Tuesday, August 5, 2008

China Inside Out

ABC-TV airs a special edition of Prime Time titled "China Inside Out" on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Correspondent Bob Woodruff reports on China's growing power in the world Bob Woodruff He travels to Angola, Brazil and Cambodia where thousands of Chinese have moved in recent years. For details, see http://abcnews.go.com/International/WoodruffReports/story?id=5481265&page=1
Global Issues in China: China Inside Out
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Thursday, July 10, 2008

NPR: The Coming Collision With China

NPR's Talk of the Nation (July 9, 2008) features a conversation with Ted Koppel on his four-part series on China, "The People's Republic of Capitalism." For details and to listen to the audio program, see: http://www.npr.org/blogs/talk/2008/07/the_coming_collision_with_chin.html
Global Issues in China: NPR: The Coming Collision With China
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Interview with Ted Koppel

Charlie Rose interviews Ted Koppel [July 9, 2008] on his documentary series The People's Republic of Capitalism. To view the video, click on following link: http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/07/09/1/a-conversation-with-ted-koppel



See also: http://globalissueschina.blogspot.com/2008/07/peoples-republic-of-capitalism.html
Global Issues in China: Interview with Ted Koppel
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The People's Republic of Capitalism

A four-part documentary series, "The People's Republic of Capitalism" by Ted Koppel airs on the Discovery Channel [July 9-12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT].

Part 1, "Joined at the Hip" — focuses on the irreversible interconnection and interdependence between the American and Chinese economy.

Part 2, "MAOism TO MEism," focuses the migration of peasants to Chongqing and how it affects the values, religion, sexuality and political freedom in this region and throughout China.

Part 3, "The Fast Lane," discusses the rapid increase of automobiles and roads in China and their impact on public safety, traffic jams, and pollution.

Part 4, "It's the Economy, Stupid" shows the downside of lifting 300 million people out of poverty in a single generation: Pollution, Corruption, Suppression of free speech.
For more information, see:
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/koppel/highlights/highlights.html
Global Issues in China: The People's Republic of Capitalism
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Monday, July 7, 2008

The Telegraph: China is at risk of blowing up

In the article "Oil price shock means China is at risk of blowing up," The Telegraph [http://www.telegraph.co.uk] reports (Aug 07 2008) on the major potential consequences of the rapidly rising oil prices in China. This includes an energy crisis that has could mean the end of outsourcing manufacturing to China and other Asian nations. For the full article, see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/07/07/ccview107.xml
Global Issues in China: The Telegraph: China is at risk of blowing up
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PRI: China's urban explosion

PRI's The World features a series on the urbanization of China. The first installment focuses on the rapid population growth in Shenzhen. The "houkou" system and its current status are explained.

For the audio program, click here: http://www.theworld.org/audio/0707088.mp3
Global Issues in China: PRI: China's urban explosion
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Young & Restless in China

PBS Television will broadcast a Frontline special Young & Restless in China beginning June 17, 2008. See video preview below, or go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/youngchina/ for streaming video and other resources on the program.

Global Issues in China: Young & Restless in China
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WSJ: China Beckons for M.B.A. Trips

The Wall Street Journal (June 17 2008) describes the value of study tour trips to China that part of fast-track Executive M.B.A. programs.
Samar Srivastava (2008, June 17). China Beckons for M.B.A. Trips; Tours Offer Chance To Make Contacts, Learn Lay of Land. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition), p. D.7. Retrieved June 17, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1495858631).
  • CLICK HERE for Full text Archive [Note: Webster University ID required]
  • CLICK HERE for link to WSJ article.
Global Issues in China: WSJ: China Beckons for M.B.A. Trips
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Friday, June 13, 2008

The Geopolitics Of China

John Mauldin, president of Millennium Wave Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor, writes a blog titled "John Mauldin's Outside the Box". On June 12, 2008, Mauldin posts an article titled "The Geopolitics of China," a summary of new monograph to be published June 16, 2008 by George Friedman and his team at Stratfor. Their geopolitical focus on understanding the fundamental and underlying drivers behind China's national policy. They advance the thesis that contemporary China basically functions like an island. The outer shell of mountains, oceans, jungles and wastelands serve to both contain and protect China. What are the political, social and economic implications of this geographic reality? The article explores the challenges and potentialities that emerge from this context. For the full article, see: http://www.investorsinsight.com/blogs/john_mauldins_outside_the_box/archive/2008/06/12/the-geopolitics-of-china.aspx
Global Issues in China: The Geopolitics Of China
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China's New Intelligensia

