Facebook in China*!

An interesting article about developments in Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone.  While it certainly represents a movement towards internet freedom, onlookers should see this development as what it is: a very SMALL opening in the Great Firewall (in a district where most residents already have ways of getting to foreign sites).  Put simply, such freedom can be granted because it is largely irrelevant. 

Some have seen the opening of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone as a way of putting political pressure on Hong Kong, which has long been China’s main liaison with the outside world, offering political and economic freedom that greatly expedited foreign business in China.  With the opening of Shanghai, however, the city could serve as a second door into the country for foreign business, allowing for increased investment and development in a city that already has well established institutions for business and finance.

While the opening up of the internet in Shanghai may not be all it’s cracked up to be, it’s still worth keeping in mind as more details are released about the city.  The Trade Zone may serve a similar purpose as Shenzhen did years ago: the vanguard of ‘reform and opening up’, lighting the way for the rest of China.

Shanghai Free Trade Zone schedules “opening online restrictions” at the end of the month

Last updated: September 24^th, 2013, GMT 12:03 PM

The Shanghai Experimental Free Trade Zone is a major initiative by the Chinese government to reform China’s financial sector

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone will officially open on September 29^th, and China will release the internet restrictions in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, granting access to “politically sensitive” foreign websites within the Free Trade Zone.

A report in the Hong Kong South China Morning Post stated that the Chinese government made a major decision yesterday to release the internet restrictions in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, allowing those within the zone to access sites such as Facebook, Twitter, the New York Times, and other foreign sites that have long been viewed by the Chinese government as politically sensitive.

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone will officially open on September 29^th under the full name “China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone”.

On the afternoon of September 29^th, the Shanghai City government will hold a press conference, releasing the policies, rules, and regulations of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

The Shanghai Experimental Free Trade Zone is a major initiative by the Chinese government to reform China’s financial sector.  According to comments on the Xinhua site, the intent to open the zone has existed since China first entered into the World Trade Organization.

Open Internet?

The South China Morning Post stated: “according to information provided by those close with the government, the Free Trade Zone management will allow foreign telecommunications companies to get licenses to compete within the Free Trade Zone.

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom” will all be able to compete directly with foreign companies.

According to the report, “informants, who requested to remain anonymous because of the highly sensitive nature of the information, said that because the Free Trade Zone must attract foreign investment, the zone must make foreign nationals feel safe and secure, and create an environment where they will feel at home”; thus, they needed to open up the internet.

However, the internet will only be opened up within the Shanghai Free Trade Zone; internet throughout the rest of the Mainland will still not open up.

At present, all parties are still monitoring the possibility of realistic internet freedom in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, and to what extent it will open up.  However, many Chinese netizens reacted positively to the South China Morning Post’s report, many believing it to be a first step for a continued opening up of the Chinese economy and society.

Translator (Chinese) Li Xing   Editor Gu Yin

Translator (English) Paul Orner

Original Chinese http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/business/2013/09/130924_china_shanghai_pftz.shtml

US and Chinese Defense Officials on Southeast Asia

Given the recent spate of territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas, Chinese strategists must be extremely suspicious of any US involvement in the region.  The US Pivot to Asia has already raised suspicions on the Mainland, and America’s cooperation with Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines are rather obvious ways of sending signals to China’s leaders: the US won’t be pushed out of Southeast Asia. 

While these disputes have yet to spin out of control, the US will need to craft its policy in the Asia-Pacific carefully.  For many years, American military leaders have been able to make commitments and declarations in the region at will.  While US naval superiority is still uncontested, China’s recent purchase of an aircraft carrier and construction of another mean that the stakes in these territorial disputes will get higher.  The days when the US could sail an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait with impunity are fast disappearing. 

As evidenced by President Obama’s ‘Red Line’ over Syria’s chemical weapons, the US must choose its words carefully, lest it be held to its promises at the risk of ‘losing face’.  The US public was hardly welcoming of the president’s proposal for a ‘limited strike’ against Syria.  How much support can the American military expect when it wishes to engage Chinese forces over an uninhabited island in the East China Sea?

(Not a week after the talks, the US military responded to Vice-Secretary Wang’s warning against ‘getting involved in regional disputes’ by conducting joint military exercises with the Philippines in the South China Sea.)

