China Report recent issues

The Sino-Japan Disputes and the Principle of Subsidiarity

Chaocheng, Y. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

Regional economic unification must overcome some economic obstacles, such as how to remove the trade and non-trade barriers, how to realise monetary stability in the region and how to develop a regional market, dominated by internal demand. However, in the long run, social obstacles will be more troublesome than the economic obstacles and could also be counterproductive. The integration process in Asia has been lagging behind the other continents of Europe and North America for many reasons. One of them is that the Asian unification process has mainly been a top-down approach by politicians and leaderships in this region, without wider and broader participation from the societies and civil groups. Nonetheless, there are strong trends favouring the ongoing regional cooperation in Asia. While envisioning bright prospects, the Asian economic integration process, however, is destined to encounter social obstacles. One of them is clearly the Sino-Japan dispute. The article argues, that the principle of subsidiarity (bottom-up approaches) (Horst Rolly 2003) being applied in European unification, may serve as the key solution—and strategic approach—to improve Sino-Japan relations. Asian nations, especially China and Japan, could draw on the lessons and experiences of European countries and adapt from their principle of subsidarity, which may serve to overcome the impending obstructions. Otherwise, the Sino-Japan dispute may become the largest barrier in building up the regional cooperation structure in Asia.

An Analysis of China-Ethiopia Relations during the Cold War

Venkataraman, M., Gamora, A. G. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

This article analyses the bilateral relations between China and Ethiopia during the Cold War period and brings out the interplay of domestic, regional and extra-regional factors that went into the shaping of bilateral relations. China’s growing involvement and various attempts at consolidation of political and economic relationship with African countries—a relatively recent phenomenon—is perceived as a result of the dynamic interplay of economic and political factors. As with other African countries, China’s interaction with Ethiopia in the post-Cold War period is markedly different from pre-1990 years. This article investigates the political/economic factors underlying this shift. It describes and analyses the factors that led to China’s political and economic ties with Ethiopia (and Africa) during the years of Mao and Deng Xiaoping. It concludes that motivated by the desire to realise its priorities and goals, China’s venture into Africa and Ethiopia was shaped by the shift in relations between the United States (US) and China and the Cold War dynamics in the Horn that prevented any kind of consolidation of relations with Ethiopia on the one hand and regime change in Ethiopia on the other.

The Evolution of the Image of China in the United States during the Cold War

Astarita, C. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

This article describes the evolution of the image of China in the United States (US) during the Cold War. Aware that China–US bilateral relations have been influenced by periods of conflict and animosity, harmony and détente, the article argues that the image of China has always been embedded in a network of events—birth of the PRC (People’s Republic of China [PRC], Korean War, Sino-Soviet alliance) that prevented American public opinion from developing an objective and unbiased picture of the PRC. Since 1950s, China has always been linked to the idea of the ‘Yellow Peril’. Moreover, the lack of a direct contact between China and America further thwarted the opportunity of shaping a fair picture of the PRC. Although recognising that during the Cold War American political parties played a significant role in conveying a negative image of China, this article shows how media helped in strengthening Chinese stereotypes among the American public. Analysing all articles published by Time, National Geographic and Readers’ Digest from 1949 to 1972, the article highlights both similarities and differences of the way in which these magazines introduced China to their readers.

The Portrayal of Chinese top Party-State Leaders in the American Mainstream News Media, 1978-2008: Thirty Years of Reform Have Not Changed China Yet?

Law, K.-y. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

The three decades of "world–shaking" reform and the opening up are believed to have brought enormous changes to China. Today, few can deny China’s crucial position in the global economy. However, aside from the obvious economic changes, it is uncertain whether the previously mysterious, untouchable and reclusive China thoroughly reformed itself from the demonized character during the globalization trend and years after the Cold War. Today, when ‘national image becomes an important part in soft power competition among countries...and a very significant strategic issue China faces in the development process’, this article aims at examining the scope and specific ‘frames’ that American mainstream news media use to report on China’s party-state leaders over the past 3 decades. Through the contents analysis of Time and Newsweek, the study finds that the image of China’s party-state leaders has not been drastically different under the framing. Since the judging criteria for the American mainstream news media towards political leadership has not significantly changed, they would still show certain disapprovals to the political aspects of China not change at all even after thirty years reform.

