In the deluge of earthquake news, something like this that affects daily life in China has managed to slip under the radar. This article describes a situation that people in China are already aware of. At least in Shanghai, it's said that an extra charge will be imposed to get your goods in those familiar plastic grocery bags. Details: The Chinese government is set to ban the … [Read more...] about China phases out thin plastic bags
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
Kristof on Xinjiang: Terrorism and the Olympics
Nick Kristof continues his quest in search of topics that should be "sensitive" to Chinese by heading to Xinjiang where he found little to write about. This follows earlier editorials on Tibet that we discussed here and here. On his blog, he tries to incite commentary with these questions: Especially for those of you in China, do you expect the Olympics to go smoothly? Do you … [Read more...] about Kristof on Xinjiang: Terrorism and the Olympics
Political dissent in China – glass half full, or completely empty?
This article from the IHT inspires me to write about a topic that's been on my mind in recent months. The article is about the well-known Tibetan-Chinese writer Woeser. The title of the article alone gives you a pretty good idea of what its going to say: "Tibetan writer alleges harassment by Chinese police..." Woeser lives in Beijing, and is the daughter of a Han Chinese … [Read more...] about Political dissent in China – glass half full, or completely empty?
"I'm just here to buy soy sauce."
And the newest expression sweeping the Chinese internet: "I don't give a $@*&; I'm just here to buy soy sauce." (关我鸟事，我出来打酱油的) It comes to us from Guangzhou TV last December, when an average man on the street was asked his opinion about a pressing social issue (the Edison Chen photo scandal if you must know). He gave a very, uh, candid and straight response. This … [Read more...] about "I'm just here to buy soy sauce."