|
|
For thirty five years SACU has produced a Sinofile column, in our magazine. They comprise a set of short news summary notes that invariably give a keen insight into life in China. Here are some extracts from the most recent issue of China Eye.
This year the Chinese government has announced a plan to spend more than $120 billion on the first phase of a 10-year overhaul of the healthcare system. By 2020, the government wants all its citizens to have access to affordable basic medical services. The intention is to bring the health care system in line with China’s economic and social development. Thousands of medical facilities are being renovated and broader state-sponsored insurance coverage is being funded. After a recent push, the government says that 77% of people are enrolled in insurance plans, although the portion of medical expenses is often relatively low and about 300 million people at present have no coverage at all. It is believed that President Hu and other top leaders, who spent much of their careers working in rural areas, have a better understanding of the rural poor. Unhappiness at grass-roots level could result in social unrest. In a speech last month, Li Keqiang, China’s vice premier said that repairing the health care system would have an overall impact on reform, development and stability. It could also make the economy less reliant on exports by stimulating the domestic demand. (From The Wall Street Journal 16-18/10/09)
The Cultural Revolution left China’s education system in a mess and since 1979 to late 2008, about 1.4 million Chinese students had gone aboard. Up the end of 2008, just 390,000 had returned. The returnees are dubbed, ‘hai gui’- ‘sea turtles’ a pun on the phrase, ‘haiwai guilai’, meaning ‘returned from overseas’. Henry Wang Huiyao of the Western Returned Scholars Association predicts that the sea turtles will be a catalyst for creativity. Beijing sees innovation as the magic bullet for rebalancing the Chinese economy. The sea turtles, with their world-class education and knowledge of English, the language of international business and science, are a key part of the effort to create companies to take China forward. At every level of officialdom, sea turtles are being wooed. Especially accomplished returnees are being offered attractive jobs and generous relocation bonuses of 1 million yuan (about $150,000). A ‘thousand talents’ programme launched in December 2008, aims to bring home 2,000 key personnel - foreign educated scientists, academics and financial experts - within the next five years. Wang says that it is being very effective with over 300 returnees by the end of 2009. Two Chinese government ministers, Wan Gang, who heads the Science and Technology Ministry and Chen Zhu, the Health Minister, are both returnees. (From Newsweek 23/11/09)
This is an excerpt from a report written in April 2006, but it is probably not too much out of date. About 70% of the world’s Christmas decorations are made in China and many Chinese view the festival as an unofficial holiday. In cities across China, shopping malls are festooned with Christmas trees. In New China, Christmas is a source of fascination but its real meaning is something of a puzzle. There is a widespread belief that it is somehow associated with modernity. However some university students sport silver crosses and smart new churches in Chinese cities are packed on Sundays. (From, New Statesman 10/4/06)
[by Fu Ying, Chinese Ambassador to the UK.]
Turning 60 is a milestone and this was marked by a big parade in Beijing and a week long holiday. Nostalgia prevailed over an old handkerchief of food coupons left to her by her mother. For decades, everything from meat to cloth was rationed and Fu Ying grew up knowing hunger. The coupons were kept in case they were needed again - they never were.
In 1949, China’s GDP was $18 billion or $50 per capita. In 2008, the figures were $4.3 trillion and $3,260 respectively. In the last 30 years, 200 million people came out of poverty and Chinese society is more open and dynamic. There are nearly 2,000 newspapers, more than 9,000 magazines and 287 TV channels. In addition there are 700 million mobile phones, 300 million internet users and 180 million bloggers.
Some 800 international journalists sat in some of the meetings of the National Peoples’ Congress this year and asked questions. Also 30,000 journalists covered the Olympic Games.
There has been major progress in developing the rule of law and local democracy. In the last 30 years 223 laws were promulgated and suggestions from public letters, e mails and web comments were received. Elections were introduced at rural level 10 years ago and all of the 64,000 village committees were directly elected. The government is working hard to introduce democratic decision making at all levels to ensure that people’s voices are heard. But there is still much to do. China’s GDP per capita ranks 104th in the world (total GDP ranks 3rd), while the UK’s ranks 20th and is 17 times higher. Per capital overseas investment in China is only 1/25th that of the UK. Some 135 million people across China live on less than one dollar a day. Any small problem can grow into a huge one if multiplied by 1.3 billion. Any big achievement can become tiny if divided by this number.