Prospect Magazine has published an article (March 2008) titled, "China's new intelligensia" by Mark Leonard, the executive director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and author of the new book What Does China Think? Although China is not an intellectually open society, Leonard argues that there is a climate of freer political debate and rising expectations from the west and from international events like the Olympics. These trends and pressures give rise to a new world-view that may become an alternative, non-western path for the rest of the world to follow. For the full article, see: http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=10078
Global Issues in China: China's New Intelligensia
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

New China-Taiwan Agreements

BBC News reports (June 12, 2008) that China and Taiwan have agreed to establish offices in each other's territory to facilitate travel for airline passengers and tourists. This agreement resulted from the first formal talks in nearly ten years between delegations from both sides. For the full story, see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7447536.stm
Global Issues in China: New China-Taiwan Agreements
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China’s Cyber-Militia

The National Journal Magazine reports (May 31, 2008) that computer hackers in China have penetrated information systems of U.S. companies and government agencies, stolen proprietary information from American executives, and even gained access to electric power plants in the United States. This breach may have triggered two recent blackouts in Florida and the Northeast. For the full story, see:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cs_20080531_6948.php
Global Issues in China: China’s Cyber-Militia
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

SINA Launches English News Web Site

PR Newswire reports (May 16, 2008) that Shanghai-based SINA Corporation (SINA), a leading Internet portal company in China announced that it has launched its English news web site (http://english.sina.com). According to the press release,
"The new site is intended to provide comprehensive coverage of current events in China for an international audience utilizing SINA’s core competence in online media space." For the full PR Newswire report, see: http://corp.sina.com.cn/eng/news/2008-05-17/86.html
Global Issues in China: SINA Launches English News Web Site
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U.S. & China Resume Dialogue on Human Rights

China Daily (May 28, 2008) report that a dialogue on human rights was held in Beijing May 24 - 28 between the U.S.A and China. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this is the first such dialogue between the two countries since 2002. For the full story, see: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/28/content_6717894.htm
Global Issues in China: U.S. & China Resume Dialogue on Human Rights
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Interview with Adam Schokora of Edelman (China)

Christine Lu (founder of The China Business Network) interviews Adam Schokora, Social Media and Digital Strategy Manager for Edelman (a global Public Relations Firm) China. He recalls his first experiences moving to China in 1997, and gives advice to foreigners about doing business in China.

Edelman has 3,100 employees in 51 offices throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

To see the interview, click play below, or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLoJ82Uve-A

Global Issues in China: Interview with Adam Schockman of Edelman (China)
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Top Chinese Mobile Sites On Opera Mini

The blog site "China Web 2.0 Review" [May 26, 2008] has summarized the results of Opera's report on the State of the Mobile Web: First Quarter, 2008. It shows that the use of mobile phones to access the web is extremely popular in China. Mobile phones are used extensively to access mobile portals, social networking sites, and e-books. For the full story see: http://www.cwrblog.net/1055/top-chinese-mobile-sites-on-opera-mini.html

[Editor's note: It seems like China may be ready to have their online courses conducted entirely on mobile phones. No desktop or laptop computer required for e-learning?]
Global Issues in China: Top Chinese Mobile Sites On Opera Mini
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Jason Pickart's Blog

Jason Pickart is a graduate student at Webster University's Shanghai Campus. He has begun publishing a blog about his experiences as an intern at Jones Lang Lasalle's Tianjin Office. See http://jasonpickart.blogspot.com/

Global Issues in China: Jason Picart's Blog
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Monday, May 26, 2008

China Daily: Expat opening-up policies

An article in China Daily [May 12, 2008] describes various challenges for ex-pats in China, including (1) what to expect when opening a bank account in China; (2) shopping and bargaining in the cities; (3) rules about antiques and relics; (4) hiring a nanny; and (5) signing up your child for a play group or sports team. For the full article, see: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/citylife/2008-05/12/content_6676795.htm

