UK academics critical of China have reported facing intense pressure from Beijing, which has led to concerns about academic freedom and the reliance of UK universities on Chinese tuition fees. Simultaneously, the Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has left over 100 dead and prompted a state of emergency declaration by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pressure on UK Academics
A group of UK academics has come forward to describe the “extremely heavy” pressure they have faced from Chinese authorities due to their research on human rights abuses. This situation escalated after Sheffield Hallam University halted a significant project investigating human rights violations at the demand of Beijing. Laura Murphy, a leading professor, was ordered to cease her research on forced labor in China, reflecting the chilling impact of external pressures on academic institutions.

Additionally, political scientist Andreas Fulda has reported receiving death threats and being the target of smear campaigns. He noted that such actions are intended to deter scholars from expressing critical views on China. The reliance of UK universities on tuition fees from Chinese students has raised alarms about the potential for self-censorship among academics who fear repercussions for their work.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates the Philippines
In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of emergency following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has resulted in at least 114 deaths and left nearly 130 people missing. The typhoon primarily affected central provinces, including Cebu, where flash floods caused significant casualties and destruction.

The disaster has displaced approximately 560,000 people, with many seeking refuge in emergency shelters. The declaration of a “state of national calamity” will facilitate quicker access to emergency funds and help prevent food hoarding and price gouging. As the nation deals with the aftermath, disaster-response officials have warned of another potential tropical cyclone developing in the Pacific, which could bring further challenges.

Cebu’s Recovery Efforts
Cebu province, one of the hardest-hit areas, is still recovering from a recent earthquake that killed at least 79 people. Local officials have pointed to decades of quarrying and inadequate flood control measures as contributing factors to the severity of the flooding. The governor of Cebu, Pamela Baricuatro, expressed frustration over the unexpected nature of the flooding, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Wrap-up
The dual crises of academic pressure in the UK and the humanitarian disaster in the Philippines highlight the vulnerabilities faced by institutions and communities in an increasingly interconnected world. As UK universities navigate the complexities of international student funding while upholding academic integrity, the Philippines grapples with the immediate and long-term effects of natural disasters exacerbated by systemic issues.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team