Center for Asian Democracy

U.S. journalists face criminal trial in North Korea

2009-04-24T06:24:00.002-04:00

According to Reuters, two American journalists arrested at N. Koreas border with China will face criminal charges for thier crimes. However, no indication of what those crimes were has been given.

This comes shorly after N. Koreas failed satellite/missle test that has sparked international condemnation. It would then appear the N.Koreans are creating a bargaining situation they hope to use in their favor, which could be in the form of we'll give you your people, you let us fire rockets. In a country so decidedly anti-US, the chance for a fair trial for these two journalists is almost non-existant.

U.S. Military Might Challenged

2009-04-24T02:44:00.004-04:00

http://www.economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/displaystory.cfm?subjectid=348873&story_id=13447375
Economist.com have reported that Europe has everything riding on Airbus's, Europe's biggest defence acquisition programme branched from EADS, ability to timely complete 4 unnamed countries $20 plus billion investment - The A400M - which is already three years late, and has heavily exceeded initial presumed cost by $2.7billion. OCCAR, an organization started 12 years ago to mediate the nation to nation negotiations of high stakes weaponry (aka collaborative military), is hoping it will not have to mediate a $5 + billion refund to advancement payment makers. Quote "It would be a humiliating admission of defeat both for Europe’s defence industry and for the sponsoring governments, which would have to turn to America for a replacement aircraft." Reporters say the impressive aircraft was scheduled, under contract, for take -off in March. Louis Gallois, the chief executive of EADS (baller!!!!).
*French Senate suggested that the plane could end up being four years late.
*Germans sound increasingly cool about the project.
*British and French, are desperate for additional heavy-lift capacity to support their operations in Afghanistan, are busy looking for ways to bridge the gap.
Could the fourth country, investing in advanced military aircraft be Afghanistan? And should the United States be alarmed to such transactions? Well it alarms me.
On lookers say EADS should abandon the project before the cost exceed the benefits.
the features on this A400M are endless.
though technically difficult the design is ambitious.

ability to

fly very slowly, almost like an ascending aircraft
land on unprepared - closer battlefield landings
exceed thrust speeds @ over several hundred miles per hour
"and turboprop engines of a size and power never before produced in the West."

NOTE

*******Just in case [REFUND] was not hard enough TO ANTICIPATE, Airbus allowed its customers to bully it into rejecting a bid to supply engines from Pratt & Whitney, a vastly experienced American firm, GLOBALLY ACCREDITED.

China to boost medical care

2009-04-22T17:09:00.002-04:00

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/04/17/afx6303146.html

China plans to allocate 3.2 Billion Yuan to help improve health systems throughout Urban areas and improve insurance. It is part of government health care reforms, which aim to bring coverage to 200 million uninsured Chinese by spending 850 billion yuan ($124.4 billion) by 2011.

Asia Markets Go Up

2009-04-22T17:07:00.001-04:00

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h3kgMAkbLwyfxBdjzw8Pc4KZ7DhQD97HJOKG0

Asian markets mostly gained ground Monday as Japan's new $150 billion stimulus plan and upbeat news about Chinese bank lending boosted hopes for recovery in the region's major economies.

Also throw in the fact that Nissan rebounded and Oil fell once again, the Asian Markets are looking to recover.

GM expects China Profits to grow

2009-04-22T17:05:00.003-04:00

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/04/20/afx6309050.html

GM is expecting a growth of sales in China that could help the wounded automaker rebound after one of the worst quarters in GM's history.

Sales in China are expected to post a 5-10% growth which means more money to help out the US side of operations.

China to move toward YouTube like internet videos

2009-04-22T17:02:00.000-04:00

http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/21/china-youtube-tudou-markets-internet-censorship.html

A patriotic Chinese TV drama about a group of soldiers from disparate backgrounds uniting to fight Japanese forces near the China-Burmese border in 1942. That normally wouldn't be controversial in China.

Instead, the popular TV series, "My Commander, My Unit," which first started airing in March, became embroiled in a heated battle among China's Internet video sites and TV broadcasters that even drew government censors into the fray.

At the heart of the issue is who gets dibs on screening popular domestic and foreign films and TV shows first. That has traditionally been a competition among government broadcasting stations. But now that the cultural regulator, State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), has dictated that popular Chinese online video sites need airing licenses too, things have not been pretty. In fact, Chinese government efforts to regulate Internet screenings of domestic and foreign programs are colliding head-on with Chinese online video sites' aggressive efforts to expand in that area in a legitimate way.

Soy Prices Skyrocket

2009-04-22T16:42:00.002-04:00

http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE53G47D20090417

The Soy Prices in China have shot up, defying the recession. This is largely due to a low supply of soy from regions like South America and the United States. The reason why the price has shot up so much is that China uses a large amount of soy products as raw materials for manufactured products.

China to help farmers

2009-04-22T16:38:00.002-04:00

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=927531&lang=eng_news

China plans to invest over $9.5 Billion into farms around China. This is largely due to the worldwide economic downturn that has significantly hurt Chinese farmers who are having to deal with returning family members after factories in the larger cities have had to close due to low demand for goods.

China hopes that with the injection of money into the rebuilding of infrastructure and by educating farmers it will slow the widening income gap between the rich in the cities and the poor in the countryside

Chinese Automakers Struggle Abroad

2009-04-22T16:34:00.002-04:00

http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-as-china-car-challenge,1,2603400.story

Chinese Automakers are having a tough time selling cars abroad largely due to the lack of experience when it comes to Western consumers. Historically China has just copied other larger car makers cars and has been successful selling them in poorer or developing nations. China must move to develop newer cars based on their own research and design here in the near future otherwise the Chinese car companies might be upstaged by larger makers such as VW, BMW, Ford or GM.

