China is on course to overtake the US in scientific output possibly as soon as 2013 - far earlier than expected.
That is the conclusion of a major new study by the Royal Society, the UK's national science academy.
The country that invented the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing is set for a globally important comeback.
An analysis of published research - one of the key measures of scientific effort - reveals an "especially striking" rise by Chinese science.
The study, Knowledge, Networks and Nations, charts the challenge to the traditional dominance of the United States, Europe and Japan.
The figures are based on the papers published in recognised international journals listed by the Scopus service of the publishers Elsevier.
'No surprise'
In 1996, the first year of the analysis, the US published 292,513 papers - more 10 times China's 25,474.
By 2008, the US total had increased very slightly to 316,317 while China's had surged more than seven-fold to 184,080.
Previous estimates for the rate of expansion of Chinese science had suggested that China might overtake the US sometime after 2020.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
There are many millions of graduates but they are mandated to publish so the numbers are high”
End Quote
Dr Cong Cao
Nottingham University
But this study shows that China, after displacing the UK as the world's second leading producer of research, could go on to overtake America in as little as two years' time.
"Projections vary, but a simple linear interpretation of Elsevier's publishing data suggests that this could take place as early as 2013," it says.
Professor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith, chair of the report, said he was "not surprised" by this increase because of China's massive boost to investment in R&D.
Chinese spending has grown by 20% per year since 1999, now reaching over $100bn, and as many as 1.5 million science and engineering students graduated from Chinese universities in 2006.
"I think this is positive, of great benefit, though some might see it as a threat and it does serve as a wake-up call for us not to become complacent."
The report stresses that American research output will not decline in absolute terms and raises the possibility of countries like Japan and France rising to meet the Chinese challenge.
"But the potential for China to match American output in terms of sheer numbers in the near to medium term is clear."
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Monday, 28 March 2011
We didn't do it, honest.
The American Secretary of Defence has noted that the outbreak of disease in Tripoli is not linked at all to the current US UK and French military attack but rather it is due to all the dead bodies of freedom loving people that the Bad Muslims have put into the bombed-out residential buildings.
"Whenever we finish a night-bombing raid on one of Gaddafi's crazy and garishly coloured apartment blocks, or we've finished the day's salvo of Tomahawk rockets, well, by early the next morning the Bad Muslims have filled up the bombed out buildings with dead people. We've got proof of it, too. This is the kind of evil and tricky and delusional people we are dealing with."
"Whenever we finish a night-bombing raid on one of Gaddafi's crazy and garishly coloured apartment blocks, or we've finished the day's salvo of Tomahawk rockets, well, by early the next morning the Bad Muslims have filled up the bombed out buildings with dead people. We've got proof of it, too. This is the kind of evil and tricky and delusional people we are dealing with."
US Secretary Gates and the run-away mouth
Well, today the US Secretary of Defence, Gates, said there's absolutely no evidence at all of any civilian being killed by the massive attacks on Libya's cities...and that any evidence presented was done so by the Bad Muslims...oh dear. Imagine him saying things like that and then using that same mouth to kiss his wife. Yuck. Oh boy.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
The War on All Libyans
The great majority of Libya's soldiers are still just army guys, like in Australia or America, with families & all the trials & tribulations that come with being discliplined & following orders,tasked with defending your country.Now, all of a sudden, they are the Bad Muslims being irradicated like vermin with US Cruise Missiles. 30 days ago the UK & France sold them their weapons. This is a very sick war.
Obama and Libya
Obama: "You see, American Cruise Missiles are fairly harmless; they don't actually kill freedom loving people. Bombing cities? No, no one gets hurt. Only bad muslims kill people."
Julian Assange, one boy making a difference in a big leaking world.
Im watching Indian Parliament on TV in Hindi...this huge parliament with so many passionate people gesticulating and calling out and the only three words I could understand were 'Wikileaks' and 'Julian Assange' and I thought to myself 'Goodness me, this bright Julian boy from Townsville, just South of here, my, he's done well.' Imagine the documents that will flow from the war on Libya!
Gentle and Selective Cruise Missiles
'Civilians spared' by Libya raids
The US chief of staff for the mission in Libya insists there have been no reports of civilian casualties caused by allied action...um, because they're all dead.
The US chief of staff for the mission in Libya insists there have been no reports of civilian casualties caused by allied action...um, because they're all dead.
Tripoli
I knew a very old man who was an Australian soldier in World War One, the War to End All Wars, The Great War for Civilisation. His ship arrived in Tripoli, in Libya, and he said all he could smell was gasoline, there was just so much gasoline everywhere...then he and his comrades went fighting all through the Middle East and then they liberated a grateful Palestine.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Tenzin Gyatso and the way of meaninglessness
Noting that one of the three current Dalai Lamas, Tenzin Gyatso, has said he'll step down from being the political leader of the Tibetan National Government in Exile after a lifetime of saying that he's not a political leader and that the Tibetan National Government in Exile doesn't want to be the Tibetan National Government Not in Exile. Mendacious Mindfulness of Meaninglessness 101.
Politics Behind Attacks on Libya/ China Daily
US, British and French forces began their military strikes against Libya on Saturday in an operation the United States has codenamed Operation Odyssey Dawn.
The military action followed a West-engineered United Nations Security Council resolution on the establishment of a "no-fly" zone in Libya and started with an hours-long bombardment of the North African country.
Western countries have long harbored the intention of dethroning Libya's Muammar Gadhafi regime. The recent military strife in the country between government troops and rebels offered an immediate and a rare excuse for Western military intervention.
In the wake of political, economic and social crises in neighboring Egypt, Tunisia and other Middle East countries, Libya was soon hit by a similar social unrest, with opposition forces calling for Gadhafi to relinquish his decades-long hold on power. But the crisis in Libya was partly a result of political incitement from Western countries, which seem to have seen a glimmer of hope that Gadhafi might be driven from power by unrest such as that in Egypt.
The Gadhafi regime, however, chose to take a tough stance and mobilize the military. In the face of the more powerful government troops, Libya's opposition forces were soon on the brink of collapse, a result beyond the expectations of the US-led Western nations. Against this backdrop, the Western countries plotted a "no-fly" zone resolution within the UN Security Council and then launched military assaults in the name of guaranteeing the implementation of the UN mandate.
But no matter what the well-decorated excuses, the latest military action in Libya is part of Western political and strategic intentions.
The US and other Western countries have long regarded the Libyan ruler as a thorn in their flesh that, they believe, should be uprooted. However, any means adopted by the West over the past years failed to produce a power change in the oil-rich African country. Under these circumstances, the ongoing Middle East unrest was seen as a rare opportunity for the West to oust Gadhafi and realize a power change in Libya.
Some politicians in the West are also using the military action in Libya as a means to extricate themselves from their current political predicaments.
In the US, the ongoing social crises as well as public demonstrations in Wisconsin and other states have plunged many state organs into functional paralysis. The government has also suffered a setback on the issue of the federal budget because of opposition from Congress. As a result, US President Barack Obama's approval rating has declined to a record low since he took office. His declining popularity, if not curbed, will pose a severe challenge to Obama's bid for re-election. In this context, a limited military action in Libya is possibly seen as an effective way to help Obama to break away from the current unfavorable political situation.
France, the spearhead of the latest Western action in Libya, is also suffering from widespread social problems. With strikes spreading, President Nicolas Sarkozy still trailed his political rival Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front in a latest opinion poll, despite several cabinet reshuffles. His party hopes that France's military action in Libya will help boost Sarkozy's popularity ahead of next year's elections.
Given their unparalleled military pre-eminence, the military action by the multinational coalition in Libya is capable of producing a power change in the North African nation. But in view of Gadhafi's clout within Libya and his announced determination to unite all the people in the fight against Western aggression, the coalition forces will in all likelihood refrain from launching a large-scale and highly intensive ground offensive.
In the face of the much more powerful Western military forces, the possibility cannot be ruled out that Gadhafi will adopt a flexible stance by choosing to hold talks with the opposition parties and asking for mediation from other major powers and even from the UN.
The author is deputy secretary-general of the China Council for National Security Policy Studies.
(China Daily 03/22/2011 page8
The military action followed a West-engineered United Nations Security Council resolution on the establishment of a "no-fly" zone in Libya and started with an hours-long bombardment of the North African country.
Western countries have long harbored the intention of dethroning Libya's Muammar Gadhafi regime. The recent military strife in the country between government troops and rebels offered an immediate and a rare excuse for Western military intervention.
