Greenpeace is suing Wal-Mart for selling genetically modified rice.

- Spoiled rice: Greenpeace vs. Wal-Mart

- New law firm to fight injustice

- CCP Secretary selling off village properties

- ‘Global Quit the CCP’ day draws response from mainland Chinese

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Spoiled rice: Greenpeace vs. Wal-Mart

Greenpeace is suing global retail giant Wal-Mart for illegally selling transgenic rice in China. An attorney for the organization filed the complaint on the 28th of June, at the Luohu People’s Court in Shenzhen, home of China’s Wal-Mart headquarters. The claim was accepted, but additional materials need to be provided to support the case for trial.

Wang Weikang, the Director of Food and Agriculture Project for Greenpeace said, ‘We randomly surveyed several supermarket’s rice sales and found that a Wal-Mart store in Changsha, Hunan Province was selling transgenic rice.’ Greenpeace contacted Wal-Mart but received no reply.

Wang Weikang said (recording):
“No transgenic rice is permitted for legal production and sale inside China. Selling transgenic rice at Wal-Mart is illegal. We found that Wal-Mart in Great Britain and other countries promised consumers to stay away from transgenic products. So, this merchant is actually following a different standard than other countries. This is not respectful to the request of the Chinese consumer.”

Wang went on to say (recording):
“There is no conclusion of the long term effects of transgenic food. Many research reports have revealed transgenic foods might impact the immune system, including liver and kidney functions. People are genuinely worried about this. Until it is certain this food is safe, we should adopt preventive measures and stop its commercialization before it gets onto peoples dinner tables. Rice is the daily stable food of Chinese people. We need to be cautious.”

In April of this year Greenpeace published a thorough investigative report which found transgenic rice seeds were being sold and circulated in Hubei and Hunan provinces, with plantations in Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, and Jiangxi provinces. Rice and rice flour are being sold before approval. Use of transgenic rice is only approved to Central China Agricultural University.

Wang also said that, (recording):
“As early as 2004 or 2005, a research team lead by Zhang Qifa of Central China Agricultural University found the transgenic rice seed in circulation, naming it BT63. The transgenic rice and rice products sold also have the transgenic gene of BT63. Zhang Qifa introduced this kind of seed illegally to a seed company for profit. When we reported on this, Zhang Qifa was not punished.”

At the end of last year,the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture issued certificates of bio safety to two transgenic rice types that are against rice insects: Huahui No 1 and Bt Shanyou 63. This is the first time China has issued certificates of safety to main stock transgenic foods. The policy on transgenic food on major stock food items stirred up major controversy in China. After Greenpeace revealed their findings, the Ministry repeatedly stated, “Issuing a certificate of safety does not stop the use of commercial production.”

Wang Qian and Xiao Tong of the SOH Radio Network

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Hu Zhigen a member of the newly formed Human Rights Legal Association.

New law firm to fight injustice

A group of kind-hearted Beijing lawyers have banded together to help China’s many appellants and disadvantaged groups who face unfair legal treatment in China’s current legal system. The group, called the Human Rights Legal Association was formed on July 1st and and will provide legal services and free consultations.

A member from the newly formed group, Yang Huiwen, said the issues appellants face is typically complicated. And finding legal help is often difficult.

He said (recording):
“I feel what I can do, with regards to the harm they suffered outside of the legal framework, is to hopefully help them to defend their lawful rights within the legal framework, so that they won’t give up hope on the legal system.”

Hu Zhigen, another member, said the association hoped to gain more upright and noble-minded lawyers looking to speak up for the disadvantaged. University law graduates are also welcome to join their ranks.

He said (recording):
“At present, there is a huge demand for legal professionals to do this work in all domains of society. But the current overall social environment is not suitable for honest, legal professionals to be engaged in normal professional work, which is a sad thing.”

The Association published an announcement on their website on the 30th of June. It read:
“In order to protect appellants’ rights and freedom, to pursue love and public interest in China, and to advance China’s legal system, we hereby form the Human Rights Lawyer Association. We look forward to support and active participation from colleagues and friends in the trade.”

Li Yifei and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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CCP Secretary selling off village properties

The Chinese Communist Party Secretary for the village of Dragon Bay in China’s southern Guangdong Province has been embezzling funds and selling off properties and farmlands, a local resident tells SOH.

In an online appeal published on the internet, local man Xu Pou alleges CCP Secretary Lai Fongchuan sold the ‘Automatic Irrigation Facility’, annexed properties and farmland, and embezzled agricultural funds; he then used the money to purchase an expensive car and a luxury mansion.

Xu Pou told SOH reporters that out of the $27,500 funding granted by the Department of Treasury for agriculture in the region, $20,000 was allegedly embezzled. The CCP secretary then distributed the difference of $7,500 to village farmers at a rate of $136.20 per acre, with a total of 1,100 acres for the village of Xu Da Zai. A third of what the farmers should have received.

Xu Pou and a delegation of villagers discovered these figures through their local Department of Treasury.

Xu Pou said (recording):
“In order to embezzle more money, the Secretary of the CCP lied about the number of acres when asking for agricultural funding with local Department of Treasury. The actual area of farmland is much smaller. What we have received is only one third of what we deserve. There are about 1,400 people in the village of Xu Da Zai. There are also many more villages that didn’t get a dime.”

Xu Pou says the most horrible effect on the villagers is that 400 acres of farmland is drying out because of the illegal sale of the irrigation facility. The Automatic Irrigation Facility previously supplied water to 20,000 acres of farmland. The irrigation facility had the dual function of halting floods and storing water for irrigation.

Mr. Pou said (recording):
“We have no water for farming already, but what if there is a flood? Would the thousands of acres of farmland be safe? Would our lives be safe? Would our properties be safe? How could the thousands of villagers make a living? How can farmland produce crops without water? This is a devastating issue. Closed-door talks were attempted, but we were refused. [Secretary of the CCP] Mr. Lai said. ”You can sue me all you want. The deal is done. I can’t help it. You might get paid if you won the case. What are you going to do if you lost the case?””

The Automatic Irrigation Facility was built by a former secretary of the CCP in 1974. It has been in operation for more than 40 years.

The irrigation facility, property and farmland sales were made to the privately-owned company Machinery Equipment and Piping Company in 2009. Local residents say they are furious. Xu Pou said they will pursue the matter to court, and would not back off until the government showed support to change the situation.

Chen Yilian of the SOH Radio Network

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52,000 people joined Hong Kong's annual July 1st Parade, the 'Quit the CCP' movement maintains a strong showing every year.

‘Global Quit the CCP’ day draws response from mainland Chinese

The ‘Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party’ brings to light the history and rise of China’s Communist Party. It’s played a major role in the ‘Quit the CCP’ movement, as of today the Global Service Centre for Quitting the CCP has registered over 76 million resignations. July 1st marks the ‘Global Quit the CCP’ day. In this report we hear from many former Party members in China who resigned from the CCP in response to many social and environmental problems which have struck China today.

In China’s southern provinces severe rainstorms have battered the region. The Changkai Dike, a major dam on the Fu River, was breached on June 21st due to floods. Over ten thousand people were affected by the disaster. A resident of Fuzhou in Jiangxi Province, who resigned from the CCP as part of the ‘Quit CCP’ movement, said the situation is serious. Many homes have been swept away by the floods. The government has responded by covering up the injuries and death toll.

The resident told SOH reporters (recording):
“Some of the biggest breaches were five hundred metres wide. The government said not one person was injured, but dead bodies have been found in Nanchang. I use to teach history, I didn’t dare tell the truth in classrooms. Modern and contemporary historical studies can’t explain China. The things I have seen, the things I feel like saying, I want to share it, but sensitive information can’t be passed around domestically.”

Under the communist regime China’s social problems are becoming more prominent. Because of this, the ‘Quit the CCP’ movement continues to gain momentum. The Fuzhou resident continued (recording):
“There are many supporters of it, but not everyone dares express it publicly. Ten years ago when I studied, I began to realise: older people in lower class society; farmers who’ve lost their land; workers who’ve lost their jobs; mothers who’ve lost their children…if you have eyes you can see. I can see quite clearly…”

A resident in Henan resigned from the CCP in response to corruption amongst officials and illegal land seizures. The resident told reporters (recording):
“The CCP is corrupt and rotten, my family is a victim. My family had an 82 acre plot of land; the authorities demanded we restore agricultural land to forest. 220 Yuan for every 0.16 acre. We don’t income and, and we must find work elsewhere. This project to restore farmland back to forest…they are corrupt.

In Sichuan Province, over 30 people recently resigned from the CCP. Some of these included members in a government department and families. One public servant spoke to our SOH reporters (recording):
“My unit has quit, and my family has quit. We’re from the Sichuan Government, you can provide us the latest news daily, there are local Falun Gong organization urging us to quit as well.”

Tian Ling and Meng Mei of the SOH Radio Network.

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Environmentalist Li Li highlights the devastation wrought by unregulated manufacturing industries along China's major rivers.

- Villagers scramble for water as pollution worsens

- Nanping hit by torrential rain, authorities cover up

- Land rights protest leaves one villager crushed

- Teachers stage kneel-down protest

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Villagers scramble for water as pollution worsens

Pollution continues to plague China’s water sources. Waste from manufacturers is a major contributor to the problem. To avoid polluted water, villagers have funded drilling operations for cleaner underground sources. They’ve been seeking cost effective methods of locating water sources but have surprisingly met with resistance from authorities.

Polluted rivers are filled with manufactured waste, which contain heavy metals, blue algae, and lead. The problem is widespread covering several provinces, including Guangzhou, Jiangsu, and Hunan. The worst affected source is the Yellow River, which flows through the Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia provinces.

Environmentalist Li Li spoke extensively to SOH about China’s pollution problems. One of the major contributors was a lack of proper waste disposal mechanisms. Often manufacturers lack water purification systems, farmers overuse chemical fertilizers, and garbage disposal systems are ineffective.

On the overall state of pollution Mr Li had this to say (recording):
“The pollution is very bad. We’ve received many phone calls. One was made by a farmer, who lives near the Wei River, who saw many small manufacturers dumping waste into the river. Everyone knows global warming can be slowed if we care for our environment. We have performed tests from Beijing to Tianjin, and to the Grand Canal. It was an awful experience. The surface of the rivers was covered with filthy, stinking garbage. The floating trash is drifting down from upstream.”

Mr Li told SOH about a village in Henan province where residents appear to have succumbed to poisoning from pollution, developing into a so-called ‘cancer village’. Mr Li said (recording):
“A tenth grade student, from Shangqiu village in Henan, suspects people in his village have been getting cancer from the water. He took water from a well to Beijing for tests and found the water exceeded standard contamination levels in many indexes. That is their drinking water! No doubt they’re getting sick. So many people get cancer…liver, stomach, gullet and intestinal cancer. We really want to return to the village and help change the water.”

In desperation, villagers have begun searching for purer sources of water; Mr Li described this process (recording):
“The water on the surface is more polluted, and the polluted water goes deep underground. In this situation, the wells have to be dug deeper. But it’s expensive to dig deep wells, and the underground water will dry up if it’s over used. They’re trying to develop a cheaper method but can’t get any support from the government.”

Mr Li continued (recording):
“With the pollution by dirty water, the wells have to be deepened, from scores of metres to thousands of metres. With all the underground water being used up, won’t it run out? Now we have a method, building a water tower with biological screening. The water from it meets the standard for drinking water while the expense is cheaper. The cost to dig a deep well is enough to build two or three of our facilities. But we only get support from non-government organisations; the government doesn’t give financial support.”

There is a lot of funding for scientific research into pollution; however research results are often ignored. Mr Li spoke of the extensive efforts made by non-government organisations (recording):
“Scientists working for the government just think about how to get research funds. Many of them put the results aside after they’ve finished their research. They are not put into practice at all. But experts who work in non-government sectors are in very difficult financial situations. I know they are very good experts. They have to do a lot of research. Sometimes they have to investigate in person. They have to spend a lot of money. I have been working here on this field. The centre we built is called ‘The Theatre for Popularising Science’. We put the knowledge of environmental protection on the stage in a simple way, so that people can understand it easily.”

Yu Xin and Hui Hong of the SOH Radio Network

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Li Dun Village has been completely buried by mudslides caused by torrential rain in Fujian Province.

Nanping hit by torrential rain, authorities cover up

There one day, gone the next. The village of Li Dun is now completely buried under tons of mud after a devastating mudslide in China’s southern Fujian Province on June 18th. Locals say everywhere you look houses are collapsing, unable to withstand the constant battering of the floods. And villagers say authorities have kept the real death toll from the public.

Torrential rain and floods have devastated China’s southern regions for nearly two weeks now. Among the worst affected areas is Nanping City. At least half of all counties in Nanping province have been severely affected by the heavy rain. Just less than two weeks ago the water levels in Nanping’s Guangzhe county were 2 meters high.

And now local residents tell tales of horror scenes often only seen in disaster movies. Mr Chen, a local of Yanping district, tells reporters about the horrific mudslide that swallowed Li Dun village, saying at least 20 were killed.

He said, (recording):
“Many people died. The mountain slope fell into the river, and twenty some people died because of this. The head of Health and Disease Prevention [Centre] in our area is also dead. Thousands of houses haves collapsed and only 4,000 people from a township of 10,000 were allocated temporary shelters. Only three or four out of ten villages see their roads open. There is water stoppages and electricity blackouts. The collapse is so severe that one collapse happens every kilometer. Mountain slopes as wide as 100 meters are collapsed, in huge volumes.”

Mrs. Gong from Siqian village told reporters she witnessed a child being washed away in the river, but the authorities blocked the news. She said Siqian village is among the banks of Futun River, whose banks collapsed in recent years. She says the government embezzled the money reserved for repairmen.

Mrs. Gong tells reporters (recording):
“The source area from which Futun river runs was hit the most. Many houses were [falling] down following the flood on the 19th [of June]. Mudslides swallowed all the houses. My aunt’s family suffered losses [amounting to] tens of thousands of Yuan because of that. Mudslides also left many people homeless and at least 5-6 people are dead, as far as I know. In the county seat, three old people, including kids, were washed away by the water. But the thing is, the government leaders lie about the damage. If there were 10 deaths, they would say only 2 died.”

