The Business Journal of Milwaukee reports (March 31, 2008) that Anheuser-Busch plans to build a new brewery in Tangshan [河北省], China. Tangshan is located in Northern China.
View Larger Map
See full article at: http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/03/31/daily9.html
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Olympic Torch in Shenzhen
Here is a sampling of media coverage of the Olympic Torch going through Shenzhen on May 8, 2008:
- Video from CCTV (Central China TV):
James Fallows on China's Internet Firewall
James Fallows (Journalist) discusses the workings of China's Internet monitoring in the March/April 2008 issue of The Atlantic Monthly titled “The Connection Has Been Reset”. See http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200803/chinese-firewall
James Fallows: "The $1.4 Trillion Question"
James Fallows is an American journalist most currently associated with The Atlantic Monthly. Living in China for the last several years, he has published many articles about U.S.-China relations. His January/February 2008 article, titled "The $1.4 Trillion Question" reveals the strange underlying economic relationship between the U.S. and China. He says,
See also James Fallows' blog at: http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/
"... Chinese leaders have deliberately held down living standards for their own people and propped them up in the United States. This is the real meaning of the vast trade surplus—$1.4 trillion and counting, going up by about $1 billion per day—that the Chinese government has mostly parked in U.S. Treasury notes. In effect, every person in the (rich) United States has over the past 10 years or so borrowed about $4,000 from someone in the (poor) People’s Republic of China. ... " [For the full article, see: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200801/fallows-chinese-dollars]
See also James Fallows' blog at: http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Shenzhen is Venue for Talks with Dalai Lama's Envoys
Envoys of the Dalai Lama met with Chinese officials in Shenzhen on Sunday (May 4, 2008) and agreed to hold a second round of talks. CLICK HERE for full story, photo, and slide show: http://article.wn.com/view/2008/05/05/China_Dalai_Lama_aides_agreed_to_talk_again_v/
Global Issues in China: Shenzhen is Venue for Talks with Dalai Lama's Envoys
Global Issues in China: Shenzhen is Venue for Talks with Dalai Lama's Envoys
Guanzhou News Reports on Child-Killing Virus
The Friday, May 9, 2008 edition of Guanzhou News cites two reports about the virus that has killed 25 children across China. In one story, it reports the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that epidemic will not be a threat to the Beijing Olympics in August. CLICK HERE for full story with accompanying video and slideshow.
[Video from Reuters]
It also cites an AP story reporting there are more than 6,300 cases in the viral outbreak that has killed 26 children. CLICK HERE for the full story.
[Video from Reuters]
The New Third Wave of Economic Development in China
In the American Public Media program 'Marketplace' (May 8, 2008) Andy Rothman (U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission) describes the three waves of economic development in China. He says that this third wave will be a "a process that should benefit Chinese workers, improve the global environment and lead to higher prices for American consumers." See full story at: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/05/08/rothman_commentary/
- To listen to the radio program, CLICK HERE
- For the podcast, CLICK HERE
- To view the transcript, CLICK HERE
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The China Project
Wikipedia sponsors "The China Project" which studies and reports on public health, diet and epidemiology in many provinces throughout China. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Project
NPR in Chengdu for a Week
Message from Webster University's Director in China:
What better way to celebrate Webster University’s Chengdu MBA Program than listening to NPR about Chengdu:
"All Things Considered" will originate from Chengdu, China, the week of May 19-23. Follow the hosts and producers as they prepare reports for the series.—from NPR website.
Take a look at the advance work from NPR before the start of the Week in Chengdu http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/
And don’t forget to listen in the afternoon for All Things Considered. We were very happy when Time Magazine provided four pages of Chengdu coverage in the 2/07 edition. It was the U.S. edition, not the Asia or Europe edition of Time.
A whole week of origination of All Things Considered in Chengdu is deep, not surface. NPR could have decided on Xi An (terracotta warriors), Chong Qing, close to the famous Three Gorges Dam, but the picked Chengdu, hopefully for the same reasons we picked it six years ago.
A you know, you can listen to NPR online, but for many of you, you’ll be able to hear about Chengdu while driving in a car in West Palm Beach, Washington, D.C. St. Louis, Chicago, or San Francisco. I wish I were there to hear it, but better, I was just in Chengdu a few weeks ago, and will be back next month. In the meantime, work continues at Shanghai, Shen Zhen, Dalian and Beijing.
