Dateline: Sept 10

This week on Dateline on SBS Adrian Brown explores China’s Ghost Cities, Aaron Lewis reports on Syria and Thai Neave uncovers the sport of boxing in Cuba’s capital.

Syria, by Aaron Lewis – United States of America
Last month Syria crossed a “global red line” in its alleged chemical weapons attack, now Dateline asks ‘what next?’ As world leaders hotly debate the prospect of taking military action against Syria, Tuesday’s report is from the United States, where the crucial decision is set to be made.

As the world watches, Dateline will have the latest.

Ghost Cities Part 2, by Adrian Brown – China
This week Dateline will also feature a report from Adrian Brown on China’s Ghost Cities. When Dateline visited China’s vast empty cities

in 2011, it became one of our most popular stories ever, with over three million views online. Now Adrian Brown returns to China.

This year alone, 20 new mega cities are taking shape, including a replica of Paris complete with its own Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees. Even levelling a range of 700 mountains couldn’t stand in the way of another vast new conurbation.

With China’s population and prosperity growing at a rapid rate, Adrian Brown also asks an expert if it’s all good urban forward planning or an economic bubble that’s set to burst. Follow Adrian on his latest tour of China’s Ghost Cities on Tuesday at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.

Shadow Boxing by Thai Neave – Cuba
The final report on Dateline this Tuesday 10 September is from Thai Neave where he visits Havana to find out how the lure of money is affecting the national sport of boxing in Cuba.

For the first time in over half a century, the Cuban government is allowing its prized boxers to compete for money. The unprecedented moves are being seen as another example of Cuba easing its rigid socialist policy. Professional sports have been outlawed in the communist country since Fidel Castro took power, meaning elite athletes that could make millions of dollars elsewhere survive on a mere $20 a month.

In the last 40 years, the tiny Caribbean country has dominated amateur boxing, but is now forced to relax its stance on wages after a number of their high profile stars defected overseas to chase fame and fortune.

Tuesday at 9.30pm on SBS ONE.