Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam commented on the inability of the city to endure further chaos, marking the first anniversary of the large-scale protests against her government. The protests began on June 9, 2019, over an extradition bill and continued even after its withdrawal, with violent episodes and university occupations. Opposition is expected against the new National Security Law passed by Beijing, which activists fear will suppress dissent. The Covid-19 pandemic has slowed the protest momentum, with recent police crackdowns on unauthorized protests. Social distancing rules further hinder legal protests. Despite this, small gatherings have occurred, such as the anniversary and Tiananmen Square vigil. An informal referendum is planned for June 14, as some residents remain willing to protest.

Suzanne Smith's book 'The Altar Boys' delves into the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church in the New South Wales diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, drawing parallels with similar scandals in Ireland. The narrative focuses on three altar boys, including Glen Walsh and Steven Alward, who were victims of abuse and later took their own lives. The book highlights the church's long-standing cover-up, the failure to report abusers, and the lack of contrition from the church and abusers. It also acknowledges the role of the Newcastle Herald, particularly reporter Joanne McCarthy, in exposing the abuse. The church's continued defensiveness, especially after Cardinal George Pell's acquittal, raises questions about its willingness to introspect and reform.

The article reviews Ai Weiwei's memoir, '1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows', which details both his life and that of his father, Ai Qing, a renowned poet. Ai Weiwei's indifference to his father's suffering during the Cultural Revolution is portrayed as a point of reflection and atonement in the memoir. The book also covers Ai Weiwei's own experiences with the Chinese government, including his detention and house arrest, and his eventual move to Portugal. Ai Weiwei's continued activism and criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are highlighted, as well as his resistance to aligning with the political right in the West, despite the pressures faced by many exiled Chinese critics. The memoir is praised for its quality of writing and the translation by Allan H Barr.

Frank Dikötter's book 'China After Mao: The Rise of a Superpower' explores the history of the People's Republic of China following Mao Zedong's death, focusing on the period of economic reform and opening up initiated by Deng Xiaoping. Dikötter, a historian known for his critical stance on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), utilizes party archives to examine the economic progress and legitimacy claims of the CCP. He argues that despite adopting market mechanisms, the party's nature has not fundamentally changed. The book delves into China's economic strategies, the illusion of its economic miracle, and the persistent issues of corruption and inefficiency. It also discusses the CCP's tightening grip on power, the use of propaganda, and the challenges posed by economic and demographic shifts. Dikötter's work is a detailed and documented critique of Beijing's economic claims and the reality behind them.

Hong Kong has seen a resurgence of protests, with authorities using social distancing rules to suppress gatherings. Despite the city not having a lockdown and experiencing no local Covid-19 cases for three weeks, police denied permits for a planned protest march and arrested individuals at various locations for violating group gathering restrictions. A significant police presence was noted, with 230 arrests made on Sunday and 18 injuries reported. The police's approach to protesters contrasted with the leniency shown towards expats in a bar district. The upcoming 4 June vigil for the Tiananmen massacre poses a challenge for authorities in balancing public health directives and the right to assembly.

The article reviews the book 'Black British Lives Matter', edited by Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder, which is a collection of essays and interviews addressing the state of race relations in the UK. It discusses the illusion of a post-racial society in Britain, which has been shattered by the resurgence of overt racism, particularly following Brexit and the rise of social media abuse. The book, inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests, particularly after George Floyd's murder, covers topics such as inequality in education, media, business opportunities, and health issues faced by black Britons. It includes contributions from various prominent figures and provides statistics on racial disparities. The article also touches on the reluctance of British society to confront its racist history and the recent push towards acknowledging it, despite opposition. The book is recommended for all, especially white readers, to understand and potentially start addressing racial injustices.

