In 1992, David Osborne and Ted Gaebler published 'Reinventing Government,' a seminal book on public administration. They argued that governments were failing due to outdated, bureaucratic paradigms that prioritized process over outcomes. Their proposed solution was to adopt managerial practices from the private sector, focusing on outcomes and data to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector.

Vaughan Gething is set to become Wales' first black first minister after narrowly winning the Welsh Labour leadership election. His victory, however, is marred by controversy over a £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group, a company with a history of legal issues. Gething's leadership is praised by UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but criticized by Plaid Cymru and other political figures. The article highlights internal and external challenges Gething will face, including NHS waiting lists, educational standards, and environmental regulations.

A former Policy and Performance Officer in the UK public sector reveals a decade of fabricating and manipulating data to meet targets and impress superiors. The narrative highlights systemic issues in local government, where compliance and appearance take precedence over genuine performance and learning. The author argues for greater transparency and direct engagement with frontline realities to uncover the true state of public services, criticizing the current bureaucratic practices that prioritize image over substance.

The article critiques the traditional view of government as a command-and-control entity, advocating for a new vision where power is shared with those better placed to promote positive change. It highlights four key patterns reshaping government roles: subsidiarity, embracing human complexity, new forms of accountability, and continuous learning. Examples from Finland's education system and Tony Blair's evolving views on government decentralization are discussed, emphasizing the need for systemic change to transform government into an enabler rather than a controller.

The Centre for Public Impact (CPI) is focusing on reimagining government in North America by acting as a learning partner to various public sector entities. Under the leadership of Adrian Brown, CPI has expanded its team and initiatives, including the Government Innovation portfolio, the Pandemic Solutions Group, and the Inclusive Economies portfolio. These programs aim to foster innovation, inclusivity, and legitimacy in government operations. The organization emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and building trust between governments and the communities they serve. CPI's efforts are particularly relevant in the context of recent global and national challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice.

The article critiques the actions of Just Stop Oil and highlights a more serious issue of ideological letter-writing campaigns targeting banks and payment companies. It discusses the potential legislative response to prevent banks from denying services based on political grounds and examines existing legal principles that could address this issue. The author argues that banks should ignore such letters and emphasizes the importance of privacy and fair treatment of customers.

Spring cleaning can be a symbolic act to transition from winter to warmer months. The guide offers practical tips for cleaning various areas of the home, including the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. It provides specific methods for cleaning cast-iron pans, stainless-steel appliances, blinds, and grout, as well as removing stubborn stains like coffee and red wine. The guide aims to make the cleaning process easier and more efficient for homemakers.

China's National People's Congress is set to overhaul Hong Kong's electoral system, emphasizing that only 'patriots' can govern. This move is seen as a continuation of the national security law's impact, effectively eliminating political opposition and raising concerns about the credibility of future elections. Critics argue this marks the end of democracy in Hong Kong, while China maintains it is upholding its commitments. The changes come amid ongoing trials of pro-democracy leaders, highlighting the tense political climate.

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been released on bail in Hong Kong after being arrested under the controversial national security law, along with several others. He is one of the most prominent figures to be detained under this new legislation. The report by Adrian Brown highlights concerns over a crackdown on press freedom in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has tightened its COVID-19 lockdown measures following a record high of 108 new infections reported on Sunday, marking the highest one-day increase since the pandemic began.

A revolution in public service improvement is taking place, driven by public servants and communities rather than top-down government directives. This new agenda emphasizes enablement over control, with a focus on cultivating conditions for solutions to emerge. Innovations include OneTeamGov's cross-departmental collaboration and the Buurtzorg model of community nursing. The approach challenges traditional hierarchies and promotes continuous experimentation, political engagement, and local accountability. While Brexit dominates the political landscape, this movement represents a significant shift in authority and accountability, potentially leading to a period of national transformation.

Growing unease in Hong Kong surrounds the impending imposition of a new security law by China, which will criminalize separatism, sedition, and subversion. The broad and undefined nature of these crimes has led to significant concern among Hong Kong residents about who will be targeted. Adrian Brown reports from Hong Kong.

Growing unease in Hong Kong surrounds the impending imposition of a new security law by China, which will criminalize separatism, sedition, and subversion. The broad and undefined nature of these crimes has raised concerns about who will be targeted. The report highlights the anxiety and potential implications for freedoms in Hong Kong.

