News Mash-up: China Crackdowns

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. imposition / ˌɪm pəˈzɪʃ ən / (n) – the act of introducing a new law or system
    Example:

    The imposition of a higher tax on sugar led to an increase in soda prices.


  2. recognize / ˈrɛk əgˌnaɪz / (v) – to accept something as valid, true, legal, etc.
    Example:

    Before you donate money, you should check if the charity is recognized by the government.


  3. dependent / dɪˈpɛn dənt / (n) – someone who is provided food, money, etc. by another person
    Example:

    For my taxes every year, I have to say if I have any dependents or not.


  4. on suspicion of (something) / ɒn səˈspɪʃ ən əv / (idiom) – due to being suspected of doing something, usually something bad
    Example:

    The politician was arrested on suspicion of stealing public funds.


  5. detain / dɪˈteɪn / (v) – to prevent someone from leaving a place or area 
    Example:

    The police detained the man who was caught selling fake passports.


Article

Read the text below.

UK opens new visa route for HK residents


Hong Kong residents can apply for a new visa offering them an opportunity to become British citizens after Beijing’s imposition of a national security law in the Asian financial hub last year.


The move comes as China and Hong Kong said Jan. 31 they will no longer recognize the British National Overseas (BNO) passport as a valid travel document.


The U.K. government forecasts the new visa could attract more than 300,000 people and their dependents to Britain. Beijing said it would make them second-class citizens. (Reuters)


China accuses reporter of spreading secrets


China has formally arrested a Chinese-born Australian journalist for CGTN, the English-language channel of China Central Television, on suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas, Australia’s foreign minister said Feb. 8.


The arrest of Cheng Lei on Feb. 5 starts an official criminal investigation and came six months after she was detained.


The charges, which could result in a penalty of life in prison or even death, are highly unusual for an employee of a media outlet tightly controlled by China’s ruling Communist Party. (AP)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • If you were a Hong Kong resident, would you apply for the new visa to become a British citizen? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think that all countries should allow dual citizenship (the state of being a citizen of two countries at once)? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The arrested journalist is a Chinese-born Australian who now faces life in prison or even death. How hard do you think Australia should fight to have her returned from China? Why? Discuss.
  • The journalist was detained six months before her official arrest. Do you think this is acceptable? Why or why not? Discuss.