China
China Offers Japan Support for Quake Relief
China’s government, often at odds with Tokyo, offered support to Japan after Friday’s powerful earthquake , with Premier Wen Jiabao expressing “deep sympathy and solicitude to the Japanese government and the people” and telling his counterpart, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, that China is willing to offer whatever aid is necessary. Chen Jianmin, director of the China Earthquake Administration, said its International Rescue Team has put its members, equipment, materials and medicines in place and ready to depart for Japan, after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the Japanese coast, triggering a major tsunami and leaving dozens dead and displaced tens of thousands of people. “We are highly concerned about the earthquake in Japan and its consequences such as fires and building damages,” the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Mr. Chen as saying. China is dealing with the aftermath of its own deadly earthquake, a 5.8-magnitude quake that struck its southwestern Yunnan province on Thursday, killing at least 25 people, injured 250, and destroyed some 18,000 houses. China and Japan are closely linked economically, but their ties are often buffeted by lingering anger in China over Japan’s brutal occupation during World War II. The initial public reaction to Japan’s earthquake—the country’s worst in at least 300 years–was mixed, with postings on Sina Weibo, the most active of China’s Twitter-like microblogging services, including expressions of sympathy mixed with some nationalistic gloating. “It’s great an earthquake has finally hit the Japanese dwarves,” commented a Sina Weibo user writing under the name Liaoning Taxue Wuhen. “Best if it disappears from the map. Wishing Chinese exchange students peace and safety.” Added user weldon999: “Ha ha ha, saved us more than a few missiles!!!” Others, however, expressed admiration for the orderly way in which Japan seemed to be handling the disaster. Responding to a photo of Tokyo residents standing in orderly groups in the street after the earthquake hit, Sina user awaybaby wrote: “When Chinese people can get to this level, that’s when we’ll be able to become a global power.” Some Internet users also criticized China’s government for failing to make a response more quickly. Xinhua carried offers of help from foreign leaders including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and the foreign ministers of Germany and Turkey before it reported Beijing’s first official statement–although the Commerce Ministry had quickly urged issued a notice urging Chinese companies with operations in Japan to ensure their staff were safe. The Beijing Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team, a group under the government-backed Red Cross Society of China, moved more quickly, saying a few hours after the earthquake that it was preparing a team to travel to Japan. Qiu Lili, a team leader for the group, said it had received offers to help from 10 of its volunteers. Mr. Qiu’s group already has sent seven volunteers to Yunnan to help with Thursday’s quake. An earthquake has been an occasion for China and Japan to set aside their differences before. After the 2008 earthquake that crippled China’s southwestern Sichuan Province and killed at least 68,000 people, Japan’s Self Defense Forces–as the country’s military is known–was the first foreign aid and rescue team allowed into China. Japanese corporations donated to aid efforts as well. Appliance-maker Panasonic, for example, contributed more than 10 million yuan to relief efforts in the aftermath of Sichuan quake, Xinhua reported at the time. In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, Chinese leaders said Japan’s offers of help would serve to strengthen bilateral ties between the countries. More recently, relations between the countries soured again, most notably over continued territorial disputes in the East China Sea in a long-running dispute involving the Diaoyu islands – which Japan calls the Senkaku islands. – Brian Spegele, with contributions from Josh Chin. Follow Brian on Twitter @bspegele
China’s government, often at odds with Tokyo, offered support to Japan after Friday’s powerful earthquake , with Premier Wen Jiabao expressing “deep sympathy and solicitude to the Japanese government and the people” and telling his counterpart, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, that China is willing to offer whatever aid is necessary. Chen Jianmin, director of the China Earthquake Administration, said its International Rescue Team has put its members, equipment, materials and medicines in place and ready to depart for Japan, after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the Japanese coast, triggering a major tsunami and leaving dozens dead and displaced tens of thousands of people. “We are highly concerned about the earthquake in Japan and its consequences such as fires and building damages,” the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Mr. Chen as saying. China is dealing with the aftermath of its own deadly earthquake, a 5.8-magnitude quake that struck its southwestern Yunnan province on Thursday, killing at least 25 people, injured 250, and destroyed some 18,000 houses. China and Japan are closely linked economically, but their ties are often buffeted by lingering anger in China over Japan’s brutal occupation during World War II. The initial public reaction to Japan’s earthquake—the country’s worst in at least 300 years–was mixed, with postings on Sina Weibo, the most active of China’s Twitter-like microblogging services, including expressions of sympathy mixed with some nationalistic gloating. “It’s great an earthquake has finally hit the Japanese dwarves,” commented a Sina Weibo user writing under the name Liaoning Taxue Wuhen. “Best if it disappears from the map. Wishing Chinese exchange students peace and safety.” Added user weldon999: “Ha ha ha, saved us more than a few missiles!!!” Others, however, expressed admiration for the orderly way in which Japan seemed to be handling the disaster. Responding to a photo of Tokyo residents standing in orderly groups in the street after the earthquake hit, Sina user awaybaby wrote: “When Chinese people can get to this level, that’s when we’ll be able to become a global power.” Some Internet users also criticized China’s government for failing to make a response more quickly. Xinhua carried offers of help from foreign leaders including Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and the foreign ministers of Germany and Turkey before it reported Beijing’s first official statement–although the Commerce Ministry had quickly urged issued a notice urging Chinese companies with operations in Japan to ensure their staff were safe. The Beijing Red Cross Blue Sky Rescue Team, a group under the government-backed Red Cross Society of China, moved more quickly, saying a few hours after the earthquake that it was preparing a team to travel to Japan. Qiu Lili, a team leader for the group, said it had received offers to help from 10 of its volunteers. Mr. Qiu’s group already has sent seven volunteers to Yunnan to help with Thursday’s quake. An earthquake has been an occasion for China and Japan to set aside their differences before. After the 2008 earthquake that crippled China’s southwestern Sichuan Province and killed at least 68,000 people, Japan’s Self Defense Forces–as the country’s military is known–was the first foreign aid and rescue team allowed into China. Japanese corporations donated to aid efforts as well. Appliance-maker Panasonic, for example, contributed more than 10 million yuan to relief efforts in the aftermath of Sichuan quake, Xinhua reported at the time. In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, Chinese leaders said Japan’s offers of help would serve to strengthen bilateral ties between the countries. More recently, relations between the countries soured again, most notably over continued territorial disputes in the East China Sea in a long-running dispute involving the Diaoyu islands – which Japan calls the Senkaku islands. – Brian Spegele, with contributions from Josh Chin. Follow Brian on Twitter @bspegele
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China Offers Japan Support for Quake Relief
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. |
Read the rest of the original article.
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- Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
- 2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
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