Chinese Government Announces Rural Subsidies

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-02/28/content_7522558.htm

Subsidies to spur rural spending
By Diao Ying (China Daily)Updated: 2009-02-28 08:14

In an effort to boost the economy in China, the goverenment has initiated a plan to pump 20 billion yuan into the rural economy. The goal is to increase rural spending on home appliances and to develop a retail network throughout rural areas. Officals expect to create 1 million new rural jobs this year and also hope the 20B yuan infusion will result in upwards of 150B yuan in rural spending. People living in rural areas in China earn 3.5 times less than their counterparts in the urban areas.

Denouncing US "Rights Abuse"

Racial discrimination seems to be a big deal in the US, however, in China there is not much of a problem with it. In fact the US tried to do somewhat of an investigation on the matter, and the Chinese government said to mind our own business, which is reasonable. Just because it is a problem here, doesn't mean we have to make it a problem there. When Hillary Clinton went to Beijing to discuss military issues, the issue of human rights was barely mentioned while she was there.

China's Response to U.S. Accusations

China responded to the negative human rights report put out this week by the United States by releasing its own report on U.S. rights abuses. It accused the U.S. of throwing the first stone while ignoring the abuses that take place within its own borders. The report mentioned things like violent crimes and racial divisions that still persist. I believe that China is correct in what their report says about the U.S. but I also believe that it is healthy for the U.S. to see this criticism and know that we are far from a utpoia in many areas. I think sometimes Americans get caught up in patriotism to the point of thinking we may not need to look for improvements to our society because we see ourselves as being so much better than every other country. It is a healthy check on our arrogance to have another country that we may normally look down on point out some things that certainly need work within our borders.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7914357.stm

Dissention over young competitors from China in olympics. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,403584,00.html

This article talks about the controversy that erupted over the ages of the Chinese women in the recent Olympics. 

US won't release Chinese Muslims at Guantanamo due to fear that the Chinese Authorities will later torture them!

A federal appeals court panel ruled that 17 native Chinese Muslims in military custody at Guantanamo Bay, will not be released into the United States. The 17 men are from an ethnic Muslim group from western China. They are accused of receiving weapons and military training in Afghanistan.

Many of the detainees have been cleared for release, but the US will not send them back to China due to concern that they would be tortured by Chinese authorities.

The CNN article can be found here.

US Human Rights Report Upsets Chinese Government

China accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs on Thursday after the State Department issued a report on Beijing's human rights record.

The annual report of human rights around the world accused China of "severe cultural and religious repression" of minorities in Tibet among other things.

The CNN article can be found here.

China Says U.S. Report on Rights Distorts Facts (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/world/asia/27china.html?ref=world)

After Secretary of State Clinton announced the annual State Department report on global human rights, Xinhua (the state news station) recounted that the accusations that China’s respect for rights not only “poor,” but also worsening in its persecution of ethnic minorities and dissidents, is unfair.

Australasians eye Asia trade pact (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7912358.stm)

The South East Asian Nations (Asean) are signing an agreement during a three-day meeting that begins on Friday with Austalia and New Zealand. The talks of making a free trade zone date back to 2004. The Asean includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Usually this conference is held to focus on human rights, but due to the economic turn of events in the world, this agreement is being discussed.

US Human Rights Report

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/world/asia/27china.html?ref=world

China is upset with the US Report on Human Rights. China believes that the US ignored key progress that they have made. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said that America's concern over China's human rights practices will not hinder cooperation on 'strategic issues.'

Will this take leverage away from the US to persuade the Chinese to change their Human Rights practices?

Three Chinese Set on Fire

Literally. Three men drove up to an intersection near Tienanmen Square in Beijing and set themselves alight. Two were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They were reported to have personal grievances, but apparently this happens pretty often. The guards in Tienanmen Square usually have fire extinguishers next to their feet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7909569.stm

Chinese American may be next U.S. Commerce Secretary

After two failed nominations for Commerce Secretary, the Obama Administration has named Chinese-American Gary Lock as the third hopeful nominee.

If approved by the Senate, Locke will be the first Chinese-American Commerce Secretary and will increase the current total number of federal cabinet positions held by Asian-Americans to three, which is the most under any U.S. president.

Locke, who is the nation’s first and only Chinese-American governor as the former Democratic governor of Washington state, has "a longstanding interest in expanding trade relations with China...[and is]...an expert on China issues as a partner in a prominent Seattle law firm." He "brings something new: an international focus, centrist pragmatism, strong skills in public policy and a largely scandal-free résumé."

In 2006, "Mr. Locke helped organize the visit to Seattle of President Hu Jintao of China, which was Mr. Hu’s only other American stop on his way to meet with President George W. Bush. Last summer, Mr. Locke carried the Olympic torch on one of its last legs in China before it reached Beijing."

Read the rest of the NY Times article.

Other facts about Asian Americans in U.S. Politics

The first Chinese-American secretary was Elaine Chao who was the Labor Secretary under 42nd U.S. President George W. Bush.

Currently, the other two Asian American cabinet members are Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.

Liberalization of Chinese Literary Censorship is in the near future

Many Chinese are abandoning traditional labor roles and joining an up and growing trend to publish literary works online. The writers generate revenue through advertising and small surcharges per article read. The writers hope that their works will be read by millions and ultimately that they will become books or movies. It is said that this new revolution is in some ways a lot like a reality TV show. The interesting point is that the online literary revolution will eventually help to liberalize China’s strict literary censorship.

The CNN article can be found here.

Liberalization of Chinese Literary Censorship is in the near future

Many Chinese are abandoning traditional labor roles and joining an up and growing trend to publish literary works online. The writers generate revenue through advertising and small surcharges per article read. The writers hope that their works will be read by millions and ultimately that they will become books or movies. It is said that this new revolution is in some ways a lot like a reality TV show. The interesting point is that the online literary revolution will eventually help to liberalize China’s strict literary censorship.