In the wake of political, economic and social crises in neighboring Egypt, Tunisia and other Middle East countries, Libya was soon hit by a similar social unrest, with opposition forces calling for Gadhafi to relinquish his decades-long hold on power. But the crisis in Libya was partly a result of political incitement from Western countries, which seem to have seen a glimmer of hope that Gadhafi might be driven from power by unrest such as that in Egypt.
The Gadhafi regime, however, chose to take a tough stance and mobilize the military. In the face of the more powerful government troops, Libya's opposition forces were soon on the brink of collapse, a result beyond the expectations of the US-led Western nations. Against this backdrop, the Western countries plotted a "no-fly" zone resolution within the UN Security Council and then launched military assaults in the name of guaranteeing the implementation of the UN mandate.
But no matter what the well-decorated excuses, the latest military action in Libya is part of Western political and strategic intentions.
The US and other Western countries have long regarded the Libyan ruler as a thorn in their flesh that, they believe, should be uprooted. However, any means adopted by the West over the past years failed to produce a power change in the oil-rich African country. Under these circumstances, the ongoing Middle East unrest was seen as a rare opportunity for the West to oust Gadhafi and realize a power change in Libya.
Some politicians in the West are also using the military action in Libya as a means to extricate themselves from their current political predicaments.
In the US, the ongoing social crises as well as public demonstrations in Wisconsin and other states have plunged many state organs into functional paralysis. The government has also suffered a setback on the issue of the federal budget because of opposition from Congress. As a result, US President Barack Obama's approval rating has declined to a record low since he took office. His declining popularity, if not curbed, will pose a severe challenge to Obama's bid for re-election. In this context, a limited military action in Libya is possibly seen as an effective way to help Obama to break away from the current unfavorable political situation.
France, the spearhead of the latest Western action in Libya, is also suffering from widespread social problems. With strikes spreading, President Nicolas Sarkozy still trailed his political rival Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front in a latest opinion poll, despite several cabinet reshuffles. His party hopes that France's military action in Libya will help boost Sarkozy's popularity ahead of next year's elections.
Given their unparalleled military pre-eminence, the military action by the multinational coalition in Libya is capable of producing a power change in the North African nation. But in view of Gadhafi's clout within Libya and his announced determination to unite all the people in the fight against Western aggression, the coalition forces will in all likelihood refrain from launching a large-scale and highly intensive ground offensive.
In the face of the much more powerful Western military forces, the possibility cannot be ruled out that Gadhafi will adopt a flexible stance by choosing to hold talks with the opposition parties and asking for mediation from other major powers and even from the UN.
The author is deputy secretary-general of the China Council for National Security Policy Studies.
(China Daily 03/22/2011 page8
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Indonesian Troubles
oh, on the news...i see the wave of unrest in muslim countries may be coming to indonesia...ooooh. retired army generals are promoting unrest and dissatisfaction with the president. libya, iraq etc is not important to asia...but indonesia is very important to asia.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Oil is thicker than blood
The War on Libya so begins on the 8th anniversary of the war on Iraq, to the day, with 110 Cruise missiles landing in the cities of Libya; and on the night of the big Perigee moon. This is War and war is Hell. Why wait til we're dead...why not create Hell on earth now, and call it Justice? Peace is so much harder. Oil floats on top of blood, and covers every truth and every decent thing.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Book-Tom Carter-China Portrait of a People
Friday, 18 March 2011
The Benefit of Non-Interference
It was Michel de Montaigne in 1580 who said something along the lines of 'I cannot control the world and events so therefore I control myself' and so I think i'll do that rather than ranting about the West's perpetual invasions that always end up causing greater harm than they could possibly prevent. With Libya, I simply believe that it is up to Libyans to work out their problems. It's an imperfect calculation but far less imperfect than a horrific invasion and the inevitable destruction of a society (see Iraq and Afghanistan). Libyans have to work out their issues and external force doesn't really work. Foreign armies don't 'do peace'.The same goes for Korea...the North and the South must work out their disunity for themselves. It's no good to have such massive interference from 'great defenders' because after 50 years its worse than it was when it was divided by the 'great defenders' of each. Koreans north and south are blood brothers and Im sure there will be some blood spilled in accepting each other and working things out, but its no one elses business.
CNN/ China Support for Japan
Editor's note: "Jaime's China" is a weekly column about Chinese society and politics. Jaime FlorCruz has lived and worked in China since 1971. He studied Chinese history at Peking University (1977-81) and served as TIME Magazine's Beijing correspondent and bureau chief (1982-2000).
Beijing, China (CNN) -- Disasters usually bring out the best and the worst in people.
At Beijing Language and Culture University this week, it's the best.
Japanese and Chinese students gathered on campus during lunch break to raise cash donations for Japan's quake and tsunami survivors.
"We know the situation in Japan is terrible right now, so we hope that our activities can help the Japanese victims," said Chinese organizer Jing Yao, a junior aspiring to be Mandarin language teacher. "We want them to know that there are many people who care about them here in China."
Countless people across the globe are opening their hearts and wallets to help the Japanese, but the Chinese offer of help carries an extra weight.
China was one of the first to send a rescue team, a 15-member crew many of whom are now scouring disaster areas in Sendai searching for survivors.
China has also flown millions of dollars in relief to Japan. "China is also a country prone to earthquake disasters, and we fully empathize with how they feel now," said Premier Wen Jiabao. "When China was hit with the massive Wenchuan earthquake, the Japanese government sent a rescue team and also offered rescue supplies." China is ready to give more, as Japan needs it, he added.
Food, gas scarce in Tokyo China has been hit with two massive earthquakes in the past three years.
In May 2008, an 8.0-magnitude quake devastated Wenchuan in Sichuan province, leaving over 80,000 people dead or missing. In April last year, another major quake, followed by a mudslide, left more than 2,200 people dead in northwestern Qinghai province.
Just last week, a 5.8-magnitude quake shook southwestern Yunnan province. It killed at least 25 people, injured 250 others and destroyed many houses.
"We are still dealing with the aftermath of that quake, but it will not stand in our way to give aid to Japan," said an official in Beijing, who declined to be identified because he is not authorized to talk about the subject. "We genuinely sympathize with the Japanese people no matter what some netizens say," he said, referring to China's active online community that has not always been unanimous in supporting the aid effort.
At his school in Beijing, Japanese exchange student Makoto Hachiya appreciates the Chinese gestures of sympathy.
"Of course we are very moved and thankful for the support from our Chinese classmates," said Hachiya, a sophomore studying Mandarin, whose family lives near the quake's epicenter. "It shows how friendly and good the China-Japan relationship can be."
Still, anti-Japanese sentiment runs deep among some Chinese.
On social networking sites, some bloggers were sarcastically "congratulating" Japan on the earthquake. Others have called the quake "baoying" (karma) for Japan's occupation of China during World War II. Their numbers may be few, but their voices echo deep-seated animosity.
The Chinese suffered miserably under Japan's wartime occupation from 1931 to 1945. Millions of lives were lost.
Nearly 70 years after the war ended, memories of Japan's war atrocities continue to bedevil the relations.
Even movies can reopen raw wounds.
I remember a controversy in the late 1990s when a big-budget movie, "Pride, the Fateful Moment," opened in Tokyo. The film, about wartime general Hideki Tojo, infuriated Japan critics in China because it claimed that Tojo was not so bad after all.
The movie also implied that the Nanjing Massacre, a killing spree by Japan's imperial army, may not have happened at all. China condemned the movie as an attempt to "whitewash Japanese wartime aggression."
Other irritants fester: the revision of Japan's history books, Japanese officials' visits to ancient shrines honoring wartime heroes, trade issues and territorial conflicts.
Of course we are very moved and thankful for the support from our Chinese classmates
--Makoto Hachiya, Japanese exchange student in Beijing
The two neighbors have a running dispute over a group of islands known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan. At stake in the conflicting claims: national pride and potentially lucrative natural gas drilling rights in waters around them.
Six months ago, the simmering territorial dispute erupted when Japanese patrol officers arrested the captain and crew of a Chinese fishing boat near the islands.
Meantime, at least, Japan's current woes are giving China a chance to show its soft side.
"It's a very important opportunity for China to make a statement in favor of the long-term values of cooperation and humane treatment of your neighbors," said David Kelly, professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
Students at Beijing Language and Culture University say their charity campaign is more important than the amount they collected because it transcended politics.
"There are many things in politics and diplomacy that China and Japan don't see eye-to-eye on, but because of this humanitarian situation and people's willingness to help, we're coming together and improving our relationship in a friendly way," said Hachiya of Japan.