Rick Foristel
Monday, May 5, 2008
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement to the International Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC). Its objective is to reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted by the COP-3 (Conference of Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change), in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. For details, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol
As of April 2008, 178 states have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kyoto_Protocol_signatories
China ratified the Kyoto protocol on August 30, 2002. Hong Kong, SAR, has applied since April 8, 2003; but Macau, SAR has not applied.
The United States (U.S.A.) is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, but the Federal Government has not ratified it. One reason given by the current president U.S. President George W. Bush for the U.S. opposition to the Kyoto protocol is because the exemption granted to China and India makes the Kyoto Protocol a flawed treaty.
The United States has signed the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, also known as also known as AP6. The AP6 is an international agreement that allows signatory countries to set their own goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other nations signing the agreement in 2005 are Australia, India, Japan, the People's Republic of China, and South Korea.
As of April 2008, 178 states have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kyoto_Protocol_signatories
China ratified the Kyoto protocol on August 30, 2002. Hong Kong, SAR, has applied since April 8, 2003; but Macau, SAR has not applied.
The United States (U.S.A.) is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, but the Federal Government has not ratified it. One reason given by the current president U.S. President George W. Bush for the U.S. opposition to the Kyoto protocol is because the exemption granted to China and India makes the Kyoto Protocol a flawed treaty.
The United States has signed the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, also known as also known as AP6. The AP6 is an international agreement that allows signatory countries to set their own goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other nations signing the agreement in 2005 are Australia, India, Japan, the People's Republic of China, and South Korea.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
The United Nations Millenium Development Goals (MDG) and China
In September 2000, the United Nations concluded its Millenium Conference which resulted in a Millenium Declaration embodied in a series of eight Millenium Development Goals (MDG). China was among the 189 countries pledging their commitment to achieving the eight goals by 2015.The Eight Goals and Targets are listed here: [Source: http://www.undp.org.cn/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&catid=10&sid=5]
Related information on MDG:
International Forum on Climate Change Held in Beijing
The United Nations China office reports that a two-day International Forum on Climate Change Science & Technology Innovation was held in Beijing, April 24-25, 2008. The meeting brought together more than 600 representatives from 30 countries and 10 international organizations. The primary topic of discussion was how green technologies and other solutions can meet the challenge of climate change. See details at: http://www.undp.org.cn/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&catid=14&topic=6&sid=4291&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
National Geographic Channel Airs "China Revealed"
The National Geographic Channel began a new television series titled China Revealed, beginning May 4, 2008. The series includes four episodes including:
- Beijing Olympic Stadium
- Building the Great Wall
- China's Warrior King
- World's Largest Casino
Environmental Sustainability Campaign
On April 21, 2008, the United Nations China Office reported that Chinese actress/celebrity Zhou Xun was appointed to be its first National Goodwill Ambassador (NGWA) to promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change. Zhou Xun and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are featured in a multimedia program which advocates simple, effective lifestyle changes to reduce carbon footprints and collectively combat climate change. For details, see: http://www.unchina.org/cms/p/news/27/516/content.html
Smoke-Free Beijing
On April 10, 2008, the United Nations China Office reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the release of the Beijing Municipal Regulations on the Scope of Banning Smoking in Public Places. Dr. Hans Troedsson, WHO China Representative, says: "WHO warmly congratulates the Municipality of Beijing on its exemplary progress towards creating a new smoke-free city... These landmark regulations lead the way for the rest of China." [http://www.unchina.org/cms/p/news/27/528/content.html]
Understanding Money & Debt
On March 31, 2008, the China Post (a Taiwanese publication) published a Reuters story in which Hilary Clinton, U.S. Senator and Democratic-party Presidential hopeful, warns that the Bush administration has jeopardized national security and the ability to intervene in world crises because of the huge U.S. debt.