Global Issues in China: China Daily: Expat opening-up policies
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Movies About China

How are "global issues in China" depicted in movies? Non-fiction documentaries may very well focus on one or more of these issues. But even fictional ones -- whether they are adventure, comedy, romance, martial arts, or animated -- are likely to depict issues in China as seen from the producers, directors or screen writers' point of view. However, neither non-fiction nor fictional movies should be taken as authoritative. They are subject to biased, stereotyping, or factual errors. But they have tremendous value when taken at face-value, and as a springboard for discussion and critique of the issues observed.

Tourbooks list movies as a vehicle to understand the culture. They can be extended to see how China handles a variety of global issues as well. For example, Lonely Planet China, 10th edition (by Damian Harper et. al., Lonely Planet Publications., 2007) lists its Top 10 Movies for China (page 24; or http://adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/45/travelguide/5.aspx). The global issues associated with each are listed below:
  • Raise the Red Lantern (1991) Director: Zhang Yimou
    Global Issues: Role of women; Social hierarchies and class oppression

  • Judou (1989) Director: Zhang Yimou
    Global Issues: Personal and family tragedies resulting from inflexible cultural traditions.

  • Chungking Express (1994) Director: Wong Karwai
    Global Issues: : The psychology of loneliness, isolation and alienation in a modern urban city.

  • City on Fire (1987) Director: Ringo Lam
    Global Issues: Hong Kong's social and economic order (or disorder) on its return to China.

  • In the Mood for Love (2000) Director: Wong Karwai
    Global Issues: Ostracized immigrants in Hong Kong

  • Drunken Master 2 (1994) Directors: Lau Karleung, Jackie Chan
    Global Issues: Conflict between foreigners versus loyalists about exporting antiques

  • Infernal Affairs (2002) Directors: Lau Waikeung, Mak Siufai
    Global Issues: Police and crime syndicates

  • Beijing Bicycle (2001) Director: Wang Xiaoshuai
    Global Issues: Personal and community negotiations with loss and injustice

  • Shaolin Soccer (2001) Director: Stephen Chow
    Global Issues: The mystique and power of superhuman martial arts skills

  • Farewell My Concubine (1993) Director: Chen Kaige
    Global Issues: How individual pursuits of life ambitions are shaped by history and cultural change.
[Editor's note: Global issues are identified based on personal viewing of the film and personal interpretation of the film's meanings.]
Global Issues in China: Movies About China
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Sunday, May 25, 2008

China Solar & Recycling Energy catalog

In this China Solar & Recycling Energy catalog sponsored by MadeInChina.com, you will see the range of solar & recycling energy related products, the suppliers, the factories, and the exporters located in China. Many of these companies are located in Guangdong province (Shenzhen and Guangzhou). See: http://category.madeinchina.com/Energy/Solar-Recycling-Energy/
Global Issues in China: China Solar & Recycling Energy catalog
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New York Times: Why Schools Collapsed in Earthquake

In the article "Grief in the Rubble: Chinese Are Left to Ask Why Schools Fell", Jim Yardley of the The New York Times (May 25, 2008 edition) reports on the staggering number of students who died when schools collapsed in the May 12 earthquake, and the grieving parents who are speaking out about shoddy construction.
Global Issues in China: New York Times: Why Schools Collapsed in Earthquake
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Olympics’ “civilising” legacy: St Louis to Beijing

OpenDemocracy.net has published the article "The Olympics’ “civilising” legacy: St Louis to Beijing" by Susan Brownell (May 23, 2008) . Brownwell is professor of anthropology, University of Missouri, and author of Training the Body for China: Sports in the Moral Order of the People's Republic (University of Chicago Press, 1995) and Beijing's Games: What the Olympics Mean to China (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008). China did not send athletes to the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, Missouri (USA) which was held in conjunction with the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World's Fair). The Qing dynasty did, however, send its first-ever official delegation to the World's Fair in St. Louis. Brownell traces how politics and ideas have affected the fabric of new Olympic host nations such as the United States, Japan and now China. For the full article, see: http://www.opendemocracy.net/article/the-olympics-civilising-legacy-st-louis-to-beijing
Global Issues in China: The Olympics’ “civilising” legacy: St Louis to Beijing
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James Surowiecki: The Free-Trade Paradox