Torrential rains have caused severe damage and loss of life all across the region. According to Mr Wang of Wangtai township of Yanping district, Nanping, (recording):
“The local government leased the mountains with trees to someone. Many of the trees were cut and sold, so there is no soil preservation. When heavy rain falls, the damage has got to be severe. There are still dead bodies over in our village. All the roads are collapsed; it’s muddy everywhere. We have had no water and electricity for almost a week. We have to use candles; the villagers have not received any disaster relief aids.”
Torrential rain led to floods in many parts of Fujian province. A huge number of houses collapsed, infrastructure was destroyed, and farmlands submerged, causing more than 6 billion dollars in economic losses.

As of 4 pm on the 21st of June, the cities of Nanping, Sanming, Longyan, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, Ningde, Fuzhou, and Putian have seen a total 664 villages and 2.6 million people affected. In addition, 44,200 houses have collapsed, 76 officially reported deaths have occurred, and 79 are missing.

Lin Li and Meng Mei of the SOH Radio Network

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Taobu villagers have seized 22 government vehicles and will use them as bargaining chips against the authorities trying to demolish their village.

Land rights protest leaves one villager crushed

300 villagers have clashed with police and demolition crews in Shandong Province. One villager was crushed by a government vehicle during the clash in Taobu Village of Weifang City. Villagers retaliated by destroying the vehicle. They also seized 22 government cars while demanding officials stay away from the village.

Taobu Village first came under target for demolition on April 23rd. Villagers received notice from the Weizi Town government that the 206 National Road was to be rerouted. It meant however that Taobu Village needed to be demolished. Local authorities failed to issue any legal documentation for appropriating the land. On May 26th, the Weizi Town government hired a large construction team to raze the village.

At 9am on June 21st, a massive demolition crew arrived. 60 vehicles were dispatched to carry out the demolition. Villagers came out in protest to block the crew. Song Weiyi was hit and knocked to the ground; he was then run over.

Mr Huang, a Taobu villager described the scene (recording):
“The Town Government, village cadres, public, inspection and legal personnel, came with unregistered vehicles to suppress us. There were 60 vehicles and about 2 – 300 people. Villagers put up the banners at the entrance to defend their village. Some saw how many people we had; so they turn and ran. Villagers stood in front of the trucks. One villager, Mr Song stood in front of a vehicle, but it didn’t stop. It first knocked him to the ground and the vehicle was switched off, afterwards it started up again, and it just crushed him.

A female resident of Taobu Villager also spoke to SOH: (recording)
“That day some vehicles crushed people; the farmers blocked their way and a fight erupted. They crushed Mr. Song and he was taken to hospital at once. Four of his ribs were broken, and pierced his lung, his leg is broken, the bone in his arm is also broken, and he is still unconscious.”

Villagers destroyed the vehicle (pictured) which ran over Song Weiyi.

Song Weiyi’s accident infuriated villagers to the point where they beat the driver of the truck. The vehicle was destroyed. They took control of 22 other vehicles, and deflated the tires. Later that evening the local government arranged to have the vehicles taken back. Several trucks waited in the neighbouring Beitao Village. Villagers took turns keeping a lookout.

Mr Huang, a villager said: (recording)
“We don’t let them take the vehicles, if the vehicle which crushed (Song) is driven away, we’ll have no evidence. Right now, we’re taking turns on duty night and day. The vehicles are protected and nothing is damaged. We are not cunning, not wicked, and the inner quality of these people is quite high.”

Local media have been censored from reporting the incident. The Weizi Town government has tried to distance itself from the incident. The license plates of the vehicles have been swapped so any connection with the authorities is removed.

Mr Huang said villagers were now concerned of possible reprisals from the authorities (recording):
“Villagers are afraid the offending vehicle will be taken away. There are still many government vehicles detained here. The villagers are worried of criminal charges. The government will take revenge, it’s not a simple matter of a crowd of villagers creating a disturbance and then letting the matter rest. Indeed, most regular people feel no security; many have their internet monitored.”

Yu Shan and Gu Qinger of the SOH Radio Network.

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Teachers stage kneel-down protest

Police arrested and detained a group of teachers last week in China’s Hubei Province. The crackdown was intended as a warning against large scale appeals, like the Gongan County appeal in April, when over one thousand teachers got down on their knees at the gates to the local county government building, seeking redress for stolen benefits.

Getting on your knees in protest seems like a bold statement, however one teacher explains the cultural significance behind it, saying (recording):
“According to locals, kneeling down is admitting to the need of financial help. Government officials said the teachers disrupted social order. As a result of this incident, most of the teachers have decided to appeal in Beijing.”

A representative for the teacher’s said (recording):
“Right now state managed teachers aren’t afraid of incarceration or death. If the Central Party Committee has policy arrangements, they pay no attention to appeals. They will turn away those who go to Beijing or provincial governments and arrest those who gather in public places. In 2008, a state-managed teacher attempted suicide by eating poison at a district court. County government spent an estimated 200,000 Yuan ($29,500 USD) on treatment for the teacher.”

Teachers’ representative Yang Huanqing was arrested and detained for ten days on the evening of June 23rd. Hu Pukun and Wan Shenggang, who held banners during the appeal, were each detained for five days.

A teacher’s representative said (recording):
“We must see the Central Party leaders. If this issue remains unresolved we will continue to appeal until justice is served.”

Fu Ming and He Wen of the SOH Radio Network.

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Hong Kong businesses along the Pearl River are nervous of the repercussions following wage increases at Foxconn and Honda in China. (Payton Chung/Flickr)

- Chinese wage hikes cause headaches in Hong Kong

- Greedy companies send pharmaceutical costs soaring

- Mudslides in southern China kill hundreds

- Renowned doctor pursues justice at Supreme Court along with petitioners

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Chinese wage hikes cause headaches in Hong Kong

Unease sweeps through mainland China as Hong Kong businesses along the Pearl River Delta are impacted by workers strikes over pay rise issues at Foxconn and Honda.

According to the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association (HKSME), it’s estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 Hong Kong businesses will go bust by the end of 2010. The global financial crisis of 2008, has seen close to 10,000 Hong Kong firms declare bankruptcy, leaving 40 to 50,000 businesses to bunker down and ride out the pay rise storms; more closures may indeed occur.

President of HKSME, Mr Liu Dabang, said that since May this year, Guangzhou increased the minimum wage by 20% to 920 Yuan. Foxconn’s increase raised the minimum wage to 2,000 Yuan. Hong Kong businesses around the district will be greatly affected.

Mr Liu said (recording):
“If we had 5% net profit and increased salaries by 100%, we would have no profit, leaving a 5% loss. The impact is huge. I estimate between 1,000 to 2,000 companies will be out of business by the end of the year. Even though the Chinese Communist regime banned reports on these strikes for fear of withdrawal of foreign investments; it is inevitable that Hong Kong and other overseas investors will leave the mainland.”

Mr Liu also said (recording):
“As salaries increase, so do the land prices. Comparatively speaking, the benefits become smaller and smaller. When it gets to a point where there is no profit left, factories will return to their hometown or seek out other affordable premises.”

Liang Zhen in Hong Kong of the SOH Radio Network.

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Collusion, price-fixing and complicated government regulation has driven up the cost of medicine in China. (oceanaris/Flickr)

Greedy companies send pharmaceutical costs soaring

The release last year of China’s National Health Insurance catalogue revealed an increase in the price and number of new Chinese drugs. Some prices have reached exorbitant levels. Many medical professionals believe China’s pharmaceutical industry has been monopolized by interest groups, officials and businessmen. Collusion and price-fixing have caused major headaches for those struggling to afford medical expenses.

In 2009, China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued the latest edition of its ‘National Health Catalogue of Medical, Workplace and Birth Insurance’. Comparisons between the current and 2004 edition reveal a startling increase of 260 drugs on the market. There was a sharp jump in the price of many drugs.

In Dalian, Mr Liu from the sales department of Jingang Medical Pty told reporters about one of the company’s products, an olive alkene product used to treat tumours. Five days before the release of the insurance catalogue, the price rose from 93.50 Yuan to 140 Yuan. Currently it costs 170 Yuan ($25 US Dollars) doubling in price in just six months.

Mr Liu told SOH (recording):
“The price set by the National Development and Reform Commission hasn’t changed for four years. The price set by the commission is 93.50 Yuan. Early in 2007, we proposed to raise the prices in line with the provinces. Afterwards raw material costs kept going up, operations and wages also went up. In October 2009, the product was included in the National Health Insurance catalogue so it was changed to 140 Yuan.”

The report highlights the problems with the pricing mechanism for drugs. Suppose the sale price of a single drug at a hospital is 115 Yuan ($17 US Dollars). Then the wholesale price from an agent would be close to 90 Yuan. The agent however, may have purchased the drugs from the manufacturer at just 18 Yuan ($2.60 US Dollars). The extra 72 Yuan ($10 US dollars) is supposed to cover clinical costs, taxes, packaging, postage, and percentages for medical and public relations representatives. Mr Liu said the pricing regulations in China were overly complicated.

He told SOH (recording):
“The price of drugs is set by the government, enterprises or the National Development and Reform Commission. These three contribute to high prices. Manufacturers do not sell medicine directly to patients. Instead prices rely on tenders from distribution companies, the State in turn, regulates the price which they sell to hospitals.

Mr Zhu, a medical professional believes China’s pharmaceuticals have been monopolized by interest groups who can fix prices at will.

He told SOH (recording):
“The cost of medicine has doubled; I feel there must be manipulation on a national scale. Honestly, it may be collusion between officials and businessmen. The merchants sell at an expensive price and make more profits. It’s not so expensive from the manufacturer, however between the medical and marketing companies, then into hospitals and again into pharmacies, after this the price is doubled. All sectors in between make a profit.”

Mr Zhang from Changzhou in Jiangsu Province said health insurance policies often cheat people, some medical expenses can’t be claimed.

He spoke to SOH (recording):
“Health insurance cheats people. Even if we want insurance, they won’t insure us. We do have insurance for farmers, but it is limited. It only covers visits to county level hospitals, we can only go there. They only give you medicine and don’t end up getting better. They won’t treat your illnesses. Last time we spent over ten thousand Yuan and that would only delay small illnesses. The Communist Party’s health insurance is a scam.

In May this year, there was extensive media coverage in Sichuan of the ‘asparagus’ drug, a kind of supplement to treat cancer. The manufacturer sold the ‘asparagus’ drug at 15.5 Yuan. But hospitals sold the drug at 213 Yuan, a 1300% price jump.

Lin Li and Yi Fan of the SOH Radio Network.

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Severe rains have caused flooding in many parts of southern China.

Mudslides in southern China kill hundreds

180,000 people have been trapped by flood waters in China’s Jiangxi Province since Sunday, June 20th. Heavy rainfall has caused severe floods, and deadly mudslides have killed several people in China’s southern regions. Jiangxi, Hunan and Fujian Provinces have been hit the hardest.

The floods have caused disruption in many cities who are without transportation, communication or fresh water supplies. In Jiangxi Provine, the counties of Fuzhou and Yintan have suffered the worst of the flood.

Roads, communication and the water supply have been cut off in Zixi and Yujiang counties. A resident of Zixi county, Mr. Fu Zhifeng, told SOH reporters of the severity of the situation.

He said (recording):
“There are [building] collapses over there. In our county and in the village, there are 4-6 deaths reported. The bridges are broken down, and many of the villages are flooded.”

In Yunnan Province thunderstorms have caused major damages in Guixi, Yujiang, Yuehu, and Dragon and Tiger counties. On Saturday morning, locals reported seeing leeks in the wall of the Yuehu county reservoir, as well as mudslides going on for several hundred meters.
Mr. Wu of Dragon and Tiger County says the flood damage to the province is enormous.

He tells SOH (recording):
“There are floods in many parts of the province; the situation is very terrible. With the flooding, there are many places with mudslides and broken bridges. Many [people] died, but the numbers have not yet been confirmed. Crops are underwater and there is no [drinking] water or electricity. It’s terrible. The flood wave is almost 10 meters high and even the reservoir is damaged. There are villages where the water level reaches the third floor. Some of the roofs are submerged and some have shifted.”

Two residents of Yujiang County told reporters of their situation.

Mrs. Zhu says (recording):
“The rain was heavy in our village, quite heavy; over 100 millimeters a day. The whole county seat is submerged. There’s no electricity and no water; it’s really bad.”

Mr. Feng says (recording):
“There was very heavy rain. Our county seat and roads are flooded and no vehicles can run. Schools are closed these last two days. There is still no electricity and water, and the crops and roads are all submerged. We went to the countryside to help. Dozens of houses may collapse.”

According to online sources, the entire Liaojiadi village of Sanming county in Fujian province is submerged, with 4-5 deaths reported by locals. The villagers evacuated to the neighboring Changjia village.

Mr. Chen of Sanming County told reporters his county sits in low terrain and often floods. He said (recording):
“The rain is heavy and there are also mudslides, of which about 12 people died. We suffer from this every year. We are at the lower end of the reservoir and when the gate is opened, we will have a flood as high as the second floor [of a house]. I heard the floods in other places are as high as 3 meters.”

A resident of Zhaowu city tells SOH of the flooding in Fujian province. He says (recording):
“Mudslides caused a couple of deaths, as those who lived in the countryside could not evacuate. Houses are down and schools are closed. Crops and many old bridges are certainly damaged.”

It is the 14th time Fujian, Jiangxi, and Henan province has been hit by heavy thunderstorms. As of 8pm on Sunday June 20th, 10 million people have been affected.

Damaged crops account for a total of 5.3 million square metres, while the official death toll is at 132, with 86 people missing. 68,000 houses have collapsed, resulting in an economic loss of 14.5 billion Yuan (approximately 2.5 billion Australian dollars).

Lu Fang and Yu Xing of the SOH Radio Network.

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Renowned medical specialist Jiao Donghai (pictured) is pursuing justice at the Supreme People's Court against Chief of Medicine of Xiangshan Hospital. The chief has escaped punishment for serious medical malpractice.

Renowned doctor pursues justice at Supreme Court along with petitioners

The Supreme People’s Court of China has begun a review of several past cases, some involving petitioners. In response, renowned doctor Jiao Donghai and over 80 petitioners hurried to Beijing to raise awareness of their cases. On June 18th they visited Peking University to get advice from legal scholars on civil procedure. The scholars voiced their support saying their actions were legally sound.