Hong Kong witnessed its largest protest since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with thousands protesting against China's proposed National Security Law. Police arrested at least 180 people for illegal assembly, marking a shift from recent tactics of citing social distancing violations to disperse protests. The demonstration occurred in Causeway Bay and was met with police resistance, including tear gas and pepper balls. Incidents of violence and property damage were reported, and a pro-government lawyer was assaulted. The National Security Law, expected to pass in China's National People's Congress, has raised fears among pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong of increased repression and the silencing of dissent.

C Pam Zhang's debut novel, 'How Much of These Hills Is Gold', is set during the California gold rush and focuses on the experiences of two young Chinese-American sisters, Lucy and Sam, who are left to fend for themselves in the American West after the death of their parents. The novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the Chinese immigrant experience in 19th-century America. Zhang's prose is compared to that of Cormac McCarthy and Toni Morrison, and while the novel is praised for its perspective and narrative, it is noted that some of the language around identity feels anachronistically modern. Despite this, the book is regarded as a fine debut.

On Monday, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was arrested under the new National Security Law on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers, an offence that could lead to life imprisonment. Lai, known for his pro-democracy stance and ownership of the Apple Daily newspaper, has been charged for the third time this year, with previous charges related to illegal assembly. The arrest was followed by a police raid on Apple Daily's newsroom and a restaurant owned by Lai's son. The Democratic Party criticized the arrests and the raid, suggesting they were meant to intimidate pro-democracy media. The incident has raised concerns about the state of press freedom in Hong Kong, with former student leader Joshua Wong declaring it dead following the raid.

Richard Chambers' book 'A State of Emergency' provides a detailed account of Ireland's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the government's missteps and the health service's challenges. The book describes the initial 'magical thinking' that underestimated the virus's impact, leading to disastrous consequences, especially after allowing indoor dining in December. Chambers praises the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) for its accurate predictions and criticizes the government's lack of contrition. The book also shares personal stories from the pandemic. In contrast, immunologist Luke O'Neill's 'Keep Calm and Trust the Science' offers a more sedate account, focusing on the rise in public health awareness and his media role in educating the public on mask-wearing and vaccines. The article suggests that while Ireland has made progress, especially with vaccinations, the threat of COVID-19 remains, and the government's reluctance to reimpose restrictions could be concerning.

Gavin Esler's book 'Britain Is Better Than This' takes a critical look at the state of British politics and society in the aftermath of Brexit and a decade of Conservative government austerity. Esler discusses the UK's winner-takes-all electoral system and the unwritten constitution, which he believes have contributed to a sense of powerlessness among citizens and a 'soft coup d'état' by a Conservative elite. He nostalgically references the 'good chaps' of British history, such as Alan Lascelles, but the book is seen as lacking new insights for political enthusiasts and too detailed for casual readers. The review suggests that while Esler's work is driven by passion, it may not be seen as essential reading, especially as the Brexit conversation has moved on.

Michael Lewis's book 'Going Infinite' details the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried and his crypto exchange FTX. The book is critiqued for being partial and premature, given the ongoing trial of FTX's key figures. Lewis is accused of being overly fascinated by Bankman-Fried's eccentricities and not providing a comprehensive account of the FTX story. The review suggests that Bankman-Fried's tale is not unique and criticizes Lewis for not delving into the broader criticisms of FTX and the crypto industry. The review concludes that readers would gain more insight from following the trial's reporting rather than relying on Lewis's account, which is seen as lacking in depth and completeness.

The article reviews 'The Sister: The Extraordinary Story of Kim Yo Jong, the Most Powerful Woman in North Korea' by Sung-Yoon Lee, which focuses on Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The book describes the North Korean regime as a quasi-feudal system serving the Kim family and critiques the Western media's portrayal of Kim Yo-jong during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Lee suggests that Kim Yo-jong could succeed her brother, maintaining the regime's tactics of nuclear brinkmanship and charm offenses. The review also criticizes the book for lacking nuance, particularly in its analysis of South Korean politics and the response to North Korea, and for its one-note approach that borders on polemic without providing sufficient context for readers unfamiliar with Korean history.

Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister and fluent Mandarin speaker, provides a detailed analysis of the potential for conflict between the US and China in his book 'The Avoidable War'. Rudd, now CEO of the Asia Society, discusses the deterioration of US-China relations, China's military spending, and the concept of a 'Thucydides trap' where the rise of a new power risks inevitable war. He explores China's ambitions under Xi Jinping and suggests 'managed strategic competition' as a strategy for the US. Rudd acknowledges Henry Kissinger and offers scenarios including Chinese attempts to take Taiwan by force. The book aims to educate a general American readership about China, though Rudd acknowledges the challenge given the general lack of interest in China among Americans. The war in Ukraine is also mentioned as a factor that could influence China's actions regarding Taiwan, though Rudd notes the differences between Russia and China are significant.

The article reviews 'The Jakarta Method' by Vincent Bevins, which explores the mass murder of communists and suspected sympathizers in Indonesia during 1965-66, and the role of the United States in supporting anti-communist regimes worldwide. The book details how the US provided material support and intelligence to suppress leftist movements, a strategy that was replicated in various countries, notably in Latin America. Bevins, through interviews with former communists, presents a benign view of communism, focusing on the optimism of mid-20th-century colonized peoples rather than the crimes of communist regimes. The article also touches on the contemporary political landscape, noting a decrease in US interventionism and the rise of leaders like Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil.

The book 'Dying for an iPhone' by Jenny Chan, Mark Selden, and Pun Ngai, published by Pluto Press, delves into the labor abuses in Chinese factories producing Apple's iPhones, with a particular focus on Foxconn, the largest private-sector employer in China. The authors describe the harsh working conditions, long hours, and exposure to dangerous chemicals that workers endure. They also recount the spate of suicides at Foxconn's plants in 2010, linking them to the intense production demands from Apple. Despite these issues, Apple's sales have remained strong, but the authors speculate on the potential changes in the post-coronavirus world, where supply chains have been disrupted and consumer demand may shift.

Shanghai has been experiencing a complete lockdown for six weeks, affecting its 26 million residents, in an effort to achieve zero Covid cases. Despite the strict measures, the goal has not been met, and the World Health Organization has criticized China's strategy as unsustainable. Nevertheless, Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified health measures in Shanghai, China's economic hub. The report includes an incident where health workers threatened to break into a resident's home for being a contact case. The situation in Shanghai is highlighted in a video report by FRANCE 24.

The article reviews a selection of films from 2021, highlighting their significance and the awards they have won or been nominated for, such as the Golden Lion, Academy Award, and Palme d’Or. The author discusses the impact of the pandemic on film viewing and production, noting a continued strong output of films. The review covers a diverse range of films from different countries and directors, including 'Malmkrog' by Cristi Puiu, 'Lovers Rock' by Steve McQueen, 'Minari' by Lee Isaac Chung, and 'Nomadland' by Chloé Zhao, among others. The author provides insights into the themes, performances, and directorial styles of the films, and also mentions a list of other noteworthy films from the year.

The article discusses the historical and contemporary attitudes towards linguistic diversity and language policy in empires and states, focusing on the Persian and Roman empires, post-Columbian European empires, and modern examples from the United Kingdom, United States, and China. It explores the imposition of English in Ireland and Wales, the decline and revival of the Welsh language, the decimation of Hawaiian following the overthrow of Queen Lili‘uokalani, and the uncertain future of Cantonese in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. The article also touches on language activism, such as the Welsh language movement and the resistance to the imposition of English in Hawai‘i. It highlights the cultural significance of languages in forming national identity and the political implications of language policy. The journalist, James Griffiths, provides a detailed account of these issues in his book 'Speak Not: Empire, Identity and the Politics of Language', which the article reviews.

