China
Joint seminar held on rising U.S. investigations of Chinese products involving utility patents
As concerns grow over rising U.S. investigations of Chinese enterprises over utility patents, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday held a seminar with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to promote mutual understanding on intellectual property protection. “The Chinese government always pays attention to intellectual property protection. However, Chinese enterprises in recent years have become a major target of investigations by the U.S. under Section 337. In particular, thi …
As concerns grow over rising U.S. investigations of Chinese enterprises over utility patents, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday held a seminar with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to promote mutual understanding on intellectual property protection.
“The Chinese government always pays attention to intellectual property protection. However, Chinese enterprises in recent years have become a major target of investigations by the U.S. under Section 337. In particular, this has been difficult for firms,” said Zhong Shan, China’s vice commerce minister, at the opening ceremony of the seminar.
Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 allows the U.S. to shield domestic industries from unfair competition, according to ITC judges. Typical violations under the section include infringement of U.S. patents, registered trademarks and copyrights.
China has been the No.1 target for investigations under Section 337 since 2002. In the first 10 months of 2010, there were 16 investigations involving Chinese enterprises, accounting for 42.9 percent of all U.S. investigations under Section 337, said Fu Xiaohui, a senior official from China’s State Intellectual Property Office, at the opening ceremony.
China ranks fifth worldwide in international patent registration, said Fu. In 2009, China had registered 7,946 international patents, up 29.7 percent year on year.
“No one, ITC included, will compensate our losses even if we win these lawsuits one after another, given that it causes us to miss out on business opportunities. Also, there is the cost of responding to these suits. It is unfair,” said Chen Wusheng, a senior economist with the General Protecht Group.
“I think it is a novel type of trade protectionism since it allows U.S. companies to easily apply for 337 investigations,” said Xu Jiali, a lawyer familiar with Section 337.
“I would advise that China set up its own form of Section 337,” Xu added.
Highlighting the independent status of the ITC, James M. Lyons, General Counsel of the ITC, and his colleagues declined to make any direct comments on questions posed by Chen and Xu.
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Joint seminar held on rising U.S. investigations of Chinese products involving utility patents
The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978.
China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development.
China has emphasized raising personal income and consumption and introducing new management systems to help increase productivity.
The restructuring of the economy and resulting efficiency gains have contributed to a more than tenfold increase in GDP since 1978.
The two most important sectors of the economy have traditionally been agriculture and industry, which together employ more than 70 percent of the labor force and produce more than 60 percent of GDP.
China has acquired some highly sophisticated production facilities through trade and also has built a number of advanced engineering plants capable of manufacturing an increasing range of sophisticated equipment, including nuclear weapons and satellites, but most of its industrial output still comes from relatively ill-equipped factories.
By the early 1990s these subsidies began to be eliminated, in large part due to China’s admission into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, which carried with it requirements for further economic liberalization and deregulation.
Globally, foreign investment decreased by almost 40 percent last year amid the financial downturn and is expected to show only marginal growth this year.
“China is now the fifth largest investing nation worldwide, and the largest among the developing nations,” said Shen Danyang, vice-director of the ministry’s press department.
China is expected to have 200 million cars on the road by 2020, increasing pressure on energy security and the environment, government officials said yesterday.
China’s challenge in the early 21st century will be to balance its highly centralized political system with an increasingly decentralized economic system.
Since the late 1970s, China has decollectivized agriculture, yielding tremendous gains in production.
Except for the oasis farming in Xinjiang and Qinghai, some irrigated areas in Inner Mongolia and Gansu, and sheltered valleys in Tibet, agricultural production is restricted to the east.
Hogs and poultry are widely raised in China, furnishing important export staples, such as hog bristles and egg products.
Growing domestic demand beginning in the mid-1990s, however, has forced the nation to import increasing quantities of petroleum.
China is among the world’s four top producers of antimony, magnesium, tin, tungsten, and zinc, and ranks second (after the United States) in the production of salt, sixth in gold, and eighth in lead ore.
Hydroelectric projects exist in provinces served by major rivers where near-surface coal is not abundant.
Coastal cities, especially in the southeast, have benefited greatly from China’s increasingly open trade policies.
