A backlash over work stress in China
ChinaTopix, via Associated Press
A string of deaths among exhausted tech employees has reopened a debate about the work culture of China’s tech companies. Workers in the hypercompetitive sector often stay at the office until the wee hours of the morning and face health consequences from the stress. But the government and ordinary citizens have begun seeing fault in companies once held up as symbols of China’s superpower status.
“We have to cherish our own lives,” one tech employee said. “We should make sure to leave work earlier in the future.” Above, the Shanghai headquarters of Pinduoduo, an e-commerce platform.
Here’s what else is happening
Vietnam: The ruling Communist Party gave Nguyen Phu Trong, 76, a rare third term as party leader and president. Party officials were unable to reach consensus on a successor and the reappointment may have put off a transition to more pragmatic leadership.
Netherlands sperm donor: A Dutch musician has fathered hundreds of children in more than a dozen countries. Some of the families are worried about the complications posed by having so many unwittingly related children. The sperm donor industry is poorly regulated.
Thailand crackdown: Hundreds of thousands of people marched in student-led demonstrations last year to demand reforms to the government and monarchy. Now, some are facing decades behind bars.
The New York Times
