Understanding China

For centuries, China has proven difficult for Americans to understand. Today, however, China is becoming one of the most powerful countries in the World . The stakes have never been higher for getting U.S. policy toward China right. The direction that China and the U.S.-China relations take will define the strategic future of the World for years to come. No relationship matters more for better or for worse in resolving the enduring challenges of our time: Maintaining stability among great powers, sustaining global economic growth, stemming dangerous weapons proliferation, countering terrorism, and confronting new transnational threats of infectious disease, environmental problems, international crime, and failing states. And for the United States in particular, a rising China has an increasing for some clear-eyed thinking and tough economic, political, and security choices.
www.publicaffairsbook.com

Tourism in China

Tourism in the people's Republic of China has greatly expanded over the last few decades since the beginning of reforming and opening. The emergence of a newly rich middle-class and an easing of restrictions on movement by the Chinese authorities are both fueling this travel boom. China has become one of the world's most watched and hottest outbound tourist markets. The world is on the cusp of a substantial Chinese outbound tourism boom.
China is the world's fourth largest country for inbound tourism. The number of overseas tourists was 55 million in 2009. Foreign exchange income was 41.9 billion U.S. dollars, the world's fifth largest in 2009. The number of domestic tourist visits totaled 1.61 billion, with a total income of 777.1 billion yuan.
According to the WTO, in 2020, China will become the largest tourist country and the fourth largest for overseas travel. In terms of total outbound travel spending, China is currently ranked fifth and is expected to be the fastest growing in the world from 2006 to 2015, jumping into the number two slot for total travel spending by the year 2015.
www.en.wikipedia.org

China Economy Grows 11.9%

• China's economic growth accelerated to the fastest pace in almost three years.
• Gross domestic product rose 11.9 percent from a year earlier, the statistic bureau said.
• Poperty prices rose by a record in March and foreign-exchange reserves climbed the most in four months, the government said this week.
• Economic growth was largely driven by simulus policies and a comparison with low levels in 2009. Officals pledged to do more to rein in the property market.
• Industrial production rose 18.1 percent in March and retail sales climbed 18 percent. car sales leapt 76 percent inthe first quarter from a year earlier, with Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. reported a doubling.
• Some investors already see a property bubble in China that could reverberate around the World if it bursts.
• Residential and commercial real-estate prices in 70 cities climbed 11.7 percent in March from a year earlier, the most since data began in 2005.

www.tradingeconomics.com

Facts About The Economy in China

• China is the World's fourth largest economy, but its per capita incolm is ranked around 100th in the world-the first "poor" global economic superpower in history.
• China's economic modernization has lifted almost 400 million citizens out of poverty since 1990, but 415 million Chinese still live on less than $2 per day.
• China's economy is relatively open, but the Country consistently is rated one of the politically least free Countries in the world.
• China graduated more than 800,000 students a year in engineering and sciences, but only has 120,00 certified lawyers.
• China has land borders with 14 States, extending some 13,000 miles, but has not fought a was since 1979.
• Beijing has announced double-digit increases in its defense budget nearly every year since 1991, but says it pursues a "path of peaceful development" to greater power.

www.publicaffairsbooks.com

China Deal to Boost Economy

• China's drive to join the World Trade Organization is a crucial part of its plan to reform its economy.
• In the past 20 years, the Chinese economy has grown rapidly as the Country embraced foreign trade and investment.
• China is now one of the World's leading exporters, and also the biggest single destination for foreign investment of any developing Country.
• Under WTO rules, China would be guaranteed nondiscriminatory access to the markets of all major industrial Countries, who are all members of the WTO.
• In return, foreign companies would be given the right to trade and invest in China, with the confidence that any concessions granted by the Chinese government could not be reversed.
• Aa a precondition China will have to cut its tariffs and gradually end protectionism of its state-run industries.

news.bbc.com

http://imarketnews.com/node/10685

"Vice-Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo will lead the Chinese talks, while the U.S. side will be led by Secretary of the State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner."
"The meetings will take place amid heightened international pressure for the Chinese government to appreciate the yuan, along with a slew of other trade issues."