Dr Jiao Donghai is an expert in traditional Chinese medicine and is famous for his remarkable dietary treatments. He once helped a patient lose over 50 kilograms in 11 months. Dr Jiao worked at Shanghai’s Xiangshan Hospital. Rampant corruption and unsafe medical practices prompted him to file a lawsuit against the hospital chief, Kang Zhengxiang. Kang was initially found guilty and sentenced by a court, but the medical chief was shielded from punishment by officials.

Dr Jiao spoke to SOH about their visit to Peking University (recording):
“They support us suing the officials. One of them said when civilians sue officials; the chances of winning are small. Because I have the court judgements, I have the evidence. I want to sue the officials of the District Department of Health, who helped cover up the crimes committed by the Chief of Xiangshan Hospital.”

Dr Jiao spoke of the problems at Xiangshan Hospital (recording):
“The hospital chief was selling fake drugs and caused the death of several employees. He is still the hospital chief. He still bullies civilians. He even created fake documents to cover up the death of the son of the Deputy General Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee. He also caused the death of a farmer, Zhang Yongcai. He hasn’t been punished. The court handed a judgement and sentence against him, but the Secretary General of the Luwan District Committee is protecting him.”

Another petitioner who made her way to Beijing was Mao Hengfeng. She was sentenced to a yearlong forced labour camp term because of the World Expo. Mao and her husband Wu Xuewei also came to Beijing seeking legal help.

Wu Xuewei said (recording):
“As long as labour camp systems exist, there is little hope of achieving justice. In reality, the camp system restricts people’s personal freedom, and forces detainees to perform labour without compensation. Mao Hengfeng told me of a saying in the camps: “Start work at the crack of dawn, non-stop, until the ghosts come out at night.” Detainees are forced to do labour-intensive, manual production work. The labour camp system not only violates the constitution, it is notorious for its cruelty and viciousness. The fact is guards in the camp are crueller and harsher to detainees than regulations permit.”

Mao Hengfeng had been arrested, detained and sentenced by Shanghai authorities numerous times for her protests against the ‘one-child policy.’ On February 24th, 2010, police arrested Mao. Ten days later, she was sentenced to one and half years of forced labour.

Tian Xi of the SOH Radio Network.

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A bullying official is trapped in the white car as 10,000 angry residents respond to his assault of a schoolgirl.

- Official assaults student, 10,000 clash in Anhui

- Government silence spurs on epidemic

- Internet restored in Xinjiang, albeit with restrictions

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Official assaults student, 10,000 clash in Anhui

Over 10,000 Chinese citizens clashed with local forces in China’s eastern Anhui province last week. What started as an ordinary Friday night quickly turned ugly when the local deputy chief of tourism assaulted a 13-year-old girl in the parking lot of a local market in Maanshan City.

Witnesses immediately surrounded the car of the official and prevented him from leaving the scene. They angrily demanded he apologise. The small crowd quickly grew to over 10,000, with the crowd becoming increasingly agitated.

Wang Guoqing is the deputy Chief of Tourism for Huashan district in Ma’anshan City.

One local told SOH that after bumping the high school student with his car, his wife then encouraged him to slap her. Wang Guoqing then boasted he knew the Mayor and made sinister threats alluding to underworld connections. Angry bystanders demanded he make amends and apologise.

The local described the scene, saying (recording):

“That night, Wang Guoqing hit a 13 year old girl. This little girl does not have a father. After she was hit, he struck her, causing a bloody nose and swelling to her face. After the attack, he angrily said the Mayor has people in the underworld and who were legitimate. His wife in the car also said something rude, and this aroused public anger. After the incident, so many people surrounded his car.”

Wang Guoqing wanted rush away from the scene in his car but the crowd blocked the road. Wang immediately called for help and soon ten police came to escort him from the scene. However the crowd formed a human wall, blocking the police car. Both sides were deadlocked for two hours.

The bystander told SOH that Wang was fortunate the police had arrived to protect him.

The bystander said, (Recording):

“The traffic police protected him or else he’d be beaten to death. With so many people over there, they would beat him up for sure. It wasn’t until 10pm that an official of the municipal committee heard of the news and hurried here. He stood on top of the police car and started to shout out to the people.”

The bystander continued (recording):

“After gathering, he said he is the leader. By now the people were in revolt, and the crowd soon grew to over ten thousand people. Then, the Mayor came and shouted into the loudspeaker that this person (Wang) will be sacked on the spot and the issue will be dealt with if we return home. However this didn’t work, so many armed police came. People threw rocks and other objects at the armed police; it was chaos.”

The scene was so loud that many people could not hear what he said. Some rioters expressed disbelief at the Mayor’s words, believing it to be an empty promise. He still refused to leave, due to the large crowd.

At about 11pm, authorities sent firefighters and men to take Wang Guoqing away from the scene. However, the police cars remained out of reach among the crowd. The firefighters and men had no alternative but to withdraw. Shortly, the authorities then deployed riot squad and armed police. The squad, armed with police truncheons and shields, rushed to the police cars, separating the crowd into two and cleared the way for the police cars.

The city residents still tried to stop them by risking their lives. Many people were injured in their attempts. However the police car was eventually able to escort the chief from the chaotic scene.

A bystander told SOH (recording):

“The armed police did not come with many people; they released a type of toxic gas – tear gas, and this was very difficult for people to bear, so they dispersed.”

According to a local citizen, the young girl who had been assaulted was already very deprived and did not deserve the harsh treatment by anyone, let an a district official.

The citizen told reporters (recording):

“Beating children causes anger to people and so they refuse to comply. You’re an official who’s slapping people’s kids. This infuriates people. The ordinary citizens called on the Mayor and asked the Mayor to sack him. This little kid is a student, and this student is very pitiful; her parents are divorced.”

Tian Xi of the SOH Radio Network.

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Government silence spurs on epidemic

The Chinese government’s failure to expose the severity of hand, foot and mouth disease has resulted in an epidemic surge. The Chinese Ministry of Health says over 350,000 cases of the disease were reported in May with 186 cases of death. Many peasant families are unable to afford the hefty medical expenses resulting in a higher death toll than official statistics say.

Mr Gao of Shan County, Hezhe in Shandong Province said the disease is widespread in his village, his three year old son was infected by hand-foot and mouth disease. There are several accounts of death in just one small village, possibly more than 100 cases of death in just one county.

Mr Gao told SOH (recording):

“Hand-foot-mouth disease is spreading in numerous villages, including in western and south-western parts of Shandong Province. With no preventive measure put in place by the authorities, the outcome is quite severe. Some families don’t pay attention when a child is mildly sick; when the illness becomes serious they go to hospital and find out its hand-foot-mouth disease, finding they are unable to afford the hospital costs.”

Ms Tan from the Dragon and Tiger Village of Yongqing County in Hebei Province, whose nephew of 11 months and niece of one month both contracted the disease, claims the local government didn’t publicly announce the breakout and believes hand, foot and mouth disease is due to the poor standards of hygiene by health clinics in the countryside.

Ms Tan told reporters (recording):

“There are not enough beds in the hospitals and no isolation for treatment. I saw so many children in the hallways; hygiene is a worry. The protein shot costs 665 Yuan, which is way too high for a peasant family. My sister had to pay a 5000 Yuan deposit on June 7th, until her daughter was transferred to an intensive care unit from the 8th to the 10th. This came to in 15,000 Yuan of medical treatment costs, a huge pressure for her.”

15,000 Yuan is equivalent to about 2000 US dollars.

Mr Xie of Luohe, Henan Province lost his child to the disease. He said the hospital is full of hand-foot-mouth disease patients. His child became sick on May 30th, and died one and half days after being taken to the hospital.

Mr Xie told SOH (recording):

“There are many hand-foot-mouth disease patients, and not enough hospital beds. We were left in the hallway. At 11 pm that night, my child went into a coma, and was taken to the intensive care unit. He could only breathe via a machine; he did not have much hope. In the morning hours of June 1st, we were asked to pay for the expenses. We don’t have a fixed income, so we had to take out a loan. Those one and a half days cost 6500 Yuan.”

So far this year, the death toll for hand, foot and mouth has surpassed 260 with 420,000 known cases. The disease is mostly found in the five provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Zhejiang, and Anhui.

Lin Li and Wan Qing of the SOH Radio Network

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Internet access in Xinjiang has been restored but is still subject to heavy internet controls and censorship.

Internet restored in Xinjiang, albeit with restrictions

Internet access has been restored in Xinjiang, albeit with greater censorship. After last year’s July 5th Urumqi riots in China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region, internet access was blocked for nearly a year. Shortly before the Human Rights Dialogue between China and the US, China officially announced an all-round restoration of internet business. Internet users however have revealed online that personal communication in Xinjiang is still heavily restricted.

According to human rights activist Hu Jun, Chinese authorities blocked internet access for 302 days in order to cover the extent of the Urumqi riots, which caused severe damage to local businesses and people’s lives.

On July 5th last year, ethnic Uyghur’s in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi held a protest against the improper handling of a rape case involving Uyghur suspects. The Uyghur are one of the 56 ethnic minorities in China.

Chinese authorities dispatched military police to suppress the protest. Many people died or were injured during the conflict. Chinese state-run media reported 140 deaths, and over 800 injuries. According to civilian accounts however, over 1,000 people died during the suppression.

Recently, online users in Xinjiang took to the internet complain, saying although internet usage was restored, messaging services such as QQ, remained blocked. Companies which developed this software have ignored user complaints, implying a degree of cooperation with the Chinese authorities. In addition, some email functions have been disabled. College students and internet café business owners complained the Internet blocks and restrictions have inconvenienced personal life and severely harmed their business.

A college student said (recording):

“The internet shut down was most likely caused by the incident on July 5th. The shut-down was intended to block the flow of information.”

An internet café owner in Urumqi said (recording):

“To handle the July 5th Incident, the government demanded the shutdown of the internet. The repercussions are huge.”

Hu Jun, a human rights activist in Xinjiang said (recording):

“The damage is severe, really severe. Almost all internet cafés are shut down; many business activities, such as domestic and international online trading, online banking, couldn’t be conducted. For many factories, the capital flow, sale of products, and contract signings are done over the internet. When the internet is shut down, the damage is immeasurable. Now the U.S. wants to conduct human rights dialogue with China, Chinese authorities re-opened the internet the day before the dialogue. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. If people do not have the right to communicate, the right to speech, are they still human beings? Aren’t they treated like animals? It was because of the July 5th incident.”

Hu continued (recording):

“The details have not been made public. Chinese civilians do not know the truth. The authorities have done things that they do not want others to know about. Therefore they blocked the internet to prevent the flow of information. It is just like the June 4th massacre on Tiananmen Square. The authorities want to cover it up. We have seen some e-photos sent to us by witnesses. We have seen soldiers beating people. When the police and civilians confronted each other, there were women, children, there were both Han nationalities and Uyghur. Both Uyghur and Han people were extremely angry with the government. They were protesting the government and venting their anger.”

Lu Fang of SOH Radio Network

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Major IT company suppliers are creating excessive amounts of metal waste in some of China's major rivers.

- IT factories cause severe pollution

- “A father vows to pursue justice no matter how long it takes”

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IT factories cause severe pollution

China’s IT industry is severely polluting the environment, according to a recent report. The ‘2010 IT Suppliers Metal Pollutions’ report was released by 34 environmental groups on April 26th. Many global information technology brands manufacture many of their products in China. The production of these components however causes much pollution. Lack of government oversight is said to be a major cause.

With the publication of the ‘2010 IT Suppliers Metal Pollutions’, 34 non-governmental organisations including the ‘Public Environment Research Center’ and ‘Friends of Nature’ wrote joint letters to the CEOs of 29 major IT companies. They were asked to look into the pollution practices of their suppliers. So far, 20 companies have responded to their call. Companies such as Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, Siemens, and Apple Computer have yet to respond.

Many industries process metals. Mining, metallurgy, chemical, prints, dye, leather, pesticide, and feed industries. Environmental NGOs have found numerous factories on the banks along the Pearl and Yangtze River deltas. Many of them produce circuit boards and the resulting waste leaks into rivers, soil, and the shore. Printed circuit boards are a key electronic component in almost every IT product. Producing these products releases metal waste such as copper, nickel, and chromium.

Li Li, an environmental expert at the Huanyou Science and Technology Research Center told reporters all major global IT brands outsource the production of their electronic components to Chinese suppliers. These IT companies obtain bulk loads of low-cost products while leaving the pollution issue for locals to deal with. Local governments have given little thought to the wellbeing of the environment in pursuit of GDP growth.

Li Li told SOH (recording):
“IT companies share many common products. Their production process creates much pollution. Since major companies need them, many small enterprises have setup to satisfy the demand. It’s the company’s social responsibility to take care of pollution. If the big companies tell the small ones that, ‘If you pollute, I won’t take your products even if they are good.’ If they do that, how could small companies continue polluting?”

Mr Zhang is from Greenpeace of China, he said many of the major polluters were actually contracted to global companies. Some companies have ignored their reports. Zhang said (recording):
“Multinationals publicize the environmental impact they have in their own country. In China, the law says if your emissions surpass the limits, the company must report the emission after three months. But according to our reports, some companies don’t follow this rule. The regulation was in place on May 1st 2008, many people don’t treat it seriously.”

Even though local environmental agencies have jurisdiction over polluting businesses, and can issue fines. Enforcement however has been lacking and regulations need reform.

Zhang said (recording):
“The local environmental agencies aren’t really doing their job in monitoring and regulating businesses and ensuring information gets published. The regulation itself is not clearly written, because there isn’t even a clear definition of what a ‘heavily polluting enterprise’ is. There are clear rules about surpassing the limit, but the ‘major pollution’ level isn’t quantified. We published the report to suggest to the government the regulations be more detailed.”

Zhang Boju from ‘Friends of Nature’ said the media exposed many cases of metal pollution last year. He believes for environmental protection more public involvement is needed. Non-government groups today can point out which brands create pollution, and raise social awareness.

Zhang Boju told SOH reporters (recording):
“Non-government groups and the public, citizens, and villagers, can monitor producers, and this may have a good effect on stopping metal pollution. The pollution involves many stakeholders. If we keep ignoring the environmental cost of the pollution, we will have to pay an even higher price. Let’s all work together on this, on the one side the businesses need to discipline themselves, on the other hand we need more vigorous law enforcement.”

