Latest news with #Douyin
Boston Globe
8 hours ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
That seafood on your plate? It might have been produced by forced labor.
The event was part of a vast labor-transfer program run by the Chinese state, which The goal of the program is partially to address labor needs in Chinese industries. But another goal is to subjugate a historically restive people. Uyghur separatists revolted throughout the 1990s and bombed police stations in 2008 and 2014. China began the labor transfers in the early 2000s as part of a broad camps, where Uyghurs have been subjected to torture, beatings, and forced sterilization. Researchers described China's actions against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims Many of the transferred workers are involved in processing seafood that is then exported to more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, and several in the European Union, according to an investigation published as episode 8 of The Outlaw Ocean Podcast's second season. The podcast is available on all major streaming platforms. For transcripts, background reporting, and bonus content, visit These disclosures of China's use of state-sponsored forced labor in seafood production come as the trade war between the US and China has heightened tensions between the countries and directed new attention to the This is an American law that prohibits the import of goods produced in Xinjiang and a cudgel that the Trump administration is likely to apply more aggressively as it ramps up pressure on Beijing. 'We worked yesterday. Worked last night. We are still working,' a Uyghur man says in a voice clip uploaded to Douyin in 2021 over snapshots of exhausted workers on pallets of flounder packed for export. Douyin/The Outlaw Ocean Project On November 19, 2024, the European Union approved its own A review by Outlaw Ocean Project of internal company newsletters, local news reports, trade data, and satellite imagery revealed that 10 large seafood companies in the eastern province of Shandong, China's most important fishing and seafood processing hub, have received at least a thousand Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities from forced labor-transfer programs out of Xinjiang since 2018. Sometimes transfers are motivated by labor demands. In March 2020, for example, the Chishan Group, one of China's largest seafood catching and processing companies, published an internal newsletter describing what it called the 'huge production pressure' caused by the pandemic. That October, party officials from the local antiterrorist detachment of China's public security bureau and the country's human resources and social security bureau, which handles work transfers, met twice with executives to discuss how to find the company additional labor, according to company newsletters. Soon after, Chishan agreed to accelerate transfers to their plants. Wang Shanqiang, the deputy general manager at Chishan, said in a corporate newsletter, 'The company looks forward to the migrant workers from Xinjiang arriving soon.' The Chishan Group did not respond to requests for comment. Workers in 2023 at a seafood plant called Yantai Sanko Fisheries in Shandong Province, China, which relies on Uyghur and other labor from Xinjiang and exports to the U.S., Canada, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Douyin/The Outlaw Ocean Project To detect forced labor, companies tend to rely on private firms that conduct 'social audits,' in which inspectors visit factories to make sure they comply with international work standards. But social audits are typically announced in advance, which allows managers to hide minority workers during inspections. Even when workers are interviewed, they are often reluctant to be candid, for fear of retribution. In May 2022, social auditors from SGS, a major international auditing firms, toured the Haibo seafood processing factory in Shandong and found no evidence of forced labor. But a team of investigative reporters from Outlaw Ocean Project discovered that more than 170 people from Xinjiang worked at Haibo in 2021, and a half-dozen Uyghur workers posted regularly to social media from Haibo throughout 2022. On the same day the auditors toured, a young Uyghur worker posted pictures of herself near the plant's dormitories and loading bays. This was not an isolated incident. During the investigation, reporters found other examples of Uyghurs who had posted pictures of themselves at factories within days of those plants being cleared by social audits. They also found that half of the Chinese exporters they had identified as being tied to Uyghur labor had passed audits by leading global inspection firms. Two Uyghur researchers who independently reviewed hundreds social media videos archived by Outlaw Ocean Project concluded that Uyghurs working at Shandong seafood facilities were using coded content to convey critical perspectives on their experiences through humor, poetry and song. Posts alluded to strong sentiments of loss and separation, and offered direct and indirect references to coercion and involuntary transfer, as well as commentary on poor working conditions. The bigger point, however, is that the Chishan Group or Haibo are not unique cases. What we found in our investigation tracking and documenting Xinjiang minorities who had been deployed to seafood processing plants in Shandong was that many seafood companies are tied to a wide variety of similar problems with forced labor. The presence of Uyghur workers in these major seafood processing plants should not be viewed as incidental. It is a glaring red flag. The pervasiveness of these problems is why the global seafood industry likely will have to assess how it monitors its supply chains, especially when these supply chains route through China.