They want to try to have good relation with the trade. But will it happen? Can the both give desired standard equalization trade? USA depends on world trade. So does China. But China doesn't make good quality. But none the less US buys them because it it cheap. To make it qualify, China would need to spend more money, that means that much more to buy. Then why would US want to buy from China. And if China can sell cheaper why do they buy from US? The relation lately seem like it's going to break them apart in many ways. maybe even to a war. If they are not prepare to loose something to gain something, no matter how much they debate, nothing will change. Or we might just see one side getting every thing they want, while other side loose much to gain something.

China says anti-dumping probe into U.S. auto, chicken products

US will put tariffs on the tire imports from China. China is saying that it's anit-dumping comparing to the chicken.
"China imported 407,000 tonnes of chicken from overseas markets in the first half of 2009, with 359,000 tonnes, or about 90 percent from the United States. "
90 percent is a lot. At first when I was reading this, I thought that it's not a good trade for China since, they can't sell as much tires as US sells to China. It wasn't a fair trade. But, I read from http://wildwestvstheorient.blogspot.com/2010/05/chinese-tires-unsafe-ordered-for-recall.html
Chines tire have been recalled. And wasn't taking it very responsibly . If China fail to make a good quality of tire then it is the US's right to do such act.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/xw/t584596.htm

US-China faceoff over Taiwan arms deal

Relation of US and China will be upset. Even they have meetings and saying they want to keep good relation, they have been on and off. At some point, I don't see too much of them selling. Since it not like Taiwan will use it to attack China. It will be good money for US. But on the other hand, let's say your " Friend" sells a UZI automatic and a Bazooka to your neighbor, that's going to cause problems with that "friend" I don't think that relation will last that long.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BJ42OcVRNM

China tops USA in spending on clean energy

"The U.S. has no national standard for expanded use of renewable energy. The American Wind Energy Association and others argue a national standard would do more to help manufacturers prepare for a big U.S. market for their products. The U.S. has also offered on-again, off-again financial incentives for renewable energy while other countries' support has been steady."

I think it's obvious that we had alternate way to get energy. We had cars that runs on electric, water, co2, and solo power. We can get heat from coal or other. There are so many ways and IT IS cheaper! So why don't we change? The big company won't approve of it. There are people who wants to save planet and go green~ even so, majorly don't find way or use to save the energy.

USA was top country to spend most on to save energy. I believe that things do change, but very slowly. I been hopping to see different ways to save and user energy more efficiently and be more cheaper. And now that USA has dropped down in the rank, maybe they will put more effort to it to get back their rank in the world as the "sanitarian"

What I want most right now as well as many other would be is the change of cost of gas. With much investment, I hope they can use energy more efficiently.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2010-03-25-china-clean-energy-investing_N.htm

Toothpaste Contamination

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pointed out a number of different situations involving contaminated toothpastes that have been sold and imported in the United States. The toothpaste from China and counterfeit Colgate toothpaste may contain dietylene glycol (DEG), a chemical used in antifreeze! ( Lyons, Tom ) The FDA spoke to consumers and issued an alert to prevent suspect toothpaste from entering the United States. ( Lyons, Toms )

Despite FDA's efforts, products continue to be found, including in Massachusetts--- mostly in small, independent dollar-type discount stores. ( Lyons, Toms ) As a result of the investigation, toothpaste with this labeling has been located in the following Massachusett communitites: Boston, Arlington, Dedham, Amherst, Malden, Lowell, Wellesley, West Springfield, Somerville, Lawrence and Sturbridge. ( Lyons, Tom )

Consumers should fully look at their toothpaste labels that says the whether or not the product is, "Made in China." The FDA suggests that if you own such bottles that you throw them away or return them with the labeling. Some of the brands that you should be looking out for include: Cooldent, Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste, Superdent and Oral Bright.

