The Chinese Communist Party has turned Lu Xun, a Mao-era hero who excoriated the establishment, into a bland, Disney-style character.

Local governments are handing out “snail awards” to underperforming employees. But, for many, doing as little as possible seems like the safest bet.

The flow of students between the countries has been a mainstay of their relationship, even when ties have soured. Now these exchanges, too, are under threat.