China's weather

China's weather is bringing concern to the logistics industry there because unusual storms have hit at a time where travelers return to their homes for the Lunar New Year.
This is to me a lot like an unusual storm hitting over Thanksgiving weekend or Memorial Day weekend. To cope, China is urging the Chinese to stay put until they work out the backlogs of travel, shipping, stranded vehicles and travelers, and other problems with logistics.
So far, businesses and government have come together to provide some incentive to stay put--by offering refunds for purchased tickets to free movie screenings and even throwing parties.
for more see http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/31/china.weather/index.html?eref=rss_topstories,

The Olympics in China

Scientists at the US Olympic Training Center are currently trying to devise ways for athletes to train/perform more productively in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The problem for the athletes is the thick pollution that hovers over the city. Air quality in Beijing can register as high as five times above the World Health Organization's standard for safety. The scientists and trainers are fearful that the pollution may cause or exacerbate the breathing problems some athletes face. Chinese officials have been stressing that the pollution will not be a problem when the Olympic Games start. The officials plan to make many changes in order to ensure that pollution will be minimized, from limiting vehicle use to temporarily closing factories. However, with the Games only a few months away, scientists are not sure that there will be enough time for generating those clearer skies in Beijing. In fact, scientists are stressing to athletes that they train elsewhere and arrive in Beijing at the very last moment for competing in their sport.

China Giving Lesson North Korea

In an editorial written on the Economist.com it says that Chinese business men are moving factories to North Korea now to avoid rising cost in China. Factory Managers are also teaching them the same practices that they use in China, which as the author states could have good or bad outcome. The good, that some day North Korea could benefit from the global system, or the bad that the stands of manufacturing, and corruption could be far worest than the Chinese. The editorial goes on to state that their are conflicting strategies in dealing with North Korea by the West. One, give them aid in return for denuclearizing, or stop all aid in hope that the central party will fall. The author closes with some good news in saying that the human rights conditions must be improving because low level businessmen are starting to accept bribes, without fear of reprisal form the government.

http://www.economist.com/daily/columns/asiaview/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10598636

Snow in China

Is China capable of handling major disasters and weather events? More importantly, can China handle the potential terror attacks that go along with the Olympics? I'm not sure. Anyone else have an opinion? If a snowstorm cripples the country, I shudder to think of what may happen.

I found this article on the web:

Strain shows as China buckles under harsh winter
10 hours ago
BEIJING (AFP) — Premier Wen Jiabao rushed Tuesday to oversee disaster relief as China buckled under its harshest winter for half a century, which has affected tens of millions of people and paralysed many areas.
The heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures across China have left more than 50 dead, ravaged power supplies and hit millions of people trying to go home for the main holiday of the year.
A total of 77.9 million people have been affected by the weather which has covered a swathe of China stretching from Xinjiang in the northwest to Fujian in the southeast, various state newspapers reported.
Wen travelled to Changsha, capital of central Hunan province which has been particularly badly hit, where he met senior officials, chatted with travellers at the train station and inspected repair work on power lines downed by the weight of ice.
"I am deeply apologetic that you are stranded in the railway station and not able to go home earlier," Wen told passengers over a loudspeaker, the official Xinhua news agency said.
"We are now doing our best to fix things up and you will all be home for the Spring Festival," in early February, he added to applause.
The China Meteorological Administration forecast the snow and sleet would ease after February 2, Xinhua reported.
The Premier also visited the family members of three electricians who died on Saturday when cleaning ice from a transmission tower.
"As I face you here today, I cannot find enough words to express my condolence. Please accept a bow from me," Wen said as he bowed to them, Xinhua said.
Wen's journey underlined the extent of the problem -- he flew out of Beijing on Monday but had to land at an airport in the neighbouring province of Hubei, finally reaching Changsha by train.
"The major task for Hunan is to remove ice," Wen earlier told state television from his plane.
"Only with the ice gone can electric power lines and railway networks be safeguarded. Major power plants and the south-north railway should also be the focus of our work."
Early Tuesday, a bus skidded off an icy express route in southwest Guizhou province, killing 25 and injuring 13, the government reported.
Four others were killed and eight injured after a bus flipped over on an icy road in northwestern Gansu, state media reported.
At least 24 other fatalities have been blamed on the weather conditions in what the government said were non-traffic related accidents in the world's most populous nation.
The Communist Party's Politburo, regarded as the centre of power in China, ordered local authorities to make disaster relief the nation's "most pressing task," Xinhua said.
The weather has disrupted travel plans for millions of Chinese striving to return home for the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.
The situation is particularly severe in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, a province in southern China whose export-oriented industries employ millions of migrant workers -- many of whom were hoping to get out before the festival.
Tens of thousands were gathered in or around Guangzhou train station, with anger bubbling over amid frustration that part of the crucial line to Beijing had been knocked out by the snow.
"Take him out and beat him," a woman shouted to an agitated mob, glaring at a rail official. "Otherwise they'll never understand how serious this is."
Hundreds of police officers and railway staff were deployed to control the crowds as angry passengers swamped enquiry desks and harangued rail officials, waving their train tickets and shouting abuse.
Similar scenes have been played out in China's largest city Shanghai, after authorities cancelled all long-distance train travel, leaving 30,000 stranded at stations.
The big freeze has sharply raised demand for coal but also badly affected road and rail supplies, exacerbating an existing reduction in coal output due to the closure of illegal mines and a traditional pre-holiday slowdown.
Coal is the source of some three-quarters of China's energy, but officials said Monday that supplies for power generation had fallen to just 21 million tonnes -- less than half the normal for the time of year.
Over the weekend, Wen ordered all levels of government to prioritise coal supplies to power plants and eliminate all but essential electricity use.
Authorities have since boosted the amount of coal transported by rail to a record high, and a government official said 17 provinces had adopted rationing measures, including deliberate power cuts known as brownouts.