The CNN article can be found here.

US Economic Crisis ends the "Road to riches" for Chinese Poor

The times of earning a decent income in China via migrant work are over. The impending U.S. economic crisis is trickling down to common Chinese migrant work. There falling global demand for Chinese products that are traditionally imported to the U.S. Manufacturing plants in China are starting to fire employees and shut down. Most of the effected workers now must return home to try to make an income farming.

The CNN article can be found here.

Chinese Human Rights Activist Detained during Clinton visit

An imprisoned AIDS activist's wife in China told reporters that Chinese police confined her to her home during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Beijing. There was also interesting information about Clinton's planned visit to a "state-approved" church in China.

The CNN article can be found here.

China's Equivalent to the US's Salmonella Outbreak

Seventy people in one Chinese province have suffered food poisoning after eating pig organs contaminated by a banned food additive, clenbuterol. Health officials said initial investigations indicated that an additive that is banned in pig feed contaminated the pig organs.

The CNN article can be found here.

China bars foreigners from Tibet

China bars foreigners from Tibet
Foreign tourists planning to visit Tibet have been told by travel agencies that the region has been closed to outsiders until the end of March. The month marks the 50th anniversary of the escape into exile of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. In March last year, Tibet witnessed a wave of violent anti-China protests - the worst unrest there for 20 years.

The decision came from human rights groups calling for increased security in Tibet and neighboring regions. Chinese officials said that Tibet has increased social stability and growth, and the region is still open to visitation by foreigners.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7907303.stm

Tension in tibet

Chinese officials have found explosives under a bridge in Tibet. Almost a year after deadly riots erupted in the Tibetan capital Lhasa and triggered unrest in Tibetan areas of neighboring provinces, Chinese security forces remained on high alert. This heightened security is due to the fact of the anniversary of Tibet's spritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090224/wl_nm/us_china_tibet;_ylt=AoVo8CMvZzp0kbXQmzAMsnxvaA8F

N. Korea prepares to Launch Satellite

North Korea is planning on sending a satellite into orbit. This is its clearest reference yet to the US and N. Korea's neighbors fear will be similar to the launch of a long range missile. This is part of a growing international concern that Korea will launch a missile capable of reaching the United States.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090224/ap_on_re_as/as_nkorea_missile

Clinton sets framework for U.S.-Asia relations

Clinton sets framework for U.S.-Asia relations

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up a 20,000-mile, four-nation trip to Asia -- her first in the new post -- emphasizing that the United States is actively engaged with the region. Clinton traveled to Japan, China, South Korea and Indonesia to discuss a range of issues, including solving the global economic crisis, the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation and reversing the global warming trend.

During Clinton’s trip through Asia, she discussed human rights issues with China, but felt financial crises remained on a priority. Clinton also discussed the need for a cooperative relationship between the U.S. and China, and establish another strategic and economic dialogue. Additionally, Clinton discussed the need for clean energy thermal power plants, as well as North and South Korea’s lingering threat.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/22/clinton/index.html

China crackdown for Tibet anniversary: Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, warned Tuesday of a Chinese crackdown in Tibet ahead of next month's highly sensitive 50th anniversary of a failed uprising against Beijing.

The warning came as China reportedly closed Tibet to foreign tourists and tightened security in the Himalayan region.


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"South Korea Says North Deploys New Missile "

According to the New York Times, North Korea has a new ballistic missile. It is sad to be a possible threat to American bases on Guam. North Korea has also increased its number of special operation troops. South Korea is also saying that the North has 1.19 million troops and from 2500 to 5000 tons of chemical weapons. This sourds rather threatening, no matter what country you live in.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/world/asia/24korea.html?_r=1&ref=world

Eisaku Sato asked US to use Nukes against China in 1965. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,470805,00.html

Basically an article about Japan's longest serving prime minister asking the United States to use Nuclear arms against China. 

Clinton Interview in China

Hillary Clinton is interviewed by Chinese TV during her first trip as U.S. Secretary of State. In clips of the interview Clinton emphasized the role of China and their relationship to the U.S. as necessart for helping the global economy rebound from the recession.

70,000 Chinese Factories Close--20 million Chinese lose job as a result

This is one individuals experience in China.  He was on the 'road to riches' with China's booming economy and is now experiencing devastating losses from the recession.  70,000 Chinese factories have been closed recently leaving about 20 million Chinese without jobs.  

This article is interesting because it puts individuality on the situation.  It talks specifically about what this man and his family are going through because he lost his job.  I really puts the world recession in perspective for countries other than our own.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/20/china.economy.family/index.html

us-china military relations

The commander of American forces in the Pacific said Wednesday that he hoped a visit to the region by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would lead to more pleasant military exchanges between the US and China. A major reason for the stagnant relationship is because the US made a arms deal with Taiwan last October.

Chicago to China: A Giddy Musical Exchange

The Chicago Symphony played a few concerts in China for the first time. The concert was very well received, and what made it even richer, is that the second-chair of the first violin section, Li-Kou Chang, was the first musician from mainland China to play in a world-class orchestra.
These concerts in China are not as novel as when the New York Philharmonic played in North Korea last year, but still represent a beautiful exchange of culture between the two countries. It is a bit reminescent of the Ping-Pong Diplomacy of yester-year.
As Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young said, "(Smiling) is something everybody, everywhere does in the same language."


