30th of September 2010
The Lion Awakes
Daily News, Culture & Current Affairs about China
Graeme has been using ChinesePod since 2007
"I highly recommend ChinesePod, I haven't found any Online teaching programmes that come close."
China Daily
Beijing's Chang'an Avenue is illuminated by the lights of cars stuck in traffic at 6:50 pm
Tougher measures to cool property market
Increase in down payments and new tax aim to curb rising prices
BEIJING - New measures to curb rising real estate prices, including raising down payments for home purchases and expanding property tax trials nationwide, were launched on Wednesday highlighting the government's resolve to cool the property market.
Homebuyers purchasing their first apartment now need to pay at least 30 percent down payment, instead of the previous 20 percent, according to an article on the government's official website, www.gov.cn.
The requirement for second property purchasers was also raised to at least 50 percent from 40 percent.
Kaixin OpEd - If America had done that instead of foisting no-deposit un-supported loans onto the world there probably would not have been the GFC.
Greenspan didn’t help by pricing money at zero and de-regulating Wall Street, therefore letting loose the Financial Dogs of Greed.
US House of Representatives passes yuan bill
WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to press China to let its currency rise faster, amid accusations that China suppressed the value of its currency and placed a drag on US job creation.
Kaixin OpEd - Unless the occupants of the ‘American House of Representatives’ are illiterate (a possibility I grant you) then they would know what China’s position is. They would know that there is not a simple solution, and China will not simply bow down as it was forced to do for so many years.
Indeed, Kaixin muses that the Asian countries that have been glove puppets for Uncle Sam are looking on with interest.
“China is holding down the value of the Yuan and this is the cause of all America’s problems”.
A simple message the American pollies can sell their electorate, which will help to keep the American pollie’s snouts well and truly in the trough.
It’s sad really that the world is being held hostage to such venal self-interest.
Democracy, an institution I (Graeme) took far too much for granted, seems to be broken. It needs fixing so it can once again (if it ever did) reflect the aspirations and hopes of the average person.
See Kaixin's 'Yuan Revalutaion & Internationisation'
'No binding climate deal expected': official
BEIJING - China's top climate change official said on Wednesday that countries do not expect to reach a binding climate treaty this year.
Instead, they will focus on narrowing their differences ahead of year-end climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, said Xie Zhenhua, deputy chief of the National Development and Reform Commission.
Xie said the Tianjin round of negotiations, starting next week, will see more agreements than differences in opinions and pave the way to a legally binding treaty that he expects to be finalized in South Africa in 2011.
China likely to reach energy efficiency goal
BEIJING - A senior official of China's top economic planner Wednesday said China will likely reach its goal of improving energy efficiency by 20 percent from 2006 to 2010.
"Due to the unremitting efforts of central and local governments, the target of a 20-percent reduction in energy consumption relative to economic output is within reach," said Xie Zhenhua, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, at a press conference.
In the four years from 2006 to 2009, small thermal power plants with a total capacity of 60 million kilowatts were shut down. For the first seven months this year, small thermal plants with another 10 million kW were eliminated.
"The high energy-intensive power generation capacity eliminated during the four years and seven months in China is more than the total installed power generation capacity of the whole United Kingdom, which stands at 60 million kW," said Xie.
Hu calls for proactive approach to social conflicts
BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao Wednesday urged the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government to take more proactive measures to properly address social conflicts to promote scientific development and social harmony.
Hu, also General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a group study of the Political Bureau members of the CPC Central Committee.
Hu said a large number of conflicts and contradictions will inevitably emerge in a society at the primary stages of socialism, due to the transformation of the economic system and the social structure, the realignment of interest distribution pattern and the profound change of people's ideas and concepts.
He called for the Party and the government to speed up social construction centered on improving people's lives while safeguarding people's interests and rights in accordance with law.