Chinese Wife Shortage!

While searching for some information about the balance between men and women in China, I stumbled upon an interesting statistic. In the next decade, Chinese men will find that they have difficulty finding wives, due to a gender imbalance that affects most of the country. Although the nationwide disparity between male and female infants is less than a twenty percent difference, in some regions, particularly those that suffer from high rates of crimes against women, the ratio can be 138 men to every 100 women. The country is home to tens of millions more men than women, and the traditional agrarian societal ideals which placed higher value on males than females are to blame. This imbalance, however, and lack of women to marry Chinese men may change the value of womanhood in the culture due to the laws of supply and demand. For more information on the subject, read the article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-07/07/content_912314.htm

A Flawed History

In recent decades, China and Japan have both become important economic forces in the world market, however the two countries have significantly different government systems behind this trend. Young children today have grown up without being exposed to the weak economies and corresponding environments that their parents and grandparents were brought up with, and the children of both countries learn more and more accurate history about the other than they may have in the past. Although to many Americans the histories of both countries are closely related, to children of these countries, learning about the history of the other helps put perspective on the role their own nation has played in the past century of wars and economic changes and globalization. This article discusses the judgemets school children are making about their own country compared to the other in China and Japan. More information can be found in the BBC article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6545085.stm

China's Work Safety Record

I recently came across an article on bbc.com (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7213399.stm) discussing the attempted cover-up of the deaths of six construction workers. They were working on "The Nest," the new Olympic Stadium in Beijing. This looks poorly on China due to the fact they attempted to cover this up. I understand the hazardous conditions that come with working on constructions sites, but it makes me question China's commitment to take the necessary steps to provide safety for its workers, especially those on a national stage. I rarely hear about these sorts of tragedies happening in America, but many laws and regulations are in place to protect employees. I do not know if China is developing similar laws and regulations, but it seems very odd to me that they would not be practicing the highest safety standards when building the Olympic stadium.

Japan's Declining Population

The combination of a declining birth rate and an aging population has resulted in a declining population. Recent estimates suggest that if Japan does not do something to fix the problem, by the year 2100, the population will have reduced from the current 127 million to 40 million people. This is a huge problem if Japan is going to survive as a nation-- much less thrive as a leading one.
As a solution, the head of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau said that Japan needs 10 million new immigrants by the year 2050. However, law makers are leery about this plan, and it is not very popular. They would rather have foreign workers come for a limited amount of time, but those who are pro-immigration fear that this will discourage them from coming to Japan.
There are suggestions for encouraging foreign workers to stay in Japan such as speeding up the permanent residency application process and helping foreign university graduates find jobs.
For more details, here's the website: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080126f1.html.