Source: : Lyons, Tom. "Toothpaste Public Health Advisory "

Seafood Recall

There have been five specific types of fish which have been blocked specifically from China! Did you know that? They are shrimp, catfish, eel, basa, and dace.

The FDA has let people know that several species of importes Chinese farmed seafood are contaminated. There has also been an alarming number of cases of fish with drugs and food additives. It was also reported that 10% of the catfish eaten in the United States are imported from China. The drugs found in the seafood include the following: antimicrobials, nitrofuran, malachite green, gentian violet and florquinolones ( Penelope ) Chemicals that are not approved by the FDA and should not be farmed in seafood within in U.S. These chemicals have shown to cause cancer when eaten for long periods of time. The FDA says that they are currently inspecting only about one percent of all food imports and five percent of fish imported from China ( Penelope )

Source: Penelope. "Fish from China, yet Another Recall!" Health & Wellness

July 2007

Chinese Tires Unsafe - Ordered for Recall

U.S. Federal officials have spoken to importers about the 450,000 tires for sport utility vehicles, vans, and pick-up trucks that have been recalled due to safety features. Tures have been seperating. Tread detachment is the same flaw that lead to millions of Firestone tires in 2000. ( Martin, Andrew ) This tire bust lead to an increase of truck roll-overs and SVU flips! It is only appropraite for such importers to be responsible for the costs of recalling these defective products.

People are outraged. They have been put in danger. Officials stated that Foreign Tire Sales' (F.T.S) executive waited for over two years to pass on such suspicions about the faulty and hazardous tires. It was noted in October 2005 that about such concerns, but it was not until September 2006 that China admitted that there was a part of the manufaturing process that was left out. A process in which a gum strip is set in place to keep tires from seperating. Problems were not reported lawfully until Jun 11, because there was " no definate proof" until further testing that was done in may. ( Martin, Andrew )

It has not been clear how many of these tires might still be on the road. Since the recall F.T.S would have to buy all new tires for every single tire that was returned during the recall for the cost of about $200 per tire!! ( Martin, Andrew )

Source: Martin, Andrew. Chinese Tires are Ordered Recalled. "World Buisness" The New York Times

Baby Formula Recall - Product May Be Sold on the Ethnic Market!

There has been concern that there may have been some infant and/or baby formula that may have gotten into the United States illegally and be on the ethnic market! Such concerns have been linked to kidney stones*, and have lead to a recall of some products and a WARNING to Boston parents and families from the FDA. In China 700 tons of milk powder were connected to a rash of kidney stones in infants. (TheBostonChannel.com) Our largest fear is that some of this formula could at some point end up in our cities. [Generally our Chinese-American cities.] Of course it is illegal to sell the formula in America, but sometimes products get in "illegally" and are sold in smaller stores, and on the ethnic market. (TheBostonChannel.com) It has been said that the formula was contaminated with melamine. Melamine is a chemical usually used in plastics. It was also the center of the Chinese Dog Food Recall, the reason for all the pet deaths! It was NOT supposed to be added to the dog food, but was indeed added so food would appear higher in protein.

China has suffered a long history of incidents involving issues such as corrupted seafood, toys, toothpaste, tires and other products that injures and worse--death. Consumers needs to be cautious when it comes to safety and what it is they are buying.

Source: U.S. Warns Of Chinese Baby FOrmula Recall. "Officals Worried Products May Be SOld In Ethnic Groceries." Sept 2008 (TheBostonChannel.com)

