On my trip to Mainland China a couple of weeks ago, I happened to run into an old family friend who used to be my mom's acupuncturist (who has since retired). Despite having emigrated from the Mainland to the U.S. almost forty years ago, she still loves China - and has continually made her annual trip back to her home town for over three decades. And this time - true to form, … [Read more...] about Is there a moral crisis in Mainland China?
The Xintai Mental Institute Scandal
A couple of days ago, the Beijing News reported how local officials in Xintai - a city in the eastern province of Shandong - locked up citizens in mental hospitals to prevent them from making journeys to Beijing to alert central government officials of local injustices going on in Xintai (see original story - and english version translated by Global Voices). … [Read more...] about The Xintai Mental Institute Scandal
Translation: I am sorry, but I am not boycotting French goods
Note: This is a translation of an essay published in the Chinese Youth On-Line (中青在线). This translation is meant to bring to readers' attention some of the diverse opinions publicly expressed in today's China. I came across it because it was highlighted as the number one piece in Sina's (新浪) opinion section. [UPDATE]: ESWN also has a translation of this article and some more. … [Read more...] about Translation: I am sorry, but I am not boycotting French goods
Something to chuckle about #1
Well, in an effort to introduce something lighthearted as far as China is concerned, I would like to start the first of a (hopefully) long list of humorous/amusing items. Andy Borowitz had just written a funny piece titled "China Buys Naming Rights to U.S.", which I am pretty certain is completely made up. (H/T to China Hearsay) … [Read more...] about Something to chuckle about #1
The Partnership between Africa and China – a Force for Good or Evil?
We've had impassioned discussions about Tibet this year. But the controversies surrounding China has not just been about Tibet - they have also been about Africa. In anticipation of a series of posts on Africa, I thought I would put a few feelers out to see if people on this forum would be interested in discussing the topic, and if so, where people initially stand. … [Read more...] about The Partnership between Africa and China – a Force for Good or Evil?