Japan must look beyond its internal problems
Many Japanese media outlets have criticized Japan's government for having "failed to stick to its original stance" after Tokyo released Zhan Qixiong, the captain of the Chinese fishing trawler, on Sept 25. Zhan and his crew were illegally detained by Japan after their fishing boat collided with two Japan Coast Guard ships near the Diaoyu Islands, which since ancient times have been part of China's territory. The crew returned home earlier.
The opposition parties in Japan may take the media's attack forward against Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, who has survived a leadership challenge from his party rival, Ichiro Ozawa, former head of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). This doesn't augur well for the Sino-Japanese relations, at least in the near future.
China to continue moderately easy monetary policy
BEIJING - China will continue to implement a moderately easy monetary policy while making it more targeted and flexible, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, said Wednesday.
The bank also pledged to further improve the formation mechanism of the yuan exchange rate, to increase its flexibility, according to a statement posted on the bank's website after the quarterly meeting of the bank's monetary policy committee presided over by PBOC governor Zhou Xiaochuan.
China's economy is in "good shape," and it is well on track to meet the government's macro-control targets, the statement said.
But the country still faces the tasks of maintaining steady and rapid economic development, restructuring its economy and controlling inflation, the statement added.
China in stable growth mode
Manufacturing activity index level expands to highest in five months
BEIJING - Manufacturing accelerated in China for a second straight month in September, adding to signs the fastest-growing major economy is stabilizing after policy makers curbed lending in an effort to avert asset bubbles.
A purchasing managers' index (PMI) released on Wednesday by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics rose to 52.9, the highest level in five months, from 51.9 in August. The data are seasonally adjusted and readings above 50 indicate an expansion.
WTO rules China win over US imports dispute
GENEVA - The World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a report of the panel on Wednesday, supporting China over its complaint against measures taken by the United States which have affected imports of poultry from China.
City plugs into green energy
GUANGZHOU - In an effort to build a low-carbon economy, the city government of Guangzhou on Wednesday unveiled 34 energy efficient projects, amounting to a total planned investment of 250 billion yuan ($37.37 billion).
he projects include public transport systems, light-emitting diode (LED) products and projects in the new energy sector, Chen Haotian, deputy director of Guangzhou's development and reform commission, told a press conference.
The list of low-carbon projects will be extended in the future, he said
Lament of the lens
Chinese photo artists are increasingly engaged with contemporary realities, be it urban stress or fast-disappearing lifestyles, finds Raymond Zhou at the Pingyao photo festival
The grand prize in the 2010 Pingyao International Photography Festival that ran from Sept 19-25, goes to a set of photos about dilapidated industrial facilities and their equally haggard and soot-covered inhabitants. It is a fitting and subtle commentary on the former factory workshops where they were displayed and whose vibrancy can be detected only in a few pieces of machinery that now serve as interior decorations.
Tian'anmen in Pictures Now & Then - Slide Show
Pictures tell a generation of stories - Slide Show
A Teacher's Last Lesson - Slide Show
Expo gears up for China's National Day - Video
Beijing Blossoms for October 1st - Video
Path of the Rest - 2010 Summer Davos Special (1)
Integration of the Rest - 2010 Summer Davos Special (2)
Post-Crisis Reconstruction - 2010 Summer Davos Special (3)
Global Times
Western attitudes will not isolate China
The recent theory claiming that China is getting tough has reached its culmination after the crash in the waters near the Diaoyu Islands. Some Western media outlets quoted scholars criticizing China for its increasingly muscular diplomacy. Some warn that China is "isolating itself" and pushing its Asian neighbors closer to the US.
Such criticism can mislead China's neighbors and exert pressure on China's diplomatic scholars and decision-makers. This is probably what some Westerners are seeking. They hope China is the elephant in the porcelain shop - it should stay still otherwise the porcelain will break.
However, this theory is no more than a new variation to the cliché "China threat" theory. Some Westerners say China is no longer the modest, low-key country they used to know and appears quite tough and arrogant. Nevertheless, it is these same people who once rebuked China as a "threat."
Territorial disputes are not rare in Asia. Most Asians understand that once a territorial dispute unfolds, relevant countries can easily engage in a tough contest.
