List of markets currently under review for a potential reclassification as part of the 2017 Annual Market Classification Review: - China A-shares (from Standalone to Emerging Markets) - more info. - Argentina (from Frontier Markets to Emerging Markets) - more info.
It does seem counter-intuitive for a landlord to request that a long term rent-controlled tenant continue to sign a new lease, but counter-intuitive for landlords can be beneficial for tenants. You are protected from nasty rent increases, OMI notices or Ellis notices that become effective before the end of your lease.
A landlord is not obligated to renew the terms of the old lease and is free to change terms and rental amounts if desired. For this reason, some tenants prefer to sign a longer-term lease if the monthly rent is very reasonable and in an area where rents are likely to increase during the term of the lease.