The State that is Taiwan

No one has the answer to the China-Taiwan crisis. Here is an irresolvable conflict, that is gaining popularity, and starting to turn heads of the worlds super powers, mainly America. A democratic ally to America, Taiwan is stuck in the delicate balance of freedom and order. If Taiwan yields to China, their individuality and sense of pride in their "country" would be totally lost, and if they remain in the status-quo, China will continue to bear down on them until they finally surrender. So what is to be done? China is rapidly changing their view on democracy and communism as a whole. They are finding out and seeking the best alternatives to fix their own dire situation. A war with Taiwan would be prideful, arrogant, and stupid of China. The whole conflict is counter progressive in the advancement of both countries. A possible alternative would be that of a stalemate, kind of what has happened in Israel and Palestine. China could possibly allow its provinces to become actual states, Taiwan included. They could take a page from the American Constitution of the balance of power, where both sides of the Taiwan straight humble themselves and work toward a common goal, instead of two counter active views.

Solar Halos, something to see

Though this is not politically related, solar halos appeared in the sky of Beijing this morning, January 25, 2008. It is a sight to see. Solar halos form when light from the sun is refracted by ice crystals. Ice crystals are common in areas with high-level clouds.

China and the Environment

China Offers Plan to Clean Up Its Polluted Lakes

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/world/asia/23china.html?_r=1&scp=7&sq=china&st=nyt&oref=slogin

In Response to this New York Times Article

It is very exciting that China, the most populated place in the world, is doing something to help the environment. From the clean up of the lake pollution and acts to control air pollution, China is turning greener. This is also very important in the since that China is the largest manufacturing nation in the world, meaning they potentially cause the most pollution. The newer generations of leaders in China are leading the nation in the right direction for the environment, which will make a huge impact in the long run.

Also about the olyimpics

I read in the New York times the other day that U.S. athletes were told that they should wear masks in Beijing to filter some of the air pollution that may inhibit their athletic abilities. Will this offend the Chinese?

More Transparency in Beijing

Recently, the top commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Timothy Keating, pushed for more transparency in military affairs and military buildup in China. The commander focused mainly on the issue of Taiwan and its possible relationship to that military buildup. In response, China reiterated its own concern over the US's weapon sales to Taiwan. Currently, Beijing has agreed to higher-level military exchanges and to participate with the US forces in a multi lateral military exercise—promoting more talks between the US and China over sensitive issues like Taiwan so that conflict can be avoided at all costs.

Beijing and the Olympics

With China hosting the 2008 Olympics, much concern has arisen around the world. There are many people that oppose such an oppressive nation, a nation that lacks basic human right freedoms. However, senior Chinese officials, as well as the International Olympic Committee believe having the Olympics in China can do nothing but better that nation. Beijing leaders stated that having the Olympics could aid in human rights development in China, and thus far improvements have been made. According to senior leaders and the IOC, China has improved their labor system, which consisted of long unbearable work days, for less than minimum wage. They also stated that journalists and reporters will have total freedom when printing stories about the Olympics, something that has never happened before. However, oppositionists declared that the labor system has not improved, and no outside pressure can make China change their current system. Others dispute the claim of total freedom of journalists reporting on the Olympics stating that those who oppose the government will not be “around” to state their opinions to reporters; the secret police will make sure those in opposition of the Chinese government will not be interviewed. The IOC’s stance on this issue is they do not involve themselves in political and social situations; they focus on the Olympics which is a coming together of people for a sporting event. In closing, China never promised to improve human right freedoms in China. They suggested that having the Olympics in China would better their nation. The only pledge China made was to improve the air quality for the Olympic Games and decrease traffic jams during the 2008 Olympics. Those are two criteria Beijing is currently working on, so that the Olympics can be held on schedule.

China's Internet Explosion

A study released last week by the China Internet Network Information Center predicts Chinese Internet activity surpassing that of Americans by the end of the year. This is not surprising in a country with over a billion denizens. What is surprising is the increase in rural Internet activity, up 127% from last year. This begs the question: how much of a problem is the infamous "digital divide" in China? It's tempting to argue this increase in Internet activity will lead to Chinese democracy, but the mere use of the Internet does not mean democracy is imminent, especially with the strict controls China places on its Internet access. One of our readings from Dr. Hua's volume mentions that the popularity of the Internet in China lead to an explosion in nationalism (p. 54).