China warns the US against plotting with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands

Last updated September 13^th, 2013, GMT 12:32 PM

The Vice-Chief of Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army Wang Guanzhong warned the US against plotting with Japan

This week, China’s People’s Liberation Army warned the US against “supporting or plotting with” Japan and countries in the South China Sea that have disputed China’s national sovereignty, not allowing them to “do whatever they want”.

At the beginning of this week, the Vice-Chief of Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army Wang Guanzhong met with the Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Defense Miller in Beijing, together chairing the 14^th China-US Department of Defense consultation.

On Friday, China’s Department of Defense released a statement describing Monday’s (the 9^th) meeting: “the meeting was conducted a frank, pragmatic, and constructive spirit, and had many positive results.

The China-US Department of Defense Meeting was established in 1997 as a mechanism for dialogue between China and the US, and is held in either China or the US.

Disputes in the East and South China Seas

China’s territorial dispute with the US’s ally Japan over the Diaoyu Islands (known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan) has been heating up continuously over the past few years.

One year ago, on September 11^th, the Japanese government bought the three islands that comprise the “Senkaku Islands” from a private owner, inciting much anger within China and triggering large-scale anti-Japanese protests.

In the South China Sea, China has disputes over territory and maritime sovereignty with the Philippines and Vietnam.  As the disputes have continued over the past few years, relations have become more and more tense.

America’s strategic pivot over the past few years, shifting its strategic attention to the Asia-Pacific, has caused much concern in China.

In addition, America has alliances with the Philippines and Japan; if one country is attacked, the others must make efforts to protect it.

A Third Party

With regards to the Diaoyu Islands and problems in the South China Sea, China’s Department of Defense Vice-Chief Wang Guangzhong stated: “China’s military will steadfastly protect our country’s sovereignty and safety, the integrity of its territory, and its maritime interests.  The Chinese government will always keep a restrained attitude, and enact measures that preserve the peace and stability of the region”.

Wang Guanzhong said the problems between China and its neighbors should not become problems between China and the US, that China does not wish for America to become a third party in these problems.

He warned that America should maintain a consistent position and policy, should not send the wrong signals, and should not support and plot with these countries and allow them to do whatever they want.

China’s Department of Defense press release stated that Secretary Miller reaffirmed that the US does not have an official policy or position on the sovereignty disputes, called for all sides to keep a restrained

At the start of this week, Miller stated after a press conference that he told Wang Guanzhong that the US does not support the use of military force, but the US has “treaties and obligations” with some of the countries involved in the disputes.

Miller stated that the US firmly believed that solutions to maritime disputes should not involve intimidation or the use of force.  With regards to the problems in the East and South China Seas, the US would like to remind China that it has treaties and obligations with some countries.

Strategic Adjustment

Vice-Secretary of the US Department of stated that America has treaties and obligations with some of China’s neighbors

With regards to the US’s strategic pivot, Wang Guanzhong stressed that in the midst of the US’s strategic adjustment in the Asia-Pacific, the US should use policies that help uphold the peace and stability of the region as a starting point, avoid the sudden outbreak of military conflict, always seek to solve problems through talks and cooperation, and work together with the countries of the region to uphold peace and stability.

Miller responded that the US has important interests in the Asia-Pacific, and the US wishes to work together with China in a positive manner.  The key to the strategy of ‘rebalancing’ in the Asia-Pacific is to establish positive relations with China, not to contain China.

The Taiwan Problem

With regards to Taiwan, Wang Guanzhong said that Taiwan is a core interest of China, and that China will never make any concessions on this issue.

Wang encouraged the US to look at the overall strategic situation in the world and the major changes that are occurring in relations between China and the US and cross-strait relations; the US should place importance on the China-US relationship, reconsider its policy on Taiwan, and uphold stability and development between both countries and both militaries.

Miller stated that will work with China to continue substantial and continuous dialogue, develop strong relationships between both militaries, and avoid the historical clash between powers and rising powers.  The US does not recognize the independence of Taiwan, welcomes cross-strait dialogue, and wishes for a peaceful solution to the Taiwan problem.

Both sides also exchanged views on North Korea, nuclear weapons, anti-missile systems, space, cyberspace, and other issues.