The article "The Yin and Yang of US Debt"(Bardham and Jaffee, 2008) explains the role of foreign investments, particularly the Chinese, in the U.S. economy. See: Bardhan, A. and Jafee, D., "The Yin and Yang of US Debt", YaleGlobal, 4 April 2008. Available at: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=10607
The documentary "Money as Debt," produced by Paul Grignon, gives an explanation about what is the "money-debt" system and how it works (or doesn't work). The streaming video is available at: http://www.moneyasdebt.net/
A trailer for the video may be viewed here:
The full video may be viewed here:
[Video Available At: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279
The article "The Yin and Yang of US Debt"(Bardham and Jaffee, 2008) explains the role of foreign investments, particularly the Chinese, in the U.S. economy. See: Bardhan, A. and Jafee, D., "The Yin and Yang of US Debt", YaleGlobal, 4 April 2008. Available at: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=10607
The documentary "Money as Debt," produced by Paul Grignon, gives an explanation about what is the "money-debt" system and how it works (or doesn't work). The streaming video is available at: http://www.moneyasdebt.net/
A trailer for the video may be viewed here:
The full video may be viewed here:
[Video Available At: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279
Sunday, April 27, 2008
U.S. State Department Travel Alert
On April 25, 2008 the U.S. State Department issued a "travel alert" for China, advising "American citizens traveling or residing there to be alert to their surroundings and exercise caution at all times." The alert is in effect until October 31, 2008.
For State Department information specifically about Hong Kong, SAR, see: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1136.html
See: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4180.htmlThe State Department webpage on current travel alerts (http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html) defines a "travel alert" as follows:
"Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert."Additional State Department information for U.S. citizens traveling or living in China is available at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1089.html
For State Department information specifically about Hong Kong, SAR, see: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1136.html
Thursday, April 24, 2008
CCTV: "Your Window on China and the World"
CCTV International (CCTV-9) is an English-language website and television channel hosted by China Central Television, China's largest national TV network.
It includes news reports from within China, international news, business news ("BizChina"), sports, lifestyle & culture, and other documentaries and special reports including daily features on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It also includes critiques of how news about China is covered in other countries. CCTV International views itself as "China's contribution to greater diversity and more perspective in the global information flow." (Cited from http://www.cctv.com/english/about/index.shtml)
It includes news reports from within China, international news, business news ("BizChina"), sports, lifestyle & culture, and other documentaries and special reports including daily features on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It also includes critiques of how news about China is covered in other countries. CCTV International views itself as "China's contribution to greater diversity and more perspective in the global information flow." (Cited from http://www.cctv.com/english/about/index.shtml)
Motorcycles Banned in Guangzhou
How can a large city reduce street crime, minimize traffic congestion, and lower road accidents? Guangzhou's answer was to ban motorcycles.
Beginning January 2007, the Guangzhou government strictly banned motorcycle riding in the city. Police detain riders; riders are fined 200 Yuan, and their motorcycles are confiscated.
Within two weeks of the ban, traffic problems in Guangzhou were reduced by 50% and road accidents dropped by 40%, according to the Guanzhou traffic bureau.
Sources:
Beginning January 2007, the Guangzhou government strictly banned motorcycle riding in the city. Police detain riders; riders are fined 200 Yuan, and their motorcycles are confiscated.
Within two weeks of the ban, traffic problems in Guangzhou were reduced by 50% and road accidents dropped by 40%, according to the Guanzhou traffic bureau.
Sources:
- The End of the Motorcycles Era (01-15-2007)
- The New York Times: In City Ban, a Sign of Wealth..." (01-15-2007)
- News Guangdong: A Week After Guangzhou Banned Motorcycles (01-10-2007)
- Guangzhou Life without Motorcycles (01-03-2007)
- Guangzhou Bans Motorcycles (01-02-2007)
Yuan's rise to boost outbound tourism
The article, "Yuan's rise to boost outbound tourism" by Xin Dingding (China Daily) (April 24, 2008) summarizes the rise of the Chinese Yuan against the U.S. Dollar as well as the Hong Kong Dollar. While Chinese tour groups are still not permitted to organize trips to the United States, the rise in the Chinese currency is likely to boost tourism to other countries and regions (such as Hong Kong) that use US dollars or peg their currencies to it.
Full Article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/24/content_6640156.htm
Full Article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2008-04/24/content_6640156.htm
Biodiversity loss leads to sick world: experts
China Daily (April 24, 2008) reports on the UN-backed Business for the Environment international conference held in Singapore. It cites various experts warning that "The world risks wiping out a new generation of antibiotics and cures for diseases if it fails to reverse the extinction of thousands of plant and animal species."
Full story available at: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-04/24/content_6640091_2.htm
Chengdu kicks off herbal medicine research project.