The New Yorker has published (May 26, 2008) an article titled "The Free-Trade Paradox" by James Surowiecki. Recently both Democratic presidential candidates, Sen. Hilary Clinton and Sen. Barak Obama, signed on as sponsors of a new bill that imposes higher tariffs on China if it doesn’t revalue its currency. Surowiecki explains that this position reflects a
"...belief that free trade with developing countries, and with China in particular, is a kind of scam perpetrated by the wealthy, who reap the benefits while ordinary Americans bear the cost...."

However, the situation is much more complicated than this, says Surowiecki. Read the full article at: http://www.newyorker.com/talk/financial/2008/05/26/080526ta_talk_surowiecki
Global Issues in China: James Surowiecki: The Free-Trade Paradox
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Three Gorges: Exploring the Ancient Past

Three Gorges: Exploring the Ancient Past is a website hosted by China Internet Information Center featuring information about relics discovered in the process of building the Three Gorges Dam, as well as the history, archaeology and culture of the region.

Global Issues in China: Three Gorges: Exploring the Ancient Past
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Friday, May 23, 2008

IP Dragon 知識產權龍

Danny Friedmann writes a blog titled IP Dragon 知識產權龍, which aims to gather "information about intellectual property in China to make it more transparent. The blog may be viewed at: http://ipdragon.blogspot.com/
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Shenzhen: "China's All-Seeing Eye"

Rolling Stone Magazine has published (Issue 1053, May 29, 2008) "China's All-Seeing Eye," Naomi Klein's investigation of the development of surveillance technologies in China. Shenzhen has grown from a string of fishing villages 30 years ago to a urban center of 12.4 million people today. In the last two years, 200,000 surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the city, with plans for over 2 million more to be installed in the next three years. Surveillance cameras are part of a nationwide "Golden Shield" system in which Chinese citizens will not only be watched by the cameras. They will be observed surfing the web, bugged on phones, and tracked with facial-recognition software and GPS monitoring.
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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Up the Yangtze (2007)

Up the Yangtse is a documentary (2007) about the results of building the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. The monumental project is a symbol of the country's "economic miracle." In addition to hydroelectric power, the film shows how building the dam resulted in enormous environmental problems, the displacement of millions of people and lots of corruption.


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Business Week: China's B-Schools

Business Week Magazine and Business Week Online feature China's business schools in several articles (May 22, 2008):
Some of the articles and Slide shows included in this Special issue are:
NOTE: Although the feature page has a current date, most of the articles were previously published in 2005 - 2006.

Global Issues in China: Business Week: China's B-Schools
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10 Chinese Etiquette Tips

MSNBC.com's Travel-Asia section featured an article (March 19, 2008) outlining "10 Chinese Etiquette Tips." The tips cover eating, bargaining in shops, crossing the street, displaying affection, and tipping. For the full article, see: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23615910/
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Black Market iPhones

Although it is over 6 months old (November 19, 2007), the Wired.com article "China's New 'Love Craze' — Black Market iPhones" is still one of most frequently cited articles on social networking sites focusing on the popular culture in China. The Apple iPhone is called "Ai Feng" in China, which translates to "Love Craze." It is not officially sold in China, but is available in technology shops in most large cities throughout China. For the full story, see: http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/news/2007/11/iphone_china
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Manufactured Landscapes (2006)

The documentary Manufactured Landscapes (2006) by Jennifer Baichwal, uses Edward Burtynsky's photographs of the impact of industrial development throughout China. The film has received critical acclaim and various awards, including Best Documentary (2007 Genie Awards) and Best Canadian Film & Best Documentary (Toronto Film Critics Association Awards).