Author: Tian Geng / Editor Dong Yue
Chinese source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/china/2013/09/130913_china_us_military.shtml

Translated by: Paul Orner

Dalai Lama on CPC

A short article on the Dalai Lama and China’s policy on Tibet.  While the Dalai Lama continues to receive much support abroad, the Chinese government continues to paint him as a ‘separatist’ and a ‘terrorist’.  And while this smear campaign has worked well within Han communities in China, Tibetans’ attachment to their spiritual leader has not waned (despite his 50-year absence). 

Many believe that the Dalai Lama’s optimism is misplaced.  They note that even if the Party wished to temper its Tibet Policy, they are constricted by their own propaganda.  After branding him as a terrorist, the Party can ill-afford to reverse its stance on Tibet.  If Yu Zhengsheng’s remarks are any indication, we can expect more of the same from the Party on Tibet.  Still, many hope that, just as Chinese society has slowly become more and more open, so too will the Chinese government relax its control over Tibetan culture and religion.    

Dalai Lama: China’s Tibet Policy “more realistic”

Last updated: September 14, 2013, GMT 2:31 AM

The Dalai Lama said that Chinese leadership is now taking a more realistic approach to its Tibet Policy

The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s Spiritual Leader-in exile, says that he believes after the failure of its hard-line policy over the past few decades, the Chinese government is being “more realistic”.

Beijing has long accused the Dalai Lama of supporting separatist activity, but on September 13^th, at the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, he released a statement saying that he only seeks “meaningful autonomy” for Tibetans within Chinese borders, and accepts Chinese rule.

The now 78 year-old Dalai Lama stated “China’s hard-line policies towards Tibet have completely failed”, and “Chinese leadership is now taking a more realistic approach to its Tibet Policy”.

Agence France-Presse quoted the Dalai Lama as saying: “This is cause for much hope”, “I am very optimistic”.

Lithuanian president Grybauskaite met with the Dalai Lama earlier.  Grybauskaite said she was extremely honored to meet with the Dalai Lama, and hoped that he could meet with the people of Lithuania during his visit.

Ever since China has exercised control over Tibet, the area has experienced continuous protest.  Since the beginning of 2009, there have already been 119 Tibetans who have self-immolated in the Tibetan area.  Protesters demand that the Dalai Lama be allowed to return to Tibet and that Tibetans are given their freedom.

Although the Dalai Lama believes that China’s Tibet Policy is becoming more realistic, the head of Religious and Ethnic Affairs Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng, in Gansu’s southern Tibetan region, stressed that the government will “strengthen the fight against the Dalai Lama’s clique”.

Yu Zhengsheng accused the Dalai Lama of supporting separatist activity, and said that the Dalai Lama’s proposal for a ‘Middle Road’ and ‘Autonomy for the Tibetan Region’ is in complete opposition to China’s constitution and the Chinese Ethnic Autonomous Area institutions.

The spokesperson for the Tibetan government-in exile replied by saying that China’s policy of oppression in Tibet does not at all fit anything that Yu Zhengsheng said.

The spokesperson said that if the Chinese government wants to create a long-term stability in Tibet, China’s leaders must change their Tibet Policy and meet the wishes of the Tibetan people.

Translator/Editor: Xiao Er

Translated from Chinese to English by: Paul Orner

Chinese source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/china/2013/09/130914_china_tibet_dailailama.shtml

Xi Jinping on Central Asia

After an extensive diplomatic tour in Central Asia, which included stops in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, Xi Jinping gave the folowing speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which was attended by the heads of state of the SCO countries.  Check back in later for a full analysis of Xi's speech and China's foreign policy goals, opportunities, and challenges in the reason.

Xi Jinping gives a speech at the 13^th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Head of State Meeting

Xinhua Bishkek – September 13 (Electronic Edition) – On the 13^th Xi Jinping attended the 13^th Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Head of State Meeting, giving an important speech entitled “Promoting the ‘Spirit of Shanghai’ of Shared Development”.  Below is the complete speech.

Promoting the ‘Spirit of Shanghai’ of Shared Development

Speech delivered at the 13^th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Head of State Meeting

(September 13, 2013 – Bishkek)

Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping

Honorable President Atambayev,

Honorable colleagues:

I am very happy to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Bishkek meeting, and would like to thank Kyrgyzstan for meticulously preparing for and hosting today’s meeting.  For the past year, Kyrgyzstan has made great efforts to push for the development of this organization, and China would like to offer its heartfelt praise for everything that Kyrgyzstan has done.  

