Think I'll read a copy of the Globe during the ride:
"China’s enthusiasm for high-speed rail stalls after fatal crash" by Joe McDonald, Associated Press / August 14, 2011
BEIJING - China’s infatuation with high-speed rail soured at bullet train velocity.
Six months ago, the rail network was a success symbol and the basis of a planned high-tech export industry.
But after a July crash that killed 40 people, Beijing has suspended new construction and is recalling problem-plagued trains, raising questions about the future of such prestige projects.
Related: China vows to investigate train crash, punish misdeeds
It was an extraordinary reversal for a project that once had political status on a level with China’s manned space program.
Also see: Bringing China Back Down to Earth
High-speed rail has been, along with nuclear power, among an array of areas where critics warn that breakneck, government-driven development might be jeopardizing public safety and adding to financial risks.
In nuclear power, Beijing said earlier this year that it would press ahead with its rapid expansion of China’s industry despite Japan’s Fukushima disaster.
But it is okay for AmeriKa to do the same.
But with bullet trains, the July 23 collision combined with experts’ warnings about costs and dangers to persuade Beijing to take the rare step of scaling back a major project - a move that might have repercussions in other fields and could affect the appeal of Chinese technology abroad....
The train disaster has been a high-profile illustration of the weaknesses of government-led development, though no one expects the ruling Communist Party to change what many see as the root problem - its pervasive role in the economy, technology, and industry.
Of course, here in AmeriKa it is hailed as stimulus!
In economics, the ruling party has traded most elements of central planning for market-style reforms. But in science, it still sees direct government involvement as essential to achieving its goal of transforming China from a nation of farmers and factory workers into a prosperous creator of technology.
The government has issued development plans for fields from clean energy to computers and has promised money for research and other support.
That strategy has led to complaints that decision-making is politicized, authorities ignore environmental and other costs, and public money is wasted on dubious projects....
And JUST HOW EXACTLY is China different from AmeriKa?
In nuclear power, Beijing’s rapid expansion of its industry, both to curb reliance on fossil fuels and to support development of Chinese equipment manufacturers, has prompted similar warnings that it is moving too fast and might jeopardize public safety....
Oh, now THAT REALLY DOES IT!!
I'm SO SICK of a POT-HOLLERING KETTLE of a PRESS CORP!!!
Support for the bullet train began to erode in February after its main official booster, Liu Zhijun, then railway minister, was dismissed amid a graft investigation.
Yeah, the only difference is China executes guys like that. Get the hint, Americans?
State media, normally cheerleaders for the government, have begun reporting on the bullet train’s excesses in a sign that official sentiment is turning against it.
It is this kind of pot-hollering-kettle crap I'm talking about.
F*** you, AmeriKan media!
--more--"
"China puts blame on Pakistan-trained militants for attacks; Activists fear retaliation against Muslim Uighurs" August 02, 2011|By David Wivell, Associated Press
URUMQI, China - China blamed Muslim extremists trained in Pakistan yesterday for launching one of two deadly weekend attacks in a troubled far western region, while activists overseas feared the government could respond by cracking down on ethnic Uighurs said to be behind the unrest....
Yesterday, the city said an initial investigation showed members of the group allegedly behind Sunday’s attack had been trained in explosives and firearms in Pakistani camps run by the banned East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a militant group advocating independence for Xinjiang. It offered no proof in the statement on its website. China says the group is allied with Al Qaeda.
But when the AmeriKan government or Syrian human rights people offer no evidence it's still reported as such.
Can you see why I am sick of reading this agenda-pushing slop served up as news?
Pakistan, a key ally to China, condemned the violence and offered support in combating the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
Related: "Al-CIA-Duh" Attacks China Again
U.S. Using "Al-CIA-Duh" to Spoil Olympics
And now they are trying to create tension between the two allies.
Remember, China has said an attack on Pakistan is an attack on them.
A Foreign Ministry statement said it was fully confident the people of Xinjiang autonomous region and the Chinese government “will succeed in frustrating evil designs of the terrorists, extremists and separatists, who constitute an evil force.’’
Translation: The Pakistanis know what you and I know.
--more--"
Related: 15 dead in China’s Xinjiang region violence
Better batten down the hatches:
"China issues warnings as powerful typhoon bears down on its east coast" August 06, 2011|Associated Press
BEIJING - China warned residents and alerted emergency relief centers yesterday to prepare for a powerful typhoon that was heading toward China’s heavily populated eastern coast.
Typhoon Muifa is forecast to hit China late today or early tomorrow close to Shanghai, a commercial hub with a population of 23 million....
Typhoon Muifa caused power outages and injuries as it passed by Japan’s southern island of Okinawa yesterday and dusted northern Taiwan with light rain and moderate winds....
--more--"
"Typhoon batters eastern China coast" August 08, 2011|Associated Press
BEIJING - A typhoon blew down power lines and billboards in the Chinese financial hub of Shanghai yesterday and approached at a northeast port city where beaches were closed and sandbags were piled on the waterfront.
High waters and heavy surf already were battering Qingdao’s coastline as Typhoon Muifa hugged China’s eastern seaboard, weakening as it approached the port city. Muifa was expected to make landfall as a severe tropical storm today near Qingdao, home to 7 million people and the Chinese Navy’s north sea fleet....
South Korean authorities issued a tidal wave and flood warning along the west and south coast and said strong winds overnight could cause damage in central parts of the country, including the capital Seoul....
--more--"
Also see:
5 fake Apple stores found in China
GE moving X-ray business to China
That will help the American jobs market.
Toyota looks to India and China
Can't make cars in radioactive Japan anymore.
Chinese diners lift McDonald’s sales
Obese Chinese on the way.
China tries activist amid crackdown
