China:

10/15/2007 | 01:09 PM
BEIJING - China's military, the world's largest, will speed up its modernization over the next five years, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday.

In his keynote speech at the opening of a twice-a-decade Communist Party Congress, Hu said he was committed to making China's military more modern.

''We must build strong armed forces through science and technology,'' he said.

''In keeping with the new trends in world military affairs and the new requirements of China's development, we must promote innovation in military theory, technology, organization and development,'' Hu said.

China says spending for its People's Liberation Army, the world's largest standing army with 2.3 million members, grew 17.8 percent this year to about 351 billion yuan (US$44.94 billion; ?34.14 billion). It was the largest annual increase in more than a decade.

That puts China roughly in the same neighborhood as Japan, Russia and Britain in defense spending, although it spends less than one-tenth of what the US military costs. The Pentagon says China's real defense spending may be much more, because the official budget doesn't include major weapons purchases and other items.
<http://www.gmanews.tv/story/64472/China-to-speed-up-modernization-of-military>

Hu turns down heat on appearance

By Michael Bristow, BBC News, Beijing

When Chinese President Hu Jintao gave a keynote speech this week, he ditched his usual suit and tie and wore a simple shirt, open at the collar. A few days later, politicians attending a regular parliamentary meeting did the same thing - formal attire was replaced by shirt sleeves for the first time. This move to casual wear is not accidental. It is aimed at encouraging Chinese to wear fewer clothes so they can turn down air conditioning and save energy. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6252586.stm>

Tobacco firms eye up China's smokers

By Michael Bristow, BBC News, Beijing

International tobacco firms are pushing to sell more cigarettes in China, home to one in four of the world's smokers. As they come under pressure from the anti-smoking lobby elsewhere in the world, foreign tobacco companies could earn vast profits in a market that has so far remained mostly closed to them. "Even a small share of the market for any of the big multi-nationals would be quite considerable," admits Dave Betteridge, spokesman for London-based British American Tobacco (BAT), the world's second-largest cigarette maker.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6249532.stm>

Hong Kong leader in democracy vow

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, has reiterated a pledge to create a more democratic system in the territory.
His comments came shortly after he was sworn in for a second term in office by Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Mr Hu is in Hong Kong to mark the 10th anniversary of the territory's handover from British to Chinese rule.
Speaking after Mr Tsang, he said that political development in Hong Kong should be "gradual and orderly".
Hong Kong was returned to China at midnight on 30 June 1997 after more than 150 years under the British. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6257956.stm>

Tibet: Your questions answered

China's elderly care conundrum

James Reynolds
BBC News, Zhangmutou, southern China

Jie Jie Cai is four months old. He sits in a green chair by the balcony, and gets plenty of attention.
Attention from his mother Jia Rui, his father Wen Kang, grandfather number one Wang Jun, grandmother number one Chun Hong, grandfather number two Zi Jin, and grandmother number two Chun Ping.
They each follow everything that Jie Jie does - which, at the age of four months, is not all that much.
Right now Jie Jie has absolutely no idea how much his family is counting on him.
When he gets older, he will have to support them all. Six adults - and just one child. This is the effect of China's one-child policy.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6222586.stm>

China to act on gender imbalance

Plastic surgery ban for China TV

Popular reality television shows in China featuring people undergoing live cosmetic surgery have been banned.

The notice said the move was necessary to safeguard TV stations' credibility.
Such programmes have proved popular in a country where around one million people are reported to have plastic surgery each year.
A typical show features a large studio audience watching, via a live feed from a clinic, someone undergo cosmetic surgery, AFP news agency said.
Sex-change operations have also been carried out live on air.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6962081.stm>

Merkel to tackle trade in China

Trade and climate are set to be key topics for German Chancellor Angela Merkel as she starts a visit to China.
China's economy has grown considerably in recent years, but its development has also caused a significant rise in pollution including greenhouse gases.
The chancellor will meet China's President Hu Jintao as well as Premier Wen Jiabao during her three-day trip.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6964892.stm>

Miners' families angry at disaster

As hopes fade for the survival of 181 miners in one of China's worst mining disasters in recent times, families tell the BBC of their anger at the local government's claim it was simply a natural disaster.