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Wooing more Chinese tourists through social media
PETALING JAYA: Plans are in the works to attract more tourists from China by using popular Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), WeChat, Weibo and Douyin. This includes partnerships with online influencers to target younger, tech-savvy Chinese visitors, said Tourism Malaysia. Such was part of the agency's efforts to reach out to the Chinese market for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), seeing that many from the Middle Kingdom are turning to social media for travel information. 'We have also noticed a strong shift towards independent travel, especially among younger Chinese visitors who rely heavily on digital platforms like Xiaohongshu, Bilibili and Dianping for travel inspiration and planning. 'This trend reflects a desire for flexibility, personalisation, and real-time access to information and recommendations,' Tourism Malaysia told The Star . China now ranks as the third-largest source of international visitors to Malaysia, following Singapore and Indonesia. The agency, under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, was asked to comment on the role of social media and influencers in guiding tourists from China on their visit to Malaysia. From following trends like cool photo spots to viral food videos, a growing number of Chinese tourists were using social media to plan their travel itineraries here. 'It is undeniable that social media platforms play a role in promoting Malaysia to Chinese visitors as their content shapes perceptions, builds interest, and directly influences travel decisions. 'For example, with more than 300 million monthly active users, Xiaohongshu plays a critical role in shaping consumer travel choices in China, especially among younger audiences and free independent travellers,' Tourism Malaysia said. These types of content strongly influence young travellers, helping to drive viral trends, such as visiting specific photo spots or trying iconic local foods, which can inspire large numbers of followers to visit the same places. Examples of such trends are taking pictures in front of the Maybank branch in Gaya Street, Sabah or trying roti tisu at mamak shops. Previously, Tourism Malaysia announced that it will operate an official Xiaohongshu account, publishing engaging travel content from every state in Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia said its marketing plan for China for VM2026 also included developing Mandarin-language content and marketing materials to better connect with Chinese visitors, highlighting cultural festivals, eco-adventures and luxury offerings. 'We also plan to collaborate with Chinese tour operators to create tailored travel experiences that cater to Chinese preferences, including shopping, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism,' it said. To attract Chinese Muslim travellers, efforts will also be made to highlight Malaysia's strengths in halal-friendly tourism and wellness retreats. 'We will also be increasing collaboration with airlines and travel agencies to boost direct flights and offer attractive package deals through travel agencies,' Tourism Malaysia said. With the extension of the visa-free policy for China nationals and enhanced air connectivity, these measures are expected to drive continued growth in visitor arrivals from China, it added. 'In fact, from January to April this year, Malaysia welcomed 1.4 million visitor arrivals from China, a robust 37.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 'It's also a 22.6% increase compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019,' it said. Chinese travellers have shown a strong preference for destinations that offer a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, said Tourism Malaysia. 'Among the most popular locations are Kuala Lumpur, known for its iconic landmarks and shopping experiences, as well as Penang, famed for its heritage, street art, and unique local cuisine. 'Sabah, especially Kota Kinabalu, is also highly favoured for island-hopping and nature experiences,' it said.