China will continue to build a strong and harmonious society where every child is at school and everyone has a job, a roof over their head, every sick person is treated and every elderly person is taken care of.
China’s rapid progress would not have been possible without close interaction with the world - in particular, the West. Over 30 years, China’s trade has increased from $20.6 billion to just under $2.6 trillion - more than 100 fold increase. Over the same time, foreign direct investment has grown from virtually zero to $92.4 billion - the highest in the world. At the end of 2008, China had invested $150 billion in 170 countries of the world. In the past 30 years, 1.39 million Chinese studied in 109 countries and during 2008, 45 million Chinese tourists travelled overseas.
These achievements have not been accomplished by war or aggression, but through exchanges and trade. Seeking friendship and fostering a peaceful and co-operative environment is China’s constant objective. China is fulfilling her growing responsibilities from restoring global growth to combating climate change and will continue to partner Britain in this process. Fu Ying will donate her mother’s food coupons to the British museum as promised. On the 60th birthday, China celebrates its past and it future. (From The Guardian 2/10/09)
[Notes from Wen Jiabao’s speech in Cairo to the Arab League]
Civilisations can be different, but no civilisation is superior to others. Each civilisation embodies the common aspirations of mankind shaped in the course of development and progress. The Chinese civilisation has long advocated the great ideas that ‘harmony is most valuable’, ‘seek harmony in diversity’ and ‘do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you.’ Similarly, the Islamic civilisation values peace and calls for tolerance. The Koran contains more than 100 references to peace. We should build consensus and seek harmony in a world of diversity and push forward development through exchanges. This is the approach all mankind should embrace in civilisation.
Diversity of civilisation is largely reflected in ethnic and religious diversity. China is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. It is made up of 56 ethnic groups. The indigenous Taoism has long existed in harmony with Buddhism, Islam and Christianity - all religions introduced from the outside. It is the basic policy of the Chinese government to implement and improve the system of regional ethnic autonomy, ensure equality among all ethnic groups and speed up the economic and social development of minority ethnic groups and areas inhabited by these groups. It is also our policy to ensure freedom of religious belief and bring into play the positive role of religious personages and religious believers in promoting economic and social development. (From The Independent 10/11/09)
To gauge the importance of the main guest at next week’s summit in Sharm el-Sheik one needed only to look at the number of African dignitaries there to greet him - far more than ever attended meetings of the African Union. Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier is to met more than 50 African leaders and foreign and finance ministers to cement his country’s place as Africa’s most important friend. This illustrates Africa’s rapidly changing global relationship which is driven by China’s voracious demand for minerals and energy. Barely a week now passes without Beijing signing a multi million pound bilateral agreement with an African country. This week it was the turn of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where China plans to build roads and railways in return for copper and cobalt concessions in a deal worth an estimated $3 billion (£2.5 billion). Last month Guinea received a $7 billion lifeline - an investment in its mining sector. Most in Africa see it as a ‘win-win’ relationship.
‘The Chinese are here to invest and in today’s world all investors are good news’ said Emmanuel Ole Naiko of the Tanzania Investment Centre. ‘China is going to be a very important country in years to come. They do not just take, they build infrastructure and are constant. They are good friends and investors’. Three years ago, at the China-African summit in Beijing, Hu Jintao, the Chinese President put $5 billion on the table in loans and credit. At the summit tomorrow and on Monday, hosted by Egypts’ President Mubarak, China is expected to double that. Despite the world recession, last year China-Africa trade leapt to $107 billion. This was rise of 45% in one year and even beat African trade with the US. Direct Chinese investment grew from $491 million in 2003 to $107 billion in 2008. The results are visible everywhere, Chinese workers are building roads, ports, dams, railways, football stadiums, hotels and office blocks. China’s Vice-Minister of Commerce said that China‘s aid to Africa is based on Africa’s needs without imposing any political preconditions. From The Times 7/11/09]
The appearance of this table was prompted by India’s buying of 200 tonnes of gold from the IMF which according to The Economist ‘will take it into the top ten gold-holders in the world’, presumably approximately, on a par with Russia.