"It's 100% the management's fault," said Xia Qingyin, whose brother Xia Qingbao is one of those still trapped underground in the mine disaster in eastern Shandong Province.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6959844.stm>

China's rogues gallery of graft

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Guide at the exhibition on corruption in Beijing

The exhibition lists details of China's fight against corruption
At a new exhibition in Beijing, there are some handy hints for officials wanting to stay on the straight and narrow.

Pictures of clinking wine glasses and a pair of shapely female legs shod in red, high-heeled shoes warn of experiences that ought to be avoided.

The exhibition has been organised to showcase China's battle against corruption.
It gives details of several officials who have fallen from grace.
The exhibition is being held just weeks before the Chinese Communist Party's 17th congress, the ruling party's main political gathering, held every five years.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6977561.stm>

Can China make the polluter pay?

The politics of guidebooks

By Finlo Rohrer
BBC News Magazine

A new book for travellers to China plans to make no mention of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Should travel guides tell the whole history of a place, or bow to local sensitivities?

Hotels are a must. So are tips on the local cuisine. A few key phrases. Some maps. A list of the best tourist sites and their opening hours. Perhaps some cultural do and don'ts.

All are key ingredients of a typical guide book. And yet many also feel the need to offer something more - a grounding in the history of the place that can help flesh out its culture, architecture and art.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7006266.stm>

China's plane ambitions take off

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) is probably not a name that has executives at Boeing and Airbus quaking in their boots.

ARJ21 model on display at aviation trade show in Beijing

China wants to have its own aircraft manufacturing industry

But the Chinese aircraft maker is currently assembling a regional passenger jet that it hopes will establish China as a major plane manufacturer.

The ARJ21 - which stands for Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century - is due to have its first test flight in March next year. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7021781.stm>

Spectacular start for Special Olympics

By Martin Conaghan
BBC News, Shanghai

The spectacular opening ceremony for the Special Olympics World Summer Games has taken place in Shanghai, China.

And judging by the awe-inspiring display of traditional dance, music and pyrotechnics, Beijing will have a tough act to follow next year at the start of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

Speaking to the 80,000 spectators, Special Olympics ambassador Arnold Schwarzenegger said the enthusiasm of the competitors involved in the games made them bigger heroes than those he played during his movie career.

"I used to play in action movies as the action hero but that was actually nothing that can be compared with the real action that is taking place in this stadium," said the California governor.

Chinese President Hu Jintao declared the Special Olympics Summer Games open, while Mr Schwarzenegger, film star Jackie Chan and Irish actor Colin Farrell greeted the ecstatic fans inside Shanghai's Olympic stadium.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7025002.stm>

Space show draws in the Chinese

By James Reynolds
BBC News, Wuhan

If you get to visit China's space exhibition in the city of Wuhan, you need not worry about missing anything.

space hailers

Tour guides with loud-hailers ensure space enthusiasts miss nothing

Tour guides armed with loud-hailers flock to greet visitors.

Each guide uses their loud-hailer at all times, even when talking to just one visitor or showing people where the bathroom is.

The organisers want to make sure the point of this exhibition comes over loud and clear: China is in space.

The exhibition shows off the blue spacesuit used by China's astronauts; the charred landing pod and parachute used to bring the country's first astronaut back to Earth in 2003; and also a huge white rocket about 50 metres long.

Going into space is good for our national prestige

Xie Chengqiang, exhibition visitor

On its side are printed the initials "LM" - the letters stand for "Long March".

Later this year a rocket like this will be fired from a heavily guarded military base towards the moon.

<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7026568.stm>

1976: China's 'Gang of Four' arrested

The new chairman of China's Communist Party, Hua Guofeng, has ordered the arrest of four leading radicals in Peking.
It is a sign that China is changing political direction following the death last month of Chairman Mao Zedong.
The so-called Gang of Four is led by Chairman Mao's widow Jian Qing, and includes Wang Hongwen, Yao Wenyuan, and Zhang Chunqiao.
They were active proponents of the Cultural Revolution instigated ten years ago by Chairman Mao.
This was a political and ideological campaign aimed at reviving revolutionary fervour and resulted in enormous social, economic and political upheaval. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/11/newsid_4712000/4712306.stm>

Millions forced out by China dam

China's Three Gorges Dam

The dam is meant to alleviate flooding and provide power

At least four million people are to be moved from the area around China's Three Gorges Dam amid warnings of an "environmental catastrophe".
The announcement by state media follows reports that the dam could cause landslides, soil erosion and pollution.
Critics have long warned the dam, the world's largest hydro-electric project, could cause huge environmental damage.
Millions of people are now set to be relocated to the sprawling city of Chongqing at the reservoir's west end. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7042660.stm>

How China is Ruled:

Introduction

The Chinese Communist Party has ruled the country since 1949, tolerating no opposition and often dealing brutally with dissent.