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Counseling in Earthquake Relief

National Public Radio (NPR) reports on China's largest ever counseling effort for earthquake victims in Chengdu. (May 22, 2008) This is especially significant in a culture that generally views mental health problems as a source of shame. For full story with photos and audio playback (5 min. 13 sec.), see: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90714689
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Adopting a Child from China

The U.S. Embassy in Guangzhou, China maintains a website providing information on adopting a child from China. See:
Similarly the Chinese embassy publishes information on adoptions. See: http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/qianzhen/zgxyet/t42744.htm
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Organ Donation Network in Shenzhen

China CSR.com (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports (May 18, 2008) that an online Organ Donation Network Information Platform will be launched in Shenzhen to publish information about available organs and patients waiting for organ transplants. For the full story, see: http://www.chinacsr.com/2008/03/18/2184-shenzhen-to-initiate-online-organ-donation-platform/

China CSR is a bilingual (Chinese and English) monthly publication (print and online) on sustainability in China. The current print issue may be viewed here (.pdf file): http://www.chinacsr.com/images/chinacsr-0805.pdf
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Dan Hellinger: China Earthquake Relief

Dr. Dan Hellinger (Professor, History, Politics & Law Department, Webster University) is currently (Summer 2008) teaching in Shanghai. He wrote the following email to the Webster University Community (Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:20 PM).

One of my students from Western China asked me to appeal to my friends back home for help for her countrymen and women.

I just read a report that says that Americans are experiencing "donor fatigue" so many natural disasters that we no longer feel compelled to help. America's contributions to China so far are well below what we have raised for emergencies at home and for other disasters, such as the Tsunami.

China's needs are incredible. There are 4.2 million people left homeless. Hundreds of thousands need urgent medical care. The government really is doing its best -- and much discussion about lack of planning for the disaster beforehand. Very interesting. It seems as though the reformers are using the opportunity to raise important political questions that could not be discussed so openly before. But right now, the needs are overwhelming, and international support is needed.

I think it would be great if Webster St. Louis would help out Chengdu, where we have a campus. I know that one of our staff people, Abby, is working hard on relief there. She is fine, but likemany others she isliving in the stdreet because of fear of aftershocks. I've been expecting an institutional response with some concrete aid, but it hasn't materialized yet. No much Rick Foristel can do from here -- initiative needs to be take in St. Louis.

Meranwhile, if any of you want to help, there are two ways:

1. The International Red Cross is active here, as well as several American charities (unlike Myanmar, where the government is keeping out Western groups). You can, of course, get a tax deduciton.

2. My students are collecting funds themselves. What is interesting about this effort is that it is independent of the government or the Red Cross. They are worried about how long it takes to get the aid where it is need through these groups. All over China people are taking initiatives like this. So -- here is an option for you.

Vicki, my student, lives in Wuhan, in the middle of the country, a city that was shaken but not greatly damaged affected by the earthquake. Through her friends and family she is able to send desparately need materials within three days to where they are needed. You would not get a tax deduction if you go this route. Also, you are not going through an established aid agency. However, I trust Vicki and know her well.

If you want to give, send a message to me at hellindc@yahoo.com and tell me how much. I will give the money in yuan, and you can pay me back later in dollars (exchange is almost exactly 7 to 1) in the summer, when I return. Again, if you are more comfortable going through the Red Cross or some other known agency, please do that. Even five or ten dollars would be a big help here. (Feel free, of course, to comment on appeal through the board, but to keep your confidentiality, if would be better to write me at the yahoo address.)

Best to everyone back home in St. Louis

Dan Hellinger

NOTE: The message is reproduced on this "Global Issues in China" blog with Dr. Hellinger's permission. However, Dr. Hellinger requests to please do not forward this message,
"... If it gets around the Internet too much, I might have more than I can handle. I suggest that the class think about bringing a donation to China with them. It's easy to find reputable assistants...."



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Webster University President: On China Earthquake Relief

Webster University's President Neil George sent the following message to the Webster University Community (Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:40 PM). This is a follow-up his previous announcement on May 12, 2008.

