A Global Invite

The top ten reasons to visit Hong Kong were listed in the recent AAA Go Magazine.



They include ferries, shopping, scenic views, spas, a floating village, hiking, dining, temples, beaches and celebrations. It is hard to refuse the suggestion of such a well recognized organization as AAA. I say a field trip is in order for MLS 610!

Good for the Goose, Not for the Gander

China accused the US of not 'practicing what they preach'. This came in repsonse to today's shooting down of a spy satetllite that was no longer functioning by the US.

But just a year ago, when China shot down one of their own weather satellites, the US codemned it saying "China's testing of such weapons is inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation that both countries aspire to in the civil space area," per White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

The US justified their actions in stating the satellite posed a hazard to the earth's atmosphere and potentially people. In contrast, the destruction of the Chinese satellite resulted in a cloud of "space junk", which could have damaged other orbiting satellites.

Is this a matter of double standards or a justifiable excuse on behalf of the environment? (For more information on this topic see, "China accuses US of double standards over satellite strike")

Global Examples

The following images were taken by 40West, an American photography studio owned by Bill Thomas, with branch locations in China and Vietnam. These images were taken in the Dongguan studio in China.



(See earlier blog entry "Emails from the East" for more details on 40West)

Unit 1: Lesson 6

The globalization of China, as we have read in the works of Gittings and Shirk, has been a long and arduous process. But once the economic 'doors were opened' through Deng's economic reform, the Chinese economy has boomed, "having set a world record of 10% annual growth for more than two decades". (Shirk p 131)

But too much growth too quickly in a global market doesn't come without a price for someone as found in the article "China's Inflation Hits American Price Tags".

As the article states, "China latest export is inflation". Of the major Chinese imports to America (80% of toys, 85% of footwear, and 40% of clothing) cost have risen over the past eight months. Ironically this coincides closely to discovery of tainted dog food, toys, and other items. Could this be the price of quality control?

Americans could experience as much as a 10% increase on popular imports. "In the long term, higher costs in China could spell the end of an ear of ultra-cheap goods, as well as the beginning of China's rise from the lowest rungs of global manufacturing", the article states.

The question China faces is whether foreign consumers will pay the higher prices or look to other markets. Chinese factory owner are even looking to relocate to other areas to help reduce cost.

My husband's company imports office furniture from China. Due to increases in prices, quality issues, and the working conditions of the factories, they have already begun to look to Thailand as an alternative resource. There they have found improved working conditions over the Chinese factories.

Beijing still controls the future of China. In recent months they have changed tax rebates, imposed new labor laws and enforced environmental regulations. Could this be in response to the fact they are hosting the Olympics this year and feel a need to put on a "good face" for the world?

Again it appears that China is walking a fine line between success and failure on the global stage.

Chinese choose cars over bikes

As reported on NBC Nightly News on February 17, 2008, China is faced with a growing population of novice vehicle drivers. With a strong economy, more people have been able to park their bikes and purchase a vehicle. The car industry has grown by 20% in recently years.

Traffic school is now required for new drivers. Other drivers grandfathered under the new rule are being taught proper driving etiquette through a weekly televised driving school.

Three rules that new drivers must follow as quoted by reporter Mark Muellen are:
1. No elbow on rolled down car windows
2. No spitting out the windows
3. Do not wear slippers (during the summer) while driving

As crazy as these rules may sound, driving deaths are down by 10%. This is no small feat with 2000 new vehicles a day being added to a "Chinese sized traffic jam."

(NBC Nightly News, Road Rules)

The Great Wall of China Walk against Cancer

The Great Wall of China Walk is a funding raising event being spearheaded by singer/actress Olivia Newton-John. The money raised will go toward the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia.

Newton-John, a 15 year survivor of breast cancer, will make the million step walk with other celebrities, politicians, and former Olympians. Chinese business leaders are also slated to participate.

Newton-John intends to use China the the Olympics as her global platform. “This is an opportunity to contribute something really significant to the global fight against all cancers,” says Newton-John.

The walk, which is 621 miles long, is schedulded to begin in April and conclude in Beijing in time for the opening celebrations of the Olympic games. The Great Wall is actually 4,163 miles long, but parts are in such disrepair they are impassable.

I don't really understand why some of the funds raised won't be staying in China. But at least the event will bring more awareness of cancer to the Chinese people and the world.

(Click here for more information on the event)