Zhou Xiong, father of a victim of Sanlu's tainted milk product, has come to Hong Kong in the hopes of getting justice.

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“A father vows to pursue justice no matter how long it takes”

It has been two years since the contaminated milk powder incident in China. One father of an affected child has told the media of the ordeals his family has faced seeking treatment for the ongoing suffering of his son.

Mr. Zhou Xiong’s son, Yizhe, is just two years old. He had been drinking the tainted milk formula for 9 months after he was born. Mr. Zhou tells SOH of the near fatal illnesses his newborn son developed because of the formula.

Mr. Zhou told SOH:
“My son nearly died. He went under the knife twice for acute renal failure, and hemodialysis was done to save his life. I think he is relatively lucky because there are also children who died of Sanlu’s milk powder.”

The melamine-tainted milk was produced by Sanlu Group, and was first exposed by the Fonterra Group. According to official statements, about 300,000 children in China became sick from drinking the tainted milk and six of them died. Nonofficial findings have reported much higher numbers of deaths. One lawyer, Mr. Peng Jian, says his group alone is handling the cases of seven infants who allegedly died from drinking the milk.

Mr. Zhou’s family had already taken on tens of thousands of Yuan worth of debt in order to cure their son. At present, Mr. Zhou’s son suffers from renal failure and a kidney stone. Hospitals in the mainland have refused to make good on the promise of free treatment for victims of the tainted milk.

Mr. Zhou said (recording):
“(Free treatment until) the age of 18 was written into the compensation agreement, which is not executed. No one would own up to my child’s medical expenses. We have no money to seek treatment. With no way out, we had to seek help.”

They claimed damages in mainland courts but their case was refused. Condemning the CCP’s disregard for human lives, Mr. Zhou stressed he would ensure that justice would be served for the 300,000 victims.

The New Zealand-based Fonterra Group was the second largest stockholder in Sanlu. Because of their insolvency, Sanlu is not responsible to pay compensation to the victims. So Mr. Zhou and three more parents have filed suits against Fonterra in Hong Kong, where the company is registered.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Zhou Xiong emphasised he would ensure the Chinese Communist Party and others responsible would be held accountable no matter how long it takes.

Mr. Zhou said (recording):
“Reveal the truth. What harm does melamine pose exactly, what consequences? You have to state it clearly and then organize specialists to research the treatment. You need to support the parents economically, mentally and financially. You need to provide free treatment rather than washing your hands of it. It has been two years, and the illness is still not cured. If it is still not cured in three years or five years’ time, I will still pursue, unless you lock me in jail. You have made a mistake; you erred, so you must be held accountable. CCP, you cannot get away. Heng Tianran in New Zealand, you can not escape either.”

Liang Zhen for Inside China Today on SOH Radio Network.

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Amidst the extravaganza of the Shanghai World Expo lies housing demolitions, surveillance and heavy security (pictured: Jackie Chan). (proyitno/flickr)

- World Expo nestled in by heavy security

- Hand, foot and mouth disease ravages Guangdong

- Tang Jitian: “…the Justice Bureau is standing on truly wrong foundations”

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World Expo nestled in by heavy security

The world may be looking forward to Shanghai’s World Expo officially opening this coming Saturday, May 1st, but local residents are fed up with paying the high price for Shanghai to show off. Public resentment is on the rise in Shanghai with locals calling the World Expo “disastrous”. They say it goes against the will of the people.

Fuelling their resentment is the increased taxes put in place to help pay for the extravaganza, which officials say will be the most expensive in World Expo history. Security for the venue has ramped up and some residents have been put under surveillance.

SOH spoke to a Shanghai local who has visited the venue and this is what they had to say (recording):
“I went to the entrance to the expo, there are three lines of defense. The first one is barbed wire, the second one is a human wall, with one guard every three steps away, and the third one is an electrical wire, strong enough to kill animals. The defense is quite tight.”

Shanghai’s World Expo will cost about 400 billion Chinese yuan. For those not so familiar with Chinese currency, that’s a staggering 63.7 billion Australian dollars approximately.
Chinese officials are using this expo to showcase the rise and prosperity of China to a worldwide audience. Its theme is “Better City, Better Life”, which draws attention to the problems of urban growth and development. It has earned high praise from participants, but Shanghai citizens tell another story.

Jeanette Elsworth, Public Information Officer for UN-HABITAT, said that, as the UN agency on urban issues, her group welcomes the theme as an overdue recognition of the importance of urbanization to human development and the environment.

However, according to Shanghai citizens this show is simply costing too much. The investment is taken from the pockets of citizens, and the taxes, fees and inflation have all begun before the expo opens its doors to the world. In addition, the construction of the Expo led to some 18,000 families being displaced when their homes were demolished to build the 5.28km square venue. Many people who have appealed against the demolition after the fact have been threatened, detained, monitored, or thrown in to forced labor camp (recording):
“We can’t go anywhere, we are constantly monitored. There are hired people watching us all the time, and we can’t step out of the door. There are more than twenty people monitoring us 24 hours a day. We did not use any violence, only stated our appeal. We were told we couldn’t go to the Expo with appealing words on our clothes, we can’t hold sit-ins, can’t talk to media, and can’t get in touch with foreigners.”

The Expo does not seem to be able to bring joy and happiness to the citizens of Shanghai, and even family members of the police, who have special privileges, said they would never go back after seeing it (recording):
“Those who have been there said that a meal costs about 40-50 Yuan over there. One is not allowed to bring in bottled water, snack food or bags. Once a girl had a bag with her, and the police insisted on searching it. She refused, saying that this was her human right. But the police insisted on searching it, and found nothing in it. The girl was put in a detention centre for 4-5 days. There are many, many policemen at the Expo (300,000-400,000 of them), and they got in for free. But it’s a mess there, the subway system is interrupted, the touch screens are broken, most of the high tech stuff was not functioning.”

While many countries have come together to showcase their growth and development at the World Expo, it appears China has decided to say one thing and do another.

Tian Xi of SOH Radio Network

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Hand, foot and mouth disease is ravaging major cities in Guangdong Province, hospitals are struggling to cope.

Hand, foot and mouth disease ravages Guangdong

30,000 people have suffered hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangdong Province this year. Statistics from the Health Department reveal Guangdong has the highest infection rate nationally. Forecasts for next month see a surge in the outbreak. Doctors and nurses have said the number of patients has increased dramatically and the symptoms are often serious. According to the Disease Control Center in Dongguan City, the outbreak’s severity may be due to the number of migrant workers forced to live in poor conditions.

The Children’s Hospital in Guangdong’s capital Guangzhou has already begun its ‘Second Level Prevention’ campaign to combat the disease. Many infected children are sent to this hospital for treatment. Doctors working in the contagious ward have been too busy to answer phone calls.

A nurse revealed to SOH that child patients sent to the hospital often have serious symptoms and illnesses has developed quickly. She said (recording):
“The illness and symptoms change very quickly. There is a severe shortage of hospital beds. As a matter of fact, the room is huge, but the patients are numerous. Even if we have over 100 beds, there are more than 100 hand, foot and mouth disease patients, right? All child patients in Guangdong are sent to our hospital. Just imagine how many there will be!”

The situation in Dongguan City is among the worst in Guangdong. According to the Disease Control Center, in early April all 32 townships in the city had cases of hand, foot and mouth disease. From January to March they’ve been over 5000 victims, a stark contrast to the nine infections at the same time last year. Among the 5000, there have been four deaths and 45 are in a serious condition.

A nurse from the Women and Children’s Hospital in Dongguan told us (recording):
“This year’s outbreak is more severe than previous years. The symptoms change swiftly. Although there are few deaths, the number of critical cases is much higher than previous years!”

A nurse from the monitoring room for critical patients at Taiping Hospital said (recording): “The number of patients is huge; however, only severely ill patients are sent to our place. I am currently taking care of 12 patients. Children developed symptoms relatively quickly, and the situation worsens very quickly.”

Mr Huang at the Disease Control Center said there were more patients this year than in previous years. He told us (recording):
“We have seen both Coxsackie A16 and EV71. They were seen in previous years as well. As far as I know, many seriously ill patients went to small medical practices for their first treatment. The parents didn’t pay much attention to it. As a result, children miss the best time for treatment. Right now there is no vaccine, or any effective medicine. There are more patients this year than previous years.”

Another staff member at the Disease Control Center believes the outbreak of the disease is caused by the huge number of migrant workers. He said (recording):
“There are many migrant workers and they keep moving from one place to another. Most of the patients are migrants, especially contract workers. Their living conditions and hygiene are poor. The disease therefore spreads quickly.”

Now the disease is still spreading. The number of patients is 40% higher than last year. Deng Haihua, Director of the News Office in the Department of Public Health, pointed out in early April that the outbreak of the disease had hit earlier this year. The hardest hit are rural areas.

Wu Jiaqi and Wang Zhen of the SOH Radio Network

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Suspended lawyer Tang Jitian predicts disaster for the Chinese authorities if they continue corrupt practices.

Tang Jitian: “…the Justice Bureau is standing on truly wrong foundations”

The Beijing Justice Bureau has suspended the practicing certificates of lawyers Tang Jitian and Liu Wei. Following the April 22nd hearing, Tang Jitian spoke to reporters outside saying this was just another method by the authorities to suppress lawyers. He warned however the authorities risked their moral and legal standing with the Chinese people.

Despite losing his certificate, Tang stated he wasn’t disheartened, on the contrary he believes the Justice Bureau will be the true loser. Mr Tang said (recording):
“This process will be challenging to us individually, but in the long run, a government needs a good image to gain trust from the people or internationally. I believe they will be affected in the long term. As for my difficulties in making a living, or other issues, they can’t stop me from doing what I should be doing as a member of society!”

The People’s Intermediate Court in Luzhou was responsible for suspending their certificates. Tang Jitian asserts the court has never bound itself with the law. Last year on April 22nd, a hearing was held for Falun Gong practitioner Yang Ming. The trial was conducted so that Yang Ming couldn’t present an adequate defence.

Tang spoke to us about that trial (recording):
“They constantly interfere with our right to defend. There is no justice in the court, continuing the process would be conforming to illegal activity. It’s not only our interests, but those of the victim as well. Not only were we forced to withdraw from the hearing, there was an unknown person videotaping us. There has been a series of illegal issues. It actually shows the court doesn’t have any justice. He’s been struck and is serving a sentence at our suggestion. We can only say the Justice Bureau is standing on truly wrong foundations.

The suspension of Tang Jitian and Liu Wei appear to be part of a long term strategy to suppress dissidents and lawyers, Tang Jitian shared his views on the matter (recording):
“The Justice Bureau carries this out on lawbreakers and to control lawyers. They use this strategy to suppress. Through this suppression, it has the effect of killing two eagles with one arrow or killing many birds with one stone. It’s actually a warning to many others in the same profession. It doesn’t eliminate the revenge factor however, for example, in previous years we’ve demanded direct elections into the law association, or else we’ll openly publish their accounts, conduct audits and so on, it has stirred up people’s interest. “

Those who attended the hearing said the authorities were in lockdown mode and acted like they were facing a strong enemy. Security was present and roads were blocked around the front of Beijing Justice Bureau. Many people who wanted to go to the hearing were placed under house arrest and some people were arrest on site.

Fu Ming and Wu Tong of the SOH Radio Network.

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Tibetan monks played a major role in the recovery and removal of earthquake victims.

- Death toll in Yushu exceeds official statistics

- Shoddy school buildings collapse in Yushu earthquake

- Hand, foot and mouth disease moves in early

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Death toll in Yushu exceeds official statistics

Rescue teams in the earthquake hit Jieshi Town have learned that the bodies of 3,000 victims were recently cremated. The figure exceeds official statistics. In the days following, neighbouring towns also began cremating bodies or setting up so-called ‘heavenly burial altars’ (which are traditional Tibetan burial ceremonies.) Many bodies have been cremated, suggesting the official death toll should be much higher.

Mr Luo of the rescue team in Jieshi Town learned that 3000 earthquake victims were cremated on April 17th. Mr Luo said (recording):
“We work in the centre of Jieshi Town, the hardest hit area of the earthquake. Official reports state 1400 people died. We believe there are over 3000 for sure. Many of the bodies were cremated. In these two days, regions from all over the country are sending materials to this area to support victims. But the support is still not adequate for now, because it’s too far and too difficult for supplies to be transported to this area.”

Mr Ma a villager of Zhongda Village said many people are still buried underground. After April 18th most unearthed villagers were deceased. Rescue teams have worked day and night and so far 37 identified dead have been cremated.

Mr Ma said (recording):
“I believe there are 37 deaths so far, not including those missing villagers. The Jieshi Township has chosen cremations. Longbao Township is setting up heavenly burial altars. People are still trying to rescue those buried in the rubble, 24 hours a day. If the injured can get better, they will stay here to receive treatment. If not, they will be transferred. Actually, almost all injured villagers have been sent inland.”

A monk from the Zharong Temple, who preferred to remain anonymous, spoke to SOH. He said (recording):
“Those who need to be cremated are cremated inside the temples in groups. As of now, we haven’t come up with detailed statistics yet. We do not know how many were injured either.”

Mr Jiang, a rescue worker from Xining City said there were many people handling corpses. There were too many areas which needed help and there was a shortage of rescue personnel. He told reporters (recording):
“I have seen many corpses. Many places are handling corpses. The most important thing at the moment is to save people. Whenever you see a need, you rush to help. Those whose homes have collapsed, and those who suffer hanger, we need to feed them and provide tents and water. We don’t have enough people in our rescue team. I know many materials and supplies are being shipped here, but the main problem is, this place is small and isolated.”

Tibetan monks have prepared cremations for thousands of people. Some say they’ve been over 2300 corpses; this is three times the official figure of 740. The official report later revised the death toll to 1484, but the monks state the actual death toll is still much higher.

Yi Fan and Lu Fang of the SOH Radio Network

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Shoddy school buildings collapse in Yushu earthquake

Some of the most serious damage from the Yushu earthquake hit schools. According to school principals only classrooms donated and built by companies withstood the quake. They’ve also been complaints of censorship over the earthquake.

