Today's Xinhua article brings to our attention that China's forex reserves have ballooned to $1.76 trillion as of the end of April. To put this number in perspective: it is about 15% of the US annual economic output. Before people get carried away, allow me to explain what the forex reserves is not: it is definitely not the government's money, so there is no sense in talking … [Read more...] about China's forex reserves larger than those of G7 combined
Archives for June 2008
Grace Wang wins "Chinese Youth Human Rights Award"
Grace Wang Qianyuan has apparently been awarded the 8th annual Chinese Youth Human Rights Award. This award is granted by a select group of dissidents (veterans of Tiananmen in 1989), and includes with it a "minimum $1000 cash award". Her acceptance letter firmly plants her in the corner of the dissidents, and dashes the insistence of some that she was a "moderate" voice. … [Read more...] about Grace Wang wins "Chinese Youth Human Rights Award"
"Running Fan": The freedom to be selfish
Here is how one of the most controversial Chinese blog posts in recent memory begins: "I have been engulfed in sadness that I was not born in a country like the United States, a country which respects freedom, democracy, and human rights! This is due to the pain I've suffered in the 10+ years since graduation, and it's also due to the 17 years of pathetic education that I … [Read more...] about "Running Fan": The freedom to be selfish
"Communist-inspired" Chinese language teaching
Many Chinese speak of "anti-China" sentiment being behind some of the criticism that China receives. Many Western critics, in turn, argue that Chinese are being too sensitive. Articles like this column published in the Vancouver Sun, however, will go to reinforcing the opinion of many Chinese that the West is still gripped by anti-China fervor. … [Read more...] about "Communist-inspired" Chinese language teaching
An open letter from a Chinese NBA fan
An open letter to NBA commissioner David Stern, and former Cleveland Cavalier Ira Newble. Dear NBA commissioner David Stern, and Ira Newble of the Los Angeles Lakers: As a long time fan of NBA basketball, I can tell you unabashedly: I love this game. I have followed the league since Michael Jordon's first MVP season in 1988, and I've had the pleasure of watching NBA … [Read more...] about An open letter from a Chinese NBA fan