Business
Business Update: Southern Sun Reports Earnings Growth; China Stimulates Property Market – News24
Southern Sun reports increased earnings, attributed to growth in the hospitality sector, while China’s property market receives a boost, reflecting economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
Southern Sun Earnings Surge
Southern Sun has reported a significant increase in its earnings, showcasing solid financial performance amid evolving market conditions. This growth highlights the company’s resilience and adaptability to changing consumer demands, positioning it well for future opportunities in the hospitality industry.
China’s Property Market Recovery
In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, China has introduced measures to boost its property market. These initiatives aim to stabilize real estate prices and encourage investment, which is crucial for maintaining economic momentum. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector reflects its understanding of the industry’s importance in overall economic health.
Broader Economic Implications
The rise in Southern Sun’s earnings and China’s proactive approach to revitalizing its property market indicate broader economic trends. Investors and stakeholders are keenly observing these developments, as they may signal recovery and growth opportunities in both the hospitality and real estate sectors. The collaboration between local businesses and governmental actions will be pivotal in shaping future economic landscapes.
Source : Business brief | Southern Sun sees earnings rise; China boosts its property market – News24
China
Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy seeks a balance of cooperation and struggle with China, focusing on strengthening ties while resisting encroachments in the South China Sea through military enhancements and regional partnerships.
Vietnam’s Diplomatic Strategy
Vietnam’s diplomatic approach seeks to maintain a delicate balance between cooperation and struggle with China. While concerned about China’s growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea, Hanoi focuses on strengthening its economic and political ties. This effort involves military enhancements, fostering relationships with regional powers, and engaging in frequent political dialogues. By skillfully navigating relations with major powers, Vietnam aims to protect its sovereignty and foster stability amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Recent Developments and Implications
Hanoi’s diplomatic maneuvering has drawn attention, particularly regarding key visits like Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s August 2024 trip to China. Although there are apprehensions about a potential shift in Vietnam’s alignment due to To Lam’s background in public security and his anti-corruption initiatives, it is premature to predict any significant changes in policy. Vietnam’s leaders must continuously seek a balance between peaceful coexistence with China and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Economic Interdependence and Military Modernization
Vietnam’s strategy involves fostering economic interdependence with China while simultaneously resisting encroachments. This paradigm of “cooperation and struggle” enables Hanoi to cultivate beneficial ties in economic, political, and security domains. By leveraging its geographical advantage and connections, Vietnam enhances its economic ties while countering threats through military modernization and cooperation with regional partners. This nuanced approach allows Vietnam to welcome trade, particularly amidst shifting dynamics from the US-China trade war, ensuring continued foreign direct investment and growth in key sectors.
Source : Cooperation and struggle define Vietnam’s approach to China
China
2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
China’s 2025 public holiday schedule increases holidays by two days, with an 8-day Spring Festival and a 5-day Labor Day. Adjustments address public frustration, though long work periods persist. Notably, weekends are often designated as workdays to balance extended breaks.
China has released its 2025 Public Holiday schedule. Compared to 2024, the number of public holidays for all citizens has increased by two days, specifically for Lunar New Year’s Eve and May 2nd.
The announcement also clarifies the adjusted holiday arrangements, stating that the continuous work period before and after statutory holidays generally should not exceed six days, except for certain special circumstances.
According to the notice, in 2025, the Spring Festival will have an 8-day holiday, the Labor Day holiday will last 5 days, and the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival will jointly have 8 days off.
China has long been considered one of the least generous countries in terms of public holidays. Additionally, people have expressed frustration over the complicated adjustments to holiday and working days that are meant to create longer breaks. The newly introduced changes are expected to address these concerns to some extent.
Beyond the newly introduced changes, China’s 2025 public holiday schedule still features two major week-long holidays: Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) and the National Day holiday (often called ‘Golden Week’).
In 2025, the Spring Festival falls between January 28 and February 4, and the National Day holiday, together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, fall between October 1 and 8.
Foreign human resource managers should note that Saturdays and Sundays are often marked as additional official workdays in China to compensate for long holiday breaks. For example, January 26 (Sunday) and February 8 (Saturday) are designated as workdays to partially offset the eight days off for the Spring Festival.
This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
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