China vs America: fight of the century

This article caught my eye. Not the article itself but the subcomment that stated "The world's two great powers are growing dangerously hostile to one another. Could this be worse than the cold war?" "Put bluntly, the Chinese leadership no longer believes that American power is as indispensable as it once was for either China’s economic expansion or the Communist party’s political survival. Nor does it accept that access to US capital or commercial know-how is quite so important for the next stage of China’s development—or that its growth depends on the spending habits of American consumers." - A country that is the same if not stronger than the U.S doesnt need the U.S anymore. But if tensions expand what is going happen? There's still beef with google and China with google threatening to quit on china with the cyber attacks that occurred, and especially the no-currency cooperation on the dollar. Thats pushing the button i believe. I believe Americas consumers need china more than China needs consumers from America. Though China's three main trading partners are U.S, Europe, and Japan. Especially the troubles over the dollar. China will be shifting to domestic consumption instead of exports so the dollar will lessen and then America will need to look somewhere else to make up the difference. Which i believe would cause a huge conflict between the two nations.

http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2010/03/china-vs-america-fight-of-the-century/

WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION GRAPH

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/520874.stm

ON THIS WEB SITE PAGE,THERE'S AN IMPORTANT GRAPH ON THE ECONOMY IN CHINA'S WORID TRADE ORGANISATION.

Dog Food Recall

In March of 2007 there was an immense recall of pet foods imported from China. Initially it was only a complaint made on wet food made with wheat gluten which also contained melamine. (Lindsey, Mark) What is melamine? It is a firm plastic used in cleaning products! It has been investigated whether or not this was a cold-blooded act on their part. The FDA stated on April 9th of 2007, that the melamine may have very well been added on purpose to increase protein volume and product profit. The large sum of this horrible product put into this food was quite large. (Lindsey, Mark) By the end of March the deaths indeed increased to as much as 3,600! Of course companies refuse to identify the manufactures involved. The Chinese companies have also denied having any connection to this act with the American investigators. (Lindsey, Mark)




What is it our pet owners need to be looking out for? What symptoms?
· Lethargy
· Serious cases may display collapse and complete renal failure
· Excessive urinating
· Loss of appetite*
· Depression
· Excessive thirst (Lindsey, Mark)

Source:
Lindsey, Mark. Dog Food Recall April 2007

Web, religious freedom on agenda as US-China rights dialogue resumes

"National flags of US and China wave in front of an international hotel in Beijing February 4. The two nations are expected to discuss religious freedom, Internet freedom, and the rule of law, as human rights dialogue resumes in May."
Jason Lee/Reuters/File

This is a very strong, passionate, and bias image for both countries. Im not American but last i remember was that the American flag resembled freedom. Yet the Chinese flag is an oppressive image not only to America but to surrounding countries as well. Im pretty sure when America had talks with Russia, both didnt have their flags up. I find it offensive though I am not American. I find this image a discrimination, doesnt matter if beijing hung this flag up, America can say "take it down." With communism there is no freedom. With communism there are no human rights. There is nothing to discuss. "one lives free, the other rats him out."

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2010/0423/Web-religious-freedom-on-agenda-as-US-China-rights-dialogue-resumes?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fworld+%28Christian+Science+Monitor+|+World%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

protectionism hurting US-china trade

I think it's good in a way and bad in many ways too. First, it helps their own county by limiting trade where it makes people to buy their own goods. That can help the business in the own country. However, as they said, it is hurting other country and their own. By having limited goods to buy, cheaper import will change. And force to buy none import goods. It would hurt china most, since they have massive trade to USA. But now they are not free trade any more, the company will loose money. In the future, the imports coming from china won't be cheaper to buy any more. With less goods, the demand will rise. There for the price to be raised as well. It's good for the locals to gain but big company that trade over sea will loose much more. When bigger company are effected by it, then the consumers side will loose as well.

