China news and commentaries roundup, 3rd June

Trump supporters on Twitter spread Covid-19 rumors about China. “Nearly 30 groups of Twitter users who identified themselves as supporters of President Donald Trump, the Republican Party or the conspiracy theory QAnon spread rumors that the coronavirus was a bioweapon created in China, according to new research.”

Politico, 2nd June

Coronavirus: Marriott reopens all hotels in China as travel rebounds. “The world’s third largest hotel chain has 350 outlets across China and says that occupancy rate is now at 40%.”

BBC, 2nd June

Backlash in China after front-line doctor dies. “Dr Hu Weifeng passed away on 2 June, after a four-month fight with Covid-19. He made headlines in March, when his skin turned black “due to liver dysfunction” during his treatment.”

BBC, 3rd June

China’s services sector shows strong first growth since start of coronavirus outbreak as controls eased. “China’s services sector bounced back strongly in May, posting the first growth since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year, as strict controls aimed at containing the pandemic were eased, a private survey showed on Wednesday.”

SCMP, 3rd June

China’s Digital Currency Could Challenge Bitcoin and Even the Dollar. “Some observers think the virtual yuan could bolster the government’s power over the country’s financial system and one day maybe even shift the global balance of economic influence.”

Bloomberg, 1st June

New blockbuster to portray true story of fighting COVID-19. “A top film executive recently revealed his company will produce a new blockbuster based on the true story of doctors who fought against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Yu Dong, chairman of Bona Film Group, said the new movie’s working title is “Chinese Doctors,” and will be based on true events.”

China.org.cn, 3rd June