Beijing, China (CNN) -- Disasters usually bring out the best and the worst in people.
At Beijing Language and Culture University this week, it's the best.
Japanese and Chinese students gathered on campus during lunch break to raise cash donations for Japan's quake and tsunami survivors.
"We know the situation in Japan is terrible right now, so we hope that our activities can help the Japanese victims," said Chinese organizer Jing Yao, a junior aspiring to be Mandarin language teacher. "We want them to know that there are many people who care about them here in China."
Countless people across the globe are opening their hearts and wallets to help the Japanese, but the Chinese offer of help carries an extra weight.
China was one of the first to send a rescue team, a 15-member crew many of whom are now scouring disaster areas in Sendai searching for survivors.
China has also flown millions of dollars in relief to Japan. "China is also a country prone to earthquake disasters, and we fully empathize with how they feel now," said Premier Wen Jiabao. "When China was hit with the massive Wenchuan earthquake, the Japanese government sent a rescue team and also offered rescue supplies." China is ready to give more, as Japan needs it, he added.
Food, gas scarce in Tokyo China has been hit with two massive earthquakes in the past three years.
In May 2008, an 8.0-magnitude quake devastated Wenchuan in Sichuan province, leaving over 80,000 people dead or missing. In April last year, another major quake, followed by a mudslide, left more than 2,200 people dead in northwestern Qinghai province.
Just last week, a 5.8-magnitude quake shook southwestern Yunnan province. It killed at least 25 people, injured 250 others and destroyed many houses.
"We are still dealing with the aftermath of that quake, but it will not stand in our way to give aid to Japan," said an official in Beijing, who declined to be identified because he is not authorized to talk about the subject. "We genuinely sympathize with the Japanese people no matter what some netizens say," he said, referring to China's active online community that has not always been unanimous in supporting the aid effort.
At his school in Beijing, Japanese exchange student Makoto Hachiya appreciates the Chinese gestures of sympathy.
"Of course we are very moved and thankful for the support from our Chinese classmates," said Hachiya, a sophomore studying Mandarin, whose family lives near the quake's epicenter. "It shows how friendly and good the China-Japan relationship can be."
Still, anti-Japanese sentiment runs deep among some Chinese.
On social networking sites, some bloggers were sarcastically "congratulating" Japan on the earthquake. Others have called the quake "baoying" (karma) for Japan's occupation of China during World War II. Their numbers may be few, but their voices echo deep-seated animosity.
The Chinese suffered miserably under Japan's wartime occupation from 1931 to 1945. Millions of lives were lost.
Nearly 70 years after the war ended, memories of Japan's war atrocities continue to bedevil the relations.
Even movies can reopen raw wounds.
I remember a controversy in the late 1990s when a big-budget movie, "Pride, the Fateful Moment," opened in Tokyo. The film, about wartime general Hideki Tojo, infuriated Japan critics in China because it claimed that Tojo was not so bad after all.
The movie also implied that the Nanjing Massacre, a killing spree by Japan's imperial army, may not have happened at all. China condemned the movie as an attempt to "whitewash Japanese wartime aggression."
Other irritants fester: the revision of Japan's history books, Japanese officials' visits to ancient shrines honoring wartime heroes, trade issues and territorial conflicts.
Of course we are very moved and thankful for the support from our Chinese classmates
--Makoto Hachiya, Japanese exchange student in Beijing
The two neighbors have a running dispute over a group of islands known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan. At stake in the conflicting claims: national pride and potentially lucrative natural gas drilling rights in waters around them.
Six months ago, the simmering territorial dispute erupted when Japanese patrol officers arrested the captain and crew of a Chinese fishing boat near the islands.
Meantime, at least, Japan's current woes are giving China a chance to show its soft side.
"It's a very important opportunity for China to make a statement in favor of the long-term values of cooperation and humane treatment of your neighbors," said David Kelly, professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
Students at Beijing Language and Culture University say their charity campaign is more important than the amount they collected because it transcended politics.
"There are many things in politics and diplomacy that China and Japan don't see eye-to-eye on, but because of this humanitarian situation and people's willingness to help, we're coming together and improving our relationship in a friendly way," said Hachiya of Japan.
What does a No Fly Zone in Libya entail?
What does a No Fly Zone entail? Cruise Missiles, aerial carpet-bombing, the destruction of all military and commercial communications, military bases, airfields, highways, train stations, schools, hospitals, mosques & everything else except the oil pipelines and oil offices, to protect the freedom loving people inside those buildings.
Gaddafi Moammar
Gaddafi has always been an independent and ruthless Dictator-leader of the Libyan tribes and strongly resisted control by both the USSR and the USA in the Cold War days whilst the Dictators of Saudi and Jordan and the Emirates etc sided with the US, handing over their sovereignty and maintaining their despotic ways with strong US support. It was only when Gaddafi had proclaimed full and real independence from both the USA and USSR that the Americans did a lot of bombing raids and killed his son expecting Gaddafi to respond in a mad way so they would have a reason to invade, but he never did respond in a mad way at all. They have got him wrong for a long time and have taken to parody and painting him as a madman etc, but he's no madder than the Saudi King or the the King of Jordan, he's just an independent dictator, and a very bright tactician. He doesn't have many weapons of course and is fully involved in counter-insurgency, which is why he's an easy target now...and a lucrative one. Libyan oil is so pure it hardly needs processing at all so if you can grab it all for free, you can still pump up the world price and make a killing in more ways than one. Easy Money for BP and Total and the American conglomerates. Still, the launching of this new war, and it is war, is a very rushed decision to protect UK/French and US saboteurs in Benghazi and the West usually does underestimate the skill of Gaddafi. He's been the tribal leader for 40 years now and every moment has been hard. He has been an enormously smart and ruthless survivor and 40% of the people of Libya are very well looked after. We will see how 'Freedom' reduces this % to just about nothing.
The Battle Hymn of the US Marines, even mentioning Tripoli the Libyan capital in the first line. Hmmm. Well done Obama...Change has come to America...well, to the oil price anyway.
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job,The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
.
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job,The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
.
Hague says Gaddafi must go. The US notes they've referred Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court although the US is not a signatory of the ICCthrough fear of how many Americans are guilty of War Crimes
Anyway, away from the Middle East which is only really important to oil companies, and back to where things matter for the world and for us: North Asia. If peace in the Middle East mattered it would have happened years ago. I note that the UK's FM Hague is saying today that Gaddafi must go, so it's not about a NFZ or anything else except about going to war. Savages. They always end up doing far more horrific things and on a grander scale than the bad guys they have to replace could ever have done. This is such a bad and rushed and vicious corporate-oil decision. Who will win the war? BP and France's Total.
Monsters.
War on Libya/Monsters of the Air
America, under Obama, launching another War.
I've just heard a direct radio statement of the UN Security Council with the Chinese committee chairman noting the vote: a No Fly Zone and airstrikes on Libya will go ahead within hours. The vote was 10 countries in favour, none opposed, with China and Russia being 2 of the 5 who abstained from the vote. I really don't like this eagerness to launch another war in yet another oil-rich muslim country, and a No Fly Zone means destroying all Libyan ground and air defence installations and people within miles and miles. It's war. As in Iraq, the freedom-loving Americans and the UK, and the French, oh no, are going to destroy everything apart from the Oil processing plants and the pipelines and all for the good of the poor damn people they kill.The 'world petrol police' are at it again.
The great success of the NFZ and war on Iraq? One million dead Iraqis. Afghanistan? No one counts the bodies anymore but most are under 18 years old.And now Libya...and for their own good.
Monsters of the Air.
.
I've just heard a direct radio statement of the UN Security Council with the Chinese committee chairman noting the vote: a No Fly Zone and airstrikes on Libya will go ahead within hours. The vote was 10 countries in favour, none opposed, with China and Russia being 2 of the 5 who abstained from the vote. I really don't like this eagerness to launch another war in yet another oil-rich muslim country, and a No Fly Zone means destroying all Libyan ground and air defence installations and people within miles and miles. It's war. As in Iraq, the freedom-loving Americans and the UK, and the French, oh no, are going to destroy everything apart from the Oil processing plants and the pipelines and all for the good of the poor damn people they kill.The 'world petrol police' are at it again.
The great success of the NFZ and war on Iraq? One million dead Iraqis. Afghanistan? No one counts the bodies anymore but most are under 18 years old.And now Libya...and for their own good.
Monsters of the Air.
.