China to expand national Air Service

2009-04-22T16:29:00.003-04:00

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSHKG15121720090422

China is moving to expand if air service industry. Air China, the primary airline of China, will be getting over 30 Billion Yuan of capital investment over the next three years, while also planning to expand into eastern China as a way to increase profits after the company significantly cut operating costs.

China's Big Blind Date

2009-04-22T16:25:00.003-04:00

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/04/20/1900320.aspx

China held what was essentially the worlds largest blind date event when thousands of people descended on Beijing to find a wife or husband. The sign at the event outlined the details:

"If you are a parent of a son looking for a girlfriend, please wear a blue ribbon. If you are a parent of a daughter looking for a boyfriend, please wear a red ribbon. If you are a single, please wear a tag [saying] ‘I’m looking for you!’"

This is largely due to the fact that so many of the younger children in China are males and organized marriages are common

China to Celebrate Navy

2009-04-22T16:18:00.002-04:00

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/04/22/1903145.aspx

China is preparing to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. This is odd because usually the military is super secretive about the stregnth it maintains and is moving towards showcasing its newest military weaponry.

This has moved US officials to come and visit the Qingdao as a part of the celebration and there were even some politics involved as sailors from India, Pakistan and Russia jested with one another.

Tensions Rising in Korea

2009-04-22T12:58:00.002-04:00

North Korea criticized South Korea over the moving of a post marker on their common border. Relartions between the two Koreas have been deteriorating dramatically in recent months for a variety of reasons. North Korea has become increasingly defiant and has left the six party talks over its nuclear disarmament. This situation seems to be getting out of hand and war is beginning to appear more and more likely. The North has stated that they would treat the South's joining of an international initiative to ban the sea transit of WMDs as an act of war. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and another war between the two Koreas can be avoided.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8011595.stm

China thru film

2009-04-22T12:23:00.001-04:00

There is a common theme in films that are made in China with regards to arranged marriages. The theme is that the arrangement usually creates a unity of unhappiness and sorrow. As seen in such films as Raise the Red Lantern, Judou, and Women from the Lake of Scented Soul, the women who are forced into marriage find specific ways to cope with their unhappiness. In Judou and Women from the Lake of Scented Soul, the women involved decided to commit adultery with other men. In Raise the Red Lantern the Fourth Mistress is forced to lie about being pregnant to gain better treatment from the servants and maids. It is likely that though arranged marriages may be common, they are not held in high esteem within China.

Media coverage

2009-04-22T12:20:00.002-04:00

One thing about the American image of China that must be considered is the inconsistency in the American media with regards to China over the years. Before and during WWII, the image in the media was rather positive, or at the very least, neutral. However, once the Communist Revolution succeeded in China, the image in the media completely changed for the negative. In less than twenty years the portrayal of China went from positive and supportive to negative and opposing.

China Starts English Newspaper; POLS 495

2009-04-22T11:11:00.001-04:00

In an effort to gain a more global audience, China has decided to start its own english newspaper. It will be interesting to see how this affects censorship in China.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Apr20/0,4670,ASChinaNewNewspaper,00.html

S. Korea Meets with N. Korea; POLS 366

2009-04-22T11:10:00.001-04:00

As concern grows over North Korea's nuclear reactors, South Korean officials decided to travel north to finally have a meeting. Upon meeting, North Korea began to put pressure on South Korea not to join the US in efforts to limit the production of Weapons of Mass Destruction. So far, these talks have not done much to halt North Korea in their aims to create nuclear weapons.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30316233/

Japan reports rare trade deficit

2009-04-22T02:30:00.000-04:00

Japan has reported its first annual trade deficit in 28 years, with exports plunging by 16% in the year to March - a drop of more than $7bn (£4.8bn).
Total exports in February and March were half of what they had been a year earlier, the finance ministry said.
Demand in the United States and Europe for Japanese cars and electronics has remained low amid global economic woes.

China May Let Peasants Sell Rights to Farmland

2009-04-21T22:37:00.002-04:00

China is considering letting peasants buy or sell land-use rights. This would be the first time this has happened. This could have the effect of stimulating the economy, from the bottom up, by providing poor farmers with more cash. Also, by giving the farmers a bigger incentive to be efficient (property rights) the income gap might be reduced. This is a major step away from communist ideals that could lead to a better standard of living for many people. I guess this is one of the silver linings in the dark cloud of a global recession.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/11/world/asia/11china.html

After 30 Years, Economic Perils on China’s Path

2009-04-21T22:29:00.002-04:00

It has been thirty years since a huge reform in the Chinese economy that transformed it into a global economic power. Now, China is facing some economic problems. Their exports have decreased for the first time in seven years and many factories are facing possible strikes or closures. While reading this article, it dawned upon me that that China's censorship policy has a major benefit. In the United States, the doom-and-gloom portrayed in the media has added to the effects of the repression, and led to some self-fulfilled prophecy. In China, where some of the economic problems might not be broadcasted, this phenomenon is not present.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/asia/19china.html?pagewanted=1

Obama and meeting with the Dalai Lama

2009-04-21T21:33:00.002-04:00

There is a potential meeting set for October where the Dalai Lama will seek an audience with President Barack Obama. This potential meeting might make relations with China rocky as the two nations work together to meet the challenges of this economic crisis. It is an issue that both nations will be paying attention to in the coming months.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPX1hfvgN0UVga9X1o5aTj-ALb2wD97MN1RG0

