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Examines the political and social conditions in Hong Kong as China attempts to exert more influence in the area. Number of protestors showing up for a rally against sweeping security measures proposed by Chinese officials in Hong Kong, suggesting the depth of opposition faced by the Chinese government; Impact of an article written by Tsang Yok-sing, the head of Hong Kong's largest pro-China political party, in which he attempts to balance the interests of both China and the democratic leanings of Hong Kong; Comments from Tsang suggesting that elections in Hong Kong; View of author that the Chinese government must balance their authoritarian policies with their growing place in the global economic markets.

The article reports that Olympic athletes are taking major risks when they get involved with social causes. Former Olympic, speedskater Joey Cheek, who founded a group called Team Darfur, had his Chinese visa revoked just days before the 2008 Beijing Games started. He had been planning to come to Beijing to raise awareness for the fighting in Darfur, Sudan. Some athletes, according to Canadian swimmer Nikki Dryden, were warned by their national Olympic Committees that if they took on political causes they could be prevented from going to Beijing.

The article reports on the clashes between protesters and security forces in Myanmar that pose a serious challenge to the interests of China to the country. Despite calls from China, the U.S. and other nations for restraint, Myanmar still sharply increased its crackdown on protest demonstrations. The U.S. had revealed its plan to urge Asean countries to cut their ties to the junta.

Reports on Chinese public demonstrations in Hong Kong against a proposed national security law outlawing vaguely-defined crimes against the state such as subversion. Significance of this capitulation of the Chinese government to popular will; Demands of Chinese for governmental accountability; Impact of free market reforms on the politicalization of Chinese; Details of this crisis.

Reports on the efforts of Zhang Xueling to prove that police in China killed her mother, Chen Zixiu, for supporting Falun Dafa, a spiritual movement that has been banned in the country. How Chen's death has become an international issue; The difficulty that Zhang has had in trying to prove that her mother was murdered; Zhang's support of civil disobedience for a just cause.

Reports on the decline in protest actions by the members of Falun Dafa, a spiritual group in China, in 1999. Reason for reconsidering the protests; Implications of the reduced number of protests; Impact of the campaign.

Reports on the reaction of the Chinese government to the silent protest conducted by the Falun Dafa. Disadvantages of the decision to arrest the members of Falun Dafa; Views of the government on the power of religious beliefs; Contradictions in the authoritarian system of the government.

Reports that Chinese protests have subsided against United States missions and business interest as Beijing acknowledged North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) apologies for bombing China's embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. Speculations of some analysts on the implication of the move on top leaders in China; Information on the apology made by the NATO; Significant signs of de-escalation in China.

Reports on the demonstration of the semi-religious association called Falun Gong in Beijing, China on April 25, 1999. Details on the Falun Gong movement; Status of the relation between civil society and the state in China.

Reports on the Chinese government's reaction to the Falun Dafa or mass movement. History of the Falun Dafa or Falun Gong; Problem with retired senior Communist Party Falun Dafa members.

Reports the social unrest in Guangdong province of China. Economic problems in the region; Efforts of the government to regain control of the region; Brief history of Guangdong.