‘Difficult to define’: China drops controversial ‘hurt feelings’ clause from draft law amid abuse concerns

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China has removed a contentious provision from the most recent review of a law governing people security that would have punished those found guilty of “hurting the feelings of the Chinese country” months after the proposal sparked outcry and concerns about potential abuse.

The Public Security Administration Consequences Law, which generally targets minor crimes, had six works in its crosshairs when it first appeared in September of last year.

These included “wearing, displaying or decorating in public places, or forcing others to use, show or design, clothes or symbols that are detrimental to the heart or the feelings of the Chinese country”. &nbsp,

Offenders could face up to 15 days in detention and/or a maximum fine of 5, 000 yuan ( US$ 687 ).

The wording has been amended in the latest draft, which was submitted to China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress ( NPC ), for a second review at its session last week. &nbsp,

It now targets clothes or symbols that “promote or promote extreme war or violent behavior, causing a unfavorable social impact” or “promote or honor it.”

” DIFFICULT TO DEFINE”

According to Mr. Shen Chunyao, deputy chairman of the NPC constitution and law committee, the original phrase was” subjective,” making it “difficult to define its meaning in legislation and hard to understand in law enforcement,” as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP ) quoted by the ruling Communist Party newspaper on Tuesday ( Jul 2 ), the original phrase was” subjective.”

There is concern that law enforcement does violate the public’s basic right. This document revision will no longer use this appearance, according to Mr. Shen, taking into account various aspects and law enforcement needs.

When made public in September 2023, the first draft had sparked a public protest over concerns about potential abuse. Chinese legal professionals likewise expressed concern that the modifications could be used haphazardly, Reuters reported.

Mr Tong Zhiwei, a law teacher in Shanghai, wrote on Weibo that quarter:” Who confirms the’ nature of the Chinese state ‘ and according to what process? Who recognises the’ feelings of the Chinese nation ‘ and according to what procedures” ?&nbsp,

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240,000 people evacuated in China rainstorms

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BEIJING: Nearly a quarter of a million people were forced to leave eastern China as a result of rainstorms that slammed swathes of the nation and swelled the Yangtze and other rivers, according to state media on Wednesday ( Jul 3 ). In recent months, China has experienced extreme weatherContinue Reading

As Hong Kong’s F&B firms struggle to stay afloat, Chinese eateries flock in to fill the gap

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HONG KONG: Drawn by the sheer variety of cheap food and entertainment across the border, Hong Kong residents troop into Shenzhen when weekends and holidays roll around.

Since cross-border travel restrictions were lifted last year, the city has emptied out even more as soon as the work week ends.

The lack of footfall has greatly affected Hong Kong’s food and beverage (F&B) sector.

Businesses say they are struggling to stay afloat, with industry players estimating that about 200 restaurants are closing down each month.

“The growing trend of northbound consumption has greatly impacted our dine-in business, resulting in a decline in nighttime business of approximately 30 per cent,” said Mr Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades Limited.

“On an annual basis, about 2,000 restaurants have shut down. This is a substantial figure that cannot be overlooked.”

However, Chinese F&B firms are bucking the trend, with more setting up shop in the city – the first stop in their long-term strategy for global expansion.

THE “CHU HAI” MOVEMENT

Buoyed by its popularity with Hong Kongers in China, restaurant chain Nong Geng Ji opened four branches in the city in less than a year.

It is part of a “chu hai” movement, where Chinese companies move to break into a more lucrative market abroad.

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Car drives into crowd outside Seoul city hall, six dead

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SEOUL: A auto hit commuters near Seoul town house, killing six people and injuring at least eight, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, citing a police official, who said there could be more deaths. A police official informed Reuters officials were looking at the scene but declined to provide moreContinue Reading

Nine killed in Seoul after car hits pedestrians

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A 68-year-old vehicle allegedly struck people who were waiting at a customers message, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. He struck two different vehicles while heading the wrong way, according to Yonhap, before striking the pedestrians. A person was detained by police over the affair, said Kim Suk- hwan,Continue Reading

Car drives into crowd near Seoul city hall, nine dead

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SEOUL: A auto hit commuters near Seoul town house, killing nine people and injuring at least four, North Korean media accounts said, citing police and fire officials. A police standard declined to provide more details about the investigation underway at the scene, telling News officers were conducting an investigation.Continue Reading

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles

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Seoul: The latest in a series of Pyongyang weapons tests that have strained relations with Seoul, North Korea on Monday ( Jul 1 ) launched two ballistic missiles, the South Korean military confirmed. A small- range ballistic missile was launched in the early morning hours, the South’s defense Joint ChiefsContinue Reading