China a tougher sell for West on trouble-spots
Chris Buckley, Reuters, November 6, 2009
President Obama’s upcoming visit to China will touch on various political, economic and security issues plaguing the two countries. According to analysts, China has become more assertive in recent months, about Western pressure. Despite its reluctant backing of the U.N. sanctions on Iran and North Korea, China is consistent in its policy to protect the bilateral ties between itself and these countries. China may be less willing to yield ground, as its success despite the economic crisis has emboldened the country. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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China paper, phosphate harm U.S. producers, ITC says
Mark Drajem, Bloomberg, November 6, 2009
Trade tensions between China and the United States escalated further after a U.S. trade commission ruled that Chinese glossy paper and phosphates are hurting U.S. domestic producers. The rulings could lead to possible tariffs on the imports. Today’s rulings came a day after the U.S. imposed preliminary duties of as much as 99 percent on certain Chinese steel-pipe imports. China said it would start its own anti-dumping probe of American cars and said the tariffs were “discriminatory.” The recent trade spats between the two countries would be a central issue during President Obama’s visit to China in November. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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Obama’s half brother describes abuse
Barbara Demick, Los Angeles Times, November 5, 2009
Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo, President Obama’s half brother, made a rare public appearance on Wednesday in Guangzhou, China to promote his autobiography, “Nairobi to Shenzhen.” Ndesandjo recalled the memories of abuse from his childhood by his father, Barack Obama Sr., whom his mother later divorced. Ndesandjo has lived in China since 2002 and has worked as a business consultant in Shenzhen. He was married to a Chinese woman from Henan province last year. He is also partner in a small chain of restaurants called Cabin BBQ. Ndesandjo is expected to meet President Obama during his inaugural visit to China later this month. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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China, African nations meet Sunday to strengthen economic ties
Elizabeth Arrott, Voice of America, November 5, 2009
Chinese and African officials will meet in Egypt on Sunday for a conference to discuss trade and investment. Forming a new strategic partnership is the main theme of this year’s conference, and would be emphasized in issues such as energy security and climate change. China is a large investor in African infrastructure projects and is establishing bases in the continent to fuel the country’s massive domestic energy demands. One-third of China’s assistance to African countries are in the energy field. Experts say the relationship between Africa and China seems largely balanced although there are still some problems. Some small African manufacturers are worried that cheap Chinese goods are driving them out of business. Transparency and cultural sensitivities are also problems in the trade relationship. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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China air force much improved though still lagging
Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press, November 5, 2009
China is going to showcase its military might this Sunday with an aerial show and skydiving exhibition by its air force to mark the country’s 60th anniversary. New state-of-the-art combat aircraft will replace the antiquated MIG fighters. Experts on the Chinese military said that only about 20 percent of China’s current planes are on a level with those deployed by the West, but that has doubled from the number five years ago. China’s air force would, in two decades, become the region’s dominant air force. China currently has more than 600,000 members and about 2,000 aircraft, which is far smaller than the United States Air Force fleet of more than 5,500 aircraft and nearly 327,500 active service personnel. This event is the third military display this year and Beijing insists that it is to underscore and celebrate the country’s accomplishments in the last six decades. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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U.S., EU seek trade probe of China raw-material curbs
Jennifer M. Freedman, Bloomberg, November 5, 2009
The United States and the European Union have asked the World Trade Organization to step in and help resolve the dispute over raw materials with China. European and U.S. manufacturers complain that the taxes on Chinese raw materials that are largely used in the metals and chemical industries are hurting their businesses. The new taxes are only pinpointed at foreign businesses, subjecting foreign and domestic businesses with different sets of criteria. China’s Ministry of Commerce said the purpose of the raw-material restrictions is to “protect the environment and ensure efficient usage of resources.” China maintains that the U.S. and the EU has exaggerated the effects of the restrictions.---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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Beyond India vs. China: the Dalai Lama’s agenda
Ishaan Tharoor, Time, November 5, 2009
The Dalai Lama’s visit to his former monastery asylum in the town of Tawang is angering Beijing and fueling the border tensions between China and India. China claims that Tawang is a southern extension of the Chinese-ruled Tibet, and hence, should be under the territorial jurisdiction of China. India has long maintained that this part of the land comprises the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is ruled by India. Tensions over border issues have again built up after the Dalai Lama decided to deliver his teachings in the area.---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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World Bank raises forecast for China’s economy
Bettina Wassener, New York Times, November 4, 2009
The World Bank predicts the Chinese economy will grow 8.4 percent his year, up from the 7.2 percent it predicted in June. The bank readjusted its earlier forecast after China’s rapid rebound this year, following the large stimulus package of 4 trillion yuan ($585 billion). Domestic demand has also been boosted and export growth is likely to resume. The World Bank predicts the economic growth for China in 2010 to be 8.7 percent. ---posted by Ying Jia Huang
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China approves Disney theme park in Shanghai
Brooks Barnes, New York Times, November 4, 2009
Beijing has finally approved plans to build a Disneyland-style theme park in the Putong area of Shanghai after 20 years of on-off negotiations. This landmark deal marks a significant milestone, as the infrastructure is expected to exceed the size of the Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and would be on par with the parks in Paris and Tokyo. The theme park is expected to cost $3.5 billion, making it one of the largest-ever foreign investments in China. The cultural implications for China are enormous—where previously the country has aggressively refrained from introducing anything that is uniquely Western in an attempt to protect its own culture.--posted by Ying Jia Huang
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Battle breaks out over game approval
Hu Yinan and Wang Xing, China Daily, November 4, 2009
A conflict of interest over online gaming rights has sparked a battle between the Ministry of Culture (MOC) and the General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP). Recently, the GAPP has pulled the plug on World of WarCraft, a popular online video game that has massive fanfare worldwide. The MOC has complained, saying that GAPP did not have the authority to block the video game, that anything online is fully administered by the MOC. GAPP has argued that online games are published material, and therefore well within its jurisdiction. As vaguely defined government agencies battle it out, this turf war is greatly impacting China’s 217 million online gamers, with an estimated one million tuned in to World of WarCraft. --posted by Ryan Dalton
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