China is forecasting a record grain harvest this year with production expected to exceed 550 million metric tons. Officials said Thursday the harvest will mark the eighth consecutive year of increased grain production. But the rise will not be enough to prevent a modest increase in prices because of rising costs to farmers. With a […]
China Forecasts Record Grain Harvest for 2011
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 4:32 am (UTC-5)
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China Counts Down to Key Space Launch
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 1:47 am (UTC-5)
Chinese scientists are counting down to a space launch Thursday evening that is billed as the first step in the nation’s ambitious plan to build its own space station. Chinese newspapers and broadcasters splashed detailed reports on the planned launch of an 8.5-ton module known as Tiangong-1, or “Heavenly Palace.” Another unmanned spacecraft to be […]
Hong Kong Democrats Brush Off Complaints About US Contacts
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:20 am (UTC-5)
Hong Kong democracy advocates say they will not be deterred from talking to U.S. diplomats in the territory in spite of Chinese complaints that the contacts may be illegal. The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong also defended the contacts, saying Wednesday its staff has done nothing that is not in keeping with longstanding law and […]
Japan Hosts ASEAN Delegates Seeking to Solve Maritime Disputes
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 5:40 pm (UTC-5)
Japan on Wednesday hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for talks on simmering tensions in the South China Sea. The vice ministerial-level meeting — the third of its kind since 2009 — focused on the need to find consensus on the interpretation of maritime law regarding freedom of navigation. China, Taiwan, the […]
Former U.S. Consulate Guard Accused of Spying for China
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 4:54 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. prosecutors are charging a former guard at a U.S. consulate in China with attempting to communicate national defense information to Chinese officials. Bryan Underwood has been indicted for trying to pass on photographs and other sensitive information to representatives of the Chinese government between March and August of this year. The Associated Press reports […]
Japan Hosts ASEAN Delegates Seeking to Solve Maritime Disputes
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 2:00 pm (UTC-5)
Japan on Wednesday hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for talks on simmering tensions in the South China Sea. The vice-ministerial-level meeting — the third of its kind since 2009 — focused on the need to create consensus on the interpretation of maritime law regarding freedom of navigation. China, Taiwan, the Philippines, […]
Artist’s Wife Asks China to Reject Secret Arrests
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 10:55 am (UTC-5)
The wife of renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, whose arrest earlier this year sparked international outrage, is urging Chinese lawmakers to reject legislation that would allow police to hold dissidents in secret locations without informing their families. Lu Qing said the draft legislation, if enacted, will, in her words, “slow the progress of our civilization.” […]
China: US Arms Sale to Taiwan will Disrupt Military Exchanges
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 9:51 am (UTC-5)
China says military cooperation with the United States — including high level visits and joint maneuvers — will suffer in the aftermath of Washington’s $5.85 billion move to upgrade Taiwan’s Air Force. Beijing has repeatedly condemned the U.S. deal announced last week to modernize Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, and Wednesday the Chinese Defense […]
U.S. Warns Chinese Banks About Ties to Iran
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 9:46 am (UTC-5)
The U.S. has advised China that it could be penalized if its banks do business with Iranian financial institutions with ties to Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. Treasury envoy David Cohen said Wednesday that China’s four biggest state banks could be restricted from some foreign financial systems under United Nations sanctions imposed on Iran for its […]
China Rejects US Concerns Over Immolated Tibetan Monks
Posted September 28th, 2011 at 7:38 am (UTC-5)
China is telling the United States the self-immolation of two Tibetan monks is none of Washington’s business. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday that China opposes interference in its internal affairs by any other country. He also insisted that China protects the legal rights of its ethnic minorities. Hong was reacting to U.S. remarks […]