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/arts/music/16symp.html

China Agrees to Lend Art to Museum in Taiwan

The National Palace Museum in Taipai, Taiwan, is holding an art exhibition next autumn. They are being lent some important pieces of art from mainland China. More than a simple temporary gift, this represents a symbolic gesture on the part of mainland China to Taiwan. When the two million nationalists fled to Taiwan, they took with them about a quarter of the original art collection and have refused to let mainland China borrow any of them, in fear they won't be returned. This might possibly signify a shift towards positive relations between the two territories, something that the new president of Taiwan, Ma Ying-Jeou, has promised since his election.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/arts/design/17palace.html

China and Venezuela Strengthen Ties

In an effort to further sever its reliance on the U.S. as a buyer of its oil, Venezuela has strengthened ties to China and promised to increase the amount of oil it exports to the mainland. President Chavez of Venezuela has promised that his country will be a supplier of oil to China "for the next 500 years." This is a big positive in international relations for China as it continues to increase its need for oil as the country expands and modernizes. It also shows some of the competition for energy resources between the U. S. and China and how important the economic battle for oil will be for the coming decades. We can only hope that both countries can find ways to use the fossil fuels in the cleanest ways possible for the sake of the global environment as both countries continue to increase the amount it uses.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7898809.stm

Beijing Makes it Snow

After a four month drought in the province surrounding Beijing, engineers shot iodide sticks into the sky to "seed the clouds." In a city that rarely experiences flurries, the snow closed major roads. Officials hope that the weather will bring moisture to the soil and keep any drought-induced affects on the agricultural sector at bay.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7899086.stm

Rights group reports protests among Tibetans

"
BEIJING – Protests have broken out in a volatile Tibetan area of western China just weeks before the anniversary of last year's deadly rioting across the Himalayan region, Tibetan advocacy groups reported Wednesday.
At least 24 people were detained and several injured in the demonstrations Sunday and Monday around the town of Lithang that drew hundreds of participants and onlookers, the London-based Free Tibet Campaign said.
Paramilitary police were patrolling the area and arresting others they suspect of taking part in the protest, it said.
Another group, the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy, put the number detained at 21. Two protesters, 23-year-old Sonam Tenpa and 29-year-old Lobsang Tenzin were badly beaten and suffered severe injuries, while a third man, Gelek Kunga, was taken into custody, said the group, which is based in the Indian town of Dharmsala, seat of the Dalai Lama's self-proclaimed government-in-exile.
Both groups said Sunday's unrest began after Buddhist monk Lobsang Lhundup, 37, began shouting slogans outside Lithang's vegetable market calling on people not to observe next month's traditional Tibetan new year and praising the Dalai Lama, Tibet's Buddhist leader who fled into exile in 1959 following an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.
Security forces moved in, beating those present and detaining Lobsang Lhundup, the groups said. Monday's protest at the same location drew up to 400 people, prompting troops to attack them with batons and rifle butts, detaining more than a dozen, they said.
Businesses in the town remained closed Wednesday and traffic on the main route through the area was at a standstill, they said."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090218/ap_on_re_as/as_china_tibet;_ylt=AuOyHJ0UVW0332DWegJaEU0Bxg8F

AIDS becomes China's deadliest infectious disease

"BEIJING – AIDS was the top killer among infectious diseases in China for the first time last year, with 6,897 people dying in the nine months through September, a state news agency said.
Though the report by the Xinhua News Agency, citing the Ministry of Health, did not explain the jump, a possible factor is the Chinese government's improved reporting of HIV/AIDS statistics in recent years as it slowly acknowledged the presence of the disease.
The number of confirmed HIV infections also nearly doubled to 264,302 from 135,630 in 2005, the Xinhua report said.
Neither World Health Organization nor UNAIDS representatives in Geneva commented on the report.
China long denied that AIDS was a problem, accounting in part for the low number of reported deaths. But leaders have shifted in recent years, confronting the disease more openly and promising anonymous testing, free treatment for the poor and a ban on discrimination against people with the virus."

Further down in the article it mentions that leaders are sensitive about the issue of the disease and have censored many who speak out about it for patients rights, etc. This is disheartening to learn because you would think that despite the cause of the disease the leaders would want to protect and help those suffering from it and also aid in prevention of it, especially considering it's now so prevalent in the Chinese population.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090218/ap_on_re_as/as_china_aids;_ylt=AqgnjbdP5MXrYmIzi1wGYkIBxg8F

China hopes for continuity as Clinton visits

"Chinese officials are hoping for signs of continuity in the relationship, which was nonconfrontational and even collegial during George W. Bush's second term.
"We think relations will remain basically stable and don't expect or hope for any major changes," said Zhu Feng, director of the Center for International and Strategic Studies at Peking University.
Clinton is due to arrive in Beijing on Friday evening at the end of a weeklong trip to Asia that also has included Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.
Her early remarks on China have set a mild tone. The U.S. needs a "positive and cooperative" relationship with Beijing, she told lawmakers at her confirmation hearing last month.
In a speech at the Asia Society in New York on Sunday, she vowed not to shy away from discussing human rights but stressed that Washington has a "very broad agenda to deal with when it comes to dealing with China."

I thought this was relevant to our class discussions since we had previously mentioned the last time Hilary visited China that her speech was censored. Wonder if they will censor her again?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090218/ap_on_re_as/as_china_clinton_s_mission;_ylt=AhSlV0H6PHWSneSEP1ZP4VUBxg8F

US, North Korea trade barbs as Clinton visits Asia

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton talked tough on her first overseas trip as America's top diplomat, delivering a sharp warning to North Korea on Tuesday over its threat to conduct a missile test.

As she wound down a long day of official events in Tokyo before preparing for the next leg of her Asia tour in Indonesia, Clinton said North Korea's threatened missile test would harm its prospects for improved relations with the United States and other neighbors.