China's growing military power

2009-04-21T21:30:00.001-04:00

China has developed nuclear submarines for the first time. This demonstrates the growing influence that China is having. It is the rising star economically in the world and along with that it is developing military technology to compete with countries like the US and Russia.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/04/21/Nuke-subs-highlight-China-naval-festival/UPI-36111240336893/

Party Elders Press for Checks on China’s Stimulus Plan

2009-04-21T21:14:00.002-04:00

China is planning to stimulate the economy by injecting with $584 billion. There has been a lot of people pressing for more transparancy in the plan. People are afraid that there will be a lot of waste and corruption in enacting the plan and that this will detract from the goal of economic stimulus. This is a legitimate concern due to the amount of corruption in the Chinese administration. A more transparent plan will slow down the process, but would be a small price to pay for efficiency, especially when there is such a large amount of money at stake.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/world/asia/04china.html

Name Not on Our List? Change It, China Says

2009-04-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

Chinese officials are concerned that the desire for parents to name their children using unique characters is threatening the order of their society. This is something that the United States might take for granted, but China is not the only one that has restrictions upon names (I think it is Sweeden that does something similar.) There are some benefits to this restriction on names, besides conserving tradition. There are many names that I have come across that probably caused much ridicule when they were younger. (eg-Ireka Drains)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/world/asia/21china.html?pagewanted=1

Running Rings Around the E.U.

2009-04-21T20:57:00.002-04:00

This article speaks about the diplomatic agility that China showed at the G20 summit. They view these meetings as a game of chess. This should be no surprise, and this is not meant to fault China. Diplomacy is like a game of chess. Game-theory does and should come into play when negotiation.
At issue was whether or not to replace the US dollar as the global reserve currency. This suggestion does seem quite disturbing, however. Due to the theories that China manipulates its value of its currency, this could be viewed as way of gaining an advantage over the US economically.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/opinion/22iht-edfox.html

180 Hidden Miles of Great Wall Found

2009-04-21T20:52:00.002-04:00

This is quite amazing. Just recently, there were 180 miles of the Great Wall of China discovered, that were previously covered by hills and trenches. They have remained hidden since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). I wonder if this will change any historical theories about the layout of feudal societies at the time. Perhaps by realizing that the Chinese needed protection at the newly discvered area, it will shed some light upon the relationships between China and other surrounding people.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/world/asia/21wall.html

Jackie Chan Says Chinese Need Control

2009-04-21T20:49:00.003-04:00

Jackie Chan is getting some harsh criticism from Hong Kong and Taiwan for stating “I’m not sure if it’s good to have freedom or not,” The Associated Press reported. He also said: “I’m gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we’re not being controlled, we’ll just do what we want.” Mr. Chan must have jumped off one too many buildings. The answer to any problems is not to strong-arm China and force control the country. Ideologically, this undermines the idea of sovereignty, and politically isn't feasable. Who is going to control China. I don't think the US would volunteer. And most other nations don't have the ability to do so. Mr. Chan should stick to his bad acting and leave political statements to others.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/arts/20arts-JACKIECHANSA_BRF.html

China to Unveil Nuclear Submarines

2009-04-21T20:42:00.002-04:00

On thursday, China is going to unveil some nuclear submarines to celebrate the Chinese Navy's sixtieth birthday. Chinese officials say this is to shed some light on the Chinese military in an attempt to assuage worries from abroad. Really? They are going to flex their nuclear muscles to the public to lessen fear? I don't get it. The article states this might be meant as a signal to other countries that China has had some territory disputes with in the recent past. This seems more likely. I think the response is to make Taiwan tremble.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/world/asia/22china.html

A Workers’ Paradise Found Off Japan’s Coast

2009-04-21T20:32:00.003-04:00

Hime Island, one of the many bodies of land off the coast of Japan, has many marxist tendencies that seem to work well. For the past fourty nine years, it has only had two mayors and they are father and son. They are elected, but there are never any opposition. The idea is that opposition causes fractions among the people. A large part of the population works as low paid public servants, and the other people are fishermen or farmers. The article describes the island almost like a utopian society that has succeeded. It seems that in todays day and age, socialism has lost a lot of the negative stigma it once had. In the fifties, the author of this articlce would be called a "pinko" and might be fired. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/world/asia/22japan.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=world

S. Korea: North Refuses to Free Worker After Talks Fall Apart

2009-04-21T17:09:00.000-04:00

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea refused Tuesday to release a seized South Korean worker during talks that were supposed to offer the first contact between the sides in more than a year but ended quickly and only after 11 hours of wrangling over how to conduct them.
The office of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said late Tuesday in a statement that Pyongyang rejected Seoul's demand during the talks at a troubled joint industrial complex in North Korea where the worker has been held for allegedly denouncing the North's political system.
"We made it clear that our government will react strongly unless the North side immediately releases the detainee," the statement said. "All responsibility for the following situation lies with the North."
The statement also said that North Korea will reconsider the preferential treatment it gives to South Korea at the complex, where its companies have invested and make use of cheap North Korean labor.
North Korean state media were silent on the meeting's outcome.
It was a poor result to what had been billed as a major step — the first government-to-government dialogue since the South's conservative President Lee Myung-bak took office last year.