China’s parliament has approved new security laws for Hong Kong, which include bans on treason, secession, sedition, and subversion. The laws could be enacted within weeks, despite protests and international warnings. Adrian Brown reports from Hong Kong.

Anti-government protests have resumed in Hong Kong, resulting in over 300 demonstrators being arrested amid a confrontation with police. The protests were sparked by new proposed laws perceived to undermine the freedoms of Hong Kong's residents.

Michael Brown recounts the emotional journey following his father's death amidst the coronavirus outbreak. He details the challenges of traveling from Hong Kong to London and back to ensure his vulnerable mother’s safety. The narrative highlights the strain on public health systems, personal loss, and the complexities of navigating quarantine regulations. Despite the turmoil, moments of kindness and resilience emerge, underscoring the human spirit in times of crisis.

The Chinese government is considering canceling the parliament session to focus on controlling the coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea has reported its first death from the coronavirus outbreak, as global cases approach 75,000. China maintains that its containment measures are effective, but public concern about returning to public areas persists. Adrian Brown reports from Hong Kong.

Service design is crucial for improving both user and employee experiences by aligning and optimizing an organization's operations. It involves thorough research, co-creation with multidisciplinary teams, and a holistic approach to connect different service touchpoints. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem space before jumping to solutions and advocates for continuous discussion and demonstration of service design principles within large organizations. The author highlights the need for dedicated teams outside of product structures to focus on holistic customer experiences and suggests that service design can add significant value by addressing both business and user problems.

The death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed that of the SARS epidemic, reaching 811 fatalities. The majority of deaths have occurred in China, which is facing criticism for a lack of medical supplies and the government's response to the crisis. Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown reports from Hong Kong on the political impact.

Hong Kong is set to implement a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals arriving from China, including Hong Kong citizens, starting Saturday. This decision comes in response to public demands for tighter border control amidst the new coronavirus outbreak.

Tim Briggs and Adrian Brown discuss the UK Government's proposals for reforming the public procurement regime in a new podcast, driven by Brexit considerations. The podcast is part of a series focusing on Brexit-related topics.

Six months have passed since a mass anti-government march in Hong Kong, which reportedly saw over one million participants. The movement has since expanded to include demands for greater democracy and an end to police brutality.

China has condemned a US bill demanding the closure of 're-education' camps for Uighurs, which also threatens sanctions against Communist Party officials blamed for abuses. Over a million Uighurs are imprisoned in Xinjiang as part of a government crackdown. The bill is yet to be passed by the Senate.

As Hong Kong prepares for more anti-government demonstrations, mainland Chinese residents in the territory report increasing hostility from protesters. With escalating violence, some mainland Chinese are contemplating leaving Hong Kong.

As Hong Kong prepares for more anti-government demonstrations, mainland Chinese residents in the territory report increasing hostility from protesters. With escalating violence, some are contemplating leaving Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong, protests continue following the shooting of a teenager by police during violent demonstrations, with the 18-year-old now in stable condition. The incident has intensified the division of opinion in the semi-autonomous city, as police claim the shooting was an act of self-defence.

A new vision of government is emerging globally, emphasizing shared power and decentralization. This approach, termed the Shared Power Principle, involves subsidiarity, embracing human complexity, new forms of accountability, and continuous learning. Examples from Australia, Illinois, and New Zealand illustrate these principles in action, with significant reforms in Victoria's public school system and New Zealand's policy initiatives. The article argues for a shift from command-and-control to enabling roles for governments, transforming the traditional view of government intervention.

China's leaders are supporting Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in her decision to not withdraw the controversial extradition bill, despite facing the territory's largest protest since its return to China in 1997. Legal experts in Beijing are also defending the proposed law.

China's leaders are supporting Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam amidst mass protests against the controversial extradition bill. Despite the territory's largest protest since its return to China in 1997, Lam is refusing to step down or shelve the bill. Legal experts in Beijing are defending the proposed law.

The article recounts the experiences of journalist Rob McBride during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. It highlights the student-led movement for political reform, the Chinese government's violent crackdown, and the lasting impact on those involved, particularly student leader Wu'er Kaixi. The narrative underscores the Chinese government's use of fear and repression to maintain control, contrasting the hopeful aspirations of the protesters with the harsh reality of the government's response.