*Protectionism is the economic policy of restraining trade between states, through methods such as tariffs on imported goods, restrictive quotas, and a variety of other government regulations designed to discourage imports, and prevent foreign take-over of native markets and companies. This policy is closely aligned with anti-globalization, and contrasts with free trade, where government barriers to trade and movement of capital are kept to a minimum. The term is mostly used in the context of economics, where protectionism refers to policies or doctrines which protect businesses and workers within a country by restricting or regulating trade with foreign nations. * from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protectionism


http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/feb2010/gb2010022_041184.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1999792.stm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-03/21/content_7602818.htm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703465204575207643839433762.html?mod=wsj_india_main

Chinese Military Seeks to Extend Its Naval Power

"The Chinese military is seeking to project naval power well beyond the Chinese coast, from the oil ports of the Middle East to the shipping lanes of the Pacific, where the United States Navy has long reigned as the dominant force, military officials and analysts say."- This looks like a sign for future war in the future. The pacific has always been the U.S navy's and challenging that turf is asking for war I believe. The fact that countries are letting a communist country expand its waters is far and ballsy enough. "China calls the new strategy “far sea defense,” and the speed with which it is building long-range capabilities has surprised foreign military officials."- Leaving a communist country in the 90's and seeing what communism can do, this militaristic approach to widen water territory for "far sea defense" is absolutely absurd. I understand America likes to have its hand in everything, like controlling the worlds oil supply and owning territory etc. "China is also developing a sophisticated submarine fleet that could try to prevent foreign naval vessels from entering its strategic waters if a conflict erupted in the region, said Admiral Willard and military analysts". China has already engaged in its motion to expand through Japan when 2 submarines and 8 ships were spotted heading into the pacific through two islands in Japan. Apparently the defense minister is very anxious and has never seen a "chinese flotilla" in japan before. -This is absolutely unbelievable. China is already moving towards war, preparing. "When two Japanese destroyers began following the Chinese ships, a Chinese helicopter flew within 300 feet of one of the destroyers." Its absolutely visible and if they have the pacific they will have the upper hand especially with the new submarines developing. I smell war and I believe we are on the brink of it.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/world/asia/24navy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Pleasure VS Safety

Safety cannot be guaranteed it seems, when it comes to imported goods from China. A problem with our nation is that we accept such low-priced imported goods without any sort of inspection process! Why is it that we trust that the Chinese have done adequate inspections and have used proper manufacturing? How is it these cheap products are up to U.S standards?

Fisher-Price recalled almost a million toys involving lead paint. (Kevin Wolf/ AP) Have you ever stopped to think how much products we buy from China? So much of our products come from there. Such as food, toothpaste, clothing, cars, toys, you name it. It is more than troubling to hear that toys made for preschoolers and younger are hazardous and are being told by their vendors to be taken “away from children and contact to the company”. (Kevin/AP) There were 152 product recalls in 2007. Proclaimed by authorization since January, 104 products have been stated to be manufactured in China. What are the risks? There were portable baby swings taken off the market that actually trap children, ensuing in 60 reports bruises and cuts. ( Kevin/AP )

Polly Pocket, Barbie, Batman, and other figures alike came with small accessories that included magnets. At least one child died in 2007 and nineteen others were hospitalized for ingesting these magnets! Did you know that 253,000 of these toys were torn from the shelves because of health standards?

Product: Batman a magnetic action figure set.
Hazard: Contains small powerful magnets and accessories that can fall out and possibly be swallowed or aspirated by younger children. If more than one magnet is swallowed it is possible to cause an intestinal infection and/or blockage which can be deadly!! (Office of Information and Public Affairs)

SOURCES:

Wolf, Kevin. “Fisher-Price recalling almost a million toys.” Chinese vendor used paint with lead on item meant for preschoolers. August 2007

Office of Information and Public Affairs.“NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.” Mattel Recalls Batman and One Piece Magnetic Action Figure Sets Due To Magnets Coming Loose. August 2007

china and world bank Rank

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2010-04/27/content_9778666.htm

China has raised in economic power to point where they can now effect world. The US still is over powering, they still have power to veto. China now has the 3 rank in voting power in the world banking. Even if it is big change and they are expected to raise more, "The nation is expected to surpass Japan to become the second largest world economy in terms of GDP this year." Still I believe it's far to catch up to USA. "The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund require 85 percent of overall votes to make a decision. But the US failed to give up any share of its voting power. "There's no substantial change so far," said Yang Fan." Even China gained about twice in voting power, It still would be difficult to get higher. I wounder how US would look at it. To gain the percent, other country need to loose their rate. And I am sure US don't want to loose any of their power over the world banking. To keep in good relationship, China should be careful. Raise also means some other country is to loose that much of power.

