Many discussions involving China and the West end up being a competition: you have this, but we have that. Here is one very popular competition, passed around in different forms on numerous Chinese internet forums for many years. It's about the glory of our government buildings. The captions below are translated from the Chinese original: The city hall in Marion, Iowa. … [Read more...] about Building Envy – Chinese and American government offices
General
Dalai Lama tries speaking to the Chinese
If there's one thing we've consistently criticized here, it's that the Dalai Lama (and "clique") has largely failed to reach out to the Chinese people directly. For every interview he provides to the Chinese-language press, it seems he's done fifty for foreign language press. And even when he makes an attempt to speak to the Chinese (as with an open letter released earlier this … [Read more...] about Dalai Lama tries speaking to the Chinese
China's forex reserves larger than those of G7 combined
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
Signs from the front lines
A volunteer has posted a gorgeous collection of images of the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake on Tianya. There are equally beautiful stories attached to these images, but I can't possibly translate them all. Tens of thousands of average citizens have driven into the disaster zone, bringing food, water, and moral support. There has been so much traffic that tourist style … [Read more...] about Signs from the front lines
Chinese Internet Mob – Morality Police
Students from Sichuan high school were evacuated from their classrooms on May 12th due to the earthquake. A few decide to record themselves having some fun. They mock the idea of casualties (one girl says she's not worried about her parents, only the singers of Twins); they say they hope there's an earthquake every day. … [Read more...] about Chinese Internet Mob – Morality Police