The 2008 Olympics is of such huge symoblic significance in the history of China, and also in the history of the Communist Partry of China, I wonder what kind of deals might be possible to resolve some of the outstanding problems out there ahead of the big day. Some recent news stories have indicated the […]
Category: This Week in China
US Treasury Secretary John Snow’s latest comment on the exchange rate of the Chinese currency displays a more sensible approach that has been apparent for some time. "I think Beijing continues to review the pace at which they will move forward. The forward market indicates some greater flexibility. (But) we haven’t seen sufficient flexibility in […]
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At your service
A true story which illustrates the pitiful state of China’s services sector… In the Carrefour yesterday, I wanted to buy a small shaving mirror. I asked one of the numerous clerks where I could find the jingzi, and she pointed me in the general direction. When I felt I was in the right area, I […]
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian’s decision to scrap a re-unification council has no practical significance, but the symbolic significance is clear – Chen is fast making himself irrelevant. In fact, it is puzzling that he is pushing himself into irrelevance so fast. Taiwan’s best strategy was always “baochi xianzhuang” – status quo – and Chen is […]
The uproar in the US Congress about the possibility of a Dubai firm taking over administration of a number of American ports recalls last year’s cries from the same body about a bid from China to take over an American oil firm. When state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) tried to buy out California-based […]