The article recounts the experiences of John Simpson, a journalist who covered the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. It highlights the student-led demonstrations, the Chinese government's violent crackdown, and the personal stories of key figures like Wu’er Kaixi. The narrative underscores the brutality of the Chinese authorities and the enduring impact of the events on those involved. Wu’er Kaixi, now in exile, reflects on the movement's goals and the government's response, emphasizing the desire for political reform and accountability. The article also touches on the challenges faced by foreign correspondents in China during the crackdown.

China blames Washington for setbacks in trade negotiations, accusing the United States of being an untrustworthy negotiator and stating that the trade war is harming the US economy. Beijing has taken a firm stance and plans to release a blacklist of US firms.

China has accused the United States of being fully responsible for the setback in trade talks between the two countries. Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen, while unveiling a government report in Beijing, stated that the US cannot pressure China into an agreement and that China will maintain its core principles. Following this, China has implemented retaliatory taxes on $60 billion worth of US products.

The article discusses the ongoing tech war between the US and China, focusing on the impact on Huawei. Despite the trade war, optimism remains high at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Tianjin. The US has blacklisted Huawei, complicating its business with American firms. Huawei's growth continues in China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with the Middle East and Africa showing the fastest growth. The article also highlights the human dimension of the dispute, including the arrest of two Canadians in China. The trade conflict shows no signs of de-escalating, with potential further actions from China, such as banning rare earth exports and leveraging US debt holdings.

The article discusses the ongoing tech war between the US and China, focusing on Huawei's challenges and growth amidst the trade conflict. It highlights the optimistic mood at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Tianjin despite the trade war, with representatives from both US and Chinese companies expressing positive sentiments. The US administration's actions against Huawei, including blacklisting and requiring licenses for US firms to sell components to Huawei, are seen as significant hurdles. The article also touches on the human dimension of the dispute, mentioning the arrest of two Canadians in China following the detention of Huawei's CFO in Canada. The potential for further escalation, including China's possible use of rare earth material exports and US debt as leverage, is also discussed.

China has pledged to defend its companies following the US government's decision to blacklist Huawei and 70 of its affiliates, labeling the move as unreasonable. The US claims Huawei's equipment could be used for espionage, which Huawei denies, arguing that the decision will not enhance US safety or security but will instead harm US consumers and businesses. The report includes coverage from a tech trade show in Tianjin.

The article discusses the deteriorating relationship between China and the United States, focusing on the ongoing trade war and its broader implications. It highlights the significant drop in Chinese investment in the US, the barring of Chinese companies like Huawei and China Mobile, and the political pressures on Chinese President Xi Jinping. The article also touches on historical tensions, such as the bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade by NATO. Analysts suggest that the trade war is part of a larger geopolitical struggle, with both sides hardening their stances as negotiations continue.

China's economic slowdown and the ongoing trade war with the United States were key topics for Chinese legislators in Beijing. They approved a foreign investment law aimed at addressing concerns from trading partners, particularly in Washington. Adrian Brown reports from the Chinese capital.

China's economic slowdown and the ongoing trade war with the United States were key topics for Chinese legislators in Beijing. They approved a foreign investment law in the Chinese parliament aimed at addressing concerns from trading partners, particularly in Washington. Adrian Brown reports from the Chinese capital.

China views Venezuela as its staunchest ally in South America, supported by significant loans, investments, and weapons sales. The Chinese government is particularly concerned about the political turmoil in Venezuela, given the strategic importance of their relationship.

China is deeply concerned about the instability in Venezuela, which it considers its closest ally in South America. This relationship is bolstered by significant loans, investments, and arms sales from China to Venezuela. The report highlights China's strategic interests in maintaining its support for Nicolas Maduro amidst the turmoil.

China has expressed concern and disappointment following the US Department of Justice's announcement of criminal charges against Huawei and its CFO, which include fraud, theft of trade secrets, and conspiracy. Beijing has urged Washington to cease the 'unreasonable suppression' of Chinese companies.

China expresses concern and disappointment over the US Department of Justice's criminal charges against Huawei and its CFO, urging the US to cease what it calls unreasonable suppression of Chinese firms. The charges include fraud, theft of trade secrets, and conspiracy.