Creating a New Cultural Identity: India-related Religious Practices among the Chinese Community in Kolkata

Xing, Z. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

Already in the nineteenth century, the Chinese immigrants had built several Chinese temples in Kolkata. These temples, including those dedicated to Tianhou and Guanyin, served not only as religious shrines but also meeting places for the community. This article outlines some of the unique, and hitherto unexamined, religious practices among the Kolkata Chinese. Specifically, it focuses on the venerations of the Atchew, perceived to be the first Chinese immigrant in India, the medium known as Lady Shou and the Indian Goddess Kali. While other religious beliefs among the Kolkata Chinese indicate the preservation of Chinese heritage and identity, these unique practices show the process of acculturation and the creation of a new mixed,Chinese–Indian identity.

Education, Occupational Aspiration and Religious Orientation: A Case Study of the Chinese Community of North Bengal

Chatterjee Sen, A. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

There are only a few Chinese families settled in North Bengal, concentrated in the towns of Siliguri and Kalimpong. The Chinese have on an average been a literate community but few of them continued for post-secondary education. The reasons were that many of them were engaged in business at an early age which was much more lucrative and on the other hand some people were struggling to maintain their establishment. Economic challenges left little time and recourses to concentrate on education. However, since the community has prospered and with time, parents increasingly opt to send their children to school. These days, the occupational needs of the Chinese youth in North Bengal can be divided into two categories, either to migrate abroad or to be a successful businessman. It is perceptible that Chinese in India are conscious with regard to the education of their children. English-medium schools are the preferred institutions and for this the Chinese have adopted another strategy—that of conversion to Christianity. Since Christians have some concessions in the admission process, in Convent schools, many Chinese see conversion as a solely utilitarian issue

Post-Dalai Lama Situation and the Middle Path: Discussions with Chinese Scholars in Beijing

Verma, V. S. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

Book Reviews

Thampi, M., Chen, M. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:51:40 PST

The Study of Criminology in China, Part II: Contemporary Developments

Wong, K. C. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

As a scholarly discipline, criminology in China is growing in stature, maturity and utility. In the short thirty years since 1979, China has successfully established criminology as a scientific field of study with well-defined subjects, recognised scholars and copious research/publications. To date, there are very few systematic and comprehensive studies of criminology (in English language) as an emerging and important field of academic discipline in China. As a result, we know very little about its focus and scope; direction and trend; theories and findings; and problems and issues. This is a first attempt to do so. The article (in two parts, published separately) investigates into: ‘Literature on law, crime and punishment in China’, ‘The idea of crime (Fanzui)’, ‘Traditional thinking of crime and punishment in imperial China’, ‘Nature, structure and development of criminology’, ‘Contemporary theories on crime and punishment’ and ‘Fundamental issues and challenges’ facing criminological research in China.

The Seventh China-India-Russia Academic Trilateral Conference, 24-25 October 2007, Moscow: A Report

Acharya, A. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Russia-China-India: Interaction in the Context of International Policy

Titarenko, M. L. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Enhance Political Mutual Trust, Strengthen Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

Gang, Z. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

India-China Bilateral Relations within the Trilateral Format

Khanna, V. C. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Reflecting the Mechanism-building for Trilateral Cooperation between China, India and Russia

Ying, R. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

An Analysis of the Prospects of Trilateral Cooperation in the Light of the Experiences of the Trilateral Academic Conferences

Acharya, A. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Russia, China and India: Growing Roles in the World Economy and Challenge of Global Responsibility

Portyakov, V. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Trilateral Cooperation between China, Russia and India--Pleasant Achievements and a Broad Future

Lei, Z. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

China, India and Russia: Enhancing Cooperation for International Economic Governance

Agarwal, M. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Some Reflections on Indo-Russian Trade and Economic Relations in the Post-Soviet Period

Mohanty, A. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Book Review

Thakur, R. — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

Joint Communique of the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India and the Russian Federation (24 October 2007)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:22:27 PST