Subject: China Earthquake Relief

Webster University Community,

As our academic community learns more about the impact of the May 12th major earthquake in southwestern China's Sichuan Province, we all want to know how we can contribute to the diverse relief efforts to help those affected by this disaster. The American Red Cross is working with the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) on relief operations and a number of strategic responses. You can learn about these efforts on their website:

http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.asp?s_src=pre_aspLink

If you wish, you can also make a donation to the China Earthquake Relief fund directly on this site. I would also like to thank the numerous individuals in our community who are also supporting these and other relief initiatives.


Neil J. George
President
Webster University
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong

The annual Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) will be celebrated in Hong Kong on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. In 2008, this is Sunday in the Western calendar. Over 1000 international teams race their colorful boats in waters around Hong Kong. The main races take place on Shing Mun River, at Sha Tin in the New Territories [See map below]. The Festival commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River over 2,000 years ago to protest against the corrupt emperor. [Editor's comment: How many protesters against corrupt leaders in China today become national heroes?] The following day (Monday, June 9) is also a public holiday. More information available at:



View Larger Map
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Alexandra Harney: The China Price

Alexandra Harney, editor for Financial Times, has published The China Price: The True Cost of Chinese Competitive Advantage. [Penguin Press, March, 2008]. Harney describes the human cost of producing products on the cheap. While the consumer public may want goods produced in factories where working conditions are acceptable, it is often difficult to know whether those standards were followed. The focus of the book is Shenzhen and surrounding Guangdong Province, which is also the destination of the Webster University 2008 study tour course, "Global Issues in China."
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Asia Society Corporate Conference Held in Tianjin, China

The 2008 Asia Society Corporate Conference will be held May 28-30, 2008 in Tianjin, China (See Map below). Topics included in the conference include: Global competitiveness, trade, energy and sustainable development. See http://www.asiasociety.org/conference08/agenda.html for the conference agenda.



View Larger Map
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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Alexandra Harney: Guangdong Exodus

In the March 2008 issue of Far Eastern Economic Review, Alexandra Harney describes a labor shortage in Guangdong province and other areas of China resulting from stricter monitoring of the environmental impact of factories and better protection of workers' rights.

Abstract: Chinese factories, whose ultra-low prices have been blamed for millions of job losses and countless plant closures around the world, are falling on hard times. In the late 1970s, as China began to reform its economy after decades of turmoil and relative isolation, Guangdong was among the first to see the opportunity. Beijing gave the province more freedom to manage its economy and to attract foreign investment. And while China still has a long way to go to improve law enforcement, local governments have started monitoring factories' environmental impact more closely and creating new regulations to better protect workers' rights. As Guangdong and other parts of China invest more in higher value-added industries, they will need more engineers, skilled technicians and managers. But China's labor shortage in this area is more severe than among semi-skilled factory hands in Guangdong.

  • Reference: Harney, A. (2008). Guangdong Exodus, Far Eastern Economic Review, 171, (2, March) 29-32
  • CLICK HERE for full article [Note: Webster University ID required]
  • CLICK HERE for full article in .pdf version [Note: Webster University ID required]
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"How to work with Chinese factories without getting burned"

In the AdAgeChina issue of May 14 2008, Alexandra Harney writes an article titled "How to work with Chinese factories without getting burned." The article describes how difficult it is for foreigners to know whether they are buying from a sweatshop, in spite of steps to get Chinese producers to follow international codes of conduct and Chinese law.

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CCTV: Coverage of China Earthquake

CCTV, the largest news broadcast channel in China, has extensive coverage of the earthquake in China, including videos, photos, and news reports. See: http://www.cctv.com/english/special/earthquake/01/index.shtml

CCTV is also available outside China via satellite and cable television services. See: http://english.cctv.com/english/20051231/101597.shtml
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CNN: China Earthquake Videos & Articles

CNN.com has posted new videos and articles updating the earthquake in China. (May 18, 2008)

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

"Illicit: The Dark Trade"

Illicit: The Dark Trade is a 2008 documentary produced by National Geographic and broadcast by PBS in the U.S.A. The documentary is based on the book "Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy" by Moises Naim. The video describes how criminal networks take away numerous jobs, kill or injure thousands of people and promote violence and corruption around the world. See how all the following are part of a huge global crime network: fake designer hand-bags, cheap prescription drugs, human trafficing, money laundering, and arms dealing. Case studies of the desginer knock-off markets in Hong Kong and Guanzhou are included in this documentary.