En Xin, headmaster of the Cuoduo Village Primary School in Longbao Town, was grateful students and staff survived, he stated (recording):
“The ten classrooms built by the Huang Pu Group are fine, but the other classrooms and teachers dormitories are on the verge of collapse. One student dormitory has fallen. Students and teachers have been allowed to leave. There is no electricity or water; we have to take ice from the river and melt it into water.”

En Xin continued saying (recording):
“Almost all the houses in our township have collapsed. Many were injured and some died. Students’ homes have all been flattened. Nothing is left. Some areas have caved in so people need to take detours. Most of the earthquake casualties were the elderly and children, as young people would get up early to herd cows.”

Ba De, the headmaster of Qingshuihe Town Centre Boarding School in Chengduo County, stated (recording):
“Many houses have cracked or collapsed. There are injuries, but they are not serious. It’s dangerous to start school as the school buildings have cracks. What we need most urgently is tents. The town centre, Jieguzhen, has become a waste dump. The conditions here are harsh.”

In other earthquake related news, Mr Wang from Nangqian County complained of a lack of information on the disaster, he told reporters (recording):
“There are injured people here. Our news has been restricted. There is no local report on the earthquake. We don’t know anything.”

According to reports, two out of three power stations in Yushu have been damaged. After quick repairs only the backup electricity supply is available for use.

Yi Fan and Lu Fang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Hand, foot and mouth disease moves in early

There are over 190,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease nationwide, according to a April 11th government statistical report. They’ve been 94 deaths. The epidemic is most severe in drought hit areas of Guangxi Province. A director at a Liuzhou City hospital has stated hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is more lethal this year. Currently all hospitals are fully occupied.

The Guangxi Health Department revealed a sudden increase in the numbers of HFMD cases. From May last year until April 11th, they’ve reported over 17,300 cases of the disease in the area. The Director of the Department of Paediatrics in Liuzhou, Long Ping said May 2009 was the peak period for HFMD. This year the peak has come early. Recent deaths of children in Guilin of Guangxi have raised alerts. Medical personnel from other parts of the country have already been deployed to provide assistance.

Long Ping told reporters (recording):
“This year in Liuzhou, there has already been seven deaths since January. We are still the fourth in the region, and they’ve recently been 14 deaths in Guilin. A unique feature this year is that it has come early and severely. We’ve found 80% of patients have the EV71 intestinal virus in region. It wasn’t so severe last year, mainly because of the Coxsackie A intestinal virus. The virus is much stronger this year.”

Coxsackie A and EV71 are part of the enterovirus strain. EV71 is the latest recognised specimen and can cause hand, foot and mouth disease.

Long Ping also said hospitals were fully occupied, and medical personnel weren’t able to rest during weekends or the Qingming Festival. Eight doctors have been called in to reinforce hospital staff.

Long Ping stated (recording):
“Our hospital received 79 cases in March and 65 cases in April, there aren’t enough hospital bed. We’re now proclaimed a disease area and have received more beds. The entire corridor is occupied. The symptoms of HFMD are not noticeable, some have very little or none at all. If the doctor doesn’t pay attention to it, he won’t think it’s the disease, however the outbreak is very fast. One can lose consciousness suddenly, have bleeding lungs and pulmonary oedema, it comes rather strong.”

An officer of the Guangxi Health Department wasn’t willing to comment on the situation when questioned. They only had this to say (recording):
“We didn’t say we’d report on the situation daily, our website has reports, you can take a look, and it’s also on the Guangxi Health Information website.

According to the online report, 14 provinces so far have reported deaths. There are 27 casualties in Guangxi, 23 in Hunan and 9 in Henan. Until April 11th, Guangdong has reported over 31,000 cases of the disease while Henan has reported 20,000 cases. Zhao Xudong, an official of Liuzhuang Village in Linying County of Henan said HFMD is most commonly seen in children every year.

He said (recording):
“It’s generally has the symptoms of a cold, you have to measure their temperature at once, and examine the body to see if it’s normal. In our school, secondary and primary are right next to the health department, temperatures are checked at home.”

Mr Luo a kindergarten teacher in Xiangyun County of Yunnan Province said last year children caught HFMD. This year the epidemic hasn’t struck yet. Drought affected regions stand at risk because of the lack of water for basic sanitation.

Mr Luo said (recording):
“HFMD is fairly common in kindergartens, some kindergartens don’t fully understand this issue…it’s certain they will infect each other in these conditions. This kind of disease should raise alerts in kindergartens, it’s certain the drought will affect the kindergarten, because our area has many forest regions and the grass is all dry. There is no more water, so we can only use the water in the kitchen and for washing children’s faces and hands.

According to April 11th official statistics, they’ve been 192,344 cases of HFMD nationwide. There’s been an increase of 38.26% of HFMD cases compared to the same time last year, among them 2000 severe cases and 94 deaths. 18 provinces have reported deaths.

Wang Qian and Zhao Ziyun of the SOH Radio Network.

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Many women in rural areas of China can be forced into having abortions or sterilisations if they're caught breaching the one-child policy (flickr/ccyber3).

- Dire one-child policy enforced by criminals
- Dissidents unhappy with police presence around Party conferences
- Official embezzles 800 thousand Yuan from farmers

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Dire one-child policy enforced by criminals

Criminal gangs are enforcing the one-child policy, according to a villager from Wancang Village of Zhejiang Province. Crime gangs along with public security and village-level officials have united in threatening and forcing women to undergo abortions. This has caused major damage and death to victims. The local government has admitted this kind of treatment is widespread throughout China.

Mr. Ma from Yazhuang Village claimed his sister-in-law died from an abortion. She was forced to have the abortion by a local family-planning official. Mr Ma’s wife has been ill since undergoing similar surgery. She’s had stomach pains, a sore waist and bouts of dizziness. The doctor told them the surgery may have damaged her nerves, and misplaced the inner membrane of her womb. She’s also developed cysts in her ovaries. Mr Ma says she now needs to take regular medicine, and her womb will have to be removed.

Mr. Ma spoke to SOH (recording):
“At the time, my sister-in-law indeed died from an abortion. Whatever happens, there is no place for you to complain. I heard four women underwent surgery, and afterwards, many had poor health and the membranes in their wombs were damaged. My wife’s condition is very obvious. They force them and at the time we were very angry. Some of our friends wanted to fight them. No one can deal with the illegal process. It isn’t just one department, they’re in a group.”

In mid-2009, the family-planning department hired criminals to take Mr Ma and lock him up in the police station. Local government personnel were sent to threaten and beat his wife and mother. They then forced his wife into an abortion.

Mr. Ma said (recording):
“I was locked up in a police station; they didn’t give me a reason. They just wanted to threaten my wife. Ninety-nine percent of women can’t do anything but get taken away for an abortion. Our friend’s girlfriend was pregnant eight months. She was still taken away to the family planning clinic for the abortion.”

Mr. Ma also said authorities were using the high birth rate as an excuse to control and bully people.

Mr. Ma told SOH (recording):
“Whatever happens, you can do whatever you want if you have money. Even if you want to have more children, just give them more money, you don’t have to go through surgery. They won’t force you. If you have another child, they’ll just fine you a few thousand Yuan. If you don’t have this relationship however, they will punish you. It’s a common situation in our area. Whoever has more children has higher status.”

Mr Ma says forced abortions are against human nature and human rights. Due to the high number of complaints, authorities are trying to block any news on the situation. They’re also suggestions authorities stand to gain if they carry out these abortions (recording):
“Why do they keep arresting people? It’s because the abortion rate will be assessed and will count as an achievement to the official. If they accomplish this, they can be promoted and rewarded. This is a national policy. If you try post news of this online, there won’t be much success, less than one percent will succeed. Who would dare say anything? Unless you’re wealthy. Otherwise if you want to earn a living, you cannot escape from their plan.”

A local government official spoke to us briefly saying (recording):
“The birth control policies are very strict; it is same all over the country now.”

Mr. Ma has two daughters. His family made several guarantees they wouldn’t exceed the child limit and also paid some money to officials. The family-planning officials however continued to harass them. They’ve now since relocated to avoid authorities.

Craig Richter, Lin Li and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Dissidents unhappy with police presence around Party conferences

On the 1st of March, just three days before the Chinese Communist Party’s conferences, police had already started monitoring dissidents such as Qi Zhiyong and others. They were met with strong protest.
At 7am on the 1st of March, National Security personnel from Xuan Wu District showed up at Qi Zhiyong’s house. Despite being an annual event, this year’s harassment came one day earlier then expected. Qi was enraged at the illegal house arrest he is put under whenever there is a conference held in Beijing.

According to an witness; fearing foreign media exposure, the number plates on the police vehicles were removed before arriving at Qi’s house. Qi refused to enter the police car without signed legal documents. The witness said (recording):
“They came in an unmarked car. He refused to go, and asked, ‘On what grounds do you take me away? Isn’t this a land of the law? Which part of the law are you following?”

It is reported that other dissidents were also monitored (recording):
“A dozen people such as Li Hai, Jiang Qisheng; all refused to go this time.”

Hu Jia’s wife, Zeng Jinyan, was also subjected to harassment. Even before the Chinese New Year on February 14th, the regime had forbidden her from seeing the jailed Hu Jia (recording):
“Zeng Jinyan keeps a low profile, for her child. But she does not give up. She calls Hu Jia once a month.”

Gao Hongming received a phone call from police in the evening of the 28th of February, asking whether he wanted to go on a “trip” outside of Beijing with them. Gao was annoyed, “I’m staying here. I have to look after my elderly mother,” he said.

The wife of incarcerated dissident He Depu has been monitored since the 1st of March as well. She said, (recording):
“From today onwards, I have to travel in police cars. Some were also taken to the South, to Hainan or to Shanghai, such as Gao Hongming, Cha Jianguo and Xu Ronghai.”

The witness also said that Beijing human rights activist Li Jinping was detained in a bathing centre in Chaoyang District since he was arrested on the 13th of January. His alledged crime was applying to have a parade in honour of former Communist Party General Secretary, Zhao Ziyang (recording):

“Li Jinping has not been released since he was taken from home. He has been detained at a bath centre in Chaoyang District. He went to the Zhongnanhai leadership compound and shouted “Long-live Zhao Ziyang.”

According to dissidents, the escalation of monitoring this year could be the result of infighting within the Communist Party leadership.

Chris Thomas and Tian Xi of the SOH Radio Network.

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Official embezzles 800 thousand Yuan from farmers

Two brothers from Taiyi Village, Shanxi Province have published an open letter condemning communist authorities and the village head Qin Zhigang of embezzlement. Nearly 800 thousand Yuan was taken from Fan Guangfu and Fan Guanghong, which was intended as compensation for their family’s loss of land.

The letter contained details of a contract signed in March, 1984, between their father, Fan He’rang, and the Party committee. The contract allowed a large forestation project to take place in their village. Since then, Fan He’rang led his family to plow the land, cultivate saplings and plant trees. Despite over 20 years of continuous effort, and having nearly 200 thousand trees planted, they never received the reward mentioned in the contract.

In Autumn 2003, the state Government made plans to construct Changjin Highway. They demanded forest land of over ten acres from Fan’s family and removed over 10,000 trees. Compensation for the government’s land seizure, the trees and resettlement totalled nearly 800 thousand yuan. Accordingly, laws hold that the contracted worker of the forest is entitled to compensation by way of trees and resettlement. Fan He’rang inquired about the compensation funds to the village head, Qin Zhigang, many times. Qin continued to elude the topic; sometimes telling Fan the funds had not arrived yet, or the funds had arrived but the Communist authorities of the village had spent part of the fund.

In an interview with Sound of Hope, Fan Guangfu said (recording):
“My father assumed responsibility of the forestation project in 1984. On the contract, it was written that we would receive payments in three year’s time. Our wages were paid according to the type of tree that had survived. Locust trees are 10 cents each and pine and poplar are 30 cents each. We have not received any wages as of now. The state government started to construct a highway here in 2003. As a matter of fact, the compensation for the land seizure was given to the village committee in October 2002. We peasants simply did not know about it. The highway construction project took over 12 acres of our land and removed 10,230 trees on this piece of land.”

Fan He’rang tried many times with no success to claim his rightful compensation. He was outraged and suddenly fell ill. In order to take him to hospital, his wife had to visit Qin again to ask for the compensation. Qin, however, continued to say the money had not arrived yet. Fan’s family had to loan money from others and their financial burden worsened. Fan He’rang was very worried and his illness was deteriorating daily. He died in October 2006, with much grief.
Fan’s family went to seek money from Qin multiple times thereafter, but Qin always made excuses, and often flared up saying he would not be afraid if the villagers sue him.

Fan Guanghong said (recording):
“The funds issued by the state government to compensate our loss were all embezzled by the secretary of the CCP committee in our village: Qin Zhigang. He embezzled all our money. Now he wants to repudiate the debt. He is unwilling to give it back to us. He said, ‘the money has been spent, there is no way I could give any money to you. If you sue me, you won’t be able to win the lawsuit’.”

When an SOH reporter interviewed Qin, he denied the fact that Fan’s family did not get any compensation. He also believed that Fan’s family should not get compensation from the government requisition of the land for the construction of the highway being on their land.

Fan’s family had tried to seek help from countless people. The Fans toiled for many years, suffering unfair treatment, but they still could not get the reward for their forestation efforts, or the promised compensation for the land. As a result, when the forest was trampled, or damaged by thieves and fire, Fan’s family had no money to restore the damaged or stolen trees. They are having great difficulty continuing to cultivate and managing the forest.

Perry Luo, Lu Fang and Yu Yin of SOH Radio Network

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Tropical Hainan has become a popular tourist destination, but at the cost of skyrocketing property prices and a dangerously inflated housing bubble (flickr/Jakob Montrasio).

- China’s property market stagnates
- Huge loans for swine flu treatment
- Shanghai petitioners spend unhappy New Year in Beijing

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China’s property market stagnates

Housing prices in China skyrocketed last year. The five cities with the most risky real estate bubbles were Sanya of Hainan Province, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. Trade experts say around the Chinese New Year period sales plateaued, and the future direction of housing prices is uncertain.

In the past five years, property prices in Haikou of Hainan rose by 20 times. Prices increased in Sanya by 50 times. According to Chinese official statistics, over the same period last year, the price of apartments in 70 major cities nationwide saw an increase of 11%. In addition, Sanya’s increase is at a staggering 31%, which topped the list.

