China
China Watch: Stanley Ho Finds Solution, Spin Off Sina Weibo?
A daily list of the best of The Wall Street Journal’s China coverage and what the Journal’s reporters in China are reading and watching online. (NOTE: WSJ has not verified items in the ‘News Items’ section and does not vouch for their accuracy.) WSJ Highlights: China recorded inflation of 4.9% for the second straight month amid government efforts to rein in prices. The family of gambling magnate Stanley Ho appears to have settled a fight over control of his multibillion dollar casino empire . After its chairman stepped down Tuesday, Chinese electronics retailer Gome is expected to expand rapidly— maybe too rapidly . News Items: China has unveiled a strict accountability system for local officials it says will guarantee land supplies for affordable housing projects . (China Daily) New government statistics show China had more than 30 million students pursuing higher education in 2010, a 35% increase over 2005 . (People’s Daily Online) Rescuers have started searching for survivors of an earthquake that struck Yunnan Province on Thursday and has killed at least 25. (Xinhua) Digging Deeper: Faking Lafite: With China’s developing a healthy thirst for expensive wine, CNN looks into a growing problem of wine counterfeiting . The good news for Beijing about last month’s trade deficit? As Bloomberg reports, it might help China fend off criticism over the value of the yuan . Always a way: China Daily reports that real-estate agents in Beijing have found a way to get around new restrictions on sales of apartments to nonresidents. Whence happiness? The Guardian’s Isabel Hilton describes the new obsession gripping leaders in Beijing . Internet Watch: To IPO or not to IPO? Forbes writer Gady Epstein considers whether Sina should spin off microblogging service Sina Weibo . China’s Facebook syndrome: Businessweek considers whether Chinese Internet censorship should be considered a trade policy issue . Economists Hold Forth: University of California, Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen ponders whether China’s leaders should be believed when they predict slower growth over the next five years. Notes from a Carnegie Foundation panel discussion featuring the IMF’s Vivek Arora, former People’s Bank of China deputy governor Min Zhu and others on the implications of China’s rebalancing efforts for the rest of Asia . –complied by Josh China. Follow him on Twitter @joshchin .
A daily list of the best of The Wall Street Journal’s China coverage and what the Journal’s reporters in China are reading and watching online. (NOTE: WSJ has not verified items in the ‘News Items’ section and does not vouch for their accuracy.)
WSJ Highlights:
- China recorded inflation of 4.9% for the second straight month amid government efforts to rein in prices.
- The family of gambling magnate Stanley Ho appears to have settled a fight over control of his multibillion dollar casino empire.
- After its chairman stepped down Tuesday, Chinese electronics retailer Gome is expected to expand rapidly—maybe too rapidly.
News Items:
- China has unveiled a strict accountability system for local officials it says will guarantee land supplies for affordable housing projects. (China Daily)
- New government statistics show China had more than 30 million students pursuing higher education in 2010, a 35% increase over 2005. (People’s Daily Online)
- Rescuers have started searching for survivors of an earthquake that struck Yunnan Province on Thursday and has killed at least 25. (Xinhua)
Digging Deeper:
- Faking Lafite: With China’s developing a healthy thirst for expensive wine, CNN looks into a growing problem of wine counterfeiting.
- The good news for Beijing about last month’s trade deficit? As Bloomberg reports, it might help China fend off criticism over the value of the yuan.
- Always a way: China Daily reports that real-estate agents in Beijing have found a way to get around new restrictions on sales of apartments to nonresidents.
- Whence happiness? The Guardian’s Isabel Hilton describes the new obsession gripping leaders in Beijing.
Internet Watch:
- To IPO or not to IPO? Forbes writer Gady Epstein considers whether Sina should spin off microblogging service Sina Weibo.
- China’s Facebook syndrome: Businessweek considers whether Chinese Internet censorship should be considered a trade policy issue.
Economists Hold Forth:
- University of California, Berkeley economist Barry Eichengreen ponders whether China’s leaders should be believed when they predict slower growth over the next five years.
- Notes from a Carnegie Foundation panel discussion featuring the IMF’s Vivek Arora, former People’s Bank of China deputy governor Min Zhu and others on the implications of China’s rebalancing efforts for the rest of Asia.
–complied by Josh China. Follow him on Twitter @joshchin.
Reforms started in the late 1970s with the phasing out of collectivized agriculture, and expanded to include the gradual liberalization of prices, fiscal decentralization, increased autonomy for state enterprises, the foundation of a diversified banking system, the development of stock markets, the rapid growth of the non-state sector, and the opening to foreign trade and investment.
In 2006, China announced that by 2010 it would decrease energy intensity 20% from 2005 levels.
China has emphasized raising personal income and consumption and introducing new management systems to help increase productivity.
Available energy is insufficient to run at fully installed industrial capacity, and the transport system is inadequate to move sufficient quantities of such critical items as coal.
The two sectors have differed in many respects.
A report by UBS in 2009 concluded that China has experienced total factor productivity growth of 4 per cent per year since 1990, one of the fastest improvements in world economic history.
China’s increasing integration with the international economy and its growing efforts to use market forces to govern the domestic allocation of goods have exacerbated this problem.
Globally, foreign investment decreased by almost 40 percent last year amid the financial downturn and is expected to show only marginal growth this year.
” Although the figure is already “quite amazing,” the volume is “not large enough” considering China’s economic growth and local companies’ expanding demand for international opportunities, Shen said.
China reiterated the nation’s goals for the next decade – increasing market share of pure-electric and plug-in electric autos, building world-competitive auto makers and parts manufacturers in the energy-efficient auto sector as well as raising fuel-efficiency to world levels.
China’s challenge in the early 21st century will be to balance its highly centralized political system with an increasingly decentralized economic system.
Even with these improvements, agriculture accounts for only 20% of the nation’s gross national product.
China is the world’s largest producer of rice and wheat and a major producer of sweet potatoes, sorghum, millet, barley, peanuts, corn, soybeans, and potatoes.
Horses, donkeys, and mules are work animals in the north, while oxen and water buffalo are used for plowing chiefly in the south.
There are also extensive iron-ore deposits; the largest mines are at Anshan and Benxi, in Liaoning province.
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.
In the northeast (Manchuria) are large cities and rail centers, notably Shenyang (Mukden), Harbin, and Changchun.
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China Watch: Stanley Ho Finds Solution, Spin Off Sina Weibo?
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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