According to an INTERFAX-CHINA wire report (April 23, 2008), the local government in Chengdu, Sichuan Province announced the launch of a national project to develop traditional Chinese medicines. The three-year project will involve an investment of RMB 37.6 million ($5.38 million). The research aims to examine plantation standards and quality standards, to analyze the the chemical makeup of unibract fritillary bulb, dahuricae angelica root, and coptis root, which are bountiful sources for therapies, and to develop new medicines and nutritional supplements.
The research partners include: Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, and Sichuan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Source: China Business News. CLICK HERE for full story. [Note: Webster University ID required.]
The research partners include: Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, and Sichuan Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Source: China Business News. CLICK HERE for full story. [Note: Webster University ID required.]
China's vaccine bill this year grows to over $71 per child.
China Business News (April 23, 2008) reports that an official from China's Ministry of Health announced at a press briefing on Monday that the "Chinese government will spend over RMB 500 ($71.43) in vaccines for each child in China as part of its expanded program on immunization (EPI)." CLICK HERE to view the full story. [Note: Webster University ID required to access database.]
Monday, April 21, 2008
Global Feminisms Project
The 'Global Feminisms Project' at the University of Michigan aims to document
The interviews and transcripts with the women scholars are available (in both English and Mandarin) at http://www.umich.edu/~glblfem/china_e.html
There are 10 video interviews, including:
" individual life stories of activists and scholars, and considering them in their particular historical and cultural contexts, the project records important differences in women's activism in specific local sites, and questions constructions of 'global' feminism that assume a common (Western) set of issues as universal to all women. In addition, the project questions conventional notions of global feminism as the "internationalization of the women's movement," which often assumes a transfer eastward of western feminist ideals." Citation from http://www.umich.edu/~glblfem/about.htmlAt the China Project location, the interviews:
"... illustrate the multi-dimensional development of feminist practices in China's transformation from a socialist state economy to a capitalist market economy since the mid-1980s, when spontaneous women's activism emerged." Citation from http://www.umich.edu/~glblfem/china.html
The interviews and transcripts with the women scholars are available (in both English and Mandarin) at http://www.umich.edu/~glblfem/china_e.html
There are 10 video interviews, including:
 | Ai Xiaoming Professor from Zhongshan University; now at Sun Yat-Sen University, in Guangzhou. Playwright, documentary producer, videographer. |
 | Chen Mingxia Researcher in women's legal rights at the Institute for Legal Research of the China Academy of Social Sciences. |
 | Gao Xiaoxian Secretary General of the Shaanxi Research Association for Women and Family. |
Ge YouliDirector for the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities in Guangzhou. | |
 | He Zhonghua Professor of literature; researcher in ethnic minority women's health in poor areas to empowering women to participate in rural development and community management. |
CHINA VAULTS PAST USA IN NUMBER OF INTERNET USERS
This headline is reported by multiple sources. See:
- Benton Foundation (Last updated: February 21, 2008 - 7:15am): http://www.benton.org/node/6565
- USA Today (Apr 21, 2008, p1A): http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080421/1a_bottomstrip21.art.htm
- Information Week (July 13, 2007 03:49 PM): http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=201001379
"China’s Online Population Explosion
What It May Mean for the Internet Globally… and for U.S. Users"
By Deborah Fallows, Senior Research Fellow, Pew Internet & American Life Project available at: http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/China_Internet_July_2007.pdf
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Battle of China (Frank Capra) (1945)
"The Battle of China" (64 minutes) is part VI of the 1945 documentary series Why We Fight, produced by Frank Capra. It explains why the Japanese Empire aimed to dominate China. But the Japanese invasion of Nanking in which 40,000 civilians were killed, resulted in unifying and galvanizing the Chinese people against the Japanese. The Chinese construct the 7,000 mile Burma Road in less than 12 months to keep the Chinese armies well supplied. As a result, Japan is unable to conquer China. The video is available for sale or rent, as well as free streaming on various web sites. Play the video below or see http://www.archive.org/details/BattleOfChina to download or stream the video.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Jeffrey Sachs
Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and author of Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet, discusses the role of China, India, the U.S. and International Bodies (U.N.) in addressing climate change.
http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/04/16/1/a-conversation-with-jeffrey-sachs
- CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO
- CLICK HERE FOR TRANSCRIPT (Webster University ID Required)
http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/04/16/1/a-conversation-with-jeffrey-sachs
William McDonough: The wisdom of designing Cradle to Cradle
William McDonough (who grew up in Hong Kong) believes that green design can prevent environmental disaster -- while also driving economic growth. He practices green architecture on a massive scale. He is involved in building 12 new and entirely green cities in China in collaboration with the Chinese government.