My Thoughts on the China Model and the Future
Whilst many people think that China will one day become democratic, I don't. I think it will develop representational methods that suit China but it will never be like the West and it shouldn't be, because it is China. The massive developments and the dynamic ongoing obliteration of so much human poverty in the last 20 years has happened because it is not like the West. Western Democracies can change their whole ideological vision and policies each 3 or 4 years from one opposite to another so the ability to plan ahead just isn't there...so everything is worked out on what will be popular within 36 month vision. China's success also is due to the character of Chinese people. 60 years ago they had a massive and total revolution through absolute necessity and passion for change and through it they are, as a nation, their own masters and beholding to no other power, nor do they invade other countries to fix their economy. This is an outstanding human achievement on a grand scale. The policy of: ON ECONOMIC MATTERS: relaxed controls; for POLITICAL MATTERS: tight controls; is very effective... because it works. I expect it will be still working well a century from now and will provide great world stability and the greatest benefit will be for China and there's nothing wrong with that at all, because they've earned it...not borrowed it or stolen it. They've made it work.
.
.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
The Emperor of Japan
Thai Health Ministry issues Iodine tablets to thais enroute to Japan
Health ministry issues iodine tablets to Thais enroute to Japan
BANGKOK, March 16 - Thailand's Ministry of Public Health will give iodine pills to all Thais travelling to Japan from Thursday at the country's international airports to protect from the radioactivity released from quake-hit Japanese nuclear power plants.
Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said 15,000 iodine pills will be distributed to Thai passengers who will depart for Japan at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airports from tomorrow.
Permanent-Secretary for Public Health Dr Paichai Varachit said the country’s newly-set up operations centre on Japan's natural disaster will advise Thai nationals planning to visit northern Japan on staying safe from radiation including regular body and hand washing and avoiding outdoor activities.
Dr Paichit said those who return from Japan must also complete a questionnaire on arrival about their state of health so that they can monitor if and how they have been affected by the radiation crisis there.
The official however asserted that the two measures are introduced for the benefit of the travellers themselves.
Although radiation particles are detected in their bodies, they will not transmit the radioactive iodines to other people, he said.
Meanwhile, the Medical Council of Thailand on Wednesday announced it is recruiting Thai doctors to be dispatched to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, but warned the public not to overdose on the iodine tablets.
Council president Amnat Kusalanant said after discussing possible further medical assistance from Thailand with Japanese embassy officials in Bangkok that the council has launched a new website www.tmc.or.th to recruit volunteer Thai doctors to Japan.
Those who want to go there should be able to communicate in Japanese well and now ten Thai doctors have registered for the mission, according to Dr Amnat.
Thailand will also issue a warning on the overuse of iodine pills to prevent radiation particles as Thailand still does not need to use them as it is too far from the affected areas, said the president.
Dr Amnat explained that those who do not get the radiation but take the pills might have an adverse reaction for iodine overdose.
Group Captain Niwat Intravichien from the Directorate of Medical Service, the Royal Thai Air Force, on Wednesday said C130 transport aircraft will depart Thailand for Japan 10pm Thursday to take Thai nationals back home. So far 200 people have informed they want to return home.
The second flight will leave Thailand Friday night, said Gr Capt Niwat, adding the operation is under the supervision of the Thai foreign ministry.
In the latest official figures, the death toll from destructive quake and tsunami mounted to 3,676 and 7,558 people were missing. In Miyagi prefecture alone, some 10,000 are feared dead as it is the hardest-hit area. (MCOT, agencies)
BANGKOK, March 16 - Thailand's Ministry of Public Health will give iodine pills to all Thais travelling to Japan from Thursday at the country's international airports to protect from the radioactivity released from quake-hit Japanese nuclear power plants.
Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said 15,000 iodine pills will be distributed to Thai passengers who will depart for Japan at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airports from tomorrow.
Permanent-Secretary for Public Health Dr Paichai Varachit said the country’s newly-set up operations centre on Japan's natural disaster will advise Thai nationals planning to visit northern Japan on staying safe from radiation including regular body and hand washing and avoiding outdoor activities.
Dr Paichit said those who return from Japan must also complete a questionnaire on arrival about their state of health so that they can monitor if and how they have been affected by the radiation crisis there.
The official however asserted that the two measures are introduced for the benefit of the travellers themselves.
Although radiation particles are detected in their bodies, they will not transmit the radioactive iodines to other people, he said.
Meanwhile, the Medical Council of Thailand on Wednesday announced it is recruiting Thai doctors to be dispatched to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, but warned the public not to overdose on the iodine tablets.
Council president Amnat Kusalanant said after discussing possible further medical assistance from Thailand with Japanese embassy officials in Bangkok that the council has launched a new website www.tmc.or.th to recruit volunteer Thai doctors to Japan.
Those who want to go there should be able to communicate in Japanese well and now ten Thai doctors have registered for the mission, according to Dr Amnat.
Thailand will also issue a warning on the overuse of iodine pills to prevent radiation particles as Thailand still does not need to use them as it is too far from the affected areas, said the president.
Dr Amnat explained that those who do not get the radiation but take the pills might have an adverse reaction for iodine overdose.
Group Captain Niwat Intravichien from the Directorate of Medical Service, the Royal Thai Air Force, on Wednesday said C130 transport aircraft will depart Thailand for Japan 10pm Thursday to take Thai nationals back home. So far 200 people have informed they want to return home.
The second flight will leave Thailand Friday night, said Gr Capt Niwat, adding the operation is under the supervision of the Thai foreign ministry.
In the latest official figures, the death toll from destructive quake and tsunami mounted to 3,676 and 7,558 people were missing. In Miyagi prefecture alone, some 10,000 are feared dead as it is the hardest-hit area. (MCOT, agencies)
Cambodia sets age limit for foreign husbands
PHNOM PENH, March 16, 2011 (AFP) - Male foreigners over the age of 50 have been outlawed from marrying Cambodian women in the country under new rules designed to crack down on sham marriages and human trafficking, the government said Wednesday.
Foreigners who earn less than $2,550 per month are also barred from wedding local women, foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told AFP, but the restrictions do not apply to weddings taking place overseas.
Marriages between old men and young women are "inappropriate", Koy Kuong said, and foreign men who wish to marry nationals must earn a high salary to ensure that "Cambodian women can live a decent life".
"We are preventing fake marriages and human trafficking," he said, adding that the government was aware of cases, documented by rights groups, where Cambodian women were sent into prostitution or "used as slaves" in their husband's home country.
The Cambodian foreign ministry has sent a diplomatic note to all the embassies and consulates in the country informing them of the new regulations, which came into effect on March 1.
Kek Galabru, president of local human rights group Licadho, praised the government's intention to protect Cambodian brides.
But she said the new guidelines "go against Cambodian marriage law and international law" -- specifically the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
"This is discrimination against women because they will not be allowed to marry men who are over 50... while Cambodian men can marry any foreign woman they choose," she said.
Cambodia imposed a temporary ban on foreign marriages in 2008 to prevent human trafficking, amid concern over a sharp rise in the number of brokered unions involving South Korean men and poor Cambodian women.
That ban followed an International Organisation for Migration report that said many Cambodian brides suffered abuse after moving to South Korea in marriages hastily arranged by brokers who made large profits.
The restriction was lifted about eight months later after new laws were introduced to prevent women becoming mail-order brides.
Foreigners who earn less than $2,550 per month are also barred from wedding local women, foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told AFP, but the restrictions do not apply to weddings taking place overseas.
Marriages between old men and young women are "inappropriate", Koy Kuong said, and foreign men who wish to marry nationals must earn a high salary to ensure that "Cambodian women can live a decent life".
"We are preventing fake marriages and human trafficking," he said, adding that the government was aware of cases, documented by rights groups, where Cambodian women were sent into prostitution or "used as slaves" in their husband's home country.
The Cambodian foreign ministry has sent a diplomatic note to all the embassies and consulates in the country informing them of the new regulations, which came into effect on March 1.
Kek Galabru, president of local human rights group Licadho, praised the government's intention to protect Cambodian brides.
But she said the new guidelines "go against Cambodian marriage law and international law" -- specifically the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
"This is discrimination against women because they will not be allowed to marry men who are over 50... while Cambodian men can marry any foreign woman they choose," she said.
Cambodia imposed a temporary ban on foreign marriages in 2008 to prevent human trafficking, amid concern over a sharp rise in the number of brokered unions involving South Korean men and poor Cambodian women.
That ban followed an International Organisation for Migration report that said many Cambodian brides suffered abuse after moving to South Korea in marriages hastily arranged by brokers who made large profits.