The country's most senior decision-making body is the standing committee of the politburo, heading a pyramid of power which tops every village and workplace.

Politburo members have never faced competitive election, making it to the top thanks to their patrons, abilities and survival instincts in a political culture where saying the wrong thing can lead to a life under house-arrest, or worse.

Formally, their power stems from their positions in the politburo. But in China, personal relations count much more than job titles. A leader's influence rests on the loyalties he or she builds with superiors and proteges, often over decades. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/china_politics/government/html/1.stm>

China communists 'falling short'

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Hu Jintao, 15/10

Mr Hu said corruption threatened the Communist Party

Chinese President Hu Jintao has said in a keynote speech that the Communist Party he leads has fallen short of the people's expectations.

Speaking at the start of the party's 17th congress, he also lashed out at officials who were extravagant, wasteful and corrupt.

President Hu's criticism came as he assessed the party's recent performance in front of senior leaders. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7044418.stm>

Web dissent on the rise in China

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Zeng Jinyan does not look like a dissident. She is small, heavily pregnant and has a liking for colourful dresses.

Zeng Jinyan

Zeng Jinyan came to prominence after her husband was detained

But the Chinese security operatives who permanently watch the apartment she shares with her husband are an indicator of just how influential she has become.

The 24-year-old uses the internet to pass on information to the outside world about protests, injustices and underground campaigns in China.

She is just one of tens of thousands of ordinary Chinese people who are now using the internet to express themselves in ways that were previously impossible.

Ms Zeng, who is due to give birth next month, has been detailing her daily life on a blog for several years. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7045744.stm>

China's new faces set stage for 2012

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Two men who are virtually unknown to ordinary Chinese people - Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang - will probably become the country's next top leaders.
They smiled and stood ramrod straight as they were introduced to China, and the world, at a news conference in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.
But despite their promotion, there is still plenty of time for things to go wrong before their expected elevation to the top posts in 2012.

It is still possible for dark horses to appear in the next five years, the game is still open

Dr Steven Tsang, Oxford University

China is not good at making sure anointed leaders actually make it to the top of the political pile - several have died before being promoted. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7055793.stm>

China faces the dilemmas of success

By Paul Reynolds
World affairs correspondent, BBC News website

Banner for communist party congress

China confident as Communist Party holds its Congress

On a recent visit to Beijing I was struck, like other visitors, by the confidence and ambition of China.

The country proclaims this as its "peaceful rise".

It has been achieved to a significant degree on the economic front, with so many of the world's electronic goods now manufactured there in a unique type of capitalism under communism.

China's views, both as an economic power and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, have to be taken into consideration.

But equally, Chinese worldwide policies are now coming under closer examination.

Economically, it is under pressure to increase the value of its currency, the Renminbi (RMB), in order to make its exports more expensive. And its trading partners want it to obey international rules more carefully.

Environmentally, it has to be brought into post-Kyoto arrangements if there is to be any chance of major progress on greenhouse gases. Coal is still the great fuel in China, used in everything from power stations to the samovars heating water on trains.

Diplomatically, China is no longer able to operate discreetly in the background, building up what are seen by critics as its "value-free" relationships with developing countries whose resources its wants to buy.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7048516.stm>

Enforced loyalty in distant lands

By James Reynolds
BBC News, Xinjiang province

At dusk in the city of Kasghar, you can shoot your enemies one-by-one at one of the arcade games set up in the main square.

Id Kah mosque, Kashgar

If asked, Kashgar residents will say the city is a part of China...

The sun has gone down. Dozens of old men walk towards the Id Kah mosque just off the square.
This is a Muslim city. The people who live here are Central Asian - they are known as Uighurs. They have their own language and culture.
But China's ruling Communist Party is everywhere.

It picks Kashgar's rulers, it sends in Chinese soldiers to patrol the nearby border with Afghanistan, and it even makes sure the city's clocks are set to Beijing time.
The communists want the Uighur people to understand one thing - their province is an inseparable part of China. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7050728.stm>

China News:

(Does it tell us more about our own news media than about the Chinese People?)

China to speed up modernization of military