Jul
30
Is Leni Riefenstahl somewhere in the building?
Only fools — i.e. the International Olympic Committee — bought into China’s promises guaranteeing press freedom during the Beijing Games. There was no reason to ever believe that the Chinese government intended to keep its word once it has the hosting rights secured.
Even as of today, about one week […]
Jul
23
Chinese authorities have busied themselves the last couple of weeks in a last-ditch effort to clean up Beijing’s foul air. Factories are shut down temporarily. Cars are taken off the roads. Even smoking is now banned in many places.
The result is somewhat improved air quality. But to be fair, Beijing, usually under the overhang of […]
Jul
22
Chinese Ambition? There’s More to It
Filed Under China, Russia | Leave a Comment
China and Russia settled a territorial dispute Monday when Russia agreed to return Yinlong Island (known as Tarabarov Island in Russian) and half of Heixiazi Island (Bolshoi Ussuriysky) to China. The 67 square miles of territory are on the northeast border with China.
No doubt some would read this as China flexing its growing international muscle. […]
May
23
A Test of Heavenly Proportions
Filed Under 2008 Beijing Olympics, China | Leave a Comment
In the most vulnerable hour, China has looked its most sympathetic.
If the Chinese communist government failed miserably in its first test of the year, during the Tibet uprising and subsequent worldwide torch relay, then it’s getting at least a passing grade in its handling of the Sichuan earthquake tragedy. In some quarters, it’s getting […]
Apr
28
Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Life (Part II)
Filed Under China, Taiwan | 237 Comments
(Continued from Part I)
By 1986, Mr. Chi had indications that there might soon be a way for him to at least get in contact with the remnants of his family, if not reuniting with them. Through intermediaries, he was able to receive and send letters to his two now adult daughters. It was from the […]