Somali pirates free a tanker

2009-04-21T16:11:00.002-04:00

Pirates are not a thing of the past as these pirates in Somalia took a 23 bodied crew hostage for over five months. The ship that was taken over was carrying phosphoric acid from Senegal to India. the pirates demanded 5 million in ransom charges but over time that amount went down to about 2 million. all members of the Filipino tanker are happy to have been released.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30318940/

South Korea meets with North Korea

2009-04-21T15:30:00.002-04:00

Chinese products withdrawn in Europe

2009-04-21T13:21:00.002-04:00

Notifications of dangerous non-food products being shipped through China are nervously high. As a result China decided to take surveillance of the products being shipped and pay close attention to shipping detail on a quarterly basis through a system called RAPEX. RAPEX proves that information collected about Europe has a direct impact of China and protecting consumers has become of utmost importance as authorities take responsibilities.

http://www.china.org.cn/business/news/2009-04/21/content_17645675.htm

Recession Testing China's Business Laws

2009-04-21T13:12:00.002-04:00

"China's business laws are coping with business failures as the recession progresses. In the case of very large companies, China's bankruptcy laws are having some impact and preventing complete chaos from taking hold. With smaller businesses the story's a little different. Doors close and owners just seem to disappear into the night. The mob takes over for a while. The the police come run the mob off. At least that's what BusinessWeek is saying..."

http://www.chinaventurenews.com/50226711/recession_testing_chinas_business_laws.php

Violence erupts because of bankruptcy! As businesses shut down angry suppliers and workers rage and demand information about legal protections.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_15/b4126046291682.htm?campaign_id=rss_topStories

Wal-Mart in China

2009-04-21T13:05:00.002-04:00

Instead of shuffling mid-level executives, Wal-Mart decided to offer three options. These included transfers to outlets in other cities, demotions or leaving the company. Since options 1 and 2 are very unlikely it's almost like they want their employees to quit. Local trade unions halted the idea and may put 2,100 people out of the job.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-04/21/content_7699105.htm

Freaky Deaky Nuke's

2009-04-21T12:50:00.003-04:00

"China will start constructing five nuclear power plants (NPPs) this year, part of an effort to dramatically expand its nuclear power capacity by 2020, officials said yesterday." The move could help China reduce its dependence on fossil fuel and minimize harmful effects on the environment. Then again, safety is an issue that is going to be a tough issue to deal with. Considering that presently China only produces 2% of the world's nuclear energy and that the United States, Japan and France produce a majority, I would say to China once again, hop on board!

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-04/21/content_7697284.htm

ANTI-TERROR

2009-04-21T12:29:00.003-04:00

China is working more closely with the international community to fight terrorism. China would like to follow the principle of 'equal cooperation and mutual benefit'. China is willing to work closely with other countries to combat terrorism and safeguard regional and world peace and stability. With China's rapidly growing economy they seem to be hopping aboard all kinds of international committee's and organizations.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-04/21/content_7701027.htm

China's nuke submarines up for maiden parade

2009-04-21T12:28:00.002-04:00

"QINGDAO -- China will display its nuclear-powered submarines for the first time in history during a fleet parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy, a senior navy officer said in Qingdao Monday." Congratulation's on your nuke-boats.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-04/21/content_7701082.htm

China starts english newspaper

2009-04-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

In an effort to gain a more global audience, China has decided to start its own english newspaper.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Apr20/0,4670,ASChinaNewNewspaper,00.html

Saga co-op looks to extract fertilizer from contents of old fire extinguishers

2009-04-21T10:22:00.004-04:00

Scientists have developed a way of altering the ammonium phosphate in used fire extinguishers so that it can be used in fertilizers.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090420a6.html

China shows off new subs

2009-04-21T10:22:00.001-04:00

In a move that the claim "is of no threat to the region," China is going to show off their new nuclear subs.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Apr21/0,4670,ASChinaNavy,00.html

China looks to it's own consumers

2009-04-20T23:12:00.002-04:00

China is looking to appeal more to domestic consumers. Previously, China has relied heavily on foreign exports. The initiative comes as a response to global economic downturn. Premier Wen Jiabao is heading up a series of talks with other world leaders and economists to discuss solutions to the economic crisis.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_8000000/newsid_8006000/8006029.stm

Great Wall of China "even longer"

2009-04-20T23:07:00.002-04:00

In a two year study, researchers discovered that the actual length of the Great Wall is 5,500 miles. This is 500 miles longer than previously thought. The discrepancy was due, in part, to some areas being concealed by sandstorms. The sections were discovered using infrared technology.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_8000000/newsid_8008100/8008108.stm

China's economic Ideas

2009-04-20T02:43:00.000-04:00

China is rebalancing its economy to focus more on domestic consumption than exports in order to achieve its growth target, Premier Wen Jiabao has said. Addressing an Asian regional forum in southern China, he announced a $10 billion fund for infrastructure projects in south-east Asia. China's economic performance and its influence abroad have become the focus of attention at the annual conference in Hainan Province so there is no doubt that they are trying to remedy possible imbalances.

Death in Chinese Jail

2009-04-20T02:31:00.002-04:00

About 15 people have died while in police detention this year, according to widespread media reports and several judges and prosecutors will now inspect some of China's nearly 3,000 detention centers, where criminal suspects are held.A few weeks ago, authorities were reporting only five deaths. State media reported that on Friday, five prisons in the south-western state of Sichuan were opened to the public, allowing more than 1,000 local residents to see the conditions inside the jails for themselves. With the inspections, there are the aspirations of more civilized management and fair law enforcement and to prevent and reduce crimes.

North Korea: Expelled U.N. Inspectors Leave

2009-04-19T21:12:00.000-04:00

United Nations nuclear experts left North Korea on Thursday, after the country’s decision this week to expel them amid escalating tensions over the North’s recent missile launching. The inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency left the Yongbyon nuclear plant after removing the seals on equipment and switching off surveillance cameras, the agency said in a statement. North Korea has also ordered out four United States experts monitoring the Yongbyon plant, and they were preparing to depart in the next several days, the State Department said. Another reason why we should not feel good about the intentions of North Korea at the present.