Read Full Story

Japan's Economy in Quarterly Dive; POLS 366

The tough economic times we are facing in America have hit all across the world, now making its way to Japan. In the last quarter of last year, Japan's economy contracted by 3.3%, the worst drop since the oil crisis of the 1970s. To worsen the problem, Japan is being hit worse because demand for its products has fallen tremendously, and in turn unemployment has risen. These are tough economic times for everyone across the world, and the effects of a globalized trading economy are being felt.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7891849.stm

China to lend treasures to Taiwan; POLS 495

China plans on lending 29 precious artifacts to Taiwan for an exhibition, and this will the first such exchange in nearly 60 years. This goes to show that relations between the two countries are getting better, but it will still take time. Taiwan has been a sensitive issue for China for decades now, but this might show a step towards reconciliation. However, Taiwan will not send artifacts to China for fear that the government will impound them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7892178.stm

Russia and China sign $25bn Deal

In exchange for loans to Russian firms, China will receive supplies of oil from Siberian fields up to 300,000 barrels of oil a day for 20 years. This comes as China looks to some African countries to supply their hefty oil demands. China is attempting to lessen it's dependence on any one region for it's oil supplies, especially it's dependence on the Middle East.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7890000/newsid_7895300/7895350.stm

China's Economy

Using all measures of GDP, China is said to become the world's largest economy... But is said to be the most efficient?

http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/china/

AIDS in China

For the first time ever in 2008, AIDS was the number one deadly disease. It killed nearly 7000 people in the first nine months of 2008. There were a total of 264,302 aids/HIV cases by the end of September 2008. The Country also reported a 20% rise in Syphillis last year as well.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090217/hl_nm/us_china_aids_1

Clinton warns of North Korean Missile Launch

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, during her tour of Asia has made her strongest comments yet about North Korean missile tests. She spoke with Japan's prime minister of this issue. This was in repsonse to the U.S obtaining evidence that North Korea is gearing up for a long range missile launch, even though the Koreans denied the claim.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/17/north.korea.clinton/index.html

Japan's new finance minister

Japan appointed a new finance minister after Minister Shoichi Nakagawa submitted his resignation Tuesday. Nakagawa's resignation had followed an announcement by Japan's main opposition party that it would introduce a motion to censure him. Japan's prime minister Taro Aso quickly appointed Kaoru Yosano,to replace Nakagawa.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/japan.finance.minister/index.html

China and US military talks

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is going to talk with China to resusme suspended contacts between the United States and China later this month. The military contacts betweeen the US and China were suspended because President Bush approved a 6.5 billion dollar arms package to Taiwan last October. The talks are scheduled to being around the end the month.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021600037.html

Jackie Chan's new movie not released in China

The director of Jackie Chan's newest movie, "Shinjuku Incident," has decided not to release the Chinese language movie to mainland China because he did not want to remove any of the violent scenes which will not pass censorship in China. And because the film's setting is in Japan, the director was also worried about how it would be received considering current tenuous relations between Japan and China. For this same reason, "Memoirs of a Memoirs of a Geisha" was not released in China for fear that Chinese actresses Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li portrayal of Japanese entertainers would offend audiences.

AP Reports on Chan's new Movie too violent and sensitive for China

China lends Treasures to Taiwan

For the first time in 60 years, China is lending to the National Palace Museum in Taipei 29 prized artifacts dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

This will be the first time since 1949 that Beijing has allowed for its treasures to be lent to Taiwan. Although this is the most recent sign of improving relations between the two, Taiwan has not sent any of its treasures to China because it is afraid that China will impound them.

BBC Reports that China Lends Treasures to Taiwan

Chinese blogger stabbed after public reading

BEIJING – A Chinese blogger whose satirical postings have gained a wide following was stabbed in the stomach at a Beijing book store after giving a reading, witnesses and friends said Monday.

Xu Lai, who writes under the pseudonym Qian Liexian, was attacked Saturday evening at the Wanda branch of the Beijing Danxiangjie Book Store, a staffer there confirmed Monday.

He was meeting readers "and it happened after that," said the clerk, who declined to give her name as is common among Chinese. She gave no other details.

Xu, who is also culture editor at the Beijing News paper, was apparently stabbed in the store's bathroom by two men who later fled, according to friends and fellow bloggers who posted the news online.


Read Full Story


Should I continue blogging? this is scary!

Morgan Stanley Fires Executive in China on Suspicions of Bribery

An article in the NY times, published 2/12/2009 gives account of the firing of Garth Peterson for allegedly violating the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. It is not known as of yet the specifics of the indictment. His role was to fine and buy property in China, while working closely with the Chinese government investing arm. I wonder if this is another factor in the mismanagement of the American banking giants failure to keep tabs on the people who handle the money, or is Mr. Peterson just a scapegoat.

China Seeks Broader Role in Africa

Despite it's reliance on oil from Angola and Sudan, China stressing that it's interest in Africa is not simply for it's resources. President Hu Jintao, in a visit to Africa said that many of the African regions that China is interested in are not rich in natural resources yet they are still involved in infrastructure projects. China is determined to portray themselves as responsible benefactors to Africa, rather than ruthless entrepeneurs.
China is Africa's third largest trading partner, however trade has dropped since the onset of the economic slowdown.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7880000/newsid_7885000/7885045.stm

Chinese Exports Plummet in January

Exports from China have reduced by 17.5 from last January. Although this marks a significant problem for the Chinese economy, they have not suffered as much as some neighboring countries who's exports are concentrated in the high-tech field. The diminished demand for Chinese products could lead to future joblessness and pose some problems to the stability of the society and economy.

Clinton Lays Out Broad Asian Agenda

Hillary Clinton spoke of the United States' future stance on Chinese/American relations. She attempts to quell a popular concern that China's increasing power is a threat by focusing on a possible symbiotic relationship. In the past, the relationship with China has been based upon economic matters. Clinton would however, like to see something done about the environmental issues in China, as well as in America, and also supports the Tibetans practicing their religion without persecution. This seems to be a good stance that focuses on positives, and also addresses concerns.

