​China is using fake social media accounts to spread disinformation about Hong Kong protesters

In modern disinformation warfare, social media is the main battlefield.

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  • Twitter and Facebook say they've deleted multiple accounts that appear to be connected to a state-backed disinformation campaign.
  • The accounts paint the Hong Kong protesters in an extremely negative light, with some calling them cockroaches.
  • In Hong Kong, hundreds of thousands of protesters have been marching for 11 weeks, in what started as a fierce objection to a bill that would extradite Hong Kong citizens to China.
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Is this the world map of the future?

North America and Europe peripheral on China's 'vertical world map'

Image: Prior Probability
  • Europe has dominated cartography for so long that its central place on the world map seems normal
  • However, as the economic centre of gravity shifts east and the climate warms up, tomorrow's map may be very different
  • Focusing on both China and Arctic shipping lanes, this vertical representation could be the world map of the future
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Spanish scientists are making 'very promising' human-monkey chimeras in China

The first human-monkey hybrid has allegedly been created in a Chinese lab.

Still from Tim Burton's 2001 film, "Planet of the Apes."
  • Leaked research by Spanish scientists claims that they've created the world's first human-monkey chimera embryo.
  • Lead researcher, Juan Carlos Izpisúa has previously worked on pig-human embryos.
  • Their intended goal of the study is to use the animals to create organs for human transplant.
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Elephants are now being hunted for their skin, being turned into 'ruby'-like jewelry

With the ivory trade on the decline, poachers have been capitalizing on a new, disturbing trend.

Beads made from elephant skin. Image courtest of Elephant Family
  • At the start of 2018, China banned all ivory products within its borders. As one of the largest markets for ivory, this represented a significant win for conservationists.
  • However, just as the ivory trade declined, a new demand for elephant skin emerged.
  • The skin is used in medicine and to make jewelry. What options are there for combating this dangerous new trend?
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New study uncovers China's massive hidden lending to poor countries

New report shows the extent of China's hidden power as the developing world's creditor.

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  • Over 50 developing countries' Chinese debt accounts for on average 15 percent of their individual GDP.
  • New report shows that the majority of the world's developing country's debt to China is considered "hidden."
  • China's loans for poor countries are primarily for crucial infrastructure.
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