North Korean Missile Launch Was a Failure

2009-04-19T21:07:00.001-04:00

North Korea failed in its effort to fire a satellite into orbit, military and private experts said Sunday after reviewing detailed tracking data that showed the missile and payload fell into the sea. Some said the failure undercut the North Korean campaign to come across as a fearsome adversary able to hurl deadly warheads halfway around the globe. This still doesn't comfort me anymore when you take into account that they fired towards japan/United States without any warning or reason.

Bird flu outbreak in poultry in Tibet

2009-04-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

China confirmed an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus in poultry in Tibet, but no human infections have been found, state media reported Sunday. The Ministry of Agriculture said the virus was found April 12 in poultry sold at a wholesale market in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. The ministry as said that emergency measures were taken and nearly 1,700 birds were killed following the outbreak

China demands bigger say in setting commodity prices

2009-04-19T20:58:00.001-04:00

Chinese officials and entrepreneurs said Sunday that China should have bigger say in setting commodity prices, as oil and iron ore prices saw roller coaster like fluctuations in the past two years. They said commodity prices should be pulled back to normal track to reflect real demand, otherwise the inflation will come back and make business expansion unsustainable.
The Chinese aren't the biggest commodity buyers in the world, but they believe their role in the price setting is limited.

China to construct new panda breeding base

2009-04-19T20:54:00.001-04:00

China has announced plans to construct a new breeding center for giant pandas around May to replace the former quake destroyed habitat in southwestern Sichuan Province. The new base includes 25 projects funded by Hong Kong, totaling about 1.3 billion Yuan (about 191 million U.S. dollars), and 19 projects funded by the state forestry administration, totaling about 270 million Yuan. panda disease control and prevention center is also in the pipeline and is to be completed in 2010 in Dujiangyan, a city near the Sichuan provincial capital, Chengdu. There are about 1,590 pandas living in the wild around the country, mostly in Sichuan and the northwestern provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu. Another 180 are being bred in captivity. I think this is the right approach and it's important to preserve any species nearing extinction.

Six Party Talks

2009-04-19T16:31:00.003-04:00

This cartoon depicts Kim Jong Ill crashing in on the Six Party Talks. He's riding a missile. This imagry is satirical in that it connects North Korea's drive towards acquiring military might with their ability to participate in democratic proceedings.

http://www.economist.com/daily/kallery/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13496602&source=features_box_main

Chinese people need to be controlled

2009-04-18T15:42:00.002-04:00

I'm not saying it, Jackie Chan is saying it!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090418/ap_en_mo/as_china_people_jackie_chan

I especially like the last statement regarding the poor quality of Chinese televisions. However, this represents a major problem for the economy of China. While they have been experiencing considerable economic growth, there remain serious issues with the quality of Chinese products. Even if China is lucky and can avoid further quality issues that result in the sickness or death of people, the overall lack of quality may prove to be a considerable impedment to further economic development

DPJ attacks strict bills on foreign residents

2009-04-17T22:42:00.001-04:00

A Democratic Party of Japan legal affairs panel has drafted proposals to soften the rules and punishments required in government-sponsored bills to tighten immigration regulations on foreign residents.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090417a1.html

Japan birthrate fall is # 1 in the world

2009-04-17T22:37:00.002-04:00

People over the age of 65 now make up 22.1 percent of Japan's total population as of last October, while those under 14 represent only 13.5 percent of the total.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090418a5.html

China's Growth Slows in First Quarter

2009-04-16T15:52:00.003-04:00

China's GDP grew at 6.1% for the first quarter this year. This is an impressive number for most countries but below the 8% growth rate the government has promised for this year. The slowdown has been due to the global market and less exports going out of China. The CCP has heavily invested in domestic economic measures to make up for the global recession and it appears that this has been successful. Economists project that China's GDP will continue to grow this year and should be able to make the 8% growth rate goal due to domestic improvements. China's success is a good sign for the world economy and is amazing considering the lack of growth around the world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8001315.stm

China Unveils $25B in ASEAN Aid; POLS 495

2009-04-16T12:01:00.001-04:00

the next five years, China will contribute twenty-five billion dollars to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ten billion dollars will come in the form of an investment cooperation fund to be used for infrastructure construction, energy production, information technology and communications, the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. The remaining fifteen billion dollars will be in credit over the next three to five years.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2009/04/12/China-unveils-25B-in-ASEAN-aid-credit/UPI-67491239546993/

GM Aims To Double China Sales; POLS 366

2009-04-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

In an effort to double sales in China over the next five years, General Motors will add thirty new models and increase current production in the country.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200904090038DOWJONESDJONLINE000007_FORTUNE5.htm

China Makes One-Child Policy Exception for Earthquake Affected Families

2009-04-15T20:28:00.000-04:00

BEIJING — Chinese officials said Monday that the country's one-child policy exempts families with a child killed, severely injured or disabled in the country's devastating earthquake.
Those families can obtain a certificate to have another child, the Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee in the capital of hard-hit Sichuan province said.
The earthquake, and its destruction of almost 7,000 classrooms during a school day, left China heartbroken, with newspaper photos focusing on piles of dusty bookbags and small hands emerging from the debris.
With so many shattered families asking questions, the Chengdu committee is clarifying existing one-child policy guidelines, said a committee official surnamed Wang.