China, positioning itself as a leader in the fight against climate change, has been heavily investing in renewable energy, outspending the US three to one. Despite this, China's carbon emissions have increased since 2015, coal remains over 60 percent of its energy mix, and new coal plants are being constructed.

The G20 summit this year is drawing attention due to the escalating trade war between the US and China. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet on Saturday to discuss trade relations amid threats of increased taxes from the Trump administration. While both nations could face negative consequences, China's leadership, despite a hopeful public stance, remains skeptical about reaching a deal. Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown reports from Beijing on the potential implications and expectations.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership is questioned following her party's defeat in local elections, with worsening relations with China cited as a contributing factor. Taiwan's foreign minister accuses China of interfering in the island's politics, as reported by Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown from Taipei.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's leadership is under scrutiny following her party's defeat in recent local elections, with worsening relations with China cited as a contributing factor. Taiwan's foreign minister accuses China of political meddling, as reported by Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown from Taipei.

China has welcomed the defeat of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in local elections, which led to the resignation of President Tsai Ing-wen as the party leader. Beijing interprets the results as a desire for peaceful relations with China.

The landmark election in Taiwan this weekend is significant as voters will decide on a potential name change for Taiwan, a move closely monitored by China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened to reclaim it by force if necessary.

As many as 90 percent of China's urban youth are expected to have short-sightedness by the end of high school, a rate three times higher than that of children in the United States or Europe. Scientists attribute this high prevalence of myopia to excessive study loads and the widespread use of mobile phones and other devices. Adrian Brown reports from Shanghai.

Exiled Uighur activists are calling on the international community to adopt a stronger stance against China in response to the alleged crackdown on Uighurs in Xinjiang. China faces accusations of mass detention and discrimination against the Muslim minority group in the region.

Xinjiang, China, is under intense surveillance as the government aims to eradicate 'Islamic extremism' among the predominantly Muslim Uighur population. Human rights groups claim the vocational schools shown on state TV are actually re-education camps where Uighurs are forced to denounce their faith. The Economist labeled Xinjiang 'the perfect police state.' Foreign journalists, including Al Jazeera's team, face heavy restrictions and surveillance while reporting. The Chinese government, after initially denying the existence of internment camps, now defends the policy. Kashgar, a major Uighur city, reportedly has four camps holding 120,000 people. China's surveillance budget has surpassed its defense spending, and the government claims to be improving Uighur lives with poverty eradication programs, though security and surveillance expenditures are significantly higher.

Exiled Uighur activists are urging the international community to adopt a tougher stance against China due to its alleged crackdown on the Muslim minority in Xinjiang. Beijing faces accusations of mass detention and discrimination against Uighur Muslims in the region. Adrian Brown reports from Urumqi, Xinjiang Province, China.

Governments worldwide are shifting from a service delivery mindset to an enablement approach, focusing on subsidiarity, localism, and place-based solutions. This new mindset empowers local actors and frontline professionals, fostering better outcomes through local accountability and autonomy. The Buurtzorg model in the Netherlands exemplifies this approach, achieving higher satisfaction without increased costs. Centralized programs and performance targets often fail in complex systems, leading to inefficiencies and perverse behaviors. The enablement mindset suggests that less control and more local empowerment can lead to improved public service outcomes.

China's imposition of a 25 percent tariff on US soybeans threatens US farmers and China's supply of soybeans, which are essential for various products. The Chinese government is taking measures to prevent shortages by seeking alternative suppliers and boosting domestic production.

China's latest vaccine scandal involving the country's second-largest maker of rabies vaccines has sparked a significant debate on social media despite strict censorship. The government responded swiftly even before the state-controlled media reported the story, raising questions about the influence of social media on government decision-making.

China's latest vaccine scandal involving the country's second-largest maker of rabies vaccines has sparked significant debate on social media despite strict censorship. The government acted swiftly even before state-controlled media reported the issue, raising questions about the influence of social media on government decision-making.

The president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, has cautioned against initiating a trade war as EU leaders convene with Chinese officials in Beijing for a two-day summit. The summit aims to present a united front against US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, providing a timely platform for EU-China cooperation.

European leaders are traveling to Beijing for an EU-China summit focused on trade. Despite both the EU and China facing criticism from the US Trump administration over trading practices, the EU remains cautious about China's trade partnership offers. President Xi Jinping has pledged to open markets to foreign investors and remove barriers for EU companies. The summit will take place on Monday.