In the face of the latest developments and changes in the region and the international community, and with accordance to to the member nations’ upholding of stability, economic development, and meeting of demands for higher quality of life, this summit has chosen the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member Nations Long-term Friendly Neighbor Cooperation Pact” as its central subject and will ratify the “Pact”, carrying out this plan by designing a comprehensive blue print for the next five years of development, using this plan to further expand the developmental prospects of this organization.

At present, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization faces a number of rare opportunities and serious challenges.  The “Three Forces”, drug trafficking, and transnational crime threaten the peace and stability of the region.  In the midst of the international financial crisis, each country has been negatively affected in varying degrees, and has entered periods of adjustment and recovery.

It is very difficult for any one country to face these challenges on its own.  We must strengthen our cooperation and join forces.  In light of the aforementioned circumstances, I suggest that this organization strengthen cooperation in the following aspects.

1.     Promote the “Spirit of Shanghai”.  In the “Spirit of Shanghai”, we must continuously increase multilateral communication, and establish mutual cooperation on the basis of equality, consultation, and give-and-take basis, corresponding to the trends of modern development and matching the interests and demands of each member nation.

We must raise this flag and earnestly carry out the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member Nations Long-term Friendly Neighbor Cooperation Pact”, genuinely pushing for cooperation in all areas within this framework, allowing member nations to become good neighbors, good friends, and good partners.

2.     Work together to uphold peace and stability in the region.  An environment of peace and stability requires that we work together, cooperating to realize the necessary conditions of mutual development and prosperity.  We must carry out the “Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, Shanghai Convention” and plans for cooperation.  We must perfect this organization’s systems for cooperating on security and organizations for combatting terrorism and drug trafficking, and use this basis to establish a center for responding to security threats and challenges.  

Each member nation should also establish avenues for day-to-day communication, explore methods for joint activities, and work together to fight the “Three Forces”, establishing better quality of life for all the peoples in the region.

Afghanistan is an observer nation of this organization, and the situation there is becoming more related to the safety and stability of the region.  This organization should support the Afghani people and help Afghanistan achieve peace and stability as soon as possible, thus upholding the security of the region.

3.     Work strongly for concrete cooperation.  Concrete cooperation is the main basis and driving force of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.  Six of the member nations and five of the observer nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are located on the path of the ancient Silk Road.  As member nations and observer nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we have the duty to pass on and strengthen the spirit of the Silk Road.

First, we must build major thoroughfares for the flow of traffic and goods, quickly implementing the “Agreement on International Road Transport Facilitation”.  After this is accomplished, I suggest we extend these thoroughfares according to the willingness of observer nations, thus establishing roads from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean, from Central Asia to the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.

Second, we must reach agreements facilitating trade and investment.  We must open up cooperation, seeking to streamline trade and investment according to the interests of all sides, making use of each country’s potential, achieving comparative advantage, and promoting mutual development and prosperity.

Third, we must strengthen our financial cooperation.  We should push for a developmental bank for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, establishing a platform for economic cooperation, financial security, and settling payments.  At the same time, we should quickly set up a special account for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, allowing programs within the framework to fund research, exchanges, and training.  Proper use of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization Bank would greatly strengthen exchange and cooperation between financial institutions of the region.

Fourth, we must establish an energy club.  We must cooperate within the framework of this organization to foster environmental cooperation, establish stable trade relations, and ensure energy safety, while also raising our ability to work together in a broader sense to open up new sources of energy.

Fifth, we must establish an institution to cooperate on issues of food safety.  On issues such as agricultural production, the trade of agricultural products, and food safety, we must work to ensure the security of sources of food.

4.     We must strengthen cultural exchanges between our peoples, establishing popular support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization within our societies.  We should broaden our cooperation in areas such as culture, education, television, health, and travel.

At the Beijing Summit, China already announced that over the next ten years it will provide thirty-thousand government scholarships to member nations.  We wish to work with closely with member nations to carry out this program.

China will establish the “China – Shanghai Cooperation Organization Center for Training in International Law and Exchange and Cooperation” at the Shanghai Institute of Politics and Law, and wishes to use this platform to offer training and education for member nations.  

Traditional medicine is a new field of cooperation for the organization, and China wishes to offer to set up Traditional Chinese Medicine institutes in member nations, using traditional medical resources to offer health services to member nations.

In accordance with the agreement reached by all members, China has already established a committee for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and suggests that both member nations and observer nations establish similar social institutions, increasing understanding and traditional friendship between our peoples.