The Study of Criminology in China: Historical Development: Part I

Wong, K. C. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

As a scholarly discipline, criminology in China is growing in stature, maturity and utility. In the short thirty years since 1979, China has successfully established criminology as a scientific field of study with well-defined subjects, recognised scholars and copious research/publications. A cursory review of pertinent literature in law, criminology and China studies shows that to date, there are very few systematic and comprehensive studies of criminology (in English language) as an emerging and important field of academic discipline in China. As a result, we know very little about its focus and scope; direction and trend; theories and findings; and problems and issues. This is a first attempt to do so. The article (in two parts, published separately) investigates into: ‘Literature on law, crime and punishment in China’; ‘The idea of crime (Fanzui)’; ‘Traditional thinking of crime and punishment in imperial China’; ‘Nature and structure of criminology as a discipline’; ‘Contemporary development of criminology in China’; ‘Contemporary theories on crime and punishment’ and ‘Fundamental issues and challenges’ facing criminological research in China.

The Shanghai Administrative Reform in the Last Decade: More Rationalisation and Marketisation?

Chan, C.-p., Xiao, R. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

Since the last decade, the Shanghai government has carried out administrative reforms towards the goals of rationalisation and marketisation. Various reform measures have been implemented, including, for example, segregation of government and enterprises (zheng qi fen kai); reduction of administrative examination and approval (jianshao xingzheng shenpi); and devolving some of the government functions to the third sector. Among various measures, probably the setting up of a new local government in the Pudong New Area is the most significant. After the examination of different aspects of the Shanghai administrative reforms, we conclude that the goal of the reform has been set correctly but without enough bold and innovative attempts. We suggest that further administrative reforms in Shanghai should be implemented with more rationalisation and marketisation in order to build up a true market economy without administrative interference from the government.

Sustainable Growth of China's Rubber Industry in the Era of Global Economic Integration: Resolving Contradictions of Resources Development and Industrial Expansion Strategies

Viswanathan, P.K. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

The article analyses the development and growth of the rubber industry in China since the reforms began. It reflects the contradictions arising from the mismatch between growing shortage of rubber vis-à-vis the dynamic and spatial growth of rubber-based industries. The article suggests some important policy options for sustaining the growth dynamism of the rubber industry in China, in the era of economic integration, which calls for a thorough revamping of state policies and evolving (virtually non-existent) institutional intervention strategies addressing a broad spectrum of activities, namely (a) demand and supply management; (b) redefining the status of natural rubber as a strategic commodity and potential industrial raw material; (c) strengthening property rights status of the rubber small producers; and (d) capital investment for research and development (R&D), facilitating the expansion of natural rubber (NR) cultivation to non-conventional areas. Given the fact that the global market integration would continue to stimulate the growth of the domestic rubber industry, the article highlights that the issues at the supply side management are to be tackled on a priority basis. However, addressing the supply side management issues would need China to make a rational choice between, or a combination of, at least four alternatives, namely (a) strengthening the domestic rubber production sector, particularly, NR; (b) continue to import NR and synthetic rubber (SR) from neighbouring countries; (c) invest in NR plantation development programmes in Laos, Vietnam or Myanmar with the involvement of foreign capital; and (d) exploring feasibility of enhanced substitution of NR with SR. The article also brings out the need for achieving synergy between development of natural rubber sector and rubber-based industrialisation processes in the country, so as to make the industry economically sustainable and globally competitive.

Russia's Strategic Partnerships in Asia: The Asian Dimension of Russian Federation Foreign Policy

Titarenko, M. L. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

Regional Diplomacy and India-China Economic Relations

Rana, K. S. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

Regional diplomacy is today a strong force around the world. China is an early mover in this field, while India has become one, in building its active Asian connections, mainly after the launch of its economic reforms in 1991. At present, the two countries collaborate in some regional bodies where they are members or observers, and this cooperation is likely to become stronger in the future, supported by objective circumstances and economic opportunities, and the growth in their bilateral economic exchanges. This will have beneficial consequences for Asia as a whole and also, for the world community.