European leaders are set to attend an EU-China summit in Beijing, with trade expected to be the primary focus. Both the EU and China have faced scrutiny from the US Trump administration over trading practices. Despite this, Europe remains cautious about Chinese trade-partnership overtures. President Xi Jinping has pledged to provide greater access for foreign investors and to eliminate barriers that have hindered EU companies from entering the Chinese market.

Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan province, a popular tourist destination with up to 40 million visitors annually, has been temporarily closed due to concerns about water quality. Efforts are underway to improve the situation.

Erhai Lake in Dali, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan province, China, has been temporarily closed due to concerns about water quality. The lake, which attracts up to 40 million visitors annually, is undergoing efforts to improve its water quality.

US President Donald Trump presented a video at a news conference during the historic summit in Singapore, illustrating the White House's vision for North Korea's economic potential contingent on denuclearisation and the lifting of sanctions. Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown reports from Singapore.

The Chinese government is disappointed by US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel the planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, viewing it as a setback for both Pyongyang and Beijing. Chinese commentators attribute the summit's collapse to US National Security Adviser John Bolton's provocative statements. The timing of Trump's decision, shortly after North Korea dismantled its nuclear test site, raises suspicions about his intentions. The article highlights the delicate balance China must maintain between its role in enforcing UN sanctions and its alliance with North Korea, especially amid ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

The third round of US-China talks is underway in Washington to prevent a trade war. Both nations may impose tariffs on each other's imports if no agreement is reached within a month. The US expresses concern over China's hi-tech strategy.

Officials from the US and China have made some progress in crisis talks aimed at avoiding a trade war, with both sides committing to resolving the trade dispute. Despite the progress, significant disagreements remain. The discussions are crucial as the US and China are the world's largest economies, each having proposed high tariffs on the other's goods.

Major US car manufacturers at one of the world's biggest annual car shows in Beijing are concerned that the deepening trade tensions between China and the United States could harm their business in the world's largest auto market.

Amid escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, the Beijing auto show has opened, featuring major US car manufacturers who are worried that the current friction could harm their business plans in the world's largest auto market.

The escalating trade conflict between China and the United States, marked by threats of tariffs on various goods, poses significant risks for firms reliant on bilateral trade. Major trading hubs like Shanghai could face substantial economic costs. The report highlights the potential adverse effects on US beef imports to China.

The escalating trade conflict between China and the United States, marked by threats of tariffs on various goods, poses significant risks for firms reliant on bilateral trade. Major trading hubs like Shanghai could face substantial economic costs. The report highlights the potential adverse effects on US beef imports to China, emphasizing the broader implications of a trade war.

Sun Zhengcai, a former senior official in China and once a contender for a leadership position, has pleaded guilty to corruption charges, admitting to taking bribes worth $27 million and committing abuse of power from 2002 to 2017. His guilty plea is part of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption crackdown, which some analysts suggest is aimed at eliminating political rivals. Sun was previously the youngest member of the Politburo before his expulsion.

Sun Zhengcai, a former senior Chinese official and once a contender for a leadership position, has pleaded guilty to corruption and abuse of power, admitting to taking $27 million in bribes between 2002 and 2017. His case is part of President Xi Jinping's broader anti-corruption campaign, which analysts suggest is aimed at eliminating political rivals. Sun was previously the youngest member of the Politburo, the Communist Party's top committee.

Sun Zhengcai, a former senior Chinese official and once a major candidate for top leadership, has been convicted of corruption charges. He is one of the most prominent politicians to be charged under President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. Sun has been under investigation since last July, accused of bribery. The report is provided by Al Jazeera's Adrian Brown from Beijing.

Sun Zhengcai, a former senior official in China and once a major candidate for a top leadership position, has been convicted on charges of corruption. He is one of the most prominent politicians to be charged under President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption crackdown. Zhengcai is accused of bribery and had been under investigation since last July.

US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on imported steel and aluminium has led to a trade dispute with China. In response, Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to significantly lower tariffs on vehicle imports this year, addressing one of Trump's complaints. This development comes as both nations engage in a trade dispute that could see the US imposing new tariffs on $150bn of Chinese goods.

China is imposing 25 percent tariffs on over 100 types of US products, including soybeans, cars, alcohol, and tobacco, in retaliation to escalating trade tensions. These products were valued at $50 billion last year. The Chinese Commerce Ministry is also taking the case to the World Trade Organization.