World Bank Gives Loan to China

The World Bank announced today that they will be giving China a $710 million loan for relief and rebuilding efforts in the two regions hit hardest by the devastating earthquake last year. The money will be used for health, education and infrastructure in the area and help get these places as close to normal as possible. China's government has already invested $10 billion in rebuilding so this money will be a nice bonus to maybe upgrade some services to make these communities even more productive in the future. With 5 million people homeless after the earthquakes hit, every bit of money will make a difference in this situation. It is nice to see the World Bank stepping in and using it's power to help even the biggest of countries that some may think wouldn't need it.

China to create blacklist of local journalists

BEIJING – China plans to create a blacklist of journalists who break its reporting rules, state media reported Friday, adding to an array of controls used to restrict its domestic media.

According to a report in the China Press and Publishing Journal, the agency that exercises control over the state-owned Chinese media plans to "establish a database of media professionals with a bad record."

It said reporters who violate the rules or laws will have their press cards taken away. "Their names will be entered into the list and they will be restricted from news reporting or editing work," Li Dongdong, deputy director of the General Administration of Press and Publication, was quoted as saying.


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Jobless in Japan

This article discusses the jobless in Japan. The current economic crisis has spread joblessness into Japan, with output plunging at historic rates. The unemployment rate leapt to 4.4 percent in December. I found this interesting that they consider that a "high" or alarming rate of unemployment. It seems at any time in our history, a 4% unemployment rate is something that is considered low in the United States, but yet in Japan, its not a good thing, its extremely high.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/world/asia/08japan.html?scp=5&sq=japan&st=cse

Japan Promotes Its Energy-Frugal Ways

Japan is now promoting its energy efficiency. In this article, they use an example of a cement factory that has been a model of energy efficiency in Japan. The plant is a good example of Japan’s dedication to reducing energy use, a commitment that dates back to the oil shocks of the 1970s. Prime Minister Fukuda is promoting this idea and says that it is a good way to contribute to the world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/world/asia/04japan.html

exports plunge in china

According to the New York Times, exports have plummeted 17.5 percent in China over the last year. This is due to the sharp downturn of demand. Economists argue that China as an Asian country is still doing fairly well. For Example, They had a very healthy surplus last month, just shy of the November 2008 record of over $40 billion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/business/worldbusiness/12exports.html?_r=1

bummer infant formula

After days of articles in Chinese newspapers saying that some children were sickened by infant formula produced by the French food and beverage giant Danone, the government said Thursday that it would investigate whether the company’s Dumex formula was tainted with melamine. However, major Danone executives have denied such claims from the Chinese government, and they have said that the formula passed all of the necessary health checks. This unsolved issue continues, especially due to the fact that several Chinese products have been discovered to possess melamine.

China Feels the Recession

Recent figures have shown that Chinese exports are down by 17% since last January. The global economic downturn is affecting the Chinese economy and there are expected job losses. This is the first time in the past ten years that there has been a drop this big.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7882816.stm

Peril for "Made in China"

While here in the U.S. we are very immersed in our own economic perils, China, too, suffers from the worldwide economic crisis. The news entry below from Al Jazeera English gives a broad and informative account on the troubles of China's import and export economy today.

There are reports that the country's exports have fallen 17.5% in the month of January alone. The Chinese economy did not fare well either in 2008, citing a 43.1% decrease in imports as well. What this means, as the U.S. and world economies suffer, so does China. With a loss of many exports to now frugal countries and the dwindling of imports due to less demand, the Chinese government is also at work to create a stimulus plan of their own totaling to nearly $600bln itself.

See the article here.

More Punishments Announced for Tibet Rioters (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/asia/12tibet.html?_r=1&ref=asia)

China has arrested more Tibetans in response to the riots that occurred there a few months ago. After discussing this in class today, I was wondering why the Tibetan region cannot be granted independence? Though I may not be as knowledgeable on this subject, if the Chinese fear Tibetan riots, what is the point of opposing them? Also, the Chinese government has not released why these new protesters have been arrested. This seems suspicious to me and I dislike a government that hides so much from its citizens and the world.

China rejects human rights criticism at UN

GENEVA – China rejected proposals Wednesday to end labor camp sentences, abolish the death penalty and guarantee freedom of religion, as it concluded its first examination before the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Beijing, which in the past fought successfully to avoid any criticism before the U.N.'s top human rights organ, struck down virtually every suggestion made by countries such as Britain, Mexico and Germany, in a new procedure designed to open every country to scrutiny.

Still, rights groups said they were happy that several important issues had been raised publicly at the U.N. for the first time and included in a 32-page report.


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China's Lenovo says profitable in 2010

The world's forth largest pc maker projects to become profitable in 2010 due to its powerful expansion efforts. This could prove to risky with the downturn in world markets and consumer across the board dropping off.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUKPEK21806120090210?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

China monthly auto sales overtake US for 1st time

With the recession in full force in America, causing the car industry to grind to a halt, China's consumer auto sales have surpassed that of America's for the first time. Credited to the expansion of the middle class in China, who have legitimate purchasing capital, demand for autos are quickly increasing. American automakers are trying to expand sales in the market, but the Chinese have the low prices locked up.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jnLvATfENcYIMMfdPa2_raXimdNQD96906M00

20,000 Nissan World-Wide Employees to be Cut

The Japanese yen is gaining in value which is provides struggles for overseas sales. Nissan, a Japanese company, is not exempt from this situation. In the fiscal third quarter ending December 3, Nissan lost $904.2 million. It is very interesting to see how America's reaction to the recession affects the global economy and companies such as Nissan.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123415779977362699.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

China leading the US in car sales.