Global Issues in China: "Illicit: The Dark Trade"
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James Fallows: "China's Silver Lining"

In The Atlantic Monthly (June 2008), James Fallows describes various large scale projects in China that address environmental concerns. These are promising advances in the global quest to manage greenhouse gases:
"... Both Chinese and foreign environmentalists said the government is sending subtle but important bureaucratic signals that it now takes environmental protection more seriously..."
For the full article, see: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200806/pollution-in-china
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

China Earthquake: Update

Here are media updates (May 13, 2008) on the earthquake in Sichuan Provice, China from PRI / BBC's "The World":
This program includes an interview with Author John Pomfret [Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China]. Pomfret explains how deep Chinese religious beliefs may explain the all-out government response to the disaster. There were 50,000 soldiers dispatched to the Sichuan Province. The belief is that any government rules only as long as it has the mandate of Heaven. When natural disaster hits, it is a sign that the government may be losing this mandate. The government is responsible for maintaining the harmony of Heaven and Earth, and must prove its legitimacy by responding quickly and effectively to natural disasters like this earthquake.
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Monday, May 12, 2008

Pangea Day Succeeds in Shanghai

The organizers of Pangea Day (May 10, 2008) in Shanghai, reports that the event went smoothly in spite of concerns the event would be disrupted. See full report at: http://www.pangeaday.org/post_article.php?article_id=176

Pangea Day was a global event involving films, live music, and visionary speakers. The program was broadcast live – in seven languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet, television, and mobile phones on May 10, 2008.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS of the Pangea Day event are available on streaming video at: http://www.pangeaday.org/filmDetail.php?id=101
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China Earthquake

Webster University President Neil J. George sent the following message to the University community:
-----Original Message-----
From: President [mailto:president@webster.edu]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 12:24 PM
Subject: China Earthquake

Webster University Community,

I am sure most of you are aware there has been a major earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province. One of Webster’s four campuses in China is located in Sichuan’s provincial capital, Chengdu. Webster-Chengdu is located on the campus of our partner, the University of Electronics, Technology and Science of China. No Webster classes were in session when the earthquake hit.

We have been in communication with our Webster-China director, Dr. Richard Foristel via cell phone and text messages. Within the past two hours hour, Rick spoke to our Chengdu director by telephone. She did not have any damage to report about Chengdu. She is out in the streets, like millions of other people in Chengdu, riding out the possibility of aftershocks. Stores, gas stations and transit systems are completely shut down. There is no access to computers but cell phones are working on a limited basis. Even though Rick stressed the situation could change significantly when additional damage reports are received, thus far the damage in Chengdu seems much less significant than elsewhere.

Professor Al Cawns, chair of the math and computer science department in the School of Business & Technology, was teaching at Webster-
Chengdu during the spring term. Dr. Cawns emailed me to report that both he and his wife, Sheila, are fine. They are scheduled to begin their return to St. Louis tomorrow.

I will be in touch with you if we receive additional significant information about Webster’s campuses in China.

I’m sure all of you join me in sending heartfelt sympathy to all people of China where this earthquake has caused massive destruction.

Neil J. George
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Sunday, May 11, 2008

China Bans Coca-Cola, P&G, and Nestle's Products

The Shenzhen Daily reports (Monday, May 12, 2008) that the Chinese government has banned several Coca-Cola, Proctor & Gamble and Nestles' products because of fears they contain "harmful substances." The products include:
  • The berry-flavored Fanta soft drink (a Coca-Cola Product)
  • 2 flavors (“spicy salad sauce” and “crispy baked”) of Pringles chips from Proctor & Gamble
  • Vietnam coffee beans from Nestle
For full story, see: http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2008-05/12/content_170547.htm
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Popular Among Foreigners

In its May 11, 2008 edition, The Life of Guangzhou, an English language news service, reported on the popularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) . The article suggests that the lower cost of services in Guangzhou (compared to Hong Kong) has also attracted tourists. For full article, see: http://www.lifeofguangzhou.com/node_10/node_31/node_557/2008/05/12/121055474638179.shtml
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