China
Chinese Writer to Baidu: ‘We Are Not in a Romantic Relationship’
Days after a judge shot down rival Google’s plans to create a digital library of the world’s books over copyright concerns , Chinese search giant Baidu has come under fire for its own library project. Chinese authors have slammed Baidu over its document sharing website, Baidu Wenke (called “Baidu Library” in English), saying the company rejected their demands to be compensated for downloads of unlicensed copies of their works. Baidu has since promised to remove unlicensed content from the website and apologized “to any of the authors or publishers whose feelings may have been hurt by the presence of infringing content on Baidu,” but that hasn’t stopped the onslaught of complaints. We asked the author of the popular novel “Leave Me Alone, Chengdu,” Hao Qun — also known by his pen name Murong Xuecun — who said he was present at the negotiations with Baidu, for his take on the issues: On compensation: We asked Baidu to give reasonable compensation for their infringement behavior. What we were asking Baidu for during the talks was 2.5 yuan in the future for each download … Most writers get 10% in royalties from the sale of each hard copy book, and given the average price for a book is around 25 yuan now, we suggested they pay 10% of that price of each download. On downloads of his books: My own works also face a very serious infringement issue through Wenku … Most of my novels get around 10,000 downloads on Wenku. In total, my works have been downloaded on Baidu Wenku more than 200,000 times. On why talks with Baidu failed: We basically presented Baidu with four requests during our talks. First, we asked Baidu for an official apology, and compensation for our losses. Second, we asked Baidu to immediately put a stop to copyright infringement in general. Third, we asked Baidu to immediately stop providing content to the Aigo EB800 e-reader, which serves as a platform through which Internet users get free downloads. Fourth, we asked Baidu to take substantial measures to prevent infringing behavior from happening again. Baidu turned down all four proposals. That’s why we said the talks broke down. On Baidu’s statement after the meetings ended: They said they would thoroughly check and delete all content involving infringement, which was the first part of their statement. I did a check for my works on Wenku today, and some of my novels were still there but with my name removed … so they did check and delete, but not that thoroughly. That said, I do welcome this attitude from Baidu, which I think is the most sincerity they’ve shown in recent years. In terms of the second part of the statement, I don’t think it’s a sincere apology. Like I said, what they hurt is not our feelings but our interests. They stole our money. I’ve been telling media that we are not in a romantic relationship with Baidu, so it’s no time to talk about feelings. The third part of the statement referred to developing some new commercial model. The way I see it, given the problem of infringement has yet to be resolved, how can we talk about cooperation? –Yoli Zhang
Days after a judge shot down rival Google’s plans to create a digital library of the world’s books over copyright concerns , Chinese search giant Baidu has come under fire for its own library project. Chinese authors have slammed Baidu over its document sharing website, Baidu Wenke (called “Baidu Library” in English), saying the company rejected their demands to be compensated for downloads of unlicensed copies of their works. Baidu has since promised to remove unlicensed content from the website and apologized “to any of the authors or publishers whose feelings may have been hurt by the presence of infringing content on Baidu,” but that hasn’t stopped the onslaught of complaints. We asked the author of the popular novel “Leave Me Alone, Chengdu,” Hao Qun — also known by his pen name Murong Xuecun — who said he was present at the negotiations with Baidu, for his take on the issues: On compensation: We asked Baidu to give reasonable compensation for their infringement behavior. What we were asking Baidu for during the talks was 2.5 yuan in the future for each download … Most writers get 10% in royalties from the sale of each hard copy book, and given the average price for a book is around 25 yuan now, we suggested they pay 10% of that price of each download. On downloads of his books: My own works also face a very serious infringement issue through Wenku … Most of my novels get around 10,000 downloads on Wenku. In total, my works have been downloaded on Baidu Wenku more than 200,000 times. On why talks with Baidu failed: We basically presented Baidu with four requests during our talks. First, we asked Baidu for an official apology, and compensation for our losses. Second, we asked Baidu to immediately put a stop to copyright infringement in general. Third, we asked Baidu to immediately stop providing content to the Aigo EB800 e-reader, which serves as a platform through which Internet users get free downloads. Fourth, we asked Baidu to take substantial measures to prevent infringing behavior from happening again. Baidu turned down all four proposals. That’s why we said the talks broke down. On Baidu’s statement after the meetings ended: They said they would thoroughly check and delete all content involving infringement, which was the first part of their statement. I did a check for my works on Wenku today, and some of my novels were still there but with my name removed … so they did check and delete, but not that thoroughly. That said, I do welcome this attitude from Baidu, which I think is the most sincerity they’ve shown in recent years. In terms of the second part of the statement, I don’t think it’s a sincere apology. Like I said, what they hurt is not our feelings but our interests. They stole our money. I’ve been telling media that we are not in a romantic relationship with Baidu, so it’s no time to talk about feelings. The third part of the statement referred to developing some new commercial model. The way I see it, given the problem of infringement has yet to be resolved, how can we talk about cooperation? –Yoli Zhang
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Chinese Writer to Baidu: ‘We Are Not in a Romantic Relationship’
Business
China’s Golden Rooster Film Festival Kicks Off in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival began in Xiamen on Nov 13, featuring awards, cultural projects worth 31.63 billion yuan, and fostering international film collaborations.