| Country | Thousands of tonnes of gold |
| United States | 8.1 |
| Germany | 3.4 |
| IMF | 3.2 |
| Italy | 2.5 |
| France | 2.4 |
| China | 1.1 |
| Switzerland | 1.0 |
| Japan | 0.8 |
| Netherlands | 0.6 |
| Russia | 0.6 |
| India | 0.6 |
Source: World Gold Council. (From The Economist 7/11/09)
A film marking the 60th Anniversary of China’s revolution opens in Beijing cinemas today. It stars almost 200 of China’s best known actors. The film, The Founding of a Republic, made by the state owned China Film Group, traces the ascendancy of Chairman Mao and is intended as a focal point for celebrations which will culminate on 1 October, China’s National Day. Hundreds of stars, including Jackie Chan, Jet Li and the actress Zhang Ziyi will be involved. Such was the pressure for parts that some big names failed to make the final selection. The budget for the film was £6 million, but many of the stars, donated their time free of charge. Jackie Chan and Zhang Ziyi play unnamed roles. The lesser-known actor, Tang Guoqiang gives a startlingly lifelike performance as Mao. The film chronicles the birth of Communist China through battles between 1945-49 against Chiang Kai-shek. A 22 years old sales assistant admitted that she had been attracted by the cast, but said she had also come to learn some history. She acknowledged that without the endeavours of the country’s founders, young people would not be enjoying a happy life. The eldest member of the audience, who is 86, said that the film was a profound trip down memory lane. He was in Tiananmen Square on 1 October 1949. He declared that, ‘So many people sacrificed their lives for the founding of the republic. We cannot forget history.’ (From The Daily Telegraph 17/9/09)
Researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts have tested the effect of Tai Chi on patients suffering from arthritis of the knee, which affects thousands of Britons, especially the elderly. They found that as well as suffering less pain, they could move more easily, were less depressed and overall, were in better health within weeks. A similar size group was asked to practise stretching exercises. This group also felt better, but not as well as the group doing Tai Chi. In addition the pain reduction was only about 20%.
Barry Phelan, a former British Tai Chi champion who teaches the art in Kent, said that he had seen at first hand the effect that Tai Chi could have on arthritis patients. He said that he has an 83 years old woman in his class who at first could not move her arms above her head. Now she can lift her arms and touch her toes and has become very lively and active. Researchers believe that the exercises work by conditioning muscles and increasing suppleness as well as increasing patients overall feelings of wellbeing. Dr Chenchen Wang who led the study at Tufts called for more research to understand exactly how Tai Chi works so that other patients with other conditions could benefit. The findings were published in the journal, ‘Arthritis Care & Research’. The NHS performs 65,000 knee replacement operations each year, many on arthritis patients. (From The Daily Telegraph 29/10/09)
Chinese President Hu Jintao rode in an open topped car and saluted troops along Chang'an Avenue, ‘Greetings Comrades!’ to which they replied, ‘Greetings, leader’. ‘You are working hard’ the President said and the response was, ‘We serve the people!’ The proceedings triggered excitement amongst the 200,000 spectators in Tiananmen Square which was transformed into a sea of colours as 60 big red lanterns waved between 56 National Unity Poles which represent the 56 ethnic minority groups. This was the 14th full-dress National Day military parade since 1949. Fourteen formations of units from China’s army, navy, air force, armed police force, militias and reserve forces marched by accompanied by 30 mobile sets of new weapons manufactured independently by China. They included new generation tanks, sophisticated radar and unmanned aerial vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles. More than 150 jet fighters, helicopters, early warning and control aircraft flew overhead.
The military parade was followed by a mass procession of 100,000 civilians in 35 formations who escorted 60 brightly decorated floats while marching under different themes. The floats commemorated the great changes and achievements of the past 60 years. They were decorated with landmarks of the 31 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities as well as Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Local characteristics were highlighted as well as economic achievements. The five floats from the autonomous regions of Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang Uighur, Ningxia Hui, Tibet and Guangxi Zhuang provided a distinct flavour of ethnic minority groups with performers dressed in ethnic costumes dancing to local music.