The restriction was lifted about eight months later after new laws were introduced to prevent women becoming mail-order brides.
Tokyo Dangerous
With the spent fuel rods exposed out of water completely & outside the secure containment of Reactor 4, the Fukushima Daiichi danger grows exponentially.
You would not think it possible that after a 9 quake, a tsunami and rolling aftershocks from 4 to 6, that the situation for Japan wasn't already very serious, but the Reactor 4 problem may end up making the quake and tsunami look like quite small and limited problems.
You would not think it possible that after a 9 quake, a tsunami and rolling aftershocks from 4 to 6, that the situation for Japan wasn't already very serious, but the Reactor 4 problem may end up making the quake and tsunami look like quite small and limited problems.
China Aid to Japan continues
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday boosted aid to Japan by announcing the offer of 20,000 tonnes of fuel and additional government donation while the support from the public continued to mount.
The fuel -- 10,000 tonnes of gasoline and 10,000 tonnes of diesel -- will be transported to Japan by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), parent of PetroChina, and China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), the central government said in a terse report.
Details of the offer are not disclosed. Beijing said it would further provide assistance pending on the request of the Japanese government.
Also Wednesday, an eastern Chinese city followed the lead of other local Chinese governments by donating money to earthquake-hit areas in Japan.
The municipal government of Wenzhou, in east China's Zhejiang Province, will donate 2 million yuan (about 307,692 U.S. dollars) to Ishinomaki, its Japanese sister city in hard-hit Miyagi Prefecture, Wenzhou Mayor Zhao Yide said in a letter of condolence.
Zhao said the government of Wenzhou and its people are sad about loss in Ishinomaki and are concerned about rescue and recovery efforts.
Wenzhou is latest Chinese local government to pledge donations to quake-hit areas in Japan.
Previously, the provincial government of Jilin said it will donate 100,000 U.S. dollars to the prefectural government of Miyagi while the municipal government of Changchun, capital of Jilin, pledged 500,000 yuan to the municipal government of Sendai.
China's Red Cross Society on Tuesday said it had donated 6 million yuan in emergency aid to Japan following last Friday's 9.0-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami that have left thousands dead or missing in northeastern Japan.
China sent a 15-member international rescue team to Japan on Sunday, while the Ministry of Commerce said it will provide 30 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian assistance.
The first relief package -- composed of 2,000 blankets, 900 cotton tents and 200 emergency lights -- has been delivered.
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday offered condolences to Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying the Chinese government and people "stand ready to offer necessary help."
Chinese billionaire and philanthropist Chen Guangbiao is currently in Japan to participate in the rescue operation. He said he would donate cash and emergency medicine.
In China, fund-raisers were held in universities and public plazas over the past few days. Banners with words of support were seen in many places including a sports stadium in Tianjin where a Japanese football team was competing in an Asian Football Confederation Champions League match.
Chinese have mixed feelings about Japan due to the atrocities committed by the Japanese aggressors upon Chinese people during the World War II. But the outpour of support from China's government and public triumphed after the earthquake.
According to a survey conducted by Ji'nan University, based in southern Guangdong Province, 90 percent of the 505 interviewees said they support Chinese government's decision to send a rescue team to Japan. Nearly 70 percent said the move would help the two countries develop better ties.
More than 80 percent of the interviewees also said they are willing to provide various forms of humanitarian assistance to the Japanese.
"When China suffered earthquakes, Japan gave a helping hand. Now, it is time for us to help them," said a Chinese surnamed Liu who participated in the survey.
"The spirit of helping and caring for each other in hard times would undoubtedly draw feelings of closeness between Chinese and Japanese," said Columnist Li Kaisheng.
Morishita, a Japanese national who works for an advertising company in Shanghai, said he received many phone calls from his Chinese colleagues and friends after the earthquake.
Morishita said though his hometown is far from the quake zone, he was moved by the care and concern shown by the Chinese around him.
Hashimoto Tomohiko, who works for Isetan shopping mall in northeast Chinese city of Shenyang, said he was glued to China's news channel these days to learn the latest rescue developments.
Japan's earthquake dominated the front-pages of China's major newspapers and magazines while state television channels and radio stations kept airing the news on the rescue and recovery around the clock.
China's Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, is also flooded by news on Japan's earthquake and the rally of support from Chinese Internet users.
"I feel really sad for the Japanese people," said netizen Weixiaoshao. "I hope they could be adamant and optimistic, as depicted in Japanese cartoons."
In universities in Shanghai and Shenyang, the school authorities consoled students from Japan's quake-hit areas and promised assistance
Staff of Shanghai-based Fudan University were ordered to provide psychological counselling to Japanese students in need.
Inoue Nozomi, who studies education management at Shenyang Normal University, said many Chinese students came to her to ask how she was faring and the school's teaching staff have told Japanese students not to hesitate in informing the school of their needs and demands.
The fuel -- 10,000 tonnes of gasoline and 10,000 tonnes of diesel -- will be transported to Japan by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), parent of PetroChina, and China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec), the central government said in a terse report.
Details of the offer are not disclosed. Beijing said it would further provide assistance pending on the request of the Japanese government.
Also Wednesday, an eastern Chinese city followed the lead of other local Chinese governments by donating money to earthquake-hit areas in Japan.
The municipal government of Wenzhou, in east China's Zhejiang Province, will donate 2 million yuan (about 307,692 U.S. dollars) to Ishinomaki, its Japanese sister city in hard-hit Miyagi Prefecture, Wenzhou Mayor Zhao Yide said in a letter of condolence.
Zhao said the government of Wenzhou and its people are sad about loss in Ishinomaki and are concerned about rescue and recovery efforts.
Wenzhou is latest Chinese local government to pledge donations to quake-hit areas in Japan.
Previously, the provincial government of Jilin said it will donate 100,000 U.S. dollars to the prefectural government of Miyagi while the municipal government of Changchun, capital of Jilin, pledged 500,000 yuan to the municipal government of Sendai.
China's Red Cross Society on Tuesday said it had donated 6 million yuan in emergency aid to Japan following last Friday's 9.0-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami that have left thousands dead or missing in northeastern Japan.
China sent a 15-member international rescue team to Japan on Sunday, while the Ministry of Commerce said it will provide 30 million yuan worth of emergency humanitarian assistance.
The first relief package -- composed of 2,000 blankets, 900 cotton tents and 200 emergency lights -- has been delivered.
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday offered condolences to Japanese Emperor Akihito, saying the Chinese government and people "stand ready to offer necessary help."
Chinese billionaire and philanthropist Chen Guangbiao is currently in Japan to participate in the rescue operation. He said he would donate cash and emergency medicine.
In China, fund-raisers were held in universities and public plazas over the past few days. Banners with words of support were seen in many places including a sports stadium in Tianjin where a Japanese football team was competing in an Asian Football Confederation Champions League match.
Chinese have mixed feelings about Japan due to the atrocities committed by the Japanese aggressors upon Chinese people during the World War II. But the outpour of support from China's government and public triumphed after the earthquake.
According to a survey conducted by Ji'nan University, based in southern Guangdong Province, 90 percent of the 505 interviewees said they support Chinese government's decision to send a rescue team to Japan. Nearly 70 percent said the move would help the two countries develop better ties.
More than 80 percent of the interviewees also said they are willing to provide various forms of humanitarian assistance to the Japanese.
"When China suffered earthquakes, Japan gave a helping hand. Now, it is time for us to help them," said a Chinese surnamed Liu who participated in the survey.
"The spirit of helping and caring for each other in hard times would undoubtedly draw feelings of closeness between Chinese and Japanese," said Columnist Li Kaisheng.
Morishita, a Japanese national who works for an advertising company in Shanghai, said he received many phone calls from his Chinese colleagues and friends after the earthquake.
Morishita said though his hometown is far from the quake zone, he was moved by the care and concern shown by the Chinese around him.
Hashimoto Tomohiko, who works for Isetan shopping mall in northeast Chinese city of Shenyang, said he was glued to China's news channel these days to learn the latest rescue developments.
Japan's earthquake dominated the front-pages of China's major newspapers and magazines while state television channels and radio stations kept airing the news on the rescue and recovery around the clock.
China's Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, is also flooded by news on Japan's earthquake and the rally of support from Chinese Internet users.
"I feel really sad for the Japanese people," said netizen Weixiaoshao. "I hope they could be adamant and optimistic, as depicted in Japanese cartoons."
In universities in Shanghai and Shenyang, the school authorities consoled students from Japan's quake-hit areas and promised assistance
Staff of Shanghai-based Fudan University were ordered to provide psychological counselling to Japanese students in need.