More information available here.

China attempts to improve air quality

China attempts to improve air quality for the Olympics, but will it last after the Olympics?
In preparation for the summer Olympics, Beijing has taken measures to deal with the gridlock and widespread pollution that has plagued the city. Pollution and poor air quality could lead to postponement of certain Olympic competitions like track and field events. Beijing has begun shutting down blast furnaces in the city's biggest steel company to improve air quality. In addition China is expected to enact traffic restrictions to ease congestion and help reduce vehicle exhaust that pollute the city. What economic ramifications will this have? Will Beijing "Go Green" to burnish its international image?

One China: New Trade btwn Mainland and Taiwan

All players in the China-Taiwan issue should welcome recent news from the Chinese Commerce Minister. Commerce Minister Chen Deming announced that China would be taking new efforts to strengthen trade between the mainland and Taiwan (as well as Hong Kong and Macao).

The reason for excitement is based on simple trend observed in geopolitics, the closer two countries or groups of peoples are economically; the more responsibly the two will handle their relations. As China and Taiwan become stronger trading partners, it seems plausible that they will be less likely to alter the status quo out of fear of disrupting important lines of trade.

The currency dilemma

When a currency is devalued, the exports of the countries look more attractive to other countries with stronger currencies. But this strategy can touch off inflation in the exporting countries.
China devalued its currency from time to time to continue to make exports attractive. This strategy was a sound one due to the large number of people who participate in an economy based upon barter (the informal economy). But it can backfire if several families and households send workers away to work, and to bring home money; because bringing home a medium of exchange that will be worth less tomorrow than today is the main characteristic of inflation on that medium of exchange. As more and more families are included in the formal economy, one will have to wonder how that problem will be addressed--whether it is fiscal, monetary or both types of policies that will be put into play to regulate a burgeoning marketplace.

The Delicate Balance Of Taiwan

Once again the issue of whether Taiwan will see independence is alive and well among East Asian countries. On January 15th, the Chinese vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Guo Boxiong, stated that China would not allow Taiwan's independence, or allow anyone to aid in separating the island from China's territory. These statements were made to the US-Pacific Command in an attempt to assert China's firm position on Taiwan. The result of this conference was an affirmation of the status-quo across the Straits. Even though both China and the United States have routinely pushed to maintain a delicate balance within the Straits, it is still unknown how long the status-quo will be able to maintain it's integrity and possibly break apart due to a move towards Taiwanese independence.

Chinese bloggers ask for justice

A construction manager who was on his way to work saw villagers being beaten up by 50 city inspectors and took pictures of the beatings with his cellphone. The city inspectors saw him take pictures and beat him to death. Since his death, the Chinese media and bloggers have been crying for justice.

The city inspectors help the police force by dealing with petty crimes. They have been accused of abusing their power.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/16/china.blogger/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

I read with interest about a Chinese engineer who is coping with cadmium poisoning. Cadmium is a heavy metal that is used in batteries. China is a number one producer of cadmium batteries, which are then shipped to markets around the world. Walmart, Mattel, and other major US companies use Cadmium batteries because they hold a charge longer than other types of batteries, and can deliver a good "punch" for motors.
But the manufacture of cadmium batteries can create a dust of cadmium, which is then inhaled by workers.
More can be read about that engineer's story by accessing the Wall Street Journal online, or picking up the Jan 15th issue from your local library.
It's an interesting read, because it also illustrates the balance that industry must take to make a profit but still safeguard the health and safety of the workers.

Greetings from Dane

This is my first message for the Center for Asian Democracy.
Hello, everyone! I look forward to getting the posts, well, posted.
Dane.

Kuomintang's win, or is it a step backward?

On Saturday Jan. 12, 2008, Taiwan declared the KMT (Kuomintang) winner of it's parliamentary election's. The KMT now holds 86 of the 113 seat legislator. Ironically the modern KMT favors closer ties with the mainland more than its opposition, when in the past the whole existence and presence of the KMT on the island of Taiwan was due to the fact that they had fled the mainland to seek their own independence. Try as Taiwan will, China is never going to be satisfied with the whole situation until the country of Taiwan decides to give up it's independence, and adopts the red rule of a non democratic government that China expects "its own island" (Taiwan) to implement.