Southwestern Guizhou province is again in the news, but this time for a good reason. Roland at ESWN translates a Xinhua article on China's on-going experimentation with political reform as seen in the city of Guiyang. Guiyang is trying to appoint party secretaries to four districts and counties, and chose to do so in a more transparent, democratic way. What exactly is the … [Read more...] about Guiyang party secretary selection has a democratic flavor
Mark of a gentleman – the calligraphy of Chinese leaders
Although some aspects of Chinese culture has been severely neglected and abused over the 20th century, other aspects remain eternal in Chinese society. One enduring trait is appreciation for traditional calligraphy. While no Chinese political leader can point to penmanship as being the source of power, it's no exaggeration to say cultivated writing attracts attention and … [Read more...] about Mark of a gentleman – the calligraphy of Chinese leaders
A freak of nature – the savior stone
I don't really know what to say about this. So, I'll just jump right to the pictures: In 2002, this rock formation was found in Pintang county, in Guizhou province. This rock face is apparently one half of a larger boulder that split about 500 years ago. The local government began to insist that the formation, itself approximately 270 million years old, reads "Chinese … [Read more...] about A freak of nature – the savior stone
Try to view Amnesty International calmly (translated)
An advertising campaign commissioned by the human rights group Amnesty International has raised flames of anger throughout China. For previous discussions, see ESWN and Danwei. Wall Street Journal has more details on the backlash, reporting: Weeks before the Olympics put Beijing and the Games' corporate backers on the world stage, an advertising heavyweight has stumbled over … [Read more...] about Try to view Amnesty International calmly (translated)
In Taiwan, DPP politicians get more familiar with the mainland
Tourists from mainland China aren't the only ones taking advantage of direct cross-strait flights. Taiwanese politicians from the DPP, known for its traditional insistence on Taiwanese independence, are also beginning to take trips to the mainland. Yunlin county commissioner Su Zhifen, a member of the DPP, is leading a trade commission to Beijing. This article from the … [Read more...] about In Taiwan, DPP politicians get more familiar with the mainland