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Cool photo spots, viral food videos: Malaysia plans to woo Chinese tourists via social media
Find out what's new on ST website and app. China now ranks as the third-largest source of international visitors to Malaysia, following Singapore and Indonesia. PETALING JAYA - Plans are in the works to attract more tourists from China by using popular Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, WeChat, Weibo and Douyin. This includes partnerships with online influencers to target younger, tech-savvy Chinese visitors, said Tourism Malaysia. Such was part of the agency's efforts to reach out to the Chinese market for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), seeing that many from the Middle Kingdom are turning to social media for travel information. 'We have also noticed a strong shift towards independent travel, especially among younger Chinese visitors who rely heavily on digital platforms like Xiaohongshu, Bilibili and Dianping for travel inspiration and planning. 'This trend reflects a desire for flexibility, personalisation, and real-time access to information and recommendations,' Tourism Malaysia told The Star. China now ranks as the third-largest source of international visitors to Malaysia, following Singapore and Indonesia. The agency, under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, was asked to comment on the role of social media and influencers in guiding tourists from China on their visit to Malaysia. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died World Trump administration moves to release Epstein case transcripts amid public scrutiny Singapore 'May you find rainbows in your skies': Outpouring of support for Jetstar Asia staff as closure looms Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but firm stands by its safety Singapore 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths Asia 'Guardian angels': Taiwan's dementia-friendly village promotes ageing in place Life US tech firm launches probe into Coldplay 'kiss cam' couple after clip goes viral From following trends like cool photo spots to viral food videos, a growing number of Chinese tourists were using social media to plan their travel itineraries here. 'It is undeniable that social media platforms play a role in promoting Malaysia to Chinese visitors as their content shapes perceptions, builds interest, and directly influences travel decisions. 'For example, with more than 300 million monthly active users, Xiaohongshu plays a critical role in shaping consumer travel choices in China, especially among younger audiences and free independent travellers,' Tourism Malaysia said. These types of content strongly influence young travellers, helping to drive viral trends, such as visiting specific photo spots or trying iconic local foods, which can inspire large numbers of followers to visit the same places. Examples of such trends are taking pictures in front of the Maybank branch in Gaya Street, Sabah or trying roti tisu at mamak shops. Previously, Tourism Malaysia announced that it will operate an official Xiaohongshu account, publishing engaging travel content from every state in Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia said its marketing plan for China for VM2026 also included developing Mandarin-language content and marketing materials to better connect with Chinese visitors, highlighting cultural festivals, eco-adventures and luxury offerings. 'We also plan to collaborate with Chinese tour operators to create tailored travel experiences that cater to Chinese preferences, including shopping, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism,' it said. To attract Chinese Muslim travellers, efforts will also be made to highlight Malaysia's strengths in halal-friendly tourism and wellness retreats. 'We will also be increasing collaboration with airlines and travel agencies to boost direct flights and offer attractive package deals through travel agencies,' Tourism Malaysia said. With the extension of the visa-free policy for China nationals and enhanced air connectivity, these measures are expected to drive continued growth in visitor arrivals from China, it added. 'In fact, from January to April this year, Malaysia welcomed 1.4 million visitor arrivals from China, a robust 37.8 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. 'It's also a 22.6 per cent increase compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019,' it said. Chinese travellers have shown a strong preference for destinations that offer a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, said Tourism Malaysia. 'Among the most popular locations are Kuala Lumpur, known for its iconic landmarks and shopping experiences, as well as Penang, famed for its heritage, street art, and unique local cuisine. 'Sabah, especially Kota Kinabalu, is also highly favoured for island-hopping and nature experiences,' it said. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Why Ken Chu from F4 is selling products by Barbie Hsu's ex-husband Wang Xiaofei
