Topic: Shenzhen

China has implemented massive new lockdowns in cities like Shenzhen and Dongguan, affecting over 51 million people, in response to the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant. These "Zero-COVID" measures have raised significant concerns about further disruptions to global supply chains. Some analysts suspect the timing of these lockdowns may be strategically linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or domestic economic goals.

The ongoing protests in Hong Kong have escalated to include a shutdown of the international airport, significantly impacting global travel and finance. President Trump has delayed some tariffs on Chinese goods to avoid impacting the Christmas shopping season, a move interpreted by some as a sign of weakness. Reports indicate a Chinese military buildup in nearby Shenzhen as the trade dispute continues.

The Wall Street Journal produced a video showcasing a $70 custom smartphone built in Shenzhen, China, which some analysts identified as a "native ad" for the Chinese supply chain. The segment highlighted how easily custom electronics can be manufactured in the Pearl River Delta. Additionally, the search engine Yippy was revealed to be powered by IBM Watson, leading to skepticism about its independence and speed.

The underlying cause of unrest in Hong Kong is attributed to a 30-year stagnation in wages coupled with skyrocketing property prices that favor asset owners over the working class. There are also unconfirmed reports that law enforcement officials from Shenzhen are being sent into Hong Kong wearing local police uniforms to suppress protesters. Protesters have adopted advanced tactics, including using laser pointers to thwart facial recognition technology.

An 11th suicide is reported at the Foxconn manufacturing complex in China, where products like the iPad are assembled. The CEO's response, which included a proposal to install safety nets to catch jumpers, is criticized as a PR disaster. The segment explores the massive scale of these "factory cities" and the intense pressure placed on the workforce.