Speculation surrounds a mysterious visit to Beijing by a train from North Korea, believed by many to be carrying leader Kim Jong-un, which would mark his first foreign trip since assuming power in 2011. China's foreign ministry has denied knowledge of the visit.

The Chinese government aims to lift 10 million people in rural areas out of poverty this year, encouraging them to move to cities other than Beijing. Most of the country's poor live in rural regions. Adrian Brown reports from Beijing.

China’s parliament is expected to approve a constitutional change allowing President Xi Jinping to remain in office indefinitely, effectively enabling him to stay in power for life.

China’s parliament is expected to approve a constitutional change allowing President Xi Jinping to remain in office indefinitely, effectively enabling him to stay in power for life.

China's National People's Congress is considering a constitutional amendment to allow President Xi Jinping to serve more than two terms, potentially making him the leader for life. This comes as avoiding a trade war with the US is a high priority, with President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs on steel.

China's parliament is set to hold an influential session, focusing on avoiding a trade war with the US amid new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. The National People’s Congress is considering a constitutional amendment to allow President Xi Jinping to serve more than two terms, potentially enabling him to remain in power for life.

Following the Pyeongchang Olympics, attention shifts to Beijing, which will make history by hosting both the Summer and Winter Olympics when it hosts the 2022 Winter Games. Despite low engagement in winter sports among the Chinese population, President Xi Jinping aims to change this by building hundreds of new resorts to encourage participation.

Millions celebrating the Chinese New Year hope for prosperity, but Chinese horoscopes predict bad luck for those born in the Year of the Dog, including US President Donald Trump. Fortune-tellers suggest that Trump, born in the Year of the Dog, may face bad luck this year. Adrian Brown reports from Beijing.

Millions celebrating the Chinese New Year hope for prosperity, but Chinese horoscopes predict bad luck for those born in the Year of the Dog, including US President Donald Trump. Fortune-tellers suggest that Trump may face bad luck this year due to his birth year. Adrian Brown reports from Beijing.

Cosmetic surgery is increasingly popular in China, making it the third-largest market for the sector globally, following Brazil and the US. The report explores the reasons behind the growing trend of people opting for surgical enhancements in their pursuit of beauty.

Concerns are mounting over the fate of Chinese artist Hua Yong, who disappeared after posting videos critical of the Communist Party of China. He is believed to be in police custody following his documentation of protests against the forced evictions of migrant workers, a highly sensitive issue in China. The report highlights the growing tension and repression faced by activists in the country.

China and South Korea, despite past tensions, have shown solidarity against the threat from North Korea. During a meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Moon Jae-in declared a joint stance against the prospect of war on the Korean Peninsula.

In Beijing, the government has been authorized to continue demolishing the homes of migrant workers as part of a campaign to address safety hazards following a deadly fire. Critics argue that the fire is being used as a pretext for forced evictions, drawing significant criticism towards the Beijing government.

Li Keqiang remains the only member to retain his post in the new seven-man line-up of China's top decision-makers, a move seen as President Xi Jinping consolidating his grip on power. The reshuffle is perceived as a strategic effort by Xi to strengthen his control over the Chinese government.

China will start enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea's missile program, halting imports of North Korean coal, iron ore, and seafood. This enforcement, beginning almost three weeks before the deadline, could result in up to $1 billion in lost revenue for Pyongyang. The report comes from Al Jazeera’s China correspondent Adrian Brown, who is reporting from Dandong on the China-North Korea border.

A campaign in Harbin, China, aims to preserve monuments of Russian history, reflecting the city's Tsarist character from its founding by colonialists during the Russian empire.

A billionaire property tycoon, Khaltmaa Battulga, has won Mongolia's presidential election on a nationalist platform, defeating the ruling party's candidate in the runoff vote. He has promised to revitalize Mongolia's struggling economy. The report is from the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Taiwan has experienced a 40 percent decrease in tourist arrivals from China in the first quarter of the year, following the Taiwanese president's rejection of the 'One China' principle. This decline is significantly impacting Taiwan's tourism industry.

Taiwan has initiated extensive military drills as part of President Tsai Ing-wen's efforts to reform the military. However, critics argue that these plans might expose the island to potential attacks from China.