Condo starts in Tokyo dive 31%

2009-04-15T20:03:00.000-04:00

The number of new condominiums put on sale in the Tokyo metropolitan area in fiscal 2008 declined 30.9 percent from the previous year to 40,166 units, dropping for the third straight year and sliding below the 50,000 mark for the first time since fiscal 1992

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20090416a1.html

Hokkaido town auctions elementary schools on Net

2009-04-15T19:59:00.001-04:00

Town closes some elementary schools due to reduced children population and looks to sell the buildings on Yahoo!Japan.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090416a5.html

Grimmer pension forecast released

2009-04-15T19:57:00.000-04:00

Japan will probably renege on its pledge to keep pension benefits in fiscal 2038 at a minimum of 50 percent of a worker's average income.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090416a1.html

Article about the recent Pirate standoff and China's similar situation

2009-04-15T10:20:00.001-04:00

Interestingly, China is facing a similar situation as the U.S. in that they also have some citizens that are being held hostage by Somali pirates.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,514719,00.html

China orders its local govt. to listen to petitioners

2009-04-15T10:19:00.001-04:00

In an interesting move, China is making its local govt. agencies listen to the complaints of its citizens. Many of the complaints are about the current economic situation.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Apr14/0,4670,ASChinaPetitioners,00.html

North Korea and its nuclear power

2009-04-15T10:15:00.002-04:00

This is an interesting article about diplomacy going on between N. Korea and other countries (including China). The discussion is about North Korea restarting its nuclear reactors.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Apr14/0,4670,ASNKoreaMissile,00.html

Wal-Mart in China

2009-04-14T23:17:00.002-04:00

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, yesterday launched a job optimization and regrouping program to reduce labor costs in China. Wal-Mart had 144 stores across China by the end of 2008, and plans to open 23 new stores by the end of the first-quarter this year. Shows Wal-mart global outreach. It was first projected when Wal-Mart entered the Chinese market that if it only took 8% of the market, it would profit about $120 billion.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-04/15/content_7677993.htm

China and Iraq Oil

2009-04-14T23:05:00.001-04:00

Royal Dutch Shell Plc RDSA.L has teamed up with Chinese state oil firms to jointly bid for oil projects in Iraq, and is eyeing the expansion of downstream businesses in China.By joining Shell, China would make its second major foray into Iraq after state oil group CNPC's $3 billion project to develop the al-Ahdab field, Iraq's first major oil deal with a foreign firm since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Points to the ever growing pieces of pie that Iraq's oil is becoming a marketable commodity on the worlds stage.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSPEK8995120090414

China's wealthy elite

2009-04-14T23:01:00.001-04:00

In 2008, the report said China had 1.6 million wealthy households. By 2015, it will have more than 4 million, making it the world's fourth-largest country in terms of its number of wealthy households after the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. This can be point to China's extraordinary economic growth that it has seen in the last 25 years.

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/pomfretschina/2009/04/are_chinas_rich_different.html?hpid=talkbox1

North Korea to restart reactors

2009-04-14T16:12:00.002-04:00

In an article by MSNBC, North Korea has gone against the wishes of many in aims to restart its nuclear reactors and they are not going to proceed with any disarmament talks with the UN. Russia was one of the countries that voiced a disagreement with North Korea's actions but regardless of how many countries disagree with what they are doing, they seemed determined to continue.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30201135/

China Issues Rights Document

2009-04-13T19:09:00.002-04:00

China released a two year plan outlining how the government would improve social services and addressing domestic human rights issues, from torture to the environment. Although some international rights groups welcomed the National Human Action Plan of China, some said the document was too vague, focused too much on economic rights, and skipped key political rights issues such as illegal detention and limits on freedom of speech and religion.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123964453347914161.html

Whale activists drive down poaching in Japan

2009-04-13T18:57:00.002-04:00

Fisheries Agency reported that the number of whales killed by Japan is down from its target of 850 to 680. Some ships cite clashes with activists and bad wheather as reasons for the decline in whale hunting, which in Japan is considered a cultural tradition. Although Japan announced it would stop commercial whaling in 1986, whale meat can be found in supermarkets today.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST40784

Japanese Girl to Choose between her Family and her Country

2009-04-13T12:46:00.003-04:00

Japan has strict immigration laws. When they found out the Calderons were illegal immigrants, ten years after their entry, they decided to deport them. Their 13 year-old daughter, who speaks only Japanese, was told to choose to move to the Philippines with her parents or stay in Japan without them. The Calderons cannot return for 5 years.

www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/13/japan.philippines.calderon/index.html

New Stem cell research in China

2009-04-12T22:47:00.002-04:00

Researchers in China has developed eggs from using stem cells from mice. This shows the cutting breakthroughs that China is making in the development in new scientific discovery.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKTRE53B1GR20090412?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

20th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

2009-04-12T22:43:00.002-04:00

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Wednesday will mark the beginning of a period of heightened tension and increased security in China that will last until June 4, the date in 1989 when soldiers were sent into Tiananmen Square to crush six weeks of unprecedented democracy protests. The protests where in response to reformist leader Hu Yaobang's death in 1989.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25326971-12335,00.html

Toyota and U.S

2009-04-12T19:24:00.002-04:00

Recently the Toyota corporation announced that it was re-organizing its North American operations. It would put sales, engieering and manufacturing operations under one executive. Toyota began selling cars in the United States in 1957 from California. The cause of the re-organization of U.S. operations was due in part to like other global auto companies, is striving to cut costs. The automaker is expected to announce a $3.5 billion loss for the fiscal year that ended March 31, and its sales in the United States this year are down 37 percent compared with 2008. The effects of the global recession is having a dramatic impact on the auto industry. Not only is Toyota hurting, but U.S. domestic automakers are suffering as well. They have had to go to there government to get bailout funds in order to stay a float.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/business/global/10toyota.html?ref=business