Ken Chu (left) was criticised for selling Wang Xiaofei's products during his live-stream sales. Barbie Hsu and Wang Xiaofei divorced in November 2021. Photos: Ken Chu/Douyin, Barbie Hsu/Weibo Taiwanese singer-actor Ken Chu has defended his decision to sell products made by the company of Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, the former husband of late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. Chu, 46, was a member of Taiwanese boy band F4, which also comprise Jerry Yan, 48; Vic Chou, 43; and Van Ness Wu, 46. The quartet reunited for a surprise performance at Taiwanese pop-rock band Mayday's concert at the Taipei Dome on July 12. F4 were brought together as a boy band in 2001 after acting in Taiwanese idol drama Meteor Garden (2001), which also starred Hsu. The band members went their separate ways in 2009. Hsu, who died aged 48 in February, divorced Wang, 44, in November 2021 after 11 years of marriage. They have an 11-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. The former couple were then embroiled in a divorce battle and war of words on social media. Chu, who is now focusing on live-stream sales on Douyin, was criticised by netizens on July 16 after he continued to hawk hot and sour vermicelli from Chinese food brand Maliuji. This is a company under Wang and his mother Zhang Lan. 'Why can't I sell that?' Chu replied. 'To be honest, I really hope Wang Xiaofei makes a lot of money. Otherwise, who will take care of his two children?' The artiste also mentioned Hsu, better known as Big S, in his live stream. 'She was the girl who was involved in the lives of the four of us,' he said, referring to the F4 members. 'I think all four of us loved her in our own way when we were younger.' Chu also disclosed that he was initially not keen on the F4 reunion on July 12, which was facilitated by Mayday's agency B'in Music. 'I asked their manager why they were so persistent on the reunion,' Chu said. 'She relayed (Mayday frontman) Ashin's words to me: 'Ashin feels that all the good things from the days when we were younger are slowly disappearing, and he wants to gather them back together, including F4.'' Chu admitted that it was not easy for him to return to the stage. 'I'm not as physically fit as I used to be,' he said. 'If you watch the video, you can see that I look a little older than the three of them.' Chu said that although he is 46, his physical condition is like that of a 60-year-old's. He suffers from fibromyalgia, a condition that can lead to lasting muscle pain and fatigue. 'Compared with the three of them, I'll be more out of shape if we don't reunite this year or next year,' he said. 'So I'm working hard on it.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
NBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Chinese university issues expulsion notice to female student over relationship with a foreigner
A Chinese university announced the expulsion of a female student for 'damaging national dignity' after she was accused of 'improper interactions' with a foreign man, generating heated discussions across Chinese social media about whether the university had gone too far. Over the last several days, the expulsion has drawn thousands of comments on platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, many of which question whether the school has the right to judge her personal life and elevate it to a matter of national import. In an announcement posted last week, Dalian Polytechnic University in the country's northeast declared that the student would be 'expelled' in 60 days, saying she violated the university rule against 'having improper interactions with foreigners that damage national dignity.' 'Your misbehaviors on December 16, 2024, caused a terrible negative impact,' the announcement said, without giving details on what constituted the 'misbehaviors.' The university released her name, but AP is not publishing it out of privacy concerns. The university's actions illustrate a number of issues percolating in modern Chinese society, including discussions around gender bias and a full-on push toward nationalism. Chinese internet users have connected the accused university student to videos posted by Danylo Teslenko, also known as Zeus, a professional Ukrainian gamer showing him being intimate with an Asian-looking young woman in a hotel room. AP cannot independently verify if the woman in the video is the student. Some on social media called the school's decision to expel the student a sign of the 'Taliban style,' by which a particular nation or group claims ownership over a woman's body. Others call it misogyny, asking if a Chinese man would be considered a 'national pride' if he had sex with a foreign woman. The Paper, a state-run newspaper in Shanghai, said it was not just 'inappropriate' to publish the student's full name but also 'may even violate the Personal Information Protection Law.' 'It is improper to graft private affairs onto the public domain for public disposal,' said The Paper. Teslenko, the gamer, confirmed on Sunday that he posted 'a few videos on Telegram with a girl I met in Shanghai' but later deleted them 'as soon as I understood the seriousness of the situation,' according to his post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Our faces were visible, but there was no explicit content or anything disrespectful in those videos,' the post said, 'I have never said that Chinese girls are easy.' Media reports said Teslenko and the student met at the final of the Perfect World Shanghai Major, a gaming competition held in December 2024.
