China confirms Mao Zedong’s grandson’s promotion

Mao Xinyu, the only grandson of China’s former leader Mao Zedong, has been elevated to major general in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Reports have been circulating since last September that 39 year old Mao had become the youngest officer to reach major general rank, but officials have refused to confirm them – dodging suspicions [...]

China in 45 billion yuan global media expansion

China’s three major state media companies, China Central Television (CCTV), Xinhua and the People’s Daily could each receive about US$2.2 billion from the Ministry of Finance to fund their global expansions. Plans include Xinhua launching an Asia-based television network modeled on Qatar’s Al-Jazeera, and increasing the number of its foreign bureaus from 100 to about [...]

China state media slams new Guns N’ Roses album

A Communist Party-run newspaper attacked the recently released album by the rock band Guns N’ Roses as a direct affront to China. The album, titled “Chinese Democracy,” has been delayed since 1994. The Global Times ran an article Monday headlined “American band releases album venomously attacking China,” claiming that the album “turns its spear point [...]