Later this month will mark the 45th anniversay of French's diplomatic recognition of the People's Republic of China. I had not known that 45 years ago, France was the first major Western nation, despite stiff American opposition of that time, to recognize the People's Republic of China. I also had not known that - contrary to the faux paux spats that occurred between the two … [Read more...] about Reflecting on 45 Years of Modern Sino-French Relationship
News
As Trade Slows, China Rethinks Its Growth Strategy
A recent article in the NY Times with excerpts below, talks about the continued deepening of China's economic slowdown. When calculated in China's own currency for a true local effect, the situation is worse than expected even a few short weeks ago. There is recession in the USA, recession in Japan, cancelled orders and lack of re-orders hitting the Chinese businesses dedicated … [Read more...] about As Trade Slows, China Rethinks Its Growth Strategy
Hu Jintao Urges Closer Ties with Taiwan
Yesterday's Associated Press article featured below might indicate movement between China and Taiwan in terms of closer military cooperation and inclusion in some international organizations. The language seems softer than in the past and no date for reunification was set forth by Hu. Now that the three links have been established, what should the next step be? Would it be … [Read more...] about Hu Jintao Urges Closer Ties with Taiwan
China's Charter 08
Recently, over 2000 Chinese citizens signed the document below, released on December 10th, calling for human rights and democracy with an eventual end to one party rule. I've used the translation from the New York Review of Books with sections of their Postscript included. This document was signed by Chinese citizens living inside China, not expat dissidents living abroad. The … [Read more...] about China's Charter 08
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan Arrive in Taiwan!
Yesterday, the pair of Giant Pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan finally arrived in Taiwan. More than just normal "diplomatic pandas," Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan's represents the culmination of much political wranglings between the Mainland and Taiwan that included formal rejections of the pandas in 2005 by ex-President Chen Shui Bian (now formally indicted for graver crimes, … [Read more...] about Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan Arrive in Taiwan!