Mr. Jiang is from Zhongtang Real Estate of Sanya. He spoke of the situation on the tropical island province of Hainan (recording):
“Last month the city was declared an international tourist hotspot, which caused a stir in real estate prices. But now that image has faded, housing prices have stabilized and the sales volume is declining. In Sanya, which is dozens of kilometres away, houses in mountainous areas were selling for 7000-8000 Yuan per square metre and new houses were starting at 20,000. This is because of the hype surrounding the ‘International Tourist Island’ designation.”

According to Mr. Jiang, only high end luxury homes or cheap subsidised homes could be built on the island. He said (recording)”
“Those who bought houses in Sanya are all rich people, with extra money they can buy for their retirements. This is not an entrepreneurial city like Shenzhen or Canton, where people start their own businesses or can seek opportunities. In future we will build hotels, high end resorts, commercial properties, golf courses and let the wealthy people come to enjoy in Sanya. High end properties cost over 10 million Yuan and villas costing 20-30 million Yuan will be built here. This is what the government of Sanya hopes people will purchase.”

Mr. Jiang told reporters that, after Sanya’s government adjusted its land policy, the era of high priced housing arrived. For regular people, their only option is to live in subsidised housing.

He said (recording):
The locals can’t afford high end housing. The government has to build welfare housing, but they aren’t of good quality or in good locations. You’re lucky if you can get one. The government will spend some money and build a road for you, put in a supermarket, a hospital, and a school and that’s it.”

In Shanghai and Beijing during New Year, the housing market had stagnated to an even greater extent. Chen Wangsheng from Shanghai’s Tianxin Real Estate Agency told reporters (recording):
“Housing prices in January were worth 12,000 Yuan a square meter. It’s still at that price at present, not much has changed. The volume is also low. Now that it’s Chinese New Year, movement in the housing market won’t be seen again until April. Of course there’s also the issue of location. When there are more buyers out there, the price will increase.”

Mr. Tian of Beijing’s Zhongtian Real Estate agreed saying (recording):
“There is no decline in price, nor is there any increase in price. The sales volume is low as well.”

Experts in the field say the central government’s policy towards the property market may cause major upheavals in the market at an earlier than expected date.

Craig Richter, Xi Wen and Lu Fang of SOH Radio Network.

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Huge loans for swine flu treatment

Swine flu victims in Jilin Province are struggling to cope with the costs of treatment. Some victims have been forced to take out high interest loans to pay expenses. Some have missed out on treatment altogether and have died in their homes. Authorities have blocked all information.

Ms. Lin is a farmer in Jilin Province. Her son is three years old. During the swine flu outbreak in November last year, her son was hospitalized for one month. She can’t afford the medical expenses and has been seeking support from government and media.

Ms. Lin told SOH (recording):
“For regular farmers, including those who grow crops or work as contractors, where can we earn so much money? (It costs me) over 100,000 Yuan. The medicine is very expensive. I tried to get help by talking to radio, to media. When I called a newspaper, they said they weren’t allowed to report such things. It’s restricted. As for government officials, each one I came across told me to speak to someone else. What can I do if they refuse to help? There’s a type of loan where if you borrow ten thousand, you must repay three thousand in interest each year. I have to take out this type of loan.”

Ms Lin’s son had respiratory failure after catching the fever for two days. He was sent to hospital. He’s currently recuperating at home.

Ms Lin said (recording):
“My child developed swine flu symptoms very quickly, in just two days. Even before a definite diagnosis was made, his illness developed to such an extent where he had to use a ventilator. When he was released from hospital, he had use in only a quarter of his lungs; the other three quarters weren’t functional. Later, when he went back for a re-examination, half his lungs had regained function.”

Many patients’ lungs were shown completely white in x-rays. Many suffered respiratory failure in the end. The more serious patients usually passed away. Some people contracted swine flu when they visited hospitals for other reasons.

Ms. Lin told us (recording):
“When a child’s lungs turn all white, it’s called white lungs. He was really scared. That child had leukaemia, and he stayed in hospital for chemo therapy, which killed both his cancer cells and immune cells. His immunity became very weak, and he contracted swine flu in that environment. It’s really difficult for his parents, indeed.”

Chris Thomas, Wang Qian and Xi Wen of SOH Radio Network

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Shanghai petitioners spend unhappy New Year in Beijing

February 14th was for some, Valentine’s Day, for others, the Chinese New Year. But for a dozen appellants from Shanghai, it was a day of bereavement. These dozen appellants braved chilly weather and went to Tiananmen Square. Using homemade videos the appellants shared their messages. They demanded democracy, freedom, and condemned persecution and torture.

When interviewed on February 18th, Ms. Mao Hengfeng said on behalf of the appellants (recording):
“On New Year’s Day we went to Tiananmen Square. There were about twenty of us. By the grace of God, I realized one of my dreams. We petitioned there for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Some of us are homeless, and others cannot go back home. With tears in our eyes, we condemned torture, which we suffered plenty of in prison. And we demanded justice.”

Mao recounted her bitter experience (recording):
“My mother was poisoned by the [Chinese Communist] regime in 2000. I sought justice to no avail. To this day, [her body] is still kept at a funeral parlour in Shanghai. It has been ten years. My heart is broken, especially during the Chinese New Year. So I did not return. I didn’t want to bring my three children down. The government expelled them from school in 2000. A thirteen-year-old young girl has grown into a 23-year-old. They are sad enough. I brought them such harm because of my fights. I feel too ashamed to face my family.”

“I’m scared of being taken to illegal jails if I return, because of the upcoming International Expo. What would happen to us? I know the torture in jail. All those imprisoned may face ill treatment or drug injections at mental hospitals. The totalitarian tyranny brought a lot of trauma to ordinary people. We long for freedom, democracy and human rights.”

Another petitioner, Shen Peilan, also dared not return for fear of imprisonment (recording):
“All petitioners in Shanghai have been locked up, or put under watch at home. During sensitive periods, they would arrest people like us. I came here last month. If I go home I would be locked up, so I dare not return.”

On February 17th, those Shanghai appellants who were forced to spend the New Year in Beijing held a party. The scene was terribly sad. Thinking about their families thousands of miles away and talking about the plight of appellants in Beijing. They condemned local corrupt officials and recounted their personal experiences of persecution. The party ended in tears.

Perry Luo, Fu Ming and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Tan Zuoren has recently been sentenced to five years imprisonment for his opinions on the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. There are suspicions however the arrests are designed to silence his call for an investigation into the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake.

- Investigator into ‘tofu – buildings’ convicted
- Thousands of bird flu patients left undiagnosed in Daqing
- Workers protest in Suizhou, Hubei over wages

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Investigator into ‘tofu – buildings’ convicted

Tan Zuoren, author and famous environmentalist of Sichuan Province, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment. He was convicted of inciting subversion of state power, allegedly for criticizing the Chinese Communist Party over it’s handling of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Tan Zuoren’s wife and lawyer said they would appeal the decision.

The sentence was handed down at the Chengdu Intermediate People’s Court, after just five minutes deliberation. Tan’s wife and two daughters weren’t allowed in the court. Police dispersed a crowd of 200 supporters outside. Tan’s lawyer, Pu Zhiqiang said he was ‘heart broken and shattered’ about the trial.

Pu told SOH (recording):
“The sentence is for subversion of the state, he was sentenced to five years prison, three of those years without any political rights. This is an extreme case of punishing people for their speech. The conviction was handed down due to an article he wrote commemorating the June 4th Tiananmen Square incident, titled ‘Witnessing the Last Beauty’, which was published overseas online. He also started a blood donation drive for the (Sichuan) earthquake in Tiananmen Square on the eve of the 20th anniversary. To commemorate the spirit of the demonstrations, he accepted an interview with Sound of Hope Radio. The authorities believe these acts posed a threat to the government of the People’s Republic of China, and sentenced him to prison just for his words. Five years for some words, this is sad and heart-breaking.”

Pu Zhiqiang told the Financial Times that none of them imagined the court would avoid mentioning the Tan’s involvement with the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake and ended up convicting him based on his Tiananmen Square involvement.

Ran Yunfei, an author from Chengdu, and Chen Yunfei, a pro-democracy activist, both planned to sit in court on the day. They’re both however under house arrest. When interviewed Ran Yunfei said (recording):
“This is absurd; it’s shameless, and completely illegal. Tan Zuoren is not guilty of anything; he didn’t commit any crime, and is the country’s best citizen. This is an absurd conviction by the court.”

Chen Yunfei said (recording):
“I used to think the government was ignorant of the law, but now, after sentencing of Tan Zuoren, I think they’re completely shameless. They’ve actually done a favor for Tan Zuoren, by letting the whole world know how much Tan sacrificed for Chinese people, and for its democracy and freedom. This sentence acknowledges the government’s attack on him.”

Tan, 55, is a well known writer and environmentalist in China. After the May 12th 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, he went to the disaster area to visit the parents of student victims. He also collected data on the deaths of the students. Last February, Tan wrote a proposal titled the ‘Profiles on the May 12th Students’ calling for an investigation into the quality of the construction of school buildings, which collapsed during the quake. He wanted ‘to ensure accurate and detailed information on every student, every class, every school, every township, and every county and city involved.’ Following that, on March 28th 2009, the police arrested Tan on charges of ‘inciting subversion of state power’. It’s believed his recent conviction may be a means to silence him about this issue, according to Roseann Rife, Asia-Pacific deputy director at Amnesty International.

Chris Thomas of the SOH Radio Network.

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Thousands of bird flu patients left undiagnosed in Daqing

Hospitals in Daqing of Heilongjiang province are prohibited from giving bird flu diagnoses. Patients with bird flu are instead diagnosed with unknown pneumonia. Doctors say cases peaked with nearly ten thousand patients with bird flu symptoms. The death toll remains unknown.

Bird flu-like cases first appeared locally in May 2009. These cases spiked during September and October. But the Health Department circulated a document that forbade hospitals from diagnosing bird flu.

A doctor from Daqing General Hospital said (recording),
“We have no authority to confirm this. The Health Department files specified that only the city government can confirm suspects. There are too many patients; we have nearly ten thousand. After they are hospitalized, we send all samples to the Provincial Disease Control Center for tests. We do not have facilities to conduct any of the tests.”

Another doctor at the same Hospital said (recording),
“Patients come in based on suspicion. They are identified with an unknown pneumonia and kept for in-patient treatment. There were two to three hundred a day during peak time.”

One doctor from the Fever Clinic at the Daqing General Hospital told reporters, (recording),
“Initially, we sent all fever patients to the Hospital for Infectious Diseases. Later on the hospital became full. A document was circulated and now we take them all. Patients are taken in at A&E. Those with severe symptoms are taken in at ICU. There have been cases of death. I don’t know whether they were eventually reported as unknown pneumonia or bird flu, because patients went to different wards. I am unclear on exactly how many were reported.”

A doctor from the Second Hospital in Daqing agreed and said, (recording),
“We identify the cases as bird flu but can not give the diagnosis. Only the Disease Control Center can diagnose bird flu. We don’t have the information. We have taken patients in the past, when the Disease Control Center confirmed the diagnosis and sent them over. I don’t know exactly how many cases of bird flu have been diagnosed.”

Perry Luo, Yu Shan and Zhang Lina of the SOH Radio Network.

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Workers protest in Suizhou, Hubei over wages

Hundreds of migrant workers protested in Suizhou, Hubei Province on February 8th. They blocked roads in front of the city hall demanding basic wages.

Disgruntled workers began arriving at the city hall at nine a.m. and held banners. They blocked a main highway and motorbikes were used to block the exits of the Suizhou City Hall. Despite police already being at the scene, unhappy workers continued to arrive. This was the second day of protests and road blockades over wage issues.

Prominent civil rights activist Mr. Liu Feiyue was available to shed light on the situation, he said (recording):
“The financial situation of the proprietor and company isn’t clear. But the wages for several hundred migrant workers are overdue, it’s possible there are overdue payments of several thousand dollars or even greater. It’s the end of year and everyone wants to go home and celebrate a peaceful and auspicious year. They want to buy presents for their families. Their wages haven’t been paid however, so they have no choice but to do this”

Liu Feiyue believes employment contracts often leave migrant workers in a vulnerable position. These problems can’t be addressed due to collusion between government officials and businesspeople.

He said (recording):
“Because they’re migrant workers, they’re in a vulnerable position. Also, some business owners or directors collude with officials to do money deals. This is why the migrant workers have their interests sacrificed, and wages easily go unpaid.”
Liu Feiyue also said since the Chinese Communist Party came to power, the morality of Chinese people has been sliding. The authorities are greater than the law, and that’s why violations of the law continue.

He said (recording):
“Under these conditions, it becomes a common practice in modern Chinese society, with a bad moral system, violations of the law and no respect for the law, the law will be regarded as nothing but sheets of paper.”

Craig Richter, Fu Ming and Yu Ning of the SOH Radio Network.

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Reenactment of organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Students warned not to leak information about Bird flu outbreak at their schools

Bird flu has been rampant across Chinese schools since the start of this term.  But school authorities have blocked information.  A college student recently told SOH that those who discussed the flu on the internet were warned by school officials.  The student said that information on the pandemic had been strictly censored by the Chinese regime.  Blogs and forums at various universities were shut down a few months ago, disallowing any postings.

Student (recording), “There have been many postings lately that talked about cover ups by the school.  Leaders have been specifically appointed to oversee speech, forums and blogs so as to limit the students’ freedom of speech.  They would investigate.  The internet centre at our school has the technology detect this topic.  So students dare not talk freely.”

The student continued (recording), “The Deputy Director role at our school is the same as Vice Mayor.  One of them used to be a Vice Mayor.  No one can touch him.  Many students do not approve of the various conducts of the current leadership.  Students’ complaints about embezzlement, etc. were blocked by the school authorities.”

It is reported that following the closure of China BT Net, and the renowned VeryCD download site will also be shut down within the month.  This year the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television has pulled the plug on 414 audio visual sites.

A student named Wu from Xi’an Posts and Telecommunications University said (recording), “Sealed schools do not allow internet access.  Students can not watch TV, even in their dorms.  There is nothing to do after school.  We are getting rather agitated.  Our school has been sealed off for nearly a month and a half.  The quarantine should have been completed.”