Inoue Nozomi, who studies education management at Shenyang Normal University, said many Chinese students came to her to ask how she was faring and the school's teaching staff have told Japanese students not to hesitate in informing the school of their needs and demands.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
China Banks, Corporations and the Economic Model
Monday, 14 March 2011
Radiation going West to USA from Fukushima Daiichi
Wind patterns will take the airborne fallout from Fukushima Daiichi reactor across the Pacific to the West Coast USA within ten days.
Australian Radiation Service
Australian Radiation Service
Sunday, 13 March 2011
10,000 dead Japan + Meltdown/ from Al Jazeera
Japan on high nuclear alert Official says a partial meltdown is "highly possible" as police chief says death toll could top 10,000.
Last Modified: 13 Mar 2011 08:50 GMT
Last Modified: 13 Mar 2011 08:50 GMT
Cadres in China enter the Service Realm
As 56 government officials from the city of Dafeng in Jiangsu province sat for a government training class in Shanghai, normal administrative work gave way to lectures.
Officials morphed into attentive students, listening with curiosity as Professor Li Min began her crisis management session at the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP).
"China has entered an era where emergency incidents stack up. Dealing with emergencies is like solving math problems. No matter how many you've solved, the next is always a new one," she said.
Officials morphed into attentive students, listening with curiosity as Professor Li Min began her crisis management session at the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP).
"China has entered an era where emergency incidents stack up. Dealing with emergencies is like solving math problems. No matter how many you've solved, the next is always a new one," she said.
Japan receives Fast Help Offer from China
Beijing - One day after the massive earthquake hit Japan, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua transferred the first funds donated by embassy officials and other Chinese in Japan to State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yutaka Banno on Saturday afternoon.
China is willing to assist the relief mission, said Cheng in a statement after he visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in which he also sent the deepest condolences to the people of Japan.
The Chinese embassy established a 24-hour hotline on Friday afternoon and sent a task force immediately to the earthquake-hit regions. The safety status of Chinese citizens in Japan is updated every hour at the embassy's official website.
Gao Ye, a 26-year-old Chinese student studying science in Tohoku University in Sendai, very close to the epicenter, told China Daily he and several Chinese colleagues in the same lab had reached the embassy and their families via short cell-phone messages through intermittent signals in that area.
"We have been evacuated to the playground and settled there safely," he said.
According to statistics, around 700,000 Chinese nationals are now studying or working in Japan. As of Saturday afternoon, there were no death or injury cases of Chinese overseas students reported, according to the embassy.
"The residents are calm and busy in offering help to each other. I am very impressed with that," said Ma Jia, a Chinese female overseas student in Tokyo, saying that when she talked with China Daily reporter on Internet the government staff and local residents were helping with the distribution of food and water.
"Many supermarkets in Tokyo closed down after the earthquake and products for emergency were nearly sold out", she said.
Tokyo Electric Power Co warned Saturday of blackouts in a wide area of Japan, not only in quake-hit areas, as electricity is in short supply after its power facilities were damaged.
"We are asked by the government to save electricity," said Wei Jie, a 22-year-old Chinese graduate student studying chemistry in Tokyo University.
"Telephone and mobile services in Tokyo were still unstable and I kept contact with my family in China through the Internet," said Wei.
There were 4,578 Chinese tourists in Japan at the time of the quake, according to China's National Tourism Administration (NTA). All of them had contacted domestic travel agencies, with no death or injury reported, said the NTA upon information from local tourism authorities.
The NTA has also called for travel agencies to protect the security of Chinese tourists in Japan and keep in touch with the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan, as well as China's tourism authorities.
"None of my group members had ever experienced such a big earthquake," said Yang Bei, guide for a 24-tourist group that was at Disney Land of Tokyo when the quake happened. The group landed in Beijing airport on Saturday afternoon, with no one injured.
"We were immediately properly guided to big open squares by Disney staff," she said.
As Chinese tour agencies started bringing back tourists, many trips to Japan had been called off.
A total of seven JAL and ANA airplanes suffered damage during the earthquake. More than 30 international flights operated by the two Japanese airlines were canceled at Haneda and Narita airports.
"They (the Narita Airport) opened free international calls service and provided food and blankets to passengers. It also kept broadcasting information about the deadly earthquake in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese," said a Chinese female passenger surnamed Zou.
China Daily
China is willing to assist the relief mission, said Cheng in a statement after he visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in which he also sent the deepest condolences to the people of Japan.
The Chinese embassy established a 24-hour hotline on Friday afternoon and sent a task force immediately to the earthquake-hit regions. The safety status of Chinese citizens in Japan is updated every hour at the embassy's official website.
Gao Ye, a 26-year-old Chinese student studying science in Tohoku University in Sendai, very close to the epicenter, told China Daily he and several Chinese colleagues in the same lab had reached the embassy and their families via short cell-phone messages through intermittent signals in that area.
"We have been evacuated to the playground and settled there safely," he said.
According to statistics, around 700,000 Chinese nationals are now studying or working in Japan. As of Saturday afternoon, there were no death or injury cases of Chinese overseas students reported, according to the embassy.
"The residents are calm and busy in offering help to each other. I am very impressed with that," said Ma Jia, a Chinese female overseas student in Tokyo, saying that when she talked with China Daily reporter on Internet the government staff and local residents were helping with the distribution of food and water.
"Many supermarkets in Tokyo closed down after the earthquake and products for emergency were nearly sold out", she said.
Tokyo Electric Power Co warned Saturday of blackouts in a wide area of Japan, not only in quake-hit areas, as electricity is in short supply after its power facilities were damaged.
"We are asked by the government to save electricity," said Wei Jie, a 22-year-old Chinese graduate student studying chemistry in Tokyo University.
"Telephone and mobile services in Tokyo were still unstable and I kept contact with my family in China through the Internet," said Wei.
There were 4,578 Chinese tourists in Japan at the time of the quake, according to China's National Tourism Administration (NTA). All of them had contacted domestic travel agencies, with no death or injury reported, said the NTA upon information from local tourism authorities.
The NTA has also called for travel agencies to protect the security of Chinese tourists in Japan and keep in touch with the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan, as well as China's tourism authorities.
"None of my group members had ever experienced such a big earthquake," said Yang Bei, guide for a 24-tourist group that was at Disney Land of Tokyo when the quake happened. The group landed in Beijing airport on Saturday afternoon, with no one injured.
"We were immediately properly guided to big open squares by Disney staff," she said.
As Chinese tour agencies started bringing back tourists, many trips to Japan had been called off.
A total of seven JAL and ANA airplanes suffered damage during the earthquake. More than 30 international flights operated by the two Japanese airlines were canceled at Haneda and Narita airports.
"They (the Narita Airport) opened free international calls service and provided food and blankets to passengers. It also kept broadcasting information about the deadly earthquake in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese," said a Chinese female passenger surnamed Zou.
China Daily
Japan Quake and Mt Fuji eruptions
Nuclear Issues and the Fukushima Daiichi reactor
The Fukushima Daiichi plant in particular and maybe one other do seem to be having problems consistent with pre-meltdown. One problem is of course that the Nuclear Industry, not only in Japan, has a long history of not telling the truth about it's mistakes. This does present some significant problems for radioactivity in Japan and in the air-sea winds and tides of North Asia-Korea and China. I guess we shall see where private corporate interest and national and even international human-safety interests coincide and/or conflict. If I was in a neighboring nation suddenly threatened by Japanese actions in the last 20 years in terms of International Responsibility, then I would not be happy with Japan at all for building nuclear reactors so very near to known Fault-lines.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Japan Quake and Radioactivity CNN
Radioactive material may have leaked from an atomic power plant in northeast Japan, a major electric company said Saturday, according to a news agency report.
Citing the Tokyo Electric Power Co., Japan's Kyodo News Agency said that radioactive substances may have seeped out of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) north of Tokyo.
And cooling problems appeared to have spread to another of the Tokyo Electric Power Company's nuclear plants.
Moment of the Japan quake Kyodo reported the power company alerted authorities that the cooling system at three units of the Fukushima Daini plant -- which is distinct from the Fukushima Daiichi reactors -- also failed. That prompted Japanese authorities to add that plant to its emergency list, along with the Fukushima Daiichi plant, Kyodo said.
The agency also reported Saturday that the same agency ordered the power company to release a valve in the Fukushima Daiichi plant's "No. 1" building, to relieve growing pressure.
Citing Japan's nuclear safety agency, Kyodo said radiation levels were 1,000 times above normal in the the control room of the facility's "No. 1."