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/09/1787089.aspx

An article on MSNBC has found that for the month of January China has actually sold more cars than the US. This does not mean that China is not facing any economic problems as this might just be coincidence that they have been doing so well this month.
Another possibility might be that over half of the buyers purchasing these cars are buying cars for the first time, which is not the same case in our market.
Of course car sales might not stay the same for China in the coming months but as of right now, they are doing well.

B. Padgett

More fireworks

There was another fire in China because of fireworks. According to the Feb. 10, 2009 New York Times, A fire was started at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Beijing. The building was completed in May and was 34 stories tall. Stray fireworks from a Lunar New Year celebration are said to be the cause.
I find it a little ironic that the Chinese invented fireworks, but there have been two damaging fires, that made world news, in the last few weeks.

Censorship cooled for SAR's coverage

In Beijing, February 6, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council released rules for journalists' covering the mainland. Reporters can interview anyone who consents, rather than having to seek government permission beforehand. Reporters from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR's) can cover without government permission as long as they hold press cards. However, reporters cannot carry out activities incompatible with their profession. The last time China implemented an 'ok' to greater media freedom was during the olympics. Is china becoming more accepting to media coverage?

http://english.china.com/zh_cn/news/china/11020307/20090207/15313283.html

Classification of Education

Should students be separated into Science and Liberal Arts classes in high school? This would allow students to excel in specific areas and allow college entrance exams to remain competitive by choosing preferred subjects. Science students would focus primarily on physics, biology and chemistry while Liberal Arts classes would focus primarily on politics, history and geography. In a poll of 260,000 people launched on www.qq.com, 54% voted to abolish their current system and enter this new classification system while 40% voted against.

http://english.china.com/zh_cn/news/china/11020307/20090208/15314163.html

China is praying for kite weather

Western China's Xi'an city is to build the world's largest wind power facility research and development center and spend over 882 million dollars (6 billion yuan) doing so. The facility is said to be completed in 2011. I can only hope China is setting the trend.

http://english.china.com/zh_cn/business/news/11021613/20090209/15314702.html

China submits rights record to UN

China has submitted its first report on its human rights record for review by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

China's ambassador defended the country's rights record to the council at the UN claiming, "We are fully aware of our difficulties and challenges in the field of human rights." Human Rights Groups have different opinions though, "20 years after the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government continues to persecute political dissenters, and to deny press freedom. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7878168.stm

China Trade Collapse Weakens Taiwan Dollar

China Trade Collapse Weakens Taiwan Dollar

The economic downfall of the mainland has led to less exports from Taiwan and, as a result, a weakened Taiwan dollar. In an effort to cut costs, China started purchasing from domestic suppliers early last year and suppliers from surrounding Asian countries are now feeling the backlash of this decision.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=a5LyvxW5hxyM&refer=asia

China Says Protects Human Rights, West Voices Doubt

China Says Protects Human Rights, West Voices Doubt

China is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights according to a top official of the Chinese Supreme Court. While many Asian and African countries consider China's stance on human rights as progressive, most westerners still doubt the country's pledge to do so.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE51840I20090209

Nissan to slash 20,000 Jobs

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29093864/

Nissan, one of the worlds top automotive makers, today announced that they would be cutting 20,000 jobs worldwide in another global recession cutback. The cut would remove about 8.5% of its workforce. While the majority of the cuts will affect Japan, some are expected to reach the US.

Meanwhile Japans two other top car makers Honda and Toyota are struggling as well. Both are expected to post losses for the first quarter of 2009, Toyota expecting its worst quarter ever.

This is another clear blow to the automotive industry and significantly hurts US companies because many US companies produce pieces that are put into Nissan automobiles.

Massice Blaze Engulfs New Beijing Tower

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123419045021563711.html

The National Television Network of China was nearing completion of a new tower that would have added to their complex. The tower started to burn just as the celebrations of the Chinese New Year were ending. While it is still too early to know what started the fire Chinese Authorities are already starting the investigation.

The CCTV Tower stood as a symbol of Chinese Re-Birth during the Beijing Games this past summer and this is without a doubt a moral blow to the surging Chinese.

Japan, U.S. plan new accord to revive realignment

Japan and the United States plan to underline their commitment to the 2006 road map on realigning U.S. forces in Japan in a new accord on a plan to relocate U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, government sources said Saturday.

Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton are expected to sign the accord when Clinton visits Japan on Feb. 16.

The gesture is an apparent bid to demonstrate the strengthening of the Japanese-U.S. alliance by promoting the realignment, they said.


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Japan's Economic Crisis's

Japan's key leaders for economic stability seems to bee falling by the wayside. Feb. has just begun and Panasonic has laid-off 9,000 employees in the United States. Not only does effect their economy,it has put an even bigger hole in the economy here in the U.S..

China Delays Trial of Rights Activist; POLS 366

A Chinese court postponed the trial of a rights activist charged with the illegal possession of state secrets after he helped parents of children killed in last year's Sichuan earthquake. Huang Qi, 45, has been openly critical of the Communist Party's restrictions on political rights, and he currently finds himself in jail for these beliefs. The problem now is that Beijing's anixiety about civil unrest is only intensified. With the current downturn in the economy and anniversaries of both the Tibetan uprising and Tiananmen Square incident, the Chinese government is worried about the possibilty of citizens becoming unruly and wanting to overthrow the system. This case highlights not only China's censorship of its people, but also the nation's poor record with human rights.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020201094.html

Japan's Economic Crisis

According to an article in the NY Times, Japan is undergoing a major crisis their economy has not seen such hard times since WWII. Japan's export-dependent economy is suffering great losses. Key leaders like Toyota, Panasonic and Nissan have not profitable because of the recession in the U.S. and Europe. High unemployment and deflation have added even more problems to japan's failing economy.

topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/japan/index.html

Chinese TV Airs Protester Throwing Shoe at Premier; POLS 495

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday night aired the full news footage of a protester throwing a shoe at Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during a speech in Great Britain. The incident itself was very alarming, but it was also highly unusual that the state-sponsored news station would air such an event. Considering that the shoe-throwing could be seen as a sign of disrespect, most people would expect the Chinese government to stop the media from showing it. This could go to show that the government is becoming more lax in its control of the media. However, this progress still seems to be slow because the government deleted a number of online posts in China reacting to the event. Therefore, it is hard to completely tell how citizens viewed what had happened. China is allowing more and more freedom to its people, but more work is still needed.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020300293.html

Head of Chinese insurer arrested on bribery charge

BEIJING – The general manager of China's state-owned trade insurance company has been arrested on charges he took bribes and caused heavy losses by abusing his position, a state news agency reported Friday.

