China Tiktok Tests Paid Short Videos
China Tiktok Tests Paid Short Videos
Douyin(Chinese version of Tiktok) has recently been testing a paid video feature where users must pay to unlock full content for some videos on the platform. In response, a Douyin customer service representative said: “The paid videos you encountered means the creator has enabled the paid feature. You can skip them if you don’t want to pay. Whether a video is paid depends on whether the creator has turned on this function. Douyin cannot intervene. The specific fee is decided by creators based on relevant rules.”
According to the introduction, this feature is beta-tested with select individual creators with over 100,000 followers, normal account status, no violations, and high originality. It is expected to gradually roll out to more users over time.
Unlike Douyin’s paid short dramas, which offer permanent access, paid videos only allow temporary viewing. Based on Douyin’s “Paid Content Purchase Notice,” users can rewatch paid content within the paid period until 7 days after the content or series is updated and completed. Douyin reserves the right to shorten or extend the period based on circumstances.
Users cannot refund or screenshot paid videos. To protect paying users, creators also cannot delete paid content. This feature is still being tested, and policies may change when officially launched.
U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Chinese Public Security Body
On the evening of November 16, the U.S. government announced that it would remove the Identification Center of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security from the “Entity List,” lifting the sanctions imposed on it, effective November 16, 2023.
In May 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce added the Chinese Ministry of Public Security Identification Center to the “Entity List.” According to a statement previously released by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, the center is a forensic science institution. It assumes responsibilities such as crime scene investigation, forensic identification, and scientific research for major cases in China, providing a scientific basis for determining criminal facts and court trials. Over the years, it has played an important role in combating crime and upholding social fairness and justice and has gained widespread recognition among international counterparts. At the same time, the center is also an important institution responsible for the detection and control of fentanyl-related substances.
Chinese netizens believe this is a positive sign for China-U.S. relations, expressing confidence in improving relations between the two countries. They argue that stability in China-U.S. relations would benefit the entire world.
White House: “Absolutely Welcome” The Return of Pandas to the U.S.
White House stated on the 16th that if China decides to allow some pandas to return to the U.S., “We absolutely welcome them back.”
In 2000, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. under a 10-year agreement, which has been renewed three times since 2010. In 2020, Xiao Qi Ji, a cub conceived through artificial insemination, was born. Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji embarked on their journey back to China on November 8.
Following the departure of the aforementioned three pandas, NBC reported that the Atlanta Zoo will be the only zoo in the United States that houses pandas. However, the panda lease agreement for that zoo is due to expire next year, raising the possibility of the U.S. being without pandas for the first time since 1972.
Earlier this year, a panda named Le Le at the Memphis Zoo died unexpectedly, and Ya Ya was photographed looking gaunt and emaciated. This sparked outrage and suspicions of panda mistreatment and neglect among Chinese and American netizens, who demanded the U.S. return the pandas to China if they could not properly care for them.
In response to related questions from U.S. media reporters in September, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that pandas are not only China’s “national treasures” but are also beloved and welcomed by people worldwide. They could be considered ambassadors and bridges of friendship. China has carried out panda conservation cooperation research with many countries, aiming to improve the protection level of endangered species and promote global biodiversity conservation. China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation in protecting endangered species with partners, including the United States.