Japan's stimulus

2009-04-12T19:01:00.002-04:00

Japan is planning to spend about $270 Billion on a stimulus package to help the country during this current economic crisis. Most of the stimulus packages will be paid for with borrowed money, increasing Japan's mountain of public debt and forcing the government to raise taxes when the economy recovers. At about 170% of GDP, the country's debt is the highest among wealthy countries. Japan is in a worse position than the United States is in terms of borrowing for this economic stimulus. This economic crisis is having a profound effect on nations and reshaping the global economic landscape.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/10/AR2009041000732.html?hpid=moreheadlines

China Birth limits causes problems for gender gap

2009-04-12T18:56:00.002-04:00

China has about 32 million more young men than young women. Serious problems could arise from this complexity. Might lead to the rise in the crime rates because parents facing strict birth limits abort female fetuses to have a son. The problem is expected to worsen over the next two decades and could trigger even more social problems. China imposed strict birth controls in the 1970s to limit growth of its huge population because of the lack of resources, especially land, were increasingly strained and that changes were needed in its new push to modernize. The government says the controls have prevented an additional 400 million births in the world's most populous country of 1.3 billion. This is a problem that exists for the Chinese government that they need to tackle, or more problems could ensue for the fragile government.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jmzwfAiC2jrHTUvWGZFUfA-eHFmAD97FMDH00

China's foreign exchange reserves

2009-04-12T18:50:00.002-04:00

China has the world's largest foreign exchange reserves. China saw a rise in these reserves in the first quarter of this year. They rose about $7.7 Billion, which makes a total of Chinese foreign exchange reserves to about $2 trillion. However, it was slow growth compared to other quarter, the reason being is because China’s first-quarter trade surplus shrank 45 percent from the previous three months and foreign direct investment tumbled as the global recession choked off demand. Slower growth in the reserves may limit Chinese purchases of U.S. Treasuries just as the Obama administration seeks to sell record amounts of debt to fund a $787 billion stimulus package. So China, however is in the drivers seat when it comes to the purchasing these reserve which gives them a lot of power to manipulate the price of the dollar through foreign exchange.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aox4QuXXNghM&refer=asia

US, China and the North Korean situation

2009-04-12T18:40:00.004-04:00

Yesterday China, the United States and Russia reached an agreement over the reaction to the rocket launches by North Korea just over a week ago. They agreed on drafting a United Nations Security Council statement that condems the launch and set sanctions against the North Korea. The United States and Japan wanted very strong measures taken against North Korea, but China and Russia feared that might drive North Korea away from any talks about totally ending its weapons program. The drafted statement would support the six-party talks that are currently going on with North Korea with regards to its weapons program.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123948527174111231.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

GM Aims To Double China Sales To 2 Million Units In Five Years

2009-04-12T12:02:00.002-04:00

GM Aims To Double China Sales To 2 Million Units In Five Years

In an effort to double sales in China over the next five years, General Motors will add thirty new models and increase current production in the country.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200904090038DOWJONESDJONLINE000007_FORTUNE5.htm

China Outlines Plans for Making Electric Cars

2009-04-12T11:55:00.002-04:00

China Outlines Plans for Making Electric Cars

Chinese officials outlined a plan to turn China into the world's largest producer of electric cars last week at a conference at the government’s prestigious Diaoyutai guesthouse.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/business/energy-environment/11electric.html?em

Taxi drivers continue to strike in central China city

2009-04-12T11:48:00.002-04:00

Taxi drivers continue to strike in central China city

Strikes are not something that one expects from workers in China but that is exactly what taxi drivers in the Hunan Province are participating in right now. The drivers have had their cars parked outside of the Yueyang Municipal Government offices since Friday as an effort to persuade the government to cut the high monthly fees they are required to pay taxi companies.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/12/content_11173278.htm

China's birth limits create dangerous gender gap

2009-04-12T11:35:00.002-04:00

China's birth limits create dangerous gender gap

China's one-child policy has led to a gender disparity in the country and may lead to increased crime from parents aborting young female fetuses in hopes of having a son in the future. The current male to female birth ratio in China is 119:100.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jmzwfAiC2jrHTUvWGZFUfA-eHFmAD97FMDH00

China unveils $25B in ASEAN aid, credit

2009-04-12T11:30:00.002-04:00

China unveils $25B in ASEAN aid, credit

Over the next five years, China will contribute twenty-five billion dollars to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ten billion dollars will come in the form of an investment cooperation fund to be used for infrastructure construction, energy production, information technology and communications, the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. The remaining fifteen billion dollars will be in credit over the next three to five years.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2009/04/12/China-unveils-25B-in-ASEAN-aid-credit/UPI-67491239546993/

China Blocks UN Censure for North Korean Missile Test

2009-04-12T11:26:00.002-04:00

China Blocks UN Censure for North Korean Missile Test

The United States and Japan were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with China on a UN Security council condemning North Korea's missile test.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aNndYudaUHzg&refer=home

Japan Ready for N. Korea Attacks

2009-04-11T17:07:00.002-04:00

Japan gave its military the green light on Friday to shoot down any incoming North Korean rocket, with tensions high ahead of a planned launch that the US and allies say will be an illegal missile test.

For more: Go Here.

Voter Response to Military Action on North Korea

2009-04-11T17:01:00.001-04:00

U.S. voters nationwide favor a military response to eliminate North Korea’s missile launching capability. Support for a military response comes from 66% of Republicans, 52% of Democrats and 54% of those not affiliated with either major political party. There is no gender gap on the issue as a military response is favored by 57% of men and 57% of women. Overall 57% of U.S. voters favor the action.

For more of the article: Go Here.

Defiant North Korea Launches Rocket

2009-04-11T16:50:00.003-04:00

After countless debates on the true nature of N. Korea's intention on launching a rocket the inevitable has occurred. North Korea has defied international warnings and gone ahead with a controversial rocket launch. The US, Japan, and Russia believe it was an attempt on the N. Korean's part to assess the effectiveness of their long-range missiles. The Japanese considered the rocket launch as "extremely regrettable" and it is thought that the rocket was carrying some satellite but no remains were found.