- Video from TED.com: http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/104
- Cradle To Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things By William McDonough & Michael Braungart, North Point Press, 2002
- China-U.S. Center for Sustainable Development: http://www.chinauscenter.org/
BBC World Service: "China's Long Arm"
Originally broadcast in October 2007, audio downloads & podcasts of this 4-part program are available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/7041971.stm
CHINA'S LONG ARM
CHINA'S LONG ARM
PART ONE
New arms race?
US government concerns about rising defence spending in China
PART TWO
Taiwan
Would China use its military power to reclaim Taiwan, and clash with the US?
PART THREE
Angola's oil
The impact of China's insatiable appetite for natural resources, in Angola
PART FOUR
China has turned its attention to the US in its search for natural resources
SPECIAL SEASON:
Ruling China
Pangea Day: May 10, 2008
Pangea Day is a live global event involving films, live music, and visionary speakers. The program will be broadcast – in seven languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet, television, and mobile phones on May 10, 2008. See: http://www.pangeaday.org.
"The 24 short films to be featured have been selected from an international competition that generated more than 2,500 submissions from over one hundred countries. The films were chosen based on their ability to inspire, transform, and allow us see the world through another person's eyes...
The program will also include a number of exceptional speakers and musical performers. Queen Noor of Jordan, CNN's Christiane Amanpour, musician/activist Bob Geldof, and Iranian rock phenom Hypernova are among those taking part.
What Will Happen After Pangea Day
People inspired by Pangea Day will have the opportunity to participate in community-building activities around the world. Through the live program, the Pangea Day web site, and self-organized local events, everyday people will be connected with extraordinary activists and organizations.
Many of the films and performances seen on Pangea Day will be made available on the Web and via mobile phone, alongside open forums for discussion and ideas for how to take social action.
A Pangea Day documentary will be created to catalyze future activities, and dozens of talented filmmakers will make strides in their careers."
Yochai Benkler: Open-source Economics
In this video from TED.com, law professor Yochai Benkler describe how the new "open-source economics" changes human organization and interactions, locally and globally.
Live Radio Programs from China
A colleague at Webster University informed us of the following pertinent discussion on "onpointradio":
"...A week of live programming from China -The topics discussed are listed as follows:
Heard part of the program on human rights & dissent coming home from class.
A memorable line - what you can't talk about or only with extreme care - Is called the three Ts - Tibet, Taiwan, Tinneman (sp)
The other programs look good too
http://www.onpointradio.org/
http://www.onpointradio.org/china/
Other shows during the week on business, etc."
- Monday, 4/14
- The Olympics
- Young China
- Tuesday, 4/15
- American Business in China
- China at the Movies
- Wednesday, 4/16
- China’s New Politics
- City Life with Hong Huang
- Thursday, 4/17
- China’s Environmental Crisis
- Dissent: China’s Third Rail
- Friday, 4/18
- China’s Week in the News
- The U.S. & China
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Power One
Webster University's Director in China notes that Power One, a company in the solar energy stream, is located in Shen Zhen.
"... I just visited their booth in Shanghai at the Solar/Wind Trade Show. I was collecting materials for my current class that uses Solar ETF and Mutual Funds as working models for the class. Teams are putting together their own portfolio of ten companies.
I noted your interest in alternative energy, and looked through my materials for a Shen Zhen company. It turns out that Power One is in Shen Zhen, and we have already graduated four Webster MBAs from that company.
So, Serene is working on the task of putting your students into Power One when you are here.
The piece below is from today and I’ll use it this weekend for my class for the teams that are assembling their own ETF/mutual funds on alternative. Rick
See: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080415/20080415005884.html
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Travel Course: "Global Issues in China"
“Global Issues in China” combines online learning with international travel to Hong Kong and Southern China. The course is open to: Webster University students from any campus, alumni, students from other Universities, and others interested in international relations, international business, education, or global studies. Enrollment is limited to 15.
Online Course Dates: May 12 – July 11, 2008
On Location Study Tour Dates: June 1-7, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please see: http://eagle.webster.edu/global
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