This meeting’s “Bishkek Declaration” has already described the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s position on the Syrian crisis.  I would like to stress that China is deeply concerned with the situation in Syria, and supports positive efforts by the international community to end the violence, promote talks, and call for a political solution to the crisis in Syria.  China supports Russia’s proposal that Syrian chemical weapons should be inspected and destroyed by the international community, and wishes to strengthen communication and coordination between relevant organizations and the UN Security Council, continuing to work hard in pushing for a political solution.

Thank you.

Chinese source: http://politics.people.com.cn/n/2013/0913/c70731-22918643.html

Cruising (and Bumping) in Style

September 10, 2013, Shanghai – A few bumper cars were seen backing up onto the street.  Sources say that the drivers were workers at the neighborhood’s amusement park, and that they drive the bumper cars so that they can avoid the hassle of public transportation.

                The past few days, netizens were surprised to see bumper cars driving down the streets of Shanghai.  After pictures were posted online, they quickly went viral, earning the name “Speedy Karts”.  Sources stated that the pictures were taken at the intersection of Huaqing Road and Gongyuan Road, where there is a square nearby with a bumper car track.  Reporters discovered that the drivers were employees at the amusement park, and that they use the bumper cars to avoid the hassle of public transportation.  However, the circumstances have not been verified by the authorities, who are now carrying out an investigation.  From the pictures, reporters identified four different cars, red, orange, blue, and green, all forming a brightly colored line of bumper cars crossing the street.  Seeing these cars driving through the city, many drivers got quite the surprise.

Original Chinese: http://house.people.com.cn/n/2013/0913/c164220-22914339.html

The Thames on China's Corruption Statistics

Another article on corruption in China.  Not particularly groundbreaking, but still a good overview of some of the statistics coming out of China’s Supreme People’s Court.  The Thames Herald’s approach is flawed (quite obviously so in a few aspects): they argue that the decrease in the number of corruption cases show that Xi Jinping’s administration is not serious on tackling corruption.  There are a few things to keep in mind though.  

1) As they admit, the change in leadership could certainly cause a hiccup in the number of corruption cases filed, as government offices welcome new officials and take time to adjust.  

2) In a rather glaring error, they cite statistics from the first quarter of this year, and argue that the slower pace of investigations reflect poorly on Xi’s administration.  And yet, as the report itself states, Xi did not fully come into power until March.  

3) Looking at the number of investigations and cases from the first quarter is, in China, similar to extrapolating annual economic estimates from the Christmas shopping season in America.  The numbers are, no doubt, severely skewed by the Chinese New Year celebrations, during which nearly the whole country shuts down for close to a month. 

4) The report does a good job of analyzing the numbers, but ignores just WHO has been prosecuted.  It focuses on quantity at the expense of quality: it ignores the fact that corrupt officials are being investigated and prosecuted at higher and higher levels of government.

Still, the overall message of the article is correct (if not obvious): corruption is so endemic in the Party and government that no anti-corruption campaign can ever truly root out corruption.  The process of prosecuting doesn’t truly require finding out which officials are corrupt.  Rather, the Discipline Commission could choose any official at random and discover their backroom deals and hidden assets in short order.  Still, the campaign can help quell public outrage, especially as China’s economic growth begins to slow down.

Why the Anti-Corruption Campaign is “a lot of thunder, but little rain”

Last updated July 9^th, 2013, GMT 11:27 AM

Chinese politicians will never truly be anti-corruption.  If they were, everyone would quickly discover that the entire Party and government are corrupt.

Liu Zhijun was sentenced to death (sentence suspended), and yet another corrupt high-official has fallen.  But what are the actual effects of Xi Jinping’s much vaunted campaign?

England’s Thames Herald released an analysis, saying that there is no reason not to take a look at the figures published by authorities.

The Thames Herald cited numbers from China’s Supreme People’s Court, showing that in the first quarter of this year, there were a total of 5,138 cases of corruption, bribery, cronyism, and abuse of power.

Looking at these numbers, should those officials who ‘have problems’ have trouble sleeping at night?  According to the Thames Herald, not yet.

5,138

The report said that China’s propaganda organs will, of course, display these figures as proof of the effectiveness of the anti-corruption campaign.

Even before taking power in March, Xi Jinping stated that he would make fighting corruption a top priority.