The celebration’s audience was as diverse as the multi-coloured parade floats coming from all walks of life, many of whom were excited to see the National Day parade for the first time. In another 40 years, when New China celebrates its 100th Anniversary, it will be prosperous, democratic and civilised and reflect a harmonious socialist modern country. (From Beijing Review8/10/09)
During the Association of East Asian Nations conference from 23rd to 25th October 2009, Wen Jiabao, the Chinese prime minister offered suggestions on fighting the financial crisis by enhanced regional cooperation. The proposals addressed both immediate and urgent issues as well as longer term strategic planning. Actual cooperation between China and its ASEAN partners has deepened. Since 1991, close trade, economic and political relations have been established together with cultural exchanges. Key cooperative areas include agriculture and telecommunications, but there are 30 other areas of working together. The objective is to make the most of the China-ASEAN free trade area which is expected to be up and running by 2010. China is to increase investment in ASEAN member counties, protect intellectual property rights and trade barriers are to be eliminated. Other proposals include accelerating infrastructure construction and helping ASEAN members increase food productivity. Beijing also plans help in environmental protection and the use of clean energy. China hopes to work with ASEAN countries on A/HIN1 flu prevention, defence, culture, tourism and cracking own on cross-border crime. (From Beijing Review 5/11/09)
Hu Jintao spoke at the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2009. He said that the deepening economic globalisation has linked all counties closely together. The world is undergoing major development changes and adjustments and uncertainties and instability in the international landscape loom large posing severe challenges. Climate change, food security, energy efficiency and public health are among the many global challenges faced by all. Thus the international community has a responsibility to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity to contribute to the noble cause of peace and development of mankind. He believes we should be more tolerant and live together in harmony. We should view security in a broader perspective and take a more holistic approach and pursue cooperation with a more open mind. Most important, we should acknowledge differences in cultural traditions, social systems and values and respect the rights of all countries to independently choose their development paths.
Being the largest developing country, China’s destiny is increasingly linked with that of the entire world. Mr Hu said that China will stick to its path of peaceful development that leads to mutual benefits and win-win results. He noted that China has lived up to its role as a world citizen by extending assistance to 120 countries, writing off outstanding debts to 49 less developed countries and at the same time offered zero-tariff rates on goods from more than 40 counties. In assisting other developing countries, Beijing will increase its support for nations hardest hit by he global crisis by implementing relevant financing plans, intensifying trade and investment cooperation and helping raise their capacity to resist risks and achieve sustainable development. China’s development is an opportunity, not a challenge and a contribution and not a threat to the world. (From Beijing Review 8/10/09)
China and the US appear poised to strengthen their troubled military exchanges. Despite a prosperous boom in the diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries, bilateral military ties have not developed as smoothly. Frictions and confrontations have occasionally happened with both sides criticizing each other. In October 2008, China cut military exchanges with the US objecting to the latter’s proposed $6.5 billion arms package to sold to Taiwan. This was an action viewed by China as a violation to the Sino-US Joint Communiqué signed in 1982.
A Senior Fellow in China Studies at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said that, ‘The distrust between the Chinese and US military is deeply rooted’. The US and China have different political systems and different values and are in potential competition around the world. The Vice-Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Xu Caihou spent a 10-day visit to the US and visited the Pentagon and was received by the US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. Xu said that China’s Peoples Liberation Army is not a threat to other countries, certainly not the US. Its purpose is to serve the people. Seven items for military cooperation, which included promoting high level exchanges, were agreed.
In the year 2000, the US Congress put restrictions on exchanges between Chinese and US armed forces in 12 areas. The US doubts China's strategic intentions and the legitimacy of its military growth. On the other hand, US warships and planes carry out operations in China's exclusive economic zones.
In recent years, the US has substantively upgraded its military relations with Taiwan and provided it with sophisticated weapons. China's view is that compromises are impossible on issues concerning the country's core interests such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President Barack Obama have reached a consensus on advancing military-to-military ties during their meetings in London in April and in New York in September. (From Beijing Review 5/11/09)
Sino File is compiled by Walter Fung with input for 'From the Chinese Press' supplied by Teresa Ray.
© Copyright Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU) 2001-2009