Citing the Tokyo Electric Power Co., Japan's Kyodo News Agency said that radioactive substances may have seeped out of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) north of Tokyo.
And cooling problems appeared to have spread to another of the Tokyo Electric Power Company's nuclear plants.
Moment of the Japan quake Kyodo reported the power company alerted authorities that the cooling system at three units of the Fukushima Daini plant -- which is distinct from the Fukushima Daiichi reactors -- also failed. That prompted Japanese authorities to add that plant to its emergency list, along with the Fukushima Daiichi plant, Kyodo said.
The agency also reported Saturday that the same agency ordered the power company to release a valve in the Fukushima Daiichi plant's "No. 1" building, to relieve growing pressure.
Citing Japan's nuclear safety agency, Kyodo said radiation levels were 1,000 times above normal in the the control room of the facility's "No. 1."
Bangkok Rally Today 12 March/ Red Shirts
30,000 UDD supporters expected on 12 Mar rally
BANGKOK, 11 March 2011 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has expected that about 30,000 supporters would show up in the upcoming mass gathering of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).
CAPO and National Police Spokesperson Police Major General Prawut Thavornsiri admitted that the CAPO is worrying over the upcoming mass rally since scores of UDD supporters are anticipated to join in the demonstration on 12 March 2011.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau, therefore, has been tasked with negotiating with UDD key leaders on the setting up of police checkpoints around the protest areas in order to prevent ill-intentioned people from bringing weapons into the rally site in a bid to trigger violence.
The UDD has already confirmed that all seven recently released UDD key leaders will speak on stage on 12 March while ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be making a video-link talk with his supporters.
On behalf of the CAPO, the spokesperson has advised the UDD co-leaders that they should speak appropriately and avoid breaching bail conditions prescribed by the court; otherwise, their bails could be withdrawn.
BANGKOK, 11 March 2011 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has expected that about 30,000 supporters would show up in the upcoming mass gathering of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).
CAPO and National Police Spokesperson Police Major General Prawut Thavornsiri admitted that the CAPO is worrying over the upcoming mass rally since scores of UDD supporters are anticipated to join in the demonstration on 12 March 2011.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau, therefore, has been tasked with negotiating with UDD key leaders on the setting up of police checkpoints around the protest areas in order to prevent ill-intentioned people from bringing weapons into the rally site in a bid to trigger violence.
The UDD has already confirmed that all seven recently released UDD key leaders will speak on stage on 12 March while ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be making a video-link talk with his supporters.
On behalf of the CAPO, the spokesperson has advised the UDD co-leaders that they should speak appropriately and avoid breaching bail conditions prescribed by the court; otherwise, their bails could be withdrawn.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Foreign Students in China
BEIJING - The number of foreign students in China has risen dramatically, hitting a record high of more than 260,000 in 2010, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Education (MOE) on Thursday.
A total of 265,090 foreign students from 194 countries came that year to study in China's 620 universities, research institutes and educational institutions, the ministry said.
The number had been 240,000 the year before, according to the ministry.
The ministry said it plans to use cooperative educational programs to draw 500,000 foreign students to China by 2020.
The central government provided 800 million yuan ($121.7 million) in scholarships to such students in 2010 and local governments offered about 110 million yuan in scholarships, according to Zhang Xiuqin, director of the department of international cooperation and exchange under the MOE.
The government scholarship benefited a total of 22,390 international students last year. That was 22.7 percent more than had been helped in 2009.
Although the majority of the foreign students enrolled in Chinese schools last year came from Asian countries, the number of students from Western countries increased, official statistics show.
South Korea sent the largest group, followed by the United States, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia, India, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
France and Mongolia each sent 5,000 students in 2010.
The Ministry of Education is working with the US to implement a four-year education program initiated by President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart Barack Obama.
US students in China are set to become one of the largest of the foreign groups, as Beijing and Washington work together to bring 100,000 students to China in the next four years, education officials say.
The exchange went both ways.
A total of 265,090 foreign students from 194 countries came that year to study in China's 620 universities, research institutes and educational institutions, the ministry said.
The number had been 240,000 the year before, according to the ministry.
The ministry said it plans to use cooperative educational programs to draw 500,000 foreign students to China by 2020.
The central government provided 800 million yuan ($121.7 million) in scholarships to such students in 2010 and local governments offered about 110 million yuan in scholarships, according to Zhang Xiuqin, director of the department of international cooperation and exchange under the MOE.
The government scholarship benefited a total of 22,390 international students last year. That was 22.7 percent more than had been helped in 2009.
Although the majority of the foreign students enrolled in Chinese schools last year came from Asian countries, the number of students from Western countries increased, official statistics show.
South Korea sent the largest group, followed by the United States, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia, India, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
France and Mongolia each sent 5,000 students in 2010.
The Ministry of Education is working with the US to implement a four-year education program initiated by President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart Barack Obama.
US students in China are set to become one of the largest of the foreign groups, as Beijing and Washington work together to bring 100,000 students to China in the next four years, education officials say.
The exchange went both ways.
Friday, 4 March 2011
China Women: Tourism
Three women tourists enjoy a walk by the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Feb 23. Shi Jianxue / for China Daily
BEIJING - Well-educated and well-paid single Chinese women were at the forefront of a boom in travel by the country's women in 2010.
According to the 2010 Trend Report of Women's Travel, the amount of travel by Chinese women increased by 20 percent last year, with well-educated and well-paid single women becoming the main force in the tourism market.
Travel expenditure per capita by women on the Chinese mainland was 4,300 yuan ($655) in 2010, and the 20-percent year-on-year rise was much larger than the 9- percent increase for men.
Qunar.com, the world's largest online travel search engine in Chinese, released the report. The Beijing-based site was launched in 2005.
According to Dai Zheng, vice-president of Qunar.com, women's growing spending power has led to more of them choosing travel as a way to cosset themselves, especially well-educated and well-paid single women, who travel for relaxation and self-improvement.
Zhang Jing, 31, who works for a consulting company in Shanghai and earns nearly 20,000 yuan monthly, spent 15,000 yuan on travel last year, including a trip to the Tibet autonomous region in Southwest China and another to Singapore.
"Travel not only releases work pressure, but also opens up my horizon on the world. I like to see and experience how others live," said Zhang, who plans to visit Thailand in May with two female friends who are both around 30 years of age.
"Women are active in all of our travel projects. I definitely feel that it's mostly women who are interested in our products," said Zhao Huijin, who works in the booking center of the E-commerce department of China International Travel Service (CITS).
Zhao's remarks to China Daily were echoed by the report, which said more than 65 percent of decisions about travel products and travel expenditure were made by women.
In addition, women tended to be more demanding of hotels, and preferred to comment and find fault with hotels. On the forum at Qunar.com, women made nearly 70 percent of the comments on hotels.
Women's more active participation in travel means that when the industry's decision-makers develop new travel products they take greater note of women's views about travel.
In recent years, products targeted at women have appeared, such as women's hotels, certain hotel floors especially reserved for women, and travel themed around shopping, healthcare and relaxation.
Le Meridien, a five-star hotel in Xiamen, Fujian province, set up a floor tailored for women customers in July 2010.
Adding to the high quality of certain facilities that women care about most, such as excellent sound insulation, the 32 suites on this floor are also equipped with products especially for women, including fresh fruits, low-calorie food, yoga mats, bath salts, facial masks and hangers for silk clothes.
"These rooms are warmly appreciated by ladies, and we hope to meet women customers' needs both physically and psychologically through appropriate care," said Wang Yan, assistant manager of the hotel's marketing and communication department.
The report also revealed that women's choice of destination is strongly influenced by fashion. They enjoy traveling to scenic spots featured in the latest romantic movies and TV dramas.
Shanghai Life Span
SHANGHAI - The life span of Shanghai residents has surpassed 82 years, the longest in the country, the municipality's health authorities have revealed.
By the end of 2010, the average life span of the city's residents was 82.13 years, eclipsing the figure of 81.73 set in 2009, according to the annual report released by the municipal health bureau on Thursday.
By the end of 2010, the average life span of the city's residents was 82.13 years, eclipsing the figure of 81.73 set in 2009, according to the annual report released by the municipal health bureau on Thursday.
China and India each increase military spending in 2011 by over ten percent
4 March 2011 China says it will boost its defence budget in 2011
China's military power is keeping pace with its growing economic dominance.
China will raise its defence budget by 12.7% in 2011, a government spokesman has said.