Tang Ruoxin was fired from the China Export and Credit Insurance Corp. following an investigation into improper lending, the Xinhua News Agency said, citing an announcement by the country's insurance regulator.


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Shoes thrown at Premier during Cambridge visit

In February of this year, a German pathology student threw his shoes at Prime Minister Wen Jiabao who was delivering a speech to a tightly monitored audience of 500 at Cambridge University. The protestor, who has since gone into hiding after possibly facing criminal charges, also interrupted the speech by blowing a whistle and shouting "How can the University prostitute itself with this dictator here?" and "How can you listen to the lies he's telling?" After both shoes missed the Chinese leader, Jiabao continued his speech by condemning the protestor's act and ensuring good relations between the British and Chinese. Cambridge University later released a statement of apology for the mishap.

Although Chinese Central Television did report this incident, it did not mention what the protestor was dissenting about.

Watch CCTV's Report.

Hilary Clinton to Visit China and Japan http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/02/07/2003435489

Article about Clinton's trip to both China and Japan that will take place in mid-February.

China Approval Down in World Opinion Poll.

In a recent poll taken by GlobeScan, China's positive rating dropped by 6 points in a poll taken in 21 countries. 40% of those polled view China negatively while 39% view it positively. I was surprised by this considering China's hosting of the Olympic Games last year and the excellent job that was done in preparation and execution of the games. In spite of the scandal over the Chinese gymnastics team, I was very impressed with the games and the opening ceremonies last year and thought China did a great job showing off it's country to the world. It seems to me that the most likely reason that people would view China negatively would be a lack of knowledge and understanding of China and I would have expected the Olympics to change some of those views for people. I wonder what China could do to get this opinion to start heading in the positive direction if the hosting of the Olympics did not help its image?


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7873050.stm

China's Rare Drought Continues

China is has been going through a rare drought since November that is threatening their summer wheat harvest. Yesterday, February 5, 2009, China declared the highest level of emergency. There are currently millions of people who have a severe shortage of drinking water. It will be interesting to see how the Chinese Government continues to handle the duress of the people affected most by this drought. It will also be interesting to see how this affects China’s wheat exports in the near future.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/06/content_10776685.htm

Clinton Packs Full Asia Agenda for First Trip as Secretary of State

On February 15, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to South Korea, Japan and China in an effort to place a renewed interest on East Asian nations. While strategic dialogue is estimated to pertain to environmental issues, economic dialogue is expected to be emphasized.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/06/ST2009020600245.html

McDonald’s Scales Back Prices in China

McDonalds in China have lowered prices on some of its meals by 1/3 of the price in hope to help improve the economy. Other restaurants have taken similar approaches in efforts to continue a rise in their revenues. This strategic move by McDonalds followed suit of China's recent efforts to help jump start its economy.
This seems to be a strategy that is taking place all over and not just China. It seems McDonalds have also offered special meal deals in the US. It might be interesting to see what other steps are taken to try to improve the economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/business/worldbusiness/06mcdonalds.html?_r=1

Police block events ahead of Tiananmen anniversary

Organizers said they were barred from commemorating a milestone 1989 Chinese art exhibition on Thursday, an apparent sign of authorities' extreme sensitivity over the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests this year.


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Injured man dies after rejection by 14 hospitals

TOKYO – After getting struck by a motorcycle, an elderly Japanese man with head injuries waited in an ambulance as paramedics phoned 14 hospitals, each refusing to treat him.

He died 90 minutes later at the facility that finally relented — one of thousands of victims repeatedly turned away in recent years by understaffed and overcrowded hospitals in Japan.


Read Full Story

Japan Airlines Joins the Biofuels Race(http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/japan-airlines-joins-the-biofuels-race/?scp=3&sq=Japan&st=cse)

Japan tests its first biofeul that contains algae. With this creation, maybe the U.S. will follow suit and prepare a similar fuel source. This blogger is curious if the car industry can adopt the same fuel? Furthermore, the U.S. and other countries ought to hope on this train before it leaves hte station and the technology controlled by Japan. With concerns about China's pollution, I wonder what they will do about this new finding.

Rights groups: China rights lawyer released

Gao, a bold critic of China's civil rights lapses, disappeared on Jan. 19 and was "subsequently detained by Chinese security forces," according to a joint letter issued earlier Tuesday by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Human Rights in China that expressed fears for his safety and called for his release.
The groups were "particularly concerned" about his disappearance because it appeared arbitrary and did not follow any apparent action on Gao's part, said Nicholas Bequelin, Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch. "It seemed to be an escalation in treatment by security forces," he said.
China has long been criticized for its violations of freedom of speech and religion and brutal repression of critics, and the U.N. Human Rights Council is set to review its rights record starting next week.

I thought this was extremely interesting considering our discussions around the Chinese Government suppressing media and others who may criticize or speak out against them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090203/ap_on_re_as/as_china_human_rights;_ylt=Akw6TcWjCt4feqHo3cOEVGgBxg8F

Report: China offers aid to impoverished NKorea

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea's state media said Wednesday that China has offered Pyongyang aid, a deal that was likely reached at a recent meeting between reclusive leader Kim Jong Il and a senior Chinese official.
The Korean Central News Agency said in a brief dispatch that the aid will be "an encouragement" to North Koreans in their efforts to build "a great, prosperous, powerful nation." It did not say what kind or how much aid China had offered.

