China is set to relax its infamous one-child policy. The announcement came after the third plenum: a closed meeting of the most senior 400 members of the Chinese communist party.
Meanwhile, the party also will scrap its decades-old re-education-through-labour programme, which sees political opponents sent to labour camps without trial.
Why should Chinese domestic policy make for international headlines? Analysts expect China to replace the US as the world’s largest economy sometime between 2020 and 2030. Understanding the coming century means understanding China. Time to hit the books.
• For an introduction to the country’s notoriously opaque politics, turn first to The Party: The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers (Penguin, Dh59) by Richard McGregor. There are no elections in China: the ruling six-man Politburo Standing Committee simply changes every 10 years, with reference to no one. But a fierce commitment to one mission – keeping living standards rising – means that the party’s hold on power is as secure as ever, says McGregor.
• Next, read Vanessa Fong’s Only Hope: Coming of Age Under China’s One-Child Policy (Stanford University Press, Dh118). The one-child policy was introduced in 1979 to help curtail population pressure. The Chinese authorities say that it prevented 250 million births between 1980 and 2000; critics point to abuses of human rights such as forced abortions. Meanwhile, says Fong, a generation of only children carry the weight of their parents’ expectations.
• To plunge beneath the surface of daily life – and domestic politics – in China, though, go to one of its most astute and vocal critics. In 2006, the internationally recognised artist Ai Weiwei started blogging about everything from government policy, art and architecture to being investigated for fraud. The Chinese authorities shut his blog down in 2009, but the posts are collected in Ai Weiwei’s Blog (MIT Press, Dh106). Taken together, they form an invaluable social document at the start of this 21st, and thoroughly Chinese, century.
[ artslife@thenational.ae ]
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Haltia.ai
Started: 2023
Co-founders: Arto Bendiken and Talal Thabet
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: AI
Number of employees: 41
Funding: About $1.7 million
Investors: Self, family and friends
The Specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 118hp
Torque: 149Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Price: From Dh61,500
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: Single front-axle electric motor
Power: 218hp
Torque: 330Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 402km (claimed)
Price: From Dh215,000 (estimate)
On sale: September
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Revibe
Started: 2022
Founders: Hamza Iraqui and Abdessamad Ben Zakour
Based: UAE
Industry: Refurbished electronics
Funds raised so far: $10m
Investors: Flat6Labs, Resonance and various others
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)
Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)
Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)
Sunday
Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)
Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)
Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)
Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Monday
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)
