Blinken cancels China trip over suspected spy balloon – Chinese province ends ban on unmarried people having children – Czech Republic intensifies relations with Taiwan angering China

Welcome back to What's Happening in China. In this first edition of the New Year of the Rabbit, we'll delve into the impact of Secretary of State Blinken's postponed trip to Beijing after a Chinese spy balloon was spotted over the US, Czechia's President-elect's call with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Sichuan province's drop of restrictions on unmarried people having children, and so much more.

The upcoming Lantern Festival marks the end of the holiday season and the first full moon of the new year. Happy Lantern Festival and happy New Year!

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Lanterns illuminate the entrance to a traditional Beijing courtyard on a full moon night

XINJIANG

MPs vote unanimously to urge Canada to resettle 10,000 displaced Uyghur people – CBC

Members of Parliament have unanimously called on Ottawa to start a refugee program to resettle 10,000 Uyghurs fleeing persecution in China.

CORONAVIRUS

China’s Covid Tsunami Recedes, Bringing Relief, Grief and Anxiety – The New York Times

Officials say an onslaught of infections has slowed, and many people seem eager to move on. But fresh flare-ups could bring more illness and deaths.

Chinese City Turns Quarantine Camp Into Temporary Homes for ‘Skilled Talent’ – Bloomberg

Local governments in China are looking for new uses for the makeshift quarantine facilities built during the pandemic, after years of strict Covid Zero rules left many authorities strapped for cash.