I thought this was interesting given the rising tensions in the relationship between the US and North Korea.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090204/ap_on_re_as/as_nkorea_china;_ylt=AlJA.whHURWfHjIvr6ipLxsBxg8F

Shoe Thrown at Chinese Premier

China has reacted with indignation over an incident in which a shoe was thrown at its premier, Wen Jiabao. The actual incident was minmal in comparison to the backlash. The premier's reaction as well as China's media was exaggerated and contrasts with the incident back in December when an Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at former Pres. Bush at a press conference in Baghdad.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7866636.stm

China and EU agree to hold summit

China, after having pulled out of the EU summit in December has agreed to reschedule sometime in the near future. China initially pulled out due to planned talks between France and the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama supports Tibetan independance from China (which China is opposed to). The summit is expected to address the global financial issues and climate change. Though a date has not been set, it was announced that the summit will be held in the Czech Republic.



Though the Dalai Lama claims to want autonomy but not necessarily independence, any pull away from Chinese rule will appear to weaken Chinese power.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7860000/newsid_7861100/7861129.stm

South Korea Gets High Speed Internet

Internet users in South Korea soon may be able to download a movie in just two seconds, if a new high-speed Internet project moves forward as planned. South Korea plans to build a super broadband infrastructure with upload and download speeds of 1 Gbps by 2013. The project will cost about 24.5 billion dollars, and will largely be funded by the private sector, according to the Agence France Presse.

Throwing Shoes

A protester has thrown a shoe at the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao as he was giving a speech on the global economy at Cambridge University.

The global recession has dominated his talks with Gordon Brown, who says he plans to double British exports to China.

James Robbins reports on Mr Wen's visit and James Reynolds in Beijing, looks at what China's foreign relations mean for Chinese citizens.

NKorea preparing long-range missile test

North Korea's apparent preparations for a ballistic missile test, reportedly detected by South Korean officials monitoring a train headed to a launch site, appear to be the country's latest attempt to get President Barack Obama's attention.


Read The Full Report

Comparison of Cultures: China and Japan

It's a peculiar thing to learn about China and Japan as I have over the last couple of semesters. To see two countries behave as though they are father and son, one learning from the other and attributing much their co-existence, they still find their own ways of retaining individuality. I've learned that Japan has always lived in the shadow of China but I never knew how the cultures of each country were so prevalent in everyday life. The Japanese can lend thanks to China for much of it's advancement in language, technological innovations (in the past), and general growth in societal life. The following link gives a brief, yet delicate, look in to how the two countries differ in the "ways" they conduct their businesses and tasks at hand.

"Japan is all about the way of doing things. Practice, ritual, perfectionism, as
much fanatical attention to the process as to the result. China is all about
finding a way to do things. Improvisation, little interest in rules, putting up
with whatever is necessary to attain the result."

Two crews perform the same task in each country and one can see for oneself how culture has shaped and left an impact on how the countries people work.

"The" way vs "a" way

Clinton to travel to China

Contrary to tradition, Asia will be the first foreign stop by Sec. of State Hillary Clinton. Sidestepping Europe and the Middle East, this move "illustrates a desire for a broader partnership with China" by Barack Obama's Administration.

CNN reports Clinton to travel to China

Fire in China

According to the New York Times(February 2, 2009), on the last day of the Chinese New Year festival in Shanghai, a fire killed many people. A group celebrating a birthday at restaurant and bar set off fireworks at their table. A blaze broke out and spread quickly. Fifteen people were killed and twenty two others were hurt.
This is a terrible accident, no matter where it happened. It's too bad that someone's fun went a rye, especially to end with such tragedy.

Work related deaths in China drop

China has seen a recent drop in the death rate in the work place. The numbers have dropped to less than 100,000. This is likely due to an increased emphasis on safety and accident prevention by the government. China has a work force of over 800 million people and the death rates have dropped to 11.4 per 100,000. One of the major reasons for the drop is the fact that China has seen major improvements on safety in coal mines, which are the deadliest in the world.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090202/ap_on_re_as/as_china_work_deaths_1

Obama Textbooks in Japan

I saw a very interesting piece on the news yesterday. Apparently, Amazon.com's number one selling book in Japan is a book of speeches by President Barack Obama. These speeches were made famous in his campaign and the are now being used in Japan's classrooms in middle and high school. The students are using his speeches as an example of how they can become better speakers. They are also used for an english textbook, teaching students proper grammar, etc. These books go for about 12 dollars a student. Also, a book with his inagural address is a big hit. Here is a link that briefly explains this story. I saw it on one of the 24-hour news networks but can't remmeber which one. This is a good enough link from Yahoo news that has the story....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090120/od_nm/us_usa_obama_textbook

Manipulating Money

The United States wants a weaker dollar so that absolute home prices don't go down any farther. Unfortunately, this weak currency, "deprives millions of the purchasing power of their savings." However, China desires to be in control of when and when not to allow the yuan to appreciate. Once China realizes that it is in their interest to have a stronger yuan, China will adjust. Meanwhile the United States and China are playing currency chicken.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/KA29Cb01.html

Chinese Cautious on Treasury Notes

This article briefly discusses a statement that Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao made about purchasing treasury notes in the future. It said that the future of China purchasing treasury notes would depend on it's need and value in foreign investment at the time.
This might be something to watch as there have already been other concerns arise in US/China relatations that have come to light with a new administration in place in the US. The decision that is made for the future of purchasing treasury notes could help/hurt the current situation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/business/worldbusiness/01china.html?_r=1&ref=asia