Regrettably, according to the Thames Herald, 5,138 cases are no cause for celebration.

The Thames Herald stated that, according to numbers released by the head of China’s Supreme People’s Court, there were over 34,262 cases of corruption last year.

8,581

This means that the average number of corruption cases per quarter last year was 8,581.

Suddenly, the Thames Herald said, 5,138 does not seem as big as it did before.

If the Supreme People’s Court maintains its present rate of prosecution, in total it will handle 20,522 cases of corruption, 14,000 fewer than last year.

Of course, as the Thames Herald admitted, this is only a theoretical analysis; in truth, there are many variables.  For example, the Supreme People’s Court could suddenly increase the speed of prosecution in the second half of the year, or the operation of the court could have been affected by the transfer of power that occurred earlier this year. 

But as the Thames Herald stated, these numbers have caused many China-watchers to reach the same conclusion: China’s anti-corruption campaign has the head of a tiger, but the tail of a fly; the thunder is loud, but there is little rain.

Chinese politicians will never truly be anti-corruption.  If they were, everyone would quickly discover that the entire Party and government are corrupt.

The Thames Herald explained the danger that Xi Jinping is facing: when China’s economic growth registered in the double digits, the people were frustrated with corruption, but they were able to bear it given the improvements in living standards.  Now, the only way to assuage their anger is to see tens of thousands of corrupt officials be punished.

Teng Long and Shang Qing

Translated by: Paul Orner

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/press_review/2013/07/130709_press_china_corruption.shtml

China's State Council on Air Pollution

Lanzhou, one of China's most polluted cities

The following is a statement released by Xinhua regarding the Party's new plan to fight air pollution.  While everyone in China agrees that air pollution is a serious problem, reducing carbon emissions is a difficult task, especially for an economy that is still very much reliant on low-end manufacturing.  The majority of China's electric power is supplied by coal, and many of the industries driving economic growth are particularly dirty and polluting.  While some reform is possible, and most Chinese will continue to agitate for more earth-friendly policies, it is unclear if the government can significantly reduce emissions without simultaneously hamstringing economic growth.

It's also worth noting that many of the emissions-heavy industries that are polluting China's skies were sent to China precisely because they are so dirty.  When lawmakers came down on emissions and pollution in the US and other developed countries, the dirtiest steps of production were simply off-shored, sent to countries where regulations were looser (and the people too desperate for investment to complain about the health hazards).

While Chinese certainly have reason to be concerned with the country's severe environmental problems, the lack of regulations and laws controlling pollution are one of the main reasons China has attracted so much investment.  In fact, if the annual damage done to the environment was subtracted from China's annual GDP, a frightening trend would appear: China's economy hasn't grown at all the past two decades.  While the damage done to the environment in the long run is undeniable, it is just as true that China's environment is footing the bill of its incredible development, making China's "economic miracle" possible.  Unfortunately, rapid development and rampant pollution go hand-in-hand.  For the foreseeable future, China will remain reliant on these carbon-intensive industries.  As many economists have noted, environmentalism is a luxury good, one which only developed countries can afford.

Fighting atmospheric pollution - the Party gets serious

September 12, 2013, 10:08 PM  Source: XinhuaNet
Reporter: Wu Dingping
   
     On September 12th, the State Council formally published its "Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Plan" online; not only does the plan bring up specific criteria for atmospheric pollution, but it also pushes for ten different types of measures, clear goals, detailed contents, and realistic steps, fully capturing the determination of the new administration's willingness to fight atmospheric pollution.

     The past few years, the public's concern with atmospheric pollution has grown day by day.  Especially since last winter, when many areas of China experienced long periods of smoggy weather, atmospheric pollution has been seen as a very serious problem.  Not even three months after the new administration was formed, the government responded to the concerns of society by making adjustments in the industrial sector, eliminating out-of-date industry, perfecting standards of law, fostering regional cooperation, and ten other measures that have helped fight atmospheric pollution.

     The "Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Plan" is not just a widening of the previous "10 Initiatives".  Rather, it is a complete upgrade of the atmospheric pollution prevention plan.  The report, which is nearly 10,000 characters long, stressed the importance of measures that "reduce" and "eliminate", "optimization" and "upgrading", and "technological innovation".  In addition, the plan clearly stipulates that "strictly stop the establishment of excess programs", "prohibit nuclear plants that seriously exceed the necessary capacity", "punish, according to the law, construction projects whose environmental effects have not been evaluated or do not match current regulations"...the Party's tough attitude on atmospheric pollution is very clear, and the plan is very realistic.