Therefore, more of them believe that on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity, China is actually being forced, not purposely seeking, to be tough.
Though Japan initiated the conflict, and the two countries are now taking a hard-line stance with each other, it is China who is being picked on by some Western countries.
Dialogue - A 30 Minute Current Affairs Programme on CCTV - 9 (In English) where current issues are discussed by experts from China and Internationally:
American Empire and cold peace
CCTV - 9
News for Today
China Business Culture Science & Technology Travel
International News Sources
The Wall Street Journal China RealTime Report
China Wants Smart Grid, But Not Too Smart
Whoever figures out how much electricity China uses stands to make lots of money.
The country is in the process of adopting a smart electrical grid, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI, which includes equipment like meters for residences and companies.
Kaixin – This photo indeed defines China. China is not a developed country, as the huge chimneys suggest. China is not a third world un-developed country as the man pushing the bicycle suggests.
China is a developing country and need to find its way in a complex and competitive world. (Photo Courtesy of WSJ)
Barbie Banquet For The Masses (No Buffett)
Memo to China’s uber-rich: You don’t have a monopoly on charity dinners.
House Targets China's Currency Policy
WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives passed by a wide 348 to 79 margin legislation to penalize China's foreign-exchange practices, sending a powerful signal to Beijing to change its policies but risking a backlash that could harm U.S. companies and consumers.
Kaixin Oped – Horse twaddle …. unless the occupants of the ‘house’ are illiterate (a possibility I grant you) then they would know what China’s position is. They would know that there is not a simple solution, and China will not simply bow down as it was forced to do for so many years.
Indeed, Kaixin muses that the Asian countries that have been glove puppets for Uncle Sam are looking on with interest.
“China is holding down the value of the Yuan and this is the cause of all America’s problems”.
A simple message the pollies can sell their electorate, which will help to keep the pollie’s snouts well and truly in the trough.
It’s sad really that the world is being held hostage to such venal self-interest.
Democracy, an institution I (Graeme) took far too much for granted, seems to be broken. It needs fixing so it can once again (if it ever did) reflect the aspirations and hopes of the average person.
See Kaixin's 'Yuan Revalutaion & Internationisation'
U.S. and China Agree to Rebuild Military Ties
WASHINGTON—The U.S. and China have agreed to gradually restart stalled military relations with a series of high-level exchanges starting next month, U.S. officials said.
China broke off military-to-military contacts with the U.S. in January to protest Washington's decision to sell up to $6.4 billion in arms to Taiwan.
China Adds to Limits on Property
SHANGHAI—China's government took further steps to curb stubbornly high property prices, ordering banks nationwide to halt lending for third and subsequent home purchases and raising down-payment requirements for first-time buyers.
Kaixin OpEd – If it's worth saying, it'w worth saying twice .... if America had done that instead of foisting no-deposit un-supported loans onto the world there probably would not have been the GFC.
Greenspan didn’t help by pricing money at zero and de-regulating Wall Street, therefore letting loose the Financial Dogs of Greed.
Russia, China Study Long-Term Gas Deal
YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, Russia—China might offer Russia's state-controlled natural-gas giant a large loan as part of a new long-term gas deal between the two countries, an executive from OAO Gazprom said Wednesday.
The possibility of a loan for hydrocarbons, similar to the $25 billion given to Russia's state oil giant and pipeline operator, comes as Russia and China are negotiating terms for a 30-year gas contract, similar to the deals seen in Western European countries. As it seeks to build international competition for its gas, Russia might also build a branch pipeline to northeastern China.
"The Chinese are interested in providing proper ...
Kaixin OpEd - China and Russia are natural partners. If you go back through the Kaixin News Archive you will see this theme developing.
Citic to Create Offshore Unit in Australia
SYDNEY—China's largest investment bank, Citic Securities Co., is planning to set up its first wholly owned offshore subsidiary in Australia, with a view to capturing business from Chinese companies making resources acquisitions in the country, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday.