For more: Go Here.

Japan reacts against N.Korea rocket launch

2009-04-11T16:02:00.001-04:00

Japan tightens its trade policies with North Korea in retaliation against a recent rocket launch. Japan has also extended an embargo that was put in place in 2006.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/north.korea.japan.sanctions/index.html

Japan renews sanctions on N Korea

2009-04-10T11:57:00.000-04:00

Japan has renewed unilateral economic sanctions against North Korea for another year over its rocket launch but stopped short of banning exports.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7991151.stm

China's Financial Situation

2009-04-09T23:49:00.002-04:00

"As China's growth rate continues to slow, there are fears that its economy could be heading for a severe downturn. China is an export-oriented country and manufacturing is big. The economic downturn could have a big impact. In Chengdu, I've heard that real-estate companies are downsizing and house prices are getting lower. I think the government needs to introduce incentive policies and co-operate with US and European governments. Otherwise, the economy in China could slump."
These are all quotes from a worker at a copper factory, and they show just how other economies are feeling economic strife. To hear this man discuss an alteration to the way money is earned and distributed in China really tells how much the economy is and could suffer.

Convictions upheld in China milk scandal

2009-04-09T18:54:00.002-04:00

China's tainted milk scandal killed at least six infants and sickened nearly 300,000 others. Geng Jinping and is sentenced to death and Geng Jinzhu must serve an eight year jail term for being convicted of producing and selling poisoned food by adding the chemical malamine to milk.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/26/china.milk/index.html

Quake Survivors relocated

2009-04-09T18:48:00.002-04:00

297 of the survivors from last summer's earthquake in the Sichuan Province were relocated to Quionglai City on March 27. Electricity, telecommunications and water are available at the farm they now live on. Supermarkets, apartments, hospitals were also built before their arrival. The remaining survivors will join them at an unknown later date.

www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-240619

Japan's Stimulus Package

2009-04-09T17:00:00.003-04:00

Japan announced that it would be implementing a $150 billion stimulus package to its economy to try to help it through the global economic slow down. This accounts for over 3% of its GDP, higher than the 2% projected boost that was expected by analysts. It is a positive development for the Japanese economy and will hopefully bolster the companies in Japan that are currently struggling, notably the solar energy firms and carmakers. Every little bit will help and the fact that the Japanese government would put this much money into its economy shows how devastating this recession has been. This is the third stimulus package the Japanese government has enacted so hopefully this will be the last one needed. The recovery of the Japanese economy would be a sign of US recovery because of Japan's reliance on exports. If the Japanese economy starts heading in a positive direction, the US economy will probably be leading it that way. The sooner this happens, the better for everyone around the world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7991194.stm

Chinese returning to Marx?

2009-04-09T14:06:00.002-04:00

In an article published by MSNBC reported that Karl Marx's "Das Kapital" had been published and widely dispersed throughout Beijing. This could mean an increased anti-capitalist view for China as their support for Karl Marx is on the rise during this economic crisis.

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/04/08/1885418.aspx

Obama to visit China

2009-04-09T11:17:00.002-04:00

President Obama announced Wednesday that he would be visiting China before the end of this year. President Hu Jintao and President Obama met before the G-20 summit to set up a hi-level strategic and economic dialogue chaired by Hilary Clinton and Timothy Geithner.

With so many countries working together to get out of our current economic situation, will better relations be made and tensions lowered on other more volatile issues such as human rights?

ww.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/01/u.s.russia.nuclear/index.html?iref=newssearch

China Executes 2 for attack before Olympics

2009-04-09T10:54:00.002-04:00

On Thursday, two men were executed for an attack that killed 17 people in northwestern China before the 2008 Olympics. The attack happened on August 4th (four days before the Olympics started).

www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/china.terrorism.executions.index.html

NKorea's Kim appointed to 3rd term as leader

2009-04-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

SEOUL, South Korea – Kim Jong Il made a triumphant return to parliament Thursday for his reappointment as North Korea's leader on the heels of a rocket launch heralded as "historic" at home but assailed elsewhere as provocative.

Kim, solemnly presiding over the opening session of the reclusive communist country's rubber-stamp legislature, was making his first major public appearance since reportedly suffering a stroke last August. He appeared considerably thinner and older than nine months ago.

Read full story

Rally in N. Korea for rocket

2009-04-08T21:12:00.002-04:00

Many North Koreans participated in a rally that showed support for the launch of the rocket earlier this week. Kim Jong Il said that this launch showed the political power of the nation. It has sparked lots of controversey over the past few months.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30111277/

The Future of China's electric automobile industry

2009-04-08T21:04:00.002-04:00

China has apparently vowed to become the worlds leader in hybrid and full electric cars withing 3 years. This will be to reduce dependence on oil and to compete with the United States and Japanese automakers. This obviously will put pressure on Detroit's big 3 automakers, who are already suffering. Hopefully it will cause them to make a better, more reliable vehicle, thus keeping money inside the states.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/business/global/02electric.html?ref=asia

Activist beaten in China Cemetary

2009-04-08T21:00:00.002-04:00

75 year old Chinese professor Sun Wenguang was beaten in a Jinan Cemetary after he "chose to commemorate the wrong death." He is now in ahospital with three broken ribs and injuries to his spine, head, back, arms and legs. The group said the attack on Mr. Sun was part of a concerted effort by the Chinese government to head off any efforts to memorialize the deaths of hundreds of Tiananmen Square protesters

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/world/asia/08china.html?ref=asia