     In addition, the plan stressed in particular the "splitting up of goals and tasks", stating that the State Council will formulate a system for assessing performance: "With regards to local governments which have not been assessed, groups from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Supervision Bureau will meet with the relevant officials at the provincial level."  The requirement that specialized groups will perform assessments is one of the major changes in the new plan, showing "just how serious" the new administration is.

     At this year's Two Meetings, while answering Chinese and foreign journalists' questions, Li Keqiang responded to questions from the French newspaper "Le Figaro" regarding air quality, promising that "With regards to this long-term problem, we will make even greater efforts to control the situation.  Especially with regards to those areas heavily affected,...we will reduce the pollution numbers, and determinedly remedy the matter."  From this promise, to the "10 Initiatives", to today's "Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Plan", we can sense the genuine will of the new administration to clean up the air for the people, making the Air Pollution Prevention Plan all the more attainable.

Source (Chinese) http://news.xinhuanet.com/comments/2013-09/12/c_117349231.htm

Hong Kong Pollution

Sorry for the short post today!  Didn't have any time to translate today, so instead I'm posting a picture that comes from the self-autonomous region of Hong Kong.  A good deal of Hong Kong's economy is based on tourism, so when pollution began to mar the beautiful skies of Hong Kong, officials got down to business!... or maybe they just put up pictures of what Hong Kong SHOULD look like (that way you can still get your Facebook picture)

Caption: Hong Kong, August 21st, 2013.  Because of severe smog in Hong Kong, tourists from the Mainland stood in front of a large banner so that they could take a picture of themselves in a Hong Kong of blue skies and white clouds.  Hong Kong's air pollution is getting worse by the day, and pollution indicators have already reached incredibly high levels.

Hong Lei on Russia's Syria Proposal and Diaoyu Patrols

Shortly after Russia raised its proposal for the oversight/destruction of chemical weapons in Syria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a routine press conference dealing with a number of issues, tackling a number of questions on Syria, the Six Party Talks on North Korea, and the South China Sea.  Hong Lei’s responses are rather brief (and typical of the MoFA’s press conferences, but I’ve included some background information / notes following some of his responses).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its position on the Russians proposal on the Syrian conflit

September 10, 2013, 6:23 PM Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website

　　September 10, 2013, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei hosts a routine press conference

　　Hong Lei first released the following statement:

Chairman Xi Jinping would like to announce that the King of Bali, the Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, will conduct a formal visit to China from September 14^th to the 16^th.  Through negotiations between China and ASEAN, the sixth high level official meeting and ninth cooperative work group will meet for the “Multilateral Nanhai Conduct Declaration” in Suzhou, Jiangsu.  During the meeting, all parties will implement the Declaration, strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation, and exchange ideas, while discussing the “Nanhai Code of Conduct”.

Q: According to reports, on September 9^th, Russian foreign minister Lavrov suggested that Syria hand over its chemical weapons for inspection, and eventual destruction, by the international community, thereby avoiding military strikes.  Does the Chinese government believe this proposal to be feasible and offer its support?

A: We both welcome and support the proposal Russia has raised.  So long as it helps alleviate the current tense situation in Syria, helps solve the Syrian crisis politically, and helps maintain the peace and stability in Asia and the region, the international community should actively consider this option.

[Russia’s motivation for intervening in the Syria crisis is fairly apparent.  Russia’s military bases in Syria are the last remnants of the Soviet legacy in the Middle East.  A regime change would most likely result in the eradication of these bases, and Russia being short yet another bargaining chip in its relations with the US.  If that was not enough, Russia knows that any vacuum of power in the Middle East would quickly be filled by NATO.]

Q: At the Six Party Talks on the 10^th, the US and South Korea stated that if North Korea does not change its stance on the nuclear problem, the Six Party Talks will not resume.  How does the Chinese government comment?

A: China has always held that the Korean peninsula should be disarmed, upholding a peaceful and stable Korea, and solving relevant problems through dialogue.  Under present conditions, all those concerned should focus on the bigger picture, take more action that will help alleviate the situation, work together to create conditions conducive to resuming talks, and stick to solving problems within the framework of the Six Party Talks.