2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival Opens
The 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival commenced in Xiamen, Fujian province, on November 13. This prestigious event showcases the top film awards in China and spans four days, concluding with the China Golden Rooster Awards ceremony on November 16.
The festival features various film exhibitions, including the Golden Rooster Mainland Film Section and the Golden Rooster International Film Section. These showcases aim to highlight the achievements of Chinese-language films and foster global cultural exchanges within the film industry.
On the festival’s opening day, a significant milestone was reached with the signing of 175 cultural and film projects, valued at 31.63 billion yuan ($4.36 billion). Additionally, the International Film and Television Copyright Service Platform was launched, furthering the globalization of Chinese film and television properties.
Source : China’s Golden Rooster film festival opens in Xiamen – Thailand Business News
China
Italy and China New DTA Set to Take Effect in 2025: Important Changes and Implications
Italy ratified an upgraded Double Tax Agreement (DTA) with China, effective in 2025, to reduce tax burdens, prevent evasion, and enhance investment. The DTA introduces modern provisions aligned with international standards, targeting tax avoidance and improving dispute resolution for Italian businesses.
Italy recently ratified the upgraded Double Tax Agreement (DTA), which will finally take effect in 2025. This agreement was signed in 2019 and was designed to reduce tax burdens, prevent tax evasion, and promote Italian investment in China.
On November 5, 2024, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies gave final approval to the ratification of the 2019 Double Tax Agreement (DTA) between Italy and China (hereinafter, referred to as the “new DTA”).
Set to take effect in 2025, the new DTA is aimed at eliminating double taxation on income, preventing tax evasion, and creating a more favorable environment for Italian businesses operating in China.
The ratification bill for the new DTA consists of four articles, with Article 3 detailing the financial provisions. Starting in 2025, the implementation costs of the agreement are estimated at €10.86 million (US$11.49 million) annually. These costs will be covered by a reduction in the special current expenditure fund allocated in the Italian Ministry of Economy’s 2024 budget, partially drawing from the reserve for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the parliamentary debate, Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli emphasized the new DTA’s strategic importance, noting that the agreement redefines Italy’s economic and financial framework with China. Cirielli highlighted that the DTA not only strengthens relations with the Chinese government but also supports Italian businesses, which face increasing competition as other European countries have already established double taxation agreements with China. This ratification, therefore, is part of a broader series of diplomatic and economic engagements, leading up to a forthcoming visit by the President of the Italian Republic to China, underscoring Italy’s commitment to fostering bilateral relations and supporting its businesses in China’s complex market landscape.
The newly signed DTA between Italy and China, introduces several modernized provisions aligned with international tax frameworks. Replacing the 1986 DTA, the agreement adopts measures from the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project and the OECD Multilateral Instrument (MLI), targeting tax avoidance and improving dispute resolution.
The Principal Purpose Test (PPT) clause, inspired by BEPS, is one of the central updates in the new DTA, working to prevent treaty abuse. This clause allows tax benefits to be denied if one of the primary purposes of a transaction or arrangement was to gain a tax advantage, a move to counter tax evasion through treaty-shopping.
| 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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Business
China’s New Home Prices Stabilize After 17-Month Decline Following Support Measures
China’s new home prices fell for the 17th month in October, declining 0.5% from September, but slowing, indicating potential market stabilization amid supportive measures. Second-hand home prices showed mixed trends.
Decline in China’s Home Prices Stabilizes
China’s new home prices continued to decline in October for the 17th consecutive month, although the drop showed signs of slowing. Recent support measures from Beijing appear to be inching the market toward stabilization, as evidenced by a lighter decline compared to earlier months.
Monthly and Yearly Comparisons
According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, new home prices across 70 mainland cities fell by 0.5% from September, marking the smallest decrease in seven months. Year-on-year, prices dropped by 6.2%, slightly worse than the September decline of 6.1%. In tier-1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai, prices decreased by 0.2%, a smaller fall than 0.5% in the previous month.
Second-Hand Home Market Trends
Second-hand home prices in tier-1 cities experienced a 0.4% increase in October, reversing a 13-month downward trend. Conversely, tier-2 cities observed a 0.4% drop in second-hand prices, while tier-3 cities faced a similar 0.5% decline. Overall, recent trends indicate a potential stabilization in China’s property market.
Source : China’s new home prices slow 17-month decline after support measures kick in
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