A female student from Wu Yi University said (recording), “The information is not given out to the public.  I know of two in our class, but are unsure about others.  Not just our school, I think most schools are like that.  But from a students’ perspective, most believe the information should be disclosed so that everyone knows where things stand.”

Chris Thomas; Lu Fang; and Yu Lian for Inside China for the SOH Radio Network.

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Eye-witness comes forward, moved by Falun Gong practitioner’s resilience

On December 12, the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) reported new evidence on the Chinese Communist Regime’s crimes of live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners. A new witness gave details of his personal account as a bystander, while vital organs including heart and kidneys were harvested from a live female Falun Gong practitioner in her 30’s.

During an interview with SOH Radio Network, WOIPFG’s spokesperson Wang Zhiyuan said the new witness, who once worked in the police bureau of Liaoning Province, spoke out to reveal what he had seen, as he was deeply moved by the upright character, compassion and tolerance of Falun Gong practitioners in the face of death.

Wang said (recording) “The Falun Gong practitioner he had contact with was extremely strong willed. He said, at the time, the deputy chief of the detention center kicked her face with tough leather shoes, while incessantly shocking her with an electric baton; during the winter climate they poured cold water on her body, and stripped her clothes… this kind of physical and mental torment went on and on. According to his account, with countless cuts and bruises all over her body, she refused to hit back or return any verbal abuse, and persisted with her belief. Even until the moment before her heart was cut out and her body sliced open, she still called out “Falun Dafa is Great”. She kindly advised her tormenters with hopes that they would awaken. This witness said the only request for practitioners of Falun Gong was to give one word of abuse [against the practice of Falun Gong], or sign there name to assure they would never practice again. It was a very simple task which to him looked like an act of raising one hand, but even so these Falun Gong practitioners did not comply, as they chose to guard their conscience and persist in their belief.”

According to Wang, another factor which contributed to the witness’ decision to speak out, was that the cruelty of the organ harvesting procedure shocked him. Wang said, in order to conceal his identity in their initial conversations the witness did not clearly state the location where the organ harvesting took place. However in subsequent conversations he clearly stated the location of the live organ harvesting was the 15th floor of the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region. The witness expressed the inner torment he felt in failing to put a stop to these inhumane crimes, thus seeking consolation through exposing them.

(Recording) “The second point was how he witnessed the entire process of live organ harvesting.  The brutal acts he witnessed shock him still.”

When witnesses first spoke out to expose live organ harvesting in the secret concentration camp in Sujiatun, Shenyang city of Liaoning Province, on March 9, 2006, the news astounded the world. Wang Zhiyuan said, since then many organizations and individuals have carried out independent and undercover investigations. Two investigators from Canada, David Matas and David Kilgour recently published a book entitled “Bloody Harvest”, which was a collection of evidence in support of the allegations gathered through their independent systematic investigations. WOIPFG also holds a large amount of supporting evidence pointing to an organized  genocide of Falun Gong practitioners under the Chinese Communist regime.

(Recording) “This is genocide, systematically arranged and organized in mainland China and it has not been restricted to local regions. We can see this from a number of angles. Firstly, [the persecution] is carried out under government policies, supported by documents. It has been a nation-wide, large scale persecution lead by the national 6.10 office, which has mobilized all levels of government, police force as well as the military. Secondly, people who have taken part include the police, armed police, the People’s Salvation Army, ordinary citizens, as well as staff at various government levels. Also investigated was Chen Qiang, the liaison for kidney supplies at the Kidney Transplant Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) No. 307 Hospital in Beijing. Chen Qiang told us boldly and directly the way in which these transactions took place, and how organs of Falun Gong practitioners were harvested. He also said these activities were organized “like a dragon”. The imprisoned Falun Gong Practitioners are being stock piled and then sysematicly murdered while their organs are being removed.”

Wang Zhiyuan said, the reports from WOIPFG as well as the publication from David Matas and David Kilgour, along with the confessions submitted to Minghui.org by two forensic investigators who took part in these crimes, not only contribute to the proof of the Chinese Communist regime’s organ harvesting on Falun Gong practitioners, but give clear indication that these crimes continue to take place today. Wang Zhiyuan called on those who have participated in these crimes to assist in exposing the atrocities, obtain forgiveness as well as opening a path to the future for themselves and family members.

Craig Richter and Yu Shan for the SOH Radio Network.

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H1N1 virus spreading rapidly.

Massive cover up of H1N1 epidemic

Presently the H1N1 influenza is spreading quickly across mainland China. The health department has ordered silence over the issue and has stopped all inspections. Hospitals across the country are instead told to report suspected H1N1 cases as the common cold. Our SOH reporter interviewed doctors and residents from Shijiazhuang of Hebei province.

On December 4th, staff from the Shijiazhuang Disease Control Centre said that there are many influenza cases now, and they cannot check it. (Recording): “Currently, if we have found symptoms of a cold we will treat it as a cold, we no longer differentiate whether it is H1N1 or not. We cannot differentiate, as there is too much of it.

A Doctor from Shijiazhuang hospital said that all hospitals across the country take strict orders from the Health Department in their work. Patients have to reach the formula standard of the Health department before evaluation can take place. He said (Recording): “The temperature of outpatients in all hospitals are the same, but they have to reach the target before they can do H1N1 checking. Presently all outpatients are not being checked, and checking is done by the Disease Control Centre.”

Another Doctor said: “There is a unified formula, following exactly the Health Department’s regulation. If he suffers severely he can stay in hospital, otherwise he has to go home.

The doctor also said: “Now the clinic can’t see any distinctions in the virus.”

Many Shijiazhuang residents also reported on the issue.

(Recording): “There are many colds, now we cannot clearly differentiate what is what, there are many H1N1. There are more cases because of the snow. My son’s school is closing down. There are many colds in the community, almost every family has the cold.

Another Shijiazhuang resident says to avoid the vaccine. (Recording): “From the start I’ve stood for not having the vaccine. I feel the time of this stuff is not like the epidemic of encephalitis, chickenpox and or measles in the past. We should watch it for awhile. There are too many unwritten rules in the market. We do not know if it is produced from a regulated company. I feel worried about this. The public says the spread of H1N1 in the mainland is fairly severe. But the Health department has already covered up the truth about the epidemic, so who will be the victim in the end? I don’t think the virus differentiates between high level officials and ordinary people.

Chris Thomas; Tian Xi; and Yi Xiang for SOH Radio Network.

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Bird flu cases handled by medical students

According to recent mainland sources, China is on the brink of another bird flu pandemic and its hospitals are filling with patients. However, many hospital directors and doctors chose this time to take leaves of absence, forcing hospitals to call upon students from medical schools to help deal with the growing number of patients.

A former patient named Xiao Shuan from the Zhejiang Province told SOH (recording), “Right now the bird flu is very serious in China. Many doctors refuse to show up to work out of fear. I also waited for three days at the hospital but rarely saw the doctors in charge. It was difficult to find any doctors in their forties or fifties. Only the unknown, young ones were there, which was very similar to the situation during the SARS outbreak. As soon as SARS broke out, those in charge did a disappearing act. Notes on their doors claimed they were on business trips but in fact they went into hiding in the countryside.”

A local resident from the Zhejiang province told us (recording), “Medical schools in China are connected with hospitals. Many doctors and nurses are actually students. They came to work without understanding the processes and dangers involved. Many nurses or junior doctors lack the expertise to deal with some diseases. With these junior doctors you will not recover even if you’re hospitalized.”

As the bird flu continues to break out in mainland schools, mass group infections across the country are on the rise.

The Zhejiang resident also said (recording), “The City Centre Hospital was very busy, packed with patients, especially kids and students with flu. The hospital fees are very high, similar to charges at luxurious hotels. There are six floors but no one is allowed above the fourth. The forbidden places are classed as state secrets. Even in normal times you would be told off if you were to take pictures. You are not allowed to know what the Party does not want to tell you. The more truth you know, the more danger you are in.”

Perry Luo; Wang Qian and Wu Tong for SOH Radio Network.

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Zheng Shuzhen (L) holds a portrait of her deceased grand-daughter Zhou Mengxin while grieving outside the Complaints Department of the Ministry of Health in Beijing on May 8, 2009. She claims the child's death, caused by injesting toxic with lethal amounts of melamine, has never been dealt with appropriately by their local government. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN

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Poisoned milk scandal: civil lawsuit lays way for future cases

The first hearing on the civil lawsuit regarding the Sanlu poison milk powder scandal, recently took place at a district court in Beijing. SOH interviewed the plaintiff’s lawyer Peng Jian, who said that the Sanlu Group was unable to pay any amount of financial compensation after it was declared bankrupt. Peng said parents of victimized infants are seeking facts and truths of the matter through the civil case, to build the foundation for future social welfare claims.

According to media reports outside of China, Shunyi Court on the outskirts of Beijing accepted the case. The court hearing began on November 27, and the case was presented by both parties. The next hearing is due to take place on December 9. The plaintiff, 30 year old Ma Xuexin from Henan Province, had a 20 month old boy who fell victim to the poisoned milk powder. He requested compensation of up to $55,184 renminbi. He also requested that Sanlu contributes towards his son’s medical expenses before he reaches adulthood.

His lawyer Peng Jian said, on February 12, 2009, the Sanlu group which became officially bankrupt no longer had the ability to pay compensation to victims of the scandal. However the reason for proceeding with the court case was in protection of social justice. Peng said (recording), “The purpose behind this, is to uphold social justice and the spirit of the law. From this viewpoint, the party responsible should be put on the defendant’s stand, to face the law as well as the public. They should take on the relevant responsibilities through the judgment, and be clear on these responsibilities.”

Last September, in Min county of Gansu Province, 14 infants fell ill concurrently with symptoms of kidney stones. The discovery officially revealed the melamine contamination in China’s milk powder industry. To date, the facts of the victimized infants have yet to be confirmed through formal civil lawsuits.
According to Peng Jian (recording) “They can also confirm their status as victims of melamine contaminated milk powder through such civil lawsuits. Even if the proceedings cannot take care of the main requests from the plaintiff, the hearings will confirm facts of the victimization, and establish factual references to forming the foundation for future claims for social welfare and compensation.”

Lawyer Peng believes this lawsuit has set a standard for parents who wish to seek justice in the future. (Recording) “This case has been very important, one could say it has set the standard. Lawsuits from parents in similar situations, will follow this model, that includes the statements of facts and reasons for the lawsuit against the defendant.”

Chris Thomas; Bo Ming; and Yu Lian for the SOH Radio Network.

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Chinese AIDS Advocates under House Arrest in Henan

AIDS advocates in Henan Province of China told reporters that, because of a lack of regulation on blood transfusions, there are more and more AIDS patients in China because of infections from blood products. These patients do not have the necessary medical care nor any guarantee on their livelihood, and were denied their rights to appeal. On the eve of World AIDS Day, many advocates for Chinese AIDS patients went to government offices to appeal, only to find themselves house arrested.

One such advocate is Tian Xi, he told reporters that because there is a lack of regulation, prevention and medical treatment of AIDS is nothing but a slogan of local government officials when seeking their own political interests. There are more and more AIDS patients in China, yet they do not get adequate medical treatment. Those who got AIDS because of blood transfusions went to court to have their case heard, only to find the court refused to hear their case.

Tian Xi (recording): AIDS prevention and treatment becomes a show piece for politicians, the basic medical care of the AIDS patient is not guaranteed, let alone their basic human rights of survival. There is a wider and wider spread of AIDS in China, and the situation is not optimistic at all. There is also the trade of blood. In China, the judicial system is very much a random thing, and there is a lack of monitoring and check and balance. That’s why these problems are taking place. The blood safety issue is far from being resolved.

It’s reported that 40 AIDS patients from Henan Province went to Beijing on November 25th to appeal to China’s Ministry of Health. One of them, Tian Xi, was infected with AIDS in 1996 because of a blood transfusion, and he got hepatitis B and hepatitis C as well. But he was brought back home to Henan and house arrested.

Tian Xi (recording): I went to the Ministry of Health last Thursday with a banner, I wanted to seek justice for this infection. I was brought back by Henan government officials and now I am staying at home. Two others who went with me last Thursday are also under house arrest, and they do not have any freedom also.”

Another advocate, Wang Xiaoqiao, her husband was working for a work unit, where he suffered an injury and then received a blood transfusion and acquired the AIDS virus. According to her, most AIDS patients in Henan got AIDS in this manner.

Wang Xiaoqiao (recording): Many people got AIDS, many through blood transfusions. The rest is through selling blood. My husband got infected in 2003 and became bedridden. I am a handicapped person, and I was hoping the government would help me and my child. The person whose blood was given to my husband is an AIDS patient, and he is still alive. Because I have this live witness, I went to court but the court would not hear the case.

Wang said that since her husband became ill, the livelihood of the whole family became a problem. She went to appeal many times but all were fruitless, and she was imprisoned for this twice. Many people like her wanted to seek justice, but are afraid to do so since this may affect their family negatively.

Wang (recording): The county government officials imprisoned me twice. The party and the government accused you of big crimes, and imprison you. Many people want to appeal, but are afraid. If one is in prison, the whole family will suffer, no one will take care of the patients and the children.

The government of Henan encouraged blood trade in the mid 90’s, and used it as a way to stimulate the economy. The “blood plasma economy” lead to many illegal blood trade centers established in the province. But the way they extract the blood is very primitive and does not following a hygiene procedure, hence leading to a wide spread of AIDS in that province.

Michael Anderson; Wen Fang and Kai Di for the SOH Radio Network.

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Villagers stage massive protest over land sale

Thousands of villagers from the Nangaoying Village of Hebei Province have barricaded roads for eight straight days in a massive show of protest. The protest has been aimed at local party committee members whom the villagers are accusing of conspiring with land developers to carry out illegal acts of property theft. The villagers have demanded that the authorities return the housing and land that was their livelihood.

During an interview with Sound of Hope, one of the villagers tells us (recording), “The government has allocated a piece of land for renovating the old village. Villagers were supposed to be moved onto this land for renovation. As it turned out, the Village Party Committee and the developer changed the development into commercial housing. One property was promised to each villager, but none was given. All the new lots were sold. The villagers in the end got nothing. Now we are fighting for our legal rights. The developers have even hired local ruffians to intimidate us.”

