5th September

International Herald Tribune

Chinese government suggests building defects led to quake deaths

BEIJING: A Chinese government committee said Thursday that a rush to build schools during the country's economic boom might have led to shoddy construction that resulted in the deaths of thousands of children in a devastating earthquake in May. The statement by Ma Zongjin, chairman of an official committee of experts assessing damage from the May 12 quake, was the first time a representative of the government acknowledged that poor construction may have led to the collapses.

Asia Times Online

A hurdle too high for China
By Kent Ewing

HONG KONG - When it comes down to ordinary citizens rather than Olympic athletes, China is hardly the sports capital of the world. Indeed, it remains a backwater. China won a stunning 51 gold medals in last month's Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, 15 more than the previously invincible Americans. In addition, Beijing earned golden reviews for its iconic "Bird's Nest" National Stadium and "Water Cube" National Aquatics Center, which have set a new international standard for sports facilities.

China trade outguns Europe's rights concern
By Julio Godoy

PARIS - European Union leaders speak repeatedly of tying increasing Chinese investment in Africa to respect for human rights. No such considerations come in the way of the EU's own dealings with China. China is now Europe's most important economic partner. Some 200,000 jobs in Germany, the EU's leading economy, depend on exports to China, according to a July survey by the German Chamber of Trade and Industry. By next year, China will be Germany's main trading partner