India-China Initiatives in Multilateral Fora: Two Case Studies

Uberoi, P. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

This article reflects on the experience of India's engagement with China in two multilateral forums: the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Forum for Regional Economic Cooperation, formerly known as the ‘Kunming Initiative’, and the China-India-Russia Academic Trilateral Conference. Though both forums are so-called ‘Track Two’ ventures, the dynamics of the two exercises are rather different. As of now, the ‘Trilateral’ is rated relatively successful in so far as it has shown more substantial progress from ‘Track Two’ to ‘Track One’. Tracing these brief histories, this article argues that academic cooperation should be seen to have value in and of itself, and not merely as the mechanism that propels a speculative, academic exercise into state-to-state policy.

In social science terms, the two exercises afford very different challenges, which are still to be realised in effective academic collaboration and a substantive agenda of research. In particular, the BCIM framework commends a perspective on transnational cooperation that focuses on regional development issues beyond the narrow geopolitical considerations of bilateral and multinational engagement.

Book Review

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:53:23 PDT

Contradictions in Dam Building in Yunnan, China: Cultural Impacts versus Economic Growth

Chen, L. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

When choosing the site of a dam, meeting the needs of the resettled local communities should be a key criterion in making any decision to build a dam. On the basis of a pilot study in Yunnan, China, this article finds that neither displacement into the area surrounding the dam nor movement to other towns, can meet the needs of the communities displaced by dams. This is because: (a) ideal areas for dam building often do not coincide with the factors necessary to restore the economy of the resettlement communities; and (b) cultural diversity exacerbates the impacts of displacement by a dam. It is concluded that overcoming the limitations of the contradictions between dam construction and resettlement is difficult. More work is needed on the resettlements in Yunnan. The cultural dimensions should be taken into consideration before further decisions on dam building and resettlement are made.

The 'Spectacle' of the Beijing Olympics and the Dynamics of State-Society Relationship in PRC

Pramod, C.R. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

The preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics can be analysed to reveal the changing nature of the state, society and market forces and their mutual interaction in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is also useful in understanding the consensual aspect of the Chinese state. Examining how the Beijing Olympics is being organised as a spectacle is important in understanding how Chinese state power has developed and maintained its consensus vis-É-vis the society in the post-Mao period. This process of institutionalisation of state, society and market interactions in the field of sport could provide insights regarding parallel developments in other sectors as well in China today.

Bridging the Global and the Local: China's Effort at Linking Human Rights Discourse and Neo-Confucianism

Chou, C. C. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

This article aims to explore China's attempt to shift the tension between the global value and local difference over human rights debates. In other words, this article examines the relationship between West-promoted human rights and China-led neo-Confucian values within the context of globalisation rather than examining what Confucian values are. In what ways can a cultural discourse be viewed and employed to promote human rights without denying their universality, is the focal point of this article. This article: (a) reviews why universalist versus relativist is a false dichotomy; (b) introduces the reconstruction of Confucianism since the 1980s in China and examines the possibility of re-appropriating Confucian values; (c) elaborates the necessity of nation–states for resisting the threats of globalisation and for implementing human rights practices; and (d) concludes with Confucian discourse, developed in China, as an exemplary case that universal values and particular differences can be negotiated in a way that respecting cultural differences constitutes a universal value.

Technology Transfer in Sino-Japanese Relations: The Context, Conflict and Cooperation

Sekhar, D. V. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

Technology transfer in Sino-Japanese relations assumes immense significance given the increasing role of technology in the developmental trajectory of the international, regional and their respective domestic contexts. What is singularly distinct about the technology transfer process is that it is punctuated by two contrasting phenomena of conflict and cooperation. Of these two, cooperation dominated until the 1980s, so long as the Chinese technological capabilities were still in the process of maturation. Once China began its journey on the path of becoming a technological superpower in the 1990s, conflict entered the technology transfer architecture between the two. Currently, both these phenomena characterise technology transfer between China and Japan in varying proportions and this trend might continue in the foreseeable future. The challenge for China and Japan, therefore, is to augment the component of cooperation while minimising conflict for the benefit of global technological development in general and of their respective technological capabilities and thereby, their economies in particular.

Discourse and Method of the 'Earlier' Dalai Lama and the 'Later' Dalai Lama

Puri, B. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

Chinese Preconditions and Tibetan Initiatives: Negotiating Narratives

Chonzom, T. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

Book Review

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST

Document

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:42:27 PST