According to villagers, the Party Branch Secretary, He Shengguo, has also been colluding with the former head of the Village Committee, and the chief executive of Hebei Jijing Real Estate Development Ltd. He obtained approval under the pretence of renovations in order to sell 156,000 square meters of private land belonging to 1300 residents. The villagers have lost their properties and land without any compensation.

Another villager has told SOH (recording), “The land of the Village Committee was not waste land, but rather basic farm land that villagers rely on for livelihood – we have the maps to prove this.”

Under pressure, the developer had to negotiate with the villagers. Their chief executive, Wang Jinsheng, had promised 150 million in compensation but in fact hired 50 thugs to beat up villagers. A 70-year-old villager was severely injured.

With a population of 7,900 people, Gaoying Village used to be considered a well-off village and was quite well known. Now the local authorities had torn the village into pieces, leaving villagers with no means to make a living.

Perry Luo; Anna and Yu Shan for the SOH Radio Network.

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Renowned respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan suspects the CCP are covering up the true extent of the H1N1 outbreak in China.

- Regime downplaying flu epidemic

- Feng Zhenghu: “I should be allowed to go home”

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Regime downplaying flu epidemic, says doctor

Recently, renowned respiratory disease specialist, doctor Zhong Nanshan raised his suspicions about the published statistics of the H1N1 infection in China. He believes the published figures are below the actual figures. Hong Kong MP Zheng Jiafu, who was involved with investigations pertaining to the SARS outbreak of 2003, believes Dr Zhong’s words indicate the severe situation of the H1N1 epidemic in China. He called on China and the World Health Organization (WHO) not to conceal the true situation.

The H1N1 virus is form of influenza A virus. It is the main cause of the flu in humans. Other strains of this virus are common in pigs and birds. This has led the media to commonly call it “swine flu” or “bird flu” respectively. The H1N1 virus has continued its spread in China, and Chinese government statistics indicate, 50 people have died from the disease.

Respiratory disease expert Dr Zhong, who spoke out during the SARS epidemic, told media in Guangzhou province that he did not have the slightest trust in the figures published by the Communist Party. He criticized some regions for concealing the true situation, in order to appear in control of the epidemic. Dr Zhong also predicted that at its peak, the H1N1 virus would infect 10% ~ 20% of China’s population. That’s between 130 million to 260 million. Of those, between 8 million and 17 million will need to be admitted to hospital.

Member of the Heath Affairs Committee in Hong Kong, Zheng Jiafu MP said, Zhong Nanshan’s words has revealed the seriousness of the epidemic in China.

Zheng who is in Hong Kong’s Democratic Party said, “I think that when Dr Zhong Nanshan speaks out, it means our nation is in a very serious condition with the epidemic. This truly concerns us, because the past has shown us Dr Zhong would not speak out so pro-actively unless it was absolutely essential.”

Zheng also pointed out, it is a defining character of the Chinese Communist regime to only report good news and not the bad, “Such a short sighted and selfish mindset, has created the situation in which every level of the Chinese Communist Party reports good news but not the bad. The reason is, as soon as they report bad news, their seats and positions may be put at risk. On the contrary, if they report good news, everyone would continue to live in muddy waters, and the only hope to the heavens would be that things do not deteriorate, this way things will be calm for a period of time. Therefore, under this umbrella, the system of the Communist regime lacks a sound audit system, and lacks the mechanisms of democratic societies. I think this happens quite often, and some examples include the SARS outbreak in the past, as well as the H1N1 epidemic at present.”

Zheng also expressed his disappointment toward the WHO’s defence of the Chinese Communist Party. He calls on the WHO to take up its responsibilities of monitoring and surveillance.

Zheng said, “There would be a time when the H1N1 mutates. For instance, autopsies in many people who died from the disease in Ukraine showed that their lungs were blackened. To date, we have not heard an expert tell us the methods of prevention, and why the lungs turned that color. So the world wide pandemic is likely to mutate at some point in time. Hence the Chinese government should no longer conceal information, but cooperate with the international community as well as the WHO. If the concealment of information continues, we fear that hundreds of millions of our fellow countrymen, and even mankind in all other parts of the world, would be faced with a catastrophic pandemic.”

Caden Pearson and Lin Xiuyi of the SOH Radio Network.

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Feng Zhenghu: “I should be allowed to go home”

On November 20th SOH spoke with Shanghai dissident Feng Zhenghu who’s been denied entry into China. He says this denial stems from serious problems with the Chinese Communist Regime.

On November 3rd, Feng was on a flight to Shanghai from Japan. He was flying All Nippon Airways (ANA). At the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Feng was stopped by immigration officials and denied entry into China. He was deported back to Japan by plain clothed police officers as well as staff from ANA. Feng has been deported eight times since June 7th this year. He currently lives at the immigration checkpoint at Narita Airport in Japan.

When SOH spoke to him on November 20th, he expressed gratitude for the public’s concern. He says he is in good condition and has been able to survive due to support from the public. Feng says the CCP is violating the law by refusing to let him go home.

Feng told SOH (Recording):
“Due to support from many people I have been able to survive until now. My situation was caused by the local government but also the political system. The Party Central knows what’s happened but has silently allowed the local government to do this. It has violated its own laws and disregards international regulations, leading to this incident. I believe we should follow the law. I have done no wrong. It’s normal for me to return home, it is a right. Although (the CCP) has kicked me out, I still want to return. I still have a deep love for my motherland.”

Feng told SOH he has read the ‘Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party’. He was shocked and believes it is up to the people to change China.

He said (Recording):
“The ‘Nine Commentaries’ was published long ago. Everyone should know about it by now. I read it in the beginning when it was first published. I must say the information in the Nine Commentaries came as a shock to all. Indeed, there are many problems inside China. The Chinese people and everyone must stand and safeguard their rights, instead of giving up their rights. In China I know more and more people are standing up, they’re using their actions to change society.”

Feng says a UN Refugee Official suggested he apply for political asylum. As a Chinese person however, he felt the need to defend his rights.

He told us (Recording):
“I believe this is a responsibility to our country. They all worry about me, but I am Chinese, and a Chinese scholar at that. No matter how difficult, we must stay there, and work with the public to change the country for the better. I believe in a normal society where everyone defends their rights. It will create restrictions on those in power. There are many dangers in the country, and I’ve been imprisoned and kidnapped, and endured all kinds of suffering. But that’s all in the past. So now I must do something for democracy in our country.”

Feng wants to speak to the Chinese public through SOH.

He says (Recording):
“I am very grateful for the support mainland Chinese has given me. I think when this is publicised; they will all stand and demand change. Let every Chinese have the freedom to leave and enter. I think this incident should never happen again in China.”

Feng’s denial of entry into China has attracted attention from international media and societies. More overseas Chinese are voicing their support. Dissident Cai Guihua who’s in exile in the United States believes there are many exiled dissidents overseas who are now refugees.

Caden Pearson; and Jin Ru of the SOH Radio Network

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Vaccinations for H1N1 influenza are underway as the disease spreads rapidly through colleges.

- Colleges closed due to H1N1 influenza

- Low income earners in China cannot afford medical treatment

- Chinese people voice support for the ‘Quit CCP’ movement

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Colleges closed due to H1N1 influenza

There’s been a rapid increase in the spread of ‘Type A’ H1N1 influenza in Chinese schools. Online reports reveal many colleges have closed. Student bodies are dissatisfied with the lack of protective measures. Especially in Xian Technical College, the Kunming Institute of Technology, Jinqiao College and Dezhou College.

Online reports reveal a student at the Xian Technical College in Shanxi died without receiving proper treatment for the flu. A fellow student named Wang criticized the college saying they took no preventive measures and didn’t care for the students.

Wang told SOH (Recording):

“A while ago, many students had high temperatures, about 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. The college told them to go home, just like that without dealing with it. When you’re sick you see a doctor. There is only one person in the college clinic, sometimes he works and sometimes he doesn’t. The facilities in the college are very bad, students are very dissatisfied. They have complained, but the college hasn’t dealt with it.”

There are hundreds of unconfirmed cases at the Kunming Institute of Technology, and only 22 confirmed cases. Since November 11th, the college closed the school but did not cancel classes.

A student told SOH (Recording):

“From the start the college has taken no protective measures. I feel they should’ve cancelled classes and evacuated immediately. But they closed the college, and kept the classes running. In the last two days they’ve kept strict attendance rolls. Many students were fine but now they’re infected.”

Dezhou College in Shandong reports 29 confirmed cases. Many students have been transferred to a warehouse. A student named Lin from the college said due to the breakout, students who don’t have the flu are being isolated.

Lin told SOH (Recording):

“In Shandong, the temperature dropped suddenly and it also began snowing. The temperature changes drastically between day and night. Many have caught a cold and have high fevers. But no one has said it is Type A influenza. There’s now a makeshift hospital in the college. A building in the south zone is now an isolation area.”

A student named Bai, from Shanxi Province, said the situation there is very severe.

Bai told SOH (Recording):
“Basically all colleges have closed, including Taiyuan Science and Engineering, and Shanxi University. Many students have taken early holidays, I hear they’ll return in the New Year.”

Keith Ware; Lin Li; and Si Ming of the SOH Radio Network.

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Low income earners in China cannot afford medical treatment

In China many citizens fear getting ill. For those living in poverty, sickness only adds more trouble to their already difficult lives. On November 9th, our Chinese SOH branch carried out an investigation into the state of healthcare in parts of China. All the interviewees said they wouldn’t go to hospital, as it’s difficult and expensive to receive treatment.

Ms Mei, from Chongqing, suffers an eye affliction preventing her from seeing clearly, yet she doesn’t seek treatment.

She told SOH (Recording):
“We don’t have enough money for treatment. Even when we fall sick, we don’t have money to pay for treatment. We never see the doctor.”

Mr Wang, from rural Hubei Province, notes the high medical expenses stop people from getting treatment.

Mr Wang said (Recording):
“My hand hurts badly, but I still don’t dare visit the hospital. I’ve checked in at a small health clinic twice, but I dare not go to a hospital after going there. I don’t want to go to a hospital as I have no money.”

Most people cannot afford to go to hospital. Often they suffer the illness at home and take cheap medicines or herbal medicine. They’ll do this until the illness becomes more serious.

Ms Mei said there were no alternatives. She also told us (Recording):
“We’ll buy medicine to treat a cold and let it drag on, nothing can be done. If we have time, or we have a very serious illness, we’ll go to sleep and take some cold or herbal medicine.”

Ms Liu who was laid-off from a silk factory in Chongqing told SOH (Recording):
“Some people suffer cancer and don’t have money for treatment. They let it drag on until they die, and pass away like that. There’s nothing that can be done, who will care for you, no one cares for you.”

Currently in all parts of China, the coverage of medical insurance is narrow, the standard of reimbursement is low, and the requirements for getting insurance are difficult and complicated. These factors have prevented people from getting treatment or insurance. Further, the local government has shown little interest in healthcare for poorer communities. This has made it difficult for many people to receive medical care.

Mr Ping who lives in one of Shaanxi Province’s Economic Development Zones, said three years ago his land was appropriated for nine thousand Yuan. Mr Ping has no land for farming and a small source of income.

He said to SOH (Recording):
“Our village has no medical insurance. The village cadre reimburses us with less than twenty Yuan annually, and less than twenty Yuan for medical expenses.”

Mr. Wang from Hubei said everyone in their village needs to pay 30 Yuan for medical insurance but receives almost no reimbursement for treatment procedures.

He said (Recording):
“If you’re very ill and the clinics can’t treat it. Local authorities will only reimburse two thousand Yuan for a treatment costing ten thousand Yuan. You even need to have a relationship with the health director; you need to give him a gift.”

On November 9th, Xinlang.Net featured a survey carried out by the ‘Economy Consultation’ magazine. The survey revealed many low income communities throughout China’s cities are poorer due to health problems. This problem has become widespread, and the current level of government support and insurance is very inadequate.

Chris Thomas; Tian Ling; and Wang Zhen of the SOH Radio Network.

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Chinese people voice support for the ‘Quit CCP’ movement

According to information from the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP, a teacher in mainland China revealed that most Chinese civilians are very unhappy with the communist regime.

The past 20 years has demonstrated to the Chinese people that the demolition of the Berlin Wall was the right choice for the people. So many Chinese people support the ”Quitting the CCP” movement, hoping it will soon end the CCP’s reign and in a peaceful manner.

Teacher Mu, who used his real name to renounce the CCP said when The Berlin Wall was demolished 20 years ago, media in Mainland China tried to educate people into believing that it was a mistake. However, no matter how the media attempted to influence public opinion, even the Chinese communist leaders knew in their heart that the dictatorial regime would collapse sooner or later.

Teacher Mu said (Recording): “The complaining mood among Chinese civilians is quite strong. Psychologically, we resent the present political system. For those who have independent thinking, the authorities put you in prison, or use other means to suppress you. It is an oppression of those in power. That is to say, there is something like a Berlin Wall that is suppressing people but that Wall is bound to collapse. It is not that we are overly and blindly optimistic but it could fall at any time, probably within five years, possibly even tomorrow. So I ask people, please help me to quit the CCP on the Epoch Times website.”

He said, twenty years ago, the former Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries abandoned communism and moved towards freedom and democracy, as well as prosperity.

Teacher Mu (Recording): “When the Berlin Wall was demolished, I was very excited. I thought it was huge progress for the society. It is a historical milestone, symbolizing the transition from authoritarianism to freedom, from being backward to a more advanced system for the society.

Teacher Zhang quit the CCP using the anonymous “Zheng Yi,” which means “righteousness” in Chinese. Zhang said, under the suppressive rule of the Chinese communist party, Chinese civilians are having a very difficult life. He therefore supports the Quitting the CCP movement and hopes the CCP will collapse as soon as possible

Teacher Zhang said (Recording): “The National Day celebration is a huge waste of money. It is all tax-payers’ money, right? It is a huge waste. It is not easy to browse overseas websites, as the authorities always threaten us. There is nothing we can do. We Chinese civilians are leading a difficult life. Many people are looking for jobs, and life is difficult for them. For us civilians, we only aim at having enough food to assuage hunger. When I was little, I joined the young pioneers, please help me to publish a statement to quit.”

Matthew Ytsma; Lin Li; and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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