Is Google siding with Japan's claims at the expense of China? Search for "Diaoyutai" or the Chinese character equivalent, "钓鱼台群岛," you'll not be able to find the disputed islands. Circled in red below is where a pin should be placed. Nothing shows up. Instead, if you search for "Senkaku-shoto," Google Maps takes you to the disputed islands. They are labeled with … [Read more...] about According to Google, Diaoyutai belongs to Japan!
Analysis
Diaoyutai Chinese Captain to be released
Japan's NHK World has just reported the detained Chinese captain (Zhan Qixiong) since September 8 will be released. The report said: Japanese prosecutors have decided to release the captain of a Chinese fishing boat involved in collisions in the East China Sea. The captain's detention has stirred tension between Japan and China. I'd be shocked if the captain is dragged … [Read more...] about Diaoyutai Chinese Captain to be released
The Politicization of the Yuan
The U.S. Congress is running scared. With a mid-term election coming up and a populace that is unhappy about the economy, they have resorted to be mad about something, and that something appears to be China - specifically China's valuation of the Yuan (RMB). The argument goes: China is keeping the yuan artificially low. In keeping the Yuan low, China is stealing job from … [Read more...] about The Politicization of the Yuan
Map of World Population, Year 1AD, 1500AD, and 2000AD; and some questions.
"The Worldmapper Team" has recently released some astonishing cartograms, illustrating various aspects of humanity on this planet. Cartograms are land maps usually with some demographic information expressed on them. Their maps are fascinating to look at, because they help expand our imagination and allow us to ask some profound questions without feeling silly. Of particular … [Read more...] about Map of World Population, Year 1AD, 1500AD, and 2000AD; and some questions.
Beijing University Professor Fan Gang: Rising labor cost in China not a worry
It's Labor Day in the U.S.! There has been a lot of sensationalism in the West regarding rising labor costs in China (i.e. Foxconn, Honda, etc.). Just to keep things in perspective, we are talking about instances of factory workers making something like $100 a month to making $150 a month in the richer coastal cities. While it is a whopping 50% jump, that $50/month is easily … [Read more...] about Beijing University Professor Fan Gang: Rising labor cost in China not a worry