[Both the US and South Korea have taken a harder line on North Korea, especially since the change of regime and Kim Jong-un’s provocative statements earlier this year.  Under present circumstances, there is little reason to hope for a revival of the Six Party Talks.  If a change occurs that will signal a positive turn in relations, it will involve the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex on the border.  There is little reason to believe that North Korea will state that it is even considering relinquishing its nuclear weapons program.]

Q: It has been said that China will receive groups from the Syrian opposition within the next few days.  Please verify and introduce any relevant information.

A: As the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs revealed, six members of the Syrian opposition came to China today to represent the “National Alliance for Dialogue”.  During their visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant persons will meet with the team of representatives and exchange ideas on the situation in Syria.

The Chinese government has continuously believed that a political solution is the only viable way out of the crisis in Syria.  Under the present circumstances, it is more important than ever to not waver from this position.  China has continuously and positively worked for Syria and all those involved in a balanced manner, doing everything we can to push for a political solution in Syria.  Welcoming the team of representatives from the “National Alliance for Dialogue” is another part of this hard work.

Q: First, since the Japanese government’s “purchase” one year ago, Sino-Japanese relations have experienced a number of contradictions with regards to the Diaoyu Islands, affecting both sides.  Does the Chinese government have any comment?  Second, on the 10^th, seven Chinese ships patrolled the area around the Diaoyu Islands.  Is this related to the one year anniversary of the “purcahse”?

A: With regards to the first question, Japan illegally enacted a so-called “nationalization” project on China’s territory, the Diaoyu Islands, seriously encroaching on China’s territorial sovereignty, and leading to serious problems in relations between China and Japan.  We urge the Japanese government to face history and the facts, to correct their mistakes, and stop all provocative activities, working to remove barriers to improving bilateral relations.  

With regards to the second question, the Chinese government’s resolution and determination to protect the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands is immovable.  At the same time, we will work to solve the conflict through balanced dialogue.  Official Chinese vessels’ patrolling the seas around the Diaoyu Islands is a typical, jurisdictional activity.

[This territorial dispute has smoldered for over a year now, and it is likely that tensions will continue to rise as the September 18^th anniversary of the Mukden Incident approaches.  Right-wing Japanese politicians have been more than happy to use the ‘China Threat’ to fuel nationalism and win votes, and the Chinese government seems to be fanning the flames of China’s own nationalist feelings.  Many are hoping that, after the outbreak of violence and riots last year, both sides will avoid another bout of brinksmanship.  However, looking over statements from both sides, both governments seem willing to take risks, and are quite confident in their ability to judge where the line is.]

Q: According to reports, on the 10^th, the head of Japan’s Cabinet stated that in order to strengthen its “concrete control” of the Diaoyu Islands, one of its options is to send workers to stay on the island.  Does the Chinese government have any comment?

A: We would like to express our serious concern with these statements.  The Chinese government’s resolution and determination to protect the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands is immovable, and will not allow the Japanese government to escalate its violation of China’s territorial sovereignty.  If Japan purposely provokes us, they will need to bear all of the consequences.

Q: On the 9^th, American media reported that Wikileaks materials show that Syria’s chemical weapons system and missiles came from Russia, Iran, and China.  How does the Chinese government comment?

A: I would like to point out that the Chinese government signed the “Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons”, strictly adheres to each obligation of the agreement, and was investigated by the OPCW at the time of signing.  We have continuously opposed the use of any sort of weapon that is classified under the wide category of chemical weapons of mass destruction.

Q: On the 9^th, U.S. President for National Security Affairs Condoleezza Rice said that America’s military strike against Syria will have wide reaching effects, and would serve as a warning to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.  How does the Chinese government comment?  How does the Chinese government see the spillover effects of America’s strike on Syria?

A: The Chinese government has continuously opposed the use of threats and force in international relations.  Bypassing the Security Council and launching unilateral military strikes violate international law and the basic standards of international relations, and will cause further complications and unrest in Syria.  We call on all sides to exercise restraint, and stick to finding a political solution to the situation in Syria.

[Overall, China’s position on Syria is a typical endorsement of its ‘respect sovereignty’ and ‘non-intervention’ policies.  China supports neither intervention nor unilateral military action, stressing the authority of the UN Security Council, where it can veto resolutions.]

Original Chinese: http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2013-09/10/c_117313421.htm