The article discusses the severe financial crisis faced by Evergrande, China's second-largest real estate developer. Evergrande is in a precarious situation with $300 billion in debt, which is causing panic in global stock markets and poses a threat to Chinese economic growth. The company's vast business interests include over 1,300 construction projects in China, various financial products, electric cars, livestock, bottled water, and a football club. The crisis highlights the potential impact of Evergrande's collapse on the wider economy.

The article discusses the rise of patriotic consumption in China, where the label 'Made in China' has shifted from being associated with poor quality to becoming a driver of consumption. The trend shows that Western brands are losing market share to local Chinese alternatives. This shift is supported by Chinese authorities and is seen as a way for consumers to show their support for the country, its economy, and cultural traditions. The report is based on observations from a team on the ground in China.

The article discusses how theatre has adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on two productions presented at the 49th Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF). 'Blindness', adapted by Simon Stephens from José Saramago's novel and produced by London's Donmar Warehouse, is an immersive experience without actors, where the audience listens to a narrator through headphones in a socially distanced setting. 'Pathetic Fallacy', created by Anita Rochon of The Chop, is a multimedia work about climate change that uses local actors and green screen technology to minimize the carbon footprint of touring. Both productions are noted for their innovative approaches to theatre and relevance to contemporary issues such as the pandemic and climate change.

In Hong Kong, 16 individuals, including two Democratic Party Legislative Councillors, Lam Cheuk-ting and Ted Hui, were arrested in connection with protests from last year. They were charged with conspiracy to destroy property and obstruction of justice. The arrests also relate to an attack at Yuen Long metro station by individuals believed to be linked to triad groups, where Lam and others were victims. The pro-democracy camp accuses the police of collusion due to their slow response and friendly interaction with the attackers. The police, however, claim the media presented a one-sided story. The arrests have raised concerns about Hong Kong becoming a police state and could potentially disqualify Lam and Hui from future elections.

The article discusses the traditional nature of measures taken to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, such as social distancing and travel restrictions. Hong Kong, having avoided the worst of the virus, still advises against travel for the rest of the year. The effectiveness of lockdowns is questioned, with the example of Wuhan's success through central quarantine contrasted with Italy's ongoing struggle. The article also touches on the Western governments' approach to testing and quarantine, noting the reluctance to enforce quarantine measures. It highlights the challenges of international travel, with the likelihood of continued restrictions due to varying stages of containment across countries. The possibility of domestic tourism by the end of summer is mentioned as a potential relief for the travel industry, dependent on public confidence.

The article discusses the impact of geographical settings in films, particularly urban landscapes, and how they shape viewers' perceptions. It references Louis Garrel’s film 'Les Deux Amis' and its depiction of Paris, contrasting the real locations with their on-screen counterparts. The author lives in the same neighborhood featured in the film and notes discrepancies between the actual location and its cinematic portrayal. The article also touches on other films like 'Casque d’Or', 'The Red Balloon', and 'Blade Runner', highlighting how filmmakers manipulate geographical elements to fit the narrative. It mentions the use of Brussels as a stand-in for Paris in 'Spy' for tax reasons, and how rural settings in films like Westerns often look similar due to the use of recurring locations. The piece concludes with a mention of Lisandro Alonso’s 'Jauja', which uses the Patagonian landscape to evoke the American West, and the role of Viggo Mortensen in the film.

The article discusses the transformation of Paris's Marais district into a commercial area, the changing nature of tourism, and the impact of tourists on local culture and economy. It contrasts the desires of tourists seeking 'authentic' experiences with the realities of modern cities like Paris, where even off-the-beaten-path areas are well-documented by major publications. The article also touches on the negative effects of tourism, such as environmental damage and housing market pressures. It mentions Lisbon and Porto's responses to surges in tourism, including Livraría Lello's new entry fee policy. The piece concludes by questioning the distinction between 'tourist' and 'traveller' and suggests that all visitors ultimately have a limited understanding of the places they visit, shaped by their own perspectives.