Chen Daojun (陈道军), a relatively obscure activist (or provocateur depending on one's point of view) in China, was sentenced to three years in prison for "inciting subversion of state authority" (煽动颠覆国家政权罪) yesterday. Thus the Chinese government, quite rightfully described as clumsy and self-defeating in presenting itself, just launched someone into a career of fame and awards. … [Read more...] about Disgruntled political essayist sentenced to three years of international fame
News
Update: Exiled Tibetans from Around the World Meet in Dharamsala for Six Days
Exiled Tibetans from around the world are gathering in Dharamsala for their largest political conference in nearly 60 years. The Dalai Lama has called for the six-day meeting, which begins Monday, after failing to make progress in negotiations with China. The Tibetan spiritual leader has promised to let everything be on the table and not to make any major pronouncements during … [Read more...] about Update: Exiled Tibetans from Around the World Meet in Dharamsala for Six Days
Time for a More Equal Economic Partnership Between the U.S. and China?
Since China opened to the world some 30 years ago, China has witnessed unprecedented economic development and growth. However, the economic relationship China has with the West has been a decidedly subservient one. In the global economy, China would specialize in making high volume, low cost products in return for high value technology and services from the West. The profit … [Read more...] about Time for a More Equal Economic Partnership Between the U.S. and China?
Quiet Reflection of the Sichuan Wen Chuan Earthquake
When historians look back to 2008, they may well consider China's response to the 8+ magnitude Wen Chuan Earthquake as a key defining milestone in China's long road to modernization. … [Read more...] about Quiet Reflection of the Sichuan Wen Chuan Earthquake
China announces aggressive stimulus plan
I have expected some major efforts by the Chinese government to encourage internal economic development and consumption in the face of the global meltdown. In particular, I thought it would be the time to spread the benefits of infrastructure and its followup development to areas beyond the coastal areas. Nevertheless, I am surprised about the scale of stimulus package … [Read more...] about China announces aggressive stimulus plan