China Manufacturing Sector Improves
BEIJING—A nationwide gauge of manufacturing activity in China rose to a five-month high in September, likely reassuring markets that the country isn't facing a rapid slowdown, but sharp increases in the input and output price subindexes may renew concerns about a buildup of inflationary pressures.
Caterpillar to Build New Plant in China
CHICAGO—Caterpillar Inc. said Tuesday it will build a new assembly plant in China to produce small hydraulic excavators as the company continues to expand its production capacity in developing regions.
Kaixin OpEd - This focus on the under-developed areas of China will carry China well into the 21st century. There are far more resources in that part of China than on the seaboard which was the focus of the first 30 years of growth. Far more resource of labour, materials, minerals, energy and entrepreneurship in those areas of China than on the seaboard.
Watch this space ….
China’s New Celebrity Car Salesmen
The U.S. billionaire duo of investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday handed celebrity-level endorsement to Chinese auto maker BYD, in which Buffet’s investment firm has a nearly 10% stake.
Japan Asks China to Pay for Boat Damage
TOKYO—Escalating the diplomatic tiff with China, a top government official said Monday that Japan will ask Beijing to pay for the damage incurred by the Japanese patrol boats from a collision with a Chinese fishing trawler in disputed waters.
China, Japan Take New Jabs at Each Other
Beijing Slows Customs Inspections; U.S. Expresses Concern as Neither Side Lets Captain's Release Be Last Word in Rift
SHANGHAI—A rift between China and Japan showed no signs of easing, as Chinese customs appeared to be targeting some goods bound for Japan with meticulous inspections and as Tokyo also kept up the heat on Beijing.
The Australian
US vote escalates China currency fight
US House politicians passed legislation today targeting China and its currency policy.
The vote is a powerful political statement supporters hope will signal that more action is expected from Beijing.
THE international community needs to engage Beijing in a web of rules and customs.
IS this the year that China's leadership lets us all know that it is determined not to abide by routine international norms but will use raw power to take whatever it wants?
Kaixin OpEd – I though I would include this xenophobic claptrap to demonstrate the complete lack of understanding of even senior journalists in the western media.
………… sad really
The Sydney Morning Herald
Chinese sales help Porsche set new record
Strong demand outside Europe and the United States pushed sales by German luxury sports car maker Porsche up 17.9 per cent to a new record in its 2009/2010 fiscal year, the company said on Wednesday.
Caixin Online
REITs Get a Break from Subsidized Housing
China has talked about Real Estate Investment Trusts for five years, and now two cities are ready for action
(Beijing) - Advocates of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have followed a long road riddled with twists and turns. The journey began with demonstration projects and led to various pilot programs expressly designed for these innovative financial instruments.
Great Rate Debate Roils China's Investors
Negative interest rates are pinching small investors as consumer prices rise and policymakers hold back
"Interest rate hike? No way," a Chinese investor calling himself Cashier declared recently in an online forum. "Even if interest rates are raised marginally, who wants to park money in a bank for a paltry amount of interest?"
Asia Times Online
SINOGRAPH
Unbowed China wobbles in diplomatic test
By Francesco Sisci
Like in a failed stress test, China has cracked and extended its agony by introducing a request for reparations over the capture of a fishing vessel that rammed a Japanese patrol boat in disputed waters. Beijing is unlikely to be happy about how it handled the incident, but a fix will require deep soul-searching about its diplomatic strategies and tactics.
Wen, Hu speeches hint at ideological rift
By Willy Lam
Stark contrasts between recent speeches by Premier Wen Jiabao - in which he issued his boldest call yet for political liberalization - and President Hu Jintao raise questions about whether Wen is engaged in a struggle with a party faction at odds with China's reform and modernization program. It also raises eyebrows about a possible ideological split between the two men at the top.
China's Bright Food still hungry
By Olivia Chung
Bright Food's proposed US$3 billion purchase of United Biscuits with its tasty products such as Penguin biscuits and Jaffa Cakes is merely one more big bite for the young Shanghai government-owned company as it seeks to double sales in the next four years, helped by gorging on overseas assets.
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