Spending will increase to 601.1bn yuan ($91.5bn; £56.2bn) up from 532.1bn yuan last year.
The announcement comes a day ahead of the annual National People's Congress, at which the Communist Party will outline its five-year plan.
China has been building up its military, causing anxiety to a number of countries in the region.
"China's modernisation of its military and increased activity is, along with insufficient transparency, a matter of concern," Yuki Edna, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, said on Thursday.
Relations have been strained between China and Japan over disputed isles in the South China Sea, where there are large potential reserves of oil and gas.
Build-up
China's defence budget was increased by 7.5% in 2010, after double-digit jumps in recent years.
"There's no two ways about the fact that China's military is getting much more powerful," said Duncan Innes-Kerr of the Economist Intelligence Unit in Beijing.
"Its ability going forward to overwhelm opponents is clearly increasing," he added.
However, analysts say there is a low chance of a military conflict over disputed territories in the region.
"Territorial claims are a secondary concern for China compared to domestic economic growth and stability," said Mr Innes-Kerr.
Other countries in the region are also beefing up their military strength.
Last week, India announced an increase of 11.6% in annual defence spending, an increase from 4% last year.
China's military power is keeping pace with its growing economic dominance.
China will raise its defence budget by 12.7% in 2011, a government spokesman has said.
Spending will increase to 601.1bn yuan ($91.5bn; £56.2bn) up from 532.1bn yuan last year.
The announcement comes a day ahead of the annual National People's Congress, at which the Communist Party will outline its five-year plan.
China has been building up its military, causing anxiety to a number of countries in the region.
"China's modernisation of its military and increased activity is, along with insufficient transparency, a matter of concern," Yuki Edna, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, said on Thursday.
Relations have been strained between China and Japan over disputed isles in the South China Sea, where there are large potential reserves of oil and gas.
Build-up
China's defence budget was increased by 7.5% in 2010, after double-digit jumps in recent years.
"There's no two ways about the fact that China's military is getting much more powerful," said Duncan Innes-Kerr of the Economist Intelligence Unit in Beijing.
"Its ability going forward to overwhelm opponents is clearly increasing," he added.
However, analysts say there is a low chance of a military conflict over disputed territories in the region.
"Territorial claims are a secondary concern for China compared to domestic economic growth and stability," said Mr Innes-Kerr.
Other countries in the region are also beefing up their military strength.
Last week, India announced an increase of 11.6% in annual defence spending, an increase from 4% last year.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
A Good Article by Anthony Lowenstein about Moammar Gaddafi and his friend Tony Blair; The Convenience of Madmen
This is not a defence of Gaddafi or the countless crimes against his own people or outsiders. He should be held to account for all violations of international law. The crimes are multiple and must be punished.
Events in Libya are moving fast and I won’t try to cover all the latest developments here. Al-Jazeera English’s daily Libya blog is one of the best places to read all the news.
But it’s remarkable to watch how quickly Western leaders and commentators, many of whom have celebrated the increasing ties between them and Gaddafi, are suddenly calling for his departure.
It was seemingly only yesterday that a newfound, supposedly reliable ally in the “war on terror” had come in from the cold, rejected terrorism, ditched a nuclear program, given information about Pakistan’s covert nuclear program under AQ Khan and perhaps most importantly opened up Libya for Western businesses. The EU was only recently so keen to sell arms to Tripoli.
In the last years the West embraced Gaddafi and his children because he was the kind of dictator we could deal with. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has visited Libya a number of times as an employee of J.P. Morgan, who pays him millions of pounds annually, to push for banking opportunities.
Newly released documents indicate the Blair government wanted to provide weapons to Tripoli and train some of its military.
The current British government of David Cameron has at least acknowledged the moral bankruptcy of backing autocrats in the Middle East and not believing Arabs can rule themselves freely but his message was contradicted by travelling across the Middle East with arms dealers in tow to sell weapons to “democratic” Kuwait.
Why am I bringing all this sordid history up now? Because it shows the hypocrisy at the heart of Western political and media elites and how language is abused and selectively applied to the “good” and “evil”.
Gaddafi is clearly “mad” while western presidents or prime ministers, who have caused far worse carnage in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Palestine, are still given respectful interviews in our media. It is inconceivable that an ABC or Murdoch journalist would openly call Tony Blair, Barack Obama, David Cameron or Nicholas Sarkozy a “war criminal”, even after they leave office. “We” are always better than “them”, a spurious democratic imprimatur that protects officialdom in our system. Killing literally hundreds of thousands of civilians – far in excess of anything Gaddafi could imagine – is ignored to maintain access to the powerful.
I’m reminded of the former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan in January. Aside from a few questions about the Iraq war (), the two laughed about Condi’s piano playing. There was nothing about her authorising torture against terror suspects after 9/11 or the huge civilian death toll in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Western commentators will show respect to a person such as Rice because she seems reasonable, calm and doesn’t dress in overly colourful garb like Gaddafi. This elaborate dance, an old tradition to protect a fellow powerful figure you’re likely to see at a cocktail party or media event in the weeks or month ahead, is what allows Rice to escape scrutiny, mockery or justice while somebody like Gaddafi is thrown to the wolves when he’s no longer useful. Piers Morgan is unlikely to catch him in Hollywood anytime soon.
This is despite the fact that she has unarguably caused far greater trauma to far more people than Gaddafi or Mubarak.Journalism all too often reflects and defends the government line because reporters inhabit a world where that is their only logical perspective. As Salon’s Glenn Greenwald recently wrote:“…’The American press’ generally and ‘senior American national security journalists’ in particular operate with a glaring, overwhelming bias that determines what they do and do not report: namely, the desire to advance U.S. interests… America's "establishment media" is properly described as such precisely because their overarching objective is to promote and defend establishment interests in what they report to - and conceal from - their readers.”
When it comes to Libya, how many Western media services even irregularly published voices from inside the country – bloggers, dissidents etc – that questioned how ordinary Libyans felt about the ever-increasing Western largesse being showered on Tripoli? US foreign policy, post the 2003 Iraq war, dictated a friendlier face towards “mad dog” Gaddafi and many Western writers bought this spin and transmitted it to their readers and viewers (“Gaddafi has a terrible record but in a remarkable transformation has ditched his nuclear program and embraced Tony Blair…”).
While the situation on the ground in Libya is dire and the border with Tunisia, reports Robert Fisk from the scene, is a seething mass of bodies, it seems everybody is now an expert on Libya. Foreign military intervention is being openly discussed, despite many Libyans being openly opposed to it and The Los Angeles Times editorialising against imposing a no-fly zone.
It’s time to put Libya into some perspective. Gaddafi may be a brute and autocrat but this didn’t suddenly occur in the last weeks. Good journalism has a responsibility to treat its subjects equally, not to the whims of US foreign policy (and therefore Australian foreign policy).Unfortunately, too many in the West view our behaviour as central to any radical change in the world; independence is unimagined.
The New York Times’ Thomas Friedman wrote this week that the Arab revolutionaries were inspired by Obama’s Cairo speech in 2009. The “Arab” youth in his head said:
“Hmmm, let’s see. He’s young. I’m young. He’s dark-skinned. I’m dark-skinned. His middle name is Hussein. My name is Hussein. His grandfather is a Muslim. My grandfather is a Muslim. He is president of the United States. And I’m an unemployed young Arab with no vote and no voice in my future."
Even though he was in Cairo during the uprising against Mubarak, Friedman clearly missed the deep anger at Washington’s funding and backing of the Egyptian dictator. Friedman is a “serious” writer, regularly re-published in the Fairfax press here, who argued Israel, the Beijing Olympics, Google Earth and Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad were the main causes of the Arab protests. Seriously.
Finally, some ground rules for decent journalism in the Middle East in the midst of the new Arab world:
1) Not every story is about Israel and its “security” (do Palestinians not have security concerns, too?). Base yourself somewhere other than Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Try the West Bank, Beirut, Cairo or Tunis.
2) “Moderate” Arab regimes are anything but so don’t simply repeat State Department lines about “stability” in the region.
3) Libya’s Gaddafi is a delusional thug but he’s an easy target. So is Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Don’t ignore such regimes but remember our own responsibility for backing Arab autocrats in the name of “stability”.
4) Locate and cultivate local sources in multiple countries that send reliable information, therefore reducing the need to send in white correspondents for a few days, with no real knowledge of a nation, on the frontline of a battle they don’t really understand.
5) Don’t fear everybody who talks about Islamic democracy or democracy with an Islamic hue.
Antony Loewenstein is an independent journalist and author of My Israel Question and The Blogging Revolution
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
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