China warns U.S. over future Taiwan arms sales

I found something interesting that was from earlier in the year but still very informative. "The U.S. side bears full responsibility for the current difficulties in exchanges between the Chinese and U.S. militaries," Huang said. The U.S was warned by china to not sell any military hardware in the future. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to conquer it by force if necessary. -Very militaristic. Is Obama trying to start problems here or what? Taiwan asked for F16 fighter Jets for their birthday but was not delivered. And Obama is talking about peace talks and nuclear disarmament. Obama how about you try to be a role model and maybe everyone will follow and maybe Iran wont be so hesitant to disarm nukes. "Despite a warming trend in ties with Beijing, Taiwan says it still needs state-of-the-art weaponry from the U.S. to help counter Chinese threats".-I think America should definitely help. But if they help id suggest going in there themselves. Instead of making the same mistake as they did with afghanistan and later asking "how did everyone get our weapons"? To Obama: Obama, either you sleep with the enemy or kick him out of the bed. I dont agree with Obama making these drastic decisions and then later trying to mend the beef by talking in washington. I dont feel so safe about that.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/americas/2010/02/25/245932/China-warns.htm

Spotlight Complicates China Steps on Currency

China is finally coming to a conclusion that the nations currency policy has to change, and the timing is "imminent". "China has spent several trillion renminbi over the past 21 months to prevent its currency from rising against the U.S. dollar."-First of all i dont understand why America is still doing business with china when it is a communist nation. I understand that are doing awesome in the export business because everything I pick up says "made in china" but why not cuba? People would love the cuban cigars and I bet they would make great money exporting them. "President Hu Jintao told President Barack Obama in Washington on Monday that China would set its currency policy according to its own social and economic development needs, according to Xinhua, the official China news agency".-Is china asking for help or are they not? Because from the looks of it they are coming over to Washington to talk about currency
following by a trip to the US treasury. -Didnt America try to stop Chinese expansion in the 60's and now they are letting the Leaders of China into the US treasury. Something smells fishy and I hope non of my money is in there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/business/global/14yuan.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Dalai talks 'seriously harm' U.S, China ties

This is an important topic to focus on because it shows the bitterness china has toward the United states. The beef escalated when president Obama met with the Dalai Lama and later china saying that the meeting "seriously harmed" relations between them two. The meeting proceeded to happen even after china's many warnings. “The U.S. action seriously interfered in Chinese internal affairs, seriously hurt the feelings of China's people and seriously harmed China-U.S. relations,” said a statement released by foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu. HAHAHA
HOW DID THE U.S INTERFERE WITH INTERNAL AFFAIRS WHEN THE MEETING WAS HELD IN THE US? Did Obama take the little fragile, feeble, old spirit from china and later resulting in a snowball fight between the Dalai Lama and Obama as a means to interfere with internal affairs? I think not.

China buys Volvo

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032800788.html
China car marketing has been growing largely, while U.S auto has been going down. There has been growth of auto industry from Asia but I have never seen any chines car brand in U.S. When the ford bought the Volvo, soon after it lost much consumers interest. If Geely successfully sell cars in U.S, the auto industry in china will rise. Seeing how Japan is top auto industry in the world, who knows what could bring that to china. Also, Geely and Ford will be working together. " 'Maybe, if we invest money in a company like Volvo and build a relationship with Ford -- maybe it's money well spent and cheaper than building that quality ourselves.' "
Maybe there will be more trading between China and U.S. If this becomes successful, Company working together, it will bring the relationship of each country more closer and conformable. It may open more ways for trading as well as cooperating between country to find better and cheaper ways to make products.