As if we needed any reminders that being a journalist in China is tough, ESWN (possibly blocked now) has helpfully translated a Southern Weekend interview with Xie Chaoping, a Chinese author who was arrested after publishing a book accusing local authorities in Shaanxi province of embezzling funds meant for relocating residents around the Sanmenxia reservoir project. He was accused of "illegal trading," and was only finally released ten days ago. Of his experience in jail and being interrogated, Xie admits he's become more fragile, "I cry whenever I hear the words "steam bun." I cry whenever I think about my wife. I can never forget the look in my wife's eyes when she rushed out to see me being taken into the elevator. All the bitterness and sorrow of the world were there." more ›

Based on his many, many misdeeds, it's hard to feel sorry for Wen Qiang, the police chief of Chongqing. He was put on trial in April for everything from taking bribes to protecting organized crime to rape. But this compilation of reports of his final moments, assembled by ESWN, is nevertheless a fascinating and heart-stirring tribute to a bad, bad man. more ›

Remember that incredibly entertaining (if somewhat morbid) story about a woman who lost a best mistress contest and then drove her lover and his four other mistresses off a cliff? Well, apparently it might have been complete fiction! Damn it! more ›