nowaday overseas road trip are getting popular ... alot of singaporean flew to europe, usa , etc to have a driving holiday but how come i always read of such accident in Australia or new zealand or malaysia ...what is unique of the road condition in these places as compared to europe ( excluding malaysia cos i know what is diff)

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/stat...550_Page10.html I happen to see live in CNA this morning, his entire speech on screen. Though I'm not into American politics, but I must say Obama is very impressive with what he said and promises. His policies are focused on local domestic problems like creating jobs for Americans, improve infrastructure etc. What grip me was his focus on local americans , their jobs, welfare , affordable housings, middle income problems, childcare education, college places for local Americans. Never once his speech was on foreign talents and workers. He talked to CEOs and they all want to hire local Americans. Obama deserved the Presidency job. So what the F wrong with our system???

Link Really buay tahan these people For entertainment sake, I hope their next President is a non-white atheist lesbian

Hi all, National Day is coming and I'm looking for a flag pole and a state flag which is printed on BOTH sides. So far, those sold at NTUC and popular bookshops are only printed on one side. Any one knows? Thanks!

Why our late President was shut out but a state funeral given to Goh Keng Swee? I have the upmost respect for the late Goh Keng Swee but who decides our late president is underserving of this honour? Sometimes I really feel very very sad ..........

undestand that Quaker state & Penzoil are a brands under Shell. I tried to google for more info on this oil but the result of my search is rather limited. I cant even find the official spec of the oil. There were some comment where the quality is similiar to SHU in some forum. If thats the case, i may move on to other oil instead cause SHU is rather sucks (tried it and change it at aroun 7K)... Anyone from MCF use this oil before?

Anyone knows other than LHL?

Do what one har? What kind of "rank" is that?

like that consider threatening with their vote or not??

Yahoo News report : Malaysians gamble

RIP sir Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan dies Posted: 27 September 2010 1038 hrs Photos 1 of 1 SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan died early Monday morning. Dr Sadasivan was 55 years old. The former neurosurgeon entered politics in 2001 and was among seven new promising new candidates slated for office soon after being elected. Late in 2008, Dr Sadasivan had surgery to have a cancerous tumour removed from his colon. His friend and former MP Chandra Das said Dr Sadasivan had not been well since, but continued working till about a week ago. Dr Sadasivan was married, with two children.

Star Wars has got new grooves. This cool video with a very interesting body part that we guys love. Great music too. Look by Sebastian Tellier. Might need to verify your age. Must be flagged by conservatives Americans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX82DXvmQu4

Wankers ..........

Wed, Mar 24, 2010 AFP BEIJING - China's state media on Wednesday slammed Google after it effectively shut down its Chinese search engine, saying the US Internet giant was "not god" and accusing it of working with US intelligence. The newspapers said the company had made a huge mistake in the world's largest online market and would earn little sympathy from Chinese users, as it had politicised its dispute with Beijing over web censorship and cyberattacks. Google on Monday stopped filtering search results in China and re-routed traffic from google.cn to an uncensored site in Hong Kong, but said it would maintain its sales and research and development teams on the mainland. "For Chinese people, Google is not god, and even if it puts on a show of politics and values, it is still not god," said the overseas edition of the People's Daily, the ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece. "In fact, Google is not chaste when it comes to values. Its cooperation and collusion with the US intelligence and security agencies is well-known," it said in a front-page commentary. Chronology: Google's operations in China The paper said Google's decision "makes one wonder about about all the big efforts that the United States has made in recent years to engage in an Internet war -- perhaps this is an exploratory attack in a pre-dawn battle." The English-language Global Times, a subsidiary of the People's Daily, also hit out at Google, saying it had made a "huge strategic misstep in the promising Chinese market". The paper touted the improvement in China's business climate and warned foreign firms that they could face "unprecedented" competition from homegrown companies, urging them to adapt to the "transitional Chinese society". "A win-win situation is in the interests of both China and foreign businesses. Google's 'new approach' does not work," it said. Related article: HK internet group severs Google ties Beijing has repeatedly said foreign businesses are welcome as long as they abide by Chinese law. Google says its shift of search traffic to google.com.hk is "entirely legal", as Hong Kong is not subject to mainland censorship laws. The harsh newspaper commentaries came after officials in China and the United States had appeared keen to tamp down the fallout from the row, as they try to put relations back on track after months of tension. China had angrily denounced Google's decision as "totally wrong" but the foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang later described it as a commercial case and should not influence Sino-US relations unless people tried to "politicise it." The China Daily relished the "moment of peace" created by Google's decision, which came two months after it first said it had been the victim of cyberattacks originating in China and was no longer willing to bow to censors. Analysis: China fight could hurt Google in long run "Google's efforts to make this issue into a political spat have naturally met with strong opposition and criticism from the Chinese government and society," the newspaper said. "With the company's credibility among Chinese netizens now plummeting, Google will be greeted with less sympathy and fewer parting sentiments from Chinese Internet users," it said. The paper slammed Google for offering China's 384 million web users access to "pornography and subversive content", saying the Chinese web would "continue to grow in a cleaner and more peaceful environment" without google.cn. Related article: Google 'thinks out of box', say activists Despite Google's promise of uncensored results, searches of politically sensitive key words continue to generate the browser message "cannot display the webpage" -- suggesting China's "Great Firewall" of Internet control remained intact.

things are not good for WRC currently, with only 2 manufacturers left in the series: Citroen & Ford. some more 2011 will run with NA engines, no more turbo. sian.

Could not help myself in posting this topic, after the news of a man being 'tortured' alive ( slapped and hit in the groin???) persumbly by a Sinkie woman made 'headline' news. This is not new. As a matter of fact, the Sinkie men had it coming..long before this made news. Searching for foreign brides as they were hopeless in 'handling' the local variety, all points to the signal, that not only are they pathetic but silly in getting themselve 'done-in' later by the foreign variety as well. Numerous cases of PRC, Viet and others ex-brides, all took it as a opportunity to 'dig gold' in these pathetic men and then 'run road'. Maybe the fact that the ever powerful Women Charter had these men all 'brain' dead, as to how to have some honour and pride left, when they do need to handle their women! Some being losers in any relationship, these men would seek other sorts of gratifications (Geyland..etc) to 'help' restore some manly pride to their bruised ego. If you are one of those who fits the description here or thereabout, I think it will be appropriate for me to kindly ask you to 'jump in front of a train' ( not the MRT cos it'll inconvience others) or from a tall building. Cos to be a man...a proper man ( no gay here please)...one should not gravitate to such a level as displayed by the man being featured in the news.